OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical phenotypes and genetic characteristics of a pedigree with Distal arthrogryposis type 5D (DA5D) caused by compound heterozygous variants in the ECEL1 gene. METHODS: A child (proband) diagnosed with DA5D and his family members (proband's parents and sister) who was admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Henan Children's Hospital in July 2022 due to "multiplex distal arthrogryposis" were enrolled into this study. Clinical data of the proband were collected and peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and members of his family about 3 mL. Trio-whole genome sequencing (trio-WGS) was carried out to detected the genetic variations of the proband and his family members. The candidate's pathogenic gene variants were screened and analyzed by Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) and other databases. The screened variants were annotated for clinical phenotypes using databases like the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). The pathogenicity of the candidate variants was predicted by bioinformatics tools such as Provean. Based on the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), pathogenicity ratings were conducted for variant sites. The protein conservation and mutation structure prediction of ECEL1 protein among species were carried out though MEGA-X and PyMOL. The research protocol of this study was reviewed by the Ethics Committee of Henan Provincial Children's Hospital (Approval No. 2023-H-H01), and informed consent for clinical research was obtained from the guardians of the probands. RESULTS: The proband had multiplex distal arthrogryposis involving hands, feet, knees, and ankles, and had right ptosis, micrognathia, low auricular position, and upturned nose. The parents and sister both had normal phenotypes. Trio-WGS and Sanger sequencing revealed that the child had compound heterozygous variants of paternal c.1742_c.1743insT and maternal c.2314T>G, for which the father and sister were carriers of the c.1742_c.1743insT heterozygous variant and the mother was carrier of c.2314T>A. Neither mutation site has been reported. According to guidelines of ACMG, the c.1742_c.1743insT variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PSV1+PM2_Supporting), and c.2314T>G was classified as uncertain (PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP3). The results of conserved analysis of amino acid residue sequences of ECEL1 protein showed that the missense mutation of the maternal c.2314T>G (p.Cys772Gly) was highly conserved among humans and other seven species. The protein structure prediction revealed that the c.1742_c.1743insT frameshift mutation led to the protein truncation, and the c.2314T>G missense mutation resulted in the failure of forming 1 disulfide bond. CONCLUSION The compound heterozygous variants of ECEL1 gene were considered to be pathogenic for this DA5D patient, which have expanded the mutational spectrum of the ECEL1 gene and provided a reference for clinical diagnosis as well as genetic counseling for this family.
Humans ; Pedigree ; Arthrogryposis/genetics* ; Male ; Female ; Heterozygote ; Phenotype ; Mutation ; Child ; Metalloendopeptidases

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a child with Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OSCS) due to variant of AMER1 gene. METHODS: A child presented at the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou University in July 2024 due to growth and development retardation was selected as the study subject. A retrospective study was conducted to collect the child's clinical data. Peripheral blood samples (2 mL each) were collected from the child and her parents, and genomic DNA was extracted for whole exome sequencing (WES). Sanger sequencing was used for the verification of candidate variants. The pathogenicity of variant was rated according to the guidelines from American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). The study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-108-001). RESULTS: The patient, a 4-year-and-10-month-old girl, presented with global developmental delay, short stature, cleft palate, distinct facial features, and hearing impairment. WES revealed that she has harbored a heterozygous c.790_794dup (p.Cys265Trpfs*19) variant of the AMER1 gene, which was not detected in either parent. Based on the guidelines from ACMG, the gene variant was classified as pathogenic (PVS1 + PS2 + PM2_supporting). As the result of a non-triplet base insertion in the coding region of the AMER1 gene, it has converted a codon originally encoding an amino acid into a stop codon, and led to a truncated protein, causing severe alteration and dysfunction of the protein. CONCLUSION The child was diagnosed with OSCS for clinical features such as global developmental delay, short stature, cleft palate, distinctive facial features, and hearing impairment, for which the de novo heterozygous frameshift variant AMER1: c.790_794dup (p.Cys265Trpfs*19) may be accountable. Above finding has expanded the mutational spectrum of OSCS and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.
Humans ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Osteosclerosis/genetics* ; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics* ; Mutation ; Exome Sequencing ; Retrospective Studies ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical phenotype and genetic variant of a child with Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome (SBCS). METHODS: A child who was diagnosed with SBCS in June 2017 at Henan Children's Hospital was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Peripheral blood samples of the child and his parents were collected and the extraction of genomic DNA, which was subjected to trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) and genome copy number variation (CNV) analysis. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing of his pedigree members. RESULTS: The main clinical manifestations of the child have included language delay, intellectual impairment and motor development delay, which were accompanied with facial dysmorphisms (broad forehead, inverted triangular face, sparse eyebrows, widely spaced eyes, narrow palpebral fissures, broad nose bridge, midface hypoplasia, thin upper lip, pointed jaw, low-set ears and posteriorly rotated ears). Trio-WES and Sanger sequencing revealed that the child has harbored a heterozygous splicing variant of the CHD3 gene, namely c.4073-2A>G, for which both of his parents were of wild-type. No pathogenic variant was identified by CNV testing. CONCLUSION The c.4073-2A>G splicing variant of the CHD3 gene probably underlay the SBCS in this patient.
DNA Copy Number Variations ; Heterozygote ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; RNA Splicing ; Mutation

