Objective:To observe the characteristics of multi-muscle surface electromyography (sEMG) network indices during static standing among hemiplegic stroke survivors, and to evaluate the value of the indices in assessing neuromuscular dysfunction.Methods:Ten male stroke survivors with hemiplegia were recruited into the hemiplegia group, and 10 age-matched healthy males were chosen as the control group. Both groups were required to perform 30s static standing tasks with their eyes open and closed. The sEMG signals from the bilateral gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were synchronously collected. Linear time-frequency domain indices were then calculated from the sEMG signals, including the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF). Network indices were extracted from the multiplex recurrence network and weighted networks were constructed from the sEMG signals, including the average interlayer mutual information (I), average edge overlap (ω), clustering coefficient (C), average shortest path length (L) and degree of centrality (DC).Results:With the eyes closed, the RMS values of the bilateral GMs of the hemiplegia group, as well as the values for the RF and BF on the unaffected side were significantly higher than the control group′s values. In the hemiplegia group, the RMS values of the RF and BF muscles on the unaffected side were significantly higher than on the affected side during standing with the eyes closed. For the RF muscles the RMS values on the unaffected side were, on average, significantly higher than with the eyes open. The MF of the GM muscles on the unaffected side in the hemiplegia group was significantly lower than the average MF values of the bilateral GM muscles in the control group with the eyes open or closed. With the eyes closed, the MF of the unaffected-side GM was significantly lower than that of the affected-side GM in the hemiplegia group. Compared with the control group, the hemiplegia group showed a significant increase in I and ω values, but a significant decrease in L values with the eyes open or closed. The DC values of the bilateral GM, RF and BF muscles in the hemiplegia group were significantly higher than among the control group with the eyes open, which was also true of the bilateral GM and RF muscles with the eyes closed. With the BF muscles it was true only of the unaffected side. In the hemiplegia group, the DC values of the unaffected-side GM with the eyes open or closed, and of the unaffected-side BF with the eyes closed.Conclusions:When standing still, hemiplegic stroke survivors exhibit increased overall synchronous muscle adjustment with involvement of unaffected-side muscles, especially the GM. sEMG network indices such as I, ω, L and DC can assess multi-muscle synchronous adaptability and the involvement of single muscles. sEMG network algorithms thus have potential as a new method for localizing and quantitatively assessing neuromuscular dysfunction among such patients.

Objective:To explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of fumarate hydratase-deficient uterine leiomyoma (FH-dUL).Methods:Clinical data and follow-up information for 117 patients with FH-dUL diagnosed through surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to December 2024, were collected. A control group of 130 patients with common uterine leiomyomas was also included. The differences between the two groups in clinical, imaging, and pathological characteristics were compared. Additionally, recurrence rates, fertility outcomes for FH-dUL patients, and the incidence of renal cancer in FH germline mutation carriers were monitored.Results:(1) Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics: the median age of 117 FH-dUL patients was 35 years, and the median age at first diagnosis of uterine leiomyomas was 29 years, both significantly younger than the control group (41 and 36 years; both P<0.01). The FH-dUL group showed significantly higher incidences of uterine myomectomy, multiple leiomyomas, diffusion restriction on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging diffusion weighted imaging, and typical pathological features (candelabra-like vessels, bizarre nuclei, cytoplasmic eosinophilic globules, perinuclear halo, cellular atypia) and higher ultrasound blood flow score (all P<0.05). Of the 30 FH-dUL patients who underwent genetic testing, 9 had germline mutations, 3 had somatic mutations, and 6 had mutations of unclear origin. Among the 9 FH gene germline mutation patients, 2 had already developed renal cell carcinoma. (2) Recurrence analysis: among the 56 patients who underwent uterine myomectomy, 22 (39.3%, 22/56) experienced recurrence during follow-up, compared to 12 (21.8%, 12/55) of the 55 patients in the control group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P=0.046). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that cellular leiomyomas ( OR=9.489, 95% CI: 1.740-51.755; P=0.009) and multiple uterine leiomyomas ( OR=10.709, 95% CI: 1.354-84.683; P=0.025) were significant risk factors for recurrence in FH-dUL. (3) Fertility analysis: among the 66 FH-dUL patients who underwent fertility-preserving surgery, 16 had the intention to have fertility desire, only 2 (2/16) completed their fertility plans during follow-up. Conclusions:Clinicopathological features and imaging features help to differentiate FH-dUL from common type uterine fibroids, but lack specificity, and the diagnosis of FH-dUL is based on immunohistochemistry. The recurrence rate after resection of FH-dUL is high, and cellular and multiple leiomyomas are important predictors of recurrence. It is crucial to perform genetic testing, genetic counseling, drug treatment to prevent recurrence, fertility guidance, and long-term comprehensive management after surgery for FH-dUL management.

