Elucidate the influence of RFRP-3 on follicular development and steroid hormone synthe-sis in mice.Forty 6-week-old female KM mice were randomly allocated into four groups,namely the 0(control),100,500 and 2 000 ng/d treatment groups.Each group received daily intraperitoneal injections of RFRP-3 for a duration of 7 days.The ovarian coefficients were calculated and recorded by measuring the wet weight of the ovaries.The effects of RFRP-3 at different concentrations on follicular maturation in mice were investigated through HE staining.Western blot analysis was em-ployed to assess the expression of apoptosis-related proteins,steroidogenic enzymes,and oocyte se-cretion factors within the mouse ovaries.The concentrations of progesterone(P4)and estradiol(E2)in the serum of the mice were determined using radioimmunoassay techniques.The results re-vealed no significant differences in body weight between the experimental groups and the control.However,the ovarian coefficients in the 500 and 2 000 ng/d treatment groups were significantly re-duced when compared to the control(P＜0.01).A marked decrease in the numbers of secondary and antral follicles was observed in the 500 ng/d and 2 000 ng/d groups(P＜0.01),concomitant with a substantial increase in atretic follicles(P＜0.01).A significant decline in follicle count was also noted in these groups(P＜0.01).Compared to the control,the protein expression of Bax and Caspase3 was substantially upregulated in the 500 and 2 000 ng/d treatment groups(P＜0.05),while the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly downregulated(P＜0.01).Similarly,the protein expression of 3βHSD,StAR,CYP11a1,and CYP17a1 was significantly decreased at the 500 and 2 000 ng/d groups(P＜0.01).E2 concentrations were moderately reduced in the 500 ng/d group(P＜0.05)and significantly decreased in the 2000 ng/d group(P＜0.01),whereas P4 levels remained unchanged across all experimental groups.Notably,the expression of BMP15 and GDF9 at both the gene and protein levels was markedly attenuated in the 500 and 2 000 ng/d treatment groups compared to the control(P＜0.05).In conclusion,RFRP-3 appears to inhibit follicular de-velopment and steroid hormone secretion in mice by modulating the expression of apoptotic fac-tors,oocyte secretion factors,and steroidogenic enzymes within the ovaries.This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of RFRP-3 on mammalian follicular development and steroid hormone synthesis.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithms in reconstructing lumbar vertebrae images from abdominal CT scans,aiming to reduce radiation dose and eliminate the need for repeat lumbar CT examinations.Materials and Methods A retrospective collection was conducted from March to May 2024 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Thirty-two patients who underwent both abdominal and lumbar CT scans in a supine head-first position were enrolled.The abdominal CT(DLIR group)utilized a tube voltage of 120 kVp and a current of 200 mA with high-intensity DLIR for lumbar reconstruction.The standard lumbar CT(lumbar group)used the same voltage with a tube current of 260 mA and was reconstructed using 60%weighted adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction.Objective assessments was used to measure the CT values,noise(standard deviation,SD value),signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio(excluding adipose tissue)at the third lumbar vertebral pedicle level and the L2/L3 intervertebral disc level for muscle,adipose tissue,cancellous bone,intervertebral discs,dura mater and cortical bone.Subjective assessments employed a five-point scale to evaluate image contrast,noise and sharpness.Results The volume CT dose index in lumbar group and DLIR group were 15.25 mGy and 11.74 mGy,respectively.There was no statistical difference in CT values between the structures of both groups(all P>0.05).Compared with the lumbar group,the DLIR group showed significant reductions in SD values across the measured tissues by 31.09%,35.66%,13.48%,27.82%,24.93%and 15.09%(t=5.09-7.21,all P<0.05).The signal-to-noise ratio improved by 36.40%,52.31%,16.56%,34.13%,38.39%and 18.81%,and the contrast-to-noise ratio improved by 51.70%,51.32%,36.24%,34.47%and 53.56%(t=-9.58--4.23,all P<0.001).The DLIR group significantly outperformed the lumbar group in image contrast[4.45(4.00,5.00)points vs.4.75(4.00,5.00)points],image noise[4.06(4.00,4.00)points vs.4.39(4.00,5.00)points],and spatial resolution of fine structures[4.00(4.00,4.00)points vs.4.27(4.00,5.00)points](Z=-3.80,-4.38,-3.55,all P<0.001).Conclusion Using high-intensity DLIR for abdominal examinations can achieve high-quality lumbar CT images with a 25%reduction in radiation dose,enabling simultaneous abdominal and lumbar scanning in a single session.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is a highly heterogeneous disease.Although standard first-line regimens can cure＞50%of patients,approximately one-third of them develop relapsed/refractory DLBCL(r/r DLBCL).Consequently,immunotherapy targeting molecular abnormalities has become pivotal for managing r/r DLBCL.The results of this review show that with advances in understanding DLBCL pathogenesis and the tumor immune microenvironment,antibody-based therapies have evolved rapidly,progressing from monoclonal antibodies(e.g.,rituximab,tafasitamab)to bispecific antibodies(e.g.,odronextamab,glofitamab,epcoritamab)and antibody-drug conjugate(e.g.,polatuzumab vedotin,loncastuximab tesirine).These engineered agents enhance immune cytotoxicity and tumor-specific targeting,providing novel therapeutic options for r/r DLBCL patients.

