OBJECTIVE: Chromosome conformation-based karyotype analysis (C-MoKa) technology was used to test a couple who had experienced multiple adverse pregnancies in order to provide them with genetic counseling and reproductive guidance. METHODS: A couple presented at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University in 2023 was selected as the study subject. Through C-MoKa testing, copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), it was found that the couple's repeatedly miscarried fetuses and abnormal embryos exhibited highly similar chromosomal structural abnormalities. Using C-MoKa, the potential genetic abnormalities in both partners were traced, and reproductive guidance was provided based on the result. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: LDYYSZLLKH2025-09). RESULTS: CNV-seq analysis of the couple's miscarriage fetal chorionic villi showed del(18)(q21.2q23)(28.90 Mb) and dup(13)(q31.2q34)(26.26 Mb). Chromosomal karyotyping analysis of both partners showed no abnormality. From 2024 to 2025, the couple underwent three rounds of PGT-A assisted reproduction. The first embryo test showed del(13)(q31.2q34)(26.77 Mb) and dup(18)(q21.2q23)(29.08 Mb). The second embryo test showed dup(13)(q31.2q34)(26.26 Mb) and del(18)(q21.2q23)(28.90 Mb). And the third embryo test results showed complex chromosomal abnormalities. In 2025, after genetic counseling, the couple had opted C-MoKa test, which has detected no abnormality in the wife, but a balanced 46,XY,t(13;18)(q31.2;q21.2) translocation in the husband. CONCLUSION As a high-throughput sequencing method based on the three-dimensional conformation of chromatin, C-MoKa has the advantages of high resolution and high accuracy, and can accurately detect balanced translocations with similar banding patterns. It has therefore offered a powerful new tool for chromosomal analysis.
Female ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Abortion, Habitual/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Karyotyping/methods* ; Preimplantation Diagnosis ; Translocation, Genetic

BACKGROUND:Hippocampal injury caused by aortic coarctation has been poorly studied,and combined detection of tumor necrosis factor α,nuclear factor κB and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 expression in aortic dissection has not been reported.OBJECTIVE:To observe histomorphologic changes in the hippocampus of a mouse model of aortic dissection and investigate the expression and significance of tumor necrosis factor alpha,nuclear factor kappaB and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 in the hippocampus of aortic dissection mice.METHODS:Sixteen healthy 3-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups:control group and aortic dissection group,with eight mice in each group.In the aortic dissection group,mice were given β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate as drinking water for 4 weeks,and the angiotensin Ⅱ microinfiltration pump was then implanted to establish an animal model of aortic dissection.Mice in the control group were given normal diet and water.After the model was established,the maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was measured,hematoxylin-eosin staining and EVG staining were performed to evaluate the model formation rate,and the levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The hippocampus was dissected and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe the pathological changes of the hippocampus in brain sections.The protein expression of tumor necrosis factor α,nuclear factor κB and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 was detected by western blot analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the maximum diameter of the ascending aorta in the aortic dissection group was significantly enlarged.(2)Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the aorta showed obvious thickening of the middle aorta and destruction and disorder of the aortic wall structure in mice.Neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of mice were sparsely arranged,reduced in size,and showed pyknosis with deeply stained nuclei.(3)Serum levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 were increased in the aortic dissection group compared with the control group(P＜0.01).(4)The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α,nuclear factor κB,phosphorylated nuclear factor κB,and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 in the hippocampus were increased in the aortic dissection group compared with the control group(P＜0.05).To conclude,microglial activation and increased expression of tumor necrosis factor α and nuclear factor κB may be involved in hippocampal neuron injury in aortic dissection mice.

