Objective To investigate the needs and feedback from clinical medical students on the diversified teaching mode adopted by the Department of Endocrinology in Peking Union Medical College Hospital.Methods Questionnaires were distributed to the medicine students who were in clinical rotation in Peking Union Medical Col-lege,and the teaching status and teaching effect was investigated.Results A total of 95 valid questionnaires were received.The attending physicians and the teaching resident physicians performed well in the daily teaching activi-ties.The medical students believed that outpatient training was necessary in addition to ward rotations.After the ro-tation in the endocrinology department,the self-evaluated score of mastery of endocrinology knowledge had been significantly improved,especially in those who rotated in outpatient clinic,suggesting that outpatient teaching was of great significance.In addition,the establishment of a self-learning platform including clinical cases and videos in endocrinology could be used as an important supplementary means for clinical teaching.Conclusions Outpatient training improves learning outcomes of medical students,so must be kept and further strengthened in the future.Building a database of typical clinical cases and teaching videos can improve the training quality.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The clinical data of a total of 63 patients with advanced HCC,who received TACE combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab(triple therapy)or TACE combined with lenvatinib(dual therapy)at the Jingmen Municipal People's Hospital of China between April 2020 and December 2021,were retrospectively analyzed.Triple therapy group had 30 patients,and dual therapy group had 33 patients.The post-treatment tumor response,disease progression-free survival(PFS),overall survival(OS),and the incidence of adverse drug reactions were recorded.Results The median follow-up period of the two groups was 14 months(range of 4-26 months).Compared with the dual therapy group,in the triple therapy group the objective response rate(ORR)was remarkably higher(83.3%vs.57.6%,P=0.026),the disease control rate(DCR)was obviously higher(93.3%vs.69.7%,P=0.039),the median PFS was significantly longer(8.0 months vs.5.0 months,P＜0.01),and the median OS was strikingly longer(24.0 months vs.12.0 months,P=0.004).No statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse drug reactions existed between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of advanced HCC,TACE combined with lenvatinib and camrelizumab is clinically safe and effective.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:57-62)

This article reports the diagnosis and treatment of a case of acromegaly in a pregnant patient who took bromocriptine during pregnancy and delivered successfully. A retrospective summary of the clinical data and treatment outcomes before and after two pregnancies of the patient is provided. The patient took bromocriptine during the second pregnancy, and her condition remained stable. A baby girl was delivered by caesarean section at full term. The article suggests that pregnancy in acromegaly patients, after the stabilization of the condition, can lead to favorable outcomes. The use of dopamine receptor agonists during pregnancy does not increase adverse events during the perinatal period.

