Objective:To investigate the changes in and correlations between melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and androgen levels in the serum of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), aiming to provide a novel research perspective for its diagnosis.Methods:A cross-sectional study. A total of 307 subjects were enrolled from the physical examination center and endocrinology clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from June 2023 to June 2024. The cohort comprised 114 healthy controls and 193 patients with PCOS, diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. The patients were grouped into four phenotypes: Phenotype A (hyperandrogenemia [HA]+ovulatory dysfunction [OA]+polycystic ovarian morphology [PCOM], n=44), Phenotype B (HA+OA, n=50), Phenotype C (HA+PCOM, n=46), and Phenotype D (OA+PCOM, n=53). Clinical data were collected for all subjects. Serum MCH levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between MCH and androgen-related risk factors for PCOS was analyzed using Spearman partial correlation analysis and stepwise multiple linear hierarchical regression. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing PCOS onset. The diagnostic value of MCH for PCOS was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:There were no significant differences in age and height between the healthy control group and the PCOS phenotypic groups (both P>0.05). MCH levels [17.63 (12.69, 22.00), 17.31 (11.05, 20.09), 17.82 (11.47, 19.40), 16.50 (11.14, 19.41) μg/L vs. 12.14 (9.78, 15.05) μg/L], homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum lisulin, body mass index, and weight were significantly higher across all four PCOS phenotypes (A, B, C, and D) than in healthy controls (all P<0.05), whereas sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) contents were significantly lower ( P<0.05). Free androgen index (FAI), total testosterone (TES) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels were significantly higher in PCOS phenotypes A, B, and C than in the control group and PCOS phenotype D (all P<0.05). Spearman partial correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between MCH and TES, DHEA, or FAI in healthy controls and patients with non-HA PCOS (all P>0.05). However, in PCOS patients with HA, MCH showed a significant positive correlation with TES and DHEA ( r=0.227 and 0.196, respectively; both P<0.05), but not FAI ( P>0.05). Stepwise multiple linear hierarchical regression analysis showed that MCH was positively correlated with TES, DHEA and luteinizing hormone and negatively correlated with SHBG (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression indicated that an increase in MCH may be a potential risk factor for PCOS occurrence ( OR=1.113, 95% CI 1.012-1.224, P=0.028). ROC analysis showed that MCH has diagnostic value for PCOS ( P<0.05), with an area under the curve of 0.713. Conclusion:Serum MCH is closely related to FAI, TES, and DHEA levels in PCOS patients and may play an important role in the etiology and progression of the syndrome.

Objective:This study aimed to analyze the infection status of viral viruria within one year after kidney transplantation, its impact on renal allograft function, and associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted, involving 370 patients who underwent allogeneic kidney transplantation at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Urinary viral loads of BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were detected using PCR fluorescent probe assays. Patients were categorized into infection and non-infection groups. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and tacrolimus trough concentration was measured during infections, and clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for viral viruria.Results:The 1-year patient survival rate and graft survival rate were both 98.6%. The incidence rates of viral viruria were as follows: JCV (42.7%), BKV (29.7%), CMV (11.6%), and EBV (2.9%), with statistically significant differences among viruses ( P<0.001). Single viral infection accounted for 48% of cases, while co-infections were predominantly BKV+JCV (9%). JCV infection rates remained consistently high throughout the year (22.4%-28.9%), whereas BKV infections peaked at 3 months postoperatively (20.5%). Co-infection with low-load JCV (>2 000 copies/ml) and CMV (>6 000 copies/ml) led to a significant decline in GFR at 6 months post-transplantation [median difference: 16.7 ml/(min×1.73 m2), P=0.019]. Univariate analysis revealed that elevated tacrolimus trough concentration was independent risk factor for BKV (4.90 vs. 4.30 ng/ml, Z=4.29, P<0.001) and JCV infections (5.30 vs. 4.80 ng/ml, Z=4.25, P<0.001). Conclusion:High incidences of JCV and BKV infections were observed post-kidney transplantation. Co-infection with low-load JCV and CMV accelerates renal function impairment, highlighting the critical role of tacrolimus concentration management in reducing viral infection risks.

