OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between insulin resistance and uterine volume in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving 61 girls diagnosed with ICPP who visited the pediatric growth and development clinic of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2022 and September 2024, designated as the ICPP group, and 61 normally developing girls as the control group. The differences in insulin resistance index (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, HOMA-IR), uterine volume, and other indicators between the two groups were compared, and the relationship between insulin resistance and uterine volume in these girls was analyzed. RESULTS: The uterine volume and HOMA-IR level in the ICPP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that there was a positive correlation between HOMA-IR level and uterine volume in the ICPP group (r_s=0.643, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that as HOMA-IR increased,uterine volume in the girls tended to increase (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS There is an association between insulin resistance and uterine volume in girls with ICPP, and as HOMA-IR increases, uterine volume in the girls also increases.
Humans ; Female ; Insulin Resistance ; Puberty, Precocious/metabolism* ; Uterus/pathology* ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Organ Size ; Linear Models

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of low-dose venetoclax combined with CHG (cytarabine+homoharringtonine+G-CSF) priming regimen in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. METHODS: The data of 14 patients with AML or high-risk MDS admitted to the department of hematology/oncology of the First Hospital of Tsinghua University and 2 cooperative institutions from July 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with low-dose venetoclax combined with CHG priming regimen and the early induction (one course) efficacy and adverse reactions were observed. RESULTS: Among the 14 patients, 10 were males and 4 were females, with a median age of 69.5 (46-83) years. After 1 cycle of induction chemotherapy, the complete remission (CR) rate was 64.3% (9/14) and overall response rate (ORR) was 78.6% (11/14). Among the 10 patients with adverse prognosis according to cytogenetics and molecular genetics, the CR rate was 50.0% (5/10), and ORR was 70.0% (7/10). In 7 patients with TP53 mutation, the CR rate was 42.9% (3/7) and ORR was 71.4% (5/7). In the 6 patients with complex karyotype, CR rate was 33.3% (2/6) and ORR was 66.7% (4/6). While the CR rate and ORR of 8 non-complex karyotype patients were both 87.5% (7/8), and the difference in CR rate between patients with complex karyotype and non-complex karyotype was statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The adverse reactions of chemotherapy were tolerable, without early treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION Low-dose venetoclax combined with CHG priming regimen can be used as an effective treatment for AML and high-risk MDS patients who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy, and it is safe and worthy of clinical application.
Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy* ; Aged ; Male ; Female ; Sulfonamides/therapeutic use* ; Middle Aged ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes/drug therapy* ; Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Retrospective Studies ; Cytarabine/administration & dosage* ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Homoharringtonine/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of serum β₂-microglobulin (β₂-MG) for survival and relapse of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the rituximab era. METHODS: Clinical data of 92 patients with DLBCL admitted from December 2003 to July 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cutoff value of β₂-MG levels for predicting prognosis of the DLBCL patients was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. KaplanMeier analysis was used to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox logistic regression analysis was used to explore potential prognostic factors associated with survival. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between various factors and relapse. RESULTS: The most discriminative cutoff value for β₂-MG level was determined to be 2.25 mg/L by the ROC curve. Subgroup analysis showed that patients in the elevated β₂-MG (＞2.25 mg/L) group had significantly worse PFS(P =0.006) and a trend toward worse OS compared with those in the low β₂-MG (≤2.25 mg/L) group(P =0.053). Univariate analysis showed that elevated β₂-MG, age>60 years, Ann Arbor stage III-IV, as well as IPI score ≥3 were associated with worse PFS. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age＞60 years and β₂-MG＞2.25 mg/L were potential influencing factors for relapse of DLBCL patients. CONCLUSION Serum β ₂-MG might be an important predictor for the survival and relapse of DLBCL patients in the rituximab era.
Humans ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy* ; beta 2-Microglobulin/blood* ; Rituximab ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; ROC Curve

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe type of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a leading etiology of end-stage liver disease worldwide, posing significant health and economic burdens. microRNA-320 (miR-320), a ubiquitously expressed and evolutionarily conserved miRNA, has been reported to regulate lipid metabolism; however, whether and how miR-320 affects MASH development remains unclear. By performing miR-320 in situ hybridization with RNAscope, we observed a notable downregulation of miR-320 in hepatocytes during MASH, correlating with disease severity. Most importantly, miR-320 downregulation in hepatocytes exacerbated MASH progression as demonstrated that hepatocyte-specific miR-320 deficient mice were more susceptible to high-fat, high-fructose, high-cholesterol diet (HFHC) or choline-deficient, amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD)-induced MASH compared with control littermates. Conversely, restoration of miR-320 in hepatocytes ameliorated MASH-related steatosis and fibrosis by injection of adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) carrying miR-320 in different types of diet-induced MASH models. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-320 specifically regulated fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) production in hepatocytes by inhibiting regulator factor X1 (RFX1) expression. Notably, knockdown of Rfx1 in hepatocytes mitigated MASH by enhancing FGF1-mediated AMPK activation. Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of hepatic miR-320 supplementation in MASH treatment by inhibiting RFX1-mediated FGF1 suppression.

