ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of polysaccharide in water extract of Cyclocarya paliurus （CPWP） in inhibiting benign prostatic hyperplasia （BPH）. MethodsCPWP was obtained by heating reflux， aqueous extraction， alcohol precipitation， and freeze drying. The chemical composition and structural properties of CPWP were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with 1-pheny-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone pre-column derivatization and infrared spectroscopy. Male SD rats were randomly assigned into control， model， finasteride （ig 5 mg·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （ig 50， 75， 100 mg·kg^-1） CPWP groups， with 8 rats in each group. The BPH model was established by subcutaneously injecting propionate testosterone in castrated rats. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs， and those in the control group were administrated with an equal volume of normal saline each day. After 30 consecutive days， the rats were sacrificed， and the prostate tissue was separated and weighed. The effects of drug interventions on the body weight， prostate wet weight， and prostate index of rats were examined. The prostate tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） for observation of pathological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the level of dihydrotestosterone （DHT）， and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 （SRD5A2） and Ki67 in the prostate tissue. ResultsCPWP was identified as a saccharide， with characteristic absorption peaks of saccharides. CPWP showed the total sugar content of 44.15% and molecular weight within the range of 5.5-78.8 kDa， being composed of mannose， rhamnose， galacturonic acid， glucose， galactose， xylose， and arabinose. Compared with the control group， the model group had significantly increased prostate wet weight and prostate index （P<0.01）， thick and tall prostate epithelial cells， increased internal wrinkles， papillary expansion into the cavity， an elevation in DHT level in the serum， and up-regulated expression of SRD5A2 and Ki67 in the prostate tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， both the finasteride and CPWP groups showed decreases in prostate wet weight and prostate index （P<0.05， P<0.01）， thinned prostate epithelial cells， with only a small portion of internal wrinkles and papillary expansion into the cavity， shortened papillary protrusions， lowered DHT level in the serum， and down-regulated expression of SRD5A2 and Ki67 in the prostate tissue （P<0.01）. Moreover， CPWP exerted effects in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionCPWP inhibits BPH by regulating the expression of SRD5A2.

Objective:To investigate the association of the interaction and combined effect of renal function and body mass index (BMI) with the risk for all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in communities of Jiangsu Province.Methods:The study subjects were from the Comprehensive Research Project of Diabetes Prevention and Control conducted in Jiangsu from December 2013 to January 2014, and follow up was conducted for them until September 30, 2023. A total of 20 025 subjects were included in the study. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of renal function with risk for death in T2DM patients, and the association of interaction between renal function and BMI and their combined effect with all-cause death risk in T2DM patients.Results:In the follow up for 198 370 person-years, a total of 4 459 deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that renal dysfunction was associated with 71% risk of all-cause mortality in all T2DM patients [hazard ratio ( HR) =1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.84], as well as in all BMI subgroups. Likelihood ratio test indicated an interaction between renal function and BMI (interaction for P=0.030). Compared with patients with normal renal function and normal BMI, those with normal renal function and over weight or obesity had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and those with renal dysfunction and low weight had the highest risk for death ( HR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.87-4.14). Conclusions:There is association of interaction between renal function and BMI with all-cause mortality in T2DM patients. T2DM patients with renal dysfunction and low body weight had significant higher risk for death.

