This study was performed to summarize our clinical experience with testicular descent and fixation through a scrotal stria incision for the treatment of palpable cryptorchidism in children.This study included 1034 chi...This study was performed to summarize our clinical experience with testicular descent and fixation through a scrotal stria incision for the treatment of palpable cryptorchidism in children.This study included 1034 children with palpable cryptorchidism from March 2009 to March 2019.A scrotal stria incision was used to perform testicular descent and fixation.Overall,1020 children successfully underwent surgical testicular descent and fixation through a scrotal stria incision,and 14 patients underwent conversion to inguinal incision surgery.All patients were discharged 1-2 days after the operation.During hospitalization and follow-up,55 patients developed complicationsy including 10 patients with testicular retraction,7 with poor healing of the incision,and 38 with a scrotal hematoma.No patients developed testicular atrophy,an in direct ingui nal hernia,or a hydrocoele.Testicular descent and fixation through a scrotal stria incision for the treatment of palpable cryptorchidism in children is safe and feasible in well-selected cases.This method has the advantages of no scarring and a good cosmetic effect.展开更多
To compare the impact of the scrotal vs inguinal orchidopexy approach on the testicular function of infants with cryptorchidism,a randomized controlled trial was conducted involving boys who were 6–12 months old at s...To compare the impact of the scrotal vs inguinal orchidopexy approach on the testicular function of infants with cryptorchidism,a randomized controlled trial was conducted involving boys who were 6–12 months old at surgery and were diagnosed with clinically palpable,inguinal undescended testis.Between June 2021 and December 2021,these boys at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital(Fuzhou,China)and Fujian Children’s Hospital(Fuzhou,China)were enrolled.Block randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio was employed.The primary outcome was testicular function assessed by testicular volume,serum testosterone,anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),and inhibin B(InhB)levels.Secondary outcomes included operative time,amount of intraoperative bleeding,and postoperative complications.Among 577 screened patients,100(17.3%)were considered eligible and enrolled in the study.Of the 100 children who completed the 1-year follow-up,50 underwent scrotal orchidopexy and 50 underwent inguinal orchidopexy.The testicular volume,serum testosterone,AMH,and InhB levels in both groups increased markedly after surgery(all P<0.05),but there were no apparent differences between groups at 6 months and 12 months after operation(all P>0.05).No differences between the scrotal and inguinal groups were noted regarding the operative time(P=0.987)and amount of intraoperative bleeding(P=0.746).The overall complication rate(2.0%)of the scrotal group was slightly lower than that of the inguinal group(8.0%),although this difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Both scrotal and inguinal orchiopexy exerted protective effects on testicular function in children with cryptorchidism,with similar operative status and postoperative complications.Scrotal orchiopexy is an effective alternative to inguinal orchiopexy in children with cryptorchidism.展开更多
Spinal cord injury involves non-reversible damage to the central nervous system that is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and secondary inflammatory damage.The expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand...Spinal cord injury involves non-reversible damage to the central nervous system that is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and secondary inflammatory damage.The expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis exhibits significant differences before and after injury.Recent studies have revealed that the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis is closely associated with secondary inflammatory responses and the recruitment of immune cells following spinal cord injury,suggesting that this axis is a novel target and regulatory control point for treatment.This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic strategies targeting the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis,along with the regenerative and repair mechanisms linking the axis to spinal cord injury.Additionally,we summarize the upstream and downstream inflammatory signaling pathways associated with spinal cord injury and the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review primarily elaborates on therapeutic strategies that target the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the latest progress of research on antagonistic drugs,along with the approaches used to exploit new therapeutic targets within the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the development of targeted drugs.Nevertheless,there are presently no clinical studies relating to spinal cord injury that are focusing on the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review aims to provide new ideas and therapeutic strategies for the future treatment of spinal cord injury.展开更多
Certain amino acids changes in the human Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase pump,ATPase Na^(+)/K^(+)transporting subunit alpha 1(ATP1A1),cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2(CMT2)disease and refractory seizures.To develop in viv...Certain amino acids changes in the human Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase pump,ATPase Na^(+)/K^(+)transporting subunit alpha 1(ATP1A1),cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2(CMT2)disease and refractory seizures.To develop in vivo models to study the role of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase in these diseases,we modified the Drosophila gene homolog,Atpα,to mimic the human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause CMT2.Mutations located within the helical linker region of human ATP1A1(I592T,A597T,P600T,and D601F)were simultaneously introduced into endogenous Drosophila Atpαby CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing,generating the Atpα^(TTTF)model.In addition,the same strategy was used to generate the corresponding single point mutations in flies(Atpα^(I571T),Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579T),and Atpα^(D580F)).Moreover,a deletion mutation(Atpα^(mut))that causes premature termination of translation was generated as a positive control.Of these alleles,we found two that could be maintained as homozygotes(Atpα^(I571T)and Atpα^(P579T)).Three alleles(Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579)and Atpα^(D580F))can form heterozygotes with the Atpαmut allele.We found that the Atpαallele carrying these CMT2-associated mutations showed differential phenotypes in Drosophila.Flies heterozygous for Atpα^(TTTF)mutations have motor performance defects,a reduced lifespan,seizures,and an abnormal neuronal morphology.These Drosophila models will provide a new platform for studying the function and regulation of the sodium-potassium pump.展开更多
Y chromosome microdeletions are an important cause of male infertility.At present,research on the Y chromosome is mainly focused on analyzing the loss of large segments of the azoospermia factor a/b/c(AZFa/b/c)gene,an...Y chromosome microdeletions are an important cause of male infertility.At present,research on the Y chromosome is mainly focused on analyzing the loss of large segments of the azoospermia factor a/b/c(AZFa/b/c)gene,and few studies have reported the impact of unit point deletion in the AZF band on fertility.This study analyzed the effect of sperm quality after sY1192 loss in 116 patients.The sY1192-independent deletion accounted for 41.4%(48/116).Eight patterns were found in the deletions associated with sY1192.The rate of sperm detection was similar in the semen of patients with the independent sY1192 deletion and the combined sY1192 deletions(52.1%vs 50.0%).The patients with only sY1192 gene loss had a higher probability of sperm detection than the patients whose sY1192 gene locus existed,but other gene loci were lost(52.1%vs 32.0%).The hormone levels were similar in patients with sY1192 deletion alone and in those with sY1192 deletion and other types of microdeletions in the presence of the sY1192 locus.After multiple intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)attempts,the pregnancy rate of spouses of men with sY1192-independent deletions was similar to that of other types of microdeletions,but the fertilization and cleavage rates were higher.We observed that eight deletion patterns were observed for sY1192 microdeletions of AZFb/c,dominated by the independent deletion of sY1192.After ICSI,the fertilization rate and cleavage rate of the sY1192-independent microdeletion were higher than those of other Y chromosome microdeletion types,but there was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes.展开更多
