Background/Aims: Early detection and effective prognosis prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provide an avenue for survival improvement, yet more effective approaches are greatly needed. We sought to develop the detection and prognosis models with ultra-sensitivity and low cost based on fragmentomic features of circulating cell free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA). Methods: Capture-based mtDNA sequencing was carried out in plasma cell-free DNA samples from 1168 participants, including 571 patients with HCC, 301 patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis (CHB/LC) and 296 healthy controls (HC). Results: The systematic analysis revealed significantly aberrant fragmentomic features of ccf-mtDNA in HCC group when compared with CHB/LC and HC groups. Moreover, we constructed a random forest algorithm-based HCC detection model by utilizing ccf-mtDNA fragmentomic features. Both internal and two external validation cohorts demonstrated the excellent capacity of our model in distinguishing early HCC patients from HC and highrisk population with CHB/LC, with AUC exceeding 0.983 and 0.981, sensitivity over 89.6% and 89.61%, and specificity over 98.20% and 95.00%, respectively, greatly surpassing the performance of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and mtDNA copy number. We also developed an HCC prognosis prediction model by LASSO-Cox regression to select 20 fragmentomic features, which exhibited exceptional ability in predicting 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival (AUC=0.8333, 0.8145 and 0.7958 for validation cohort, respectively). Conclusions We have developed and validated a high-performing and low-cost approach in a large clinical cohort based on aberrant ccf-mtDNA fragmentomic features with promising clinical translational application for the early detection and prognosis prediction of HCC patients.

Background/Aims: Early detection and effective prognosis prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provide an avenue for survival improvement, yet more effective approaches are greatly needed. We sought to develop the detection and prognosis models with ultra-sensitivity and low cost based on fragmentomic features of circulating cell free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA). Methods: Capture-based mtDNA sequencing was carried out in plasma cell-free DNA samples from 1168 participants, including 571 patients with HCC, 301 patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis (CHB/LC) and 296 healthy controls (HC). Results: The systematic analysis revealed significantly aberrant fragmentomic features of ccf-mtDNA in HCC group when compared with CHB/LC and HC groups. Moreover, we constructed a random forest algorithm-based HCC detection model by utilizing ccf-mtDNA fragmentomic features. Both internal and two external validation cohorts demonstrated the excellent capacity of our model in distinguishing early HCC patients from HC and highrisk population with CHB/LC, with AUC exceeding 0.983 and 0.981, sensitivity over 89.6% and 89.61%, and specificity over 98.20% and 95.00%, respectively, greatly surpassing the performance of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and mtDNA copy number. We also developed an HCC prognosis prediction model by LASSO-Cox regression to select 20 fragmentomic features, which exhibited exceptional ability in predicting 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival (AUC=0.8333, 0.8145 and 0.7958 for validation cohort, respectively). Conclusions We have developed and validated a high-performing and low-cost approach in a large clinical cohort based on aberrant ccf-mtDNA fragmentomic features with promising clinical translational application for the early detection and prognosis prediction of HCC patients.

Background/Aims: Early detection and effective prognosis prediction in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) provide an avenue for survival improvement, yet more effective approaches are greatly needed. We sought to develop the detection and prognosis models with ultra-sensitivity and low cost based on fragmentomic features of circulating cell free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA). Methods: Capture-based mtDNA sequencing was carried out in plasma cell-free DNA samples from 1168 participants, including 571 patients with HCC, 301 patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis (CHB/LC) and 296 healthy controls (HC). Results: The systematic analysis revealed significantly aberrant fragmentomic features of ccf-mtDNA in HCC group when compared with CHB/LC and HC groups. Moreover, we constructed a random forest algorithm-based HCC detection model by utilizing ccf-mtDNA fragmentomic features. Both internal and two external validation cohorts demonstrated the excellent capacity of our model in distinguishing early HCC patients from HC and highrisk population with CHB/LC, with AUC exceeding 0.983 and 0.981, sensitivity over 89.6% and 89.61%, and specificity over 98.20% and 95.00%, respectively, greatly surpassing the performance of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and mtDNA copy number. We also developed an HCC prognosis prediction model by LASSO-Cox regression to select 20 fragmentomic features, which exhibited exceptional ability in predicting 1-year, 2-year and 3-year survival (AUC=0.8333, 0.8145 and 0.7958 for validation cohort, respectively). Conclusions We have developed and validated a high-performing and low-cost approach in a large clinical cohort based on aberrant ccf-mtDNA fragmentomic features with promising clinical translational application for the early detection and prognosis prediction of HCC patients.