Objective:To screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with liver cancer by bioinformatics analysis method, and to investigate the mechanism of the minichromosome maintenance protein 2 ( MCM2) and replication factor C subunit 4 ( RFC4) genes in liver cancer in vitro. Methods:Gene expression profiling data of 80 and 36 hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and 307 and 13 cirrhotic tissues were obtained from the GSE25097 and GSE98620 datasets of the gene expression analysis (GEO) database, respectively. Gene expression profiling data of 374 liver cancer tissues and 50 normal liver tissues were downloaded from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Limma and DESeqs R software were used to process the gene expression profiling data, construct protein-protein interaction networks, and analysis the relevance of these genes to survival. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed to screen out the core genes. Liver cancer SMMC7721 cells were transfected with MCM2 blank plasmid (MCM2 control group), MCM2 overexpression plasmid [MCM2 WT1 group, MCM2 WT2 (2-fold WT1) group], RFC4 blank plasmid (RFC4 control group), and RFC4 overexpression plasmid [RFC4 WT1 group, RFC4 WT2 (2-fold WT1) group], respectively. The expression of MCM2 and RFC4 in liver cancer cell lines and their transfection levels were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blotting. The effects of MCM2 and RFC4 on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were detected by MTT assay and cell cloning assay, respectively. The effects of MCM2 and RFC4 on the migration of liver cancer cells were determined by the scratch assay. The effects of MCM2 and RFC4 on liver cancer cell invasion were detected by Transwell assay.Results:By bioinformatic analysis, 9 HCC DEGs were selected, including ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 T ( UBE2T), aurora kinase A ( AURKA), targeting protein for Xklp2 ( TPX2), MCM2, RFC4, ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase subunit M2 ( RRM2), serine peptidase inhibitory factor Kazal type 1 ( SPINK1), collagen type XV alpha 1 chain ( COL15A1) and C-C motif chemokine 25 ( CCL25). Among the six genes associated with clinical stages, the MCM2 and RFC4 genes were found to be strongly associated with prognosis in liver cancer. The relative protein expression of MCM2 and RFC4 in HepG2 cells (1.83±0.07, 1.44±0.09) and SMMC7721 cells (1.74±0.05, 1.43±0.08) was higher than that in MIHA cells (1.00±0.02, 1.00±0.03), and all the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The relative gene expression of MCM2 and RFC4 in HepG2 cells (14.30±0.12, 5.10±0.18) and SMMC7721 cells (10.60±0.11, 7.60±0.07) was higher than that in MIHA cells (1.00±0.05, 1.00±0.03), and all the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the MCM2 control group, the absorbance values [(0.28±0.01 and 0.21±0.01) vs 0.18±0.03], the number of clonal cells [(717±12 and 782±29) cells vs (389±17) cells], the percentage migration [(0.43±0.02 and 0.68±0.01) vs 0.15±0.06], and the number of cellular invasions [(933±21 and 821±11) cells vs (409±16) cells] were higher in the MCM2 WT1 and MCM2 WT2 groups, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Compared with the RFC4 control group, the absorbance values [(0.30±0.02 and 0.21±0.01) vs 0.17±0.02], the number of cloned cells [(571±11 and 728±9) cells vs (373±23) cells], the percentage migration [(0.75±0.11 and 0.67±0.04) vs 0.34±0.07], and the number of cell invasion [(835±26 and 818±18) cells vs (629±12) cells] were higher in the RFC4 WT1 and the RFC4 WT2 groups, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions:MCM2 and R FC4 genes play a role in promoting tumorigenesis and growth in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features,treatment and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma arising in endometrial polyps(EPs).Methods:Thirty-eight cases of endometrial carcinoma arising in EPs were collected in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2010 to December 2021.The clinical data,pathological characteristics,and follow-up information were retrospectively analyzed from three dimensions:tumor histological type,the menopausal status of the patients and the scope of malignant le-sions.Results:①In terms of tumor histological type,uterine endometrioid carcinoma 33 cases(86.8%)and uter-ine serous carcinoma 50 cases(13.2%),the mean age of patients with endometrioid carcinoma arising from EPs was significantly lower than that of patients with serous carcinoma arising from EPs(53.3±10.0 years vs.63.4±10.3 years,P=0.043).②In terms of menopausal status,endometrioid carcinoma progressed from atypical poly-poid adenomyoma(APA)accounted for 55.6%(10/18)and 5.0%(1/20)in the pre-and post-menopausal group,respectively(P=0.001).The rate of adjuvant therapy was significantly lower in premenopausal patients than in postmenopausal patients(16.7%vs.50.0%,P=0.043).③There were no significant differences in pa-tients age,menopausal status,BMI,comorbidities,abnormal uterine bleeding,maximum diameter of EP,tumor stage,grade,treatment or recurrence rate between cases with tumors confined and unconfined to EPs.Conclu-sions:Endometrioid and serous carcinomas progressed from EPs were more common in perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients,respectively.Malignancies derived from APA contributed to almost half of EP-arising carcinomas in premenopausal women,with a higher degree of differentiation and a low rate of postoperative adju-vant therapy.