This study analyzed the effects of male age and abstinence time on semen quality and explored the best abstinence time for Chinese males among different age groups.Semen parameters,including sperm kinetics,morphology,...This study analyzed the effects of male age and abstinence time on semen quality and explored the best abstinence time for Chinese males among different age groups.Semen parameters,including sperm kinetics,morphology,and DNA fragmentation index(DFI),were reviewed from 2952 men.Samples were divided into six age groups(≤25 years,26–30 years,31–35 years,36–40 years,41–45 years,and>45 years)and were divided into six groups according to different abstinence time(2 days,3 days,4 days,5 days,6 days,and 7 days).The differences in semen quality between the groups were compared,and the effect of age and abstinence time on semen quality was analyzed.Significant differences were observed in semen volume,progressive motility(PR),and DFI among the age groups(all P<0.05),and no significant differences were observed in sperm morphological parameters(all P>0.05).There were significant differences in semen volume,PR,and DFI among different abstinence time groups(all P<0.05)and no significant differences in sperm morphological parameters(all P>0.05).Pearson analysis showed that male age and abstinence time were both significantly correlated with sperm kinetics and DFI(both P<0.05),while no significant correlation was found with sperm morphological parameters(all P>0.05).The box plots and histograms of men’s age,abstinence time,and semen quality show that most semen quality parameters differ significantly between the 2 days and 7 days abstinence groups and other groups at different ages.Except for the sperm morphology parameters,sperm kinetic parameters and sperm DFI are linearly related to male age and abstinence time.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.The prevalence of GDM is on the rise globally,and this trend is particularly evident in China,which...BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.The prevalence of GDM is on the rise globally,and this trend is particularly evident in China,which has emerged as a significant issue impacting the well-being of expectant mothers and their fetuses.Identifying and addressing GDM in a timely manner is crucial for maintaining the health of both expectant mothers and their developing fetuses.Therefore,this study aims to establish a risk prediction model for GDM and explore the effects of serum ferritin,blood glucose,and body mass index(BMI)on the occurrence of GDM.AIM To develop a risk prediction model to analyze factors leading to GDM,and evaluate its efficiency for early prevention.METHODS The clinical data of 406 pregnant women who underwent routine prenatal examination in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from April 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether GDM occurred,they were divided into two groups to analyze the related factors affecting GDM.Then,according to the weight of the relevant risk factors,the training set and the verification set were divided at a ratio of 7:3.Subsequently,a risk prediction model was established using logistic regression and random forest models,and the model was evaluated and verified.RESULTS Pre-pregnancy BMI,previous history of GDM or macrosomia,hypertension,hemoglobin(Hb)level,triglyceride level,family history of diabetes,serum ferritin,and fasting blood glucose levels during early pregnancy were determined.These factors were found to have a significant impact on the development of GDM(P<0.05).According to the nomogram model’s prediction of GDM in pregnancy,the area under the curve(AUC)was determined to be 0.883[95%confidence interval(CI):0.846-0.921],and the sensitivity and specificity were 74.1%and 87.6%,respectively.The top five variables in the random forest model for predicting the occurrence of GDM were serum ferritin,fasting blood glucose in early pregnancy,pre-pregnancy BMI,Hb level and triglyceride level.The random forest model achieved an AUC of 0.950(95%CI:0.927-0.973),the sensitivity was 84.8%,and the specificity was 91.4%.The Delong test showed that the AUC value of the random forest model was higher than that of the decision tree model(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The random forest model is superior to the nomogram model in predicting the risk of GDM.This method is helpful for early diagnosis and appropriate intervention of GDM.展开更多
For many years,surgical treatment of buried penis in children has been researched by several scholars,and numerous methods exist.This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of a modified fixation technique in trea...For many years,surgical treatment of buried penis in children has been researched by several scholars,and numerous methods exist.This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of a modified fixation technique in treating buried penis in children.Clinical data of 94 patients with buried penis who were treated using the modified penile fixation technique from March 2017 to February 2019 in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital(Fuzhou,China)were retrospectively collected,compared,and analyzed.Clinical data of 107 patients with buried penis who were treated using traditional penile fixation technique from February 2014 to February 2017 were chosen for comparison.The results showed that at 6 months and 12 months after surgery,the penile lengths in the modified penile fixation group were longer than those in the traditional penile fixation group(both P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative skin contracture and penile retraction in the modified penile fixation group was less than that in the traditional penile fixation group(P=0.034 and P=0.012,respectively).When the two groups were compared in terms of parents'satisfaction scores,the scores for penile size,penile morphology,and voiding status in the modified penile fixation group were higher than those in the traditional penile fixation group at 2-week,6-month,and 12-month follow-ups after surgery(all P<0.05).We concluded that the modified penile fixation technique could effectively reduce the incidence of skin contracture and penile retraction and improve the penile length and satisfaction of patients'parents.展开更多
Our previous study has confirmed that astrocytes overexpressing neurogenic differentiation factor 1(NEUROD1)in the spinal cord can be reprogrammed into neurons under in vivo conditions.However,whether they can also be...Our previous study has confirmed that astrocytes overexpressing neurogenic differentiation factor 1(NEUROD1)in the spinal cord can be reprogrammed into neurons under in vivo conditions.However,whether they can also be reprogrammed into neurons under in vitro conditions remains unclear,and the mechanisms of programmed conversion from astrocytes to neurons have not yet been clarified.In the present study,we prepared reactive astrocytes from newborn rat spinal cord astrocytes using the scratch method and infected them with lentivirus carrying NEUROD1.The results showed that NEUROD1 overexpression reprogrammed the cultured reactive astrocytes into neurons in vitro with an efficiency of 13.4%.Using proteomic and bioinformatic analyses,1952 proteins were identified,of which 92 were differentially expressed.Among these proteins,11 were identified as candidate proteins in the process of reprogramming based on their biological functions and fold-changes in the bioinformatic analysis.Furthermore,western blot assay revealed that casein kinase II subunit alpha(CSNK2A2)and pinin(PNN)expression in NEUROD1-overexpressing reactive astrocytes was significantly increased,suggesting that NEUROD1 can directly reprogram spinal cord-derived reactive astrocytes into neurons in vitro,and that the NEUROD1-CSNK2A2-PNN pathway is involved in this process.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University,China(approval No.2016-05)on April 18,2016.展开更多
In this article,we respond to the comments by Gereta et al.1 on our modified fixation method for congenital buried penis of children.Buried penis is not only associated with the shape and exposed length of the penis,b...In this article,we respond to the comments by Gereta et al.1 on our modified fixation method for congenital buried penis of children.Buried penis is not only associated with the shape and exposed length of the penis,but it is much more important that it may lead to serious psychological problems of children,for example self-confidence,self-esteem,and gender awareness.展开更多
BACKGROUND The prevention and treatment of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis(HAEC)is a serious challenge in pediatric surgery.Exploring the mechanism of HAEC is conducive to the prevention of this disease.AIM To e...BACKGROUND The prevention and treatment of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis(HAEC)is a serious challenge in pediatric surgery.Exploring the mechanism of HAEC is conducive to the prevention of this disease.AIM To explore the possible mechanism of glycyrrhizic acid(GA)and its therapeutic effect on HAEC.METHODS We developed a model of enteritis induced by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid(TNBS)in zebrafish,and treated it with different concentrations of GA.We analyzed the effect of GA on the phenotype and inflammation of zebrafish.RESULTS After treatment with TNBS,the area of the intestinal lumen in zebrafish was significantly increased,but the number of goblet cells in the intestinal lumen was significantly reduced,but these did not increase the mortality of zebrafish,indicating that the zebrafish enteritis model was successfully developed.Different concentrations of GA protected zebrafish with enteritis.In particular,high concentrations of GA were important for the prevention and control of HAEC because it significantly reduced the intestinal luminal area,increased the number of goblet cells in the intestinal lumen,and reduced the levels of interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-8.CONCLUSION GA significantly reduced the intestinal luminal area,increased the number of intestinal goblet cells,and decreased IL-1βand IL-8 in zebrafish,and is important for prevention and control of HAEC.展开更多
