Objective:To carry out carrier screening among people of childbearing age, detect the pathogenic genes of monogenic genetic diseases and analyze the carrier status of pathogenic variants, so as to provide fertility guidance and intervention measures for high-risk families.Methods:From August 2022 to August 2023, 1 533 families of childbearing age who met the criteria were recruited in the Chinese PLA General Hospital, including a total of 3 044 subjects. According to the standard enrollment procedure, 223 genes (197 autosomal recessive genes and 26 X-linked genes) of the subjects were tested. According to the screening results, genetic counseling and fertility guidance were provided to the subjects. Invasive prenatal diagnosis was performed for high-risk couples (both couples being carriers of the same autosomal recessive disease gene or the woman was a carrier of X-linked disease gene), and their pregnancy pattern, outcome and offspring phenotype were followed up.Results:(1) A total of 3 044 cases from 1 511 couples and women of childbearing age from 22 families were included for carrier screening. Totally 1 503 families chose simultaneous screening and 30 families chose sequential screening out of the 1 533 families. Among the 3 044 subjects, 1 603 individuals carried at least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant, and the overall carrier rate was 52.66% (1 603/3 044). A total of 2 292 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected, and 0.75 variants (2 292/3 044) were detected per capita. (2) The three genes with the highest carrier rates were GJB2 (8.67%, 264/3 044), CYP21A2 (3.19%, 97/3 044) and PAH (3.09%, 94/3 044). There were 32 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/200, 17 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/100, and 7 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/50. (3) Thirty-eight high-risk families were identified. After excluding G6PD gene mutation, there were 33 high-risk families, of which 25 couples were carriers of the same autosomal recessive gene, 9 women were carriers of X-linked gene, and 1 family was double high-risk couple with both autosomal recessive and X-linked gene. After further excluding the GJB2 c.109G>A mutation, 21 high-risk families were identified. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease was performed in 12 families after genetic counseling. Prenatal diagnosis was completed in 4 out of 5 high-risk families who conceived naturally. Two fetuses carried the parental variants and terminated the pregnancy, one fetus did not carry the parental variants but was induced due to trisomy 21 syndrome, and one fetus was a carrier of congenital disorders of glycosylation type 1a.Conclusions:Carrier screening effectively identifies high-risk genetic disease families and provides reproductive guidance to prevent the birth of affected children. However, establishing multidisciplinary team is essential for managing complex cases. Implementation should prioritize prenatal institutions with genetic counseling or diagnostic expertise for monogenic disorders or established referral networks.

Objective:To reassess the pathogenicity of copy number variants (CNVs) involving chromosomal microdeletions and microduplications classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS).Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 1 882 pregnant women who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis for chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) at the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. The results were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, with 82 fetuses rated as VUS selected for the study. We analyzed invasive prenatal diagnostic indications, followed up on fetal ultrasound findings, parental origin identification results, and pregnancy outcomes, and reclassified VUS CNVs based on the latest evidence. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to the data.Results:(1) Among the 82 fetuses with VUS CNVs, prenatal diagnostic indications included fetal structural abnormalities detected by ultrasound (21 cases, 25.6%), abnormal non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results (12 cases, 14.6%), high-risk serum screening (seven cases, 8.5%), advanced maternal age (≥35 years at expected delivery, 28 cases, 34.1%), and other indications (14 cases, 17.1%). Sixteen cases (19.5%) exhibited abnormal phenotypes, with seven pregnancies terminated due to severe structural abnormalities detected by prenatal ultrasound. Seventy-five live births were followed up for 25 (13-66) months. (2) Among the 82 cases, five fetuses had two VUS CNVs detected by CMA, while the remaining 77 had only one, totaling 87 VUS CNVs. Of these, 63 (72.4%) were chromosomal microduplications and 24 (27.6%) were chromosomal microdeletions. The size of the CNV segments ranged from 0.85 (0.05-5.61) Mb, with 82 segments less than 2 Mb. Parental origin identification was refused by 44 cases (53.7%), while 38 (46.3%) underwent the test, revealing eight (21.0%) de novo variants and 30 (78.9%) inherited from either parent (12 maternal and 18 paternal). (3) Among the 87 VUS CNVs, the ratings of 11 CNVs (12.6%) changed after re-evaluation. This included one 4p16.2 microdeletion and two 15q11.2 microdeletions being upgraded to pathogenic, one 16p13.11 microduplication being upgraded to likely pathogenic, one Xp22.31 microduplication and two 2q13 microdeletions being downgraded to likely benign, and four Xp22.31 microduplications being downgraded to benign. (4) Among the 16 fetuses with abnormal phenotypes, seven with prenatal abnormalities terminated pregnancies, including six with structural abnormalities and one with severe fetal growth restriction. After re-evaluation, one case was upgraded to pathogenic, while six remained VUS. Nine live births with postnatal abnormal phenotypes showed no change in classification after re-evaluation. Among the 66 cases (80.5%) without abnormal phenotypes, 10 had their classifications changed after re-evaluation. Conclusions:Fetuses with VUS CNVs often exhibit no significant abnormal phenotypes and have a relatively favorable prognosis, however, further floow-up is still needed. Parental origin identification can provide valuable insights for genetic counseling.