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has a promising future in the treatment of ocular diseases due to its high efficiency, specificity, and low toxicity in inhibiting the expression of target genes and proteins. However, due to the unique anatomical structure of the eye and various barriers, delivering nucleic acids to the retina remains a significant challenge. In this study, we rationally design PACD, an A-B-C type non-viral vector copolymer composed of a hydrophilic PEG block (A), a siRNA binding block (B) and a pH-responsive block (C). PACDs can self-assemble into nanosized polymeric micelles that compact siRNAs into polyplexes through simple mixing. By evaluating its pH-responsive activity, gene silencing efficiency in retinal cells, intraocular distribution, and anti-angiogenesis therapy in a mouse model of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, we demonstrate the efficiency and safety of PACD in delivering siRNA in the retina. We are surprised to discover that, the PACD/siRNA polyplexes exhibit remarkable intracellular endosomal escape efficiency, excellent gene silencing, and inhibit retinal angiogenesis. Our study provides design guidance for developing efficient nonviral ocular nucleic acid delivery systems.

Objective To clarify the effects of 5G mobile phone radiofrequency radiation exposure on male mouse fertility and to preliminarily explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods Healthy male C57BL/6 mice aged 7-8 weeks were randomly assigned to Sham group, 3.5 GHz radiofrequency radiation group, and 4.9 GHz radiofrequency radiation group, with 16 mice in each group. The mice were exposed to 3.5 GHz or 4.9 GHz mobile phone radiofrequency radiation for 42 consecutive days (1 h per day). The sperm quality was evaluated using sperm count, deformity rate, and motility. H&E staining was performed to assess testicular tissue structure by observing the morphology of spermatogenic cells at various development stages, the diameter of seminiferous tubules, and the thickness of seminiferous epithelium. The sperm mitochondrial function was assessed using sperm mitochondrial membrane potential and testicular ATP content. The fertility of mice was evaluated through fertility rate, litter size, and survival rate of offspring. The underlying mechanisms were explored by detecting the methylation of LRGUK gene and its mRNA and protein levels. Results Compared with the Sham group, there were no significant changes in sperm count in the 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz groups; however, the sperm abnormality rate significantly increased (P < 0.05) and sperm motility significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The structure of testicular tissue, the function of sperm mitochondria, and fertility of mice showed no significant changes as compared with the Sham group. The methylation level of LRGUK gene in the testes significantly increased, while the mRNA and protein expression levels significantly decreased. Conclusion Exposure to 3.5 GHz and 4.9 GHz mobile phone radiofrequency radiation for 42 consecutive days can lead to an increase in sperm deformity rate and a decrease in sperm motility in mice, but has no significant effect on fertility, which may be related to an increase in methylation level of the LRGUK gene in the testes.

