ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio （NLR）， platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio （PLR）， systemic immune-inflammation index （SII） and the severity of intrauterine adhesions （IUA）. MethodsThe retrospective study included 380 patients who underwent transcervical resection of adhesions （TCRA） from December 2019 to March 2025. Based on the American Fertility Society （AFS） classification， patients were divided into mild （n=61）， moderate （n=225）， and severe （n=94） groups. NLR， PLR， and SII were calculated from preoperative blood tests. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinal Logistic regression. ResultsNLR， PLR， and SII were significantly higher in the severe IUA group compared to the mild group （P<0.05）， with SII showing the strongest predictive ability （OR=1.004， P=0.001）. The number of intrauterine procedures was an independent risk factor （OR=1.27/level， P=0.016）. The predictive model ［Logit（P）=-0.676+0.241×operation times+0.004×SII］ effectively identified severe IUA cases. ConclusionInflammatory markers （particularly SII） are correlated with IUA severity and may serve as non-invasive tools for clinical assessment.

ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Yangmai Tongluo formula improves microcirculation disorders induced by high homocysteine(Hcy)levels via regulation of the acid sphingomyelinase(ASM)and endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress pathways.Methods Fifty male C57BL/6J mice were divided randomly into a control group,Hcy model group,Yangmai Tongluo formula low-/high dose groups(5.3,10.4 g/kg,respectively),and a folic acid group(0.08 g/kg).Except for the control group,microcirculation disorders were induced in all mice using drinking water containing 1.8 g/L Hcy for 6 weeks.After modeling for 2 weeks,mice were administered the corresponding treatments by gavage for 4 weeks.Serum Hey concentrations and the blood perfusion volume of the lower extremity microvessels were measured.Protein expression levels of zonula occludens ZO-1,ZO-2,intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1),vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1),ASM,glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)in the cardiac microvascular endothelium were analyzed using immunofluorescence.Results Serum Hcy levels were significantly increased in the Hcy model group compared with the control group(P＜0.05).Yangmai Tongluo formula did not significantly reduce Hey levels compared with the Hey model group,but blood perfusion in the lower extremities was significantly increased(P＜0.01)and expression levels of ZO-1 and ZO-2 in the cardiac microvascular endothelium were restored(P＜0.001)in the Yangmai Tongluo formula high dose group.It also inhibited the expression of ICAM-1,VCAM-1,ASM,GRP78,and CHOP(P＜0.05),with comparable effects to folic acid.Conclusions Yangmai Tongluo formula improves Hcy-induced microcirculation disorders and endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting ASM activity and alleviating ER stress,via a mechanism closely related to the regulation of endothelial inflammation and barrier stability.These result provide experimental evidence to support the use of traditional Chinese medicine to treat microvascular diseases.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of male genital system lympho-ma(MGSL).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological and immunophenotypic features and prognosis of 80 ca-ses of MGSL.Results:The onset age of the MGSL patients ranged from 4 to 85(median 62)years old.All the cases showed non-specificity of the imaging features and clinical manifestations.MGSL was located mainly in the testis(n=66),followed by the pros-tate(n=7),epididymis(n=3),scrotum(n=3)and penile glans(n=1).Diffused large B cell lymphoma(DLBCL)was the most common pathological type(n=62),next came extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue(MALT)(n=7)and other rare types(n=12).During the 1-112-month follow-up of 10 of the 19 patients,1 died at 1 month af-ter diagnosed with prostatic B-lymphoblastic lymphoma(B-LBL)and another 1 died at 50 months after diagnosed with testicular DLBCL.Conclusion:MGSL is rare clinically,mainly of the DLBCL type pathologically,lacking specificity in clinical symptoms and imaging manifestation.The definite diagnosis of the malignancy depends on histopathology combined with related molecular exami-nation and immunohistochemical labeling,and R-CHOP chemotherapy is the first choice for its treatment.