Objective:To carry out carrier screening among people of childbearing age, detect the pathogenic genes of monogenic genetic diseases and analyze the carrier status of pathogenic variants, so as to provide fertility guidance and intervention measures for high-risk families.Methods:From August 2022 to August 2023, 1 533 families of childbearing age who met the criteria were recruited in the Chinese PLA General Hospital, including a total of 3 044 subjects. According to the standard enrollment procedure, 223 genes (197 autosomal recessive genes and 26 X-linked genes) of the subjects were tested. According to the screening results, genetic counseling and fertility guidance were provided to the subjects. Invasive prenatal diagnosis was performed for high-risk couples (both couples being carriers of the same autosomal recessive disease gene or the woman was a carrier of X-linked disease gene), and their pregnancy pattern, outcome and offspring phenotype were followed up.Results:(1) A total of 3 044 cases from 1 511 couples and women of childbearing age from 22 families were included for carrier screening. Totally 1 503 families chose simultaneous screening and 30 families chose sequential screening out of the 1 533 families. Among the 3 044 subjects, 1 603 individuals carried at least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant, and the overall carrier rate was 52.66% (1 603/3 044). A total of 2 292 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected, and 0.75 variants (2 292/3 044) were detected per capita. (2) The three genes with the highest carrier rates were GJB2 (8.67%, 264/3 044), CYP21A2 (3.19%, 97/3 044) and PAH (3.09%, 94/3 044). There were 32 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/200, 17 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/100, and 7 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/50. (3) Thirty-eight high-risk families were identified. After excluding G6PD gene mutation, there were 33 high-risk families, of which 25 couples were carriers of the same autosomal recessive gene, 9 women were carriers of X-linked gene, and 1 family was double high-risk couple with both autosomal recessive and X-linked gene. After further excluding the GJB2 c.109G>A mutation, 21 high-risk families were identified. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease was performed in 12 families after genetic counseling. Prenatal diagnosis was completed in 4 out of 5 high-risk families who conceived naturally. Two fetuses carried the parental variants and terminated the pregnancy, one fetus did not carry the parental variants but was induced due to trisomy 21 syndrome, and one fetus was a carrier of congenital disorders of glycosylation type 1a.Conclusions:Carrier screening effectively identifies high-risk genetic disease families and provides reproductive guidance to prevent the birth of affected children. However, establishing multidisciplinary team is essential for managing complex cases. Implementation should prioritize prenatal institutions with genetic counseling or diagnostic expertise for monogenic disorders or established referral networks.

Objective:To reassess the pathogenicity of copy number variants (CNVs) involving chromosomal microdeletions and microduplications classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS).Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 1 882 pregnant women who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis for chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) at the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. The results were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, with 82 fetuses rated as VUS selected for the study. We analyzed invasive prenatal diagnostic indications, followed up on fetal ultrasound findings, parental origin identification results, and pregnancy outcomes, and reclassified VUS CNVs based on the latest evidence. Descriptive statistical analysis was applied to the data.Results:(1) Among the 82 fetuses with VUS CNVs, prenatal diagnostic indications included fetal structural abnormalities detected by ultrasound (21 cases, 25.6%), abnormal non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results (12 cases, 14.6%), high-risk serum screening (seven cases, 8.5%), advanced maternal age (≥35 years at expected delivery, 28 cases, 34.1%), and other indications (14 cases, 17.1%). Sixteen cases (19.5%) exhibited abnormal phenotypes, with seven pregnancies terminated due to severe structural abnormalities detected by prenatal ultrasound. Seventy-five live births were followed up for 25 (13-66) months. (2) Among the 82 cases, five fetuses had two VUS CNVs detected by CMA, while the remaining 77 had only one, totaling 87 VUS CNVs. Of these, 63 (72.4%) were chromosomal microduplications and 24 (27.6%) were chromosomal microdeletions. The size of the CNV segments ranged from 0.85 (0.05-5.61) Mb, with 82 segments less than 2 Mb. Parental origin identification was refused by 44 cases (53.7%), while 38 (46.3%) underwent the test, revealing eight (21.0%) de novo variants and 30 (78.9%) inherited from either parent (12 maternal and 18 paternal). (3) Among the 87 VUS CNVs, the ratings of 11 CNVs (12.6%) changed after re-evaluation. This included one 4p16.2 microdeletion and two 15q11.2 microdeletions being upgraded to pathogenic, one 16p13.11 microduplication being upgraded to likely pathogenic, one Xp22.31 microduplication and two 2q13 microdeletions being downgraded to likely benign, and four Xp22.31 microduplications being downgraded to benign. (4) Among the 16 fetuses with abnormal phenotypes, seven with prenatal abnormalities terminated pregnancies, including six with structural abnormalities and one with severe fetal growth restriction. After re-evaluation, one case was upgraded to pathogenic, while six remained VUS. Nine live births with postnatal abnormal phenotypes showed no change in classification after re-evaluation. Among the 66 cases (80.5%) without abnormal phenotypes, 10 had their classifications changed after re-evaluation. Conclusions:Fetuses with VUS CNVs often exhibit no significant abnormal phenotypes and have a relatively favorable prognosis, however, further floow-up is still needed. Parental origin identification can provide valuable insights for genetic counseling.

