Based on a letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), serum metabolomics was employed to characterize metabolic abnormalities, identify potential biomarkers, and investigate their roles in the pathogenesis and progression of PCOS. Metabolomic analyses revealed significantly decreased levels of cholesterol, pregnenolone, leucine, and citrate in the serum of model rats, accompanied by elevated levels of androsterone glucuronide (ADTG) and linoleic acid, indicating dysregulation of key pathways including steroid biosynthesis, branched-chain amino acid metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and lipid metabolism. To elucidate the tissue origins and molecular mechanisms underlying these metabolic alterations, ovarian proteomics and qRT-PCR analyses were further integrated. The results confirmed the upregulation of key enzymes involved in the related metabolic pathways, such as 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B1), branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase (BCAT2), fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH). These findings suggest that both “cholesterol precursor depletion-androgen accumulation” and “energy/lipid metabolic reprogramming” constitute core features of metabolic disturbances in PCOS. Through multi-omic cross-validation, six serum metabolites with high stability and clinical translational potential were identified as promising combinational biomarkers for the auxiliary diagnosis of PCOS. This study employed a metabolomics-guided strategy, supported by proteomic and transcriptomic validation, which has not only deepened our understanding of PCOS metabolic mechanisms but also provided us with a theoretical foundation for its auxiliary diagnosis.

Objective To discuss the clinical value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)in predicting the prognosis of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with micro wave ablation(MWA).Methods The clinical data of 110 patients with unresectable HCC,who received TACE with sequential MWA at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University of China from March 2018 to March 2022,were retrospectively analyzed.The median NLR and PLR values were used as the cut-off values.Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in the baseline characteristics between the high NLR/PLR group and low NLR/PLR group.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)curves were plotted by using Kaplan-Meier method,which were compared by using log-rank test.Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was adopted to determine the factors associated with OS and PFS.Multivariate analysis of the variables,which had a P＜0.05 in the univariate analysis,was performed.Results The median NLR and PLR were 2.05 and 90 respectively.Compared with the high NLR/PLR group,in the low NLR/PLR group the OS was obviously better[1 100 days(95％CI=1 047.7-1 153.7)vs 683 days(95％CI=552.5-814.8);1 076 days(95％CI=996.4-1 156.2)vs 721 days(95％CI=583.0-859.8)](all P＜0.01),and the PFS was longer[720 days(95％CI=361.6-1 078.4)vs 298 days(95％CI=47.0-205.8);545 days(95％CI=292.3-797.7)vs 270 days(95％CI=213.5-326.5)](all P＜0.05).High NLR(HR=2.193,95％CI=1.358-3.541,P=0.001;HR=37.883,95％CI=4.83-296.760,P=0.001)and high PLR(HR=2.117,95％CI=1.306-3.434,P=0.002;HR=6.547,95％CI=2.367-18.113,P＜0.01)were the predictors of poor PFS and OS.Conclusion The preoperative NLR and PLR have a good predictive value for the therapeutic effect of TACE with sequential MWA for HCC.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of four-dimensional traction in elderly patients with degenera-tive lumbar spinal stenosis(DLSS),focusing on changes in lumbar muscle morphology and mechanical properties.Methods Elderly patients with DLSS admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to February 2024 were enrolled.Based on the treatment method,they were categorized into the study group(muscle exercise combined with four-dimensional traction,n=40)and the control group(routine muscle exercise,n=40).All participants underwent a 4-week treatment regimen and subsequently received multimodal ultrasound examinations.The morphology and mechanical properties of the lumbar muscle group,lumbar range of motion,walking distance in intermittent claudication,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores were compared between the two groups.Results After treatment,the study group exhibited significantly greater improvements in multifidus muscle thickness,circumference,cross-sectional area,pressure pain threshold,and lumbar range of motion(P<0.05).In contrast,the shear wave velocity(SWV),Young's modulus,muscle tension,and flexion-extension ratio of the multifidus muscle were significantly lower in the study group(P<0.05).Additionally,the walking distance in intermittent claudication for the study group was markedly longer(P<0.05).During the 12-month follow-up period after treatment,the VAS and ODI scores of the study group remained significantly lower(P<0.05).Conclusion Four-dimensional traction in combination with muscle exercise can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,enhance muscle function,and improve mechanical properties in elderly patients with DLSS.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of four-dimensional traction in elderly patients with degenera-tive lumbar spinal stenosis(DLSS),focusing on changes in lumbar muscle morphology and mechanical properties.Methods Elderly patients with DLSS admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to February 2024 were enrolled.Based on the treatment method,they were categorized into the study group(muscle exercise combined with four-dimensional traction,n=40)and the control group(routine muscle exercise,n=40).All participants underwent a 4-week treatment regimen and subsequently received multimodal ultrasound examinations.The morphology and mechanical properties of the lumbar muscle group,lumbar range of motion,walking distance in intermittent claudication,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),and Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)scores were compared between the two groups.Results After treatment,the study group exhibited significantly greater improvements in multifidus muscle thickness,circumference,cross-sectional area,pressure pain threshold,and lumbar range of motion(P<0.05).In contrast,the shear wave velocity(SWV),Young's modulus,muscle tension,and flexion-extension ratio of the multifidus muscle were significantly lower in the study group(P<0.05).Additionally,the walking distance in intermittent claudication for the study group was markedly longer(P<0.05).During the 12-month follow-up period after treatment,the VAS and ODI scores of the study group remained significantly lower(P<0.05).Conclusion Four-dimensional traction in combination with muscle exercise can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms,enhance muscle function,and improve mechanical properties in elderly patients with DLSS.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription in regulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway to improve cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.Methods A total of 48 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group,TCM group and edaravone group,with 12 rats in each group.Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury rat model was prepared using middle cerebral artery occlusion method,and administration 24 hours after modeling.The edaravone group was given intraperitoneal injection of 1.4 mg/mL edaravone injection,TCM group was given 55 g/(kg·d)of Yiqi Huoxue Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription for gavage,while the sham-operation group and model group were given equal volumes of normal saline for gavage,twice a day for 3 consecutive days.The neurological deficit scores of the rats in each group were observed,TTC staining was used to detect the volume of cerebral infarction,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of brain tissue in the ischemia-reperfusion area,immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the positive expressions of glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78),protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)and transcription activator factor(ATF)4 in the ischemia-reperfusion area brain tissue,RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of GRP78,PERK and ATF4 in the ischemia-reperfusion area brain tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of GRP78,PERK and ATF4 in the ischemia-reperfusion area brain tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the neurological deficit score of the model group rats increased,the volume of cerebral infarction increased,the number of neurons in the ischemia-reperfusion area decreased,the arrangement was loose,and the nuclei were condensed,the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78,PERK and ATF4 increased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the neurological deficit score of TCM group and edaravone group decreased,the cerebral infarction volume decreased,the number and arrangement of neurons of the brain tissue in the ischemia reperfusion area increased,and nuclear condensation decreased in rats,the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78,PERK and ATF4 were all reduced,with statistical significance(P<0.05).There was no statistical significance in various indicators between TCM group and the edaravone group(P>0.05).Conclusion Yiqi Huoxue Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription can improve cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury,and its mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expression of PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway and alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription in regulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway to improve cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.Methods A total of 48 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group,model group,TCM group and edaravone group,with 12 rats in each group.Cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury rat model was prepared using middle cerebral artery occlusion method,and administration 24 hours after modeling.The edaravone group was given intraperitoneal injection of 1.4 mg/mL edaravone injection,TCM group was given 55 g/(kg·d)of Yiqi Huoxue Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription for gavage,while the sham-operation group and model group were given equal volumes of normal saline for gavage,twice a day for 3 consecutive days.The neurological deficit scores of the rats in each group were observed,TTC staining was used to detect the volume of cerebral infarction,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of brain tissue in the ischemia-reperfusion area,immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect the positive expressions of glucose regulated protein 78(GRP78),protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)and transcription activator factor(ATF)4 in the ischemia-reperfusion area brain tissue,RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of GRP78,PERK and ATF4 in the ischemia-reperfusion area brain tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of GRP78,PERK and ATF4 in the ischemia-reperfusion area brain tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the neurological deficit score of the model group rats increased,the volume of cerebral infarction increased,the number of neurons in the ischemia-reperfusion area decreased,the arrangement was loose,and the nuclei were condensed,the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78,PERK and ATF4 increased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the neurological deficit score of TCM group and edaravone group decreased,the cerebral infarction volume decreased,the number and arrangement of neurons of the brain tissue in the ischemia reperfusion area increased,and nuclear condensation decreased in rats,the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78,PERK and ATF4 were all reduced,with statistical significance(P<0.05).There was no statistical significance in various indicators between TCM group and the edaravone group(P>0.05).Conclusion Yiqi Huoxue Huazhuo Jiedu Prescription can improve cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury,and its mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expression of PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway and alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Objective To comparatively observe the incidence of complications and patency rate within 1 year after implantation of totally implantable venous access port(TIVAP)through internal jugular vein(IJV)between different locations of catheter tip.Methods Data of 2 104 patients with tumors who received TIVAP implantation through IJV were retrospectively analyzed.Patients who underwent TIVAP implantation through the right IJV(group R,n=1 903)were divided into R1(n=376,with catheter tip located at the upper right atrium,i.e.0.5 to 1.0 cm below the cavoatrial junction[CAJ])and R2 subgroups(n=1 527,with catheter tips located between the lower 1/3 of superior vena cava[SVC]and CAJ),while those who underwent TIVAP implantation through the left IJV(group L,n=201)were divided into L1(n=64)and L2 subgroups(n=137),respectively.Patients'basic information,incidence of complication and patency rate of catheter 1 year after TIVAP implantation were collected and compared between subgroups.Results No significant difference of gender,age,clinical diagnosis,tumor stage,nor of incidence of complication including pneumothorax/hemopneumothorax,local skin injury,TIVAP infection,catheter-associated thrombosis,drug extravasation,catheter displacement and arrhythmia was found between subgroups within group R nor L(all P＞0.05).One year after TIVAP implantation,no significant difference of catheter patency rates was found between subgroup R1(94.15%)and R2(93.78%)(χ2=0.069,P=0.793),nor between subgroup L1(98.44%)and L2(89.78%)(Yates'continuity correction χ2=3.563,P=0.059).Conclusion No significant difference of incidence of complications nor catheter patency rate within 1 year after implantation of TIVAP was found between catheter tip location at the upper right atrium or between the lower 1/3 of SVC and CAJ through the right or left IJC.