BACKGROUND:Upper lumbar spinal stenosis is a multifactorial degenerative disorder of the spine.For narrowing of the spinal canal in the upper lumbar region(L1-L4),surgical decision-making is particularly complex.Existing minimally invasive surgeries each have their own advantages and limitations.Currently,there are few reports on biomechanical comparison and finite element analysis of different surgical methods for the treatment of high lumbar spinal stenosis.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the biomechanical impact of endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression,transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression,and cross-overtop decompression in the treatment of upper lumbar spinal stenosis using endoscopy,and to verify the reliability and effectiveness of these three surgical techniques in treating upper lumbar spinal stenosis,providing a biomechanical basis for clinical decision-making.METHODS:The CT images of the lumbar spine of a healthy volunteer were selected,and the finite element model M0 of the normal lumbar L1-L5 segments was established using Mimics,Geomagic,Solid works,and Ansys software.The L2-L3 segment,representing upper lumbar characteristics,was chosen.Based on this model,the surgical models for endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression(M1),transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression(M2),and cross-overtop decompression(M3)were established.Using software,the changes in the range of motion of the entire lumbar segment and the maximum Von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs were simulated and evaluated for each group of models under six loading conditions:flexion,extension,left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with model MO,the range of motion in M1,M2,and M3 increased under all six conditions,with M1 showing a greater increase.(2)M1 and M2 demonstrated significant increases in range of motion under forward bending,extension,and right rotation,while the increase under other conditions remained below 7％.(3)Compared with model M3,model M1 exhibited slightly increased overall joint range of motion during extension and left bending,while no significant changes were observed in other aspects,and the L1-L5 lumbar segments did not reach an unstable state.(4)In model M1,the maximum Von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs increased most significantly under flexion and extension loading conditions.However,under left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation loading conditions,the increase did not exceed 5％.(5)These findings suggest that due to the sagittal anatomical characteristics of the facet joints,the unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression technique,while decompressing,involves resection of more facet joints,which impacts overall segmental stability.The transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression technique is suitable for patients with foraminal stenosis but cannot achieve complete decompression for those with severe ventral central stenosis.The Cross-Overtop technique effectively enlarges the volume of the central canal and lateral recess,optimizing decompression,and shows unique advantages in treating upper lumbar spinal stenosis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism （HA）， one of its core pathological features， is closely associated with the clinical manifestations and metabolic complications of the disease. Current western medical treatments for PCOS-HA mainly include anti-androgen therapy and ovulation induction， such as short-acting oral contraceptives like Diane-35 and Yasmin. However， long-term use of these medications may result in adverse reactions like increasing the risk of liver dysfunction and exacerbating lipid metabolism disorders， with unsatisfactory long-term efficacy when used alone. Traditional Chinese medicine offers unique advantages in the treatment of PCOS-HA due to its holistic approach and multi-target regulatory mechanisms. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine， PCOS-HA is classified under the categories such as "delayed menstruation"， "amenorrhea"， and "infertility"， with kidney deficiency as the root， as well as liver stagnation and spleen deficiency as the manifestations. Phlegm and blood stasis are considered to be intertwined throughout the disease course. Modern studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine is significantly effective in improving the androgen levels， restoring ovulation， and improving insulin resistance in PCOS-HA patients. Representative prescriptions， such as Erxian Tang， Jiawei Xiaoyaosan， Guizhi Fulingwan， and Cangfu Daotantang， exert therapeutic effects through various mechanisms including regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis， reduction of ovarian androgen synthase activity， improvement of insulin signaling pathways， and inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress， which demonstrates the characteristics of comprehensive treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the perspectives of etiology and pathogenesis of traditional Chinese medicine， modern medical cognition， typical prescriptions， and action mechanisms， this paper reviewed the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of PCOS-HA， aiming to provide a reference for in-depth research and clinical applications in this field.

Polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism （HA）， one of its core pathological features， is closely associated with the clinical manifestations and metabolic complications of the disease. Current western medical treatments for PCOS-HA mainly include anti-androgen therapy and ovulation induction， such as short-acting oral contraceptives like Diane-35 and Yasmin. However， long-term use of these medications may result in adverse reactions like increasing the risk of liver dysfunction and exacerbating lipid metabolism disorders， with unsatisfactory long-term efficacy when used alone. Traditional Chinese medicine offers unique advantages in the treatment of PCOS-HA due to its holistic approach and multi-target regulatory mechanisms. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine， PCOS-HA is classified under the categories such as "delayed menstruation"， "amenorrhea"， and "infertility"， with kidney deficiency as the root， as well as liver stagnation and spleen deficiency as the manifestations. Phlegm and blood stasis are considered to be intertwined throughout the disease course. Modern studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine is significantly effective in improving the androgen levels， restoring ovulation， and improving insulin resistance in PCOS-HA patients. Representative prescriptions， such as Erxian Tang， Jiawei Xiaoyaosan， Guizhi Fulingwan， and Cangfu Daotantang， exert therapeutic effects through various mechanisms including regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis， reduction of ovarian androgen synthase activity， improvement of insulin signaling pathways， and inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress， which demonstrates the characteristics of comprehensive treatment with traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the perspectives of etiology and pathogenesis of traditional Chinese medicine， modern medical cognition， typical prescriptions， and action mechanisms， this paper reviewed the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of PCOS-HA， aiming to provide a reference for in-depth research and clinical applications in this field.