Decoction is the most commonly used dosage form in the clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). During boiling, the violent movement of various active ingredients in TCM creates molecular forces such as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic interactions, which results in the formation of self-assembled aggregates in decoction (SADs), including particles, gels, fibers, etc. It was found that SADs widely existed in decoction with biological activities superior to both effective monomers and their physical mixtures, providing a new idea to reveal the pharmacodynamic material basis of Chinese herbal medicine from the perspective of component interactions-phase structure. Recently, SADs have become a novel focus of research in TCM. This paper reviewed their relevant studies in recent years and found some issues to be concerned in the research, such as the polydispersity of decoction system, instability of active ingredient interactions during boiling, uncertainty of the aggregates self-assembly rules, and stability, purity, yield of the products. In this regard, some solutions and new ideas were presented for the integrated development and clinical application of SADs.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of task-oriented exercise training for hospitalized elderly diabetic patients.Methods:This study is a parallel randomized controlled trial with a positive control and a single-blinded assessor.From July 2020 to July 2021, we included 84 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes who were hospitalized in the Department of Endocrinology at Beijing Hospital.These patients were randomly divided into two groups: the task-oriented exercise training group(TOE group)and the regular exercise training group(regular group). The TOE group participants were trained using a task-oriented exercise program that was specifically developed by our research team.On the other hand, the regular group participants were trained using a classical program that comprised of all exercise modes.Each subject received individualized exercise training for 10 consecutive days while staying in the hospital.We evaluated the efficacy, feasibility, and safety of the training programs by measuring the physical fitness of the participants, assessing the feasibility of the program, and monitoring any exercise-related adverse events that occurred.Results:A total of 79 subjects completed the entire intervention and follow-up period, with 40 subjects in the TOE group and 39 subjects in the regular group.In terms of efficacy, both groups showed improvement in their physical fitness indexes after the intervention, with no significant differences in the degree of improvement between the two groups(all P>0.05). When considering feasibility, the TOE group had a higher proportion of prospective feasibility at 87.5%(35 out of 40)compared to the regular group at 71.8%(28 out of 39). Similarly, the TOE group had a higher proportion of practical feasibility at 75.0%(30 out of 40)compared to the regular group at 53.8%(21 out of 39). The TOE group showed a significant advantage in practical feasibility between the two groups( χ2=3.862, P=0.049). As for safety, there were no exercise-related adverse events during the intervention in either group. Conclusions:The efficacy and safety of the task-oriented exercise program for hospitalized elderly diabetic patients is comparable to that of the regular program.Additionally, the task-oriented program is more feasible than the regular program.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of perioperative analgesia with esketamine in the patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.Methods:A total of 90 patients of either sex, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective thoracoscopic lobectomy under general anesthesia, were divided into 3 groups ( n=30 each) by a random number table method: control group (C group) and different doses of esketamine groups (S 1 group, S 2 group). Before induction of anesthesia, esketamine 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg were intravenously injected in S 1 group and S 2 group, respectively, while esketamine was not given in group C. Anesthesia was routinely induced in all the three groups. During anesthesia maintenance, esketamine 0.1 and 0.2 mg·kg -1·h -1 were intravenously infused in group S 1 and group S 2, respectively, and the remaining drugs used for anesthesia maintenance were the same in the three groups. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) was used after operation, and PCIA solution contained sufentanil 2 μg/kg in group C, and esketamine 1 mg/kg was mixed on the basis as previously described in S 1 and S 2 groups. Aminotriol ketorolac was given as rescue analgesia to maintain numeric rating scale score at rest ≤3. The total amount of propofol and remifentanil during operation, effective pressing times of PCIA in postoperative 0-24 h and >24-48 h periods, and requirement for rescue analgesia were recorded. The occurrence of adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and salivation, and emergence time were recorded after surgery. The serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 30 min before and after surgery, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in serum was measured by thiobarbituric acid colorimetric analysis. The postoperative recovery was assessed using the 50-item quality of recovery scale at 1 and 2 days after surgery. The development of chronic pain was followed up by telephone within 1-3 months after surgery. Results:Compared with group C, the intraoperative consumption of remifentanil, effective pressing times of PCIA in postoperative 0-24 h and >24-48 h periods, rate of rescue