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy(ARVC)is a progressive disease characterized by adipose and fibrous replacement of the myocardium.While elevated testosterone levels have been implicated in the pathologi...Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy(ARVC)is a progressive disease characterized by adipose and fibrous replacement of the myocardium.While elevated testosterone levels have been implicated in the pathological process of ARVC,its exact contribution to cardiac fibrosis in ARVC remains unclear.In this study,we analyzed the potential contribution of gender-based differences on the distribution of the low-voltage area in an ARVC cohort undergoing an electrophysiological study,which was indicated by feature selection.Additionally,we established engineered cardiac spheroid models in vitro using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell(iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes(iPSC-CMs)and iPSC-derived cardiac fibroblasts(icFBs).We elucidated the pathogenicity of abnormal splicing in the plakophilin-2(PKP2)gene caused by an intronic mutation.Additionally,pathogenic validation of the desmoglein-2(DSG2)point mutation further confirms the reliability of the models.Moreover,testosterone exacerbated the DNA damage in the mutated cardiomyocytes and further activated myofibroblasts in a chain reaction.In conclusion,we designed and constructed an in vitro three-dimensionally-engineered cardiac spheroid model of ARVC based on clinical findings and provided direct evidence of the fibrotic role of testosterone in ARVC.展开更多
Male infertility affects 10-15%of couples globally,with azoospermia-complete absence of sperm-accounting for 15%of cases.Traditional diagnostic methods for azoospermia are subjective and variable.This study presents a...Male infertility affects 10-15%of couples globally,with azoospermia-complete absence of sperm-accounting for 15%of cases.Traditional diagnostic methods for azoospermia are subjective and variable.This study presents a novel,noninvasive,and accurate diagnostic method using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)combined with machine learning to analyze seminal plasma exosomes.Semen samples from healthy controls(n=32)and azoospermic patients(n=22)were collected,and their exosomal SERS spectra were obtained.Machine learning algorithms were employed to distinguish between the SERS pro files of healthy and azoospermic samples,achieving an impressive sensitivity of 99.61%and a speci ficity of 99.58%,thereby highlighting signi ficant spectral differences.This integrated SERS and machine learning approach offers a sensitive,label-free,and objective diagnostic tool for early detection and monitoring of azoospermia,potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and patient management.展开更多
Objective:To observe the effect of the combined therapy of electroacupuncture(EA) and ginger-isolated moxibustion on endometrial receptivity in the patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A total of 70...Objective:To observe the effect of the combined therapy of electroacupuncture(EA) and ginger-isolated moxibustion on endometrial receptivity in the patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A total of 70 subjects of PCOS were randomized into two groups,35 cases in each one.In the western medication group,letrozole and human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG) were administered.In the combined therapy group,on the base of the treatment as the western medication group,the artificial cycle therapy with EA and ginger-isolated moxibustion was provided.The treatment duration was 3 menstrual cycles in two groups.After treated for 3 menstrual cycles,the symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),endometrial thickness,the number of ovulation cycle,endometrial morphology,bilateral uterine artery pulsatility index(PI),resistance index(RI),the sum of peak systolic velocity/end diastolic velocity(S/D) and pregnancy were compared in the patients between two groups.Results:(1) After treatment,the endometrial thickness was better(0.21 ± 0.13 vs 0.14 ± 0.08,P <0.01),TCM symptom score reducing range was larger(5.00 ± 2.24 vs 0.52 ± 1.66,P <0.01),the reducing degrees of bilateral uterine artery PI,RI and S/D sum were better(0.62 ± 0.26 vs 0.04 ± 0.15,0.08± 0.05 vs0.01±0.05,0.61±0.33 vs 0.07±0.17,0.11±0.05 vs 0.01 ± 0.05,4.80±1.14 vs 0.15 ± 0.89,all P <0.01) in the combined therapy group respectively as compared with the western medication group.After treatment,the number of ovulation cycle and the proportion of A+B type of endometrial morphological were higher in the combined therapy group(2.09 ± 0.78 vs 1.27 ± 0.84,87.5% vs 60.61%,P <0.01,P <0.05) as compared with the western medication group respectively.(2) The clinical pregnancy rate was56.25% in the combined therapy group,better than 30.30% in the western medication group(P <0.05).The early abortion rate was 10.53% in the combined therapy group,lower than 50.00% in the western medication group(P <0.05).Conclusion:The combined treatment of electroacupuncture and ginger-isolated moxibustion with western medication effectively improves endometrial receptivity,increases clinical pregnancy rate and reduces early abortion rate in the patients with PCOS.展开更多
Objectives:This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of constraint-induced aphasia therapy(OAT)for aphasic patients reported by randomized controlled trials.Methods:Relevant randomized controlled trials ...Objectives:This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of constraint-induced aphasia therapy(OAT)for aphasic patients reported by randomized controlled trials.Methods:Relevant randomized controlled trials were retrieved from 11 electronic databases.A methodological quality assessment was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook,and metaanalyses were performed by using RevMan 5.2.A descriptive analysis was conducted when the included trials were not suitable for a meta-analysis.Results:A total of 12 trials were included.A statistically significant group difference was shown from the meta-analysis in the results measured by the Western Aphasia Battery(random-effects model,MD=1.23,95%CI=0.31 to 2.14,P<0.01).However,there were no statistically significant differences shown in the results of the Boston Naming Test(fixed-effects model,MD=-1.79,95%CI=-11.19 to Z62,P>0.05)and Aachen Aphasia Test(fixed-effects model,MD=-1.11,95%CI=-4.49 to 2.27,P>0.05).The descriptive analysis showed positive results in language performances of naming,repetition,and comprehension.Conclusion:This systematic review indicated that CIAT was efficient for improving language performance with regard to naming,comprehension,repetition,written language,and oral language based on the current evidence.And this review provides some meaningful guides for clinical practice:expand the therapy duration to 2 or 3 h per day,focus on naming,and choose the best assessment tool.It also indicates a need for more rigorous,large-scale,and high-quality trials in the future.展开更多
Background The intrauterine environment has a profound and long-lasting influence on the health of the offspring.However,its impact on the postnatal catch-up growth of twin children remains unclarified.Therefore,this ...Background The intrauterine environment has a profound and long-lasting influence on the health of the offspring.However,its impact on the postnatal catch-up growth of twin children remains unclarified.Therefore,this study aimed to explore the maternal factors in pregnancy associated with twin offspring growth.Methods This study included 3142 live twin children born to 1571 mothers from the Beijing Birth Cohort Study conducted from 2016 to 2021 in Beijing,China.Original and corrected weight-for-age standard deviation scores of the twin offspring from birth to 36 months of age were calculated according to the World Health Organization Child Growth Standards.The corresponding weight trajectories were identified by the latent trajectory model.Maternal factors in pregnancy associated with the weight trajectories of the twin offspring were examined after adjustment for potential confounders.Results Five weight trajectories of the twin children were identified,with 4.9%(154/3142)exhibiting insufficient catch-up growth,30.6%(961/3142),and 46.8%(1469/3142)showing adequate catch-up growth from different birth weights,and 15.0%(472/3142)and 2.7%(86/3142)showing various degrees of excessive catch-up growth.Maternal short stature[adjusted odds ratio(OR)=0.691,95%confidence interval(CI)=0.563–0.848,P=0.0004]and lower total gestational weight gain(GWG)(adjusted OR=0.774,95%CI=0.616–0.972,P=0.03)were associated with insufficient catch-up growth of the offspring.Maternal stature(adjusted OR=1.331,95%CI=1.168–1.518,P<0.001),higher pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI)(adjusted OR=1.230,95%CI=1.090–1.387,P<0.001),total GWG(adjusted OR=1.207,95%CI=1.068–1.364,P=0.002),GWG rate(adjusted OR=1.165,95%CI=1.027–1.321,P=0.02),total cholesterol(TC)(adjusted OR=1.150,95%CI=1.018–1.300,P=0.03)and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C)(adjusted OR=1.177,95%CI=1.041–1.330)in early pregnancy were associated with excessive growth of the offspring.The pattern of weight trajectories was similar between monochorionic and dichorionic twins.Maternal height,pre-pregnancy BMI,GWG,TC and LDL-C in early pregnancy were positively associated with excess growth in dichorionic twins,yet a similar association was observed only between maternal height and postnatal growth in monochorionic twins.Conclusion This study identified the effect of maternal stature,weight status,and blood lipid profiles during pregnancy on postnatal weight trajectories of the twin offspring,thereby providing a basis for twin pregnancy management to improve the long-term health of the offspring.展开更多
