Objective:To investigate the effect of metformin(MET)on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and its role and molecular mechanisms in preeclamptic(PE)rats.Methods:Thirty SD rats were ran-domly assigned into control,PE and MET groups,10 in each group.From days 14 to 18 of gestation,rats in the PE and MET groups were subcutaneously injected with L-nitro-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME)at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·d),while the control group was administered subcutaneous injections containing a 0.9％solution of sodium chloride at the same dose.Additionally,the MET group was administered MET by gavage at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·d)from days 13 to 18 of gestation.On days0,6,12,15,17,and 19 of pregnancy,blood pressure of rats was measured.On days 12 and 19 of pregnancy,24-hour urinary protein content was assessed.On day 20 of pregnan-cy,rats were anesthetized and underwent cesarean section to measure pup weight,crown-rump length,placental weight,and diameter.We used reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunohistochemistry(IHC)to detected mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-related genes in rat placental tissue,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)to assess the expression of apopto-sis-related genes in rat serum.Results:Compared with the control group,systolic blood pressure on days 15,17 and 19 of gestation and 24h proteinuria level on day 19 of gestation were significantly higher,and body mass and top rump length of littermates were lower in the PE group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05);Compared with the PE group,systolic blood pressure on days 15,17 and 19 of gestation and 24h proteinuri-a level on day 19 of gestation were significantly decreased,and body mass and top rump length of littermates were increased in the MET group,and the differences were all statistically significant(P＜0.05).Pairwise com-parisons of placental weight,placental diameter,and the number of pups born among the three groups showed no statistically significant differences(P＞0.05).Compared to the control group,the PE group exhibited significantly increased expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)associated X protein(Bax),bcl-2 antagonist/killer 1(Bak),and apoptosis-inducing factor(AIF)mRNA and protein in placental tissues,decreased expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein,as well as elevated levels of Bax,Bak,and AIF in serum,while Bcl-2 expression levels were de-creased.These differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Compared to the PE group,the MET group exhibited decreased expression of Bax,Bak,and AIF mRNA and protein in placental tissue,along with increased expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein.Serum levels of Bax,Bak,and AIF were decreased,while Bcl-2 expression levels were increased.All differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusions:L-NAME significantly induced elevated levels of apoptosis in rat placental tissues,whereas MET was able to effectively inhibit L-NAME-induced apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress,which has the potential to be a new therapeu-tic intervention point for PE.

Objective:To investigate the effect of metformin(MET)on endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and its role and molecular mechanisms in preeclamptic(PE)rats.Methods:Thirty SD rats were ran-domly assigned into control,PE and MET groups,10 in each group.From days 14 to 18 of gestation,rats in the PE and MET groups were subcutaneously injected with L-nitro-arginine methyl ester(L-NAME)at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·d),while the control group was administered subcutaneous injections containing a 0.9％solution of sodium chloride at the same dose.Additionally,the MET group was administered MET by gavage at a dose of 200 mg/(kg·d)from days 13 to 18 of gestation.On days0,6,12,15,17,and 19 of pregnancy,blood pressure of rats was measured.On days 12 and 19 of pregnancy,24-hour urinary protein content was assessed.On day 20 of pregnan-cy,rats were anesthetized and underwent cesarean section to measure pup weight,crown-rump length,placental weight,and diameter.We used reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),Western blotting,and immunohistochemistry(IHC)to detected mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-related genes in rat placental tissue,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)to assess the expression of apopto-sis-related genes in rat serum.Results:Compared with the control group,systolic blood pressure on days 15,17 and 19 of gestation and 24h proteinuria level on day 19 of gestation were significantly higher,and body mass and top rump length of littermates were lower in the PE group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05);Compared with the PE group,systolic blood pressure on days 15,17 and 19 of gestation and 24h proteinuri-a level on day 19 of gestation were significantly decreased,and body mass and top rump length of littermates were increased in the MET group,and the differences were all statistically significant(P＜0.05).Pairwise com-parisons of placental weight,placental diameter,and the number of pups born among the three groups showed no statistically significant differences(P＞0.05).Compared to the control group,the PE group exhibited significantly increased expression of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)associated X protein(Bax),bcl-2 antagonist/killer 1(Bak),and apoptosis-inducing factor(AIF)mRNA and protein in placental tissues,decreased expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein,as well as elevated levels of Bax,Bak,and AIF in serum,while Bcl-2 expression levels were de-creased.These differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Compared to the PE group,the MET group exhibited decreased expression of Bax,Bak,and AIF mRNA and protein in placental tissue,along with increased expression of Bcl-2 mRNA and protein.Serum levels of Bax,Bak,and AIF were decreased,while Bcl-2 expression levels were increased.All differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusions:L-NAME significantly induced elevated levels of apoptosis in rat placental tissues,whereas MET was able to effectively inhibit L-NAME-induced apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress,which has the potential to be a new therapeu-tic intervention point for PE.