Objective:To investigate the impact of different target sites, number of treatments, and age on setup errors in dual-isocenter radiotherapy for breast cancer, and to provide a basis for planning target volume (PTV) margin expansion.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 15 patients with left-sided breast cancer who underwent dual-isocenter breath-hold radiotherapy in the Department of Radiotherapy Oncology at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from May 2021 to May 2023. Setup errors were acquired using a Varian TrueBeam STX linear accelerator. Patients were grouped by target site (supraclavicular/chest wall), treatment phase (early/late), and age (younger/older). Non-parametric tests were used to analyze differences in setup errors in : vertical (Vrt), longitudinal (Lng), lateral (Lat) directions, and pitch, roll, and rotation (Rtn) angles. The formula proposed by van Herk was applied to calculate PTV margins.Results:The Vrt direction setup error in the supraclavicular region (0.2 cm) was smaller than that in the chest wall region (0.26 cm), but errors and margin expansions in other directions were larger ( P<0.05 for Lng and Lat directions). No significant correlation was observed in Vrt direction errors between the two sites ( P=0.062), while significant correlations were found in the other directions and angles (all P<0.05). As treatment progressed, setup errors increased in the Vrt and Rtn directions for the supraclavicular region, and in the Vrt, Lng, Lat directions and Rtn angle for the chest wall region. Among these, only the increase in Lat direction error for the chest wall region was statistically significant ( P=0.028). The PTV margins in the late phase group (except for the Lat direction of the supraclavicular region) were greater than or equal to those in the early phase group. Elderly patients had significantly larger setup errors than younger patients in Vrt, Lng, and Lat directions for the supraclavicular region, as well as in Vrt and Lat directions for the chest wall region (all P<0.05). Conclusions:In dual-isocenter radiotherapy for breast cancer, the supraclavicular region requires larger PTV margins than the chest wall region, and elderly patients require greater margins overall. Mid-course rescanning is recommended. If cone-beam CT guidance cannot be ensured for every session, expansion of PTV margins should be considered for the supraclavicular region and elderly patients to reduce the risk of geographic miss.

The intestine and liver are closely connected both physiologically and pathologically, forming a so-called gut-liver axis, with the gut microbiota serving as a pivotal link in their bidirectional communication. Gut microbiota dysbiosis and gut-liver axis disruption play a key role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM), though the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. Certain gut microbiota, such as Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., can breach the intestinal barrier and translocate to the liver, promoting the formation of pre-metastatic niche. Fusobacterium nucleatum and Enterococcus faecalis enhance tumor cell invasion/migration, while Parabacteroides spp. suppress anti-tumor immunity in the liver TME. Interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary modifications, and traditional Chinese medicine have shown potential in clinical and preclinical studies to improve patient outcomes by targeting the gut microbiota, but their long-term efficacy and safety require further investigation. Future research should focus on elucidating the effects of specific bacterial species, metabolites, viruses, and fungi on tumorigenesis. Exploring the potential of gut microbiota-based precision medicine and personalized therapies will improve risk stratification and enable more targeted interventions for CRLM patients.

Objective:To investigate whether intermittent fasting alleviates insulin resistance in a polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) mouse model through the regulation of autophagy.Methods:Fifty 3-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into the following groups using a random number table: normal control(NC) group( n=10), maintained on a standard chow diet; high-fat diet(HFD) group( n=10) fed a diet with 60% of calories derived from fat; and PCOS model group( n=30), established by combining a HFD with dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA) administration. Successful modeling was confirmed by disrupted estrous cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The PCOS model mice were further divided into three groups: PCOS group( n=9), PCOS with intermittent fasting group(PCOS+ IF, n=9), and PCOS with intermittent fasting plus the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine(3-MA) group(PCOS+ IF+ 3-MA, n=9). Autophagy levels were assessed by detecting markers LC3 and p62 and observing autophagosomes via transmission electron microscopy. Glucose tolerance test(GTT) and insulin tolerance test(ITT) were performed, and the area under the curve(AUC) was calculated to evaluate insulin resistance. Western blotting was used to detect phosphorylation levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), protein kinase B(Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and p70S6 kiase(p70S6K). Results:Compared with the NC group, the PCOS model group showed absent estrous cycles, significantly elevated serum testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, and luteinizing hormone(LH) levels( P<0.001), and polycystic ovarian changes on hematoxylin-eosin staining, confirming successful model establishment. Immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and Western blotting demonstrated that autophagy levels were increased in the PCOS+ IF group compared with the PCOS group, while 3-MA administration reduced the intermittent fasting - induced autophagy. The AUC values for both GTT and ITT were significantly lower in the PCOS+ IF group than those in the PCOS group( P<0.001, P=0.003), but increased in the PCOS+ IF+ 3-MA group compared to the PCOS+ IF group( P<0.001, P=0.020). Western blotting analysis showed that phosphorylation levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and p70S6K were significantly decreased in the PCOS+ IF group compared with the PCOS group( P=0.002, P=0.001, P=0.001, and P<0.001, respectively), and increased in the PCOS+ IF+ 3-MA group compared with the PCOS+ IF group( P=0.021, P=0.041, P=0.047, and P=0.024, respectively). Conclusions:Intermittent fasting alleviates insulin resistance in a PCOS mouse model through inhibitiing PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoting autophagy.