This study aimed to investigate the effects of male hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection on male fertility,embryonic development,and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection(IVF/ICSI)outcomes.We performed a ...This study aimed to investigate the effects of male hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection on male fertility,embryonic development,and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection(IVF/ICSI)outcomes.We performed a retrospective cohort study that included 3965 infertile couples who received fresh embryo transfer cycles for the first time at the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital(Fuzhou,China)from January 2018 to January 2021.Infertile couples were categorized based on their HBV infection status into the HBV group(HBV-positive men and HBV-negative women)and the control group(HBV-negative couples).A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed with relatively balanced covariates.Baseline characteristics,semen parameters,laboratory outcomes,clinical outcomes,and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups.After propensity score matching,821 couples were included in each group.Both groups had similar semen parameters and obstetric and neonatal outcomes.The HBV group showed a significantly lower live birth rate than the control group(P<0.05).The HBV group had a significantly higher abortion rate than the control group(P<0.05).The rates of high-quality embryos and blastocyst formation were significantly lower in the HBV group than those in the control group(both P<0.05).In conclusion,in couples who undergo IVF/ICSI,male HBV infection reduces the live birth rate and increases the risk of miscarriage.However,the incidence of low birth weight in women with IVF/ICSI does not increase with male HBV infection.展开更多
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing(AS)increases the diversity of mRNA during transcription;it might play a role in alteration of the immune microenvironment,which could influence the development of immunotherapeutic stra...BACKGROUND Alternative splicing(AS)increases the diversity of mRNA during transcription;it might play a role in alteration of the immune microenvironment,which could influence the development of immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer.AIM To obtain the transcriptomic and clinical features and AS events in stomach adenocarcinoma(STAD)from the database.The overall survival data associated with AS events were used to construct a signature prognostic model for STAD.METHODS Differentially expressed immune-related genes were identified between subtypes on the basis of the prognostic model.In STAD,2042 overall-survival-related AS events were significantly enriched in various pathways and influenced several cellular functions.Furthermore,the network of splicing factors and overallsurvival-associated AS events indicated potential regulatory mechanisms underlying the AS events in STAD.RESULTS An eleven-AS-signature prognostic model(CD44|14986|ES,PPHLN1|21214|AT,RASSF4|11351|ES,KIAA1147|82046|AP,PPP2R5D|76200|ES,LOH12CR1|20507|ES,CDKN3|27569|AP,UBA52|48486|AD,CADPS|65499|AT,SRSF7|53276|RI,and WEE1|14328|AP)was constructed and significantly related to STAD overall survival,immune cells,and cancer-related pathways.The differentially expressed immune-related genes between the high-and low-risk score groups were significantly enriched in cancer-related pathways.CONCLUSION This study provided an AS-related prognostic model,potential mechanisms for AS,and alterations in the immune microenvironment(immune cells,genes,and pathways)for future research in STAD.展开更多
Colposcopy is an important technique in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.The development of computer-aided diagnosis methods can mitigate the shortage of colposcopists and improve the accuracy and efficiency of colpos...Colposcopy is an important technique in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.The development of computer-aided diagnosis methods can mitigate the shortage of colposcopists and improve the accuracy and efficiency of colposcopy examinations in China.This study proposes the Dense-U-Net model for colposcopy image recognition.This was a man–machine comparison cohort study.It presents a novel artificial intelligence(AI)model for the diagnosis of cervical lesions through colposcopy images using a Dense-U-Net image semantic segmentation algorithm.The Dense-U-Net model was created by applying the methods of“deepening the network structure,”“applying dropout”and“max pooling.”Moreover,image-based and population-based diagnostic performances of the AI algorithm and physicians with different levels of specialist experience were compared.In total,2,475 participants were recruited,and 13,084 colposcopy images were included in this study.The diagnostic accuracy of the Dense-U-Net model increased significantly with increasing colposcopy images per patient.As the number of images in the training set increased,the diagnostic accuracy of the Dense-U-Net model for cervical intraepithelial neoplasm 3 or worse(CIN3+)diagnosis increased(P=0.035).The rate of diagnostic accuracy(0.89 vs 0.85,P<0.001)of CIN3+lesions using the Dense-U-Net model was higher than that of expert colposcopists,and the missed diagnosis(0.06 vs 0.07,P=0.002)and false positive(0.05 vs 0.08,P<0.001)were lower.Moreover,Dense-U-Net is more accurate in diagnosing the type III cervical transformation zone,which is difficult to diagnose by experts(P<0.001).The Dense-U-Net model also showed higher diagnostic accuracy for CIN3+in an independent test set(P<0.001).To diagnose the same 870 test images,the Dense-U-Net system took 1.76±0.09 min,while the expert,senior,and junior colposcopists took 716.3±49.76,892.1±92.30,and 3034.7±259.51 min,respectively.The study successfully built a reliable,quick,and effective Dense-U-Net model to assist with colposcopy examinations.展开更多
Background Anthropogenic activities have led to increased N input and changes of N transformation processes in lake systems.However,changes in phytoplankton community structure caused by phytoplankton's preference...Background Anthropogenic activities have led to increased N input and changes of N transformation processes in lake systems.However,changes in phytoplankton community structure caused by phytoplankton's preference for N utilization under the increasing N input remain poorly understood.This study used nitrate isotopes(δ^(15)N-NO_(3)^(-)andδ^(18)O-NO_(3)^(-))to investigate seasonal differences in N cycling as well as associated response of phytoplankton biomass and community composition.Results Results showed that the averageδ^(15)N-NO_(3)^(-)values in spring,summer,autumn,and winter were 7.6±0.7‰,6.1±0.7‰,5.5±1.8‰,and 7.4±1.2‰,respectively.Accordingly,the averageδ^(18)O-NO_(3)^(-)values showed the following order:winter(12.8±1.0‰)>summer(11.5±0.9‰)>spring(10.3±0.9‰)>autumn(7.9±1.7‰).The main nitrate sources in Lake Poyang were soil N,N fertilizer,and the manure and sewage in all seasons,contributing 93.8%,3.3%,and 2.8%,respectively.Nitrification and algal-derived nitrate(NO_(3)^(-)-N)assimilation were the main biochemical processes affecting N.In spring,the signal of nitrification was stronger,while in autumn,the signals of N assimilation by algae were more pronounced.The phytoplankton community composition varied with the seasonal changes of N concentrations and forms.The total biomass of phytoplankton in winter was the lowest of all four seasons and it was negatively correlated with NO_(3)^(-)-N concentration(P<0.05).Conclusions The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the role of available forms of N in floodplain lake and provide essential support for prediction of phytoplankton growth and functions.Our work deciphers the role of phytoplankton in the lake N cycle,providing theoretical support to management of phytoplankton community to future environmental changes.展开更多
文摘This study was performed to summarize our clinical experience with testicular descent and fixation through a scrotal stria incision for the treatment of palpable cryptorchidism in children.This study included 1034 children with palpable cryptorchidism from March 2009 to March 2019.A scrotal stria incision was used to perform testicular descent and fixation.Overall,1020 children successfully underwent surgical testicular descent and fixation through a scrotal stria incision,and 14 patients underwent conversion to inguinal incision surgery.All patients were discharged 1-2 days after the operation.During hospitalization and follow-up,55 patients developed complicationsy including 10 patients with testicular retraction,7 with poor healing of the incision,and 38 with a scrotal hematoma.No patients developed testicular atrophy,an in direct ingui nal hernia,or a hydrocoele.Testicular descent and fixation through a scrotal stria incision for the treatment of palpable cryptorchidism in children is safe and feasible in well-selected cases.This method has the advantages of no scarring and a good cosmetic effect.
