Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of artesunate(AS)on polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)in mice and explore the potential mechanism primarily.Methods Twenty-five female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into Control group,model group(PCOS group),low-and high-dose AS groups(AS15 and AS30 groups)and metformin group(Met group).In addition to the Control group,the mouse model of PCOS was established by subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA,60 mg/kg)following by a high-fat diet for 21 d.After modeling,AS of 15 and 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected into the mice of the AS 15 and AS30 groups,respectively,and 200 mg/kg Met was given to those of the Met group by gavage,once per day,for 6 weeks.ELISA was used to detect serum testosterone(T),fasting insulin(FINS),luteinizing hormone(LH)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),and the LH/FSH ratio was calculated.The levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG),triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer,and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)was calculated.The estrous cycle was observed,and HE staining was performed for pathological changes in the ovary and uterus.Immunofluorescence assay was employed to measure the expression of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP in the ovarian tissue.After steroidogenic human granulosa-like tumor cell line KGN were exposed to 100 μmol/L DHEA to simulate the hyperandrogen environment of PCOS,and then treated with 5 and 10 μg/mL AS for 24 h,the protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the Control group,the PCOS mice had disturbed estrous cycle,polycystic changes in the ovaries,and significantly increased serum T level and LH/FSH ratio(P＜0.05),and obviously elevated HOMA-IR,TC and TG levels in terms of metabolism(P＜0.01).The expression levels of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP were notably up-regulated in the ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS mice and KGN cells after DHEA exposure(P＜0.05).Additionally,AS treatment attenuated the pathological changes of ovary and uterine expression,decreased the serum T level and the LH/FSH ratio(P＜0.05),and reduced HOMA-IR,TC and TG levels(P＜0.05)when compared with the PCOS mice.Moreover,the expression levels of p-eIF2α,ATF4 and CHOP were significantly down-regulated after AS treatment in both ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS mice and KGN cells(P＜0.05).Conclusion AS significantly improves glycolipid metabolic disorder and reproductive dysfunction in PCOS mice,which may be associated with its suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress by inhibiting the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP pathway.

Objective To investigate the role of p300 in lipid metabolism disorders.Methods Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze the expression patterns of p300 in lipid metabolism disorder-related diseases and its correlation with SREBP-1c and downstream lipid metabolic enzymes.Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of p300 in the liver tissues of the patients with varying disease severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).A mouse model of lipid metabolism disorder was established in male C57BL/6J mice by feeding high-fat diet(HFD)for 12 weeks.Western blotting was employed to assess p300 expression level in the liver tissues of HFD-fed mice.A cell model of lipid metabolism disorder was established in HepG2/AML-12 cells induced with free fatty acid(FFA).The effects of siRNA-mediated knockdown of p300 was observed to measure the levels of intracellular total cholesterol(TC)and triglyceride(TG),lipid deposition,and production of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Results Clinically,p300 was highly expressed in lipid metabolism disorders,and its level was positively correlated with NAFLD severity(P<0.05).Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA)revealed that p300 expression was significantly associated with fatty acid metabolism,cholesterol homeostasis,lipogenesis,PPAR signaling pathway,and peroxisome pathway.In vivo,p300 was significantly up-regulated in the livers of HFD-fed mice(P<0.01).In vitro,FFA stimulation markedly increased p300 expression in both HepG2 and AML-12 cells(P<0.01),whereas p300 knockdown significantly reduced intracellular TG and TC levels(P<0.01),attenuated lipid droplet accumulation,and reversed FFA-induced ROS elevation(P<0.01).Furthermore,p300 expression was positively correlated with the expression of SREBP-1c and its downstream key lipid synthesis enzymes.Conclusion p300 may promote hepatic lipid accumulation by acetylating and activating SREBP-1c and regulating downstream lipid metabolic enzymes,thereby affecting lipid synthesis and oxidative stress.These findings suggest that p300 may be a potential therapeutic target for lipid metabolism disorder-related diseases.