analgesia, and postoperative serum IL-6 concentration were significantly decreased, and the 50-item quality of recovery scale score was increased in S 1 and S 2 groups, and the postoperative serum MDA concentration was significantly decreased in group S 2 ( P<0.05). Compared with group S 1, the consumption of intraoperative remifentanil was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in postoperative serum IL-6 and MDA concentrations in group S 2 ( P>0.05). Compared with group S 2, the postoperative emergence time was significantly shortened in S 1 and C groups ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the intraoperative consumption of propofol, incidence of adverse effects and incidence of chronic pain among the three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Esketamine for perioperative analgesia (dose before anesthesia induction 0.1 mg/kg, dose for maintenance of anesthesia 0.1 mg·kg -1·h -1, dose for postoperative PCIA 1 mg/kg) can raise the quality of analgesia and improve the quality of early postoperative recovery in the patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are common clinical conditions. The number of patients with TMJ diseases is large, and the etiology, epidemiology, disease spectrum, and treatment of the disease remain controversial and unknown. To understand and master the current situation of the occurrence, development and prevention of TMJ diseases, as well as to identify the patterns in etiology, incidence, drug sensitivity, and prognosis is crucial for alleviating patients′suffering.This will facilitate in-depth medical research, effective disease prevention measures, and the formulation of corresponding health policies. Cohort construction and research has an irreplaceable role in precise disease prevention and significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment levels. Large-scale cohort studies are needed to explore the relationship between potential risk factors and outcomes of TMJ diseases, and to observe disease prognoses through long-term follw-ups. The consensus aims to establish a standard conceptual frame work for a cohort study on patients with TMJ disease while providing ideas for cohort data standards to this condition. TMJ disease cohort data consists of both common data standards applicable to all specific disease cohorts as well as disease-specific data standards. Common data were available for each specific disease cohort. By integrating different cohort research resources, standard problems or study variables can be unified. Long-term follow-up can be performed using consistent definitions and criteria across different projects for better core data collection. It is hoped that this consensus will be facilitate the development cohort studies of TMJ diseases.

Objective:To analyze the acupoint selection law in treating insomnia with warming-needle moxibustion using data mining technology.Methods:The clinical research literature on warming-needle moxibustion in treating insomnia was retrieved from the databases of CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, China Medical Journal Full-text Database, SinoMed, PubMed from the establishment of the databases to June 30, 2023. Acupuncture prescriptions were extracted and a database was established. Descriptive analysis was carried out on the intervention measures, the number of moxibustion numbers, the total effective rate, and the relevant information of acupoint selection. Clustering analysis and association rule analysis by using SPSS Statistics 26.0, SPSS Modeler 18.0 were performed on the high-frequency acupoints used in body acupuncture and warming acupuncture, respectively.Results:A total of 67 articles about warming-needle moxibustion for insomnia were included. The main intervention was single warming-needle moxibustion, followed by combined auricular acupuncture. Moxibustion with moxa sticks of 1 to 2 cm in length was often used. The total effective rate was mostly between 92% and 94%. A total of 85 prescriptions were obtained, involving 55 acupoints (569 times in frequency), among which Baihui (DU 20) (55 times), Shenmen (HT 7) (54 times) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) (45 times) were widely used. The selected acupoints were mainly distributed on the head, face, back and waist, and the affiliated meridians were mainly bladder meridian, Governor Vessel and heart meridian. The specific acupoints were mainly crossing points, followed by back-shu acupoints. Clustering analysis of high-frequency acupoints obtained three effective groups, including "Xinshu (BL 15)- Pishu (BL 20) - Shenshu (BL 23) - Ganshu (BL 18)", etc. Baihui (DU 20) and Shenmen (HT 7) were the most relevant acupoint combinations. A total of 44 acupoints (frequency 272 times) were involved in the selection of warming acupuncture, among which Sanyinjiao (SP 6) (32 times), Xinshu (BL 15) (23 times) and Pishu (BL 20) (23 times) were more frequently used. Clustering analysis of high-frequency acupoints obtained three effective groups, including "Xinshu (BL 15)- Pishu (BL 20) - Shenshu (BL 23) - Ganshu (BL 18)", etc. Pishu (BL 20) and Xinshu (BL 15) were the most relevant acupoint combinations.Conclusions:Warming-needle moxibustion for the treatment of insomnia focuses on the application of acupoints on the bladder meridian on the back and waist, cooperates with the selection of acupoints on the head and face, and attaches importance to the application of intersection points in specific acupoints. The selection of acupoints by warming-needle moxibustion is mainly based on the back-shu acupoints of zang-fu organs, which plays the role of balancing yin and yang, regulating zang-fu organs, tonifying deficiency and tranquilizing mind to help sleep.