Objective To investigate the screening and prevalence of tuberculosis among freshmen in different schools in Baoding City,and provide reference for tuberculosis control in schools.Methods Screening data of tu-berculosis and tuberculin test(PPD)of freshmen from 156 schools in different regions of Baoding City from Septem-ber 2021 to March 2022 were collected.PPD screening results of students from different regions and different school stages were analyzed and compared.Results A total of 68 177 freshmen from 156 schools were investigated for suspected symptoms and close contact history of pulmonary tuberculosis.PPD screening was conducted on 63 939 students.13 821 students were PPD positive,with a positive rate of 21.62％.3 083 students were strongly posi-tive,with a strong positive rate of 4.82％.15 cases of tuberculosis were found,and the reported incidence was 23.46/100 000.PPD positive rate and strong positive rate as well as incidence of tuberculosis in students in different school stages presented statistically significant differences(all P＜0.01).Positive rate and strong positive rate in students in different school stages showed upward trends(all P＜0.01).PPD positive rate and strong positive rate of students from schools in plain and mountainous areas presented statistically significant differences([22.28％vs 17.89％];[4.85％vs 3.62％],both P＜0.01).PPD positive rate and strong positive rate between students from boarding junior school and non-boarding junior school were significantly different,respectively([23.94％vs 21.60％];[5.07％vs 3.56％],both P＜0.01).Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen tuberculosis screening and health education for freshmen,especially those from boarding schools in plain areas,screening latent Mycobac-terium tuberculosis infection as early as possible,take corresponding measures to prevent and control the spread of tuberculosis,and reduce the risk of tuberculosis.

Objective To evaluate the characteristics of different antigen-specific T cell immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)after inoculation with 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine for 12 months.Methods Fifteen healthy adults were enrolled in this study and blood samples collected at 12 months after receiving two doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine.The level and phenotypic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific T lymphocytes were detected by activation-induced markers(AIM)based on polychromatic flow cytometry.Results After 12 months of inoculation with 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine,more than 90%of adults had detectable Spike and Non-spike antigen-specific CD4+ T cells immune responses(Spike:14/15,P=0.0001;Non-spike:15/15,P<0.0001).80%of adults had detectable Spike and Non-spike antigen-specific CD8+ T cells immune responses(Spike:12/15,P=0.0463;Non-spike:12/15,P=0.0806).Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells induced by SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination after 12 months were composed of predominantly central memory(CM)and effector memory 1(EM1)cells.On the other hand,in terms of helper subsets,antigen-specific CD4+ T cells mainly showed T helper 1/17(Th1/17)and T helper 2(Th2)phenotypes.Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination generates durable and extensive antigen-specific CD4+ T cell memory responses,which may be the key factor for the low proportion of severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection in China.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a diabetic ocular complication that can lead to poor vision and blindness. This experiment aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect and its mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) eye drops on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in rats. All experiments were approved by the Animal Research Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Animal welfare and the animal experimental protocols were strictly consistent with related ethics regulations of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. PZSHUTCM 211115004). Diabetes mellitus was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ into rats. Two months later, PNS solution was dropped binocular twice per day at 6 h intervals at dose of 20, 40, and 80 mg·kg^-1 continuously for 1 month. The morphological structure and activation of microglia of the retina were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical assay. The disruption of the blood-retina barrier (BRB) was conducted by the Evans blue dye leakage assay. The number of acellular capillaries in the retina was assessed by digesting and hematoxylin-eosin staining assay. The number of retinal leukocyte adhesion was observed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-coupled concanavalin A lectin labeling assay. The serum expression of inflammatory factors was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot experiments were used to detect the expression of relevant proteins in retinal tissue and transcriptional activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). The results revealed that PNS eye drops significantly increased the thickness of the retina, decreased the number of acellular capillaries, and up-regulated the expression of the tight junction proteins claudin-1 and occludin, thereby alleviating BRB damage. In addition, PNS eye drops were also able to significantly reduce leukocyte adhesion and microglia activation, the expression of inflammatory factors in serum, and the nuclear translocation of retinal p65 proteins, effectively inhibiting the occurrence of retinal inflammation. The above results showed that PNS eye drops played a role in improving NPDR by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing inflammation.

Objective To study the protective effect of Irisin in doxorubicin(Dox)induced-Cardiomyopathy and its possible mechanism.Methods AC 16 cells were used to construct Dox injury model and divided into control group(AC 16 cells were cultured with complete medium),Irisin group(AC16 cells were treated with 10 ng·L-1 Irisin for 24 h),Dox group(AC 16 cells were treated with 4 μmol·L-1 Dox for 24 h),Dox+Irisin group(AC 16 cells were pretreated with 10 ng·L-1 Irisin for 2 h,and then treated with 4 pmol·L-1 Dox for 24 h).Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling(TUNEL)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)were used to detect the proliferation,apoptosis and mortality of AC 16 cells.Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway and apoptotic factors B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)and caspase-9 protein.Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos probe was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential.Results In the contrl group,Irisin group,Dox group,Dox+Irisin group,the rate of apoptosis were(0.97±0.09)％,0,(42.80±6.70)％,(11.74±1.79)％;the expression of Bax protein were 0.85±0.01,0.36±0.02,1.15±0.07,0.37±0.11;the expression of caspase-9 protein were 0.52±0.02,0.59±0.03,1.11±0.02,0.67±0.08;the expression of Bcl-2 protein were 1.01±0.04,1.05±0.25,0.43±0.02 and 0.99±0.30;the probability of mitochondrial damage were(0.02±0.01)％,(0.5±0.15)％,(38.6±2.39)％,(1.58±0.54)％.The difference of the above indexes between the contrl group and the Dox group were statistically significant(all P＜0.05);the difference between Dox group and Dox+Irisin group were statisically significant(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Irisin could reduce the expression level of Bax,caspase-9,p-NF-κB,and p-mTOR caused by Dox,increase the expression level of Bcl-2,ameliorate the myocardial damage caused by Dox,and reduce cardiotoxicity.

Objective:To investigate which indicator is more advantageous when using arterial oxygen saturation(SaO2)and fingertip pulse oxygen saturation(SpO2)for blood oxygen detection in patients with hyperleukocytic acute leukemia(HAL).Methods:In this prospective research,the difference between SaO2 and SpO2 of 18 HAL patients(observation group)and 14 patients(control group),as well as the relationship between the difference and white blood cell(WBC)counts were analyzed.Results:SaO2 was lower than SpO2 in the observation group(P＜0.05),and SpO2-SaO2 difference was positively correlated with WBC counts(r=0.47).However,there was no statistical difference between SaO2 and SpO2 in the control group.SaO2 and PO2 showed a downward trend with the prolongation of detection time after arterial blood was collected in the observation group,but there was no statistical difference.There was no downward trend of SaO2 and PO2 in the control group.Conclusion:HAL patients have a phenomenon where SaO2 is lower than SpO2,that is pseudohypoxemia,and this phenomenon may be caused by excessive consumption of oxygen by the leukemia cells in vitro.SpO2 can be monitored bedside in real time and is non-invasive,it is a better way to detect the blood oxygen status of HAL patients.

Objective:To investigate the effect of feeder layer cells expressing interleukin(IL)-21 on the amplification of NK cells in vitro.Methods:The K562 cell line with IL-21 expression on its membrane was constructed by electroporation,and co-cultured with NK cells after inactivation.The proliferation of NK cells was observed.The killing function of the amplified NK cells in vitro was evaluated by the lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and interferon-γ(IFN-y)release assay.A colorectal cancer xenograft model in NOD/SCID mice was established,and a blank control group,a NK cell group and an amplified NK cell group were set up to detect the tumor killing effect of amplified NK cells in vivo.Results:K562 cells expressing IL-21 on the membrane were successfully constructed by electroporation.After co-culturing with K562 cells expressing IL-21 on the membrane for 17 days,the NK cells increased to 700 times,which showed an enhanced amplification ability compared with control group(P＜0.001).In the tumor cell killing experiment in vitro,there was no significant difference in the killing activity on tumor cells between NK cells and amplified NK cells,and there was also no significant difference in mice in vivo.Conclusion:K562 cells expressing IL-21 on the membrane can significantly increase the amplification ability of NK cells in vitro,but do not affect the killing function of NK cells in vitro and in vivo.It can be used for the subsequent large-scale production of NK cells in vitro.