Objective:To investigate the relationship between nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in follicular fluid and abnormal menstrual cycle in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 100 infertile patients with PCOS who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital from March 2017 to June 2019. For comparison, the 100 patients with PCOS were divided into low NGF group ( n=50) and high NGF group ( n=50) based on the median NGF concentration (1 644.03 ng/L) in follicular fluid. Baseline characteristics, menstrual status and clinical outcomes of assisted reproductive technology were compared. We performed multiple linear regression analysis to examine the effect of NGF in follicular fluid on menstrual cycle length for multivariate analysis. Results:1) PCOS patients in the low NGF group had significantly higher body mass index [(27.24±5.17) kg/m 2] and white blood cell count [7.31(5.99, 8.43)×10 9/L ] than those in the high NGF group [(25.03±4.46) kg/m 2, P=0.024; 5.95(5.08,7.01)×10 9/L, P=0.001], while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [1.15 (0.98, 1.36) mmol/L] and basic follicle-stimulating hormone level [6.51 (5.10,7.95) U/L] in the low NGF group were significantly lower than those in the high NGF group [1.36 (1.09,1.52) mmol/L, P=0.039;6.51 (5.10,7.95)U/L, P=0.040]. 2) PCOS patients in the low NGF group had significantly higher menstrual cycle length [60.00 (35.00, 180.00) d] than the high NGF group [32.50 (27.00,67.50) d, P=0.001]. 3) Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that after adjustment for body mass index, age, infertility duration, infertility type, and glucose and lipid metabolic parameters, the NGF concentration in the follicular fluid independently and negatively correlated with menstrual cycle length ( P<0.05). 4) The NGF concentration in follicular fluid was not correlated with assisted reproductive outcomes. Conclusion:NGF concentration in follicular fluid is closely related to the degree of menstrual cycle abnormalities in patients with PCOS.

BACKGROUND:Eucommia ulmoides has a certain osteogenic effect,which can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.However,it is unclear whether Eucommia ulmoides has effects on alveolar bone formation and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism by which Eucommia ulmoides promotes alveolar bone formation in ovariectomized rats based on the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. METHODS:Sixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and randomly divided into five groups:blank control group,sham-operation group,model group,low-dose group Eucommia ulmoides group,and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group,with twelve rats in each group.Osteoporosis animal models were constructed by bilateral oophorectomy in the model group and the low-dose and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups.The sham-operation group underwent the same method to remove adipose tissue of equal mass around the bilateral ovaries.Three months after surgery,the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups were given 2.1 g/kg/d and 4.2 g/kg/d Eucommia ulmoides by gavage,respectively.The sham-operation group and model group were given the same amount of physiological saline by gavage.After 12 weeks of drug intervention,the changes in alveolar bone mass of rats in each group were observed through Micro-CT;hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological structural changes of alveolar bone in rats;enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in the serum of rats;western blot was used to detect the expression levels of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 receptor proteins in the alveolar bone of rats;and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of osteocalcin,Runt-related transcription factor 2(Runx2),alkaline phosphatase,β-catenin,and frizzled9 mRNAs in alveolar bone tissues of rats. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,bone volume fraction,trabecular number,trabecular thickness,and bone mineral density were reduced in the model group(P＜0.05),and trabecular separation was elevated(P＜0.05).Pathological observation showed that the arrangement of trabeculae was disordered and irregular,the trabeculae were thinned or broken,and the marrow cavity was enlarged in the model group,with a significant reduction in bone volume;the level of alkaline phosphatase in the serum was increased(P＜0.05),and the level of osteocalcin was decreased(P＜0.05);mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,Runx2,β-catenin,and frizzled9 were decreased(P＜0.05);protein expression of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 was decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups showed an increase in bone volume fraction,trabecular number,trabecular thickness,and bone mineral density(P＜0.05)and a decrease in trabecular separation(P＜0.05).In the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups,bone trabeculae were slightly aligned and thickened,with a significant increase in