Objective To explore potential categories of post-stroke depression in acute-phase stroke patients and its correlation with the degree of neurological deficits,and to provide references for healthcare professionals in developing targeted interventions.Methods Using convenience sampling,patients with acute stroke who were hospitalized in neurological ward of 2 tertiary general hospitals in Henan Province from January to April 2024 were selected as the survey participants.The investigation was conducted using the General Information Questionnaire,the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale,and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.The correlation between potential categories of post-stroke depression and the degree of neurological deficit was analysed using unordered multiclassified logistic regression.Results Post-stroke depression score was 10.22±3.61 in 193 acute-phase stroke patients,and post-stroke depression could be categorized into 3 potential categories,namely"low depressive symptoms"(44.6％),"melancholic depression"(15.0％),and"atypical depression"(40.4％).There was a significant difference in the degree of neurological deficits(H=38.074,P＜0.001).Compared with severe neurological deficits,patients with mild deficits were more likely to be categorized as"melancholic depression"(OR=0.016,P=0.001)and"atypical depression"(OR=0.040,P＜0.001),and patients with moderate deficits were more likely to be classified as"atypical depression"(OR=0.085,P=0.001).Conclusion Post-stroke depression in acute-phase stroke patients has obvious categorization characteristics,and it is recommended that healthcare professionals should pay more attention to patients with different degrees of neurological deficits and adopt targeted interventions according to the different categories of post-stroke depression in order to alleviate their depressive symptoms.

AIM To observe the effects of Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Formula(YQJDTL)on renal microvascular endothelial function and prevention of renal injury in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS The SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a model group.The model group was administered with high-fat diet combined with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ to establish the T2DM model.The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,the canagliflozin group(9 mg/kg),and the low-dose and high-dose YQJDTL groups(4.77,9.45 g/kg).The corresponding doses of the drug were administered by gavage for a total of 12 weeks,during which the rats underwent observation of their general condition and blood glucose changes.After the end of administration,the rats had their levels of renal index,24-hour UP,serum SCr,BUN,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,ET-1 and NOS measured;their changes in renal microvasculature and the degree of renal fibrosis observed using HE staining,Masson staining,PAS staining,and PASM staining;their ultrastructure of the glomeruli observed using transmission electron microscopy;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,Col-1,VEGFA and PKC detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β,SMAD2 determined by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the high-dose YQJDTL group showed decreased levels of renal index,blood glucose,TG,TC,HDL,24 h UP,BUN,SCr and ET-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased LDL and NOS levels(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced renal inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis degree,inhibited fusion of foot processes and thickening of basement membrane;decreased renal protein expressions of TGF-β,SMAD2,SMAD3,VEGFA,PKC and Col-1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased mRNA expressions of VEGFA,TGF-β and SMAD2(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION In the rat models of T2DM,YQJDTL can reduce their levels of blood glucose and lipids by improving the renal indices levels and the renal microvascular endothelial functions to alleviate renal fibrosis and microangiopathy as well,and the mechanism may be associated with the down-regulated expressions of TGF-β/SMAD and VEGF pathway-related proteins.

