Sanya Central Hospital

Calcium urolithiasis arises from complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors regulating calcium metabolism. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is essential for maintaining calcium homeostasis, yet population-specific genetic effects remain insufficiently characterized. A case–control study was conducted in the Qiongnan region of Hainan Province, including 50 patients with urolithiasis and 54 matched controls. Five CaSR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs7652589, rs6776158, rs1501899, rs1801725, and rs1042636) were genotyped by Sanger sequencing. Genotype–phenotype associations were assessed under multiple inheritance models, and haplotype analyses were performed to evaluate combined variant effects. None of the five CaSR SNPs showed a significant association with urolithiasis after multivariable adjustment. Four major haplotypes were identified, and the AGAGA haplotype was nominally associated with a markedly reduced risk of urolithiasis (adjusted OR = 0.217, 95% CI = 0.054–0.872, P = 0.031). No significant relationship was found between CaSR variants and stone composition. The CaSR AGAGA haplotype showed a nominal association with reduced susceptibility; however, given the limited sample size and low post-hoc power, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory and require validation in larger, independent cohorts.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and is associated with high recurrence and poor survival outcomes, particularly in its advanced stages. Zi-Shen-Gu-Sui Decoction (ZSGSD), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has been clinically applied in CRC treatment and postoperative rehabilitation; however, its pharmacological mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the anti-CRC efficacy and molecular mechanisms of ZSGSD, with particular attention to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was utilized to characterize the chemical profile of ZSGSD. Network pharmacology was employed to identify key signaling pathways and bioactive compounds, and molecular docking was conducted to predict potential interactions between major constituents and PI3K/AKT/mTOR proteins. A xenograft mouse model of CRC was established to evaluate tumor suppression. Histological staining was used to assess apoptosis, and the expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was quantified via RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. Sixty compounds were identified in ZSGSD, with flavonoids comprising approximately 50%. Network analysis suggested potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and docking results indicated favorable predicted binding between key flavonoids (including Genistein, Apigenin, and Naringenin) and proteins within this pathway. In vivo, ZSGSD treatment suppressed tumor growth in a dose-responsive fashion, with tumor inhibition rates ranging from 30.83% to 75.23% (p < 0.05). Histological evaluations revealed reduced nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios and enhanced apoptotic activity, as confirmed by TUNEL staining (p < 0.05). Molecular analyses showed a dose-related reduction in PI3K, AKT, and mTOR expression at the transcript and protein levels, indicating that this pathway may be modulated during ZSGSD treatment (p < 0.05). ZSGSD demonstrates notable tumor-suppressive and pro-apoptotic effects in a CRC xenograft model. These outcomes appear to be associated with modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, although further functional studies are required to confirm pathway specificity and clarify causal mechanisms.

Amino acid metabolism plays a crucial role in cancer progression and invasion by modulating immune responses within the tumor microenvironment and tumor immune response. Transmembrane transport of cellular amino acids is mediated by members of the cationic amino acid transporters SLC7 family, a group of cationic amino acid transporters. Dysregulation of SLC7 family genes can disrupt systemic homeostasis, contributing to a variety of diseases, including multiple cancer types. Additionally, SLC7 family members can alter amino acid metabolic plasticity, further influencing tumor adaptation and progression. However, the precise impact of SLC7 family genes within the cancer microenvironment remains largely unexplored. This study analyzed the expression patterns, genomic alterations (single nucleotide variants, copy number variations, methylation levels), pathway activations, and clinical and subtype associations of SLC7 family genes across The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) pan-cancer cohort. SLC7 activity was quantified using the ssGSEA function of the “GSVA” package to generate the SLC7 score, which was found to correlate with oncogenic and immune-related pathways, including mTORC1 signaling, interferon-gamma response, and inflammatory pathways. In vitro validation was conducted using multiple cancer cell lines (A549, H1299, HCT116, FaDu, Panc-1) and counterparts (BxPC-3, SW480, H460, BEAS-2B, FHC, HaCaT). Gene knockdown was achieved by siRNA transfection, followed by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and functional assays assessing proliferation, invasion, and ferroptosis (iron and GSH levels) under erastin treatment. SLC7 family genes showed significant associations with immune infiltration and poor prognosis across various cancers. The SLC7 score demonstrated strong positive correlations with malignant and immune-related pathways, such as mTORC1 signaling, interferon-gamma response, and inflammatory response across the pan-cancer cohort. Elevated SLC7 scores were also associated with enhanced immune-related characteristics, and SLC7 genes, particularly SLC7A8 and SLC7A9, emerged as promising predictive markers for response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (Atezolizumab) in cancer patients. Among SLC7 family genes, SLC7A5 expression was markedly elevated in KRAS-mutant tumor cell lines and was required for KRAS-driven proliferation and invasion. SLC7A11 was highly expressed in multiple tumor types and protected cancer cells from ferroptosis by maintaining intracellular cystine uptake and redox homeostasis. Individuals exhibiting elevated SLC7 scores and aberrant expression of SLC7 family genes demonstrate significant immune-inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) characteristics and predictive potential for immunotherapy. Thus, the SLC7 family genes have the potential to serve as valuable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer patients.