Objective To evaluate the clinical safety and effectiveness of intravascular stent combined with 125I seed strip implantation in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome(SVCS)caused by malignant tumors.Methods The clinical data of 43 patients with SVCS,who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University of China from May 2017 to October 2022,were retrospective analyzed.Of the 43 patients,27 received intravascular stent combined with l25I seed strip implantation(observation group),and 16 received simple intravascular stent implantation(control group).The stent patency rate,clinical symptom relief rate,and survival time were compared between the two groups.Results Successful operation was accomplished in all the 43 patients.In the observation group,the postoperative 3-month stent patency rate and average survival time were 88.7％and 39.1 weeks respectively,which were significantly higher than 62.5％and 21.8 weeks respectively in the control group,the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P=0.033 and P=0.035 respectively).After treatment,all the clinical symptoms were relieved.Conclusion For the treatment of SVCS,intravascular stent combined with 125I seed strip implantation is clinically safe and effective,it can be used as the preferred treatment option.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:632-635)

Background::Although some well-established oncogenes are involved in cancer initiation and progression such as prostate cancer (PCa), the long tail of cancer genes remains to be defined. Goosecoid ( GSC) has been implicated in cancer development. However, the comprehensive biological role of GSC in pan-cancer, specifically in PCa, remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of GSC in PCa development. Methods::We performed a systematic bioinformatics exploration of GSC using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas, Genotype-Tissue Expression, Gene Expression Omnibus, German Cancer Research Center, and our in-house cohorts. First, we evaluated the expression of GSC and its association with patient prognosis, and identified GSC-relevant genetic alterations in cancers. Further, we focused on the clinical characterization and prognostic analysis of GSC in PCa. To understand the transcriptional regulation of GSC by E2F transcription factor 1 ( E2F1), we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Functional experiments were conducted to validate the effect of GSC on the tumor cellular phenotype and sensitivity to trametinib. Results::GSC expression was elevated in various tumors and significantly correlated with patient prognosis. The alterations of GSC contribute to the progression of various tumors especially in PCa. Patients with PCa and high GSC expression exhibited worse progression-free survival and biochemical recurrence outcomes. Further, GSC upregulation in patients with PCa was mostly accompanied with higher Gleason score, advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Mechanistically, the transcription factor, E2F1, stimulates GSC by binding to its promoter region. Detailed experiments further demonstrated that GSC acted as an oncogene and influenced the response of PCa cells to trametinib treatment. Conclusions::GSC was highly overexpressed and strongly correlated with patient prognosis in PCa. We found that GSC, regulated by E2F1, acted as an oncogene and impeded the therapeutic efficacy of trametinib in PCa.

The precise localization of pulmonary nodules has become an important technical key point in the treatment of pulmonary nodules by thoracoscopic surgery, which is a guarantee for safe margin and avoiding removal of too much normal lung parenchyma. With the development of medical technology and equipment, the methods of locating pulmonary nodules are also becoming less trauma and convenience. There are currently a number of methods applied to the preoperative or intraoperative localization of pulmonary nodules, including preoperative percutaneous puncture localization, preoperative transbronchial localization, intraoperative palpation localization, intraoperative ultrasound localization, and localization according to anatomy. The most appropriate localization method should be selected according to the location of the nodule, available equipment, and surgeon鈥檚 experience. According to the published literatures, we have sorted out a variety of different theories and methods of localization of pulmonary nodules in this article, summarizing their advantages and disadvantages for references.