Objective To investigate the autophagy activation effect of hernandezine (HER) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and its role in inducing autophagic cell death. Methods The inhibitory effects of HER on the proliferation of HCC cell lines Hep 3B and Huh-7 were assessed using CCK-8 assay. HCC cells were treated with HER at different concentrations and time points gradient. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the conversion of autophagy marker LC3 from type Ⅰ to type Ⅱ and the levels of SQSTM1/p62. Stable red fluorescent protein(RFP)-LC3-expressing cell lines were established through lentiviral infection, and the accumulation of RFP-LC3 puncta following HER treatment was observed under confocal microscope. Autophagosomes in HER-treated cells were visualized using transmission electron microscopy. The effects of autophagy inhibitors, bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), in combination with HER were investigated by analyzing cell death rates via flow cytometry. The phosphorylation levels of adenosine 5′-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) were assessed by Western blot.Results HER inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells Hep 3B and Huh-7, promoted the conversion of LC3-Ⅰ to LC3-Ⅱ, and activated autophagy in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed a significant increase in autophagic vesicles in HER-treated cells. HER-induced cell death was attenuated by the autophagy inhibitors BafA1 or HCQ. HER treatment increased AMPK phosphorylation levels while decreasing mTOR phosphorylation levels.Conclusions HER induces autophagy and promotes autophagic cell death in HCC cells via the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Elucidate the influence of RFRP-3 on follicular development and steroid hormone synthe-sis in mice.Forty 6-week-old female KM mice were randomly allocated into four groups,namely the 0(control),100,500 and 2 000 ng/d treatment groups.Each group received daily intraperitoneal injections of RFRP-3 for a duration of 7 days.The ovarian coefficients were calculated and recorded by measuring the wet weight of the ovaries.The effects of RFRP-3 at different concentrations on follicular maturation in mice were investigated through HE staining.Western blot analysis was em-ployed to assess the expression of apoptosis-related proteins,steroidogenic enzymes,and oocyte se-cretion factors within the mouse ovaries.The concentrations of progesterone(P4)and estradiol(E2)in the serum of the mice were determined using radioimmunoassay techniques.The results re-vealed no significant differences in body weight between the experimental groups and the control.However,the ovarian coefficients in the 500 and 2 000 ng/d treatment groups were significantly re-duced when compared to the control(P＜0.01).A marked decrease in the numbers of secondary and antral follicles was observed in the 500 ng/d and 2 000 ng/d groups(P＜0.01),concomitant with a substantial increase in atretic follicles(P＜0.01).A significant decline in follicle count was also noted in these groups(P＜0.01).Compared to the control,the protein expression of Bax and Caspase3 was substantially upregulated in the 500 and 2 000 ng/d treatment groups(P＜0.05),while the expression of Bcl-2 protein was significantly downregulated(P＜0.01).Similarly,the protein expression of 3βHSD,StAR,CYP11a1,and CYP17a1 was significantly decreased at the 500 and 2 000 ng/d groups(P＜0.01).E2 concentrations were moderately reduced in the 500 ng/d group(P＜0.05)and significantly decreased in the 2000 ng/d group(P＜0.01),whereas P4 levels remained unchanged across all experimental groups.Notably,the expression of BMP15 and GDF9 at both the gene and protein levels was markedly attenuated in the 500 and 2 000 ng/d treatment groups compared to the control(P＜0.05).In conclusion,RFRP-3 appears to inhibit follicular de-velopment and steroid hormone secretion in mice by modulating the expression of apoptotic fac-tors,oocyte secretion factors,and steroidogenic enzymes within the ovaries.This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of RFRP-3 on mammalian follicular development and steroid hormone synthesis.