Background: Gallstones are the cause of a majority of biliary tract discomfort. Although many community-based studies have addressed the risk factors for gallstone disease (GSD), little is known about GSD prevalence and risk factors in Chinese populations. Methods: From January 2014 to January 2015, participants (N = 2,068,523) were recruited by Meinian Onehealth Healthcare Co., Ltd. They received a physical examination, and GSD was determined by ultrasound. Results: The prevalence of GSD was 8.1%. Risks of GSD were similar between males and females in all age groups. Risk factors for gallstones include body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and physical activity, as well as biological factors such as age, sex, and elevated blood lipid levels. Serum lipid levels of GSD were statistically different from controls in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (H-DL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and apolipoprotein B (APOB). Furthermore, TC > 5.00 mmol/L, TG > 1.39 mmol/L, HDL < 1.19 mmol/L, LDL > 3.04 mmol/L, and APOB > 0.97 mmol/L were risk factors for gallstones. Conclusions: Serum lipid levels are associated with GSD. TC, TG, LDL, and APOB are risk factors, while HDL is a protective factor.

Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most common types of malignant cancer, and the molecular mechanism underlying its metastasis is still largely unclear. MicroRNAs have emerged as important regulators of metastasis because of their ability to act on multiple signaling pathways. In our study, we found that miR-144 is significantly downregulated in both highly metastatic GC cell lines and tissues. Results from both gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments demonstrate that increased miR-144 expression significantly reduced GC cell migration, whereas decreased miR-144 expression dramatically enhanced GC cell migration. The met proto-oncogene (MET), which is often amplified in human cancers and functions as an important regulator of cell growth and tumor invasion, was identified as a direct target of miR-144. Moreover, silencing of MET using small interfering RNA (siRNA) recapitulated the anti-metastatic function of miR-144, whereas restoring MET expression attenuated the function of miR-144 in GC cells. Furthermore, we found that miR-144, by targeting MET, suppresses phosphorylation of Akt. Finally, we observed an inverse correlation between the expression of miR-144 and MET mRNA in GC metastatic tissues. In summary, miR-144 suppresses GC progression by directly downregulating MET expression, which subsequently prevents activation of the pro-oncogenic Akt pathway. Reintroduction of miR-144 expression in GC cells presents an attractive therapeutic approach to block the metastasis of gastric cancer.

The utilization of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys in the fabrication of temporary non-vascular stents is an innovative trend in biomedical engineering. However, the heterogeneous degradation profiles of these biomaterials, together with potential bacterial colonization that could precipitate infectious or stenotic complications, are critical obstacles precluding their widespread clinical application. In pursuit of overcoming these limitations, this study applies the principles of biomimicry, particularly the hydrophobic and anti-fouling characteristics of lotus leaves, to pioneer the creation of nanocomposite coatings. These coatings integrate poly-trimethylene carbonate (PTMC) with covalent organic frameworks (COFs), constituting a multiscale crosslinked network that modifies the stent's surface microstructure. The strategic design of the coating's topography, porosity, and self-polishing capabilities collectively aims to decelerate degradation processes and minimize biological adhesion. The protective qualities of the coatings were substantiated through rigorous testing in both in vitro dynamic bile tests and in vivo New Zealand rabbit choledochal models. Empirical findings from these trials confirmed that the implementation of COF-based nanocomposite coatings robustly fortifies Mg implantations, conferring heightened resistance to both biocorrosion and biofouling as well as improved biocompatibility within bodily environments. The outcomes of this research elucidate a comprehensive framework for the multifaceted strategies against stent corrosion and fouling, thereby charting a visionary pathway toward the systematic conception of a new class of reliable COF-derived surface modifications poised to amplify the efficacy of Mg-based stents. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys are widely utilized in temporary stents, though their rapid degradation and susceptibility to bacterial infection pose significant challenges. Our research has developed a nanocomposite coating inspired by the lotus, integrating poly-trimethylene carbonate with covalent organic frameworks (COF). The coating achieved self-polishing property and optimal surface energy on the Mg substrate, which decelerates stent degradation and reduces biofilm formation. Comprehensive evaluations utilizing dynamic bile simulations and implantation in New Zealand rabbit choledochal models reveal that the coating improves the durability and longevity of the stent. The implications of these findings suggest the potential COF-based Mg alloy stent surface treatments and a leap forward in advancing stent performance and endurance in clinical applications.

The human body comprises various tubular structures that have essential functions in different bodily systems. These structures are responsible for transporting food, liquids, waste, and other substances throughout the body. However, factors such as inflammation, tumors, stones, infections, or the accumulation of substances can lead to the narrowing or blockage of these tubular structures, which can impair the normal function of the corresponding organs or tissues. To address luminal obstructions, stenting is a commonly used treatment. However, to minimize complications associated with the long-term implantation of permanent stents, there is an increasing demand for biodegradable stents (BDS). Magnesium (Mg) metal is an exceptional choice for creating BDS due to its degradability, good mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Currently, the Magmaris^® coronary stents and UNITY-B^TM biliary stent have obtained Conformité Européene (CE) certification. Moreover, there are several other types of stents undergoing research and development as well as clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the required degradation cycle and the specific properties (anti-inflammatory effect, antibacterial effect, etc.) of BDS in different lumen areas based on the biocompatibility and degradability of currently available magnesium-based scaffolds. We also offer potential insights into the future development of BDS.