Objective To explore the genetic characteristics of fetuses with congenital heart diseases(CHD)diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound.Methods Data of 613 singletons with prenatal ultrasonic diagnosed CHD were retrospectively analyzed.The cardiac structural abnormalities were classified into 8 types.Whole-exome sequencing(WES)was performed for 40 fetuses since chromosomal karyotyping analysis and/or chromosomal microarray analysis(CMA)showed benign copy number variations(CNV)or variants of uncertain significance(VUS).Results Among 613 fetuses,479 fetuses underwent both chromosomal karyotyping analysis and CMA,genomic abnormalities were detected in 60 fetuses(60/479,12.53％).Among 134 fetuses underwent only CMA,genomic abnormalities were found in 4 fetuses(4/134,2.99％).According to results of chromosomal karyotyping analysis and/or CMA,abnormalities were noticed in 40 fetuses(40/568,7.04％)among 568 fetuses with isolated CHD,while in 15 fetuses(15/45,33.33％)among 45 fetuses with non-isolated CHD,respectively.Abnormality detection rate of chromosomal karyotyping analysis and/or CMA in fetuses with complex CHD(10/41,24.39％)was higher than that in fetuses with non-complex CHD(54/572,9.44％).Among complex CHD fetuses,abnormality detection rate was the highest in fetuses with conotruncal defect(CTD)combined with malformation of venous system(4/13,30.77％),while among fetuses with non-complex CHD,situs inversus viscerum had the highest detection rate(1/4,25.00％).Among 40 fetuses chromosomal karyotyping analysis and/or CMA showed benign CNV or VUS,WES indicated pathogenic CNV/likely pathogenic CNV(P/LP)in 3 fetuses,VUS in 3 fetuses and benign CNV in 34 fetuses.Conclusion Fetuses with CHD,especially extracardiac malformations had possibilities of genomic abnormalities.Fetuses with CTD combined with malformation of venous system had higher possibilities of genomic abnormalities.Compared with CMA alone,chromosomal karyotyping analysis combined with CMA was helpful for detecting genomic abnormalities.

Objective:To conduct a scoping review of domestic and international risk prediction models for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and provide a basis for clinical nursing practices and related research.Methods:A computer search of nine databases in both Chinese and English was conducted, with the search period extending up to September 1, 2023. Two researchers independently performed data selection and extraction. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) .Results:A total of seven studies were included, comprising thirteen risk prediction models. History of previous foot ulcers, smoking, duration of diabetes, and foot lesions were identified as the primary predictive factors, with predictive discrimination ranging from 0.660 to 0.943.Conclusions:Nursing staff should pay close attention to the risk factors for recurrence of DFU, develop low-bias and highly applicable risk prediction models, and validate and refine existing models.

Objective:To investigate the protein expression characteristics of bone metastatic breast cancer cells and the underlying molecu-lar mechanism driving bone metastasis.Methods:A firefly luciferase-overexpressing human breast cancer cell line,MCF-7-luc,and its bone metastasis subline,MCF-7-BOM-luc,were established.Additionally,a nude mouse model of breast cancer bone metastasis was established by injecting the aforementioned cells into the left ventricle.Bone metastasis and trabecular changes were assessed using micro-computed tomography(Micro-CT).Cell migration,and invasion were evaluated using the Transwell assays.Differential protein expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)were analyzed using proteomics,Western blot,and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR(qPCR).We meas-ured the glucose uptake,L-lactic acid content,and cell energy metabolism parameters using 2-NBDG,ELISA,and a Seahorse energy metabol-izer.Results:MCF-7-BOM-luc cells exhibited stronger migration,invasion,and EMT characteristics as well as more pronounced bone meta-stasis capabilities than the MCF-7-luc cells.Proteomic analysis revealed increased S100 calcium-binding protein A(S100A4)expression in MCF-7-BOM-luc cells,with other differentially expressed proteins being primarily involved in metabolic pathways.Additionally,MCF-7-BOM-luc cells displayed increased expression of E-box binding homeobox 1/2(zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1/2,ZEB1/2)and Vimentin and reduced E-cadherin expression.MCF-7-BOM-luc cells also exhibited enhanced glucose uptake,L-lactic acid production,and glycolysis rates as well as increased phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2(ERK1/2)and signal transducer and activator of tran-scription 3(STAT3).Conclusions:MCF-7-BOM-luc cells promote S100A4 expression through ERK1/2 and STAT3 signaling pathway activation,which in turn enhances the EMT process and glycolysis rate,thereby contributing to malignant bone metastasis.Proteomic analysis of breast cancer bone metastasis-related protein characteristics could offer potential targets for the diagnosis,prevention,and treatment of breast cancer bone metastasis.

