Objective:To investigate the association between homocysteine (Hcy) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), as well as its impact on clinical pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). Methods:This retrospective cohort study collected clinical data from patients undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET at the Reproductive Health Hospital of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between December 2020 and March 2024. Patients were divided into no history of pregnancy loss group (named control group, n=1 027) and RPL group ( n=743) based on history of pregnancy loss. Peripheral blood Hcy levels were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounding factors and determine whether Hcy is an independent risk factor for RPL. RPL patients were divided into four subgroups based on Hcy quartiles, named Q1 subgroup (Hcy<7.03 μmol/L), Q2 subgroup (7.03 μmol/L≤Hcy<8.63 μmol/L), Q3 subgroup (8.63 μmol/L≤Hcy<10.44 μmol/L), and Q4 subgroup (Hcy≥10.44 μmol/L), to further analyze the impact of Hcy level on pregnancy outcomes after IVF/ICSI-ET in these patients. Results:1) Baseline characteristics between control and RPL groups: statistically significant differences were observed in female age, male age, female body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility, cause of infertility, and peripheral blood Hcy levels (all P<0.05). 2) After adjusting for female age, male age, female BMI, duration of infertility, and cause of infertility via multivariate logistic regression, elevated Hcy levels was identified as an independent risk factor for RPL (a OR=1.366, 95% CI: 1.298-1.438, P<0.001). 3) Baseline characteristics of the four RPL subgroups: antral follicle count (AFC) differed significantly among Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 subgroups [17.00 (11.00, 24.00), 15.00 (10.00, 24.00), 14.00 (7.00, 22.25), 15.50 (8.00, 22.00), P=0.043]. No statistically significant differences were observed in other baseline characteristics (all P>0.05). 4) Pregnancy outcomes across the four RPL subgroups: miscarriage rates in the Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 subgroups were 18.18% (18/99), 30.61% (30/98), 33.70% (31/92), and 35.96% (32/89), respectively, live birth rates were 44.26% (81/183), 36.17% (68/188), 32.80% (61/186), and 30.65% (57/186), respectively. Intergroup differences in miscarriage rate and live birth rate were statistically significant ( P=0.033, P=0.036). Specifically, miscarriage rate in the Q3 and Q4 subgroups, and live birth rate in the Q4 subgroup were significantly higher than those in the Q1 subgroup (all q<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in clinical pregnancy rate or early miscarriage rate among the four groups (all P>0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors using multivariate logistic regression, taking the Q1 subgroup as the control, there were no statistically significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate between the remaining groups and the Q1 subgroup (all P>0.05). The early miscarriage rate in the Q3 subgroup (a OR=2.184, 95% CI: 1.077-4.426, P=0.030) and the early miscarriage rate in the Q4 subgroup (a OR=2.290, 95% CI: 1.116-4.697, P=0.024) were significantly higher than those in the Q1 subgroup; the miscarriage rate in the Q3 subgroup (a OR=2.207, 95% CI: 1.125-4.330, P=0.021) and the miscarriage rate in the Q4 subgroup (a OR=2.377, 95% CI: 1.209-4.674, P=0.012) were significantly higher than those in the Q1 subgroup; the live birth rate in the Q3 subgroup (a OR=0.615, 95% CI: 0.401-0.944, P=0.026) and the live birth rate in the Q4 subgroup (a OR=0.560, 95% CI: 0.364-0.863, P=0.009) were significantly lower than those in the Q1 subgroup. Conclusion:Elevated Hcy is a high-risk factor for RPL in IVF/ICSI-ET patients and may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.

Objective:To analyze the predictive factors associated with late-onset sepsis(LOS) in very low birth weight infants,and to develop a risk prediction score scale applicable to these infants three days postnatal.This will provide valuable insights for early diagnosis and timely intervention.Methods:Very low birth weight infants admitted to the Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 1,2022,to June 30,2024,were selected as research subjects.These infants were categorized into two groups:the LOS group and the non-LOS group,based on whether they developed LOS.LASSO regression analysis,alongside univariate and multivariate regression analyses,was employed to identify predictive factors for LOS in this population.A Logistic model was constructed using the optimal combination of predictive variables,and a risk assessment scale was subsequently developed.The prediction performance of the model was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square test and the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results:A total of 444 cases of very low birth weight infants were included,of which 185 had LOS and 259 did not.After screening the variables,seven independent factors were included into the model:birth weight,gestational age,tracheal intubation,abnormal skin color,abdominal distension,elevated C-reactive protein levels,and right hand perfusion index.A predictive scoring scale was developed based on the regression coefficients of each variable,with corresponding risk scores assigned as follows:1,4,3,2,1,1,and 2; a score of ≥3.5 indicated high-risk groups.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results demonstrated that χ2 = 7.602( P = 0.473).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.792 ( P<0.001),with a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 71.0%. Conclusion:The risk score scale developed in this study exhibits significant predictive capability,providing valuable insights for clinical medical personnel to assess the risk of LOS in very low birth weight infants during the early postnatal period.