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithms in reconstructing lumbar vertebrae images from abdominal CT scans,aiming to reduce radiation dose and eliminate the need for repeat lumbar CT examinations.Materials and Methods A retrospective collection was conducted from March to May 2024 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Thirty-two patients who underwent both abdominal and lumbar CT scans in a supine head-first position were enrolled.The abdominal CT(DLIR group)utilized a tube voltage of 120 kVp and a current of 200 mA with high-intensity DLIR for lumbar reconstruction.The standard lumbar CT(lumbar group)used the same voltage with a tube current of 260 mA and was reconstructed using 60%weighted adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction.Objective assessments was used to measure the CT values,noise(standard deviation,SD value),signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio(excluding adipose tissue)at the third lumbar vertebral pedicle level and the L2/L3 intervertebral disc level for muscle,adipose tissue,cancellous bone,intervertebral discs,dura mater and cortical bone.Subjective assessments employed a five-point scale to evaluate image contrast,noise and sharpness.Results The volume CT dose index in lumbar group and DLIR group were 15.25 mGy and 11.74 mGy,respectively.There was no statistical difference in CT values between the structures of both groups(all P>0.05).Compared with the lumbar group,the DLIR group showed significant reductions in SD values across the measured tissues by 31.09%,35.66%,13.48%,27.82%,24.93%and 15.09%(t=5.09-7.21,all P<0.05).The signal-to-noise ratio improved by 36.40%,52.31%,16.56%,34.13%,38.39%and 18.81%,and the contrast-to-noise ratio improved by 51.70%,51.32%,36.24%,34.47%and 53.56%(t=-9.58--4.23,all P<0.001).The DLIR group significantly outperformed the lumbar group in image contrast[4.45(4.00,5.00)points vs.4.75(4.00,5.00)points],image noise[4.06(4.00,4.00)points vs.4.39(4.00,5.00)points],and spatial resolution of fine structures[4.00(4.00,4.00)points vs.4.27(4.00,5.00)points](Z=-3.80,-4.38,-3.55,all P<0.001).Conclusion Using high-intensity DLIR for abdominal examinations can achieve high-quality lumbar CT images with a 25%reduction in radiation dose,enabling simultaneous abdominal and lumbar scanning in a single session.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of cases with different congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM) volume ratios (CVR) and the effect of maternal glucocorticoid treatment during pregnancy on CPAM.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 56 singleton pregnant women with fetal CPAM diagnosed prenatally in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, from September 2020 to May 2023. Among these, three cases received maternal glucocorticoid treatment during pregnancy and clinical conditions were reported in detail. Statistical analyses were performed using independent sample t-tests, non-parametric tests, Chi-square tests, or Fisher's exact test. Results:(1) General information: The average age of the 56 pregnant women with CPAM fetuses was (32.0±0.7) years. All fetuses had unilateral lesions, with 25 cases (44.6%) on the left side. Types Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ CPAM accounted for 5.4% (3/56), 50.0% (28/56), and 44.6% (25/56), respectively. Fetal hydrops occurred in two cases, and the maximum CVR during the fetal period for the other 54 non-hydropic fetuses was 0.79±0.66. (2) The CVR threshold for the risk of fetal hydrops was set as the mean maximum CVR of non-hydropic CPAM fetuses plus 2 standard deviations (0.79+2×0.66=2.1). The subjects were divided into two groups based on the maximum CVR during the fetal period: CVR≤2.0 group ( n=50) and CVR>2.0 group ( n=6). Comparison between the CVR>2.0 group and CVR≤2.0 group: The CVR>2.0 group had significantly higher rates of fetal hydrops [2/6 vs. 0.0% (0/50), Fisher's exact test], mediastinal shift [5/6 vs. 32.0% (16/50), χ 2=4.03], polyhydramnios [6/6 vs. 4.0% (2/50), Fisher's exact test], and postnatal surgery [4/5 vs. 22.2% (10/45), continuity correction χ 2=4.86] (all P<0.05). None of the fetuses with CVR≤2.0 had hydrops or received intrauterine intervention. The overall live birth rate was 89.3% (50/56). (3) Maternal glucocorticoid treatment during pregnancy: three of six fetuses with CVR>2.0 were treated with maternal glucocorticoid during pregnancy, and all were delivered alive at term after the intervention with resolution of edema and/or reduction in mass size. Two of them were treated with postnatal thoracoscopic surgery and were followed up to 5 and 14 months of age, respectively, with no abnormalities in feeding and development; the other was not treated surgically until 3 months of age, with no respiratory-related symptoms and no abnormalities in feeding and development. Conclusions:Prenatal ultrasound indicating CVR>2.0 is associated with increased rates of fetal hydrops, mediastinal shift, and polyhydramnios. Maternal glucocorticoid treatment during pregnancy may lead to favorable pregnancy outcomes for these CPAM fetuses.