Objective:To compare the pregnancy and perinatal outcomes following cleavage-stage embryo transfer and blastocyst-stage embryo transfer, and to explore the best strategy of embryo transfer for infertile patients.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, data of patients who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection from January 2021 to December 2022 in Reproductive Medicine Department of the Fifth Hospital and the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and Jinzhong Yingtai Women's and Children's Hospital were collected. Patients were divided into cleavage-stage embryo transfer group (named D3 group, n=2 827) and blastocyst-stage embryo transfer group (named D5 group, n=1 253). The main observation indicators were large for gestational age (LGA) and preterm birth (PTB). The secondary observation indicators were multiple pregnancy, gestational age, birth weight and newborn gender. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were applied to analyze the correlation between embryo transfer type and adverse outcomes. Results:Clinical pregnancy rate [64.5% (808/1 253)], live birth rate [55.5% (696/1 253)], implantation rate [46.0% (1 026/2 230)], multiple pregnancy rate [22.6% (183/808)], male newborn rate [58.6% (515/879)], single LGA rate [19.8% (103/520)] and single PTB rate [21.7% (113/520)] in D5 group were significantly higher than those in D3 group [54.3% (1 535/2 827), P<0.001; 48.2% (1 362/2 827), P<0.001; 36.7% (1 962/5 346), P<0.001; 19.0% (291/1 535), P=0.026; 49.7% (822/1 653), P=0.001; 7.5% (80/1 071), P<0.001; 17.2% (184/1 071), P=0.029]. LGA rate [24.8% (72/290)] in the single frozen-embryo transfer and LGA rate [13.5% (31/230)] in the single fresh-embryo transfer of D5 group were significantly higher than those of D3 group [8.8% (36/409), P<0.001; 6.6% (44/662), P=0.002]. LGA in male newborns [24.8% (82/330)] and female newborns [11.1% (21/190)] of D5 group were significantly higher than those of D3 group [9.1% (54/592), a OR=2.95, 95% CI: 2.01-4.33, P<0.001; 5.4% (26/479), a OR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.10-3.77, P=0.024]. Conclusion:The risk of LGA and premature birth in blastocyst-stage embryo transfer is higher than that in cleavage-stage embryo transfer. In clinical practice, embryo transfer methods should be selected based on the condition of patient and embryo.

Objective:To compare the pregnancy and perinatal outcomes following cleavage-stage embryo transfer and blastocyst-stage embryo transfer, and to explore the best strategy of embryo transfer for infertile patients.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, data of patients who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection from January 2021 to December 2022 in Reproductive Medicine Department of the Fifth Hospital and the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and Jinzhong Yingtai Women's and Children's Hospital were collected. Patients were divided into cleavage-stage embryo transfer group (named D3 group, n=2 827) and blastocyst-stage embryo transfer group (named D5 group, n=1 253). The main observation indicators were large for gestational age (LGA) and preterm birth (PTB). The secondary observation indicators were multiple pregnancy, gestational age, birth weight and newborn gender. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were applied to analyze the correlation between embryo transfer type and adverse outcomes. Results:Clinical pregnancy rate [64.5% (808/1 253)], live birth rate [55.5% (696/1 253)], implantation rate [46.0% (1 026/2 230)], multiple pregnancy rate [22.6% (183/808)], male newborn rate [58.6% (515/879)], single LGA rate [19.8% (103/520)] and single PTB rate [21.7% (113/520)] in D5 group were significantly higher than those in D3 group [54.3% (1 535/2 827), P<0.001; 48.2% (1 362/2 827), P<0.001; 36.7% (1 962/5 346), P<0.001; 19.0% (291/1 535), P=0.026; 49.7% (822/1 653), P=0.001; 7.5% (80/1 071), P<0.001; 17.2% (184/1 071), P=0.029]. LGA rate [24.8% (72/290)] in the single frozen-embryo transfer and LGA rate [13.5% (31/230)] in the single fresh-embryo transfer of D5 group were significantly higher than those of D3 group [8.8% (36/409), P<0.001; 6.6% (44/662), P=0.002]. LGA in male newborns [24.8% (82/330)] and female newborns [11.1% (21/190)] of D5 group were significantly higher than those of D3 group [9.1% (54/592), a OR=2.95, 95% CI: 2.01-4.33, P<0.001; 5.4% (26/479), a OR=2.04, 95% CI: 1.10-3.77, P=0.024]. Conclusion:The risk of LGA and premature birth in blastocyst-stage embryo transfer is higher than that in cleavage-stage embryo transfer. In clinical practice, embryo transfer methods should be selected based on the condition of patient and embryo.

