Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Huangkui capsules on targeted drug-related proteinuria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of HCC patients with targeted drug-related proteinuria from June 2023 to December 2024 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. According to the treatment plan, patients were divided into the conventional treatment group and the Huangkui combination treatment group (Huangkui capsules combined with conventional treatment), and the clinical efficacy between the two groups was compared. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify the main factors affecting treatment efficacy. Results The Huangkui combination treatment group (n＝29) showed a significantly higher overall effective rate (79.3% vs 42.3%, P＝0.005), and an earlier proteinuria improvement (median time: 3 months vs 6 months, P＝0.008) than the conventional treatment group (n＝26) . The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blocker (ARB) using (OR＝0.190, 95%CI 0.045-0.808, P＝0.025), targeted drug adjustment (OR＝0.132, 95%CI 0.030-0.581, P＝0.007), and Huangkui capsules using (OR＝0.168, 95%CI 0.039-0.730, P＝0.017) were protective factors for treatment efficacy of targeted drug-related proteinuria. Conclusions On the basis of conventional treatment, additive treatment with Huangkui capsules can alleviate targeted drug-related proteinuria faster and more effectively in HCC patients.

Objective To study the five-year survival status and influencing factors of elderly patients with lung cancer complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A cohort study was conducted to follow up 450 patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2023. The endpoint of the follow-up was the end of a five-year period or death. The Life Tables method was used to calculate survival rates and plot survival curves. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the influencing factors of five-year survival. Results The results indicated that the overall five-year survival rate of patients was 4.89%, and it decreased year by year. Cox regression analysis showed that age, gender, family functioning, and psychological status significantly influenced patient survival rate (all P<0.05). Stratified analysis found that the smoking status, family functioning, and psychological status of male patients all had an impact on survival rate (all P<0.05), while the psychological status of female patients had a more significant impact on survival (P=0.008). Conclusion This study provides a scientific basis for comprehensive intervention of elderly lung cancer patients with COPD. It is recommended that clinical attention should be paid to psychological and family factors to improve patient prognosis.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from Abelmoschus manihot flowers， and to investigate the antioxidant， moisturizing and hygroscopicity activities of the polysaccharides.METHODS The optimal ratio of composite enzymes was determined by orthogonal experiments， and the extraction process of polysaccharides was optimized by single-factor experiments and Box-Behnken response surface methodology， and validated. The scavenging rates of 2，2′-azino-bis （3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid） （ABTS） free radicals， hydroxyl free radicals， and superoxide anion free radicals， as well as the total reducing ability of the polysaccharides were investigated by the ABTS method， Fenton-salicylic acid colorimetric method， pyrogallol autoxidation method， and potassium ferricyanide reduction method， respectively. The moisturizing and hygroscopicity activities of the polysaccharides were evaluated by the weighing method.RESULTS The optimal ratio of composite enzymes was 136 000 U of papain， 125 000 U of pectinase，and 5 000 U of cellulase. The optimal extraction process was as follows： enzymatic hydrolysis time of 2.8 h， enzymatic hydrolysis temperature of 57.50 ℃， pH of the sodium dihydrogen phosphate-disodium hydrogen phosphate buffer was 5.5， and solid-to-liquid ratio of 1∶40. The results of three experiments showed that the average polysaccharides extraction rate of 23.595%， with an RSD of 0.90%. The scavenging rates of ABTS free radicals， hydroxyl free radicals， superoxide anion free radicals， and total reducing ability were 81.759%， 87.110%， 54.244%， and 1.129 （the mass concentrations of polysaccharides were 10、 5、 10， and 10 mg/mL， respectively）， respectively. At relative humidity of 43% for 12 h， the moisturizing rate and hygroscopicity rate of polysaccharides were 99.387% and 100.478%， respectively； at relative humidity of 83% for 12 h， they were 99.764% and 100.455%， respectively.CONCLUSIONS The optimal extraction process of polysaccharides from A.manihot flowers based on the composite enzymes is stable and feasible； the polysaccharides obtained under this process have good antioxidant， moisturizing， and hygroscopicity activities.