OBJECTIVE: To define the nature and origin of a chromosomal aberration in a child with unexplained growth and development retardation, and to analyze its genotype-phenotype correlation. METHODS: A child who had presented at the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou University on July 9, 2019 was selected as the study subject. Chromosomal karyotypes of the child and her parents were determined with routine G-banding analysis. Their genomic DNA was also analyzed with single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array). RESULTS: Karyotyping analysis combined with SNP array suggested that the chromosomal karyotype of the child was 46,XX,dup(7)(q34q36.3), whilst no karyotypic abnormality was found in either of her parents. SNP array has identified a de novo 20.6 Mb duplication at 7q34q36.3 [arr[hg19] 7q34q36.3(138335828_158923941)×3] in the child. CONCLUSION The partial trisomy 7q carried by the child was rated as a de novo pathogenic variant. SNP array can clarify the nature and origin of chromosomal aberrations. Analysis of the correlation between genotype and phenotype can facilitate the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Female ; Humans ; Trisomy/genetics* ; Phenotype ; Genotype ; Karyotyping ; Chromosome Banding

Objective:The decision tree Chi-square automatic interactive detection (CHAID) algorithm and binary Logistic regression analysis were used to construct the risk prediction model of premature ovarian failure (POF) in patients with uterine fibroids complicated with hypertension after surgery, and the results of the risk prediction model were compared and analyzed.Methods:Patients with uterine fibroids complicated with hypertension admitted to Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province from Jan. 2019 to Sep. 2022 were retrospectively analyzed as the research objects. CHAID algorithm and Logistic regression analysis were used to establish risk prediction models, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to compare and evaluate the prediction effects of the two models.Results:A total of 860 patients were collected, including 56 patients with premature ovarian function failure after operation, and the incidence of premature ovarian function failure was 6.51%. CHAID method and Logistic regression analysis showed that uterine myoma surgery, hypertension, smoking or passive smoking, family history of premature ovarian failure, sleep status, physical exercise and history of induced curettage were important influencing factors of premature ovarian failure. The accuracy of risk prediction of decision tree model was 88.2%, and the fitting effect of the model was good. The Logistic regression model Hosmer-Leme-show goodness of fit test showed that the model fit was good. The AUC of Logistic regression model was 0.893 (95% CI: 0.862-0.899), and the AUC of decision tree model was 0.882 (95% CI: 0.856-0.899). The predictive value of the two models was moderate, and there was no significant difference between them ( Z=0.254, P>0.05) . Conclusions:The combination of decision tree and Logistic regression model can find the influencing factors of premature ovarian function failure in patients with uterine fibroids complicated with hypertension after operation from different levels, and the relationship between the factors can be more fully understood. The establishment of a risk model for premature ovarian function failure in patients with uterine fibroids complicated with hypertension after surgery can provide a reference for postoperative intervention in patients with uterine fibroids complicated with hypertension, and more effectively help patients actively prevent and slow down the occurrence and development of POF.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree with suspected mitochondrial functional defects through combined next-generation sequencing (NGS), copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing. METHODS: Clinical data of the proband and his family members were collected. The patient and his parents were subjected to family-trio whole-exome sequencing (WES), CNV-seq and mtDNA variant detection. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Trio-WES revealed that the proband has carried compound heterozygous variants of the NDUFS1 gene, including a paternally derived c.64C>T (p.R22X) nonsense variant and a maternally derived c.845A>G (p.N282S) missense variant. Both variants may cause loss of protein function. No variant that may cause the phenotype was identified by CNV-seq and mtDNA variant analysis. CONCLUSION Children with suspected mitochondrial disorders may have no specific syndromes or laboratory findings. A comprehensive strategy including mtDNA testing may facilitate the diagnosis and early clinical interventions.
Child ; China ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Electron Transport ; Humans ; Mutation ; NADH Dehydrogenase/genetics* ; Pedigree

