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.

Objective:To analyze the epidemic characteristics and changing trends of human brucellosis in Tangshan City, providing a basis for brucellosis prevention and control.Methods:Brucellosis surveillance data and historical surveillance data of Tangshan City reported from 2007 to 2022 in China Disease Prevention and Control Information System were collected. A descriptive analysis using retrospective methods was conducted to summarize the epidemic situation, distribution of three (population, time, region) and pathogenic monitoring results of brucellosis. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the trend of brucellosis incidence.Results:From 2007 to 2022, a total of 3 949 cases of brucellosis were reported in Tangshan City, with the annual incidence ranging from 0.24 per 100 000 to 7.17 per 100 000, showing an upward trend (AAPC = 18.42%, 95% CI: 10.16% - 24.67%, P < 0.001). The affected population was mainly composed of those aged 40 - 69 years old (3 582 cases, accounting for 90.71%), male (2 957 cases, accounting for 74.88%), and farmers (3 432 cases, accounting for 86.91%). The onset time was mainly concentrated from March to August. The average annual incidence rates of brucellosis in the eastern region, western region and the central urban area were 5.31 per 100 000, 1.84 per 100 000, and 1.42 per 100 000, respectively. There were statistically significant differences among different regions (χ 2 = 1 049.17, P < 0.001). Pathogenic monitoring results revealed that 12 Brucella strains were isolated, all identified as sheep type 3. Conclusions:The incidence of brucellosis in Tangshan City is on the rise from 2007 to 2022. The incidence is mainly among middle-aged and elderly male famers, and it shows s distinct seasonal pattern. It is suggested to strengthen the prevention and control of brucellosis in the whole city.

Microphthalmos is a congenital ocular developmental anomaly that manifests as a significant reduction in the size of eyes,and is often combined with various ocular disorders such as cataract.Due to its special intraocular anatomical features,the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications of cataract surgery in microphthalmos is usually high.Combined with subscleral sclerectomy,peripheral iridectomy,and anterior segment vitrectomy,the incidence of the pre-existing complications in cataract surgery has decreased,meanwhile,the additional procedures may also bring new complications.In-depth understanding of the research progress of cataract surgery in microphthalmos and the prevention of complications is of great guiding significance to improve surgical outcomes,and can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications such as uveal effusion syndrome,secondary glaucoma and corneal edema,and promote personalized treatments for microphthalmos patients who suffered from cataract.

Objective To investigate the effects of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer(BC)and esophageal cancer(EC)tissue samples in order to establish evidence-based protocols for biobank sample management.Methods The tumor(T)and paired normal(N)tissue samples from 6 cases of BC and 6 cases of EC were collected and cryopreserved in Biobank,Shantou Central Hospital.Mirror paraffin-embedded tissues were simultaneously prepared into sections for morphological analysis.The samples were divided into two groups of<15 min and 15-30 min according to ischemia time,and RNA quality was analyzed at 4 storage periods of 8-10 months(T1),14-16 months(T2),26-28 months(T3)and 38-40 months(T4).Results In 96 analyzed samples,93.8%(90/96)exhibited high quality(RIN≥6),with 89.6%(43/48)in BC and 97.9%(47/48)in EC.Significant differences in RIN were observed between BC group and EC group(8.050 vs.8.600,P=0.009).In EC group,RIN value was significantly negatively correlated with RNA yield(P<0.001).Moreover,RIN values of tumor-normal pairs exhibited markedly significant differences(7.550 vs.9.000,P<0.001).In contrast,no significant difference was detected in BC group(8.200 vs.7.700,P=0.348).Statistical analysis showed that RIN value was positively correlated with 28S/18S(P<0.001),but had no correlation with tumor content(P=0.676)and necrotic content(P=0.055).Neither ischemia time(<15 min vs.15-30 min:8.200 vs.8.300,P=0.932)nor storage periods(T1-T4:8.400,7.700,8.450,8.600,P=0.163)compromised RNA quality.Conclusion Organ origin and tissue type could influence RNA quality of fresh-frozen tissue samples.However,limited ischemia time(≤30 min)and long-term storage period(38-40 months)do not adversely affect RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples.

