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.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between different states of cardiac function and their changes during the course of diabetic foot ulcers(DFU), and to evaluate their impact on patient prognosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 194 DFU patients who were rehospitalized at approximately 3-month intervals. Basic clinical data and cardiac function-related indicators were collected at baseline and follow-up. Patients were followed until death or until November 10, 2024. Outcomes including ulcer healing, recurrence, minor amputation, and death were recorded. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the effects of cardiac function status and its changes on these four outcomes. Results:After treatment, the proportion of patients with NYHA class Ⅱ-Ⅲ decreased significantly from 33.5% at baseline to 21.6%( P=0.009). Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) level also decreased after treatment compared with baseline [635.85(59.83, 453.28) pg/mL vs 728.67(81.48, 696.15) pg/mL, P=0.055]. Serum NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the death group compared to the survival group( P=0.002). The proportion of DFU patients with baseline NYHA class Ⅱ-Ⅲ was significantly higher than that in those with class Ⅰ( P=0.012). Regression analysis showed that an improvement in NT-proBNP levels was associated with a lower risk of DFU recurrence( OR=0.378, 95% CI 0.183-0.779, P=0.008), and improvement in NYHA class was associated with a lower mortality risk( OR=0.074, 95% CI 0.020-0.275, P<0.001). Conclusion:Cardiac function status and its changes during the treatment of DFU patients have strong prognostic implications, particularly in predicting the risk of recurrence and death outcomes.

Objective To explore the relationship between triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)and acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)of anterior circulation.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with anterior circulation AIS-LVO who underwent emergency endovascular thrombectomy at Neurovascular Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Jan.2018 to Dec.2019.According to modified Rankin scale(mRS)score 90 d after operation,the patients were assigned to favorable outcome group(mRS score 0-2)or unfavorable outcome group(mRS score 3-6),and the TyG was compared.According to the median of TyG,the patients were assigned to low-TyG group(TyG＜8.57)or high-TyG group(TyG ≥8.57),and the clinical data,laboratory indexes,and imaging characteristics were compared.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of TyG for poor prognosis.Results A total of 135 patients were enrolled,with 72 in the favorable outcome group and 63 in the unfavorable outcome group.The TyG of the unfavorable outcome group was significantly higher than that of the favorable outcome group(8.82+0.63 vs 8.43+0.60,P＜0.001).There were 67 patients in the low-TyG group and 68 in the high-TyG group.Compared with the low-TyG group,the proportion of patients with hyperlipidemia history(P=0.003),systolic blood pressure at admission(P=0.018),fasting blood glucose level(P＜0.001),and triglyceride level(P＜0.001)were significantly higher in the high-TyG group,the infarct core volume was significantly larger(P=0.025),the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level was significantly lower(P=0.013),and the mRS score 90 d after operation was significantly higher(3[1,5]vs 1[0,5],P=0.049).The TyG had certain predictive value for poor prognosis in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients(area under curve value=0.662,95％confidence interval 0.571-0.753).Conclusion TyG is elevated in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients with poor prognosis,and may be a potential prognostic indicator for anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients.

Radiomics provides quantitative support for the diagnosis,treatment strategy and prognosis evaluation of brain arteriovenous malformation(bAVM)through high-throughput analysis of imaging data,and it also shows significant advantages in clinical symptom prediction,personalized treatment and clinical outcome prediction.Emerging imaging techniques,such as blood oxygen level-dependent cerebrovascular reactivity imaging and ultrasound technology,provide a new perspective for evaluating the hemodynamic changes and epilepsy susceptibility associated with bAVM.In addition,advances in deep learning algorithms in automatic segmentation of bAVM lesions have greatly improved the accuracy and efficiency of segmentation.With the continuous progress of imaging technology,data analysis algorithms and software,radiomics is expected to play a greater role in precision medicine and individualized treatment,bringing better diagnosis and treatment services and better treatment effects for bAVM patients.