基金The authors would like to acknowledge the Provincial Health Special Subsidy Project of Fujian Provincial Finance Department(No.[2020]467).
文摘To compare the impact of the scrotal vs inguinal orchidopexy approach on the testicular function of infants with cryptorchidism,a randomized controlled trial was conducted involving boys who were 6–12 months old at surgery and were diagnosed with clinically palpable,inguinal undescended testis.Between June 2021 and December 2021,these boys at Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital(Fuzhou,China)and Fujian Children’s Hospital(Fuzhou,China)were enrolled.Block randomization with a 1:1 allocation ratio was employed.The primary outcome was testicular function assessed by testicular volume,serum testosterone,anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),and inhibin B(InhB)levels.Secondary outcomes included operative time,amount of intraoperative bleeding,and postoperative complications.Among 577 screened patients,100(17.3%)were considered eligible and enrolled in the study.Of the 100 children who completed the 1-year follow-up,50 underwent scrotal orchidopexy and 50 underwent inguinal orchidopexy.The testicular volume,serum testosterone,AMH,and InhB levels in both groups increased markedly after surgery(all P<0.05),but there were no apparent differences between groups at 6 months and 12 months after operation(all P>0.05).No differences between the scrotal and inguinal groups were noted regarding the operative time(P=0.987)and amount of intraoperative bleeding(P=0.746).The overall complication rate(2.0%)of the scrotal group was slightly lower than that of the inguinal group(8.0%),although this difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Both scrotal and inguinal orchiopexy exerted protective effects on testicular function in children with cryptorchidism,with similar operative status and postoperative complications.Scrotal orchiopexy is an effective alternative to inguinal orchiopexy in children with cryptorchidism.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Key Program),No.11932013the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program),No.82272255+2 种基金Armed Police Force High-Level Science and Technology Personnel ProjectThe Armed Police Force Focuses on Supporting Scientific and Technological Innovation TeamsKey Project of Tianjin Science and Technology Plan,No.20JCZDJC00570(all to XC)。
文摘Spinal cord injury involves non-reversible damage to the central nervous system that is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and secondary inflammatory damage.The expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis exhibits significant differences before and after injury.Recent studies have revealed that the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis is closely associated with secondary inflammatory responses and the recruitment of immune cells following spinal cord injury,suggesting that this axis is a novel target and regulatory control point for treatment.This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic strategies targeting the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis,along with the regenerative and repair mechanisms linking the axis to spinal cord injury.Additionally,we summarize the upstream and downstream inflammatory signaling pathways associated with spinal cord injury and the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review primarily elaborates on therapeutic strategies that target the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the latest progress of research on antagonistic drugs,along with the approaches used to exploit new therapeutic targets within the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the development of targeted drugs.Nevertheless,there are presently no clinical studies relating to spinal cord injury that are focusing on the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review aims to provide new ideas and therapeutic strategies for the future treatment of spinal cord injury.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,No.2020J02027the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31970461the Foundation of NHC Key Laboratory of Technical Evaluation of Fertility Regulation for Non-human Primate,Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital,No.2022-NHP-05(all to WC).
文摘Certain amino acids changes in the human Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase pump,ATPase Na^(+)/K^(+)transporting subunit alpha 1(ATP1A1),cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2(CMT2)disease and refractory seizures.To develop in vivo models to study the role of Na^(+)/K^(+)-ATPase in these diseases,we modified the Drosophila gene homolog,Atpα,to mimic the human ATP1A1 gene mutations that cause CMT2.Mutations located within the helical linker region of human ATP1A1(I592T,A597T,P600T,and D601F)were simultaneously introduced into endogenous Drosophila Atpαby CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing,generating the Atpα^(TTTF)model.In addition,the same strategy was used to generate the corresponding single point mutations in flies(Atpα^(I571T),Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579T),and Atpα^(D580F)).Moreover,a deletion mutation(Atpα^(mut))that causes premature termination of translation was generated as a positive control.Of these alleles,we found two that could be maintained as homozygotes(Atpα^(I571T)and Atpα^(P579T)).Three alleles(Atpα^(A576T),Atpα^(P579)and Atpα^(D580F))can form heterozygotes with the Atpαmut allele.We found that the Atpαallele carrying these CMT2-associated mutations showed differential phenotypes in Drosophila.Flies heterozygous for Atpα^(TTTF)mutations have motor performance defects,a reduced lifespan,seizures,and an abnormal neuronal morphology.These Drosophila models will provide a new platform for studying the function and regulation of the sodium-potassium pump.
基金supported by the funding from the Joint Funds for the Innovation of Science and Technology,Fujian Province(Grant No.2023Y9385)Major Scientific Research Program for Young and Middleaged Health Professionals of Fujian Province,China(Grant No.2022ZQNZD010).
文摘Y chromosome microdeletions are an important cause of male infertility.At present,research on the Y chromosome is mainly focused on analyzing the loss of large segments of the azoospermia factor a/b/c(AZFa/b/c)gene,and few studies have reported the impact of unit point deletion in the AZF band on fertility.This study analyzed the effect of sperm quality after sY1192 loss in 116 patients.The sY1192-independent deletion accounted for 41.4%(48/116).Eight patterns were found in the deletions associated with sY1192.The rate of sperm detection was similar in the semen of patients with the independent sY1192 deletion and the combined sY1192 deletions(52.1%vs 50.0%).The patients with only sY1192 gene loss had a higher probability of sperm detection than the patients whose sY1192 gene locus existed,but other gene loci were lost(52.1%vs 32.0%).The hormone levels were similar in patients with sY1192 deletion alone and in those with sY1192 deletion and other types of microdeletions in the presence of the sY1192 locus.After multiple intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)attempts,the pregnancy rate of spouses of men with sY1192-independent deletions was similar to that of other types of microdeletions,but the fertilization and cleavage rates were higher.We observed that eight deletion patterns were observed for sY1192 microdeletions of AZFb/c,dominated by the independent deletion of sY1192.After ICSI,the fertilization rate and cleavage rate of the sY1192-independent microdeletion were higher than those of other Y chromosome microdeletion types,but there was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes.
基金This work was supported by funding from the Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children Hospital(No.YCXM19-29)the Fujian Natural Science Foundation(No.2019J01511 and No.2020Y0067)the Health Research Project of the Department of Finance(Fujian finance refers to[2019]No.827).
文摘This study analyzed the effects of male age and abstinence time on semen quality and explored the best abstinence time for Chinese males among different age groups.Semen parameters,including sperm kinetics,morphology,and DNA fragmentation index(DFI),were reviewed from 2952 men.Samples were divided into six age groups(≤25 years,26–30 years,31–35 years,36–40 years,41–45 years,and>45 years)and were divided into six groups according to different abstinence time(2 days,3 days,4 days,5 days,6 days,and 7 days).The differences in semen quality between the groups were compared,and the effect of age and abstinence time on semen quality was analyzed.Significant differences were observed in semen volume,progressive motility(PR),and DFI among the age groups(all P<0.05),and no significant differences were observed in sperm morphological parameters(all P>0.05).There were significant differences in semen volume,PR,and DFI among different abstinence time groups(all P<0.05)and no significant differences in sperm morphological parameters(all P>0.05).Pearson analysis showed that male age and abstinence time were both significantly correlated with sperm kinetics and DFI(both P<0.05),while no significant correlation was found with sperm morphological parameters(all P>0.05).The box plots and histograms of men’s age,abstinence time,and semen quality show that most semen quality parameters differ significantly between the 2 days and 7 days abstinence groups and other groups at different ages.Except for the sperm morphology parameters,sperm kinetic parameters and sperm DFI are linearly related to male age and abstinence time.