This paper summarizes the clinical experience in the syndrome differentiation and treatment of rosacea using the method of venting heat and resolving stagnation. It is considered that the key pathogenesis of rosacea is the accumulation of heat with stagnation. Accordingly， the method of venting heat and resolving stagnation is proposed， which vents and disperses constraint heat by applying approaches such as dredging defensive qi， clearing qi， venting ying （营） level， and cooling blood， while eliminating stagnation and masses through regulating qi， resolving dampness， dispelling phlegm and removing stasis. In clinical practice， a core prescription for venting heat and resolving stagnation is formulated， with flexible modifications made according to the clinical characteristics of different rosacea subtypes， including erythematotelangiectatic， papulopustular， phymatous， and ocular types， thereby providing therapeutic insights for the treatment of rosacea with traditional Chinese medicine.

ObjectiveTo elucidate the effects of autonomic neuromodulators [calcium chloride (CaCl₂)-acetylcholine (ACh)] on atrial electrical remodeling and histopathological changes in rats, thereby providing evidence for further investigation into the pathological mechanisms by which autonomic imbalance induces atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsTen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups, with 5 rats in each group. The experimental group received daily tail vein injections of a CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Surface electrocardiograms were recorded before and after daily administration. On day 28 of administration, under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, echocardiography was performed, and then the rats were euthanized by exsanguination under isoflurane anesthesia for tissue collection. Body weight and heart weight of rats were measured, and electrophysiological parameters including AF inducibility, conduction velocity, and conduction dispersion in isolated rat hearts were monitored using the MappingLab multichannel electrophysiological mapping system. HE staining was performed to evaluate atrial tissue architecture and inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were analyzed by Western blotting. Masson staining was used to quantitatively analyze the proportional distribution of collagen fibers and myocardial fibers, and to calculate the area of collagen deposition, thereby evaluating the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate morphological changes of cardiomyocytes. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect atrial cell apoptosis. ResultsCompared with the control group, the experimental group showed obvious arrhythmias on electrocardiograms. Echocardiography after 28 days of administration revealed significant structural remodeling in the experimental group, with a marked increase in left atrial anteroposterior diameter (P < 0.05), and also showed cardiac dysfunction, with significant decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a significantly increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio (P < 0.05), a markedly higher AF inducibility (P < 0.001), a significantly slowed atrial conduction velocity (P < 0.05), an uneven isochronal map with irregular directions, and a significantly increased conduction dispersion (P < 0.01). HE staining showed that atrial myocytes in the experimental group were disorganized, with slight inflammatory cell infiltration. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β in the atrial tissue of the experimental group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Masson staining showed a significant increase in collagen deposition and a significant increase in fibrosis area in the atrial tissue of the experimental group (P < 0.001). WGA staining showed that cardiomyocytes in the experimental group were significantly hypertrophied compared with the control group (P < 0.05). DHE staining and TUNEL staining revealed that the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes (P < 0.001) and the apoptotic rate (P < 0.01) were both significantly increased. Conclusion Daily tail vein injections of the autonomic neuromodulator CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days can successfully induce AF in rats, accompanied by significant atrial structural remodeling, electrical remodeling, and oxidative stress.

Objective: To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in cancer registration areas of Zhengzhou City, Henan Province from 2016 to 2021, so as to provide evidence for developing targeted thyroid cancer prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: Data on incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer with qualified registration quality were collected from cancer registration offices in Zhengzhou City. Crude incidence and crude mortality were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized incidence and world population-standardized incidence were calculated using the standard age structure from the Fifth National Population Census in 2 000 and Segi's world standard population structure, respectively. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) was used to analyze the trends in the incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in Zhengzhou City from 2016 to 2021 across different gender, age, and urban-rural area. Results: In 2021, the crude incidence, Chinese population-standardized incidence and world population-standardized incidence of thyroid cancer in Zhengzhou City were 42.55/105, 37.43/105, and 32.56/105, respectively. The crude mortality, Chinese population-standardized mortality and world population-standardized mortality were 1.07/105, 0.77/105, and 0.71/105, respectively. The Chinese population-standardized incidence and mortality in females were 2.64 times and 2.83 times those in males, respectively; those in urban areas were 2.25 times and 1.51 times those in rural areas, respectively. The crude incidence peaked in the group aged 55-<60 years at 92.52/105. From 2016 to 2021, the crude incidence and Chinese population-standardized incidence of thyroid cancer showed an upward trend (AAPC=21.797%, 22.725%, both P<0.05), with trends consistent across different genders and urban-rural areas with the total population. The crude incidence showed upward trends in the groups aged 20-<30 years, 30-<40 years, 40-<50 years, 50-<60 years, and 60-<70 years (AAPC=17.237%, 31.026%, 21.289%, 23.010%, and 11.752%, all P<0.05). From 2016 to 2021, the Chinese population-standardized mortality of thyroid cancer showed an upward trend (AAPC=15.196%, P<0.05), while the trend in crude mortality was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The crude mortality (AAPC=21.078%, 25.669%) and Chinese population-standardized mortality (AAPC=24.122%, 28.865%) in females and rural areas showed upward trends (all P<0.05). Conclusions From 2016 to 2021, the Chinese population-standardized incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in cancer registration areas of Zhengzhou City showed an upward trend. Females, urban residents, and middle-aged and young populations are key groups for thyroid cancer prevention and control.