Objective To investigate the safety and effectiveness of endovascular treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)over 24 h after onset.Methods The clinical data of AIS-LVO patients who received endovascular treatment in Neurovascular Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Jan.2018 to Dec.2022 were retrospectively analyzed,including baseline characteristics,imaging findings,treatment,degree of vascular recanalization(modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2b and 3 for successful recanalization)and prognosis.Results A total of 57 patients were included,including 42 males and 15 females,aged from 30 to 84 years old.The most common risk factors were hypertension(39 cases,68.4%),followed by smoking history(24 cases,42.1%),diabetes mellitus(17 cases,29.8%),previous stroke history(16 cases,28.1%),and atrial fibrillation(9 cases,15.8%).Before treatment,the National Institutes of Health stroke scale score was 12.84±7.04,and the Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomography score was 9.00(7.00,10.00).Vascular occlusion sites included middle cerebral artery occlusion in 27(47.4%)cases,internal carotid artery occlusion in 24(42.1%)cases,and tandem lesions in 6(10.5%)cases.The time from onset to femoral artery puncture was 38.30(28.17,53.71)h,and the time from femoral artery puncture to vascular recanalization was 52.00(38.50,92.50)min.General anesthesia was the main anesthesia method,accounting for 64.9%(37/57).The etiological types of stroke were mainly large artery atherosclerosis(38 cases,66.7%),cardiogenic embolism(9 cases,15.8%),unknown causes(6 cases,10.5%),and other clear causes(4 cases,7.0%).Mechanical thrombectomy was the first choice in 41(71.9%)cases,balloon dilatation/stenting was used in 35(61.4%)cases,of which 15(26.3%)cases were the first choice.Finally,53(93.0%)cases were recanalized successfully.In terms of complications,1(1.8%)case had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.The 90-d prognosis rate was 59.6%(34/57),and 3(5.3%)cases died.Conclusion Endovascular treatment for AIS-LVO patients over 24 h after onset has high recanalization rate and good safety,but it still needs to be further verified by randomized controlled trials.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of combination treatment of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE),micro wave ablation(MW A)and targeted immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The clinical data of HCC patients,who were admitted to the Affiliated Central Hospital of Jiangnan University of China to receive TACE from August 2016 to August 2023,were retrospectively analyzed.Based on the inclusion criteria,a total of 252 patients were included in this study.According to the therapeutic scheme,the patients were divided into combination group(receiving TACE,MWA,targeted therapy and immunotherapy,n=41),and control group(receiving TACE alone,n=211).The overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)of the two groups were statistically analyzed.After propensity score matching at 1∶1 ratio,the clinical effects of the two groups were analyzed.According to different data,t-test,test,Kaplan-Meier curve,logarithmic rank test,Cox regression analysis,or Cox proportional risk model analysis was used to make statistical analysis.Results Multivariate regression analysis showed that tumor number,maximum diameter,invasion of large vessels,tumor capsule,AFP level,glutamic oxalacetic transaminase,BCLC stage and Child-Pugh stage were the independent risk factors for patient survival.Imaging response and combination treatment were the protective factors for survival.After propensity score matching,a total of 37 pairs of patients were obtained,and the baseline data were comparable between the groups.The differences in OS and PFS between the two groups were statistically significant.Combination treatment of TACE,MWA,targeted therapy and immunotherapy could significantly prolong OS and PFS in HCC patients.Conclusion Compared with TACE alone,combination use of TACE,MWA,targeted therapy and immunotherapy is a more effective therapeutic scheme for HCC,it can remarkably and effectively improve OS and PFS in HCC patients.

With the development of medical technology and interventional equipment,neurointervention has become an important treatment method for cerebrovascular diseases.Intravascular stenting plays a crucial role in the treatment of cerebral artery stenosis and intracranial aneurysms,and its clinical efficacy and safety are constantly improving.However,as the neurointervention enters the mature stage,the long-term effect of the interventional materials placed within the brain and the problem of the non-degradable nature of the stent material have got obvious concern in clinical practice.The application of biodegradable materials holds promise for solving this dilemma,as their degradation products can be absorbed or excreted by the body.The development history of the biodegradable stents shows that biodegradable stents began to be studied as early as in the 1980s.Due to the features of intracranial arteries,the stents used for intracranial stenosis have to meet higher clinical requirements in terms of flexibility,precision and the influence of degradation products,which are still studied by animal experiment and preliminary clinical research.Flow-diverter devises have already achieved definite clinical effect.Due to the disadvantages of conventional metal stents,such as artifacts,which have a long-term influence on the imaging quality,the degradable flow-diverter devices have become a current research hot spot,the materials include metal,metal-polymer mixture,polymer,etc.Researchers are still exploring the material selection,control of degradation time and optimization of pore density.In conclusion,biodegradable stents used for intracranial stenosis and biodegradable flow-diverter devices have broad application prospects,although more studies are need to be conducted before biodegradable stents can be widely used in clinical practice.

Objective To analyze the risk of postoperative ileus in severe ulcerative colitis(UC)patients undergoing total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis(TPC-IPAA)and develop and validate a nomogram prediction model.Methods A total of 278 severe UC patients un-dergoing TPC-IPAA from January 2018 to May 2022 were enrolled and divided into ileus group(n=73)and non-ileus group(n=205)based on the occurrence of postoperative ileus.Another 120 severe UC patients undergoing TPC-IPAA from June 2022 to April 2023 were selected as validation cohort(with a 7-to-3 ratio between the modeling cohort and the validation cohort).Factors influen-cing postoperative ileus in severe UC patients undergoing TPC-IPAA were analyzed to construct a No-mogram prediction model.The discrimination,consistency,and clinical utility of the Nomogram model were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve,and decision curve analysis(DC A).Results There were no significant differences in general characteristics be-tween the modeling cohort and the validation cohort(P＞0.05).Significant differences were ob-served in preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)classification,preoperative al-bumin level,history of abdominal surgery,surgical approach,operation duration,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative intra-abdominal infection between the ileus group and the non-ileus-group(P＜0.05).Preoperative ASA classification,preoperative albumin level,history of abdomi-nal surgery,operation duration,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative intra-abdominal infec-tion were independent influencing factors for postoperative ileus in severe UC patients undergoing TPC-IPAA(P＜0.05).The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of the Nomogram model for predicting postoperative ileus in severe UC patients undergoing TPC-IPAA was 0.782(95％CI,0.723 to 0.842)in the modeling cohort and 0.785(95％CI,0.693 to 0.878)in the validation cohort,indicating good discrimination of the model.The calibration curve demonstrated good consistency of the nomogram model.The DCA curve suggested high clinical utility of the Nomogram model.Conclusion The risk of postoperative ileus in severe UC patients undergoing TPC-IPAA is influenced by preoperative ASA classification,history of abdominal surgery,preopera-tive albumin level,intraoperative blood loss,operation duration,and postoperative intra-abdominal infection.The nomogram prediction model developed based on these factors has high predictive per-formance for the risk of postoperative ileus.