1.Genetic Analysis of Prenatal Renal Abnormalities in 17q12 Microdeletion Syndrome
Yongmei SHEN ; Yaqi LI ; Xiaomin ZHAO ; Lei ZHANG ; Liying YAO ; Jiasong CAO ; Qimei LIN ; Hefei WANG ; Maolin NIE ; Rongxin WEI ; Ying CHANG
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2025;07(3):151-156
Objective::To analyze fetal renal abnormality genetic features and the prenatal characteristics of the 17q12 microdeletion syndrome.Methods::This prospective cohort study examined prenatal ultrasound findings of renal abnormalities in pregnant women who underwent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array or copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) testing on amniotic fluid or fetal tissue at Tianjin Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between January 2016 and August 2022. The study cohort comprised women with advanced maternal age, fetal ultrasound anomalies, high-risk non-invasive prenatal testing results, or suspected 17q12 microdeletion syndrome. Comprehensive clinical data, including maternal age, detailed ultrasound findings, and pregnancy outcomes, were systematically collected. SNP-array analysis was conducted using an Affymetrix CytoScan 750 K Array Chip to identify CNVs and loss of heterozygosity, while CNV-seq was performed on the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Detected variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0.Results::Abnormal renal development was identified in 141 patients, among whom 26 exhibited hyperechogenic kidneys (HCK). Of these, 12 cases were associated with 17q12 microdeletion syndrome, while the remaining 14 were linked to other chromosomal abnormalities. When excluding patients with HCK, those diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease demonstrated a higher prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities compared to those with multicystic dysplastic kidney and renal dysplasia. Although isolated conditions such as horseshoe kidney, hydronephrosis, ectopic kidney, and unilateral kidney typically presented with normal chromosomal findings, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities increased when these conditions coexisted with other anomalies. A detailed analysis of the correlation between 17q12 microdeletion syndrome and HCK revealed that 12 out of the 14 patients diagnosed with 17q12 microdeletion syndrome exhibited HCK. Genetic testing confirmed the syndrome in seven patients, with five cases attributed to novel mutations and two cases resulting from inherited mutations.Conclusion::Fetal HCK was closely associated with the 17q12 microdeletion syndrome, and polycystic kidney disease showed a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosome test results were mostly normal in patients with other renal abnormalities, such as kidney dysplasia, horseshoe kidneys, hydronephrosis, kidney deficiency, and ectopic kidneys. Prenatal diagnosis is recommended, especially in cases of non-isolated fetal renal abnormalities. This study provides strong evidence supporting a link between fetal renal abnormalities and genetic syndromes.
2.Genetic Analysis of Prenatal Renal Abnormalities in 17q12 Microdeletion Syndrome
Yongmei SHEN ; Yaqi LI ; Xiaomin ZHAO ; Lei ZHANG ; Liying YAO ; Jiasong CAO ; Qimei LIN ; Hefei WANG ; Maolin NIE ; Rongxin WEI ; Ying CHANG
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2025;07(3):151-156
Objective::To analyze fetal renal abnormality genetic features and the prenatal characteristics of the 17q12 microdeletion syndrome.Methods::This prospective cohort study examined prenatal ultrasound findings of renal abnormalities in pregnant women who underwent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array or copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) testing on amniotic fluid or fetal tissue at Tianjin Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between January 2016 and August 2022. The study cohort comprised women with advanced maternal age, fetal ultrasound anomalies, high-risk non-invasive prenatal testing results, or suspected 17q12 microdeletion syndrome. Comprehensive clinical data, including maternal age, detailed ultrasound findings, and pregnancy outcomes, were systematically collected. SNP-array analysis was conducted using an Affymetrix CytoScan 750 K Array Chip to identify CNVs and loss of heterozygosity, while CNV-seq was performed on the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Detected variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0.Results::Abnormal renal development was identified in 141 patients, among whom 26 exhibited hyperechogenic kidneys (HCK). Of these, 12 cases were associated with 17q12 microdeletion syndrome, while the remaining 14 were linked to other chromosomal abnormalities. When excluding patients with HCK, those diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease demonstrated a higher prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities compared to those with multicystic dysplastic kidney and renal dysplasia. Although isolated conditions such as horseshoe kidney, hydronephrosis, ectopic kidney, and unilateral kidney typically presented with normal chromosomal findings, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities increased when these conditions coexisted with other anomalies. A detailed analysis of the correlation between 17q12 microdeletion syndrome and HCK revealed that 12 out of the 14 patients diagnosed with 17q12 microdeletion syndrome exhibited HCK. Genetic testing confirmed the syndrome in seven patients, with five cases attributed to novel mutations and two cases resulting from inherited mutations.Conclusion::Fetal HCK was closely associated with the 17q12 microdeletion syndrome, and polycystic kidney disease showed a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosome test results were mostly normal in patients with other renal abnormalities, such as kidney dysplasia, horseshoe kidneys, hydronephrosis, kidney deficiency, and ectopic kidneys. Prenatal diagnosis is recommended, especially in cases of non-isolated fetal renal abnormalities. This study provides strong evidence supporting a link between fetal renal abnormalities and genetic syndromes.
