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 compare the antiviral efficacy and renal safety of nucleoside analogs(NAs) monotherapy versus combination therapy in hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients with high viral load. Methods : This study enrolled a total of 353 treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with high viral load , the treatment regimen was divided into 5 groups , consisting of 4 monotherapy groups and 1 combination therapy group as follows : 88 cases in the Entecavir (ETV) group , 135 cases in the Teno- fovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) group , 34 cases in the Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate (TAF) group , 25 cases in the Tenofovir Amibufenamide (TMF) group , and 71 cases in the ETV combined with TDF (ETV + TDF) group . A retrospective cohort study design was adopted to analyze HBV DNA levels , serological indicators ( HBsAg and HBeAg levels) , renal function indicators ( serum Scr levels , eGFR) at 24 and 48 weeks of treatment across various groups , as well as the HBsAg clearance rates , HBeAg seroconversion rates and HBV DNA suppression rates (HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml) at 48 weeks across the groups . Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors for HBV DNA suppression . Results : At 24 weeks , the HBV DNA level in the ETV + TDF selected . Key miRNAs included hsa-let-7b-5p , hsa-let-7c-5p , hsa-let-7b-3p _ 1ss22CT , and hsa-miR-199b-5p , with BACH1 and IFNAR1 identified as their shared target genes . GO analysis revealed that the enriched target genes were primarily involved in protein binding , metal ion binding , transferase activity , DNA binding , transcriptional regulation by RNA polymerase Ⅱ , and nucleotide binding. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the target genes were mainly associated with metabolic pathways , cancer-related pathways , the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway , and the Rap1 signaling pathway . Conclusion Differential expression of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes was ob- served between DS fetuses and those with normal karyotypes . Combined analysis with placental miRNAs revealed hsa-miR-199b-5p as a common differentially expressed miRNA in both DS amniotic fluid and placenta. It is hypoth- esized that BACH1 and IFNAR1 , shared target genes of hsa-miR-199b-5p , hsa-let-7b-5p , hsa-let-7c-5p , and hsa- let-7b-3p_1ss22CT , may play a role in the pathogenesis of DS .

BACKGROUND: The effect of the interval between previous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and rescue treatment on therapeutic outcomes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eradication rates and treatment interval durations in H. pylori infections. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2023 at six tertiary hospitals in Shandong, China. We recruited patients who were positive for H. pylori infection and required rescue treatment. Demographic information, previous times of eradication therapy, last eradication therapy date, and history of antibiotic use data were collected. The patients were divided into four groups based on the rescue treatment interval length: Group A, ≥4 weeks and ≤3 months; Group B, >3 and ≤6 months; Group C, >6 and ≤12 months; and Group D, >12 months. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori . Drug compliance and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed. Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare eradication rates between groups. RESULTS: A total of 670 patients were enrolled in this study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were 88.3% (158/179) in Group A, 89.6% (120/134) in Group B, 89.1% (123/138) in Group C, and 87.7% (192/219) in Group D. The per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 92.9% (156/168) in Group A, 94.5% (120/127) in Group B, 94.5% (121/128) in Group C, and 93.6% (190/203) in Group D. There was no statistically significant difference in the eradication rates between groups in either the ITT ( P = 0.949) or PP analysis ( P = 0.921). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of AEs ( P = 0.934) or drug compliance ( P = 0.849) between groups. CONCLUSION: The interval duration of rescue treatment had no significant effect on H. pylori eradication rates or the incidence of AEs. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05173493.
Humans ; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy* ; Helicobacter pylori/pathogenicity* ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects* ; Adult ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use*