Objective:To validate the morphological changes of the parieto-occipital sulcus on the transcalvarial axial plane between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, simplify grade for assessing fetal parieto-occipital sulcus development, and confirm its clinical feasibility.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study analysis that included 550 cases of normal singleton fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The morphological changes of the bilateral parieto-occipital sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane were observed. The development of the parieto-occipital sulcus was classified into 6 grades based on the developmental features of angulation, progressive closure, and curvilinear growth: straight or shallow arcuate (Grade 0), shallow and wide V-shaped (Grade 1), deep and narrow V-shaped (Grade 2), Y-shaped (Grade 3), I-shaped (Grade 4), and curvilinear (Grade 5). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution of gestational weeks for fetuses with different grades of parieto-occipital sulci on the left and right sides was analyzed. The symmetry between bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus gradings within individuals, as well as the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were assessed using the Weighted Kappa coefficient. The gender differences in asymmetry of parieto-occipital sulci grades between the left and right sides was analyzed. Moreover, a model for predicting the grade of the parieto-occipital sulcus based on gestational week was established.Results:Grade for the left parieto-occipital sulcus was obtained for 549 fetuses, while grade for the right was obtained for 550 fetuses. From 20 to 32 weeks of gestation, the morphology of the fetal parieto-occipital sulcus was divided into Grade 0-5, progressing from low to high with gestational development. Grade 0 showed that the sulcus was not visible or only had a slight arcuate indentation, occurring at 20-22 weeks; Grade 1 presented as a shallow and wide "V" shape with an obtuse angle at the top, appearing from 20 to 27 weeks; Grade 2 was a deep and narrow "V" shape with an acute angle at the top, appearing from 24 to 29 weeks; Grade 3 appeared as a "Y" shape with the top part partially closed and the bottom still open, occurring between 26 to 30 weeks; Grade 4 was a fully closed "I" shape, appearing at 29-32 weeks; Grade 5 presented as a curved shape, indicating the parieto-occipital sulcus was approaching maturity, appearing from 31 to 32 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of gestational weeks for bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus developmental grade ( P>0.05). Bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus grade could be assessed in 549 fetuses, of which 43 cases (7.83%) exhibited grade asymmetry with a one-grade difference between sides; such asymmetry showed no significant difference between male and female genders ( P=0.647). The weighted kappa coefficient analysis results indicated a strong consistency in the development of the parieto-occipital sulci on both sides within individuals, generally demonstrating symmetrical development ( P<0.001). The intra-observer and inter-observer weighted kappa coefficients were 0.92 and 0.75, respectively, with good consistency. Conclusions:Prenatal ultrasound via the transcalvarial axial plane enables a preliminary and rapid assessment of the development of bilateral parieto-occipital sulci, facilitating early evaluation of fetal cortical maturation.