Cancer genomics has led to the discovery of numerous oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that play critical roles in cancer development and progression.Oncogenes promote cell growth and proliferation,whereas tumor suppressor genes inhibit cell growth and division.The dysregulation of these genes can lead to the development of cancer.Recent studies have focused on non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs),including circular RNA(circRNA),long non-coding RNA(lncRNA),and microRNA(miRNA),as therapeutic targets for cancer.In this article,we discuss the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes of ncRNAs associated with different types of cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets.Here,we highlight the mechanisms of action of these genes and their clinical applications in cancer treatment.Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and identifying specific therapeutic targets are essential steps towards the development of effective cancer treatments.

Objective To establish an animal model of postmortem redistribution of amantadine,and to study its postmortem redistribution in rats,so as to provide experimental evidence for forensic identification.Methods One hundred and twenty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups and subjected to intragastric administration according to the maximum dose of treatment(L),LD50(M)and 2LD50(H).Those who did not die were killed according to the average time of death of LD50.Heart-blood,peripheral blood,heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney,brain,muscle and testis were collected at 0 h,6 h,12 h,24 h,48 h,72 h and 96 h after death,and amantadine content was detected.Results For the rats in the L group,the concentration of amantadine decreased within 6 h after death and then increased in the heart-blood,heart and liver,unchanged within 48 h and reached the peak at 96 h in the spleen,kidney,brain,muscle and testis,while decreased in the lung.For the rats in the M group,the concentration of amantadine decreased within 24 h after death and then increased in all samples,and it reached the peak at 48 h after death in the peripheral blood,spleen,kidney and muscle tissues,at 72 h after death in the heart-blood and testis,and at 96 h after death in the liver,lung and brain tissues.For the rats in the H group,the concentration of amantadine showed a downward trend within 12 h after death in the heart and liver tissue,showed a downward trend within 48 h after death in the lung,brain and muscle tissue,and reached the peak at 96 h after death in the heart,liver,spleen,muscle and testicle tissues.Conclusion The postmortem redistribution was found in amantadine poisoning dead rats,which could provide experimental evidence for the forensic identification of death cases caused by amantadine poisoning.

Objective:To evaluate the relationship between preoperative serum cystatin C (Cys C) concentration and postoperative delirium (POD) in the patients.Methods:Three hundred and ninety patients, aged >50 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰor Ⅱ, scheduled for elective knee and hip replacement under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia, with Mini-Mental State Examination scores >23 at 1 day before operation, were included in the study. Peripheral blood samples were collected before operation, and the serum Cys C concentration was measured by the latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 2 ml was collected after successful spinal-epidural puncture for determination of amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42), total tau (T-tau) and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients were divided into POD group and non-POD group according to whether POD occurred. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk and protective factors for POD, and the mediating effect of CSF biomarkers was analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to evaluate the accuracy of serum Cys C concentration and combination of serum Cys C conceatration and CSF biomarker concentration in predicting POD.Results:Three hundred and twenty-seven patients were finally enrolled, and the incidence of POD was 13.5%. The results of logistic regression showed that increased serum Cys C concentration and increased concentrations of P-tau and T-tau in CSF were risk factors for POD, while increased concentration of Aβ42 and increased Aβ42/P-tau ratio and Aβ42/T-tau ratio in CSF were protective factors for POD ( P<0.05) after adjusting for multiple confounding variables such as age, sex, years of education, Mini-Mental State Examination score, smoking history, drinking history, hypertension and diabetes history. The mediation analysis showed that the relationship between serum Cys C concentration and POD was mediated by T-tau concentration in CSF (11.1%) and by Aβ42/T-tau ratio in CSF (18.0%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum Cys C and CSF biomarker concentrations in predicting POD was 0.807 ( P<0.001). Conclusions:Increase in preoperative serum Cys C concentration is a risk factor for POD. T-tau concentration and Aβ42/T-tau ratio in CSF serve as the key mediators in the relationship between preoperative serum Cys C concentration and POD.