Objective:To investigate the predictive value of transabdominal uterine electromyography for pre-term labor after tocolysis in women with threatened preterm labor.Methods:A total of 48 pregnant women at 28-34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with threatened preterm labor and admitted to The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soo-chow University from January to September 2023 were included.According to the response to tocolysis and whether the pregnancy was prolonged for at least 48 h,women were divided into two groups:non-preterm birth within 48 h(n=35)and preterm birth within 48 h(n=13).Uterine electromyography parameters and difference were compared before and after tocolytic therapy in two groups.Univariate Logistic regression was performed to predict the related factors of preterm birth within 48 h after the using of tocolysis in pregnant women with threat-ened preterm birth by uterine electromyography,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was per-formed to evaluate their performance.Results:Compared to before treatment with tocolysis,after therapy,in the non-preterm birth within 48 h group,significant reductions in contraction frequency,area,duration and amplitude were observed(P<0.05).In the preterm birth within 48 h group,only contraction frequency decreased significant-ly(P<0.05).Univariate Logistic regression indicated that contraction frequency,contraction duration,and contrac-tion area were predictive factors for premature birth within 48 h after tocolysis(P<0.05).When the duration of u-terine contractions lasting for 104.55 s or more the sensitivity and specificity of predicting premature birth within 48 h are 92.3％and 68.6％,respectively.Conclusions:Uterine electromyography may predict the premature birth within 48 h after tocolytic treatment in preterm labor,which may provide reference for subsequent corticosteroid therapy or transfer of high-risk pregnant patients.

Objective:This study investigated the dynamic expression of lipocalin-2(LCN2)and its receptor,brain-type organic cation transporter protein(BOCT),in spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice during disease pro-gression,providing potential targets for early anti-inflammatory therapy for ALS.Methods:Utilizing hSOD1G93A trans-genic mice and their wild-type littermates(WT)as animal models,this investigation examined the expression of LCN2 and BOCT at four distinct disease stages:pre-symptomatic stage(60 d),early-symptomatic stage(95 d),symptomatic stage(108 d),and late-symptomatic stage(122 d).Spinal cords were harvested,then RT-qPCR,Western blot,and immunofluorescence double-labeling techniques were employed to assess alteration expressions of LCN2 and BOCT.Ad-ditionally,BV2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1-G93A-SOD1 overexpression plasmid served as an in vitro hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial model.After stimulated with LPS for 24 hours,LCN2 mRNA and protein expression in hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial cells and its culture medium were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA respectively,while BOCT expression was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared with WT mice littermates,increased expression of LCN2 mRNA was detected in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice at 108 and 122 d.No significant differences were observed in LCN2 or BOCT protein expression in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice from 60 to 122 d.Double-immunofluorescence labeling revealed co-localization of LCN2 and BOCT with the microglial marker Iba-1 in the ventral horn of lumbar spinal cord of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice from 95 to 122 d.In hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial model,LPS stimulation led to a significantly increased LCN2 mRNA expression and protein secretion.Conversely,there was no significant change in BOCT protein expression after LPS stimulation.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that during ALS progression,there is an enhanced expression and release of LCN2 from activated microglia,potentially exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of transabdominal uterine electromyography for pre-term labor after tocolysis in women with threatened preterm labor.Methods:A total of 48 pregnant women at 28-34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with threatened preterm labor and admitted to The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soo-chow University from January to September 2023 were included.According to the response to tocolysis and whether the pregnancy was prolonged for at least 48 h,women were divided into two groups:non-preterm birth within 48 h(n=35)and preterm birth within 48 h(n=13).Uterine electromyography parameters and difference were compared before and after tocolytic therapy in two groups.Univariate Logistic regression was performed to predict the related factors of preterm birth within 48 h after the using of tocolysis in pregnant women with threat-ened preterm birth by uterine electromyography,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was per-formed to evaluate their performance.Results:Compared to before treatment with tocolysis,after therapy,in the non-preterm birth within 48 h group,significant reductions in contraction frequency,area,duration and amplitude were observed(P<0.05).In the preterm birth within 48 h group,only contraction frequency decreased significant-ly(P<0.05).Univariate Logistic regression indicated that contraction frequency,contraction duration,and contrac-tion area were predictive factors for premature birth within 48 h after tocolysis(P<0.05).When the duration of u-terine contractions lasting for 104.55 s or more the sensitivity and specificity of predicting premature birth within 48 h are 92.3％and 68.6％,respectively.Conclusions:Uterine electromyography may predict the premature birth within 48 h after tocolytic treatment in preterm labor,which may provide reference for subsequent corticosteroid therapy or transfer of high-risk pregnant patients.