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum galectin-3(Gal-3),fibroblast growth factor-21(FGF-21)and the lung function and and the Modified British Medical Research Council dyspnea in-dex(mMRC)score in invalids with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods A total of 79 patients with COPD who received treatment in the hospital from April 2021 to April 2023 were selected as the observation group,and 60 healthy individuals in the hospital during the same period were selected as control group.The expressions of Gal-3 and FGF-21 in serum were detected and compared.The first second forced ex-piratory volume(FEV1),FEV1/forced vital capacity(FVC)and mMRC score in two groups were compared,and the correlation between the expression levels of Gal-3 and FGF-21 and FEV1,FEV1/FVC and mMRC score in COPD patients was analyzed.Results The expression levels of serum Gal-3 and FGF-21 in the obser-vation group were higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).The pulmonary function indexes in ser-um of observation group were higher than those in the control group,while the mMRC score was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.05).The expression levels of Gal-3 and FGF-21 were positively correlated with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC(P＜0.05),was negatively correlated with mMRC score(P＜0.05).Conclusion The expression of serum Gal-3 and FGF-21 in COPD invalids is abnormal,and the expression levels of serum Gal-3 and FGF-21 in COPD patients were correlated with FEV1,FEV1/FVC and mMRC score,which could be used as important reference indicators for diagnosis and disease evaluation of COPD.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of single three-dimensional (3D)-printed microporous titanium prostheses and flap combined prostheses implantation in the treatment of large segmental infectious bone defects in limbs. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 76 patients with large segmental infectious bone defects in limbs who were treated between January 2019 and February 2024 and met the selection criteria. Among them, 51 were male and 25 were female, with an age of (47.7±9.4) years. Of the 76 patients, 51 had no soft tissue defects (single prostheses group), while 25 had associated soft tissue defects (flap combined group). The single prostheses group included 28 cases of tibial bone defects, 11 cases of femoral defects, 5 cases of humeral defects, 4 cases of radial bone defects, and 3 cases of metacarpal, or carpal bone defects, with bone defect length ranging from 3.5 to 28.0 cm. The flap combined group included 3 cases of extensive dorsum of foot soft tissue defects combined with large segmental metatarsal bone defects, 19 cases of lower leg soft tissue defects combined with large segmental tibial bone defects, and 3 cases of hand and forearm soft tissue defects combined with metacarpal, carpal, or radial bone defects, with bone defect length ranging from 3.8 to 32.0 cm and soft tissue defect areas ranging from 8 cm×5 cm to 33 cm×10 cm. In the first stage, vancomycin-loaded bone cement was used to control infection, and flap repair was performed in the flap combined group. In the second stage, 3D-printed microporous titanium prostheses were implanted. Postoperative assessments were performed to evaluate infection control and bone integration, and pain release was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: All patients were followed up postoperatively, with an average follow-up time of (35.2±13.4) months. In the 61 lower limb injury patients, the time of standing, walk with crutches, and fully bear weight were (2.2±0.6), (3.9±1.1), and (5.4±1.1) months, respectively. The VAS score at 1 year postoperatively was significantly lower than preoperative one ( t=-10.678, P<0.001). At 1 year postoperatively, 69 patients (90.8%) showed no complication such as infection, fracture, prosthesis displacement, or breakage, and X-ray films indicated good integration at the prosthesis-bone interface. According to the Paley scoring system for the healing of infectious bone defects, the results were excellent in 37 cases, good in 29 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 7 cases. In the single prostheses group, during the follow-up, there was 1 case each of femoral prostheses fracture, femoral infection, and tibial infection, with a treatment success rate of 94.1% (48/51). In lower limb injury patients, the time of fully bear weight was (5.0±1.0) months. In the flap combined group, during the follow-up, 1 case of tibial fixation prostheses screw fracture occurred, along with 2 cases of recurrent foot infection in diabetic patients and 1 case of tibial infection. The treatment success rate was 84.0% (21/25). The time of fully bear weight in lower limb injury patients was (5.8±1.2) months. The overall infection eradication rate for all patients was 93.4% (71/76). CONCLUSION The use of 3D-printed microporous titanium prostheses, either alone or in combination with flaps, for the treatment of large segmental infectious bone defects in the limbs results in good effectiveness with a low incidence of complications. It is a feasible strategy for the reconstruction of infectious bone defects.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Titanium ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Flaps ; Adult ; Prosthesis Implantation/methods* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Prostheses and Implants ; Bone Diseases, Infectious/surgery* ; Extremities/surgery* ; Prosthesis Design

OBJECTIVE To investigate the stability of 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） in human blood and to establish a standardized clinical sampling and delivery procedure for therapeutic drug monitoring （TDM） of 5-FU. METHODS The EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood was used as the matrix to prepare stability assessment samples of 5-FU at both low （200 ng/mL） and high （5 000 ng/mL） concentrations （with groups without stabilizer and with 1% volume ratio of stabilizer）. The stability assessment samples were placed under room temperature （[ 25±2） ℃] and refrigerated （2-8 ℃） conditions， with sampling at 0， 0.5， 1， 2， 4， 7， and 24 h. After vortexing and centrifugation， the upper plasma layer was collected； proteins were precipitated using methanol， and the concentration of 5-FU in plasma was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Based on the whole blood stability results， clinical sampling and delivery procedures were established. RESULTS The concentration of 5-FU in blank whole blood samples without stabilizers was significantly lower than that in samples with stabilizers （P＜0.05）. However， varying volumes （10， 25， 50 μL） of stabilizers had no significant effect on the measured concentrations of 5-FU in stability assessment samples with low and high concentrations （P＞0.05）. Without the addition of a stabilizer， low- and high-concentration 5-FU whole blood samples remained stable at room temperature for 0.5 h and 1 h， respectively， and under refrigeration for 2 h and 7 h， respectively. After the addition of a 1% stabilizer， the whole blood samples remained stable for up to 24 h under both room temperature and refrigerated conditions. Based on these findings， the following procedure was established： after collection， whole blood samples could be temporarily stored at room temperature （≤0.5 h） or at 4　℃ （≤2 h）， and transported at 2-8　℃. Upon delivery to the laboratory， a 1% volume ratio of stabilizer must be added immediately， followed by centrifugation within 24 h. The resulting plasma should be stored at －20 ℃ . CONCLUSIONS 5-FU in whole blood exhibits poor stability at room temperature. Refrigeration at 2-8　℃ slightly improves stability ， but degradation still occurs rapidly. Adding a stabilizer at a 1% volume ratio significantly prolongs the refrigerated storage time. The established sampling and transport procedure for 5-FU TDM innovatively introduces the stabilizer addition step at the laboratory sample reception stage （rather than immediately after blood draw）. This approach ensures analytical quality while offering greater adaptability to real-world clinical sampling conditions， significantly improving practical feasibility.