Objective:To investigate the association between homocysteine (Hcy) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), as well as its impact on clinical pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). Methods:This retrospective cohort study collected clinical data from patients undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET at the Reproductive Health Hospital of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between December 2020 and March 2024. Patients were divided into no history of pregnancy loss group (named control group, n=1 027) and RPL group ( n=743) based on history of pregnancy loss. Peripheral blood Hcy levels were compared between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for confounding factors and determine whether Hcy is an independent risk factor for RPL. RPL patients were divided into four subgroups based on Hcy quartiles, named Q1 subgroup (Hcy<7.03 μmol/L), Q2 subgroup (7.03 μmol/L≤Hcy<8.63 μmol/L), Q3 subgroup (8.63 μmol/L≤Hcy<10.44 μmol/L), and Q4 subgroup (Hcy≥10.44 μmol/L), to further analyze the impact of Hcy level on pregnancy outcomes after IVF/ICSI-ET in these patients. Results:1) Baseline characteristics between control and RPL groups: statistically significant differences were observed in female age, male age, female body mass index (BMI), duration of infertility, cause of infertility, and peripheral blood Hcy levels (all P<0.05). 2) After adjusting for female age, male age, female BMI, duration of infertility, and cause of infertility via multivariate logistic regression, elevated Hcy levels was identified as an independent risk factor for RPL (a OR=1.366, 95% CI: 1.298-1.438, P<0.001). 3) Baseline characteristics of the four RPL subgroups: antral follicle count (AFC) differed significantly among Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 subgroups [17.00 (11.00, 24.00), 15.00 (10.00, 24.00), 14.00 (7.00, 22.25), 15.50 (8.00, 22.00), P=0.043]. No statistically significant differences were observed in other baseline characteristics (all P>0.05). 4) Pregnancy outcomes across the four RPL subgroups: miscarriage rates in the Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 subgroups were 18.18% (18/99), 30.61% (30/98), 33.70% (31/92), and 35.96% (32/89), respectively, live birth rates were 44.26% (81/183), 36.17% (68/188), 32.80% (61/186), and 30.65% (57/186), respectively. Intergroup differences in miscarriage rate and live birth rate were statistically significant ( P=0.033, P=0.036). Specifically, miscarriage rate in the Q3 and Q4 subgroups, and live birth rate in the Q4 subgroup were significantly higher than those in the Q1 subgroup (all q<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in clinical pregnancy rate or early miscarriage rate among the four groups (all P>0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors using multivariate logistic regression, taking the Q1 subgroup as the control, there were no statistically significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate between the remaining groups and the Q1 subgroup (all P>0.05). The early miscarriage rate in the Q3 subgroup (a OR=2.184, 95% CI: 1.077-4.426, P=0.030) and the early miscarriage rate in the Q4 subgroup (a OR=2.290, 95% CI: 1.116-4.697, P=0.024) were significantly higher than those in the Q1 subgroup; the miscarriage rate in the Q3 subgroup (a OR=2.207, 95% CI: 1.125-4.330, P=0.021) and the miscarriage rate in the Q4 subgroup (a OR=2.377, 95% CI: 1.209-4.674, P=0.012) were significantly higher than those in the Q1 subgroup; the live birth rate in the Q3 subgroup (a OR=0.615, 95% CI: 0.401-0.944, P=0.026) and the live birth rate in the Q4 subgroup (a OR=0.560, 95% CI: 0.364-0.863, P=0.009) were significantly lower than those in the Q1 subgroup. Conclusion:Elevated Hcy is a high-risk factor for RPL in IVF/ICSI-ET patients and may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes.