ABSTRACT Social media influencers employ filters to augment the visual appeal of destinations as a significant strategic approach; however, this practice may result in cognitive dissonance among tourists. In response, this study aims to investigate the mechanism of cognitive dissonance under filters on tourists' social media complaints based on the theory of cognitive dissonance, and conducts two studies to validate the hypothesis. The findings indicate that higher levels of cognitive dissonance in influencer-filtered contexts will lead to stronger tourists' social media complaints; emotional responses (approach vs. avoidance) mediate the relationship between cognitive dissonance and tourists' social media complaints. The study further identifies that influencer characteristics moderate the positive impact of cognitive dissonance on tourists' social media complaints. More importantly, influencer characteristics moderate the mediating effect of tourists' emotional responses. The study proposes and tests, differently to ‘media representation – embodied experience – behavioural feedback', the logic of ‘media nonrepresentation – cognitive dissonance – social media complaints’, enriching cognitive dissonance theory and enhancing social media-based tourism marketing theory, and providing managerial insights for tourism destinations through social media influencer marketing.

Yemen's protracted humanitarian crisis has devastated healthcare infrastructure, creating profound challenges for the management of primary brain tumors under severe resource constraints. This study characterizes patient profiles, surgical approaches, and 6-month outcomes at a tertiary neurosurgical center in Sana'a (2023-2024). A retrospective cohort of 96 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for primary brain tumors was analyzed. Data extraction included demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, tumor location and histopathology (World Health Organization Central Nervous System 5, 2021 classification), extent of resection, complications, adjuvant therapies, and 6-month survival status. Statistical analyses employed χ2 tests, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, and Cox proportional hazards regression. The median patient age was 35 years (range: 0.5-80), and 60.4% were male. Supratentorial tumors (78%) were most common, with meningioma (19.8%) and glioblastoma (14.6%) representing the predominant histologies. Gross total resection was achieved in 61.5% of cases. The overall complication rate was 28%, including cerebrospinal fluid leak (7%) and surgical site infection (5%). Adjuvant therapy was received by 38.5% of patients. The overall 6-month survival rate was 75%. Survival was significantly superior in gross total resection compared to subtotal resection or biopsy (83.0% vs. 65.6%, P = 0.01) and in those with World Health Organization grade I-II tumors compared to grade III-IV tumors (94.4% vs. 51.5%, P < 0.001). Despite operating amid chronic power outages and critical supply shortages, the implementation of strategic adaptive protocols enabled the achievement of neurosurgical outcomes comparable to those reported in other low-resource settings. Prioritizing reliable imaging, minimizing complications, and improving access to adjuvant therapies are crucial for further improving prognosis for brain tumor patients in Yemen.

Abstract Objective To explore the latent profiles of fear of childbirth (FOC) among expectant fathers and identify influencing factors, aiming to inform the development of targeted psychological interventions. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 341 expectant fathers attending antenatal visits with their pregnant partners at three hospitals (one tertiary, two secondary) in Jilin Province, China, from March to August 2023 through convenience sampling.The fathers’ fear of childbirth scale (FFCS) was used to assess paternal FOC. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was applied to identify distinct subgroups of FOC, and binary logistic regression was used to explore influencing demographic factors. Results Latent profile analysis delineated two distinct submodels: Maladaptive/Negative Fathers (58.36%) and Adaptive/Supportive Fathers (41.64%). Logistic regression revealed that younger age (≤ 24 years; OR = 0.342, P = 0.001), lower education level (high school OR = 0.250, P = 0.038; undergraduate OR = 0.295, P = 0.037), frequent antenatal attendance (OR = 0.198, P = 0.042), and part-time cohabitation with partner (OR = 0.059, P = 0.034) were significant predictors of being classified into the Adaptive/Supportive group. Conclusion Expectant fathers’ FOC demonstrates clear heterogeneity, influenced by sociodemographic factors such as age, education, participation in antenatal care, and living arrangement. Tailored interventions should account for individual differences, promote father-role identity, and incorporate flexible support strategies to enhance paternal engagement and optimize perinatal family support. Clinical implications : Fear of Childbirth in expectant fathers is a significant yet often overlooked issue. It commonly involves concerns about the heal of the baby and partner, self-efficacy in coping, and hospital-related anxiety. These fears can adversely affect not only the father's physical and mental health but also family functioning. The findings suggest that fear of childbirth in expectant fathers is multifaceted and varies in severity and expression. By identifying different latent fear profiles and their associated factors, this study provides evidence-based guidance for developing targeted support strategies.

Melioidosis is a highly pathogenic infectious disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium of Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp). The traditional gold standard for diagnosing melioidosis is still isolation and culture from clinical samples. Although this method has high specificity, it has low sensitivity and is time-consuming, which often leads to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of melioidosis, affecting subsequent treatment. In this study, recombinase polymerase amplification technology and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas13a technology were combined to establish the Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter Unlocking detection technology, which can achieve rapid and accurate identification of Bp, providing a new method for the early diagnosis of melioidosis.