Objective To establish dynamic nomogram models for postoperative recurrence and survival risk of patients with AFP-negative hepatocellular carcinoma(ANHC)based on multimodal clinical data,to identify ANHC-specific prognostic biomarker combinations by integrating tumor biological characteristics and treatment response parameters through machine learning,and to provide an individualized risk assessment tool for overcoming the limitations of traditional serum biomarkers.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 421 ANHC patients who underwent hepatectomy in Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital from April 2012 to December 2018,and they were randomly divided into training group with 210 patients and validation group with 211 patients.The univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to identify independent prognostic factors and establish a nomogram model,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,the calibration curve,and the decision curve analysis were used to assess the performance of the model.Related indicators were measured,including prealbumin(PA),white blood cell count(WBC),tumor size,and microvascular invasion.The chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical variables between two groups,and the independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous variables between two groups.Results The multivariate analysis showed that multiple tumors(hazard ratio[HR]=3.30,P<0.001),WBC(HR=1.05,P=0.005),blood glucose(HR=1.15,P=0.026),CA19-9(HR=1.17,P=0.005),and tumor size(HR=1.17,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for disease-free survival(DFS),while PA(HR=0.99,P=0.022)was a protective factor.Incomplete tumor capsule(HR=0.60,P=0.009),age(HR=1.02,P=0.035),prothrombin time(PT)(HR=1.27,P=0.023),CA19-9(HR=1.01,P<0.001),and tumor size(HR=1.15,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for overall survival(OS).The DFS nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.74(95%confidence interval[CI]:0.64-0.84)in the training group and 0.67(95%CI:0.57-0.77)in the validation group,while the OS nomogram had an AUC of 0.76(95%CI:0.64-0.88)and 0.73(95%CI:0.60-0.87),respectively.The calibration curve and the decision curve analysis showed that the models had good predictive accuracy and clinical practicability.Conclusion Preoperative indicators,including tumor number,PA,WBC,and tumor size,can effectively predict postoperative recurrence in ANHC patients,while tumor capsule integrity,age,and PT are significantly associated with OS.The nomogram models established have good performance and can provide a basis for individualized prognostic assessment.