bone mass.Compared with the model group,the serum level of alkaline phosphatase was reduced(P＜0.05)and the serum level of osteocalcin was elevated(P＜0.05)in the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups.Compared with the model group,the mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase,osteocalcin,Runx2,β-catenin,and frizzled9 were increased in the low-and high-dose Eucommia ulmoides groups(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the protein expression of Frizzled9 was increased in the low-dose Eucommia ulmoides group(P＜0.05),while the protein expression of β-Catenin and Frizzled9 was increased in the high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group(P＜0.05).Compared with the low-dose Eucommia ulmoides group,the high-dose Eucommia ulmoides group had a more significant improvement in the above indexes.To conclude,Eucommia ulmoides can effectively promote the alveolar bone formation,and its mechanism of action might be related to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

This study aims to investigate the optimal ratio of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma(AC) for inhibiting the proliferation of 143B osteosarcoma cells, and to investigate the mechanism by which AC inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis through angiogenesis and cell adhesion mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) pathway. A subcutaneous 143B tumor-bearing nude mouse model was successfully established and randomly divided into the model group, and the AC 1∶1, 2∶1, and 4∶1 groups. Body weight, tumor volume, and tumor weight were recorded. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1), epithelial cadherin(E-cadherin), neural cadherin(N-cadherin), vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP2), matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and caspase-3 in the hypoxic core region of the tumor tissue. A cell hypoxia model was established, and the effects of AC-medicated serum(model group, AC 1∶1, 2∶1, and 4∶1 groups) on angiogenesis, proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and migration of 143B osteosarcoma cells were examined through CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, cell adhesion assay, and HUVEC tube formation assay. The results showed that compared with the model group, the tumor weight and volume were smallest in the 2∶1 group. The expression levels of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, HIF-1α, VEGFA, and TGF-β1 were significantly decreased, and the protein expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased, while the protein expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9 was significantly decreased. Additionally, the protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 was significantly increased, and Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly decreased. In vitro experiments showed that after intervention with AC-medicated serum at a 2∶1 ratio, the cell activity, adhesion, invasion, and migration of 143B cells were significantly reduced, apoptosis was significantly increased, and HUVEC tube formation was significantly decreased. In conclusion, the 2∶1 ratio of AC showed the most effective inhibition of 143B cell growth. AC can inhibit the growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma 143B cells by regulating the PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway, inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing cell adhesion, invasion, and migration.
Osteosarcoma/pathology* ; Animals ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/genetics* ; Humans ; Mice ; Cell Adhesion/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Nude ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Astragalus Plant/chemistry* ; Bone Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Male ; Rhizome/chemistry* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Angiogenesis

Background and Aims:Body mass index(BMI),an important indicator of nutrition and health,is closely associated with postoperative complications.This study was performed to investigate the relationship between preoperative BMI and severe complications in patients undergoing liver resection for hepatolithiasis,aiming to provide preoperative guidance for clinicians,reduce the risk of postoperative complications,and ensure surgical safety and efficacy.Methods:The clinical data of 484 patients with hepatolithiasis who underwent liver resection between May 2006 and December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University and Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital were retrospectively collected.Patients were classified into low BMI group(≤18.4 kg/m2),normal BMI group(18.5-24.9 kg/m2),and high BMI group(≥25.0 kg/m2)based on preoperative BMI.Baseline characteristics,overall complications,severe complications,and other postoperative outcomes were compared between the normal BMI group and the low group as well as the high BMI group.Risk factors for severe complications after liver resection were analyzed.Results:Among