Background: Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications. Methods: A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated. Results: The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels. Conclusions We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Feixin decoction treats hypoxic pulmonary hypertension （HPH） by regulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma （PPARγ）/nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway. MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly allocated into normal， hypoxia， and low-， medium- and high-dose （5.85， 11.7， 23.4 g·kg^-1， respectively） Feixin decoction groups， with 8 rats in each group. Except the normal group， the remaining five groups were placed in a hypoxia chamber with an oxygen concentration of （10.0±0.5）% for 8 h per day， 28 days， and administrated with corresponding drugs during the modeling process. After 4 weeks of treatment， echocardiographic parameters ［pulmonary artery acceleration time （PAT）， pulmonary artery ejection time （PET）， right ventricular anterior wall thickness （RVAWd）， and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion （TAPSE）］ were measured for each group. The right ventricular systolic pressure （RVSP） was measured by the right heart catheterization method， and the right ventricular hypertrophy index （RVHI） was calculated by weighing the heart. The pathological changes in pulmonary arterioles were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The co-localization of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） with NLRP3， N-terminal gasdermin D （N-GSDMD）， and cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1） in pulmonary arteries was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of PPARγ， NF-κB， NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， N-GSDMD， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-18（IL-18）， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot. The ultrastructural changes in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） were observed by transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with the normal group， the hypoxia group showed increased RVSP and RVHI （P<0.01）， decreased right heart function （P<0.01）， increased pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.01）， increased co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in pulmonary arterioles （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， a down-regulated protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and pyroptosis in PASMCs. Compared with the hypoxia group， Feixin decoction reduced RVSP and RVHI， improved the right heart function and ameliorated pulmonary vascular remodeling （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decreased the co-localization of α-SMA with NLRP3， N-GSDMD， and Caspase-1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB， NLRP3， ASC， N-GSDMD， IL-1β， IL-18， and cleaved Caspase-1 in the lung tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the protein level of PPARγ （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and alleviated pyroptosis in PASMCs. ConclusionFeixin decoction can ameliorate pulmonary vascular remodeling and right heart dysfunction in chronically induced HPH rats by regulating pyroptosis in PASMCs through the PPARγ/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

This paper reports a case of a patient with sleep-related painful erections treated by acupuncture combined with abdominal vibration therapy. The main symptom was repeated painful penile erections during nighttime sleep. The syndrome was differentiated as "water failing to nourish wood" and "liver qi stagnation". Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Guanyuan (CV4), and bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), Guilai (ST29), Yongquan (KI1), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The treatment was combined with abdominal vibration therapy. Treatment was given once daily, five times per week. After the first treatment, the severity and duration of nocturnal erection pain were reduced, and sleep quality was improved. After two weeks of treatment, nocturnal erection pain persisted but became tolerable, with significantly shortened duration.
Humans ; Male ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Penile Erection ; Sleep

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the first cohort of people in China treated with a responsive neurostimulation system (Epilcure TM , GenLight MedTech, Hangzhou, China) for focal drug-resistant epilepsy in this study. METHODS: This multicenter, before-and-after self-controlled study was conducted across 8 centers from March 2022 to June 2023, involving patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were undergoing responsive neurostimulation (RNS). The study was based on an ongoing multi-center, single-blind, randomized controlled study. Efficacy was assessed through metrics including median seizure count, seizure frequency reduction (SFR), and response rate. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships of basic clinical factors and intracranial electrophysiological characteristics with SFR. The postoperative quality of life, cognitive function, depression, and anxiety were evaluated as well. RESULTS: The follow-up period for the 19 participants was 10.7 ± 3.4 months. Seizure counts decreased significantly 6 months after device activation, with median SFR of 48% at the 6th month (M6) and 58% at M12 ( P  <0.05). The average response rate after 13 months of treatment was 42%, with 21% ( n  = 4) of the participants achieving seizure freedom. Patients who have previously undergone resective surgery appear to achieve better therapeutic outcomes at M11, M12 and M13 ( β  <0, P  <0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in patients' scores of quality of life, cognition, depression and anxiety following stimulation when compared to baseline measurements. No serious adverse events related to the devices were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary findings suggest that Epilcure TM exhibits promising therapeutic potential in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures. However, to further validate its efficacy, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are required. REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2200055247).
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/therapy* ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; China ; Adolescent ; Treatment Outcome ; Quality of Life ; Single-Blind Method ; Seizures ; Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods*

Objective:To study the effect of anthocyanins(C3G)on cuproptosis in chronic epileptic rats.Methods:Chronic epileptic rat model was induced by pentatetrazol(PTZ),and 90 SD rats were randomly divided into control group,PTZ group,elesclomol(ELC)group,tetrathiomolybdate(TTM)group,C3G group and ELC+C3G group.The grade,latency and frequency of seizures were recorded in each group.electroencephalogram(EEG)was used to detect abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.The action potential of hippocampal neurons was measured by patch-clamp technique.The contents of glutathione(GSH)and cuprous ions(Cu+)in hippocampus were determined by kit.Neuron damage in hippocampus was evaluated by Nissl staining.The expression of ferredoxin1(FDX1)and lipoic acid synthase(LIAS)in hippocampus was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Results:Compared with the control group,the rats in the PTZ group exhibited epileptic-like seizures,suggesting that the modeling was successful.Com-pared with other epileptic groups,the ELC group showed increased seizure grade,more abnormal discharges,shortened latency period,enhanced neuronal excitability,decreased Nissl particles,elevated Cu+levels,decreased GSH levels,and increased expressions of FDX1 and LIAS.The reverse was observed in C3G group(P＜0.05).Neuron damage in ELC+C3G group was less severe than that in ELC group,but more than that in PTZ group(P＜0.05).Neuron dam-age in TTM group was less severe than that in PTZ group,but more severe than that in C3G group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:cuproptosis exists in hippocampus of rats with chronic epilepsy,and the C3G can significantly inhibit cu-proptosis and alleviate the occurrence and development of chronic epilepsy.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and aesthetic outcome of liposuction combined with mammary adenectomy through a periareolar small incision in the management of gynecomastia(GYN).Methods From January 2019 to June 2023,18 patients with GYN were admitted.All of them were treated with small incision through the areola combined with liposuction.The postoperative aesthetic effect,occurrence of complications and patient satisfaction of the patients were evaluated.Results All 18 patients in this study were follwed up for a period of 3 to 18 months.No serious complications such as wound infection or necrosis of the nipple-areola occurred.Pathological examinations were consistent with the diagnosis of GYN.Except for one patient,who exhibited slight skin folds in the surgical area at the 12-month follow-up,the other patients all achieved symmetrical and smooth chest contours with noticeable aesthetic improvement,resulting in a 100％patient satisfaction rate.Conclusion The combined approach of liposuction combined with mammary adenectomy through a periareolar small incision for the treatment of GYN is straightforward,minimally invasive,and yields satisfactory therapeutic and aesthetic outcomes.