Objective:To explore influencing factors of the self-reported brief life quality satisfaction score(Brief-QoL) in patients with acromegaly and understand the persistent low Brief-QoL scores in cases achieving biochemical remission.Methods:This study included 836 acromegaly patients who were hospitalized at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2012 and December 2020. We retrospectively examined how clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters, comorbidities, and symptoms influenced Brief-QoL. Among patients who achieved biochemical remission, differences in clinical symptoms and comorbidities were analyzed between the high and low quality of life groups.Results:Patients with well-controlled biochemical indicators at the last follow-up had generally high Brief-QoL. However, patients with symptoms such as headaches (47.8% in the low-score group vs 14.9% in the high-score group, P<0.001) and joint pain (69.6% in the low-score group vs 19.0% in the high-score group, P<0.001) had low Brief-QoL despite biochemical remission. Receiving combined treatment(52.4% in the low-score group vs 27.5% in the high-score group, P=0.030) and having comorbid diabetes or hyperlipidemia were significant factors leading to decreased quality of life. Conclusion:Brief-QoL is suitable for follow-up of outpatient patients. Early identification of factors affecting quality of life and timely intervention can facilitate the realization of standardized management.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between complement C3 and urine protein level and proteinuria remission status in patients with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), and better guide individualized clinical treatment.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective study. The clinical data of PMN patients who underwent renal biopsy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2017 to June 2022 were collected. Patients with 24 h urinary protein ≥ 3.5 g were followed up after receiving standard treatment, and the last outpatient or inpatient review was used as the end point of follow-up. 24 h urine protein was collected to evaluate the remission status of proteinuria. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the correlation between serum and renal complements and proteinuria remission. Cox regression analysis method was used to analyze the correlation between serum C3 level and renal tissue C3 deposition and proteinuria remission.Results:This study included 507 PMN patients with 312 (61.54%) males, aged 54 (43, 64) years old. Compared with 24 h urinary protein < 3.5 g group, proportion of males ( χ2=22.479, P<0.001), age ( Z=-2.521, P=0.012), systolic blood pressure ( Z=-4.148, P<0.001), diastolic blood pressure ( Z=-4.084, P<0.001), serum anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody titer ( Z=-7.019, P<0.001), total cholesterol ( Z=-8.796, P<0.001), triglyceride ( Z=-6.158, P<0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol ( Z=-8.716, P<0.001), serum creatinine ( Z=-7.368, P<0.001), serum C3 ( Z=-3.663, P<0.001), serum C4 ( Z=-6.560, P<0.001), proportion of glucocorticoid use ( χ2=116.417, P<0.001) and proportion of immunosuppressant use ( χ2=53.839, P<0.001) were all higher, while serum albumin ( Z=12.518, P<0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate ( Z=6.345, P<0.001) and serum IgG ( Z=7.321, P<0.001) were all lower in 24 h urinary protein ≥3.5 g group. There were 268 patients included in the follow-up cohort with baseline 24 h urinary protein of 7.15 (5.14, 10.24) g, serum anti-PLA2R antibody titer of 61.44 (14.35, 193.24) RU/ml, serum C3 of 1.005 (0.864, 1.150) g/L, and serum C4 of 0.260 (0.214, 0.317) g/L. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the incomplete remission rate of proteinuria in serum C3 > 1.005 g/L group was lower than that in serum C3 ≤ 1.005 g/L group (log-rank χ2=4.757, P=0.029). There was no significant difference in the incomplete remission rate of proteinuria between serum C4 ≤ 0.260 g/L group and serum C4 > 0.260 g/L group (log-rank χ2=3.543, P=0.060). Renal C1q (log-rank χ2=0.167, P=0.683) and C4 (log-rank χ2=1.927, P=0.165) deposition had no significant effects on proteinuria remission in PMN patients. The incomplete remission rate of proteinuria in patients with renal C3 deposition was higher than that in patients without renal C3 deposition (log-rank χ2=7.018, P=0.008). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that serum C3 level and C3 deposition in renal tissues were influencing factors of incomplete remission of proteinuria (both P<0.05), while adjusting for gender, age, mean arterial pressure, serum anti-PLA2R antibody, serum albumin and 24 h urinary protein, serum C3 ≤ 1.005 g/L ( HR=1.374, 95% CI 1.021-1.849, P=0.036), C3 deposition in renal tissues ( HR=1.949, 95% CI 1.098-3.460, P=0.023), and serum C3 ≤ 1.005 g/L combined with C3 deposition in renal tissues ( HR=1.472, 95% CI 1.093-1.983, P=0.011) were independent influencing factors of incomplete remission of proteinuria. Conclusions:The serum C3 level and C3 deposition in renal tissues are closely related to urinary protein level and proteinuria remission status in PMN patients. The patients with higher urinary protein have higher serum C3. For patients with massive proteinuria, serum C3 ≤ 1.005 g/L, C3 deposition in renal tissues, serum C3 ≤ 1.005 g/L combined with C3 deposition in renal tissues are independent risk factors of incomplete remission of proteinuria.