the 484 patients,79(16.3％)were in the low BMI group,328(67.8％)in the normal BMI group,and 77(15.9％)in the high BMI group.The high BMI group had significantly higher ASA score,preoperative albumin level,and proportion of hypertension compared to the normal BMI group(all P＜0.05).Baseline characteristics in the low BMI group showed no significant differences compared to the normal BMI group(all P＞0.05).The incidence rates of overall complications were not significantly among the three groups(P＞0.05).However,the high BMI group had significantly higher incidence rates of severe complications(Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ),postoperative infections,liver failure,and bile leakage compared to the normal BMI group;the low BMI group had significantly higher rates of perioperative blood transfusion,postoperative infections,liver failure,and reoperation compared to the normal BMI group(all P＜0.05).Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses identified high BMI and preoperative total bilirubin ≥54 pmol/L as independent risk factors for severe complications after liver resection in patients with hepatolithiasis(both P＜0.05).Conclusion:Preoperative BMI is closely associated with the occurrence of complications after liver resection in patients with hepatolithiasis,with high BMI being an independent risk factor for severe complications.To mitigate the risk of severe complications,clinical practice should prioritize monitoring and management of individuals with high BMI and other risk factors

Objective： The aim of this study is to explore the predictive value of biparametric magnetic resonance imaging(bpMRI)for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L and establish a nomogram. Methods： The imaging data and clinical data of 363 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2018 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer, and a nomogram of the clinical prediction model was established. Calibration curves were drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the model. Results： Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed extrocapusular extension (OR=8.08,95%CI=2.62－24.97, P<0.01), enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes (OR=4.45,95%CI=1.16－17.11,P=0.030), and biopsy ISUP grade(OR=1.97,95%CI=1.12－3.46, P=0.018)were independent risk factors for pelvic lymph node metastasis. The C-index of the prediction model was 0.834, which indicated that the model had a good prediction ability. The actual value of the model calibration curve and the prediction probability of the model fitted well, indicating that the model had a good accuracy. Further analysis of DCA curve showed that the model had good clinical application value when the risk threshold ranged from 0.05 to 0.70.Conclusion： For prostate cancer patients with PSA≤20 μg/L, bpMRI has a good predictive value for the pelvic lymph node metastasis of prostate cancer with extrocapusular extension, enlargement of pelvic lymph nodes and ISUP grade≥4.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Nomograms ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/blood* ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Pelvis ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Prostatectomy ; Lymph Node Excision ; Risk Factors ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Logistic Models ; Middle Aged ; Aged

Triple-negative breast cancer is therapeutically challenging due to the low expression of tumor markers and 'cold' tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we present a dual-targeting peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) for tumor inhibition. Our PDC efficiently and selectively delivers cytotoxic Monomethyl Auristatin E (MMAE) into tumor cells via C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) for synergistic inhibition of growth and metastasis. Our results show that the dual-targeting PDC has potent antitumor activity in cultured human cells and several murine transplanted tumor models without apparent toxicity. The combination of dual-targeting PDC and radiotherapy modulates the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment by increasing CD8⁺ T cell infiltration and attenuating the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor and regulatory T cells. Therefore, our dual-targeting PDC represents a promising new strategy for cancer therapy that rebalances the immune system and promotes tumor regression.