Objective:To investigate the expression and methylation status of the SALL4 gene in placental tissues of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its effects on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Methods:Placental tissues were collected from 20 full-term FGR patients and 20 healthy term controls who underwent regular prenatal examination and cesarean section at the Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University between July 2023 and February 2024. SALL4 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Methylation specific polymerase china reaction (MSP) assessed promoter methylation levels. HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with SALL4-targeting small interfering RNA (si-SALL4) or negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC). HTR8/SVneo cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) to inhibit gene methylation (5-Aza-dC group) or with 10% RPMI-1640 medium as a vehicle control. Transfection efficiency (for siRNA) and the efficacy of 5-Aza-dC-induced demethylation were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The functional effects of SALL4 knockdown and methylation inhibition on trophoblast cells were evaluated using proliferation assays, scratch wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Chi-square test. Results:(1) Human tissues: FGR placentas showed lower SALL4 mRNA (0.802±0.194 vs. 1.015±0.186, t=3.55) and protein expression (0.445±0.114 vs. 0.701±0.113, t=3.19), alongside higher methylation rates of SALL4 [80% (16/20) vs. 15% (3/20), χ2=14.44] compared to controls (all P<0.05). (2) In vitro: si-SALL4 transfection reduced HTR8/SVneo proliferation (OD450 at 48 h: 0.653±0.021 vs. 0.827±0.040, t=6.60), migration [healing rate at 48 h: (24.317±2.637)% vs. (49.327±1.961)%, t=13.18], and invasion [counted invaded cells: (133.000±6.557) vs. (272.667±18.009) cells, t=12.62] versus si-NC (all P<0.05). Conversely, 5-Aza-dC treatment increased HTR8/SVneo proliferation (0.917±0.042 vs. 0.783±0.031, t=－4.47), migration [(71.097±3.354)% vs. (51.632±2.877)%, t=－7.63], and invasion [(384.000±12.166) vs. (202.833±7.095) cells, t=－13.69] versus vehicle control (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypermethylation of the SALL4 promoter in FGR placentas suppresses its expression, impairing trophoblast cell function. Demethylation restores SALL4 expression and enhances cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, involving in the occurrence and development of FGR disease.

Objective:To investigate the association of the interaction and combined effect of renal function and body mass index (BMI) with the risk for all-cause death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in communities of Jiangsu Province.Methods:The study subjects were from the Comprehensive Research Project of Diabetes Prevention and Control conducted in Jiangsu from December 2013 to January 2014, and follow up was conducted for them until September 30, 2023. A total of 20 025 subjects were included in the study. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of renal function with risk for death in T2DM patients, and the association of interaction between renal function and BMI and their combined effect with all-cause death risk in T2DM patients.Results:In the follow up for 198 370 person-years, a total of 4 459 deaths were recorded. Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis showed that renal dysfunction was associated with 71% risk of all-cause mortality in all T2DM patients [hazard ratio ( HR) =1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.84], as well as in all BMI subgroups. Likelihood ratio test indicated an interaction between renal function and BMI (interaction for P=0.030). Compared with patients with normal renal function and normal BMI, those with normal renal function and over weight or obesity had a lower risk of all-cause mortality, and those with renal dysfunction and low weight had the highest risk for death ( HR=2.78, 95% CI: 1.87-4.14). Conclusions:There is association of interaction between renal function and BMI with all-cause mortality in T2DM patients. T2DM patients with renal dysfunction and low body weight had significant higher risk for death.

Objective:To investigate the expression and methylation status of the SALL4 gene in placental tissues of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and its effects on trophoblast cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Methods:Placental tissues were collected from 20 full-term FGR patients and 20 healthy term controls who underwent regular prenatal examination and cesarean section at the Third Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University between July 2023 and February 2024. SALL4 mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Methylation specific polymerase china reaction (MSP) assessed promoter methylation levels. HTR8/SVneo cells were transfected with SALL4-targeting small interfering RNA (si-SALL4) or negative control small interfering RNA (si-NC). HTR8/SVneo cells were treated with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) to inhibit gene methylation (5-Aza-dC group) or with 10% RPMI-1640 medium as a vehicle control. Transfection efficiency (for siRNA) and the efficacy of 5-Aza-dC-induced demethylation were assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The functional effects of SALL4 knockdown and methylation inhibition on trophoblast cells were evaluated using proliferation assays, scratch wound healing assays, and Transwell invasion assays. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests and Chi-square test. Results:(1) Human tissues: FGR placentas showed lower SALL4 mRNA (0.802±0.194 vs. 1.015±0.186, t=3.55) and protein expression (0.445±0.114 vs. 0.701±0.113, t=3.19), alongside higher methylation rates of SALL4 [80% (16/20) vs. 15% (3/20), χ2=14.44] compared to controls (all P<0.05). (2) In vitro: si-SALL4 transfection reduced HTR8/SVneo proliferation (OD450 at 48 h: 0.653±0.021 vs. 0.827±0.040, t=6.60), migration [healing rate at 48 h: (24.317±2.637)% vs. (49.327±1.961)%, t=13.18], and invasion [counted invaded cells: (133.000±6.557) vs. (272.667±18.009) cells, t=12.62] versus si-NC (all P<0.05). Conversely, 5-Aza-dC treatment increased HTR8/SVneo proliferation (0.917±0.042 vs. 0.783±0.031, t=－4.47), migration [(71.097±3.354)% vs. (51.632±2.877)%, t=－7.63], and invasion [(384.000±12.166) vs. (202.833±7.095) cells, t=－13.69] versus vehicle control (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypermethylation of the SALL4 promoter in FGR placentas suppresses its expression, impairing trophoblast cell function. Demethylation restores SALL4 expression and enhances cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion, involving in the occurrence and development of FGR disease.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to analyze the trends in mortality attributed to hepatitis B and C around the Western Pacific region from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study for a systematic analysis. The deaths related to hepatitis B and C were analyzed by age, sex, year, risk factors, geographical location, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). Results: From 1990 to 2019, the annual total deaths from hepatitis B decreased from 0.266 to 0.210 million and those from hepatitis C increased from 0.119 to 0.142 million in the Western Pacific region. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of hepatitis B and C decreased by 63.5% and 48.0%, respectively. The declines in the ASMR related to hepatitis B and C were only detected in 12 and two Western Pacific countries, respectively. As the major risk factors, the contribution of alcohol use to hepatitis B deaths was 52% and drug use to hepatitis C was 80%. In males and females, the ASMR attributed to hepatitis B decreased by 61% and 71%, respectively, and the ASMR attributed to hepatitis C decreased by 43% and 55%, respectively. The association between SDI and ASMRs suggested that hepatitis B and C, respectively, showed an overall decline and stable trends as the SDI improved in the Western Pacific region. Conclusions Although the mortality rate from hepatitis B and C decreased from 1990 to 2019, notable variation was observed among 27 Western Pacific countries. Efforts targeting hepatitis B and C prevention and treatment are still required in this region, especially for the pandemic countries.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between microRNA (miRNA) differential expression and quality of embryo. METHODS: The miRNA expression profiles of 8 blastocysts were detected by a TaqMan microRNA array, and miRNAs with a stable expression were selected. Additional blastocysts were selected, and the candidate miRNA was detected by real-time PCR. Meanwhile, chromosomal abnormalities of the embryos were detected by using next-generation sequencing, and the results were compared. RESULTS: The expression of mir-720, mir-372, mir-886-3p and mir-512-3p was higher than that of miR-145, which suggested that mir-720, mir-372, mir-886-3p and mir-512-3p are related to early embryo development. The expression of miR-145 and mir-886-3p were significantly lower in the normal chromosome group. With the threshold values of above 9 and 3 for the relative expression of miR-145 and mir-886-3p, respectively, there was no embryo without a chromosomal abnormality. CONCLUSION There is a correlation between the expression level of specific miRNA and chromosomal abnormalities of embryos, which may be used as a novel biomarker for embryo selection.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Kwak and ACR( 2017 ) thyroid imaging reporting and data systems ( T I‐RADS ) for thyroid nodules . Methods Cases of thyroid nodule who underwent surgery from January 2015 to M arch 2018 in 15 hospitals in Sichuan province were collected and the ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules were retrospectively analyzed by trained senior ultrasound physicians using Kwak and ACR T I‐RADS classification methods . Totally ,12 712 thyroid nodules were observed ,7 023 thyroid nodules in 7 023 cases with complete ultrasound and surgical and pathological data were eventually enrolled in the study . T hyroid nodules with solid ,hypoechoic or very hypoechoic ,tall/wide ratio ≥ 1 , margin ill‐defined and microcalcification were classified as malignant signs of ultrasound . M alignant percentage was calculated and diagnostic tests were performed . Results ① T here was a statistical difference between the benign and malignant nodules in the two types of T I‐RADS classification ( P＜0 .01) . ② T he area under ROC curve of Kwak and ACR in the diagnosis of malignant nodules were 0 .89 and 0 .84 ,respectively . T he Youden index of Kwak and ACR were 0 .66 and 0 .57 ,respectively . ③Taking Kwak T I4B and ACR T R4 as critical points for malignancy ,the sensitivity ,specificity ,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Kwak T I 4B were 75 .0% ,90 .9% ,83 .2% ,and 85 .9% , respectively . T he accuracy of Kwak T I4B was 84 .9% ; T he sensitivity ,specificity ,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of ACR T R4 were 88 .2% ,68 .9% ,62 .9% ,and 90 .8% ,respectively . T he accuracy of ACR T R4 was 76 .2% . T he Kappa value of Kwak TI4B and ACR T R4 was 0 .52 . T he χ2 value of Kwak T I4B and ACR T R4 was 2 174 .6 ( P ＜ 0 .01 ) . Conclusions T he diagnostic values of two T I‐RADS classification methods for thyroid malignant nodules are high . T he overall efficiency of Kwak T I‐RADS classification method is better than that of ACR TI‐RADS classification method .