Objective:To study the stability and morphological changes of the convexity sulci in normal fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks, and to explore the simplified grade for evaluating the convexity sulci development and analyzing its clinical significance.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional analysis. A total of 551 cases of normal singleton pregnancies between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation were retrospectively collected, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The display of the far-field convexity sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane was observed as 0 for not displayed and 1 for displayed.Further, based on the morphology and number of convexity sulci, they were classified into five grades: no sulcus displayed (grade 0), one sulcus (grade 1), two sulci (grade 2), three sulci (grade 3), and four or more sulci (grade 4). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution characteristics of gestational weeks for each grade of the convexity sulci were analyzed, and the gestational week distribution of the left and right convexity sulci was compared to analyze bilateral symmetry. The Weighted Kappa coefficient was used to analyze inter-observer and intra-observer consistency, and curve regression analysis was employed to establish a model for predicting grade based on gestational weeks.Results:Before 25 weeks of gestation, the convexity of the fetal cranial vertex was completely smooth.The central sulcus consistently appeared after 26 weeks, while the superior frontal sulcus, intraparietal sulcus, postcentral sulcus, and precentral sulcus consistently appeared between 28 and 31 weeks. Among these, the superior frontal sulcus had a lower display rate before 29 weeks. By 32 weeks, all convexity sulci of the cranial vertex should be visible. Three hundred and eleven fetuses were graded for the left, and 240 fetuses were graded for the right. The developmental grade of the convexity sulci increased from Grade 0 to Grade 4 as the gestational age progressed. Grade 0 appeared between 20-26 weeks, grade 1 between 25-28 weeks, grade 2 between 26-28 weeks, grade 3 between 27-30 weeks, and grade 4 between 27-32 weeks. The distribution of grade did not differ significantly between the left and right sides of grade 0, 1, 3 and 4 (all P>0.05), while there was a significant difference in the distribution of gestational age between the convexity sulci of grade 2 ( P<0.05). The Weighted Kappa coefficients for intra-observer and inter-observer consistency were 0.94 and 0.86, respectively, indicating strong consistency. Conclusions:The simplified grade for assessing the development of convexity sulci in normal fetuses on the transcalvarial axial plane via prenatal ultrasound can provide a preliminary evaluation of the maturation of convexity sulci in fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation.

Objective To investigate the ability of combined baseline serum markers, i.e., HBV DNA, HBV RNA, HBsAg, and HBcrAg, to predict HBeAg seroconversion in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated by nucleos(t)ide analogues. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 83 HBeAg-positive patients selected as subjects from the prospective CHB follow-up cohort established by Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, from June 2007 to July 2008, and the baseline serum levels of HBV DNA, HBV RNA, HBsAg, and HBcrAg were analyzed. The t -test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The Spearman method was used for correlation analysis. A Cox regression model was established to calculate HBeAg seroconversion prediction score, and the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the ability of combined markers in predicting HBeAg seroconversion. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate cumulative seroconversion rate in each group, and the Log-rank test was used for comparison between groups. Results For the 83 HBeAg-positive patients, the median follow-up time was 108 months, and 44.58%(37/83) of these patients achieved HBeAg seroconversion. Compared with the non-seroconversion group, the HBeAg seroconversion group had significantly lower baseline serum levels of HBV DNA [6.23(1.99-9.28) log 10 IU/mL vs 7.69(2.05-8.96) log 10 IU/mL, Z =-2.345, P =0.019] and HBV RNA [4.81(1.40-7.53) log 10 copies/mL vs 6.22(2.00-8.49) log 10 copies/mL, Z =-1.702, P =0.010], and there were no significant differences in the levels of HBsAg and HBcrAg between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The Cox regression equation constructed based on the above serum markers showed a median score of 0.95(range 0.37-3.45) for predicting HBeAg seroconversion. In the total population, the combined score was negatively correlated with HBsAg, HBV DNA, HBV RNA, and HBcrAg ( r =-0.697, -0.787, -0.990, and -0.819, all P < 0.001). Based on the median prediction score, the patients were divided into high HBeAg seroconversion group and low HBeAg seroconversion group; as for the prediction of HBeAg seroconversion rate at 36, 60, and 84 months, the high HBeAg seroconversion group had a seroconversion rate of 43.90%, 51.20%, and 63.10%, respectively, while the low HBeAg seroconversion group had a seroconversion rate of 9.60%, 17.00%, and 19.8%, respectively, and there was a significant difference between the two groups ( χ 2 =11.6, P < 0.001). Conclusion The combined prediction score based on baseline serum HBV markers can predict HBeAg seroconversion in CHB patients treated by nucleos(t)ide analogues.

