BACKGROUND:There is a significant correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation index and fertilization,embryonic development potential,embryo implantation,miscarriage,and offspring safety.However,its clinical reference value is affected by many factors,resulting in extremely limited clinical significance.This study took live birth as the outcome,corrected other confounding factors through propensity score matching,constructed the best clinical cutoff value of sperm DNA fragmentation index and live birth,and conducted internal and external tests on it,which has good predictive value and clinical application efficiency. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the reference threshold and offspring short-term security of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer sperm DNA fragmentation index based on live birth. METHODS:A total of 1 921 patients who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Area Hospital from May 2019 to May 2021 were selected.On the basis of tendency matching tolerance of 0.02 and propensity score matching of 1:1,540 cases were successfully matched in each live birth group and non-live birth group,and the model group was established.135 patients who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were selected as the external validation group.The optimal clinical cutoff value of sperm DNA fragmentation index for live birth was investigated by the receiver operating characteristic curve.The accuracy and clinical application efficacy of the cutoff value were evaluated by restricted cubic spline curve,standard curve,clinical decision curve,clinical impact curve and internal and external validation tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The DNA fragmentation index of sperm in the non-live birth group was significantly higher than that in the live birth group and had a significant negative correlation with live birth(r=-0.444,P<0.001).(2)Receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that the optimal cut-off value of DNA fragmentation index for live birth was 24.33%;the area under the curve was 0.775(0.746,0.804);the specificity was 72.60%;the sensitivity was 78.90%,and the accuracy was 75.70%.(3)Restricted cubic spline curve fitting the results of Logistic regression showed that when the sperm DNA fragmentation index was greater than 24.57%,the risk of clinical non-live birth increased.(4)The probability of Logistic regression analysis results showed that sperm DNA fragmentation index was a risk factor for live birth[OR(95%CI)=0.916(0.904,0.928),P<0.001],and when sperm DNA fragmentation index was greater than 27.78%,the probability of clinical live birth would be less than 50%.With the increase of sperm DNA fragmentation index by 1 unit,the probability of a live birth fell by 8.4%.(5)Internal and external to the validation of the clinical cutoff value showed that the cutoff point had certain clinical predictive value and accuracy.(6)Clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve results exhibited that the prediction model based on the clinical cut-off value had the maximum clinical net benefit value when the threshold probability was 0.22-0.73,and the ratio of loss to gain within the threshold probability range was always less than 1,which confirmed that the prediction model had good clinical application effectiveness.(7)The results of sperm DNA fragmentation index and offspring short-term security analysis showed that sperm DNA fragmentation index had no significant differences with preterm birth,body weight,deformity and sex.(8)These findings suggest that the optimal clinical cut-off value of sperm DNA fragmentation index for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer live birth was 24.33%.The established clinical prediction model has good differentiation,accuracy and clinical application effectiveness.Sperm DNA fragmentation index has no significant impact on offspring short-term security,but large samples and long-term follow-up evaluation are still needed.