Objective:To investigate the changes in and correlations between melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and androgen levels in the serum of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), aiming to provide a novel research perspective for its diagnosis.Methods:A cross-sectional study. A total of 307 subjects were enrolled from the physical examination center and endocrinology clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from June 2023 to June 2024. The cohort comprised 114 healthy controls and 193 patients with PCOS, diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. The patients were grouped into four phenotypes: Phenotype A (hyperandrogenemia [HA]+ovulatory dysfunction [OA]+polycystic ovarian morphology [PCOM], n=44), Phenotype B (HA+OA, n=50), Phenotype C (HA+PCOM, n=46), and Phenotype D (OA+PCOM, n=53). Clinical data were collected for all subjects. Serum MCH levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between MCH and androgen-related risk factors for PCOS was analyzed using Spearman partial correlation analysis and stepwise multiple linear hierarchical regression. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing PCOS onset. The diagnostic value of MCH for PCOS was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:There were no significant differences in age and height between the healthy control group and the PCOS phenotypic groups (both P>0.05). MCH levels [17.63 (12.69, 22.00), 17.31 (11.05, 20.09), 17.82 (11.47, 19.40), 16.50 (11.14, 19.41) μg/L vs. 12.14 (9.78, 15.05) μg/L], homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting plasma glucose, fasting serum lisulin, body mass index, and weight were significantly higher across all four PCOS phenotypes (A, B, C, and D) than in healthy controls (all P<0.05), whereas sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) contents were significantly lower ( P<0.05). Free androgen index (FAI), total testosterone (TES) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels were significantly higher in PCOS phenotypes A, B, and C than in the control group and PCOS phenotype D (all P<0.05). Spearman partial correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between MCH and TES, DHEA, or FAI in healthy controls and patients with non-HA PCOS (all P>0.05). However, in PCOS patients with HA, MCH showed a significant positive correlation with TES and DHEA ( r=0.227 and 0.196, respectively; both P<0.05), but not FAI ( P>0.05). Stepwise multiple linear hierarchical regression analysis showed that MCH was positively correlated with TES, DHEA and luteinizing hormone and negatively correlated with SHBG (all P<0.05). Binary logistic regression indicated that an increase in MCH may be a potential risk factor for PCOS occurrence ( OR=1.113, 95% CI 1.012-1.224, P=0.028). ROC analysis showed that MCH has diagnostic value for PCOS ( P<0.05), with an area under the curve of 0.713. Conclusion:Serum MCH is closely related to FAI, TES, and DHEA levels in PCOS patients and may play an important role in the etiology and progression of the syndrome.

Objective:This study aimed to analyze the infection status of viral viruria within one year after kidney transplantation, its impact on renal allograft function, and associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted, involving 370 patients who underwent allogeneic kidney transplantation at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Urinary viral loads of BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were detected using PCR fluorescent probe assays. Patients were categorized into infection and non-infection groups. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and tacrolimus trough concentration was measured during infections, and clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for viral viruria.Results:The 1-year patient survival rate and graft survival rate were both 98.6%. The incidence rates of viral viruria were as follows: JCV (42.7%), BKV (29.7%), CMV (11.6%), and EBV (2.9%), with statistically significant differences among viruses ( P<0.001). Single viral infection accounted for 48% of cases, while co-infections were predominantly BKV+JCV (9%). JCV infection rates remained consistently high throughout the year (22.4%-28.9%), whereas BKV infections peaked at 3 months postoperatively (20.5%). Co-infection with low-load JCV (>2 000 copies/ml) and CMV (>6 000 copies/ml) led to a significant decline in GFR at 6 months post-transplantation [median difference: 16.7 ml/(min×1.73 m2), P=0.019]. Univariate analysis revealed that elevated tacrolimus trough concentration was independent risk factor for BKV (4.90 vs. 4.30 ng/ml, Z=4.29, P<0.001) and JCV infections (5.30 vs. 4.80 ng/ml, Z=4.25, P<0.001). Conclusion:High incidences of JCV and BKV infections were observed post-kidney transplantation. Co-infection with low-load JCV and CMV accelerates renal function impairment, highlighting the critical role of tacrolimus concentration management in reducing viral infection risks.