Objective:To explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of fumarate hydratase-deficient uterine leiomyoma (FH-dUL).Methods:Clinical data and follow-up information for 117 patients with FH-dUL diagnosed through surgical pathology and immunohistochemistry in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2020 to December 2024, were collected. A control group of 130 patients with common uterine leiomyomas was also included. The differences between the two groups in clinical, imaging, and pathological characteristics were compared. Additionally, recurrence rates, fertility outcomes for FH-dUL patients, and the incidence of renal cancer in FH germline mutation carriers were monitored.Results:(1) Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics: the median age of 117 FH-dUL patients was 35 years, and the median age at first diagnosis of uterine leiomyomas was 29 years, both significantly younger than the control group (41 and 36 years; both P<0.01). The FH-dUL group showed significantly higher incidences of uterine myomectomy, multiple leiomyomas, diffusion restriction on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging diffusion weighted imaging, and typical pathological features (candelabra-like vessels, bizarre nuclei, cytoplasmic eosinophilic globules, perinuclear halo, cellular atypia) and higher ultrasound blood flow score (all P<0.05). Of the 30 FH-dUL patients who underwent genetic testing, 9 had germline mutations, 3 had somatic mutations, and 6 had mutations of unclear origin. Among the 9 FH gene germline mutation patients, 2 had already developed renal cell carcinoma. (2) Recurrence analysis: among the 56 patients who underwent uterine myomectomy, 22 (39.3%, 22/56) experienced recurrence during follow-up, compared to 12 (21.8%, 12/55) of the 55 patients in the control group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( P=0.046). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that cellular leiomyomas ( OR=9.489, 95% CI: 1.740-51.755; P=0.009) and multiple uterine leiomyomas ( OR=10.709, 95% CI: 1.354-84.683; P=0.025) were significant risk factors for recurrence in FH-dUL. (3) Fertility analysis: among the 66 FH-dUL patients who underwent fertility-preserving surgery, 16 had the intention to have fertility desire, only 2 (2/16) completed their fertility plans during follow-up. Conclusions:Clinicopathological features and imaging features help to differentiate FH-dUL from common type uterine fibroids, but lack specificity, and the diagnosis of FH-dUL is based on immunohistochemistry. The recurrence rate after resection of FH-dUL is high, and cellular and multiple leiomyomas are important predictors of recurrence. It is crucial to perform genetic testing, genetic counseling, drug treatment to prevent recurrence, fertility guidance, and long-term comprehensive management after surgery for FH-dUL management.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features,treatment and prognosis of endometrial carcinoma arising in endometrial polyps(EPs).Methods:Thirty-eight cases of endometrial carcinoma arising in EPs were collected in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2010 to December 2021.The clinical data,pathological characteristics,and follow-up information were retrospectively analyzed from three dimensions:tumor histological type,the menopausal status of the patients and the scope of malignant le-sions.Results:①In terms of tumor histological type,uterine endometrioid carcinoma 33 cases(86.8%)and uter-ine serous carcinoma 50 cases(13.2%),the mean age of patients with endometrioid carcinoma arising from EPs was significantly lower than that of patients with serous carcinoma arising from EPs(53.3±10.0 years vs.63.4±10.3 years,P=0.043).②In terms of menopausal status,endometrioid carcinoma progressed from atypical poly-poid adenomyoma(APA)accounted for 55.6%(10/18)and 5.0%(1/20)in the pre-and post-menopausal group,respectively(P=0.001).The rate of adjuvant therapy was significantly lower in premenopausal patients than in postmenopausal patients(16.7%vs.50.0%,P=0.043).③There were no significant differences in pa-tients age,menopausal status,BMI,comorbidities,abnormal uterine bleeding,maximum diameter of EP,tumor stage,grade,treatment or recurrence rate between cases with tumors confined and unconfined to EPs.Conclu-sions:Endometrioid and serous carcinomas progressed from EPs were more common in perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients,respectively.Malignancies derived from APA contributed to almost half of EP-arising carcinomas in premenopausal women,with a higher degree of differentiation and a low rate of postoperative adju-vant therapy.