文摘BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.The prevalence of GDM is on the rise globally,and this trend is particularly evident in China,which has emerged as a significant issue impacting the well-being of expectant mothers and their fetuses.Identifying and addressing GDM in a timely manner is crucial for maintaining the health of both expectant mothers and their developing fetuses.Therefore,this study aims to establish a risk prediction model for GDM and explore the effects of serum ferritin,blood glucose,and body mass index(BMI)on the occurrence of GDM.AIM To develop a risk prediction model to analyze factors leading to GDM,and evaluate its efficiency for early prevention.METHODS The clinical data of 406 pregnant women who underwent routine prenatal examination in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from April 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether GDM occurred,they were divided into two groups to analyze the related factors affecting GDM.Then,according to the weight of the relevant risk factors,the training set and the verification set were divided at a ratio of 7:3.Subsequently,a risk prediction model was established using logistic regression and random forest models,and the model was evaluated and verified.RESULTS Pre-pregnancy BMI,previous history of GDM or macrosomia,hypertension,hemoglobin(Hb)level,triglyceride level,family history of diabetes,serum ferritin,and fasting blood glucose levels during early pregnancy were determined.These factors were found to have a significant impact on the development of GDM(P<0.05).According to the nomogram model’s prediction of GDM in pregnancy,the area under the curve(AUC)was determined to be 0.883[95%confidence interval(CI):0.846-0.921],and the sensitivity and specificity were 74.1%and 87.6%,respectively.The top five variables in the random forest model for predicting the occurrence of GDM were serum ferritin,fasting blood glucose in early pregnancy,pre-pregnancy BMI,Hb level and triglyceride level.The random forest model achieved an AUC of 0.950(95%CI:0.927-0.973),the sensitivity was 84.8%,and the specificity was 91.4%.The Delong test showed that the AUC value of the random forest model was higher than that of the decision tree model(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The random forest model is superior to the nomogram model in predicting the risk of GDM.This method is helpful for early diagnosis and appropriate intervention of GDM.
文摘For many years,surgical treatment of buried penis in children has been researched by several scholars,and numerous methods exist.This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of a modified fixation technique in treating buried penis in children.Clinical data of 94 patients with buried penis who were treated using the modified penile fixation technique from March 2017 to February 2019 in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital(Fuzhou,China)were retrospectively collected,compared,and analyzed.Clinical data of 107 patients with buried penis who were treated using traditional penile fixation technique from February 2014 to February 2017 were chosen for comparison.The results showed that at 6 months and 12 months after surgery,the penile lengths in the modified penile fixation group were longer than those in the traditional penile fixation group(both P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative skin contracture and penile retraction in the modified penile fixation group was less than that in the traditional penile fixation group(P=0.034 and P=0.012,respectively).When the two groups were compared in terms of parents'satisfaction scores,the scores for penile size,penile morphology,and voiding status in the modified penile fixation group were higher than those in the traditional penile fixation group at 2-week,6-month,and 12-month follow-ups after surgery(all P<0.05).We concluded that the modified penile fixation technique could effectively reduce the incidence of skin contracture and penile retraction and improve the penile length and satisfaction of patients'parents.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,China,No.2015J05153Research Talents Training Project of Fujian Provincial Health Department,China,No.2018-ZQN-29Joint Funds for the Innovation of Science and Technology of Fujian Province,China,No.2018Y9002(all to WHC).
文摘Our previous study has confirmed that astrocytes overexpressing neurogenic differentiation factor 1(NEUROD1)in the spinal cord can be reprogrammed into neurons under in vivo conditions.However,whether they can also be reprogrammed into neurons under in vitro conditions remains unclear,and the mechanisms of programmed conversion from astrocytes to neurons have not yet been clarified.In the present study,we prepared reactive astrocytes from newborn rat spinal cord astrocytes using the scratch method and infected them with lentivirus carrying NEUROD1.The results showed that NEUROD1 overexpression reprogrammed the cultured reactive astrocytes into neurons in vitro with an efficiency of 13.4%.Using proteomic and bioinformatic analyses,1952 proteins were identified,of which 92 were differentially expressed.Among these proteins,11 were identified as candidate proteins in the process of reprogramming based on their biological functions and fold-changes in the bioinformatic analysis.Furthermore,western blot assay revealed that casein kinase II subunit alpha(CSNK2A2)and pinin(PNN)expression in NEUROD1-overexpressing reactive astrocytes was significantly increased,suggesting that NEUROD1 can directly reprogram spinal cord-derived reactive astrocytes into neurons in vitro,and that the NEUROD1-CSNK2A2-PNN pathway is involved in this process.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University,China(approval No.2016-05)on April 18,2016.
文摘In this article,we respond to the comments by Gereta et al.1 on our modified fixation method for congenital buried penis of children.Buried penis is not only associated with the shape and exposed length of the penis,but it is much more important that it may lead to serious psychological problems of children,for example self-confidence,self-esteem,and gender awareness.
基金Joint Funds for the Innovation of Science and Technology,Fujian Province,No.2020Y9139Startup Fund for Scientific Research,Fujian Medical University,No.2019QH1141.
文摘BACKGROUND The prevention and treatment of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis(HAEC)is a serious challenge in pediatric surgery.Exploring the mechanism of HAEC is conducive to the prevention of this disease.AIM To explore the possible mechanism of glycyrrhizic acid(GA)and its therapeutic effect on HAEC.METHODS We developed a model of enteritis induced by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid(TNBS)in zebrafish,and treated it with different concentrations of GA.We analyzed the effect of GA on the phenotype and inflammation of zebrafish.RESULTS After treatment with TNBS,the area of the intestinal lumen in zebrafish was significantly increased,but the number of goblet cells in the intestinal lumen was significantly reduced,but these did not increase the mortality of zebrafish,indicating that the zebrafish enteritis model was successfully developed.Different concentrations of GA protected zebrafish with enteritis.In particular,high concentrations of GA were important for the prevention and control of HAEC because it significantly reduced the intestinal luminal area,increased the number of goblet cells in the intestinal lumen,and reduced the levels of interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-8.CONCLUSION GA significantly reduced the intestinal luminal area,increased the number of intestinal goblet cells,and decreased IL-1βand IL-8 in zebrafish,and is important for prevention and control of HAEC.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82370322 to CC,82200352 to FZ,82300352 to YZ,22275034 to HX,and 82070343 to MLC)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China(Nos.BK20220710 to FZ and BK20230733 to YZ)Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(No.JX13414086 to HYC).
文摘Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy(ARVC)is a progressive disease characterized by adipose and fibrous replacement of the myocardium.While elevated testosterone levels have been implicated in the pathological process of ARVC,its exact contribution to cardiac fibrosis in ARVC remains unclear.In this study,we analyzed the potential contribution of gender-based differences on the distribution of the low-voltage area in an ARVC cohort undergoing an electrophysiological study,which was indicated by feature selection.Additionally,we established engineered cardiac spheroid models in vitro using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell(iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes(iPSC-CMs)and iPSC-derived cardiac fibroblasts(icFBs).We elucidated the pathogenicity of abnormal splicing in the plakophilin-2(PKP2)gene caused by an intronic mutation.Additionally,pathogenic validation of the desmoglein-2(DSG2)point mutation further confirms the reliability of the models.Moreover,testosterone exacerbated the DNA damage in the mutated cardiomyocytes and further activated myofibroblasts in a chain reaction.In conclusion,we designed and constructed an in vitro three-dimensionally-engineered cardiac spheroid model of ARVC based on clinical findings and provided direct evidence of the fibrotic role of testosterone in ARVC.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.62275049)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,China(No.2022J02024)the Fujian Province Joint Fund Project for Scientific and Technological Innovation(2023Y9383).