Microphthalmos is a congenital ocular developmental anomaly that manifests as a significant reduction in the size of eyes,and is often combined with various ocular disorders such as cataract.Due to its special intraocular anatomical features,the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications of cataract surgery in microphthalmos is usually high.Combined with subscleral sclerectomy,peripheral iridectomy,and anterior segment vitrectomy,the incidence of the pre-existing complications in cataract surgery has decreased,meanwhile,the additional procedures may also bring new complications.In-depth understanding of the research progress of cataract surgery in microphthalmos and the prevention of complications is of great guiding significance to improve surgical outcomes,and can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications such as uveal effusion syndrome,secondary glaucoma and corneal edema,and promote personalized treatments for microphthalmos patients who suffered from cataract.

Objective To investigate the effects of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer(BC)and esophageal cancer(EC)tissue samples in order to establish evidence-based protocols for biobank sample management.Methods The tumor(T)and paired normal(N)tissue samples from 6 cases of BC and 6 cases of EC were collected and cryopreserved in Biobank,Shantou Central Hospital.Mirror paraffin-embedded tissues were simultaneously prepared into sections for morphological analysis.The samples were divided into two groups of<15 min and 15-30 min according to ischemia time,and RNA quality was analyzed at 4 storage periods of 8-10 months(T1),14-16 months(T2),26-28 months(T3)and 38-40 months(T4).Results In 96 analyzed samples,93.8%(90/96)exhibited high quality(RIN≥6),with 89.6%(43/48)in BC and 97.9%(47/48)in EC.Significant differences in RIN were observed between BC group and EC group(8.050 vs.8.600,P=0.009).In EC group,RIN value was significantly negatively correlated with RNA yield(P<0.001).Moreover,RIN values of tumor-normal pairs exhibited markedly significant differences(7.550 vs.9.000,P<0.001).In contrast,no significant difference was detected in BC group(8.200 vs.7.700,P=0.348).Statistical analysis showed that RIN value was positively correlated with 28S/18S(P<0.001),but had no correlation with tumor content(P=0.676)and necrotic content(P=0.055).Neither ischemia time(<15 min vs.15-30 min:8.200 vs.8.300,P=0.932)nor storage periods(T1-T4:8.400,7.700,8.450,8.600,P=0.163)compromised RNA quality.Conclusion Organ origin and tissue type could influence RNA quality of fresh-frozen tissue samples.However,limited ischemia time(≤30 min)and long-term storage period(38-40 months)do not adversely affect RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples.

Objective:Exploring the role and mechanism of CHMP4C in regulating necroptosis during gastric can-cer development and progression.Method:The expression of CHMP4C in pan-cancer was analyzed by bioinformatics methods,and the expression of CHMP4C was detected in human normal gastric epithelial cells and GC cell lines by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Overexpression or knockdown of CHMP4C was performed in GC cell lines,and the effects of CHMP4C on the growth and proliferation of GC cells were detected using CCK-8 and clone formation assays.The CCK-8 experiment and Hoechst/PI double staining experiment were used to detect the changes in GC cell mortality and PI positive cell ratio after treatment with the necroptsis inducer TSZ or inhibitor necrostatin-1(Nec-1).Western blot assay was used to detect the protein and phosphorylation levels of RIPK1,RIPK3,and MLKL in GC cells.Result:CHMP4C was upregulated in GC tissues and cells.The CCK-8 and clone formation experiments showed that overex-pression of CHMP4C significantly improved the proliferation ability and colony formation efficiency of GC cells,while knockdown of CHMP4C significantly weakened GC cells.Moreover,the results of CCK-8 and Hoechst 33342/PI double staining experiments showed that upregulated CHMP4C could inhibit TSZ induced GC cell death;Nec-1 can reverse the decrease in GC cell viability caused by CHMP4C knockdown.Western blot experiment showed that the levels of p-RIPK1,p-RIPK3,and p-MLKL were significantly decreased in overexpressing cells,while they were increased in knockdown cells.After treatment with Nec-1,the expression levels of these three proteins decreased in knockdown cells.Conclusion:CHMP4C may promote GC progression by negatively regulating necroptosis through inhibiting the phosphorylation of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway,suggesting that it is expected to be a potential target for GC therapy.