Objective:To understand the current situation and influencing factors of functional constipation among elderly people in nursing homes, and construct a risk prediction model.Methods:Conveniently select 542 elderly people from 8 nursing homes in Tangshan urban area from July to November 2023 as the research subjects, use binary logistic regression analysis to construct a risk prediction model, and conduct internal validation of the model.Results:Among the 542 elderly people who were included in the study, there were 250 males and 292 females with an average age of 78.00 (70.00, 86.00) years. The incidence of functional constipation among elderly people in nursing homes was 54.06%(293/542). The predictive model includes six predictive factors: age, Barthel index, water intake, daily vegetable intake, insomnia, and perianal disease. The model AUC was 0.885 (95% CI 0.858-0.913), the Youden index was 0.628, the best critical value was 0.585, sensitivity was 0.819, specificity was 0.809. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2=6.38, P=0.605. The internal validation results of the Bootstrap method showed that the AUC of the model was 0.876, the calibration curve was close to the standard line, and the Brier score was 0.135. The DCA results showed that the threshold was 0.1-0.9, and the model had good clinical net benefits. Conclusions:The incidence of functional constipation in elderly care institutions is relatively high. The functional constipation risk prediction model constructed in this study has good predictive efficacy and applicability, which can provide reference for nursing home staff.

Objective To address personnel management challenges in large comprehensive hospitals by developing a comprehensive personnel information management system for refined multi-campus administration.Methods A centralized data-base was employed to construct a personnel information management system compatible with both"interactive management"and"independent management"modes.The system progressively implemented functions including personnel information manage-ment,meal card and subsidy administration,and shift scheduling.Results The system achieved effective interconnections be-tween subsystems,significantly improving personnel management efficiency,data governance,risk prevention capabilities,and operational decision-making.Personnel data were efficiently utilized across multiple scenarios.Conclusion The multi-campus comprehensive personnel information management system meets the refined requirements of multi-campus personnel administration and provides valuable experience for the development and expansion of subsequent hospital operation management information sys-tems.

AIM:To study the protective effect of transient receptor potential vanilic acid subtype 1(TRPV1)agonist capsaicin(CAP)on traumatic blood loss shock rats,and to further explore its possible mechanism by network pharmacology.METHODS:Forty-five SD rats were divided into 5 groups by random number table method:normal group,shock group,lactated Ringer's solution(LR)group,CAP pretreatment(single administration before shock)group,CAP pre-final administration(twice administration before and after shock)group,with 9 rats in each group for survival observation.Then 32 SD rats were divided into 4 groups according to the results of survival experiment:normal group,shock group,LR group,CAP pre-final administration group,with 8 rats in each group for blood pressure,hemodynamics,arterial blood gas,vascular reactivi-ty and hepaticand renal blood flow.At the same time,the potential mechanism of CAP in the treat-ment of traumatic hemorrhagic shock was investi-gated by network pharmacology.Furthermore,ap-ply the dataset to validate and analyse the diagnos-tic value of the hub genes.RESULTS:Rats in shock group died within hours of the completion of the shock model,and the mean survival time was 1.25(0.42,6.21)h.LR resuscitation could improve the survival of rats to some extent.The survival rate and survival time of rats in the CAP pretreatment group were slightly increased as compared with the LR group,while twice administration of CAP be-fore and after shock(CAP pre-final administration)resulted in better outcomes than LR resuscitation alone.Further results indicated that CAP pre-final administration significantly reduced the blood lac-tic acid level,improved the vasoconstrictive and di-astolic reactivity,and increased the liver and kidney blood flow of shock rats as compared with LR group.The improvement of hemodynamics and blood gas indexes in CAP group was slightly higher than LR group,but there was no statistical signifi-cance.A total of 37 genes related to CAP anti-trau-matic hemorrhage shock were obtained by net-work pharmacology.KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the Ca ion signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway were significantly enriched.Vali-dation of the dataset showed that the expression levels of CXCR4,NF-kB1,GFPA and NTF3 hub gene were significantly different in the normal and shock groups,and that CXCR4 has a high diagnostic value for traumatic haemorrhagic shock.CONCLUSIONS:CAP,the TRPV1 agonist,significantly improved vas-cular function,increased organ blood flow,and cor-rected the lactic acidosis in rats with traumatic hemorrhagic shock,thus markedly improved the survival outcomes.The mechanism may be related to Ca ion signal pathway and Ras signal pathway.CXCR4,NF-kB1,GFPA and NTF3 may be having an important role in it.