3.Application effect of population/patient, intervention/exposure, comparison/control, and outcome principles based on evidence-based medicine in case reports of residents in operative dentistry and endodontics
Yu DU ; Sui MAI ; Qimei GONG ; Jingjing QUAN ; Xi WEI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(8):1139-1143
Objective:To investigate the application effect of population/patient, intervention/exposure, comparison/control, and outcome (PICO) principles based on evidence-based medicine in case reports of residents in operative dentistry and endodontics.Methods:A total of 56 residents in Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics in Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, were selected and randomly divided into experimental group and control group, with 28 residents in each group. The residents in the experimental group were guided by the teachers to apply PICO principles in preparing case reports, and those in the control group were guided by the teachers to prepare traditional case reports. The two groups were compared in terms of the language expression of case reports, the completeness of case records, the rationality and advancement of the diagnosis and treatment regimen, and the logicality and scientificity of discussion, and a questionnaire survey was performed for both groups. SPSS 24.0 software was used to perform the descriptive statistical analysis, the t-test, and the chi-square test. Results:The experimental group had a significantly higher mean score of case report than the control group in department examination [(89.25±3.24) vs. (86.32±3.55), t=3.23, P=0.002], especially the score of the logicality and scientificity of discussion [(27.25±0.16) vs. (23.78±0.36), t=8.77, P<0.001]. The questionnaire survey showed that the experimental group had a significant increase in the frequency of participating in case reports ( P=0.035). Conclusions:The application of PICO principles can enhance the overall quality of case reports by residents and improve their enthusiasm in participating in case reports in department of operative dentistry and endodontics.
4.Mechanisms of Immune Tolerance and Inflammation via Gonadal Steroid Hormones in Preterm Birth
Yongmei SHEN ; Yaqi LI ; Jiasong CAO ; Wen LI ; Qimei LIN ; Jianxi WANG ; Zhuo WEI ; Ying CHANG
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2023;05(4):229-237
In 2019, preterm births (PTB) accounted for approximately 0.66 million deaths globally. PTB is also associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality and long-term complications for newborns. Long-term studies associated several factors, including disruption of immune tolerance and inflammation, with PTB. However, the pathogenesis of PTB remains unclear. Gonadal steroid hormones are critical for pregnancy maintenance and regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. However, it is not clear how unbalanced gonadal steroid hormones, such as imbalanced estrogen/androgen or estrogen/progesterone contribute to PTB. In this review, we discuss how gonadal steroid hormones mediate dysfunction in immune tolerance and inflammatory responses, which are known to promote the occurrence of PTB, and provide insight into PTB prediction.
5.Expression of Key Steroidogenic Enzymes in Human Placenta and Associated Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Jiasong CAO ; Yixin WANG ; Shuqi WANG ; Yongmei SHEN ; Wen LI ; Zhuo WEI ; Shanshan LI ; Qimei LIN ; Ying CHANG
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2023;05(3):163-172
Steroid hormones, including progestagens, estrogens, androgens, corticosteroids, and their precursor cholesterol, perform essential functions in the successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and normal fetal development. As the core endocrine organ at the prenatal stage, the human placenta is involved in the biosynthesis, metabolism, and delivery of steroid hormones. Steroidogenic pathways are tightly regulated by placenta-intrinsic cytochrome P450 and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. However, the relationship between placental steroidogenic enzyme expression and adverse pregnancy outcomes is controversial. In this review, we summarize the possible upstream regulatory mechanisms of placental steroidogenic enzymes in physiologic and pathophysiologic states. We also describe the human placental barrier model and examine the potential of single-cell sequencing for evaluating the primary functions and cellular origin of steroidogenic enzymes. Finally, we examine the existing evidence for the association between placental steroidogenic enzyme dysregulation and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
6.Mechanisms of Immune Tolerance and Inflammation via Gonadal Steroid Hormones in Preterm Birth
Yongmei SHEN ; Yaqi LI ; Jiasong CAO ; Wen LI ; Qimei LIN ; Jianxi WANG ; Zhuo WEI ; Ying CHANG
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2023;05(4):229-237
In 2019, preterm births (PTB) accounted for approximately 0.66 million deaths globally. PTB is also associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality and long-term complications for newborns. Long-term studies associated several factors, including disruption of immune tolerance and inflammation, with PTB. However, the pathogenesis of PTB remains unclear. Gonadal steroid hormones are critical for pregnancy maintenance and regulation of immune and inflammatory responses. However, it is not clear how unbalanced gonadal steroid hormones, such as imbalanced estrogen/androgen or estrogen/progesterone contribute to PTB. In this review, we discuss how gonadal steroid hormones mediate dysfunction in immune tolerance and inflammatory responses, which are known to promote the occurrence of PTB, and provide insight into PTB prediction.