Objective:To observe the characteristics of multi-muscle surface electromyography (sEMG) network indices during static standing among hemiplegic stroke survivors, and to evaluate the value of the indices in assessing neuromuscular dysfunction.Methods:Ten male stroke survivors with hemiplegia were recruited into the hemiplegia group, and 10 age-matched healthy males were chosen as the control group. Both groups were required to perform 30s static standing tasks with their eyes open and closed. The sEMG signals from the bilateral gluteus maximus (GM), rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles were synchronously collected. Linear time-frequency domain indices were then calculated from the sEMG signals, including the root mean square (RMS) and median frequency (MF). Network indices were extracted from the multiplex recurrence network and weighted networks were constructed from the sEMG signals, including the average interlayer mutual information (I), average edge overlap (ω), clustering coefficient (C), average shortest path length (L) and degree of centrality (DC).Results:With the eyes closed, the RMS values of the bilateral GMs of the hemiplegia group, as well as the values for the RF and BF on the unaffected side were significantly higher than the control group′s values. In the hemiplegia group, the RMS values of the RF and BF muscles on the unaffected side were significantly higher than on the affected side during standing with the eyes closed. For the RF muscles the RMS values on the unaffected side were, on average, significantly higher than with the eyes open. The MF of the GM muscles on the unaffected side in the hemiplegia group was significantly lower than the average MF values of the bilateral GM muscles in the control group with the eyes open or closed. With the eyes closed, the MF of the unaffected-side GM was significantly lower than that of the affected-side GM in the hemiplegia group. Compared with the control group, the hemiplegia group showed a significant increase in I and ω values, but a significant decrease in L values with the eyes open or closed. The DC values of the bilateral GM, RF and BF muscles in the hemiplegia group were significantly higher than among the control group with the eyes open, which was also true of the bilateral GM and RF muscles with the eyes closed. With the BF muscles it was true only of the unaffected side. In the hemiplegia group, the DC values of the unaffected-side GM with the eyes open or closed, and of the unaffected-side BF with the eyes closed.Conclusions:When standing still, hemiplegic stroke survivors exhibit increased overall synchronous muscle adjustment with involvement of unaffected-side muscles, especially the GM. sEMG network indices such as I, ω, L and DC can assess multi-muscle synchronous adaptability and the involvement of single muscles. sEMG network algorithms thus have potential as a new method for localizing and quantitatively assessing neuromuscular dysfunction among such patients.

Objective:To observe the effects and safety of dienogest on the volume and symptoms of ovarian endometrioma (OMA).Methods:The clinical data of 75 patients with OMA who underwent treatment with dienogest (2 mg/day) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 1st 2020 to March 31st 2024 were retrospectively analysed, mainly comparing the changes in the volume of OMA and the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of endometriosis-related pain before and after the treatment, as well as observing the changes in the blood biological indicators, liver and kidney function, coagulation function and changes in breast.Results:The median cyst volumes of the OMA patients at 3, 6 and 12 months of dienogest treatment were 13.21 cm 3 (volume reduction rate: 36.00%), 8.33 cm 3 (volume reduction rate: 56.00%) and 4.10 cm 3 (volume reduction rate: 77.62%), respectively, which were all significantly decreased from the pre-treatment period (all P<0.05). The VAS scores of pain of the OMA patients at 3, 6 and 12 months of dienogest treatment all were 0 mm. Blood cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) levels decreased progressively during treatment (all P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the coagulation indexes, liver and kidney function indexes of the patients during dienogest treatment compared with those before treatment (all P>0.05). During the follow-up period, there were a few patients with changes in the growth sites or lesion category of the breast nodules, but there were no occurrence of breast cancer or precancerous lesions. Conclusion:Dienogest is effective in reducing OMA volume and alleviating endometriosis-related pain with few adverse effects.

