OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of a child with 46,XX Ovotesticular disorder of sex development (46,XX OTDSD) due to copy number variation of SOX3 gene. METHODS: A 46,XX male patient presented at the Capital Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University in November 2024 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Peripheral blood samples were taken from the child and his parents and subjected to trio whole-genome sequencing. Skewed X-chromosome inactivation was tested in the child and his mother. A literature review was carried out on 46,XX males associated with mutations of the SOX3 gene. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: SHERLL2025056). RESULTS: The 10-year-old boy presented with hypospadias and cryptorchidism at birth. Chromosome analysis at one year and a half revealed a 46,XX karyotype. Gonadal biopsy showed testicular tissue, while ultrasound at the age of 10 detected ovotesticular tissue. Whole-genome sequencing identified a 660 kb duplication in the Xq27.1 region, which was derived from his mother. X-chromosome inactivation testing showed random inactivation in the child and mild non-random inactivation in the mother. Literature review has found 11 publications involving 15 patients (including our case), among whom 14 had a male social gender. They had primarily presented with hypospadias at birth but had no significant endocrine abnormalities. Most patients had experienced testicular failure after puberty. SOX3 related 46,XX males are mainly caused by de novo duplications, although a few maternal carriers had been discovered. CONCLUSION Duplication of the SOX3 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis is this 46,XX male. Individuals with 46,XX SRY negative male phenotypes should be routinely screened for SOX3 gene variants. Structural variations of the SOX3 gene can lead to complete or partial sex reversal in 46,XX individuals with minimal impact on intellectual and motor development, as well as other endocrine hormones.
Child ; Humans ; Male ; 46, XX Disorders of Sex Development/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; Gene Duplication ; Phenotype ; SOXB1 Transcription Factors/genetics*

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are acknowledged as key drivers in realizing health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University of the Philippines Manila, College of Public Health (UP CPH) together with the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH), hosted the 53rd APACPH International Conference last 21-23 September 2022. The conference discussed current issues relating to the attainment of SDGs and promoted collaboration of leading academic institutions and other stakeholders in addressing various public health challenges. The conference revolved around the challenges and opportunities in attaining health-related SDGs, and the good practices and roles of HEIs in addressing health disparities. The lack of certificati on framework of public health tertiary programs, pedagogy and infrastructure, and ambiguous roles and network of public health professionals were discussed. The conference served as a platform for discussing potential resolutions and ways forward in addressing these challenges. Opportunities for improvement such as updating of policies and curricula, strengthening of internship and community engagement programs, establishment of capacity-building partnerships and programs, and developing multidisciplinary-competent faculty and students were identified. This paper providesthe highlights of the conference focusing on the good practices and roles of HEIs in addressing health disparities, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and other issues and challenges in attaining SDGs.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features and genetic etiology of a child with a SETD1B gene variant causing seizures and language delay. METHODS: A child with a SETD1B gene variant admitted to the Department of Pediatric Neurology at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in September 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child were collected, and peripheral blood samples from the child and her parents were obtained. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic testing, and Sanger sequencing was used for familial validation of the candidate variant. Using "SETD1B" and "epilepsy" as the Chinese and English keywords, relevant cases were retrieved from databases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, OMIM and PubMed, with the search period spanning from database inception to June 2024. RESULTS: The child was a 6-year-old female presenting with myoclonic seizures accompanied by global developmental delay. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed that the child has carried a de novo SETD1B gene variant, namely c.5582G>A (p.Cys1961Tyr). According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines for sequence variant interpretation, this variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PS2+PM2_Supporting+PP2+PP3). The child was not controlled with effective doses of valproate, levetiracetam, or clonazepam but was successfully managed with low-dose lamotrigine. Follow-up electroencephalography showed normal results, and developmental progress gradually improved. A total of 37 epilepsy cases with SETD1B gene variants were reported across six studies. The predominant seizure types included absence seizures and myoclonic absence seizures, accompanied by delayed language development. The response to pharmacological treatment was generally poor, with no significant difference in incidence between males and females. CONCLUSION SETD1B gene variants may cause neurological disorders with drug-resistant epilepsy and severe clinical manifestations. Lamotrigine is effective in controlling the epileptic seizures.
Humans ; Female ; Child ; Epilepsy/genetics* ; Language Development Disorders/genetics* ; Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Male

