Background: Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications. Methods: A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated. Results: The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels. Conclusions We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms through which Si Junzitang （SJZD） ameliorates Alzheimer's disease （AD） induced by scopolamine （SCOP） in mice and the PC12 cell model induced by H₂O₂ based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （Keap1）/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1） signaling pathway. MethodsIn the animal experiments， an AD model was established in mice by intraperitoneal injection of SCOP （3 mg·kg^-1）. Morris water maze and open field tests （OFT） were conducted to assess learning and memory abilities. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe pathological changes in neurons. Immunofluorescence was used to detect amyloid β-protein_1-42 （Aβ_1-42） expression， and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect phosphorylated （p）-Tau expression. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） was employed to observe ultrastructural changes in hippocampal neurons and synapses. Biochemical methods were used to measure the levels of acetylcholine （ACh）， acetylcholinesterase （AChE）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， catalase （CAT）， and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）. Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to measure the mRNA and protein levels of molecules in the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the hippocampus. In the cell experiments， a PC12 cell model of oxidative damage model was established with H₂O₂. Cell count kit-8 （CCK-8） assays and flow cytometry were adopted to measure cell viability and apoptosis rates， and Western blot was employed to quantify the expression levels of proteins in the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. ResultsThe animal experiments showed that compared with the model group， the SJZD and donepezil groups showed shortened escape latency （P<0.01）， increased time in the target quadrant and platform crossings， and increased movement distance and duration in the central area of the open field （P<0.05， P<0.01）. HE and Nissl staining showed more organized neurons and increased Nissl bodies in the drug intervention groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the Aβ_1-42 and p-Tau expression levels were downregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. TEM revealed reduced ultrastructural damage in hippocampal neurons and synapses in the drug intervention groups. In addition， the drug intervention groups showed declined levels of MDA， LDH， and AChE （P<0.05， P<0.01）， elevated levels of SOD， CAT， and ACh （P<0.05， P<0.01）， reduced Keap1 expression and increased Nrf2， HO-1， and NQO1 expression in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The cell experiments showed that compared with the model group， the SJZD-containing serum increased the cell viability （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and decreased total apoptosis rates （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The drug intervention groups showed upregulated protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and downregulated protein level of Keap1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionSJZD demonstrates protective effects against SCOP-induced AD in mice and H₂O₂-induced damage in PC12 cells through antioxidant mechanisms mediated by the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Sacroiliac complex injuries are commonly seen in high-energy pelvic fractures. The injuries make a big difference in treatment patterns due to the diverse injury types, posing considerable challenges in formulating optimal treatment strategies, and hence are persistent clinical difficulties in orthopedic trauma. The clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries presents several key challenges such as a non-negligible rate of missed diagnoses in associated vascular and visceral injuries, absence of standardized protocols for surgical approaches and reduction-fixation strategies across different injury patterns, and ongoing controversies regarding surgical indications and optimal timing for patients combined with concomitant lumbosacral plexus injuries. Currently, no systematic clinical guidelines are available for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries both domestically and internationally. To this end, the Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery Group, Orthopedic Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care and Orthopedic Physician Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized a panel of domestic experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of sacroiliac complex injuries ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medicine and adhering to the principles of scientific rigor, clinical applicability, and innovation. These guidelines provided 11 recommendations covering diagnosis, therapeutic principles and techniques, management protocols for lumbosacral plexus injuries, outcome evaluation, and postoperative rehabilitation pathways, etc., aiming to standardize the clinical management of sacroiliac complex injuries.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of bendamustine combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in the first-line treatment of older patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-iNHL) .Methods:The clinical data of 159 patients with B-iNHL enrolled in 16 hospitals from Jiangsu Cooperative Lymphoma Group from December 1, 2019, to April 20, 2024, were analyzed for regimen efficacy and safety. Bendamustine plus rituximab (BR) and bendamustine plus obinutuzumab (BG) were administered to 139 (87.4% ) and 20 (12.6% ) patients, respectively.Results:Among the 159 patients, 101 (63.5% ) were male and 58 (36.5% ) were female, with a median age of 69 years (range: 60–84). Efficacy could be assessed in 138 (86.8% ) patients. The efficacy assessment demonstrated that the overall response rate was 92.0% with complete and partial remissions in 75 (54.3% ) and 52 (37.7% ) cases, respectively. With a median follow-up of 24 months (range: 4–64), the progression-free survival rate was (87.5 ± 3.0) % and the overall survival rate was (83.2 ± 3.3) %. Of the 27 patients who died, 6 (22.2% ) died due to disease progression. The mean applied dose of bendamustine per cycle was 73.0 (50.8–89.7) mg/m 2 per day, administered on days 1 and 2. Adverse events of grade 3 or higher were reported in 53 (33.3% ) patients, with infection (30 cases,18.9% ) and neutropenia (24 cases, 15.1% ) demonstrating the highest incidence. Conclusion:Bendamustine combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody demonstrated good efficacy and is well-tolerated in the first-line treatment of elderly patients with B-iNHL.