Objective:This study investigated the dynamic expression of lipocalin-2(LCN2)and its receptor,brain-type organic cation transporter protein(BOCT),in spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice during disease pro-gression,providing potential targets for early anti-inflammatory therapy for ALS.Methods:Utilizing hSOD1G93A trans-genic mice and their wild-type littermates(WT)as animal models,this investigation examined the expression of LCN2 and BOCT at four distinct disease stages:pre-symptomatic stage(60 d),early-symptomatic stage(95 d),symptomatic stage(108 d),and late-symptomatic stage(122 d).Spinal cords were harvested,then RT-qPCR,Western blot,and immunofluorescence double-labeling techniques were employed to assess alteration expressions of LCN2 and BOCT.Ad-ditionally,BV2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1-G93A-SOD1 overexpression plasmid served as an in vitro hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial model.After stimulated with LPS for 24 hours,LCN2 mRNA and protein expression in hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial cells and its culture medium were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA respectively,while BOCT expression was measured by Western blot.Results:Compared with WT mice littermates,increased expression of LCN2 mRNA was detected in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice at 108 and 122 d.No significant differences were observed in LCN2 or BOCT protein expression in the spinal cords of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice from 60 to 122 d.Double-immunofluorescence labeling revealed co-localization of LCN2 and BOCT with the microglial marker Iba-1 in the ventral horn of lumbar spinal cord of hSOD1G93A transgenic mice from 95 to 122 d.In hSOD1G93A BV2 microglial model,LPS stimulation led to a significantly increased LCN2 mRNA expression and protein secretion.Conversely,there was no significant change in BOCT protein expression after LPS stimulation.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that during ALS progression,there is an enhanced expression and release of LCN2 from activated microglia,potentially exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal degeneration.

Neurobrucellosis(NB)is a disease caused by brucella infection of human nervous system.Imaging plays an important role in early diagnosis,preoperative evaluation,curative effect prediction and follow-up of NB.According to the latest research results both domestically and internationally,combining with their own experiences,a number of domestic relevant experts formulated this consensus to strengthen standardization of imaging diagnosis of NB.

Objective To investigate the value of MRI of the sternal end of clavicle in bone age assessment in Chinese population,especially its applicability in the determination of criminal responsible age.Methods A total of 431 patients aged from 10.00 to 29.99 years with neck or chest MRI were retrospectively collected.According to the Schmeling grading method,the epiphyseal development of the clavicle MRI was divided into five grades.The consistency of methods was evaluated.The correlation and general descriptive analysis between MRI grades and age was analyzed.The sex difference was analyzed.Curve fitting was used to establish a nonlinear model between age and grades.Results The grades of clavicle MRI showed a significant age-related trend(Figure 2),and the correlation was 0.861(0.887 in males and 0.840 in females).Except for grade 1,there was no significant difference between males and females in other grades.The minimum age of male grade 3 was greater than 14 years old,and the minimum age of female grade 3 was greater than 16 years old.The minimum age in grade 4 and grade 5 was over 18 years old in both sexes.The best curve fitting model was cubic model for both sexes(R2=0.805 for men and 0.722 for women).Conclusion Clavicle MRI can be used for the assessment of bone age in Chinese population.Complete epiphyseal plate closure can be used as a reliable indicator for the determination of age at 18 years old,and it is expected to achieve radiation-free forensic bone age assessment.