Objective:To analyze the predictive factors associated with late-onset sepsis(LOS) in very low birth weight infants,and to develop a risk prediction score scale applicable to these infants three days postnatal.This will provide valuable insights for early diagnosis and timely intervention.Methods:Very low birth weight infants admitted to the Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 1,2022,to June 30,2024,were selected as research subjects.These infants were categorized into two groups:the LOS group and the non-LOS group,based on whether they developed LOS.LASSO regression analysis,alongside univariate and multivariate regression analyses,was employed to identify predictive factors for LOS in this population.A Logistic model was constructed using the optimal combination of predictive variables,and a risk assessment scale was subsequently developed.The prediction performance of the model was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square test and the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results:A total of 444 cases of very low birth weight infants were included,of which 185 had LOS and 259 did not.After screening the variables,seven independent factors were included into the model:birth weight,gestational age,tracheal intubation,abnormal skin color,abdominal distension,elevated C-reactive protein levels,and right hand perfusion index.A predictive scoring scale was developed based on the regression coefficients of each variable,with corresponding risk scores assigned as follows:1,4,3,2,1,1,and 2; a score of ≥3.5 indicated high-risk groups.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results demonstrated that χ2 = 7.602( P = 0.473).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.792 ( P<0.001),with a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 71.0%. Conclusion:The risk score scale developed in this study exhibits significant predictive capability,providing valuable insights for clinical medical personnel to assess the risk of LOS in very low birth weight infants during the early postnatal period.

Objective To explore whether voluntary wheel running affects liver oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,thereby alleviating HFFC diet-related lipid deposition in the liver.Methods Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal diet group(NC group,n=10)and high-fat,fructose,and cholesterol diet group(HFFC group,n=20)after 1 week of adaptive feeding.Ten weeks of feeding later,mice in the HFFC group were divided into a quiet group(HFFC group,n=10)and HFFC combined with exercise group(HFFC+EX group,n=10).HFFC+EX group mice were caged with voluntary running wheels for free movement,and the number of running wheels was recorded every day for 8 weeks.After the last treatment,the mice were sacrificed by fasting for 12 hours at an interval of 24 hours,and the blood and liver were collected for analysis.Results(1)Body weight,liver weight,and liver index of mice fed the HFFC diet were significantly higher than those of the NC group,which significantly decreased after exercise(P＜0.05).(2)Compared with the NC group,HDL-C and LDL-C in the HFFC group were significantly increased,and the LDL-C level was significantly decreased after 8 weeks of exercise(P＜0.05).(3)The liver fat droplet area and liver TG content in the HFFC group were significantly higher than those in the NC group,whereas those in HFFC+EX group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).(4)Compared with the NC group,the content of oxidase MDA in the HFFC group were significantly increased,and nuclear translocation and gene expression of Nrf2 were significantly decreased.After exercise,the activities of SOD and T-AOC were significantly increased,and the nuclear translocation and gene expression of Nrf2 and expression levels of HO-1 and SOD-1 were significantly increased(P＜0.05).(5)The number of apoptotic hepatocytes and CHOP expression in the HFFC diet group were significantly higher than those in the NC group,whereas the number of apoptotic hepatocytes,and CHOP and Bax/Bcl-2 expression in the exercise group were significantly lower than those in the NC group(P＜0.05).Conclusions Voluntary wheel can alleviate HFFC diet induced liver lipid deposition by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,thereby alleviating oxidative stress and reducing apoptosis in liver cells.