Objective:To analyze the serological and molecular characteristics of rare A el and B el subtypes in the ABO blood group system, and to explore their genotype-phenotype correlation and the potential clinical significance. Methods:From January 1st, 2021, to January 1st, 2025, 289, 815 samples subjected to ABO blood grouping in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital were selected. Samples demonstrating discrepancies between forward and reverse typing, or consistent typing but with abnormal agglutination degree were included. Those affected by underlying diseases, transplantation, age-related and other interferences were excluded. A total of 169 suspected ABO subgroup samples were identified. Sanger sequencing of exons 1-7 and relevant regulatory regions of the ABO gene was performed. Protein structure modeling and mutation effect analysis for two'el′ subtype glycosyltransferases (GTs) were conducted using SWISS-MODEL and PyMOL.Results:A total of 12 Ael, 6 B el, and 2 AB el subtypes were identified. Serological analysis revealed that all 18 A el/B el samples exhibited O phenotype in forward typing. Among them, A el subtypes showed weaker agglutination in reverse typing with A 1c than with Bc (>2+), while the opposite pattern was observed in B el subtypes. The two AB el samples were typed as A in forward typing, with agglutination ranging from 0-1+with Bc in reverse typing. Genetic analysis indicated that AEL.02 (c.646T>A, p.Phe216Ile) was the predominant allele in A el samples accounting for 7 cases. Also, we found an AEL.02-like variant (lacking c.681G>A), AEL.10 (c.963insC), and carrying a compound variant of c.322C>T (p.Gln108Ter) and c.296C>T (p.Thr99Ile). Among B el samples, BEL.03 (c.502C>T, p.Arg168Trp) accounted for 4 cases, one of which lacked the c.297A>G mutation, and novel mutations such as c.145_146dupCG were detected. Structural simulation demonstrated that AEL.02 and BEL.03 disrupted the hydrogen-bonding network within the active centers of GTA and GTB, respectively, and these mutations probably significantly impaired the structural stability of the corresponding GTs. Additionally, the c.296C>T mutation also markedly affected GTA structural stability. Conclusion:A el/B el subtypes are prone to mis-identify routine blood types. Their molecular mechanisms involved a variety of functional variantions, and integrating molecular detection is crucial for achieving accurate sub-typing and transfusion safety.

Purpose To explore the diagnostic efficacy of texture analysis in grading multiple ligament injuries of the knee Joint.Materials and Methods MRI images of 203 patients with knee injuries in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University School of Medicine from June 2018 to September 2020 were retrospectively collected,and then graded the injuries of multiple ligaments.Extraction of texture features and discriminant analysis were accomplished by MaZda software.Spearman correlation analysis and LASSO penalized Logistic regression analysis were used to further explore the differential diagnostic efficacy of each texture parameter for grading knee ligament injuries.Results(1)MaZda software was found to have the highest diagnostic efficacy for patellar ligament injury grading by using different texture feature screening methods in combination with discriminant analysis.Non-linear discriminant analysis had the lowest misclassification rate of 4.43%.(2)The texture parameters that were ultimately included in the analysis of the subjects'work characteristic curves appeared more frequently in the gray level co-occurrence matrix and the run length matrix.(3)The area under the curve of the texture parameters finally included in the analysis were 0.870-0.975,0.772-0.912,0.836-0.929 and 0.766-0.920,respectively in patellar ligament,anterior cruciate ligament,posterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament for the diagnosis of knee ligament injury grading.The diagnostic efficacy for patellar ligament injury grading was the highest,which was consistent with the lowest misclassification rate for patellar ligament in the discriminant analysis of texture features.And the texture parameters ultimately included in patellar ligament were all highly correlated with its injury grading.Conclusion The texture analysis technique has high diagnostic efficacy for grading knee ligament injuries,and can provide a more accurate diagnostic imaging basis for the clinic.

Objective:To search, evaluate, and summarize evidence regarding strategies to promote pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) function in postpartum women, providing a basis for clinical practice.Methods:A comprehensive search was conducted in computer decision support systems, guideline websites, relevant professional association websites, and English and Chinese databases for evidence related to strategies to promote PFMC function in postpartum women. The sources included guidelines, expert consensus, evidence summaries, systematic reviews, and original studies, with the search period from June 2014 to January 2025. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the included articles and extracted data for the evidence summary.Results:A total of 24 articles were included: nine guidelines, five expert consensus, three evidence summaries, two systematic reviews, and five original studies. The evidence was summarized across four domains: screening and assessment, team building, intervention strategies, and outcome evaluation, resulting in 25 key pieces of evidence.Conclusions:This study summarizes the best evidence for strategies to promote PFMC function in postpartum women, providing scientific and rigorous evidence for clinical practice. It supports the development of effective training programs to enhance postpartum women's quality of life.