Objective:To analyze the serological and molecular characteristics of rare A el and B el subtypes in the ABO blood group system, and to explore their genotype-phenotype correlation and the potential clinical significance. Methods:From January 1st, 2021, to January 1st, 2025, 289, 815 samples subjected to ABO blood grouping in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital were selected. Samples demonstrating discrepancies between forward and reverse typing, or consistent typing but with abnormal agglutination degree were included. Those affected by underlying diseases, transplantation, age-related and other interferences were excluded. A total of 169 suspected ABO subgroup samples were identified. Sanger sequencing of exons 1-7 and relevant regulatory regions of the ABO gene was performed. Protein structure modeling and mutation effect analysis for two'el′ subtype glycosyltransferases (GTs) were conducted using SWISS-MODEL and PyMOL.Results:A total of 12 Ael, 6 B el, and 2 AB el subtypes were identified. Serological analysis revealed that all 18 A el/B el samples exhibited O phenotype in forward typing. Among them, A el subtypes showed weaker agglutination in reverse typing with A 1c than with Bc (>2+), while the opposite pattern was observed in B el subtypes. The two AB el samples were typed as A in forward typing, with agglutination ranging from 0-1+with Bc in reverse typing. Genetic analysis indicated that AEL.02 (c.646T>A, p.Phe216Ile) was the predominant allele in A el samples accounting for 7 cases. Also, we found an AEL.02-like variant (lacking c.681G>A), AEL.10 (c.963insC), and carrying a compound variant of c.322C>T (p.Gln108Ter) and c.296C>T (p.Thr99Ile). Among B el samples, BEL.03 (c.502C>T, p.Arg168Trp) accounted for 4 cases, one of which lacked the c.297A>G mutation, and novel mutations such as c.145_146dupCG were detected. Structural simulation demonstrated that AEL.02 and BEL.03 disrupted the hydrogen-bonding network within the active centers of GTA and GTB, respectively, and these mutations probably significantly impaired the structural stability of the corresponding GTs. Additionally, the c.296C>T mutation also markedly affected GTA structural stability. Conclusion:A el/B el subtypes are prone to mis-identify routine blood types. Their molecular mechanisms involved a variety of functional variantions, and integrating molecular detection is crucial for achieving accurate sub-typing and transfusion safety.