Objective To investigate the relationship between primary pulmonary mucinous adenocarcinoma (PPMA) mass type and pneumonia type and their difference in malignant degree, and to analyze the role of clinical manifestations and CT features in the diagnosis of this disease. Methods The clinical data of PPMA patients admitted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from May 2011 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to CT features, they were divided into a mass type group and a pneumonia type group. The clinical manifestations, CT features and the degree of malignancy between the two groups were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 57 PPMA patients were enrolled. There were 17 males and 40 females, with an average age of (53.82±10.65) years, and 28 (49%) patients had reversed hato-like sign. There were 42 patients in the mass type group and 15 patients in the pneumonia type group. PPMA often occurs in both lower lungs, with clinical manifestations mainly of coughing and expectorating white mucoid sputum. There were statistical differences between the two groups in the maximum diameter of tumor (P<0.001), boundary condition (P<0.001) and pleural indentation sign (P=0.019). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in Ki-67 index (P>0.05). Conclusion There is no statistical difference in the degree of malignancy between the two types of PPMA. Considering their clinical manifestations and differences in imaging features, it is supported that the pneumonia type is just a progression of the mass type. CT can present various manifestations, among which the reversed hato-like sign is expected to become an important imaging feature. Combined with a high proportion of solid components, pleural indentation sign, and vacuole sign, reversed hato-like sign can play a significant role in the diagnosis of PPMA.

Objective:To investigate the differences in the clinicopathological and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging features between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and ductal carcinoma in situ with microinfiltration (DCIS-MI) of the breast, and to clarify the risk factors for the development of DCIS-MI.Methods:Forty-four patients diagnosed with DCIS and 21 patients diagnosed with DCIS-MI by postoperative pathology at Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital from November 2017 to November 2022 were included, and the clinicopathological and preoperative breast MRI data of these patients were retrospectively collected. The patients' MRI images were categorized and diagnosed with reference to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) criteria. The χ2 test or Fisher exact probability method was used to compare the differences in the clinicopathological and MRI imaging characteristics between the two groups of patients, and generalized linear model analysis was used to clarify the influencing factors of DCIS-MI.Results:The differences in the histologic grading, estrogen receptor (ER) expression, progesterone receptor (PR) expression, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) expression, Ki-67, and molecular typing between patients in the DCIS and DCIS-MI groups were statistically significant (all P＜0.05). The results of generalized linear model analysis showed that Ki-67 expression and specific molecular typing (Luminal B and triple-negative types) were significantly associated with the risk of developing DCIS-MI ( P＜0.05). Breast fibroglandular tissue density, lesion type, background parenchymal enhancement, type of time-intensity curves (TICs), distribution of non-mass enhancement, non-mass enhancement internal enhancement characteristics, mass morphology, mass boundary, mass enhancement mode, and other MRI imaging features were not statistically significant (all P＞0.05).The MRI diagnostic accuracy of the DCIS group and the DCIS-MI group was 77.3% (34/44) and 95.2% (20/21), respectively, and the difference in the MRI BI-RADS classification of the patients in the two groups was not statistically significant ( P=0.227). Conclusions:There was no significant difference in the breast MRI imaging characteristics between patients in the DCIS and DCIS-MI groups. Patients in the DCIS-MI group were more likely to present with high histologic grades, negative ER, negative PR, positive HER-2, high Ki-67 expression, HER-2 overexpression, and triple-negative phenotypes. The association between Ki-67 expression and specific molecular typing (Luminal B and triple-negative phenotypes) and the risk of developing DCIS-MI risk were correlated.

Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in children with calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) resistant steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).Methods:A retrospective case analysis was conducted. Thirteen children with CNI resistant SRNS who were regularly treated with RTX (375 mg/m 2 per dose (maximum dose 500 mg), 1 dose per week, a total of 4 doses) in Department of Nephrology, Children′s Hospital of Fudan University from January 2016 to December 2023 were enrolled. The general data, disease related information, urinary protein/creatinine, serum albumin, blood creatinine before RTX treatment, immunosuppressants, adverse events, and monthly urinary protein/creatinine, serum albumin, and blood creatinine indexes within 6 months after RTX treatment were collected. The changes of urinary protein/creatinine, serum albumin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and after RTX at 3 and 6 months were analyzed by using paired sample t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results:Among the 13 patients, 8 were male and 5 were female. The age of disease onset was 4.0 (2.9, 6.8) years and the age of RTX treatment was 9.8 (5.9, 13.6) years. There were 8 cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, 3 cases of minimal change disease and 2 cases of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. No clinically significant gene variation was detected in 12 cases and the other one did not receive gene test. Before RTX treatment, 11 cases were in chronic kidney disease stage G1, and 1 case each was in stage G2 and stage G3. Ten children completed 4 doses of RTX treatment, 1 patient completed 3 doses, and 2 patients completed 2 doses. Urinary protein/creatinine in 13 children at 3 and 6 months after RTX treatment was significantly lower than baseline (0.60 (0.13, 2.04), 0.49 (0.28, 1.10) vs. 1.44 (0.76, 4.11) mg/mg, Z=-2.34, -2.34, both P<0.05), and serum albumin was significantly higher than baseline ((35±8), (34±7) vs. (30±6) g/L, t=2.30, 2.60, both P<0.05). The eGFR at 6 months after RTX treatment was not significantly different from the baseline ((110±32) vs. (113±35) ml/(min·1.73 m 2), t=-0.76, P>0.05)). No serious adverse reactions occurred in this study. Conclusion:RTX could reduce urinary protein and increase serum albumin in short-term treatment in children with CNI resistant SRNS without significant side effects.

ObjectiveTo explore the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal （HPG） axis by modified Erxian decoction in rats with perimenopausal syndrome （PMS） and to further analyze the expression of proteins related to the silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/hypothalamic kisspeptin （Kisspeptin）/gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） signaling pathway in the arcuate nucleus region （ARC） of the hypothalamus， so as to reveal the potential target of action and molecular biological mechanism of modified Erxian decoction for the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. MethodsAn animal model was established via the incomplete castration method， with successful modeling confirmed by the exfoliated cervical cell smear method. The 48 rats were divided into six groups based on the randomization principle after successful modeling， including a sham operation group， a model group， an estradiol valerate group （0.09 mg∙kg^-1∙d^-1）， high-， medium-， and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups （7.614， 3.807，1.903 5 g∙kg^-1∙d^-1）， with 8 rats in each group. The estradiol valerate group and the high-， medium- and low-dose modified Erxian decoction groups were continuously administered by gavage for 28 days， and the indicators were detected 24 hours after the last administration. Body weights and uterine indices were measured. The pathological changes of the uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to measure the levels of estradiol （E₂）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， and gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH）. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to determine the expression levels of SIRT1， Kisspeptin， kisspeptin receptor （GPR54）， and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor （GnRH-R） in pituitary. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group， rats in the model group had a significantly increased body weight （P0.01）， reduced wet weight and index of uterus （P0.01）， endometrial thinning or atrophy， glandular atrophy， and a decreasing number of glands. Additionally， serum levels of E₂ and the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus significantly decreased （P0.01）. Serum levels of FSH， LH， and GnRH， the expression of Kisspeptin， GPR54， and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus， and GnRH-R in pituitary significantly increased （P0.01）. Compared with the model group， the estradiol valerate group and the high-， medium-dose modified Erxian decoction groups had significantly reduced body weight， serum levels of FSH， LH， and GnRH， and expression of Kisspeptin， GPR54， and GnRH in the ARC region of the hypothalamus and GnRH-R in pituitary （P0.05， P0.01） and significantly increased wet weight and index of uterus， serum level of E₂， and expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus （P0.05， P0.01）. In addition， they showed thickened endometrium， increased number of endometrial glands， and improved glandular atrophy. ConclusionModified Erxian decoction regulates the function of the HPG axis through multi-targets， and its mechanism of action may be related to the up-regulation of the expression of SIRT1 in the ARC region of the hypothalamus， the inhibition of the over-activation of the Kisspeptin/GnRH signaling pathway， the regulation of the expression of GnRH-R in the pituitary， the restoration of secretion balance of gonadotropins， and the elevation of the estrogen level. This study provides an experimental basis for the interpretation of the scientific connotation of modified Erxian decoction in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome and a theoretical reference for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy based on the SIRT1/Kisspeptin/GnRH pathway.