Objective:To compare and analyze the differences in clinical and pathological features of uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), common uterine leiomyoma (UL), and cellular uterine leiomyoma (CUL), and to identify biomarkers for predicting STUMP recurrence.Methods:A total of 72 cases of STUMP patients (STUMP group) treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were collected from June 2015 to March 2024. Additionally, 72 cases of UL and 72 cases of CUL (UL group and CUL group) in the same period were collected as controls. The clinical and pathological features of the three groups were compared, and the recurrence rates and related factors affecting STUMP recurrence were analyzed.Results:(1) Comparison of clinical and pathological features: there were statistically significant differences in age, history of myomectomy, and preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels among STUMP, UL, and CUL groups (all P<0.05). STUMP group were significantly older than UL group ( P<0.05). The proportions of STUMP group with a history of myomectomy and elevated preoperative serum LDH levels were significantly higher than those in UL and CUL groups (all P<0.05). On ultrasound, 16 cases of STUMP patients (22%, 16/72), 2 cases of UL patients (3%, 2/72), and 8 cases of CUL patients (11%, 18/72) had unclear fibroid borders, with significant differences between the three groups ( χ2=12.94, P=0.002), with STUMP group significantly higher than UL group ( P<0.05). Regarding immunohistochemistry, the proportion of p16 positivity, p53 mutations, and nuclear antigen associated with cell proliferation (Ki-67) >10% were significantly higher in STUMP group compared to UL group ( P<0.05). In terms of surgical approach, 52 cases of STUMP patients (72%, 52/72) underwent hysterectomy, compared to 27 cases of UL patients (38%, 27/72) and 38 cases of CUL patients (53%, 38/72), with a significant difference between the three groups ( χ2=17.89, P=0.001). The proportion of patients who underwent myomectomy was significantly lower in STUMP group compared to UL and CUL groups (both P<0.05). Among the 20 cases of STUMP patients who underwent myomectomy, 6 patients had a subsequent total hysterectomy after being diagnosed with STUMP. (2) Comparison of recurrence: the median follow-up time for the STUMP, UL, and CUL groups was 38, 12, and 29 months, respectively. During the follow-up period, 3 cases (6%, 3/53) in STUMP group, 4 cases (7%, 4/55) in UL group, and 8 cases (13%, 8/62) in CUL group had recurrence, with no significant differences between the three groups ( χ2=1.91, P=0.411). Among the 3 cases of STUMP patients with recurrence (in the pelvic cavity, liver, and abdominal wall), 2 cases had STUMP pathology on recurrence, and 1 case progressed to well-differentiated uterine leiomyosarcoma. (3) Related factors affecting STUMP recurrence: when comparing preoperative body mass index, serum LDH levels, and Ki-67 positivity ≥30% between recurrent and non-recurrent patients, significant differences were observed (all P<0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that Ki-67 positivity ≥30% was a significant risk factor for STUMP recurrence ( OR=24.67, 95% CI: 1.70-357.36, P=0.019). Conclusions:Factors such as age, history of myomectomy, preoperative serum LDH levels, and ultrasound findings of unclear fibroid borders are helpful for distinguishing STUMP from UL and CUL. Elevated preoperative serum LDH levels and Ki-67 positivity ≥30% have predictive value for STUMP recurrence. Active postoperative follow-up is essential, whether STUMP patients undergo myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Objective:To explore the expression and clinical significance of fibrinogen-like protein 2(FGL2)in gastrointesti-nal stromal tumor(GIST).Methods:Immunohistochemical EnVision two-step method was used to detect expression of FGL2 protein in 158 GIST patients,and correlation between FGL2 protein and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed,and relationship be-tween FGL2 protein and the count of CD3+T,CD8+T,CD20+T and CD68+T of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs)in GIST was inves-tigated.Results:Expression of FGL2 protein in GIST was negatively correlated with tumor size,NIH risk grade,necrosis and mitotic image count(P<0.05),there was no significant difference in gender and tumor location(P>0.05).FGL2 expression was associated with low CD3+T cell counts in GIST(P<0.05),while there was no significantly difference with CD8+T,CD20+T and CD68+T cell counts(P>0.05).Conclusion:FGL2 protein is involved in occurrence and development of GIST,which expression level is partly pre-dictive of the malignant potential of GIST.FGL2 protein may participate in occurrence and development of GIST by regulating tumor microenvironment.