Objective To analyze the procurement data of lipid-lowering drugs in hospitals at different levels in Jiangsu Province from October 2019 to September 2023,to evaluate the impact of the volume-based procurement(VBP)policy,and to provide references for clinical rational drug use and healthcare policy optimization.Methods Based on procurement data from the Jiangsu Provincial Health Information Center,statistical analyses of procurement expenditures,defined daily doses(DDDs),and defined daily cost(DDC)were conducted.Mixed-effects models were applied to assess changes in procurement expenditures,DDDs,and DDC before and after VBP implementation.Results From 2019 to 2023,statins dominated the market in Jiangsu Province,with rosuvastatin recording the highest DDDs(748 million).Statins,traditional Chinese medicines,and cholesterol absorption inhibitors ranked highest in procurement expenditures.Tertiary hospitals accounted for the largest share of usage(47.6%)and expenditures(55.8%),while secondary hospitals had the lowest DDC(1.22 yuan)and tertiary hospitals the highest(1.89 yuan).Post-VBP,procurement expenditures and DDC decreased by 53.9%and 35.4%,respectively.Primary hospitals showed the largest expenditure reduction(61.6%),and secondary hospitals exhibited the greatest DDC decline(53.9%).DDDs increased significantly in primary care settings(e.g.,pitavastatin surged by 239.79%in secondary hospitals),while tertiary hospitals saw reduced usage of some drugs(e.g.,amlodipine/atorvastatin decreased by 7.34%).Mixed-effects models confirmed that VBP significantly reduced expenditures(OR=-1.07,P<0.01)and DDC(OR=-2.70,P<0.01)while indirectly lowering prices of non-VBP drugs.After covariate adjustment,expenditure reductions for rosuvastatin and atorvastatin narrowed,ezetimibe expenditures increased(OR=0.13,P<0.01),and pitavastatin usage declined(OR=-0.10,P<0.01).Changes in amlodipine/atorvastatin and ezetimibe lacked statistical significance due to short VBP implementation periods.Tertiary hospitals demonstrated the strictest policy adherence,with the largest expenditure and DDC reductions(P<0.01).Subgroup analysis revealed that the policy did not significantly affect clinical demand(DDDs)in hospitals at different levels,though it was considered to have triggered adjustments in medication structure.Conclusion Jiangsu's lipid-lowering drug structure aligns with guidelines(statin-based,moderate-intensity preference).VBP effectively reduced costs,with tertiary hospitals prioritizing originator-to-generic substitution and primary hospitals reflecting cost-control and demand variations.Confounding factors influenced policy evaluation.The study recommends continuous monitoring and policy optimization to enhance procurement efficiency,ensure rational clinical use,and sustain cost savings,providing insights for further healthcare reform.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is characterized by congenital vaginal hypoplasia and primordial uterus caused by Müllerian anomalies. Case reports concerning adenomyosis associated with MRKH syndrome are limited, and the formation and intervention of adenomyosis without endometrium are unclear. Here, we present the case of a patient with MRKH syndrome complicated with adenomyosis without endometrium, a hypoechoic solid mass next to the right ovary. According to the intraoperative observation and histopathological examination findings, the mass were diagnosed as adenomyosis of the primordial uterus. Moreover, our report provides insights about its mechanism of occurrence and interventions in MRKH syndrome combined with adenomyosis without endometrium.

Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of reduction robot system combined with minimally invasive, microenvironmental protection, micro-stress shielding fixator (short for "3M fixator") for Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 26 patients (26 feet) with calcaneal fractures admitted to Fourth Affiliated Central Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from June 2022 to June 2024, including 21 males and 5 females, aged 27-69 years [(46.5±2.5)years]. Among them, 10 patients had fractures in the left foot and 16 in the right. According to the Sanders classification, the fractures were classified as type II in 16 patients and type III in 10. All the patients were treated with the close reduction with reduction robot system combined with 3M fixator in a minimally invasive procedure. The surgical waiting time, operative duration, and fracture healing time were recorded. The length, width and height of the calcaneus, B?hler′s angle and Gissane′s angle were compared before operation and at 1, 3 months after operation. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score before operation and at 1, 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up were detected. The postoperative complications were recorded.Results:All the patients were followed up for 6-12 months [(9.7±1.1)months]. The surgical waiting time was 1-4 days [(2.0±0.8)days]. The operative duration was 36-66 minutes [(53.2±9.5)minutes]. All the fractures achieved primary union with a healing period of 3-4 months [(3.2±0.4)months]. At 1, 3 months after operation, the length of the calcaneus [(83.3±3.7)mm and (83.6±3.6)mm], width of the calcaneus [(44.3±5.8)mm and (44.3±5.7)mm], height of the calcaneus [(50.1±3.8)mm and (50.3±3.6)mm], B?hler′s angle [(29.8±2.9)° and (29.8±3.0)°], and Gissane angle [(121.1±6.7)° and (123.9±5.9)°] were significantly improved compared with those before operation [(79.3±4.5)mm, (53.6±4.1)mm, (46.2±3.7)mm, (18.9±3.8)°, (109.0±7.5)°, respectively] ( P<0.05), with no significant differences between those indicators at 1, 3 months after operation ( P>0.05). The VAS scores were (3.2±0.6)points, (1.9±0.5)points, and (1.6±0.3)points at 1, 3 months after operation and at the last follow-up, which were lower than (7.1±0.5)points preoperatively and decreased with the prolongation of follow-up time ( P<0.05). The AOFAS scores were (73.5±6.9)points, (90.1±4.3)points, and (92.0±3.6)points, which were higher than (32.0±4.6)points preoperatively and increased with the follow-up time ( P<0.05). One patient had lateral calcaneal pain after operation, and was alleviated after rehabilitation. No complications such as infection or nonunion were found after operation. Conclusion:The reduction robot system combined with 3M fixator for Sanders types II and III calcaneal fractures demonstrates significant clinical advantages, such as reduced surgical waiting time and operative duration, promoted fracture healing, early alleviated pain, enhanced ankle joint functional recovery, and decreased complication occurrence.