Objective To investigate the relationship between coronary artery plaque AI quantitative parameter and FFR-CT in coronary computed tomography angiography.Methods A total of 84 patients suspected of having CAD[52 males and 32 females,aged 27 to 81 years with a mean age of(58.1±11.9)years]were enrolled in this study.All patients underwent coronary computed tomography angiography.The CCTA data was processed using shukun(SK)software for labeling and analysis of the coronary arteries,as well as obtaining quantitative parameters of coronary artery plaque AI and corresponding FFR-CT values.The quantitative parameters included plaque length,total volume,minimum lumen area(MLA),minimal lumen degree(MLD),lipid composition volume and proportion,fibrous-lipid composition volume and proportion,fibrous composition volume and proportion,calcified composition volume and proportion.Coronary artery hemodynamic abnormality or myocardial ischemia was defined as an FFR-CT value≤0.8.Correlational analysis was performed to evaluate the association between AI plaque quantitative param-eters and FFR-CT values.Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors for predicting FFR-CT≤0.8.The predictive performance of the model based on AI plaque quantitative parameters was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis and calculation of the area under the curve(AUC).Sensitivities,specificities,diagnostic test accuracy rates were also calculated.Results The predominant symptoms observed in the cohort of 84 patients were chest pain(n=39,46.4%)and distress(n=27,32.1%).Spearman analysis results revealed a weak positive correlation between FFR-CT and MLA(r=0.49,P<0.0001),while weak negative correlations were found for plaque length,total volume,lipid composition volume,fibrous-lipid composition volume,fibrous composition volume,and calcified composition volume(r=-0.44,-0.56,-0.40,-0.36,-0.42,-0.40;all P<0.05).Additionally,MLD exhibited a moderate negative correlation with FFR-CT(r=-0.60,P<0.0001).In the univariate binary logistic regression analysis,several variables including plaque length,total volume,MLA,MLD,lipid composition volume,fibrous-lipid composition volume,fibrous composition volume,and calcified composition volume were found to be independently associated with FFR-CT≤0.8(All P<0.05).The adjusted multivariate binary logistic regression analysis model revealed that MLD was the sole independent predictor(OR=1.082,95%CI:1.034～1.133,P=0.001).The logistics re-gression model expression was logit(P)=0.079X1-4.052,where X1 represents the value of MLD and achieved a predictive accuracy of 85.2%.The ROC AUC of plaque length,total volume,MLA,MLD,lipid composition vol-ume,fibrous-lipid composition volume,fibrous composition volume and calcified composition volume were 0.796,0.886,0.711,0.754 and 0.698 respectively,and the coresponding sensitivities and specificities were 47.83%,73.91%,73.90%,52.17%,60.87%and 92.11%,73.68%,60.53%,84.21%,89.47%.The five in-dexes combined diagnostic model possessed the largest AUC of 0.906,and 73.91%,71.05%of sensitivity and specificity.Conclusion The AI quantitative parameters of coronary artery plaque exhibited varying degrees of correlation with FFR-CT,while MLD emerged as the sole independent predictor of FFR-CT≤0.8,demonstrating high diagnostic efficiency.

Objective:To investigate the reasonable airflow organization and exhaust system facilities during the operation of the inspection workshop, and solve the problem of the accumulation of harmful gases such as ozone and nitrogen oxides in the workshop.Methods:In May 2023, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology was used to numerically simulate the diffusion of ozone and nitrogen oxides generated by industrial radiographic inspection operations, and the comparative detection method was used to analyze the ozone and nitrogen oxides concentrations before and after the renovation of the ventilation system of the inspection workshop.Results:After the renovation of ventilation system, the average concentration of ozone in the inspection workshop decreased from 0.81 mg/m 3 to 0.03 mg/m 3, and the average concentration of nitrogen oxides decreased from 0.42 mg/m 3 to 0.01 mg/m 3, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=20.51, 10.38, P<0.001) . Conclusion:The ventilation facilities of the inspection workshop are set up in the airflow organization mode of sending up and down the exhaust, and the ventilation pipes are scientifically designed through the calculation of ventilation hydraulic balance, which can effectively control the concentration of harmful gases in the inspection workshop.