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of Chinese materia medica soaking therapy combined with cervical rotation-traction manipulation in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Totally 84 CSR patients from the Orthopedics Department of Shunyi Hospital, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from April 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into two groups using a random number table method, with 42 patients in each group. The treatment for both groups lasted for 14 d. VAS scale was used to assess pain levels before and after treatment, OASTCSR was used to evaluate cervical function, and NDI was used to assess cervical functional status; adverse reactions during treatment were observed and recorded, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 95.24% (40/42) in the treatment group and 80.95% (34/42) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.36, P=0.029). After treatment, the VAS score (1.60±1.21 vs. 2.91±1.12, t=-1.89), the OASTCSR score (5.17±2.14 vs. 9.31±3.82, t=-11.57), and the NDI score (9.17±2.13 vs. 13.36±3.45, t=-10.82) in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.001 or P<0.05). During the treatment period, neither group experienced any adverse reactions. Conclusion:The combination of Chinese materia medica soaking therapy and cervical rotation-traction manipulation can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and quality of life of patients with CSR, and its efficacy is superior to the use of cervical rotation-traction manipulation alone.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant staphylokinase in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)by a multi-center,randomized,position-controlled,parallel post-marketing clinical trial.Methods This study was a multi-center,randomized,positive drug parallel control,non-inferiority clinical trial.From July 2019 to June 2022,a total of 251 patients with STEMI were enrolled in 31 hospitals.Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous staphylokinase or alteplase in a ratio of 1∶1.Vascular recanalization was evaluated by clinical indicators 30 minutes,60 minutes and 120 minutes after the initiation of thrombolysis.Coronary angiography was performed 90 to 120 minutes after the initiation of thrombolysis.The proportion of infarct-related artery(IRA)with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI)grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ,corrected TIMI frame count(CTFC)and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade(TMPG)were analyzed Major adverse cardiac events(MACE,including all-cause death,rehospitalization,reinfarction,urgent target vessel revascularization)and bleeding events were followed up at 30 days(±2 days)after thrombolysis.Results After excluding 7 subjects who did not use thrombolytic drugs,244 subjects were finally eligibled from 31 hospitals(117 in trial group and 127 in control group),and 232 subjects completed the follow-up(111 in trial group and 121 in control group).The vascular recanalization rate evaluated by clinical indicators at 120 minutes after thrombolysis was 85.6％ in trial group and 83.5％ in control group(P=0.657).The difference between the two groups was 2.11(95％CI-7.19-11.41).Given that the lower confidence limit of the 95％CI was greater than-12％,the non-inferiority of the vascular recanalization rate was established based on clinical judgment.Coronary angiography showed that the total patency rate of IRA(TIMIⅡ-Ⅲ)was 77.5％ in trial group and 77.7％ in control group(P=0.970).The difference between the two groups was-0.21(95％CI-10.95-10.54),with the lower bound of the 95％CI exceeding-12％.Therefore,the non-inferiority of the TIMI blood flow grade was confirmed,indicating that the total patency rate of IRA in the trial group was not inferior to that in the control group.The CTFC was(32.7±17.6)frames in trial group and(37.6±16.6)frames in control group,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.054).The difference between the two groups was-4.9(95％CI-10.0-0.1).As the lower limit of the 95％CI exceeded-12％,the noninferiority of CTFC was successfully demonstrated.The proportions of TMPG 0-Ⅲ were 20.7％,6.3％,2.7％and 69.4％in trial group,and 22.3％,4.1％,6.6％ and 66.9％ in control group,respectively.There was no significant difference in TIMI myocardial perfusion grade between the two groups(P=0.086).The incidence of MACE was 7.7％ in trial group and 7.1％ in control group within 30 days after the initiation of thrombolysis,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(P=0.857).Further analysis showed that there was no significant difference in cardiovascular mortality(3.4％ vs.4.7％,P=0.751).All 244 subjects were included in the safety analysis set.There was no significant difference in the total incidence of bleeding events between the two groups(22.2％ vs.15.0％,P=0.144).There was no significant difference in the incidence of major bleeding(1.7％ vs.0.8％,P=0.609).Conclusions Recombinant staphylokinase is simple to use and has a rapid onset of action.The efficacy and safety of recombinant staphylokinase are not inferior to alteplase in the treatment of acute STEMI.