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical phenotype and genetic etiology of a patient with tall stature and primary amenorrhea presenting with 47,XYY Disorder of sex development (DSD). METHODS: A female patient presenting with "tall stature and primary amenorrhea" at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital in July 2024 was selected as the study subject. A retrospective study design was employed to collect the patient's clinical data. Peripheral venous blood sample was collected. Following the extraction of genomic DNA, genetic testing was performed including chromosomal karyotyping analysis, copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq), multiplex PCR for the AZF regions and sex-determining genes Y (SRY), and whole-exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and classified for pathogenicity based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital (Ethics No.: 2022-451-01). RESULTS: The patient had a height of 188 cm and a body weight of 50 kg, in addition with infantile uterus, absent ovaries, and primary amenorrhea. G-banded karyotyping analysis of peripheral blood sample revealed 47,XYY. CNV-seq indicated Seq[GRCh37]Yp11.32q12×2. No deletion was detected in the AZF regions of Y chromosome, and SRY was positive. WES identified a heterozygous c.86C>A (p.Thr29Lys) variant of the NR5A1 gene, leading to substitution of threonine with lysine at position 29 of the encoded protein. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of the variant. According to the ACMG guidelines, this variant was classified as variant of uncertain significance (VUS) with supporting evidence (PS3_Moderate+PM5+PP3+PM2_Supporting+PS4_Supporting). Reviewing the nearly 60 years of previously reported cases, all 7 documented 47,XYY DSD patients were assigned a female social gender and presented with abnormal gonadal and external genitalia development. Among them, 5 cases underwent SRY testing, all of which were positive. Only 1 case underwent whole-exome sequencing (WES), but no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified. CONCLUSION This DSD patient presented with the clinical features of tall stature and primary amenorrhea. The NR5A1 gene variant c.86C>A (p.Thr29Lys) probably underlay the Disorder of sex development in this patient. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of pathogenic variants of the NR5A1 gene.
Humans ; Female ; Steroidogenic Factor 1/genetics* ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics* ; XYY Karyotype/genetics* ; Karyotyping ; Retrospective Studies ; Phenotype ; Sex Chromosome Disorders of Sex Development/genetics* ; Sex Chromosome Disorders

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a child with Cortical dysplasia, complex, with other brain malformations 4 (CDCBM4) and epilepsy due to a TUBG1 gene variant. METHODS: A child diagnosed with CDCBM4 and epilepsy at the Children's Medical Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University in May 2024 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the child and her parents for genomic DNA extraction. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed, and candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. According to the Standards and Guidelines for the Interpretation of Sequence Variants established by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), candidate variants were classified for pathogenicity. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University (Ethics No.: PJ2021-097). RESULTS: The child, a 4-month-old female infant, had no special facial features, normal limb muscle strength, and increased muscle tone of infantile onset, with generalized tonic-clonic seizures as the main manifestation. During seizures, she exhibited head retroflexion, tightly closed eyes, and tonic convulsions of the limbs, occurring approximately 2-3 times per day. Electroencephalogram suggested bilateral anterior predominant medium-to-high amplitude 7-8 Hz mixed rhythm discharges. Head MRI revealed ventricular system dilatation and pachygyria. Trio-WES results indicated that the child has harbored a TUBG1 gene variant of c.776C>T (p.Ser259Leu). Sanger sequencing verification showed that neither of her parents had carried the same variant, confirming it as de novo in origin. According to the ACMG guidelines, the variant was rated as pathogenic (PS2+PS3+PM2_Supporting+PP3). Combining the child's clinical phenotype, the child was diagnosed as CDCBM4 with epilepsy. CONCLUSION Children with CDCBM4 and epilepsy due to TUBG1 gene variants may show pachygyria or agyria and commonly present with intellectual and motor developmental delays and seizure disorders of variable severity. The heterozygous TUBG1 c.776C>T (p.Ser259Leu) variant is likely the genetic etiology underlying this disorder. The results of this study has expanded the mutational spectrum of the TUBG1 gene associated with CDCBM4 and epilepsy.
Humans ; Female ; Epilepsy/genetics* ; Malformations of Cortical Development/genetics* ; Infant ; Phenotype ; Exome Sequencing ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and genetic profile of patients with 46,XY Disorders of sex development (DSD) and a female phenotype in order to provide insights for the diagnosis and management of similar cases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 children with 46,XY DSD and a female phenotype who were treated at the Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism of Henan Children's Hospital between March 1, 2016, and June 30, 2024. The evaluations included external genitalia scoring using the Prader scale and External Masculinization Score (EMS), imaging studies to assess gonadal development, and assessments of adrenal and gonadal function via adrenal hormone levels, sex hormone levels, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation testing. Gender role behavior was assessed using gender role scales and sandplay therapy. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to identify and validate genetic variants. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) comprehensively determined gender rearing based on molecular genetic diagnosis. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Henan Children's Hospital (Ethics No.: 2024-K-105). RESULTS: The median age at initial consultation was 3 years and 1 month (range: 7 days to 16 years). Common symptoms included primary amenorrhea, clitoromegaly, and inguinal hernia. Fully feminized external genitalia were observed in 52.7% of the cases, and 80.5% had absence of the uterus. Internal gonads included absent gonads (5.6%), ovotestes (8.3%), streak gonads (5.6%), cryptorchidism (75.0%), and normally positioned testes (5.6%). At initial diagnosis, median luteinizing hormone (LH) was 1.305 IU/L, with elevated LH in 14 cases. Median follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) was 4.87 IU/L, with elevated FSH in 17 cases. Median testosterone was 0.025 ng/mL. Median dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was 36.90 pg/mL. After hCG stimulation, median testosterone was 0.984 ng/mL and median DHT was 71.69 pg/mL. The testosterone/DHT ratio was elevated in one case (35.7). Testosterone levels remained below 1 ng/mL after hCG stimulation in 18 cases. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was decreased in 15 cases and increased in 3 cases. Inhibin B (InhB) was increased in 7 cases and decreased in 4 cases. Pathogenic variants were detected in 88.9% of the patients, involving AR (11 cases), CYP17A1 (4 cases), GATA4 (1 case), NR0B1 (1 case), NR5A1 (7 cases), SRD5A2 (1 case), WT1 (2 cases), STAR (4 cases), and LHCGR (1 case), totaling 34 variant sites. Among these, 9 variants were de novo, and 23 were inherited from parents. Sixteen variant sites were previously unreported. Gender assignment was male in 11 cases (30.6%) and female in 25 cases (69.4%). CONCLUSION Common symptoms in 46,XY DSD patients with a female phenotype include primary amenorrhea, clitoromegaly, and inguinal hernia. Elevated FSH, androgen deficiency, and decreased AMH and InhB may indicate testicular dysgenesis or impaired androgen synthesis. Adrenal insufficiency should raise suspicion for defects in steroid hormone synthesis pathway enzymes.
Humans ; Female ; Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/diagnosis* ; Child ; Male ; Phenotype ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Adolescent ; Infant