AIM:To investigate high-density lipoprotein ( HDL) subclass distribution and to analyze the rela-tionship between HDL subclasses with plasma glucose and lipids in metabolic syndrome ( MS) .METHODS:Apolipopro-tein A-I ( apoA-I) contents of plasma HDL subclasses were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis associated with immunodetection .The concentrations of lipids and apolipoproteins in the plasma were measured by an automated bio -chemical analyzer .RESULTS:Compared with the controls , the levels of fasting plasma glucose ( FPG) , total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride ( TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C), LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein B100(apoB100), apoB100/apoA-I, systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI) and HDL3b were increased in the MS patients (P<0.05).Meanwhile, HDL-C, apoA-I and preβ2-HDL, HDL2a and HDL2b were decreased in the MS patients (P<0.01).With the increase in the plasma glucose level , the contents of HDL2a and HDL2b were decreased in the MS patients (P<0.05), while preβ1-HDL was increased (P<0.05).With the decrease in the HDL-C level, the content of HDL2b was decreased in the MS patients (P<0.01), while preβ1-HDL was increased (P<0.01).With the increase in the TG level and the decrease in the HDL-C level, the content of HDL2b had a decrea-sing trend and the content of small-particle preβ1-HDL had an increasing trend , indicating that HDL maturation metabolism was disrupted.The correlation analysis showed that FPG was negatively correlated with the levels of HDL 2a and HDL2b, HDL-C was negatively correlated with the level of preβ1-HDL and positively correlated with the level of HDL 2b , and TG was positively correlated with the levels of preβ1-HDL and HDL3b .CONCLUSION:With the increases in the plasma glucose and TG, and the decrease in HDL-C in the MS patients, HDL particles have minifying tendency , and the maturation me-tabolism of HDL particles is disrupted .

Objective To determine if urinary cystatin C (uCys C) level can predict mortality in critically ill neonates.Methods This prospective study included neonates admitted to the intensive care unit within the first 6 hours of life from May.2011 to Oct.2012.Neonates were assigned into survivor and non-survivor groups based on whether they died during the first week of life.The uCys C level was measured on the day of admission.The score for neonatal acute physiology (SNAP) was calculated based on 28 items collected during the first 24 hours of admission.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether uCys C level was a predictor of mortality.A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the predictive strength.Results Of the total 155 neonates,12 cases (7.1％) died during the first week of life.When compared to survivors,the gestational age (t =2.810,P =0.006) and birth weight (t =3.245,P =0.001) in non-survivors were significantly lower; but the uCys C level (z =-3.426,P =0.001),the SNAP score (z =-3.308,P =0.001),and the use of mechanical ventilation (x2 =23.877,P =0.000) were significantly higher.Logistic regression analysis revealed that uCys C remained significantly associated with mortality after adjusting for gestation age,birth weight,or the SNAP score (P =0.024).uCys C achieved AUC of 0.81 (95％ CI:0.71-0.92,P =0.001).When combined with SNAP and mechanical ventilation,the predictive performance of uCys C improved AUC 0.93 (95 ％ CI:0.86-1.00,P =0.000).Conclusion uCys C is significantly associated with adverse outcome of death and independently predictive of mortality in critically ill neonates.