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between nerve growth factor (NGF) concentration in follicular fluid and abnormal menstrual cycle in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 100 infertile patients with PCOS who underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital from March 2017 to June 2019. For comparison, the 100 patients with PCOS were divided into low NGF group ( n=50) and high NGF group ( n=50) based on the median NGF concentration (1 644.03 ng/L) in follicular fluid. Baseline characteristics, menstrual status and clinical outcomes of assisted reproductive technology were compared. We performed multiple linear regression analysis to examine the effect of NGF in follicular fluid on menstrual cycle length for multivariate analysis. Results:1) PCOS patients in the low NGF group had significantly higher body mass index [(27.24±5.17) kg/m 2] and white blood cell count [7.31(5.99, 8.43)×10 9/L ] than those in the high NGF group [(25.03±4.46) kg/m 2, P=0.024; 5.95(5.08,7.01)×10 9/L, P=0.001], while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [1.15 (0.98, 1.36) mmol/L] and basic follicle-stimulating hormone level [6.51 (5.10,7.95) U/L] in the low NGF group were significantly lower than those in the high NGF group [1.36 (1.09,1.52) mmol/L, P=0.039;6.51 (5.10,7.95)U/L, P=0.040]. 2) PCOS patients in the low NGF group had significantly higher menstrual cycle length [60.00 (35.00, 180.00) d] than the high NGF group [32.50 (27.00,67.50) d, P=0.001]. 3) Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that after adjustment for body mass index, age, infertility duration, infertility type, and glucose and lipid metabolic parameters, the NGF concentration in the follicular fluid independently and negatively correlated with menstrual cycle length ( P<0.05). 4) The NGF concentration in follicular fluid was not correlated with assisted reproductive outcomes. Conclusion:NGF concentration in follicular fluid is closely related to the degree of menstrual cycle abnormalities in patients with PCOS.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant staphylokinase in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)by a multi-center,randomized,position-controlled,parallel post-marketing clinical trial.Methods This study was a multi-center,randomized,positive drug parallel control,non-inferiority clinical trial.From July 2019 to June 2022,a total of 251 patients with STEMI were enrolled in 31 hospitals.Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous staphylokinase or alteplase in a ratio of 1∶1.Vascular recanalization was evaluated by clinical indicators 30 minutes,60 minutes and 120 minutes after the initiation of thrombolysis.Coronary angiography was performed 90 to 120 minutes after the initiation of thrombolysis.The proportion of infarct-related artery(IRA)with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction(TIMI)grade Ⅱ and Ⅲ,corrected TIMI frame count(CTFC)and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade(TMPG)were analyzed Major adverse cardiac events(MACE,including all-cause death,rehospitalization,reinfarction,urgent target vessel revascularization)and bleeding events were followed up at 30 days(±2 days)after thrombolysis.Results After excluding 7 subjects who did not use thrombolytic drugs,244 subjects were finally eligibled from 31 hospitals(117 in trial group and 127 in control group),and 232 subjects completed the follow-up(111 in trial group and 121 in control group).The vascular recanalization rate evaluated by clinical indicators at 120 minutes after thrombolysis was 85.6％ in trial group and 83.5％ in control group(P=0.657).The difference between the two groups was 2.11(95％CI-7.19-11.41).Given that the lower confidence limit of the 95％CI was greater than-12％,the non-inferiority of the vascular recanalization rate was established based on clinical judgment.Coronary angiography showed that the total patency rate of IRA(TIMIⅡ-Ⅲ)was 77.5％ in trial group and 77.7％ in control group(P=0.970).The difference between the two groups was-0.21(95％CI-10.95-10.54),with the lower bound of the 95％CI exceeding-12％.Therefore,the non-inferiority of the TIMI blood flow grade was confirmed,indicating that the total patency rate of IRA in the trial group was not inferior to that in the control group.The CTFC was(32.7±17.6)frames in trial group and(37.6±16.6)frames in control group,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.054).The difference between the two groups was-4.9(95％CI-10.0-0.1).As the lower limit of the 95％CI exceeded-12％,the noninferiority of CTFC was successfully demonstrated.The proportions of TMPG 0-Ⅲ were 20.7％,6.3％,2.7％and 69.4％in trial group,and 22.3％,4.1％,6.6％ and 66.9％ in control group,respectively.There was no significant difference in TIMI myocardial perfusion grade between the two groups(P=0.086).The incidence of MACE was 7.7％ in trial group and 7.1％ in control group within 30 days after the initiation of thrombolysis,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(P=0.857).Further analysis showed that there was no significant difference in cardiovascular mortality(3.4％ vs.4.7％,P=0.751).All 244 subjects were included in the safety analysis set.There was no significant difference in the total incidence of bleeding events between the two groups(22.2％ vs.15.0％,P=0.144).There was no significant difference in the incidence of major bleeding(1.7％ vs.0.8％,P=0.609).Conclusions Recombinant staphylokinase is simple to use and has a rapid onset of action.The efficacy and safety of recombinant staphylokinase are not inferior to alteplase in the treatment of acute STEMI.