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of electroacupuncture with "tonifying the kidney and dispelling stasis" acupoint prescription on sexual function in diabetic erectile dysfunction （DMED）model rats， and to explore its possible mechanism of action. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into 10 each in blank group， model group， Tadalafil group， and electroacupuncture group. DMED rat model was prepared by high glucose and high fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. After successful modelling， rats in the electroacupuncture group were given electroacupuncture intervention of "tonifying the kidney and dispelling stasis" acupoint prescription once every other day； Tadalafil group was given Tadalafil solution 0.5 mg/kg·d by gavage， and the blank group， model group and electroacupuncture group were given 10 ml/kg pure water by gavage once a day. Each group was intervened for 30 days. The body mass and blood glucose level of the rats were detected on the 1st， 8th， 15th， 22nd days and at the end of the intervention， respectively. At the end of the intervention， the penile erection of the rats was observed by using the apomorphine test； the level of plasma endothelial cell microparticles （EMPs）was detected by flow cytometry； the histopathological morphology of the penile cavernous body was observed by HE staining， and the pathological morphology of the endothelial cells of the penile vasculature was observed by electron microscopy. Serum sex hormones including testosterone （T）， follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinising hormone （LH） and vascular endothelial function-related factors including vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， endothelin-1 （ET-1）， lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 （LOX-1）， soluble E-selectin （sE-selectin）， and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （sICAM-1） were measured by ELISA method. ResultsCompared with blank group， the model group， Tadalafil group， and electroacupuncture group all had lower body mass and higher blood glucose levels at each time of testing （P＜0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the number of penile erections reduced in the model group， the level of CD31⁺ EMPs increased， the levels of serum T， FSH， LH， and VEGF reduced， and the levels of serum ET-1， LOX-1， sE-selectin， and sICAM-1 increased （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Tadalafil group and the electroacupuncture group showed an increased number of penile erections decreased level of CD31⁺ EMPs， increased levels of serum T， FSH， LH， and VEGF， and decreased levels of serum ET-1， LOX-1， sE-selectin， and sICAM-1 （P＜0.01）. Compared with the Tadalafil group， serum T， FSH， LH， VEGF levels increased and ET-1， LOX-1 levels decreased in the electroacupuncture group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. HE staining and electron microscopic observation revealed that there was severe pathological damage to the cavernous tissue of the penis and vascular endothelial cells of the rat in the model group， which was ameliorated to a certain degree in both Tadalafil group and electroacupuncture group. ConclusionThe electroacupuncture prescription of "tonifying the kidney and dispelling stasis" can improve the erectile dysfunction of DMED rats， which is comparable to the effect of Tadalafi. Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of vascular endothelial function.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a critical endocrine mediator implicated in male reproductive physiology. To investigate the correlation between IGF2 protein levels and various aspects of male infertility, specifically focusing on sperm quality, inflammation, and DNA damage, a cohort of 320 male participants was recruited from the Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between 1 st January 2024 and 1 st March 2024. The relationship between IGF2 protein concentrations and sperm parameters was assessed, and Spearman correlation and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the independent associations between IGF2 protein levels and risk factors for infertility. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure IGF2 protein levels in seminal plasma, alongside markers of inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]). The relationship between seminal plasma IGF2 protein levels and DNA damage marker phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) was also explored. Our findings reveal that IGF2 protein expression decreased notably in patients with asthenospermia and teratospermia. Correlation analysis revealed nuanced associations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, and low IGF2 protein concentrations correlated with increased inflammation and DNA damage in sperm. The observed correlations between IGF2 protein levels and specific sperm parameters, along with its connection to inflammation and DNA damage, underscore the importance of IGF2 in the broader context of male reproductive health. These findings lay the groundwork for future research and potential therapeutic interventions targeting IGF2-related pathways to enhance male fertility.
Humans ; Male ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II/metabolism* ; Infertility, Male/genetics* ; DNA Damage ; Adult ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Semen Analysis ; Semen/metabolism* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Histones/metabolism* ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism*

OBJECTIVES: To study clinical manifestations and gene mutation features of neonates with centronuclear myopathy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of 5 neonates with centronuclear myopathy diagnosed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2020 to August 2024. The data included gender, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, clinical manifestations, creatine kinase level, electromyography, genetic testing results and the outcomes of the infants. RESULTS: All 5 male neonates had a history of postpartum asphyxia and resuscitation. They all presented with hypotonia, myasthenia, and respiratory failure; two neonates also had swallowing dysfunction. Of the five neonates, three had normal creatine kinase levels, while two had slightly elevated levels. Electromyography was performed for three neonates, among whom two had myogenic damage. MTM1 gene mutations were identified by genetic testing in all five neonates, including two nonsense mutations and three missense mutations, among which one variant had not been previously reported. Four mutations were inherited from the mother, and the other one was a de novo mutation. The five neonates showed no clinical improvement following treatment, failed weaning from mechanical ventilation, and ultimately died after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. CONCLUSIONS Centronuclear myopathy caused by MTM1 gene mutation often has a severe phenotype and a poor prognosis, and it should be considered for neonates with hypotonia and myasthenia after birth. Genetic testing should be performed as soon as possible.
Humans ; Myopathies, Structural, Congenital/genetics* ; Male ; Infant, Newborn ; Retrospective Studies ; Mutation ; Female ; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases, Non-Receptor/genetics*