Objective:To assess the ultrasonographic features and potential diseases of fetal abnormal sylvian fissure(SF), and to explore the value of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in prenatal detection.Methods:A total of 28 fetuses with a sonographic diagnosis of abnormal SF in Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University between October 2018 and October 2020 were prospectively included. The fetal brain was evaluated by neuroultrasound and intrauterine MRI in detail. Amniotic fluid/cord blood obtained by amniocentesis or tissue samples from umbilical cord after birth were collected for WGS. Pregnancy outcomes and postnatal MRI were recorded, and neurodevelopment of live-born infants was followed up for more than 24 months after delivery.Results:During the study period, 28 fetuses with abnormal SF were identified, with a gestational age of 21.3-30.0 (24.8±2.0) weeks. Abnormal SF presented in MCD ( n=15, 53.6%), chromosomal anomalies ( n=3, 10.7%) or single-gene genetic syndromes ( n=3, 10.7%) with the affected fetuses showing developmental delay, hydrocephalus or leukomalacia ( n=4, 14.2%), corpus callosal agenesis with large interhemispheric cysts ( n=1, 3.6%), benign subarachnoid space enlargement with arachnoid cysts ( n=1, 3.6%), and multiple malformations ( n=1, 3.6%). Among the 15 cases with MCD, the most common pathology was lissencephaly/pachygyria, followed by schizencephaly, severe microcephaly, hemimegalencephaly with paraventricular heterotopia, and polymicrogyria. Abnormal SF presented bilaterally in 23 fetuses and unilaterally in 5. All cases were categorized into six types depending on SF morphology in the transthalamic section: no plateau-like or a small insula, linear type, irregular corrugated SF, Z-shaped, and cyst occupying type. In addition to abnormal SF, associated anomalies or mild variations were identified in all fetuses. There were 17 cases underwent intrauterine MRI, and 13 cases underwent postnatal MRI examination.And 25 pregnancies were terminated; 3 were born alive, and 2 had typical syndromic changes with poor neurodevelopmental prognosis. A related pathogenic genetic variant was detected in 57.1% (16/28) fetus, and the incidence of single nucleotide variants(SNVs) was 42.9% (12/28), among which de novo SNVs accounted for 91.7% (11/12). Conclusions:Fetal abnormal SF could be classified based on the ultrasonographic features of transthalamic section. Fetal abnormal SF may indicate MCD, some chromosomal abnormalities or single-gene genetic syndromes that may lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, and may be affected by extra-cortical factors. It is suggested to carry out targeted prenatal genetic diagnosis for fetuses with abnormal SF.

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of chromosome karyotype analysis, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) in microcephaly.Methods:A total of 9 cases of microcephaly fetuses diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound or children with microcephaly diagnosed after birth were selected from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2014 to August 2022.Karyotype analysis and/or CMA were used to detect. The cases with negative karyotype analysis and CMA results were further sequenced by trio-based WES (Trio-WES). Then the coding genes contained in the pathogenic copy number variation (CNV) fragments were analyzed by gene ontology (GO) enrichment. The genes related to the development of the central nervous system contained in the pathogenic CNV and the pathogenic genes found by Trio-WES were combined for gene interaction network analysis.Results:In this study, 9 cases of microcephaly were recruited, with the time of diagnosis ranged from 23 weeks of gestation to 7 years after birth, and the head circumference of fetus or children ranged from 18.3 to 42.5 cm (-7SD to -2SD). Karyotype analysis was detected in all 9 cases and no abnormality result was found. Eight cases were detected by CMA, and one abnormal was found. Five cases were detected by Trio-WES, and two cases were detected with likely pathogenic genes. The GO enrichment analysis of the coding gene in the 4p16.3 microdeletion (pathogenic CNV) region showed that: in biological process, it was mainly concentrated in phototransduction, visible light; in terms of molecular function, it was mainly concentrated in fibroblast growth factor binding; in terms of cell components, it was mainly concentrated in rough endoplasmic reticulum. Gene interaction network analysis suggested that CDC42 gene could interact with CTBP1, HTT and ASPM gene.Conclusions:CMA could be used as a first-line detection technique for microcephaly. When the results of chromosome karyotype analysis and/or CMA are negative, Trio-WES could improve the detection rate of pathogenicity of microcephaly.