BACKGROUND:The combination of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and semen quality-related parameters can jointly predict the occurrence of abnormal increase in sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and draw a column chart,which can significantly improve clinical practicality and application efficiency,provide a basis for comprehensive evaluation of semen quality in clinical practice,take active intervention measures to improve clinical outcomes,and formulate personalized medical plans.OBJECTIVE:To explore the prediction model and verification of sperm DNA fragments based on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and semen quality-related parameters.METHODS:Retrospective analysis was made on 420 infertile patients who received traditional Chinese medicine syndrome diagnosis and sperm DNA fragment rate examination in the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Andrology,Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from July 2019 to July 2021.According to the Manual of Human Semen Examination and Treatment Laboratories (6th Edition),137 patients with sperm DFI>30％ were included in the group of abnormally high sperm DFI,and 283 patients with sperm DFI ≤ 30％ were taken as the control group.First,univariate analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of the abnormal increase of sperm DFI.Then,the best matching factor was selected by using the collinearity problem of LASSO correction factors.Then,it was included in the multifactor forward stepwise logistic regression to find out its independent influencing factors and draw a nomogram.Finally,the receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve,decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve were used to verify the differentiation and accuracy of the prediction model and its clinical application effectiveness.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The results of the univariate analysis showed that age,body mass index,forward motion rate,total sperm motility,sperm concentration,sperm morphology,kidney yang deficiency syndrome,damp heat downpour syndrome,and kidney sperm deficiency syndrome were the influencing factors for the abnormal increase of sperm DFI (P<0.05).(2) The best matching factors further screened by LASSO regression were age,body mass index,total sperm motility,sperm concentration,sperm morphology,kidney yang deficiency syndrome,damp heat downpour syndrome,and kidney essence deficiency syndrome (P<0.05).(3) Multifactor forward stepwise Logistic regression showed that age,body mass index,sperm concentration,total sperm motility,damp heat downpour syndrome,and kidney yang deficiency syndrome were six independent factors that caused the abnormal increase in sperm DFI.(4) Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve of the model group was 0.760(0.713,0.806),and the area under the curve of the validation group was 0.745(0.714,0.776).It showed that the prediction model had good discrimination.(5) The average absolute error of the calibration curve was 0.040,and the Hosmer Lemeshow test (P>0.05),suggesting that there was no significant statistical difference between the probability of the abnormal increase in DFI of spermatozoa predicted by the model and the probability of the abnormal increase in DFI of spermatozoa actually occurred,which confirmed that the model had good accuracy.(6) Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve showed that the model group and validation group had the maximum clinical net benefit when the threshold probability values were (0.08-0.84) and (0.09-0.78) respectively,and had good clinical application efficiency within the threshold probability range.(7) These findings conclude that age,body mass index,sperm concentration,total sperm viability,damp heat downpour syndrome and kidney yang deficiency syndrome are independent factors that cause the abnormal increase in sperm DFI.The nomogram of the clinical prediction model constructed by them has good clinical prediction value and clinical application efficiency,and can provide the basis for comprehensive clinical evaluation of semen quality and individualized medical service.

BACKGROUND:The combination of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and semen quality-related parameters can jointly predict the occurrence of abnormal increase in sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and draw a column chart,which can significantly improve clinical practicality and application efficiency,provide a basis for comprehensive evaluation of semen quality in clinical practice,take active intervention measures to improve clinical outcomes,and formulate personalized medical plans.OBJECTIVE:To explore the prediction model and verification of sperm DNA fragments based on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and semen quality-related parameters.METHODS:Retrospective analysis was made on 420 infertile patients who received traditional Chinese medicine syndrome diagnosis and sperm DNA fragment rate examination in the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Andrology,Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from July 2019 to July 2021.According to the Manual of Human Semen Examination and Treatment Laboratories (6th Edition),137 patients with sperm DFI>30％ were included in the group of abnormally high sperm DFI,and 283 patients with sperm DFI ≤ 30％ were taken as the control group.First,univariate analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of the abnormal increase of sperm DFI.Then,the best matching factor was selected by using the collinearity problem of LASSO correction factors.Then,it was included in the multifactor forward stepwise logistic regression to find out its independent influencing factors and draw a nomogram.Finally,the receiver operating characteristic curve,calibration curve,decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve were used to verify the differentiation and accuracy of the prediction model and its clinical application effectiveness.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The results of the univariate analysis showed that age,body mass index,forward motion rate,total sperm motility,sperm concentration,sperm morphology,kidney yang deficiency syndrome,damp heat downpour syndrome,and kidney sperm deficiency syndrome were the influencing factors for the abnormal increase of sperm DFI (P<0.05).(2) The best matching factors further screened by LASSO regression were age,body mass index,total sperm motility,sperm concentration,sperm morphology,kidney yang deficiency syndrome,damp heat downpour syndrome,and kidney essence deficiency syndrome (P<0.05).(3) Multifactor forward stepwise Logistic regression showed that age,body mass index,sperm concentration,total sperm motility,damp heat downpour syndrome,and kidney yang deficiency syndrome were six independent factors that caused the abnormal increase in sperm DFI.(4) Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve of the model group was 0.760(0.713,0.806),and the area under the curve of the validation group was 0.745(0.714,0.776).It showed that the prediction model had good discrimination.(5) The average absolute error of the calibration curve was 0.040,and the Hosmer Lemeshow test (P>0.05),suggesting that there was no significant statistical difference between the probability of the abnormal increase in DFI of spermatozoa predicted by the model and the probability of the abnormal increase in DFI of spermatozoa actually occurred,which confirmed that the model had good accuracy.(6) Decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve showed that the model group and validation group had the maximum clinical net benefit when the threshold probability values were (0.08-0.84) and (0.09-0.78) respectively,and had good clinical application efficiency within the threshold probability range.(7) These findings conclude that age,body mass index,sperm concentration,total sperm viability,damp heat downpour syndrome and kidney yang deficiency syndrome are independent factors that cause the abnormal increase in sperm DFI.The nomogram of the clinical prediction model constructed by them has good clinical prediction value and clinical application efficiency,and can provide the basis for comprehensive clinical evaluation of semen quality and individualized medical service.