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic factors in four patients with Disorder of sex development (DSD). METHODS: Four patients who visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2023 and January 2024, presenting with short stature, abnormal external genitalia, or infertility as their chief complaints, were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and peripheral or umbilical cord blood samples were obtained for karyotyping analysis and low-depth whole-genome sequencing (CNV-seq). Quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) was used to detect the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene and azoospermia factor (AZF) on the Y chromosome, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to determine the location of the SRY gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic testing, and Sanger sequencing was used for familial validation of the candidate variants. The study procedure and protocol were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Ethics No.: IRB2024-WZ-006). RESULTS: Case 1 had a karyotype of 45,X[22]/46,XY[8], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 7.44 Mb (copy number = 0.2) at Yp11.31-p11.2, a mosaic deletion of 5.32 Mb (copy number = 0.3) at Yq11.1-q11.221, and a deletion of 10.26 Mb (copy number = 0) at Yq11.221-q11.23. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY and AZFa (+), AZFb+c (-). Case 2 had a karyotype of 45,X[12]/46,X,del(X)(q26.3)[18], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 132.62 Mb (copy number = 1.4) at Xp22.33-q26.3 and a deletion of 19.62 Mb (copy number = 1) at Xq26.3-q28. Case 3 had a karyotype of 46,XX, with CNV-seq showing two copies of the X chromosome and no Y chromosome. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY (+) and AZFa+b+c (-), and FISH confirmed a translocation of the SRY gene to the terminal end of the short arm of the X chromosome. Case 4 had a karyotype of 46,XY, with CNV-seq showing one copy each of the X and Y chromosomes. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY(+) and AZFa+b+c (+), and WES revealed a c.1103del variant in the AR gene (maternal origin), which was classified as a pathogenic variant based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (PVS1+PP1+PM2_Supporting). CONCLUSION The combined application of multiple detection techniques such as chromosomal karyotyping analysis, CNV-seq, QF-PCR, and WES can identify the genetic etiology of DSD patients, providing a basis for clinical consultation and treatment plan formulation.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics* ; Disorders of Sex Development/genetics* ; Sex-Determining Region Y Protein/genetics* ; Karyotyping ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Exome Sequencing ; Adult ; Child

Environmental damage affects many aspects of healthcare, from extreme weather events to evolving population disease. Singapore's healthcare sector has the world's second highest healthcare emissions per capita, hampering the nation's pledge to reduce emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. In this review, we provide an overview of the impact environmental damage has on healthcare, including facilities, supply chain and human health, and examine measures to address healthcare's impact on the environment. Utilising the 'R's of sustainability - rethinking, reducing/refusing, reusing/repurposing/reprocessing, repairing, recycling and research - we have summarised the opportunities and challenges across medical disciplines. Awareness and advocacy to adopt strategies at institutional and individual levels is needed to revolutionise our environmental footprint and improve healthcare sustainability. By leveraging evidence from ongoing trials and integrating sustainable practices, our healthcare system can remain resilient against environment-driven challenges and evolving healthcare demands while minimising further impacts of environmental destruction.
Humans ; Climate Change ; Delivery of Health Care ; Singapore ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Sustainable Development ; Environment