Objective:To observe the morphological changes of the sylvian fissure on the transthalamic section of fetal brain at 20-32 weeks, and grade the fetal sylvian fissure development by means of a simple scoring system and explore its clinical feasibility.Methods:From September 2018 to June 2020, 487 normal single fetuses of 20-32 weeks were examined in Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University. The sylvian fissure maturation was analyzed on the transthalamic section of fetal brain at 20-32 weeks and was graded from 0 to 5: un-visualized (grade 0), shallow arc (grade 1), obtuse-angled platform (grade 2), right-angled platform (grade 3), acute-angled platform (grade 4), and closed operculum (grade 5). The pregnancy outcomes and gestational age were recorded.Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 20.0 software using box plot, Mann-Whitney U test, Weighted Kappa coefficient. Results:Left sylvian fissuer grades were obtained in 280 fetuses and right sylvian fissure grades were obtained in 247 fetuses. The fetal sylvian fissure maturation at 20-32 weeks was graded from 0 to 5, which increased with advancing gestation. Grade 0 only appeared in 3 fetuses at 20 weeks, and 99.4% fetuses at 20 weeks had grade ≥1. Grade 1 appeared in 20-22 weeks, grade 2 in 20-25 weeks, grade 3 in 22-26 weeks, grade 4 in 25-32 weeks, and grade 5 in 27-32 weeks. Box-plot and Mann-Whitney U test showed that gestational week distribution of sylvian fissure at all grades was symmetric on both sides ( P>0.05). The Weighted Kappa coefficients were 0.857(95% CI=0.750-0.957) and 0.939 (95% CI=0.859-1.000), respectively, with strong consistency regarding inter- and intra-observer agreements. Conclusions:Fetal sylvian fissure maturation at 20-32 weeks can be evaluated by means of a simple scoring system with symmetrical grading of both sides.

Objective To investigate the consistency between Shengxiang (S) and Xinbo (X) real-time PCR methods in the quantification of HBV RNA. Methods In the prospective follow-up cohort of 108 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients established from July 2007 to August 2008, 20 patients with HBeAg seroconversion were selected, and 20 patients without seroconversion were selected by propensity score matching at a ratio of 1∶ 1. The two quantification methods from S and X companies were used, and a retrospective analysis was performed for HBV RNA in serum samples at baseline and weeks 12, 24, and 48. The paired t -test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data. The Pearson correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the Bland-Altman method were used to evaluate the consistency of the two quantification methods. Results A total of 132 serum samples were tested by S reagent, and 154 were tested by X reagent; the detection rate of HBV RNA was 100% by both reagents. A total of 131 serum samples were tested by both reagents, with 34 samples at baseline and 29, 35, and 33 samples, respectively, at weeks 12, 24, and 48 of follow-up; at these four time points, the HBV RNA quantification data detected by X reagent were significantly higher than those detected by S reagent (5.75±1.64/5.43±1.73/5.13±1.54/4.76±1.55 log 10 copies/mL vs 4.80±1.48/4.52±1.53/4.10±1.50/3.92± 1.43 log 10 copies/mL, t =8.348, t =5.341, Z =-5.086, Z =-4.762, all P < 0.001). The correlation analysis of the two methods showed a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.915 (95% confidence interval [ CI ]: 0.836-0.957) and an ICC of 0.771(95% CI : -0.021 to 0.931) at baseline, a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.849(95% CI : 0.701-0.927) and an ICC of 0.733(95% CI : 0.138-0.902) at week 12, a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.951(95% CI : 0.905-0.975) and an ICC of 0.776(95% CI : -0.058 to 0.942) at week 24, and a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.933(95% CI : 0.867-0.967) and an ICC of 0.804(95% CI : -0.014 to 0.944) at week 48 (all P < 0.05). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that the difference of 96.18%(126/131) samples tested by the two methods was within the mean difference±1.96 standard deviation. Conclusion HBV RNA quantification by X reagent is higher than that by S reagent, while the two real-time PCR quantification methods show a good consistency in CHB patients with HBeAg seroconversion and those without seroconversion.