Megestrol acetate is widely used in clinical practice and offers benefits to patients. However, it carries potential adverse effects, such as hypoadrenocorticism, which is often overlooked due to its atypical clinical manifestations. This report describes two cases of megestrol acetate-induced hypoadrenocorticism. Through a review of relevant literature, the mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies are summarized to enhance clinicians′ awareness of this potential complication.

Objective:To explore the independent risk factors for chemoresistance during gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced bladder cancer after radical cystectomy and to construct a related predictive model.Methods:The clinical data of 228 patients with locally advanced bladder cancer who received GC chemotherapy after radical cystectomy at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2013 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 184 were males, and 44 were females, with an average age of (68.8±10.6)years and an average body mass index (BMI) of (24.2±3.6)kg/m 2. According to tumor progression during chemotherapy, patients were divided into a chemotherapy-resistant(CR) group ( n=59) and a non-chemotherapy-resistant(NCR) group ( n=169). Independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and non-parametric test were used to compare general clinical characteristics and relevant examination results during chemotherapy between the two groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for GC chemoresistance. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the TNM stage data between the two groups, and Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare overall survival(OS)after matching. Results:The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 3 in the CR group and 4 in the NCR group. Compared with the NCR group, CR patients were younger [(66.3±9.4) years vs.(69.7±10.9)years], had a higher proportion of kidney transplantation history[6.8%(4/59) vs. 0.6%(1/169)], hypertension [50.8%(30/59) vs. 36.1%(61/169)], coronary heart disease[23.7%(14/59) vs.9.5% (16/169)], and hydronephrosis [13.6%(8/59) vs. 4.1%(7/169)](all P<0.05). CR patients had a higher proportion of T 4 stage [20.3% (12/59) vs. 5.9% (10/169)], N 2 stage [42.4% (25/59) vs. 8.3% (14/169)], multifocal tumors at initial diagnosis [59.3% (35/59) vs. 26.6% (45/169)], and larger maximum tumor diameter [2.5 (1.5, 3.4) cm vs. 1.6 (1.2, 2.5) cm] (all P < 0.05). The CR group showed higher proportions of long-term urinary tract infection (UTI) [90.1% (53/59) vs. 7.7% (15/169)], higher systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) [991.6 (451.0, 1577.9) vs. 462.8 (309.0, 766.7)], absolute neutrophil count [6.5(4.1, 7.8)× 10 9/L vs. 3.9 (2.9, 5.1)× 10 9/L], and platelet count [(220.0 ± 96.2)× 10 9/L vs. (191.0 ± 64.8)× 10 9/L], but lower albumin levels [(34.3 ± 4.2) g/L vs. (39.9 ± 3.8) g/L] and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G) [(1.2 ± 0.3) vs. (1.3 ± 0.2)] (all P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis identified only T stage and long-term UTI as independent risk factors for GC chemoresistance( P<0.05).The probability of GC chemoresistance in bladder cancer patients was calculated as: P(Chemoresistance)=[0.155×T stage+ 0.624×(long-term UTI)]×100%(long-term UTI = 1 if present during chemotherapy, otherwise=0). After PSM, survival analysis showed that the median OS was significantly higher in the NCR group (55 months) than that in the CR group (30 months) ( P=0.020). Conclusions:This study demonstrates that advanced T stage and persistent UTI are independent risk factors for GC chemotherapy resistance in locally advanced bladder cancer patients. Based on these findings, a predictive model for chemotherapy resistance probability was constructed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

Megestrol acetate is widely used in clinical practice and offers benefits to patients. However, it carries potential adverse effects, such as hypoadrenocorticism, which is often overlooked due to its atypical clinical manifestations. This report describes two cases of megestrol acetate-induced hypoadrenocorticism. Through a review of relevant literature, the mechanisms, clinical characteristics, and treatment strategies are summarized to enhance clinicians′ awareness of this potential complication.