Objective: To analyze the level of resilience and its influencing factors in the young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( T2DM ), so as to provide reference for optimizing mental interventions for the patients. Methods: The young and middle-aged patients with T2DM from September 2019 to September 2020 in Hangzhou First People's Hospital, affiliated to the Medical School of Zhejiang University, were selected as the subjects, the general information questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale ( PSSS ) , Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale ( CD-RISC ), Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) and Diabetes Management Self-efficacy Scale ( DMSES ) were used to investigate, the multivariate linear regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for resilience in young and middle-aged patients with T2DM. Results: A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed and 238 valid questionnaires were recovered. The effective recovery rate was 95.20%. Among 238 patients, 142 cases ( 59.66% ) were males and 96 cases ( 40.34% ) were females; 168 cases ( 70.59% ) were 45-59 years old. The CD-RISC score was 70.49±12.81, PSSS score was 63.70±10.90, DDS score was 2.14±0.87, and DMSES score was 130.22±38.49. The results of multivariate regression analysis indicated that educational level, average monthly family income, fasting blood glucose, self-efficacy, social support and diabetes distress were the influencing factors for resilience of young and middle-aged patients with T2DM ( P<0.05 ). Conclusion The level of mental resilience in young and middle-aged patients with T2DM is mainly related to the level of education, monthly family income, blood glucose control, diabetes distress, self-efficacy and social support.

Seventy eight children with Henoch-Schonlein syndrome (HSP) admitted in our hospital from October 2013 to April 2015 were enrolled in this study,and 30 healthy children were also enrolled as controls.The serum S-100 protein levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)in two groups;and electroencephalogram (EEG) examination was performed in HSP patients.The serum S-100 protein level of HSP group (0.206 ± 0.101) μg/L was significantly higher than that in the normal control group [(0.060 ±0.042) μg/L,P ＜ 0.001];and the serum S-100 protein levels in patients with kidney type (0.284 ±0.099) μg/L and mixed type [(0.284 ±0.043) μg/L,P ＜0.01] were higher than those in patients with skin type (0.151 ±0.098) μg/L,gastrointestinal type (0.138 ±0.036) μg/L and joint type [(0.117 ± 0.065) μg/L,P ＜ 0.001].Abnormal EEG findings were detected in 52 cases (66.7％),however,no clinical manifestations of nervous system were found in those patients.Serum S-100 protein levels were higher in patients with abnormal EEG than those with normal EEG [(0.223 ± 0.099) μg/L vs.(0.173 ± 0.096) μg/L,P ＜ 0.05].The results suggest that the serum S-100 protein is associated with HSP disease severity,and children with HSP may have subclinical neurological damage.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and conventional-transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA) in mediastinal and lung hilar lesions. Method 301 cases of lung hilar and mediastinal lesions were selected from 2010 to 2016. Among them, 183 cases underwent TBNA, and the other 118 cases received EBUS-TBNA technology. During the research, the associations of diagnostic positive rate and complications were analyzed in order to explore the advantage and the value of EBUS-TBNA. Results The positive rates of EBUS-TBNA in central groups (2R, 4L, 4R, 7) were higher than in the peripheral groups (10R, 10L, 11R, 11L) (P < 0.05). When studying the lymph node group 2R, 4R and 7R, the positive rate of EBUS-TBNA is much more significant than conventional TBNA (P < 0.05); When biopsying at the lymph node group R4 and group 7, one needle positive rate of EBUS-TBNA were much more superior than TBNA (P < 0.05), the three needles cumulative positive rate of EBUS-TBNA almost reach the total positive rate(P > 0.05), an approving effect of puncture can be acquired; The accuracy and sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lung hilar and mediastinal lesions were much better than conventional TBNA (P < 0.05), especially the diagnostic positive rate of EBUS-TBNA in benign diseases was higher (P < 0.05); The complications rates in both two technologies were not significantly different (P > 0.05), there were no severe complications during the operations in all cases. Conclusion EBUS-TBNA is useful in diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lesions of unknown reason, and significant in diagnosis of bronchial and extrabronchial diseases. It is an efficiency and safe operation while further application studies are needed.