Background::Few evidence is available in the early prediction models of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to develop and validate a novel genetic-clinical-radiological nomogram for evaluating BPSD in patients with AD and explore its underlying nutritional mechanism.Methods::This retrospective study included 165 patients with AD from the Chinese Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle (CIBL) cohort between June 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Data on demographics, neuropsychological assessments, single-nucleotide polymorphisms of AD risk genes, and regional brain volumes were collected. A multivariate logistic regression model identified BPSD-associated factors, for subsequently constructing a diagnostic nomogram. This nomogram was internally validated through 1000-bootstrap resampling and externally validated using a time-series split based on the CIBL cohort data between June 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023. Area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability of the nomogram.Results::Factors independently associated with BPSD were: CETP rs1800775 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.137, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.276-13.415, P = 0.018), decreased Mini Nutritional Assessment score (OR = 0.187, 95% CI: 0.086-0.405, P <0.001), increased caregiver burden inventory score (OR = 8.993, 95% CI: 3.830-21.119, P <0.001), and decreased brain stem volume (OR = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.001-0.191, P = 0.004). These variables were incorporated into the nomogram. The area under the ROC curve was 0.925 (95% CI: 0.884-0.967, P <0.001) in the internal validation and 0.791 (95% CI: 0.686-0.895, P <0.001) in the external validation. The calibration plots showed favorable consistency between the prediction of nomogram and actual observations, and the DCA showed that the model was clinically useful in both validations. Conclusion::A novel nomogram was established and validated based on lipid metabolism-related genes, nutritional status, and brain stem volumes, which may allow patients with AD to benefit from early triage and more intensive monitoring of BPSD.Registration::Chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2100049131.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and their correlation with cognitive scores in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:In this cross-section study, 36 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) admitted to the Department of Vascular Neurology of Beijing Tiantian Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from June 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022 were selected as the PSCI group. And one to one matching was performed for patients without PSCI (PSNCI group) with an age±1 year and same gender admitted to the hospital during the same period (as control, 36 cases). Basic clinical data of the two groups were collected, the laboratory and imaging examinations were completed. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) were used for cognitive evaluation by neuropsychologists. Hypothesis testing was used to compare the differences in basic data, laboratory tests and lesion sites between the two groups. Multi-factor conditional logistic regression was performed to analyze the influencing factors of PSCI, and Spearman correlation analysis was carried out to analyze the correlation between influencing factors of PSCI and the cognitive scores.Results:Compared with those in PSNCI group, the proportion of patients with stroke/transient ischemic attack history, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), apolipoprotein E(ApoE) ε4 carriers and the ratio of temporal lobe and thalamus infarction were higher in PSCI group (41.7% vs 13.9%, 36.1% vs 2.8%, 30.6% vs 5.6%, 22.3% vs 2.8%, 25.0% vs 5.6%), the MMSE and MoCA scores were lower in PSCI group [16.50 (8.25, 19.00) vs 28.00 (27.00, 30.00), 10.00 (4.25, 14.50) vs 27.00 (25.00, 28.00)] (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that HHcy was a positive correlation factor for PSCI ( OR=2.342, 95% CI=1.186-4.622, P=0.014). Spearman correlation analysis showed that MMSE ( r=-0.415) and MoCA ( r=-0.417) scores were negatively correlated with homocysteine (Hcy) (both P<0.05). Conclusion:HHcy is an important factor affecting the occurrence and development of PSCI in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and Hcy level is negatively correlated with cognitive scores in those patients.

Objective: To establish a metabonomics research technique based on the combination of

OBJECTIVETo assess the feasibility of chromosomal microarray analysis(CMA) for studying the correlation between birth defects and chromosomal aberrations.

METHODSA total of 2000 patients with birth defects were recruited for the CMA testing.

RESULTSFive hundred twenty two patients (26.1%) were found to have chromosomal abnormalities. These included 24 cases with numerical abnormalities, 11 with mosaicisms, and 11 with uniparental disomies. The remaining 476 cases were of well-known microdeletion or microduplication syndromes. The advantage of CMA over conventional karyotyping was demonstrated in many cases.

CONCLUSIONAs a powerful tool for patients with birth defects, CMA can produce a higher diagnostic yield compared with conventional karyotyping.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Chromosome Disorders ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Dosage ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis

OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between spontaneous miscarriage and chromosomal aberrations identifiable with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA).

METHODSA total of 440 product-of-conceptions were collected for the CMA testing.

RESULTSFour hundred and seventeen of 440 specimens (94.7%) were successfully detected, among which 209 (50.1%) were chromosomal abnormalities. One hundred and twenty-nine (61.7%) of the 209 specimens were numerical chromosomal abnormalities, 40 specimens (19.1%) were structural anomalies, 38 specimens (18.1%) were mosaicisms, and 2 specimens (1.0%) showed regions of homozygosity.

CONCLUSIONCMA analysis of products of-conception specimens can yield a higher diagnostic rate than conventional karyotyping. The identification of the cause of spontaneous miscarriage can facilitate estimation of recurrence risks for future pregnancies.

Abortion, Spontaneous ; etiology ; genetics ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Microarray Analysis ; methods ; Pregnancy