BACKGROUND:Unexplained infertility is associated with a higher abortion rate and lower fertilization rate,implantation rate,clinical pregnancy rate and cumulative live birth rate.It is urgent to establish a clinical prediction model related to infertility of unknown cause to solve the problems of clinical prognosis and individualized medical services,and finally achieve the purpose of increasing the cumulative live birth rate of patients with infertility of unknown cause. OBJECTIVE:To construct and verify the prediction model of high-quality blastocyst formation in patients with unexplained infertility during in vitro fertilization. METHODS:A total of 419 patients with unknown infertility who underwent in vitro fertilization in the Assisted Reproduction Department of Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from March 2017 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,including 317 patients with high-quality blastocysts and 102 patients without high-quality blastocysts.A prediction model was established and used as the model group.The model group was sampled 1 000 times by the Bootstrap method as the validation group.Firstly,the univariate analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of high-quality blastocyst formation of unknown infertility,and the best matching factors were selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)algorithm.Multiple factors were included in the progressive Logistic regression to find out the independent influencing factors and draw a column graph.Finally,the subject working curve,calibration curve,clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve were used to verify the differentiation and accuracy of the prediction model as well as the clinical application efficiency. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Univariate analysis of the factors influencing the formation of high-quality blastocyst of unknown infertility were age,insemination method,antimullerian hormone level,basal follicle-stimulating hormone level,basal luteinizing hormone level,human chorionic gonadotropin injection day follicle-stimulating hormone level,human chorionic gonadotropin day estradiol level,progesterone level on human chorionic gonadotropin day,the number of high-quality cleavage embryo(day 3)and the number of blastocyst formation(P<0.05).(2)The best matching factors further screened by LASSO regression were age,insemination method,antimullerian hormone level,basal luteinizing hormone level,human chorionic gonadotropin injection day follicle-stimulating hormone level,human chorionic gonadotropin day estradiol level,the number of high-quality cleavage embryo(day 3)and the number of blastocyst formation(P<0.05).Multifactor stepwise Logistic regression results showed that independent influencing factors on the formation of high-quality blastocysts for unexplained infertility were age,insemination method,antimullerian hormone level,the number of high-quality cleavage embryo(day 3),and the number of blastocyst formation.(3)Receiver operating characteristic curve exhibited that the area under the curve was 0.880(0.834,0.926)in the model group and 0.889(0.859,0.918)in the validation group.It showed that the prediction model had good differentiation.The average absolute error of the calibration curve was 0.036,indicating that the model had good accuracy.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that there was no statistical difference between the prediction probability of blastocyst formation and the actual probability of blastocyst formation(P>0.05).The clinical decision curve and clinical impact curve showed that the model group and the validation group had the maximum clinical net benefit when the threshold probability value was(0.16-0.96)and(0.08-0.93),respectively,and had better clinical application efficacy within the threshold probability range.These findings concluded that age,insemination method,antimullerian hormone,the number of high-quality cleavage embryos(day 3),and the number of blastocyst formation were independent factors influencing the formation of the fine blastocyst in patients with unexplained infertility.The clinical prediction model constructed by these factors has good clinical prediction value and clinical application efficiency and can provide a basis for clinical prognosis and intervention as well as the formulation of individual medical programs.