7.Expression of Key Steroidogenic Enzymes in Human Placenta and Associated Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Jiasong CAO ; Yixin WANG ; Shuqi WANG ; Yongmei SHEN ; Wen LI ; Zhuo WEI ; Shanshan LI ; Qimei LIN ; Ying CHANG
Maternal-Fetal Medicine 2023;05(3):163-172
Steroid hormones, including progestagens, estrogens, androgens, corticosteroids, and their precursor cholesterol, perform essential functions in the successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and normal fetal development. As the core endocrine organ at the prenatal stage, the human placenta is involved in the biosynthesis, metabolism, and delivery of steroid hormones. Steroidogenic pathways are tightly regulated by placenta-intrinsic cytochrome P450 and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. However, the relationship between placental steroidogenic enzyme expression and adverse pregnancy outcomes is controversial. In this review, we summarize the possible upstream regulatory mechanisms of placental steroidogenic enzymes in physiologic and pathophysiologic states. We also describe the human placental barrier model and examine the potential of single-cell sequencing for evaluating the primary functions and cellular origin of steroidogenic enzymes. Finally, we examine the existing evidence for the association between placental steroidogenic enzyme dysregulation and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
8.Research progress on application of artificial intelligence in early diagnosis and prediction of sepsis
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2022;34(11):1218-1221
Machine learning based artificial intelligence technology for big data processing has shown great potential in predicting patients' conditions and aiding clinical decisions, and has been widely used in the development of clinical decision support systems in recent years. Sepsis is a life -threatening organ dysfunction caused by host response disorder caused by infection, and its early recognition and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of patients. At present, there are many deficiencies in the clinical application of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), bedside quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA), national early warning score (NEWS), inflammatory indicators, and novel biomarkers for evaluating sepsis. Artificial intelligence has promoted the development of critical care medicine because of its ability to rapidly process and analyze massive data of severe patients. This paper reviews the recent application of artificial intelligence in the early diagnosis and prediction of sepsis, in order to emphasize the importance and limitations of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis and prediction of sepsis.
9.Application of self-management-oriented network platform in depression rehabilitation
Hongfen XIE ; Xiaoyan JI ; Guimei WANG ; Qimei HU ; Jianqing JIA ; Wei JIANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2020;26(29):4072-4077
Objective:To explore the application and effects of the self-management-oriented network platform in depression rehabilitation.Methods:Totally 118 patients with depression discharged from a municipal mental health center and the communities that it governs between January and December 2017 were selected by convenient sampling and divided into the study group and the control group by Excel sheets, with 59 cases in each group, of which 2 cases dropped out from the study group. Patients in the control group received routine disease management, while patients in the study group received self-management and education via the depression network management platform after a personalized management plan was formulated upon discharge on this basis. After 6 months of intervention, the improvements in satisfaction, self-efficacy and suicidal risks were compared between the two groups.Results:After intervention, the satisfaction scores of visit time, visit attitude, visit content, and humanistic care of the study group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) ; the General Self-Efficacy Scale score of the study group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) ; the scores of despair, optimism, and sleep factors in suicidal ideation in the study group were lower than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The self-management-oriented network platform management model for discharged patients with depression can improve patient satisfaction, enhance their sense of self-efficacy, reduce the risk of suicide, and strengthen their self-management capabilities.
10.The effect and mechanism of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR)in inducing vasculogenic mimicry formation
Xi ZHANG ; Qimei ZHAO ; Chunyan WEI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2015;(6):739-742
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of EGFR in inducing vasculogenic mimicry (VM)formation.Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of EGFR protein and CD34-PAS double staining was used to detect the VM in gliomas paraffin blocks.The migration and VM formation of U87 cell in hypoxic and normoxic groups were detected by transwell and three-dimensional culture.Then we used Western blot to detect the expressions of EGFR,AKT and PI3K protein.Results The positive rate of EGFR expression in VM positive patients was 94.4%,which was significantly higher than that in VM negative patients (71.8%).In hypoxic group,the abilities of migration and VM formation were significantly higher those in normoxic group.The expressions of EGFR,AKT and PI3K were higher in hypoxic group.Conclusion VM formation can be induced by the activation of EGFR/AKT/PI3K signaling pathway.EGFR is very important for VM formation.

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