Background and Aims:Rhabdoid carcinoma of the colon(RCC)is an exceptionally rare and highly aggressive malignancy characterized by early metastasis and poor prognosis,with no standardized treatment available.We report a case of ascending colon RCC and summarize previously published cases to improve understanding of its clinicopathologic and molecular features.Methods:The clinical data,imaging,pathology,and immunohistochemistry of one patient treated at Xiangya Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.In addition,36 published RCC cases were systematically reviewed.Clinical characteristics,tumor location,immunophenotype,molecular alterations,treatments,and survival outcomes were extracted and summarized.Results:A 71-year-old man presented with abdominal distension,pain,and altered bowel habits.Imaging and colonoscopy indicated an obstructing ascending colon mass.Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed.Pathology revealed poorly differentiated RCC infiltrating the serosa with 4/21 lymph-node metastases.Immunohistochemistry showed AE1/AE3(+),vimentin(+),CDX2(-),CK20(-),and Ki-67(80%+),with retained INI1 expression.Genetic testing indicated KRAS mutation and wild-type BRAFV600E.The patient received no adjuvant therapy and died of peritoneal metastasis within 3 months.Including this case,37 RCC patients(male to female ratio=1.3∶1;mean age 66 years)have been documented.Sixty-two percent of tumors were right-sided.Most exhibited rhabdoid morphology with diffuse vimentin positivity(97.06%)and AE1/AE3 positivity(100.00%),while CDX2 was negative in 85.71%.BRAFV600E mutation was present in 65.00%,and KRAS mutation in 22.73%of tested cases.Among 28 patients with MMR data,60.71%were pMMR and 39.29%dMMR.Although surgery was the primary treatment,78.79%of patients died within 1 year(median survival 6.0 months),with only a few long-term survivors following adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy.Conclusion:RCC is a rapidly progressive colorectal malignancy with extremely poor prognosis and limited response to conventional chemotherapy.Tumor dedifferentiation,INI1 deficiency,and alterations in KRAS/BRAF-MAPK signaling may contribute to its pathogenesis.Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment,but incorporation of immunotherapy,targeted agents,and radiotherapy may offer potential benefits.Further studies are urgently needed to define effective therapeutic strategies.

Background and Aims:Rhabdoid carcinoma of the colon(RCC)is an exceptionally rare and highly aggressive malignancy characterized by early metastasis and poor prognosis,with no standardized treatment available.We report a case of ascending colon RCC and summarize previously published cases to improve understanding of its clinicopathologic and molecular features.Methods:The clinical data,imaging,pathology,and immunohistochemistry of one patient treated at Xiangya Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.In addition,36 published RCC cases were systematically reviewed.Clinical characteristics,tumor location,immunophenotype,molecular alterations,treatments,and survival outcomes were extracted and summarized.Results:A 71-year-old man presented with abdominal distension,pain,and altered bowel habits.Imaging and colonoscopy indicated an obstructing ascending colon mass.Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was performed.Pathology revealed poorly differentiated RCC infiltrating the serosa with 4/21 lymph-node metastases.Immunohistochemistry showed AE1/AE3(+),vimentin(+),CDX2(-),CK20(-),and Ki-67(80%+),with retained INI1 expression.Genetic testing indicated KRAS mutation and wild-type BRAFV600E.The patient received no adjuvant therapy and died of peritoneal metastasis within 3 months.Including this case,37 RCC patients(male to female ratio=1.3∶1;mean age 66 years)have been documented.Sixty-two percent of tumors were right-sided.Most exhibited rhabdoid morphology with diffuse vimentin positivity(97.06%)and AE1/AE3 positivity(100.00%),while CDX2 was negative in 85.71%.BRAFV600E mutation was present in 65.00%,and KRAS mutation in 22.73%of tested cases.Among 28 patients with MMR data,60.71%were pMMR and 39.29%dMMR.Although surgery was the primary treatment,78.79%of patients died within 1 year(median survival 6.0 months),with only a few long-term survivors following adjuvant chemotherapy or immunotherapy.Conclusion:RCC is a rapidly progressive colorectal malignancy with extremely poor prognosis and limited response to conventional chemotherapy.Tumor dedifferentiation,INI1 deficiency,and alterations in KRAS/BRAF-MAPK signaling may contribute to its pathogenesis.Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment,but incorporation of immunotherapy,targeted agents,and radiotherapy may offer potential benefits.Further studies are urgently needed to define effective therapeutic strategies.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a traditional broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug, but long-term use of VPA will increase the risk of adverse drug reactions, with metabolic syndrome being the most common and often leading to infertility in men. Therefore, it is crucial to explore the relationship between epilepsy, VPA, metabolic syndrome and reproduction, the underlying pathogenesis, risk factors, and therapeutic measures. This exploration is essential for preventing adverse drug reactions and for guiding safe and rational use of drugs in clinical practice. This article summarizes the incidence of drug-induced metabolic syndrome and infertility in men with epilepsy who are treated with oral VPA, aiming to provide new research insights for optimizing treatment and reducing drug side effects.