Objective:To establish an ion chromatography-integrated amperometric detection method for iodide in water.Methods:After the water sample was filtered through a filter membrane, the AS 11-HC anion chromatography column of ion chromatography method was used to separate iodide ions under the conditions of 70 mmol/L sodium hydroxide solution as the eluent, injection volume of 100 μl, column temperature of 30 ℃, and flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The results were determined by silver working electrode integral amperometric detection method. Under the optimized experimental conditions, methodological evaluations such as method calibration curves, detection limits, quantification limits, precision, and accuracy were conducted.Results:Iodide followed a square correction curve within the concentration range of 0 - 100 μg/L, with a correlation coefficient ( r) > 0.999 9. The detection limit of the method was 0.30 μg/L, and the quantification limit was 1.00 μg/L. The determination results of the national standard substances GBW09113f and GBW09114f for iodine composition analysis in water were within the reference range [(8.4 ± 1.2), (55 ± 6) μg/L]. The recovery rates of low, medium, and high concentration spiked samples with low background values ranged from 91.7% to 97.2%, and the relative standard deviation ranged from 0.40% to 1.60%. Conclusion:This method has the characteristics of simple water sample pretreatment, high sensitivity, and good accuracy, which can meet the determination of trace iodides in bulk water samples for iodine deficiency disorders monitoring.

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 establish an ion chromatography-integrated amperometric detection method for iodide in water.Methods:After the water sample was filtered through a filter membrane, the AS 11-HC anion chromatography column of ion chromatography method was used to separate iodide ions under the conditions of 70 mmol/L sodium hydroxide solution as the eluent, injection volume of 100 μl, column temperature of 30 ℃, and flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The results were determined by silver working electrode integral amperometric detection method. Under the optimized experimental conditions, methodological evaluations such as method calibration curves, detection limits, quantification limits, precision, and accuracy were conducted.Results:Iodide followed a square correction curve within the concentration range of 0 - 100 μg/L, with a correlation coefficient ( r) > 0.999 9. The detection limit of the method was 0.30 μg/L, and the quantification limit was 1.00 μg/L. The determination results of the national standard substances GBW09113f and GBW09114f for iodine composition analysis in water were within the reference range [(8.4 ± 1.2), (55 ± 6) μg/L]. The recovery rates of low, medium, and high concentration spiked samples with low background values ranged from 91.7% to 97.2%, and the relative standard deviation ranged from 0.40% to 1.60%. Conclusion:This method has the characteristics of simple water sample pretreatment, high sensitivity, and good accuracy, which can meet the determination of trace iodides in bulk water samples for iodine deficiency disorders monitoring.

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 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 evaluate the effect of vitamin K 2 on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the relationship with nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes in rats. Methods:Thirty-six SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 280-300 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) by a random number table method: sham operation group (group Sham), group TBI and TBI plus vitamin K 2 group (group TBI+ VK 2). The TBI model was developed using modified Feeney′s method.In TBI+ VK 2 group, vitamin K 2 400 mg/kg (dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide) was intraperitoneally injected at 30 min after developing TBI model.The equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxide was intraperitoneally injected in group Sham and group TBI.The modified neurological severity score (mNSS) was measured and open field tests were performed at 24 h after development of TBI.The rats were sacrificed after the end of behavioral testing, and brains were obtained for measurement of brain water content (by wet-dry weight method), percentage of brain injury volume (by TTC assay), contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18 and caspase-1 in cortex on the injured side (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-18 in cortex on the injured side (by Western blot). Results:Compared with group Sham, the mNSS score was significantly increased, the total distance travelled was reduced, the time spent in the central zone was shortened, the brain water content and percentage of brain injury volume were increased, the contents of IL-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1 in cortex on the injured side were increased, and the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-18 was up-regulated in group TBI ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Compared with group TBI, the mNSS score was significantly decreased, the total distance travelled was increased, the time spent in the central zone was prolonged, the brain water content and percentage of brain injury volume were decreased, the contents of IL-1β, IL-18 and caspase-1 in cortex on the injured side were decreased, and the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and IL-18 was down-regulated in group TBI+ VK 2 ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusions:Vitamin K 2 can reduce TBI, and the mechanism may be related to inhibition of the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in rats.