文摘Male infertility affects 10-15%of couples globally,with azoospermia-complete absence of sperm-accounting for 15%of cases.Traditional diagnostic methods for azoospermia are subjective and variable.This study presents a novel,noninvasive,and accurate diagnostic method using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS)combined with machine learning to analyze seminal plasma exosomes.Semen samples from healthy controls(n=32)and azoospermic patients(n=22)were collected,and their exosomal SERS spectra were obtained.Machine learning algorithms were employed to distinguish between the SERS pro files of healthy and azoospermic samples,achieving an impressive sensitivity of 99.61%and a speci ficity of 99.58%,thereby highlighting signi ficant spectral differences.This integrated SERS and machine learning approach offers a sensitive,label-free,and objective diagnostic tool for early detection and monitoring of azoospermia,potentially enhancing clinical outcomes and patient management.
基金Supported by Fujian Natural Science(No.2017J01237)Science and Technology Innovation Start-up Fund of Fujian Women and Children Health Care Hospital(Youth Science,No.Women and Children YCXQ 18-10)+1 种基金Key Youth Projects of Fujian Health Commission(No.2017-ZQN-19)Fujian Science and Technology Project(No.201910024)。
文摘Objective:To observe the effect of the combined therapy of electroacupuncture(EA) and ginger-isolated moxibustion on endometrial receptivity in the patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS).Methods:A total of 70 subjects of PCOS were randomized into two groups,35 cases in each one.In the western medication group,letrozole and human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG) were administered.In the combined therapy group,on the base of the treatment as the western medication group,the artificial cycle therapy with EA and ginger-isolated moxibustion was provided.The treatment duration was 3 menstrual cycles in two groups.After treated for 3 menstrual cycles,the symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),endometrial thickness,the number of ovulation cycle,endometrial morphology,bilateral uterine artery pulsatility index(PI),resistance index(RI),the sum of peak systolic velocity/end diastolic velocity(S/D) and pregnancy were compared in the patients between two groups.Results:(1) After treatment,the endometrial thickness was better(0.21 ± 0.13 vs 0.14 ± 0.08,P <0.01),TCM symptom score reducing range was larger(5.00 ± 2.24 vs 0.52 ± 1.66,P <0.01),the reducing degrees of bilateral uterine artery PI,RI and S/D sum were better(0.62 ± 0.26 vs 0.04 ± 0.15,0.08± 0.05 vs0.01±0.05,0.61±0.33 vs 0.07±0.17,0.11±0.05 vs 0.01 ± 0.05,4.80±1.14 vs 0.15 ± 0.89,all P <0.01) in the combined therapy group respectively as compared with the western medication group.After treatment,the number of ovulation cycle and the proportion of A+B type of endometrial morphological were higher in the combined therapy group(2.09 ± 0.78 vs 1.27 ± 0.84,87.5% vs 60.61%,P <0.01,P <0.05) as compared with the western medication group respectively.(2) The clinical pregnancy rate was56.25% in the combined therapy group,better than 30.30% in the western medication group(P <0.05).The early abortion rate was 10.53% in the combined therapy group,lower than 50.00% in the western medication group(P <0.05).Conclusion:The combined treatment of electroacupuncture and ginger-isolated moxibustion with western medication effectively improves endometrial receptivity,increases clinical pregnancy rate and reduces early abortion rate in the patients with PCOS.
基金This study received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public,commercial,or not-for-profit sectors
文摘Objectives:This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of constraint-induced aphasia therapy(OAT)for aphasic patients reported by randomized controlled trials.Methods:Relevant randomized controlled trials were retrieved from 11 electronic databases.A methodological quality assessment was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook,and metaanalyses were performed by using RevMan 5.2.A descriptive analysis was conducted when the included trials were not suitable for a meta-analysis.Results:A total of 12 trials were included.A statistically significant group difference was shown from the meta-analysis in the results measured by the Western Aphasia Battery(random-effects model,MD=1.23,95%CI=0.31 to 2.14,P<0.01).However,there were no statistically significant differences shown in the results of the Boston Naming Test(fixed-effects model,MD=-1.79,95%CI=-11.19 to Z62,P>0.05)and Aachen Aphasia Test(fixed-effects model,MD=-1.11,95%CI=-4.49 to 2.27,P>0.05).The descriptive analysis showed positive results in language performances of naming,repetition,and comprehension.Conclusion:This systematic review indicated that CIAT was efficient for improving language performance with regard to naming,comprehension,repetition,written language,and oral language based on the current evidence.And this review provides some meaningful guides for clinical practice:expand the therapy duration to 2 or 3 h per day,focus on naming,and choose the best assessment tool.It also indicates a need for more rigorous,large-scale,and high-quality trials in the future.
基金supported by the Scientific Research Common Program of Beijing Municipal Commission of Education(KM202110025007)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82171671)+1 种基金the National Key Research and Development(2016YFC1000304)Beijing Hospitals Authority’Ascent Plan(DFL20191402).
文摘Background The intrauterine environment has a profound and long-lasting influence on the health of the offspring.However,its impact on the postnatal catch-up growth of twin children remains unclarified.Therefore,this study aimed to explore the maternal factors in pregnancy associated with twin offspring growth.Methods This study included 3142 live twin children born to 1571 mothers from the Beijing Birth Cohort Study conducted from 2016 to 2021 in Beijing,China.Original and corrected weight-for-age standard deviation scores of the twin offspring from birth to 36 months of age were calculated according to the World Health Organization Child Growth Standards.The corresponding weight trajectories were identified by the latent trajectory model.Maternal factors in pregnancy associated with the weight trajectories of the twin offspring were examined after adjustment for potential confounders.Results Five weight trajectories of the twin children were identified,with 4.9%(154/3142)exhibiting insufficient catch-up growth,30.6%(961/3142),and 46.8%(1469/3142)showing adequate catch-up growth from different birth weights,and 15.0%(472/3142)and 2.7%(86/3142)showing various degrees of excessive catch-up growth.Maternal short stature[adjusted odds ratio(OR)=0.691,95%confidence interval(CI)=0.563–0.848,P=0.0004]and lower total gestational weight gain(GWG)(adjusted OR=0.774,95%CI=0.616–0.972,P=0.03)were associated with insufficient catch-up growth of the offspring.Maternal stature(adjusted OR=1.331,95%CI=1.168–1.518,P<0.001),higher pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI)(adjusted OR=1.230,95%CI=1.090–1.387,P<0.001),total GWG(adjusted OR=1.207,95%CI=1.068–1.364,P=0.002),GWG rate(adjusted OR=1.165,95%CI=1.027–1.321,P=0.02),total cholesterol(TC)(adjusted OR=1.150,95%CI=1.018–1.300,P=0.03)and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C)(adjusted OR=1.177,95%CI=1.041–1.330)in early pregnancy were associated with excessive growth of the offspring.The pattern of weight trajectories was similar between monochorionic and dichorionic twins.Maternal height,pre-pregnancy BMI,GWG,TC and LDL-C in early pregnancy were positively associated with excess growth in dichorionic twins,yet a similar association was observed only between maternal height and postnatal growth in monochorionic twins.Conclusion This study identified the effect of maternal stature,weight status,and blood lipid profiles during pregnancy on postnatal weight trajectories of the twin offspring,thereby providing a basis for twin pregnancy management to improve the long-term health of the offspring.
基金the innovation Platform Project of Science and Technology,Fujian Province(2021Y2012)the Key Project on the Integration of Industry,Education and Research Collaborative Innovation of Fujian Province(No.2021YZ034011)+2 种基金the Key Project on Science and Technology Program of Fujian Health Commission(No.2021ZD01002)the Fujian Provincial Health and Young and Middle-aged Key Personnel Training Program(No.2022GGA035)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(No.2023J011221).
文摘This study aimed to investigate the effects of male hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection on male fertility,embryonic development,and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection(IVF/ICSI)outcomes.We performed a retrospective cohort study that included 3965 infertile couples who received fresh embryo transfer cycles for the first time at the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital(Fuzhou,China)from January 2018 to January 2021.Infertile couples were categorized based on their HBV infection status into the HBV group(HBV-positive men and HBV-negative women)and the control group(HBV-negative couples).A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed with relatively balanced covariates.Baseline characteristics,semen parameters,laboratory outcomes,clinical outcomes,and obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups.After propensity score matching,821 couples were included in each group.Both groups had similar semen parameters and obstetric and neonatal outcomes.The HBV group showed a significantly lower live birth rate than the control group(P<0.05).The HBV group had a significantly higher abortion rate than the control group(P<0.05).The rates of high-quality embryos and blastocyst formation were significantly lower in the HBV group than those in the control group(both P<0.05).In conclusion,in couples who undergo IVF/ICSI,male HBV infection reduces the live birth rate and increases the risk of miscarriage.However,the incidence of low birth weight in women with IVF/ICSI does not increase with male HBV infection.
基金the National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program of China and Grants from the National Science Foundation Project of the Fujian Science and Technology Department,No.2017J01264 and No.2018Y0015the Foundation for Fujian Provincial Health Technology Project,No.2019-ZQN-16,No.2019-CXB-9,and No.2019006the Startup Fund for Scientific Research,Fujian Medical University,No.2017Q1219 and No.2017Q1220.
文摘BACKGROUND Alternative splicing(AS)increases the diversity of mRNA during transcription;it might play a role in alteration of the immune microenvironment,which could influence the development of immunotherapeutic strategies against cancer.AIM To obtain the transcriptomic and clinical features and AS events in stomach adenocarcinoma(STAD)from the database.The overall survival data associated with AS events were used to construct a signature prognostic model for STAD.METHODS Differentially expressed immune-related genes were identified between subtypes on the basis of the prognostic model.In STAD,2042 overall-survival-related AS events were significantly enriched in various pathways and influenced several cellular functions.Furthermore,the network of splicing factors and overallsurvival-associated AS events indicated potential regulatory mechanisms underlying the AS events in STAD.RESULTS An eleven-AS-signature prognostic model(CD44|14986|ES,PPHLN1|21214|AT,RASSF4|11351|ES,KIAA1147|82046|AP,PPP2R5D|76200|ES,LOH12CR1|20507|ES,CDKN3|27569|AP,UBA52|48486|AD,CADPS|65499|AT,SRSF7|53276|RI,and WEE1|14328|AP)was constructed and significantly related to STAD overall survival,immune cells,and cancer-related pathways.The differentially expressed immune-related genes between the high-and low-risk score groups were significantly enriched in cancer-related pathways.CONCLUSION This study provided an AS-related prognostic model,potential mechanisms for AS,and alterations in the immune microenvironment(immune cells,genes,and pathways)for future research in STAD.
基金supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFC2701205)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82271658)+2 种基金the Fujian Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(2021J01408,2021J01403)the Fujian Provincial Health and Education Joint Project(2019-WJ-05)the Fujian Provincial Health Commission Innovation Project(2019-CX-7).
文摘Colposcopy is an important technique in the diagnosis of cervical cancer.The development of computer-aided diagnosis methods can mitigate the shortage of colposcopists and improve the accuracy and efficiency of colposcopy examinations in China.This study proposes the Dense-U-Net model for colposcopy image recognition.This was a man–machine comparison cohort study.It presents a novel artificial intelligence(AI)model for the diagnosis of cervical lesions through colposcopy images using a Dense-U-Net image semantic segmentation algorithm.The Dense-U-Net model was created by applying the methods of“deepening the network structure,”“applying dropout”and“max pooling.”Moreover,image-based and population-based diagnostic performances of the AI algorithm and physicians with different levels of specialist experience were compared.In total,2,475 participants were recruited,and 13,084 colposcopy images were included in this study.The diagnostic accuracy of the Dense-U-Net model increased significantly with increasing colposcopy images per patient.As the number of images in the training set increased,the diagnostic accuracy of the Dense-U-Net model for cervical intraepithelial neoplasm 3 or worse(CIN3+)diagnosis increased(P=0.035).The rate of diagnostic accuracy(0.89 vs 0.85,P<0.001)of CIN3+lesions using the Dense-U-Net model was higher than that of expert colposcopists,and the missed diagnosis(0.06 vs 0.07,P=0.002)and false positive(0.05 vs 0.08,P<0.001)were lower.Moreover,Dense-U-Net is more accurate in diagnosing the type III cervical transformation zone,which is difficult to diagnose by experts(P<0.001).The Dense-U-Net model also showed higher diagnostic accuracy for CIN3+in an independent test set(P<0.001).To diagnose the same 870 test images,the Dense-U-Net system took 1.76±0.09 min,while the expert,senior,and junior colposcopists took 716.3±49.76,892.1±92.30,and 3034.7±259.51 min,respectively.The study successfully built a reliable,quick,and effective Dense-U-Net model to assist with colposcopy examinations.
基金financially supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(Nos.42141015,31988102 and 42225103)the Western Light Cross-team Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.xbzg-zdsys-202101)
文摘Background Anthropogenic activities have led to increased N input and changes of N transformation processes in lake systems.However,changes in phytoplankton community structure caused by phytoplankton's preference for N utilization under the increasing N input remain poorly understood.This study used nitrate isotopes(δ^(15)N-NO_(3)^(-)andδ^(18)O-NO_(3)^(-))to investigate seasonal differences in N cycling as well as associated response of phytoplankton biomass and community composition.Results Results showed that the averageδ^(15)N-NO_(3)^(-)values in spring,summer,autumn,and winter were 7.6±0.7‰,6.1±0.7‰,5.5±1.8‰,and 7.4±1.2‰,respectively.Accordingly,the averageδ^(18)O-NO_(3)^(-)values showed the following order:winter(12.8±1.0‰)>summer(11.5±0.9‰)>spring(10.3±0.9‰)>autumn(7.9±1.7‰).The main nitrate sources in Lake Poyang were soil N,N fertilizer,and the manure and sewage in all seasons,contributing 93.8%,3.3%,and 2.8%,respectively.Nitrification and algal-derived nitrate(NO_(3)^(-)-N)assimilation were the main biochemical processes affecting N.In spring,the signal of nitrification was stronger,while in autumn,the signals of N assimilation by algae were more pronounced.The phytoplankton community composition varied with the seasonal changes of N concentrations and forms.The total biomass of phytoplankton in winter was the lowest of all four seasons and it was negatively correlated with NO_(3)^(-)-N concentration(P<0.05).Conclusions The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the role of available forms of N in floodplain lake and provide essential support for prediction of phytoplankton growth and functions.Our work deciphers the role of phytoplankton in the lake N cycle,providing theoretical support to management of phytoplankton community to future environmental changes.