Objective:To investigate the reasonable airflow organization and exhaust system facilities during the operation of the inspection workshop, and solve the problem of the accumulation of harmful gases such as ozone and nitrogen oxides in the workshop.Methods:In May 2023, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology was used to numerically simulate the diffusion of ozone and nitrogen oxides generated by industrial radiographic inspection operations, and the comparative detection method was used to analyze the ozone and nitrogen oxides concentrations before and after the renovation of the ventilation system of the inspection workshop.Results:After the renovation of ventilation system, the average concentration of ozone in the inspection workshop decreased from 0.81 mg/m 3 to 0.03 mg/m 3, and the average concentration of nitrogen oxides decreased from 0.42 mg/m 3 to 0.01 mg/m 3, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=20.51, 10.38, P<0.001) . Conclusion:The ventilation facilities of the inspection workshop are set up in the airflow organization mode of sending up and down the exhaust, and the ventilation pipes are scientifically designed through the calculation of ventilation hydraulic balance, which can effectively control the concentration of harmful gases in the inspection workshop.

Osteosarcopenia is a geriatric disease in which sarcopenia and osteoporosis coexist. With the aging, the incidence of osteosarcopenia will increase significantly in the next few decades, with adverse consequences including a higher risk of falls, fractures, weakness, and death. Early diagnosis and intervention of osteosarcopenia are of great significance in improving the quality of life of the elderly. This article reviews the diagnosis, molecular mechanisms, adverse consequences, and possible treatment options for osteosarcopenia.

A 20-year-old female patient took compound Zaoren capsules (containing processed ziziphi Spinosae Semen and L-tatrahydropal matine, 1 capsule at bedtime, 12 capsules in total) by herself intermittently due to insomnia. Fifteen days later, she developed fatigue and dark yellow urine. Laboratory tests showed total bilirubin (TBil) 62 μmol/L, direct bilirubin (DBil) 49 μmol/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 1 658 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 1 525 U/L, γ-glutamic trans-ferase (GGT) 160 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 149 U/L, and total bile acid (TBA) 90.2 μmol/L. She received liver-protective treatments. After 30 days, the symptoms of fatigue and dark yellow urine were relieved, and laboratory tests showed TBil 24 μmol/L, DBil 13 μmol/L, ALT 54 U/L, AST 68 U/L, GGT 170 U/L, and ALP 90 U/L. Nine months later, the patient took compound Zaoren capsules (1 capsule/4 d, 3 capsules in total) again due to insomnia. Fourteen days later, the patient developed yellow sclera and dark yellow urine, and laboratory tests showed TBil 44 μmol/L, DBil 29 μmol/L, ALT 2 041 U/L, AST 1 152 U/L, GGT 110 U/L, ALP 155 U/L, and TBA 28.0 μmol/L. The liver-protective treatments were given again, and the symptoms of yellow sclera and urine were relieved 18 days later. Laboratory tests showed ALT 199 U/L, AST 78 U/L, and GGT 55 U/L. The liver injury is considered to be caused by tetrahydropalmatine in compound Zaoren capsules.

A 20-year-old female patient took compound Zaoren capsules (containing processed ziziphi Spinosae Semen and L-tatrahydropal matine, 1 capsule at bedtime, 12 capsules in total) by herself intermittently due to insomnia. Fifteen days later, she developed fatigue and dark yellow urine. Laboratory tests showed total bilirubin (TBil) 62 μmol/L, direct bilirubin (DBil) 49 μmol/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 1 658 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 1 525 U/L, γ-glutamic trans-ferase (GGT) 160 U/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) 149 U/L, and total bile acid (TBA) 90.2 μmol/L. She received liver-protective treatments. After 30 days, the symptoms of fatigue and dark yellow urine were relieved, and laboratory tests showed TBil 24 μmol/L, DBil 13 μmol/L, ALT 54 U/L, AST 68 U/L, GGT 170 U/L, and ALP 90 U/L. Nine months later, the patient took compound Zaoren capsules (1 capsule/4 d, 3 capsules in total) again due to insomnia. Fourteen days later, the patient developed yellow sclera and dark yellow urine, and laboratory tests showed TBil 44 μmol/L, DBil 29 μmol/L, ALT 2 041 U/L, AST 1 152 U/L, GGT 110 U/L, ALP 155 U/L, and TBA 28.0 μmol/L. The liver-protective treatments were given again, and the symptoms of yellow sclera and urine were relieved 18 days later. Laboratory tests showed ALT 199 U/L, AST 78 U/L, and GGT 55 U/L. The liver injury is considered to be caused by tetrahydropalmatine in compound Zaoren capsules.