【Objective】 Dyslipidemia has shown to be associated with cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between residual cholesterol and the risk of subclinical renal damage (SRD). 【Methods】 A total of 2 342 participants were recruited from the previously established Hanzhong Adolescent Hypertension Study cohort. According to estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatine ratio(uACR), the subjects were divided into SRD group and non-SRD group. The associations of residual cholesterol with eGFR, uACR, and the risk of SRD were analyzed by multiple linear and Logistic regression analyses. 【Results】 Residual cholesterol was positively correlated with uACR(r=0.081, P<0.001) but negatively correlated with eGFR (r=-0.091, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that residual cholesterol was an influencing factor of uACR (β=0.075, P<0.001) and eGFR (β=-0.027, P<0.001) after adjustment for gender, age, smoke, alcohol, exercise, BMI, hypertension, diabetes and serum uric acid. In addition, Logistic regression analysis revealed that residual cholesterol was significantly associated with the risk of SRD independently of potential confounders [OR(95% CI)=1.387 (1.113-1.728), P<0.001]. Further subgroup analysis showed that residual cholesterol was significantly associated with the risk of SRD in women but not in men. 【Conclusion】 Residual cholesterol is a contributing factor in the risk of subclinical renal damage with gender-specific association.

【Objective】 4-like protein with down-regulated expression and development in neural precursor cells (NEDD4L) plays an important role in blood pressure (BP) regulation and sodium homeostasis by regulating epithelial sodium channel protein. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship of NEDD4L gene polymorphisms with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 In 2004, 514 subjects from 124 families in Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, were recruited to establish a salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort. All the subjects received a 3-day baseline survey, a 7-day low-salt diet, a 7-day high-salt diet, and finally a 7-day high-salt and potassium supplementation. Their BP was measured and peripheral blood samples were collected at different intervention periods. The 14 gene polymorphisms of NEDD4L gene were genotyped and analyzed by MassARRAY platform. 【Results】 BP decreased on a low-salt diet, and significantly increased on a high-salt diet, and decreased again after potassium supplementation. NEDD4L SNPs rs74408486 were significantly associated with systolic BP, diastolic BP and mean arterial pressure responses to the low-salt diet. SNPs rs292449 and rs2288775 were significantly associated with pulse pressure response to the high-salt diet. In addition, SNPs rs563283 and rs292449 were significantly associated with diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure responses to high-salt and potassium supplementation diet. 【Conclusion】 NEDD4L gene polymorphisms were significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium intake, suggesting that NEDD4L gene may be involved in the development of salt sensitivity and potassium sensitivity.

【Objective】 Based on our previously established salt-sensitive hypertension cohort, we aimed to examine the association of genetic variants in uromodulin with blood pressure(BP) responses to dietary interventions of sodium and potassium intake. 【Methods】 In 2004, 514 subjects from 124 families in Mei County, Shaanxi Province, were recruited to establish the salt-sensitive hypertension study cohort. Among them, 333 non-parent subjects were selected and sequentially maintained on a normal-diet for 3 days, low-salt diet for 7 days, then a high-salt diet for 7 days and a high-salt diet with potassium supplementation for another 7 days. Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in the uromodulin gene were genotyped on the MassARRAY platform. 【Results】 BP levels decreased from the baseline to low-salt diet, increased from low-salt to high-salt diet, and decreased again from the high-salt diet to the high-salt plus potassium supplementation intervention. SNPs rs77875418 and rs4997081 of the uromodulin gene were significantly associated with diastolic BP(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) responses to high-salt diet. In addition, SNPs rs77875418, rs79245268, rs4293393, rs6497476, rs4997081, rs13333226, and rs12917707 were significantly associated with systolic BP(SBP), DBP, and MAP responses to high-salt diet with potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Genetic variants in uromodulin gene are significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium supplementation, suggesting that uromodulin may be mechanistically involved in BP sodium-sensitivity and potassium-sensitivity.