Objective To evaluate the value of bronchoscope-guaided different combined interventions in the treatment of patients with malignant severe central airway stenosis.Methods A total of 48 patients with malignant severe central airway stenosis were selected and divided into group A treated with combined interventions including high-frequency electrotome + argon plasma coagulation (APC) + freezing (n =31),while another 17 with combined interventions including high-frequency electrotome + APC + freezing + tracheal stent implantation were designed as group B.The response rate (RR) after initial interventional treatment and the middle-and short-term clinical efficacy after 6-month follow up were observed,and corresponding complications and adverse events were recorded.Results The RR of all patients was 100％,in which group B was significantly better in the increase of airway diameter and increase rate of cross sectional area (CSA) (P ＜ 0.05),but was significantly lower in polypnea index than group A (P ＜ 0.05),but there was no significant difference between two groups in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in the expected value (FEV1％)(P ＞0.05).During 6-month follow-up,there were significant differences in the average monthly interventional therapeutic frequency and average remission period between two groups (P ＜0.05).No patients had complications immediately after interventional process.During the 6-month follow-up,4 8 patients had different-degree chest pain,hemoptysis and retention of secretes.Conclusion Bronchoscope-guided different combined interventions have excellent efficacy in the treatment of patients with malignant severe central airway stenosis.

Objective To evaluate the value of bronchoscope-guaided different combined interventions in the treatment of patients with malignant severe central airway stenosis.Methods A total of 48 patients with malignant severe central airway stenosis were selected and divided into group A treated with combined interventions including high-frequency electrotome + argon plasma coagulation (APC) + freezing (n =31),while another 17 with combined interventions including high-frequency electrotome + APC + freezing + tracheal stent implantation were designed as group B.The response rate (RR) after initial interventional treatment and the middle-and short-term clinical efficacy after 6-month follow up were observed,and corresponding complications and adverse events were recorded.Results The RR of all patients was 100％,in which group B was significantly better in the increase of airway diameter and increase rate of cross sectional area (CSA) (P ＜ 0.05),but was significantly lower in polypnea index than group A (P ＜ 0.05),but there was no significant difference between two groups in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in the expected value (FEV1％)(P ＞0.05).During 6-month follow-up,there were significant differences in the average monthly interventional therapeutic frequency and average remission period between two groups (P ＜0.05).No patients had complications immediately after interventional process.During the 6-month follow-up,4 8 patients had different-degree chest pain,hemoptysis and retention of secretes.Conclusion Bronchoscope-guided different combined interventions have excellent efficacy in the treatment of patients with malignant severe central airway stenosis.

Objective To investigate the effect of acupuncture at Zusanli, Sanyinjiao and Danzhong on mammary estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expressions in rats with dimethylbenzanthracine (DMBA)-induced mammary cancer. Methods One hundred and twenty female SD rats aged 6-8 weeks were randomized into a model group of 60 rats and a blank group of 30 rats. The model group received an oral gavage of DMBA for model making. The blank group received an oral gavage of equal volume of sesame oil. At 15 weeks after model making, the model group of rats was randomized into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received acupuncture at Zusanli, Sanyinjiao and Danzhong, and the control and blank groups, only the same grasp and release. After the completion of acupuncture treatment (twenty-seventh week), abdominal venous blood was taken and serum tumor markers were determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Tumor masses were counted and their shapes were recorded. The mass was taken and its height, maximum diameter and vertical diameter were measured using a 1 mm precision vernier caliper. Pathological changes in tumor tissues, and ER and PR positive areas and mean optical densities were observed under an Olympus optical microscope.Results There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in the average number and volume of mammary tumors between the treatment group and the control or blank group (P<0.01,P<0.05) and between the control and blank groups (P<0.01). There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in the concentrations of various tumor markers (CA724, CA125, CA199, AEP, CA15-3, CEA and CA50) between the treatment or control group and the blank group (P<0.01,P<0.05) and between the control and blank groups (P<0.01). There was a statistically significant post-treatment difference in CA15-3 concentration between the treatment and control groups (P<0.01). There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in ER and PR positive areas and mean optical densities between the treatment group and the control or blank group (P<0.01) and between the control and blank groups (P<0.01).Conclusions Acupuncture can reduce the occurrence of rat DMBA-induced mammary tumor (including the number and volumes of the tumors). The mechanism of its action may be related to decreasing the concentrations of tumor markers CA724, CA125, CA199, CA15-3, AEP, CEA and CA50 and especially to decreasing CA15-3 concentration, and ER and PR positive areas and mean optical densities.