Objective To investigate the effects of ischemia time and storage periods on RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer(BC)and esophageal cancer(EC)tissue samples in order to establish evidence-based protocols for biobank sample management.Methods The tumor(T)and paired normal(N)tissue samples from 6 cases of BC and 6 cases of EC were collected and cryopreserved in Biobank,Shantou Central Hospital.Mirror paraffin-embedded tissues were simultaneously prepared into sections for morphological analysis.The samples were divided into two groups of<15 min and 15-30 min according to ischemia time,and RNA quality was analyzed at 4 storage periods of 8-10 months(T1),14-16 months(T2),26-28 months(T3)and 38-40 months(T4).Results In 96 analyzed samples,93.8%(90/96)exhibited high quality(RIN≥6),with 89.6%(43/48)in BC and 97.9%(47/48)in EC.Significant differences in RIN were observed between BC group and EC group(8.050 vs.8.600,P=0.009).In EC group,RIN value was significantly negatively correlated with RNA yield(P<0.001).Moreover,RIN values of tumor-normal pairs exhibited markedly significant differences(7.550 vs.9.000,P<0.001).In contrast,no significant difference was detected in BC group(8.200 vs.7.700,P=0.348).Statistical analysis showed that RIN value was positively correlated with 28S/18S(P<0.001),but had no correlation with tumor content(P=0.676)and necrotic content(P=0.055).Neither ischemia time(<15 min vs.15-30 min:8.200 vs.8.300,P=0.932)nor storage periods(T1-T4:8.400,7.700,8.450,8.600,P=0.163)compromised RNA quality.Conclusion Organ origin and tissue type could influence RNA quality of fresh-frozen tissue samples.However,limited ischemia time(≤30 min)and long-term storage period(38-40 months)do not adversely affect RNA quality in fresh-frozen breast cancer and esophageal cancer tissue samples.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P＜0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P＞0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.

Objective To explore the feasibility and corresponding implementation methods of constructing a sample resource bank based on individual-level data of completed clinical trials and using it to construct external controls for drug/device clinical trials.Methods Taking the pre-marketing clinical trial of transcatheter active valve replacement(TAVR)for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis as an example,the individual-level databases of multiple trials were standardized to form a sample bank.The original data of any trial in the sample bank were selected as the experimental group,and the remaining samples were selected as the control group.The potential confounding was handled by using the propensity score matching and stratification methods to clarify the process of constructing external controls based on the sample bank of individual-level data of clinical trials.Results This study included individual-level data of single-group trials of 4 TAVR devices,with a total of 569 subjects(59.2%male).The number of subjects in Trials 1 to 4 was 120,120,163,and 166,respectively.Propensity score matching enabled the matching of 113,117,125,and 147 subjects with comparable or similar characteristics from individual-level data from other trials,respectively,demonstrating a high matching success rate.The PS score distribution plot after stratification showed that the proportions of subjects in the experimental and control groups in strata 1 to 5 in scheme 1 were 4/103,11/103,22/92,32/87,and 51/64,respectively.For all constructed external controlled trials,a certain number of control samples with similar baseline characteristics to the experimental groups were distributed within each propensity score stratum.The results of the simulation test also reflected the potential differences between different devices in the 12-month all-cause mortality rate.Conclusions The sample bank constructed with individual-level data from clinical trials,as a high-quality data source,can serve as a source of external control for single-arm trials in the same field,and as a useful supplement to the external control scenario of real-world evidence to support drug and device development.At the same time,targeted research on research methods and bias control measures in related fields is also needed.

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effects of corylifol A(CYA)on Lewis lung carcinoma(LLC)cachexia mice and its ameliorating effects on myotube atrophy induced by LLC cell-conditioned medium(LLC CM)in vitro,and to explore the mechanisms.Methods The cancer cachexia was induced by subcu-taneous inoculation of LLC cells to C57BL/6J mice.The effects of CYA(10,20 mg·kg-1·d-1,i.p.)on the cachexia symptoms and survival time of cachexia mice were observed.The effects of 2.5 or 5 μmol·L-1 CYA on myotube atrophy of C2C12 induced by LLC CM were observed.The effects of CYA on its pos-sible target the serine/threonine-protein kinase TAO1(TAOK1)and downstream signaling pathways were detected using Western blot.The influence of TAOK1 knockout on the ameliorating effects of CYA on myo-tube atrophy was observed.Results CYA could sig-nificantly prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing mice and ameliorate the muscle atrophy associated with LLC.The effects of CYA on myotube atrophy are relat-ed to its regulation of TAOK1.The effects of CYA could be reduced by knockout of TAOK1.Conclusions CYA improves the survival of LLC cachexia mice and ameliorates the related skeletal muscle atrophy.The mechanism of CYA is related to its inhibition on TAOK1 and downstream signaling pathways.