Objective:To explore the independent risk factors for chemoresistance during gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced bladder cancer after radical cystectomy and to construct a related predictive model.Methods:The clinical data of 228 patients with locally advanced bladder cancer who received GC chemotherapy after radical cystectomy at Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2013 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 184 were males, and 44 were females, with an average age of (68.8±10.6)years and an average body mass index (BMI) of (24.2±3.6)kg/m 2. According to tumor progression during chemotherapy, patients were divided into a chemotherapy-resistant(CR) group ( n=59) and a non-chemotherapy-resistant(NCR) group ( n=169). Independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and non-parametric test were used to compare general clinical characteristics and relevant examination results during chemotherapy between the two groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for GC chemoresistance. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the TNM stage data between the two groups, and Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used to compare overall survival(OS)after matching. Results:The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 3 in the CR group and 4 in the NCR group. Compared with the NCR group, CR patients were younger [(66.3±9.4) years vs.(69.7±10.9)years], had a higher proportion of kidney transplantation history[6.8%(4/59) vs. 0.6%(1/169)], hypertension [50.8%(30/59) vs. 36.1%(61/169)], coronary heart disease[23.7%(14/59) vs.9.5% (16/169)], and hydronephrosis [13.6%(8/59) vs. 4.1%(7/169)](all P<0.05). CR patients had a higher proportion of T 4 stage [20.3% (12/59) vs. 5.9% (10/169)], N 2 stage [42.4% (25/59) vs. 8.3% (14/169)], multifocal tumors at initial diagnosis [59.3% (35/59) vs. 26.6% (45/169)], and larger maximum tumor diameter [2.5 (1.5, 3.4) cm vs. 1.6 (1.2, 2.5) cm] (all P < 0.05). The CR group showed higher proportions of long-term urinary tract infection (UTI) [90.1% (53/59) vs. 7.7% (15/169)], higher systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) [991.6 (451.0, 1577.9) vs. 462.8 (309.0, 766.7)], absolute neutrophil count [6.5(4.1, 7.8)× 10 9/L vs. 3.9 (2.9, 5.1)× 10 9/L], and platelet count [(220.0 ± 96.2)× 10 9/L vs. (191.0 ± 64.8)× 10 9/L], but lower albumin levels [(34.3 ± 4.2) g/L vs. (39.9 ± 3.8) g/L] and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G) [(1.2 ± 0.3) vs. (1.3 ± 0.2)] (all P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis identified only T stage and long-term UTI as independent risk factors for GC chemoresistance( P<0.05).The probability of GC chemoresistance in bladder cancer patients was calculated as: P(Chemoresistance)=[0.155×T stage+ 0.624×(long-term UTI)]×100%(long-term UTI = 1 if present during chemotherapy, otherwise=0). After PSM, survival analysis showed that the median OS was significantly higher in the NCR group (55 months) than that in the CR group (30 months) ( P=0.020). Conclusions:This study demonstrates that advanced T stage and persistent UTI are independent risk factors for GC chemotherapy resistance in locally advanced bladder cancer patients. Based on these findings, a predictive model for chemotherapy resistance probability was constructed using multivariate linear regression analysis.

Objective:To explore the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the incidence of nocturnal hypertension in patients with hypertension.Methods:Totally 341 hospitalized hypertensive patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from February to May 2023 were selected by convenience sampling. Patients' general information, clinical data, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure results were collected. A binomial Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors affecting the occurrence of nocturnal hypertension in these patients. The relationship between BMI and the incidence of nocturnal hypertension was examined using threshold effect tests and smooth curve fitting.Results:The binomial Logistic regression analysis indicated that blood phosphate level was a factor influencing the occurrence of nocturnal hypertension in hypertensive patients ( P<0.05). Smooth curve fitting and threshold effect test results showed that the relationship between BMI and the incidence of nocturnal hypertension was curve-correlated, with a turning point at 24.61 kg/m 2. To the left of the turning point, there was no correlation ( P=0.130) ; to the right, there was a correlation ( P=0.016) . Conclusions:When the BMI of hypertensive patients exceeds 24.61 kg/m 2, the likelihood of nocturnal hypertension increases with rising BMI, providing a precise intervention target for weight management-based patient care in hypertension.

Objective To explore the optimal acupuncture scheme in intervening hypermyotonia of the affected limbs in stroke.Method Eighty eligible stroke patients were randomly grouped by using the orthogonal experimental design, by adopting electroacupuncture (A), daily acupuncture frequency (B), and acupoint (C) as three factors, and two levels. A total of 20 treatment sessions were conducted. Each group was scored by using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) before and after the treatment, and the safety was also evaluated.Result There was a significant difference in comparing the MAS score between the two different levels of factor A (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in comparing the MAS scores between different levels of factor B and factor C (P<0.05). Concerning the improvement of the MAS scores of wrist, elbow, knee, and ankle joints, A2B1C1(i.e. electroacupuncture twice a day with acupoints from yin meridians) was the optimal treatment scheme.Conclusion Electroacupuncture twice a day is the optimal treatment scheme for hypermyotonia of the affected limbs in stroke, as it can effectively ease the hypermyotonia, improve the function and symptoms of the limbs, and has a satisfactory security evaluation.