【Objective】 M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor(M3 receptor), encoded by CHRM3 gene, is widely distributed in the cardiovascular system and plays an important role in cardiac regulation. The aim of this study was to assess the association of genetic variants in M3 receptor with blood pressure(BP) responses to controlled dietary sodium and potassium interventions. 【Methods】 A total of 333 subjects from 124 families were recruited from the rural areas of northern China. After a three-day baseline observation, they were sequentially on a seven-day low-salt diet, a seven-day high-salt diet, and a seven-day high-salt diet plus potassium supplementation. Thirteen CHRM3 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) were selected for analysis. 【Results】 SNP rs10802811 of the CHRM3 was significantly associated with diastolic BP(DBP) and mean arterial pressure(MAP) responses to both low-salt and high-salt diets while SNPs rs6429147, rs373288072, rs114677844 and rs663148 showed significant associations with systolic BP(SBP) and MAP responses to high-salt diet. In addition, SNP rs6692904 was significantly associated with SBP, DBP and MAP responses to high-salt diet with potassium supplementation. 【Conclusion】 Genetic variants in M3 receptor are significantly associated with BP responses to sodium and potassium intervention, suggesting that M3 receptor may be mechanistically involved in BP salt and potassium sensitivity.

Objective:To analyze the genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to the development of allergic rhinitis (AR) in patients, and provide a scientific basis for formulating intervention measures.Methods:This is a case-control study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on AR patients who received treatment at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from June 2017 to March 2019 using a self-designed questionnaire on AR susceptibility factors. Logistic regression analysis of AR susceptibility factors was performed.Results:There were 242 patients in the AR group and 258 patients in the non-AR group (control group). The average age of all patients was (13.16 ± 5.63) years. 56.8% of included patients were male. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that AR onset was associated with neonatal jaundice ( OR = 6.043), respiratory infections within 6 months after birth ( OR = 8.123), diarrhea ( OR = 3.868), eczema ( OR = 4.540), living in urban areas ( OR = 2.477), home decoration after birth ( OR = 3.042), moldy ceilings or walls ( OR = 38.255), home gardening ( OR = 3.752), and exposure to smoking environments ( OR = 2.574). Conclusion:The etiology of AR is complex, and its onset is influenced by various factors such as genetic factors, environmental factors, and related disease factors. It is necessary to strengthen the promotion and education of AR prevention knowledge, pay attention to environmental hygiene, and take personal protection measures.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of hemodiafiltration combined with hemoperfusion in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).Methods:A total of 40 patients with SHPT undergoing MHD who received treatment at the Blood Purification Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology from February 2021 to March 2023 were included in this prospective cohort study. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 20/group).The control group received a single high flux hemodialysis, while the observation group used a combination of hemodialysis filtration and hemoperfusion for 3 months. In both groups, the changes in hemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum calcium, serum phosphorus,and parathyroid hormone levels were compared before and after dialysis. Results:After dialysis, the hemoglobin level in the observation group was (119.45 ± 5.27) g/L, which was significantly higher than (106.30 ± 6.52) g/L in the control group ( t = -7.02, P < 0.001). The serum phosphorus level in the observation group was (1.18 ± 0.17) mmol/L, which was significantly lower than (1.52 ± 0.22) mmol/L in the control group ( t = 5.49, P < 0.001). The parathyroid hormone level in the observation group was (122.14 ± 40.57) ng/L, which was significantly lower than (168.78 ± 78.27) ng/L in the control group ( t = 2.39, P = 0.023). Conclusion:Hemodiafiltration combined with hemoperfusion can reduce clinical symptoms, increase hemoglobin level, and reduce phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels in patients with SHPT undergoing MHD, which deserves clinical promotion.