BACKGROUND:Upper lumbar spinal stenosis is a multifactorial degenerative disorder of the spine.For narrowing of the spinal canal in the upper lumbar region(L1-L4),surgical decision-making is particularly complex.Existing minimally invasive surgeries each have their own advantages and limitations.Currently,there are few reports on biomechanical comparison and finite element analysis of different surgical methods for the treatment of high lumbar spinal stenosis.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the biomechanical impact of endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression,transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression,and cross-overtop decompression in the treatment of upper lumbar spinal stenosis using endoscopy,and to verify the reliability and effectiveness of these three surgical techniques in treating upper lumbar spinal stenosis,providing a biomechanical basis for clinical decision-making.METHODS:The CT images of the lumbar spine of a healthy volunteer were selected,and the finite element model M0 of the normal lumbar L1-L5 segments was established using Mimics,Geomagic,Solid works,and Ansys software.The L2-L3 segment,representing upper lumbar characteristics,was chosen.Based on this model,the surgical models for endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression(M1),transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression(M2),and cross-overtop decompression(M3)were established.Using software,the changes in the range of motion of the entire lumbar segment and the maximum Von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs were simulated and evaluated for each group of models under six loading conditions:flexion,extension,left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with model MO,the range of motion in M1,M2,and M3 increased under all six conditions,with M1 showing a greater increase.(2)M1 and M2 demonstrated significant increases in range of motion under forward bending,extension,and right rotation,while the increase under other conditions remained below 7％.(3)Compared with model M3,model M1 exhibited slightly increased overall joint range of motion during extension and left bending,while no significant changes were observed in other aspects,and the L1-L5 lumbar segments did not reach an unstable state.(4)In model M1,the maximum Von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs increased most significantly under flexion and extension loading conditions.However,under left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation loading conditions,the increase did not exceed 5％.(5)These findings suggest that due to the sagittal anatomical characteristics of the facet joints,the unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression technique,while decompressing,involves resection of more facet joints,which impacts overall segmental stability.The transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression technique is suitable for patients with foraminal stenosis but cannot achieve complete decompression for those with severe ventral central stenosis.The Cross-Overtop technique effectively enlarges the volume of the central canal and lateral recess,optimizing decompression,and shows unique advantages in treating upper lumbar spinal stenosis.

BACKGROUND:Hippocampal injury caused by aortic coarctation has been poorly studied,and combined detection of tumor necrosis factor α,nuclear factor κB and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 expression in aortic dissection has not been reported.OBJECTIVE:To observe histomorphologic changes in the hippocampus of a mouse model of aortic dissection and investigate the expression and significance of tumor necrosis factor alpha,nuclear factor kappaB and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 in the hippocampus of aortic dissection mice.METHODS:Sixteen healthy 3-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups:control group and aortic dissection group,with eight mice in each group.In the aortic dissection group,mice were given β-aminopropionitrile monofumarate as drinking water for 4 weeks,and the angiotensin Ⅱ microinfiltration pump was then implanted to establish an animal model of aortic dissection.Mice in the control group were given normal diet and water.After the model was established,the maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was measured,hematoxylin-eosin staining and EVG staining were performed to evaluate the model formation rate,and the levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The hippocampus was dissected and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to observe the pathological changes of the hippocampus in brain sections.The protein expression of tumor necrosis factor α,nuclear factor κB and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 was detected by western blot analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the maximum diameter of the ascending aorta in the aortic dissection group was significantly enlarged.(2)Hematoxylin-eosin staining of the aorta showed obvious thickening of the middle aorta and destruction and disorder of the aortic wall structure in mice.Neurons in the CA1 and CA3 regions of mice were sparsely arranged,reduced in size,and showed pyknosis with deeply stained nuclei.(3)Serum levels of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 6 were increased in the aortic dissection group compared with the control group(P＜0.01).(4)The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α,nuclear factor κB,phosphorylated nuclear factor κB,and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 in the hippocampus were increased in the aortic dissection group compared with the control group(P＜0.05).To conclude,microglial activation and increased expression of tumor necrosis factor α and nuclear factor κB may be involved in hippocampal neuron injury in aortic dissection mice.

Ovarian cancer （OC） is one of the most common malignant tumors in women， with the mortality rate being the highest among gynaecological malignant tumors. As the atypical symptoms of OC are difficult to be detected in the early stage， most patients are already in the advanced stage when being diagnosed. As a result， the clinical treatment has limited effects. Currently， the main therapies for OC are surgery and chemotherapy， while their drug resistance and adverse reactions seriously reduce the quality of life of patients. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has attracted the attention of clinicians and researchers because of its high efficacy， low toxicity， and mild side effects. According to the TCM philosophy of treatment based on syndrome differentiation， the Chinese medicines with multiple targets， wide range， and mild side effects can be screened based on the molecular targets involved in the occurrence and development of OC， which can bring out the unique advantages of TCM in the treatment of OC. Modern studies have shown that the occurrence and development of OC are closely related to the abnormal expression of multiple signaling pathways. The continued abnormal activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） signaling pathway can lead to abnormal proliferation and malignancy of OC. cause abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of OC， which is closely related to the development of OC. In addition， studies have shown that Chinese medicine can inhibit the proliferation， angiogenesis， invasion， and metastasis and promote the autophagy and apoptosis of OC cells by regulating the Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）/STAT3 signaling pathway， providing new therapeutic strategies and ideas for the prevention and treatment of OC. This paper summarizes the role of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in OC development by reviewing the relevant articles and reviews the mechanism and research progress of active components and compound prescriptions of Chinese medicine intervening in OC development by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. This review is expected to provide a systematic reference for clinical research and drug development of OC.

ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of Shenlong Dingji Formula （参龙定悸方） on the quality of life in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation （PAF） of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm-stasis obstructing collaterals syndrome. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PAF of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm-stasis obstructing collaterals syndrome were recruited and randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group， with 30 patients in each group. The control group received standard western medicine treatment， while the treatment group was additionally given Shenlong Dingji Formula orally， one dose per day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life （AFEQT） score including scores of four dimensions，i.e. atrial fibrillation-related symptoms， treatment concerns， daily activities， and treatment satisfaction. The secondary outcome measures included the frequency and duration of symptomatic atrial fibrillation episodes and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores covering symptoms such as palpitations， chest tightness， fatigue， shortness of breath， reluctance to speak， spontaneous sweating， stabbing pain， and insomnia. These indicators were assessed at baseline （before treatment）， after 2-week of treatment， after 4-week of treatment， and 4 weeks after the end of treatment （follow-up）. Additionally， safety indicators before and after treatment and adverse events occurring during the trial were recorded to evaluate safety. ResultsA total of 56 patients completed the study， with 28 in each group. Primary outcome indicators： 1） the treatment group showed significant improvement in the total score of the AFEQT scale， with significantly higher total scores after 2-week treatment， 4-week treatment， and follow-up compared to the previous time point （P＜0.05）. In the control group， the AFEQT score significantly increased only after 4-week treatment compared to baseline （P＜0.05）. In the treatment group， the AFEQT scores after 2-week， 4-week treatment， and during follow-up were all higher than those of the control group at the corresponding time points （P＜0.01）. 2） In the treatment group， there was no statistically significant difference in the AFEQT treatment satisfaction dimension score during follow-up compared to that after 4-week treatment （P＞0.05）. However， the scores for all other dimensions at each time point were higher than those at the previous time point （P＜0.05）. In the control group， the scores for the atrial fibrillation-related symptom dimension were higher after 2-week and 4-week treatment than those of the previous time points （P＜0.05）. For the treatment satisfaction dimension， significant increases were observed only after 2-week and 4-week treatment compared to baseline （P＜0.05）. Secondary outcome indicators： 1） In the treatment group， the frequency and duration of symptomatic atrial fibrillation episodes decreased significantly at each time point compared to the previous time point （P＜0.05）， except for the duration of trial fibrillation at follow-up. In the control group， the frequency of episodes decreased significantly at all time points compared to baseline （P＜0.05）， while the duration of trial fibrillation showed a significant reduction at follow-up compared to those after 2-week treatment （P＜0.05）. 2） In the treatment group， TCM syndrome scores significantly reduced after 2-week treatment， 4-week treatment， and during follow-up compared to the previous time point and baseline （P＜0.05）. In the control group， significant reductions were observed only after 4-week after treatment and during follow-up （P＜0.05）. The TCM syndrome scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group at the same time points （P＜0.01）. No adverse events occurred during the trial in either group， and safety indicators showed no significant changes after treatment. ConclusionShenlong Dingji Formula effectively improves the quality of life， alleviates TCM syndromes， and reduces the frequency and duration of symptomatic atrial fibrillation in patients with PAF of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm-stasis obstructing collaterals syndrome， and demonstrates good safety.

Objective:To evaluate the levels and source of cadmium exposure by dietary pathway among middle-aged and elderly people ≥40 in cadmium-contaminated areas of China.Methods:A total of 7 193 people aged 40-89 years from four typical cadmium-contaminated areas in China were selected as the study subjects. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Total Diet Study (TDS) and a 3-day-24-hour dietary recall survey were conducted. Dietary cadmium intake and food sources through dietary pathways were assessed based on cadmium content in foods, consumption amounts and intake frequencies.Results:The mean age of the participants was 63.39±12.21 years, with 50.05% being males. The average monthly dietary cadmium intake was 7.39 μg/(kg·BW). Staple foods and vegetables were the primary sources of dietary cadmium intake, accounting for 57.51% and 32.48%, respectively. The monthly dietary cadmium intake in all surveyed regions did not exceed the Provisional Tolerable Monthly Intake (PTMI) recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).Conclusion:The monthly dietary cadmium intake among middle-aged and elderly people in cadmium-contaminated areas of China is relatively low, with the risk remaining at an acceptable level. Staple foods and vegetables are the most significant contributors to dietary cadmium intake.