Objective To explore the status of social participation and quality of life (QOL) of empty-nesters,and discuss the correlation between social participation and QOL of empty nesters.Methods Totally 243 empty-nesters were selected and investigated by self-designed social participation questionnaire and world health organization quality of life scale for old people (WHOQOL-OLD).Results The QOL score of empty nesters in Hangzhou were (90.98±10.40). Their self-evaluated social participation was positively correlated to QOL (r=0.346,P<0.01). Participating in economic activities and public welfare activities could predict the QOL.Conclusions The QOL of empty nesters in Hangzhou is above the middle level. Participation in economic activities and public service activities can improve the QOL of empty nesters.

Objective To establish a REDE-DHPLC method for detecting the EGFR and KRAS mutations in plasma DNA from tumor patients, and investigate its clinical significance. Methods Restriction endonucleases Mse Ⅰ , Msc Ⅰ , BstN Ⅰ and Bgl Ⅰ were used to digest the wild type fragments of exon 19,exon 21 of EGFR gene and coden 12, 13 of KRAS gene for enriching the mutation fragments, and REDE-DHPLC method was established to detect EGFR and KRAS mutations. The sensitivities of REDE-DHPLC and conventional DHPLC were analyzed by using a series of plasmids containing 50%, 10%, 5%, 1% and 0. 1% mutation genes. Then, Plasma samples and paraffin-embedded tissue samples of 120 NSCLC patients and 120 colorectal cancer patients were detected by REDE-DHPLC. Compared with conventional DHPLC and sequencing, the diagnostic efficiency of REDE-DHPLC method was evaluated by detecting the mutation status of 2 genes in plasma of NSCLC and colorectal cancer patients. Results The sensitivity values of REDE-DHPLC and conventional DHPLC for detecting mutations in 4 loci were 0. 1% and 1%respectively. Plasmid DNA containing 0.1% mutation gene was detected to be positive continually for 2 to 3 times by REDE-DHPLC. EGFR mutation rates of 120 plasma from NSCLC patients detected by REDE-DHPLC, conventional DHPLC and sequencing methods were 27. 5%, 16. 7% and 12.5% respectively, and KRAS mutation rates of 120 plasma from colorectal cancer patients were 38. 3%, 25. 8% and 16. 7%,respectively. The positive rates of EGFR and KRAS mutation detected by REDE-DHPLC were significantly higher than conventional DHPLC(x2 = 4. 092, 4. 301, all P ＜ 0. 05 ) and sequencing method (x2= 8. 438,14. 127,all P ＜ 0. 05 ). In comparison with conventional DHPLC, the sensitivities of REDE-DHPLC for detecting EGFR and KRAS mutation were 100% (20/20,31/31), the specificities were 87. 0% (87/100)and 83. 2% (74/89). In comparison with sequencing method, the sensitivities of REDE-DHPLC were 100%( 15/15,20/20), the specificities were 82.9% (87/105)and 74. 0% (74/100). The coincidence rate of the two methods for detecting EGFR and KRAS mutation were 89. 2% ( 107/120, Kappa = 0. 690, P ＜ 0. 05 ) and 87.5% ( 105/120, Kappa= 0. 718, P ＜ 0. 05 ). The Consistency of EGFR and KRAS mutation status in plasma and tissues detected by REDE-DHPLC were 91.7% (33/36, Kappa =0. 939,P ＜0. 05)and 90. 2 %(46/51, Kappa = 0. 914, P ＜ 0. 05 ), respectively. Conclusions The REDE-DHPLC method is highly sensitive and specific for detecting EGFR and KRAS mutations in plasma DNA from tumor patients. The results are easy to be interpreted without missing homozygous point mutation, which indicate that the detection of EGFR and KRAS mutations in plasma DNA by REDE-DHPLC could therefore extend to be usedin clinical laboratory.