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism by which the extract of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract promotes bone growth in mice by modulation of the expression of miR-34a-5p in brain tissue. METHODS: Mice were assigned to four experimental groups:a normal control group, a drug administration group (receiving 0.320 mg·g^-1 body weight of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract via intragastric administration), a positive control group (receiving 0.013 mg·g^-1 body weight of jujube seed saponin via intragastric administration), and a combination group administration with Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract plus a 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) agonist (intragastric administration of Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract combined with intracerebroventricular injection of 8 μg P-MPPF per mice for the final three days of the experiment). Following a 20-day administration period, the effects of the interventions on bone growth, serum growth hormone (GH) levels, and 5-HT2AR expression in brain tissue were evaluated. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that were differentially expressed in the brain tissues of mice exhibiting bone growth induced by Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract, as compared to those in normal mice, were identified using a gene chip approach. The interaction between miR-34a-5p and 5-HT2AR was subsequently validated through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chainreaction (RT-qPCR) and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. Subsequently, by utilizing the miR-34a-5p inhibitor group and mimics group, along with the normal control group, the drug administration group, the positive control group, and the drug administration combined with miR-34a-5p inhibitor group, the variations in 5-HT2AR expression in mouse brain tissue across all groups were examined, and the binding activity of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) to the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor (5-HT1AR) in mice was assessed. RESULTS: The body lengths of the normal control group and the drug administration group were(8.9±0.3) and(10.4±0.4) cm;femur lengths were (8.5±0.3) and (9.1±0.5) mm;tibia lengths were (10.7±0.3) and (11.2±0.4) mm, respectively. The contents of GH levels were (58.6±8.2) and (72.9±6.1) ng·ml-1;and the contents of 5-HT2AR were (32.0±5.0) and (21.9± 5.5) ng·ml-1, respectively. Compared with the normal control group, the drug administration group promoted the growth of body length, femur, and tibia in mice, and increased GH secretion, showing statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Additionally, it significantly reduced the content of 5-HT2AR in brain tissue, with statistical significance (P<0.01). The gene chip analysis identified a total of 16 differentially expressed miRNAs, of which 13 were up-regulated and 3 were down-regulated. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the up-regulated miR-34a-5p could regulate the expression of 5-HT2AR, a prediction that was confirmed through a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, demonstrating a direct regulatory interaction between the two. Furthermore, in vivo experiments in mice revealed that overexpression and silencing of miR-34a-5p resulted in corresponding changes in the expression levels of 5-HT2AR in brain tissues/cells, as well as in the binding activity between 5-HT and 5-HT1AR. CONCLUSION The Semen Ziziphi Spinosae extract promotes animal bone growth by enhancing miR-34a-5p expression in brain tissue, downregulating the expression level of 5-HT2AR, improving the binding activity between 5-HT and 5-HT1AR, and extending slow-wave sleep duration, thereby stimulating GH secretion.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Mice ; Male ; Brain/metabolism* ; Ziziphus/chemistry* ; Bone Development/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*

Testicular descent occurs in two consecutive stages: the transabdominal stage and the inguinoscrotal stage. Androgens play a crucial role in the second stage by influencing the development of the gubernaculum, a structure that pulls the testis into the scrotum. However, the mechanisms of androgen actions underlying many of the processes associated with gubernaculum development have not been fully elucidated. To identify the androgen-regulated genes, we conducted large-scale gene expression analyses on the gubernaculum harvested from luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor knockout ( Lhcgr KO) mice, an animal model of inguinoscrotal testis maldescent resulting from androgen deficiency. We found that the expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 1 ( Smoc1 ) was the most severely suppressed at both the transcript and protein levels, while its expression was the most dramatically induced by testosterone administration in the gubernacula of Lhcgr KO mice. The upregulation of Smoc1 expression by testosterone was curtailed by the addition of an androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide. In addition, in vitro studies demonstrated that SMOC1 modestly but significantly promoted the proliferation of gubernacular cells. In the cultures of myogenic differentiation medium, both testosterone and SMOC1 enhanced the expression of myogenic regulatory factors such as paired box 7 ( Pax7 ) and myogenic factor 5 ( Myf5 ). After short-interfering RNA-mediated knocking down of Smoc1 , the expression of Pax7 and Myf5 diminished, and testosterone alone did not recover, but additional SMOC1 did. These observations indicate that SMOC1 is pivotal in mediating androgen action to regulate gubernaculum development during inguinoscrotal testicular descent.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Testis/growth & development* ; Mice, Knockout ; Androgens/pharmacology* ; Testosterone/pharmacology* ; Receptors, LH/metabolism* ; Calcium-Binding Proteins/metabolism*