Objective:To explore the spectrum of genetic variants and phenotypes of Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency (PAHD) in Lianyungang area and the correlation between genotype and phenotypes among the patients.Methods:Eighty children with Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) diagnosed at the Lianyungang Branch of Jiangsu Provincial Newborn Screening Center between January 2015 and December 2022 were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples were collected for genetic analysis using next generation sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to identify the variants of PAH gene. Clinical and phenotypic data were concurrently analyzed to investigate the correlation between the types of PAH gene variant and phenotypes. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (Ethics No.: XM2022041). Results:① PAH variants were identified in 93.75% (75/80) of the children, classified as PAHD cases, while 6.25% (5/80) harbored PTS variants. ② Of the 150 PAH alleles from 75 PAHD children, a total of 152 variants (55 distinct types) were detected, with a detection rate of 100%. 80.26% (122/152) were located in exons, with the main types of variants were missense variants (67.11%, 102/152). 53.29% (81/152) of coding sequence variants occurred in the PAH gene catalytic center region of PAH protein, while 19.74% (30/152) of variants involved non-coding sequences. ③The phenotypes of the 75 PAHD children were evenly distributed. The rescreening Phe concentrations and Phe/Tyr ratios of classic-phenylketonuria (CPKU) and mild-phenylketonuria (MPKU) patients were markedly higher than initial screening values ( P<0.001, P<0.001; P=0.004, P=0.016). The genotypes of the PAHD patients mostly occurred as compound heterozygotes, and different mutation positions and variant types significantly affect the phenotype ( P=0.042, P=0.045). ④APV/GPV genotype-phenotype analysis of 61 patients showed high consistency between predicted and actual phenotypes ( κ=0.755, P<0.001). Conclusion:PAH variants were detected in the most of HPA children in Lianyungang area. The location and type of PAH variants were related to the severity of the phenotype, and the non-coding sequence variants and non-missense variants may aggravate the phenotype, and the APV/GPV model predicted the phenotype was highly consistent with the actual phenotype.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of a rotation training program for primary care general practitioners (GPs) in Taizhou, China, designed around three core competencies.Methods:A longitudinal study was conducted. A total of 111 primary care GPs participating in the 1st to 5th sessions of the Taizhou GP rotation training program at Taizhou Hospital (the designated training center) in Zhejiang Province from July 2022 to December 2024 were included. Based on the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) competency model, combined with literature review and expert consultation, 15 potential training components were identified. A needs assessment survey among primary care GPs was then conducted, leading to the finalization of three core competencies for the training: ①Evidence-based management of common diseases, frequently-occurring diseases, and common symptoms; ②Early identification, management, and referral of critically ill patients; ③Chronic disease management and health promotion capabilities. A 4-month full-time immersion training program was structured around these competencies, comprising three phases: theoretical training (1 week), clinical comprehensive skills training (14 weeks), and primary care practice training (1 week). Assessments included a pre-and post-training theoretical knowledge test and a final clinical assessment. The final assessment utilized a three-station Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) evaluating patient consultation, clinical reasoning & decision-making, and clinical procedural skills. A self-administered satisfaction survey was also distributed post-training.Results:The 111 participants were predominantly aged 30-49 years (72.1% (80/111)), held bachelor′s degrees (87.4% (97/111)), were licensed physicians (78.4% (87/111)), and had junior or intermediate professional titles (87.4% (97/111)). Post-training theoretical scores were significantly higher than pre-training scores (76.26±7.00 vs. 69.94±6.40, t=-10.45, P<0.001). All participants 100%(111/111) passed the final OSCE assessment. The mean scores for the OSCE stations were: patient consultation 85.99±7.30, clinical reasoning & decision-making 82.72±7.61, and clinical procedural skills 89.60±5.65. Satisfaction rates were 100.0% (111/111) for the overall program, the three-phase design, the core competency training content, theoretical training, clinical skills training, and clinical rotation departments. Satisfaction was 98.2% (109/111) for the 4-month full-time duration, 99.1% (110/111) for the "2+X" clinical rotation model (2 weeks each in General Practice and Emergency Medicine+elective rotations in 4 other departments), and 97.3% (108/111) for the primary care practice base. Conclusions:The competency-based rotation training program for primary care GPs in Taizhou effectively enhanced participants′ theoretical knowledge and clinical practical skills, and achieved high levels of participant satisfaction. This model offers valuable insights for optimizing primary care GP training in similar settings.