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism of miR-200b-3p regulates the proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Methods: The expression of miR-200b-3p in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR (qRT-PCR). Pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells were divided into NC group, miR-200b-3p mimic group, si-VEGFA group and si-VEGFA+ miR-200b-3p inhibitor group. The proliferation, migration and invasion of PANC-1 cells were measured by CCK-8 and Transwell assay. The apoptosis of PANC-1 cells was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining flow cytometry assay. The targeted relationship of miR-200b-3p and VEGFA was estimated by dual luciferase reporter gene assay and Western blotting. Results: The expression of miR-200b-3p in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines was decreased. After miR-200b-3p was overexpressed in PANC-1 cells for 48 h, the cell viabilities of PANC-1 cells in NC group and miR-200b-3p mimic group were 1.250±0.028 and 0.983±0.044, the numbers of migrated cells were 402.700±21.530 and 158.000±17.620, the numbers of invaded cells were 478.300±31.050 and 170.000±32.470, and the cell apoptosis rates were (5.280±0.352)% and (7.430±0.393)%. The cell viability, migration and invasion of PANC-1 cells in miR-200b-3p mimic group were significantly decreased than those in NC group (t=5.060, P=0.007; t=8.796, P=0.001; t=6.863, P=0.002). The cell apoptosis rate in miR-200b-3p mimic group was significantly higher than that in NC group (t=4.076, P=0.015). The fluorescence intensity in VEGFA-WT group was 1.000±0.027, which was significantly higher than that in VEGFA-WT+ miR-200b-3p mimic group (0.632±0.048; t=6.637, P=0.003). The fluorescence intensities in VEGFA-MUT group and VEGFA-MUT + miR-200b-3p mimic group were 1.000±0.049 and 0.868±0.047, with no statistically significant difference (t=1.944, P=0.124). After miR-200b-3p was overexpressed in PANC-1 cells for 48 h, the expressions of VEGFA in NC group and miR-200b-3p mimic group were 1.000±0.058 and 0.762±0.020, respectively. The expression level in miR-200b-3p mimic group was lower than that in NC group (t=3.908, P=0.017). After transfection of PANC-1 cells with si-VEGFA or si-VEGFA + miR-200b-3p inhibitor for 48 h, the cell viabilities of PANC-1 cells in NC group, si-VEGFA group and si-VEGFA + miR-200b-3p inhibitor group were 1.300±0.058, 0.943±0.047 and 1.143±0.023, the numbers of migrated cells were 446.000±17.350, 206.300±19.360 and 428.300±30.330, and the numbers of invaded cells were 510.300±24.550, 175.700±24.290 and 473.700±35.530, with statistically significant differences (F=15.830, P=0.004, F=33.530, P=0.001, F=38.860, P<0.001). The cell viability, migration and invasion of PANC-1 cells in si-VEGFA group were significantly decreased than those in NC group (P=0.003, P<0.001, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between si-VEGFA + miR-200b-3p inhibitor group and NC group (P=0.107, P=0.854, P=0.671). The cell apoptosis rates in NC group, si-VEGFA group and si-VEGFA+ miR-200b-3p inhibitor group were (3.810±0.577)%, (7.373±0.482)% and (3.650±0.514)%, with a statistically significant difference (F=16.020, P=0.004). The cell apoptosis rate in si-VEGFA group was significantly higher than that in NC group (P=0.007), but there was no significantly difference between si-VEGFA + miR-200b-3p inhibitor group and NC group (P=0.975). Conclusion miR-200b-3p suppresses the proliferation, invasion and migration and promotes the apoptosis of pancreatic cells by down-regulating VEGFA.

Clinically, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Hepatitis B virus infection is the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in China and it is a serious threat to people's health. Antiviral drugs such as nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferon can inhibit viral replication and liver fibrosis progression and reduce the occurrence of hepatitis B-related HCC. This article reviews the effects of different antiviral therapy on the occurrence of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma in recent years.

Objective To explore the effect of robot-assisted gait training on the standing and walking balance of persons with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) resulting from hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD).Methods Thirty-six persons with AFP resulting from HFMD were randomly divided into a control group and a training group,each of 18.Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation training,while the training group was additionally provided with robot-aided gait training.The control group received additional massage of their affected limbs.Before and after 15 days of treatment the subjects' standing and walking ability were evaluated using parts D and E of the gross motor function (GMFM) scale.Their balance was quantified using the Berg balance scale (BBS) and integrated surface electromyograms were recorded.Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before the treatment.After 6 weeks of treatment the average scores of both groups had improved significantly,with a significantly bigger increase observed in the training group.After the treatment,the average GMFM and BBS scores of the training group were significantly higher than those of the control group.Conclusion Gait training in addition to conventional rehabilitation training can significantly improve the standing,walking and balance of patients with HFMD resulting from AFP and promote their recovery.

Objective To explore the attempted suicide risk factors of socio-demographic and clinical charac-teristics in major depressive disorder patients with atypical features (e.g. increased appetite, weight gain and greater time spent sleeping). Methods This was a secondary analysis of the data from the Diagnostic Assessment Service for People with Bipolar Disorders in China (DASP), which was initiated by the Chinese Society of Psychiatry (CSP) and carried out in 13 major mental health centers in China. Totally 179 patients were diagnosed as atypical major depres-sive disorder patients in all 1172 major depressive disorder patients using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fourth Edition (DSM-Ⅳ) by psychiatrists. Suicide attempters and nonattempters were grouped base on the interview results of suicidality module of the Mini International Neuro-psychiatric Interview (MINI). Multiple logistic regression were used to assess association between independent variables and attempted suicide in major depressive disorder patients with atypical features. Results The rater of attempted snicide was 23.5% (42/179) of atypical major depressive disorder patients reported prior or current attempted suicide. Compared to nonattempters, attempters had higher levels of suicidal ideation, postpartum depressive episodes, and the use of antipsychotic, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that number of admissions (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.093~2.740) and depressive episodes with suicidal ideation (OR=3.90, 95%CI: 1.506~10.092) were significantly associat-ed with attempted suicide in atypical unipolar depression patients (P<0.05). Conclusions High number of admissions and high levels of suicidal ideation may be considered as potential risk factors to identify atypical unipolar depression patients at risk for future suicidal behavior.