Objective:To explore the employment experiences of coordinators of In-Hospital Organ Procurement Organization (OPO).Methods:Based on purpose sampling, 12 full-time In-Hospital OPO coordinators in Chongqing City were recruited from July to December 2020. A semi-structured and in-depth interview was performed and the data was analyzed by Colaizzi.Results:4 first-level themes were extracted, including professional identity process, negative emotional experience, improvement of professional practice competence and job expectancy. 12 second-level themes were identified including career expectations and identity confusion, professional values, shortage of respect and ratification, huge workloads, great psychological pressure, influence of the bereaved families, enhancement of the ability to communicate, improvement of problem-solving ability, improvement of team-work ability, optimization of scenario simulation, a perfection of the assessment system, a clear career path.Conclusions:In-Hospital OPO coordinators are lack of professional awareness in an initial stage. While feeling a sense of professional value, they also experience some negative emotions. Furthermore, their competences are improved in practice and they, meanwhile, express a strong desire for career development. It is suggested that the administrators could explore establishment of academic education, enhancement of psychological and social support, creation of pretty working environments and improvement of training, assessment and promotion systems to facilitate the career development of coordinators.

Objective:We aimed to explore the prognostic value of serum cystatin C (CysC) levels on kidney disease outcome in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:The clinical data and pathological examination results of 113 T2DM patients with CKD, who were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2011 to July 2020, were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Clinicopathological features and renal outcomes were compared between patients with CysC>1.54 mg/L ( n=57) and CysC≤1.54 mg/L ( n=56) at the time of renal biopsy. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of poor renal prognosis. The relationship between serum CysC level and renal prognosis was analyzed by smoothing curve fitting and threshold effect. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare and analyze the difference of renal survival rate. Further, the receiver operator characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum CysC combined with renal tubular marker blood and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) on renal prognosis in all enrolled patients and those with different kidney disease stages. Besides, the ability of serum CysC level to predict renal prognosis within 3 years was evaluated by time-dependent area under the curve (AUC). Results:Compared with patients with serum CysC levels≤1.54 mg/L, patients with CysC>1.54 mg/L had more deteriorated renal function, decreased levels of hemoglobin and serum 25(OH) vitamin D, but more severe interstitial inflammation, higher glomerular sclerosis ratio and severe vascular lesion (all P<0.05). During 36.77 (29.34, 44.20) months follow-up, the composite renal outcomes were noted in 37.2% patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that the cumulative survival rates of patients without renal end points was significantly lower in CysC level>1.54 mg/L group than in CysC≤1.54 mg/L group (χ 2=5.752, P=0.016). Adjusted multivariate Cox analysis showed that serum CysC level ( HR=7.850, 95% CI 1.248-49.382, P<0.05) was an independent risk factor for renal prognosis. Smoothing curve fitting analysis showed that there was a linear relationship between serum CysC level and relative risk of renal endpoint event (β=2.25, 95% CI 1.06-4.81, P=0.036). The time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve showed that the AUC of serum CysC in predicting the poor renal prognosis of T2DM patients within 3 years after renal biopsy were 0.714, 0.625 and 0.631, respectively. The AUC of serum CysC combined with blood and urinary NGAL was 0.694 (sensitivity 55.56%, specificity 77.78%). In the population with eGFR less than 60 ml·min -1·1.73m -2 ( n=51), the AUC was 0.817 (sensitivity 66.67%, specificity 85.00%). Conclusions:Higher serum CysC level is associated with deteriorated renal function, more severe renal pathological lesions and increased risk of worse renal prognosis in T2DM patients. Serum CysC level presents better predictive value for the renal prognosis of T2DM patients within 1 year after renal biopsy. Combined with renal tubular marker blood and urinary NGAL, serum CysC level might serve as a potential tool for identifying cases with high-risk of unsatisfactory renal prognosis, especially in those with eGFR less than 60 ml·min -1·1.73m -2.

Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of 4 cases of mixed pituitary adenomas involving growth hormone(GH), prolactin(PRL), and thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), and explore the standardized management approaches.Methods:The clinical data of four GH/PRL/TSH mixed pituitary adenoma patients diagnosed by Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively analyzed, including clinical manifestations, biochemical parameters, radiographic characteristics, as well as treatment and prognosis. Then literature review was conducted.Results:Among the 4 patients, 3 were male, with onset ages ranging from 15 to 38 years. All patients presented with coarse facial features as initial symptom. Three patients had visual impairment or visual field defects. All 4 patients had significantly elevated levels of GH and insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ). GH was not inhibited by oral glucose tolerance test. PRL concentration was over 100 ng/mL. Triiodothyronine(T 3)and thyroxine(T 4)were also elevated, while TSH was not inhibited. All pituitary adenomas in four cases were macroadenomas or giant adenomas, all of which were invasive growth, and one case developed pituitary stroke. Except for one patient who did not receive treatment in our hospital due to medical expenses, the remaining three patients underwent a combined treatment of medication and transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection. Among them, one patient had relief of central hyperthyroidism and hyperprolactinemia, but GH/IGF-Ⅰ did not meet the remission criteria. The other two patients had persistent non-resolution of at least 2 hormone axes. Conclusions:Patients with GH/PRL/TSH mixed pituitary adenoma were mainly characterized by coarse facial features, GH/PRL/TSH hyperfunction, large adenoma volume, low biochemical remission after surgery combined with drug treatment, and poor clinical prognosis.

A middle-aged man was presented with poor appetite, polyuria, polydrpsia, and headache. A sellar mass was found, along with total pituitary hypofunction and visual field defect. A biopsy of the lesion via the trans-sphenoidal approach showed inflammatory changes and granuloma formation. However, repeated cerebrospinal fluid and pathogenic examination of the pathological tissue showed no positive indications. The initial diagnosis considered autoimmune hypophysitis, and treatment of glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants was administered, which led to a temporary shrinkage of the lesion, but it gradually enlarged subsequently. After multidisciplinary discussion, a high possibility of pituitary tuberculosis infection was decided upon. After standardized anti-tuberculosis treatment was initiated, the lesion reduced noticeably and the patient′s condition improved. Pituitary tuberculosis infection is incredibly rare and extremely easy to misdiagnose. This case was diagnosed and treated in a timely and effective manner through a multidisciplinary approach, highlighting the importance of such an approach in dealing with rare diseases.

Objective:Cushing′s disease(CD) is caused by the pituitary adrenocorticotroph hormone(ACTH) secreting adenomas, leading to increased serum cortisol levels and various abnormal metabolic processes. Untreated CD is linked to high mortality, thus it is critical to elucidate its pathogenesis. This study aims to explore the pathogenesis of pituitary ACTH adenomas using whole-genome sequencing analysis.Methods:Fresh tumor tissues and peripheral blood samples were collected in 9 confirmed cases of pituitary ACTH adenomas who underwent surgery. Whole genome sequencing was then performed, followed by analysis and verification of single nucleotide mutations, copy number variation(CNV) and chromosome structure variations.Results:Somatic USP8 mutations(p.Ser718del, p. Ser718Pro, p. Pro720Arg, p. Pro720Gln) were found in 5 patients, with a rate of 55.6%; CNV of USP8 was detected in 1 patient; TP53(p.Cys135Tyr), NF1(p.Val1049Glufs*11) and KMT2C(c.3323+ 1G>A) mutations were identified in 1 patient harboring wild-type USP8. CNV analysis showed a loss of heterozygosity in multiple chromosomes in a wild-type USP8 patient. Structural variations were found in 2 with unknown significance. No germline gene mutations were detected in this study.Conclusion:Somatic USP8 mutations, increased copy number of USP8, variations of tumor-related genes such as TP53 and extensive somatic CNV all contribute to pathogenesis of CD. Chromosomal structure variations may suggest high-risk pituitary ACTH adenomas, and call for frequent follow-up and aggressive treatment.