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the ratio of apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-I (ApoB/ApoA-I) and unstable carotid plaque in a neurologically healthy population receiving health check-ups.Methods:This cross-sectional study consecutively enrolled 1 149 neurologically healthy individuals who underwent physical examinations at the Health Management Centre of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from October 2021 to September 2022. All eligible participants completed standardized questionnaires, physical examinations and laboratory tests. Laboratory tests of lipid metabolism-related biomarkers included total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ApoA-I, and ApoB; non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio were subsequently calculated. The carotid plaque stability was evaluated using superb microvascular imaging technology. The participants were classified into unstable plaque group (341 cases) and stable plaque group (808 cases) according to the presence or absence of intraplaque neovascularization. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the correlation between the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and unstable carotid plaques.Results:The study enrolled 1 149 participants totally, with a median age of 57 (49-63) years, including 771 males (67.10%) and 378 females (32.90%), and 341 cases (29.68%) were found with unstable carotid plaques. The unstable plaque group had a higher proportion of males, smoking history, diabetes history, along with higher waist-to-hip ratio and ApoB/ApoA-I ratio compared to the stable plaque group [76.54% vs 63.12%, 33.43% vs 22.77%, 19.06% vs 13.37%, 0.91 (0.85, 0.94) vs 0.89 (0.84, 0.93), 0.64 (0.51, 0.76) vs 0.59 (0.48, 0.72)], while HDL-C and ApoA-I levels were lower [1.39 (1.19, 1.63) vs 1.44 (1.24, 1.66) mmol/L, 1.43 (1.29, 1.60) vs 1.51 (1.36, 1.68) g/L] (all P<0.05). An elevated ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was positively associated with the risk of unstable carotid plaque ( OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.13-2.29, P=0.008; P for trend<0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, waist-to-hip ratio, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, history of smoking and estimated glomerular filtration rate, the positive association between elevated ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and the risk of unstable carotid plaque remained significant ( OR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.01-2.16, P=0.044; P for trend=0.004). Conclusion:In a neurologically healthy population receiving health check-ups, an elevated ApoB/ApoA-I ratio may increase the risk of unstable carotid plaque.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To investigate the common diseases and the causes of diseases in Chinese Antarctic researchers,so as to provide reference for the medical support.Methods Medical records of 1 127 people with injuries and diseases who participated in four Antarctic scientific expeditions(the 31st,35th,36th,and 39th time)were retrospectively analyzed.The causes of the injuries and diseases as well as the implications for nursing were investigated.Results The top 10 diseases in the four Antarctic expeditions were acute soft tissue injury,dermatomycosis,pharyngitis,insomnia,periodontitis,gastroenteritis,motion sickness,acute upper respiratory infection,primary hypertension,and frostbite.The causes of the diseases in the four Antarctic expeditions were analyzed,and the nursing of different diseases was proposed.Conclusion It is necessary to take preventive measures based on the characteristics of injuries and diseases during Antarctic expeditions,so as to effectively prevent and treat these diseases and provide more comprehensive medical support for Antarctic scientific expeditions.

Objective To investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimula-tion(taVNS)on preoperative anxiety and sleep quality in patients undergoing laparoscopic myomecto-my.Methods A total of 106 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic myomectomy were randomly divided into active stimulation group(a-taVNS group,n=53)and sham stimulation group(s-taVNS group,n=53).Trait Anxiety Inventory(TAI)scores,State Anxiety Inventory(SAI)scores,Hos-pital Anxiety and Depression Scale-anxiety(HADS-A)scores,Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale-anxiety(APAISa)scores,Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS)scores,hemodynamic parameters,and adverse reactions were evaluated before intervention(T0),30 min after interven-tion(T1),and the next morning(T2).The degrees of anxiety improvement(△SAI=SAIT0-SAIT1;△HADS-A=HADS-AT0-HADS-AT1;△APAISa=APAISaT0-APAISaT1)and sleep improvement(△AIS=AIST0-AIST2)were calculated,and their correlations were assessed.Results At T0,there were no significant differences in SAI,HADS-A,and APAISa scores between the two groups(P=0.376,0.682,0.144).At T1,there were significant differences in SAI and HADS-A scores between the two groups(adjusted P＜0.05),while there was no significant difference in APAISa scores(P=0.141).Compared with the s-taVNS group,the a-taVNS group had higher improvement values of △SAI,△HADS-A,and △APAISa(P＜0.001).Compared with T0,the AIS score de-creased and the incidence of sleep disorders decreased at T2 in the a-taVNS group(P＜0.05).Compared with the s-taVNS group,the AIS score and the proportion of patients with sleep disorders decreased at T2 in the a-taVNS group(P＜0.05).There was a positive correlation between the de-gree of anxiety improvement and the degree of sleep improvement in the a-taVNS group(P＜0.05),while there was no significant correlation in the s-taVNS group(P＞0.05).Compared with T0,sys-tolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and heart rate decreased at T1 in both groups,but there were no significant differences in these parameters between the two groups(P＞0.05).During the study period,no adverse events such as tinnitus,dizziness,headache,nausea,vomiting,or fa-cial flushing occurred in either group.Conclusion The method taVNS can improve preoperative anxiety and reduce the incidence of sleep disorders in patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy.