Objective:To explore the efficacy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of fetal free DNA in maternal peripheral blood in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency (NT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1 184 singleton pregnant women that underwent chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School from June 2014 to December 2022 due to fetal increased NT (≥3.0 mm). These subjects were categorized based on whether the increased NT was accompanied by other high-risk factors into isolated increased NT without advanced maternal age (further subdivided into 3.0 mm≤NT<3.5 mm, 3.5 mm≤NT<4.0 mm, and NT≥4.0 mm subgroups), isolated increased NT with advanced maternal age, increased NT with nasal bone abnormalities, increased NT with other soft markers, and increased NT with structural abnormalities groups. Assuming the sensitivity and specificity of NIPT and expanded NIPT at this center were both 100%, genomic abnormalities outside the detection range of NIPT or expanded NIPT were termed as residual risk of NIPT or expanded NIPT. Chi-square test and Bonferroni correction were used to compare the residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT among the three subgroups of isolated increased NT without advanced maternal age group. Results:(1) In the group of isolated increased NT without advanced maternal age: For the 3.0 mm≤NT<3.5 mm subgroup (329 cases), 19 abnormalities were detected by CMA [12 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, seven cases of pathogenic copy number variation (pCNV)], with residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT both at 2.1% (7/329). For the 3.5 mm≤NT<4.0 mm subgroup (173 cases), 29 abnormalities were detected by CMA (17 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, nine cases of pCNV, three cases of chromosome unbalanced translocation), with residual risks of NIPT at 8.1% (14/173) and expanded NIPT at 7.5% (13/173). For the NT≥4.0 mm subgroup (270 cases), CMA detected abnormalities in 70 cases (50 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, 16 cases of pCNV, three cases of unbalanced translocations, and one case of sex chromosome abnormality combined with pCNV). The residual risk of NIPT was 12.2% (33/270), and the residual risk of expanded NIPT was 7.0% (19/270). The residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT in the 3.0 mm≤NT<3.5 mm subgroup were lower than those in the 3.5 mm≤NT<4.0 mm and NT≥4.0 mm subgroups (Bonferroni correction, all P<0.017). (2) In the group of 92 cases with isolated increased NT and advanced maternal age, CMA detected abnormalities in 36 cases (29 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, five cases of pCNV, one case of trisomy 21 combined with sex chromosome abnormality, and one case of trisomy 18 combined with sex chromosome abnormality). The residual risk of NIPT was 7.6% (7/92), and that of expanded NIPT was 5.4% (5/92). (3) In the group of 49 cases with increased NT combined with nasal bone abnormalities, CMA detected abnormalities in 24 cases (23 cases of chromosome aneuploidy and one case of pCNV). The residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT were both 2.0% (1/49). (4) In the group of 26 cases with increased NT combined with other soft markers, CMA detected abnormalities in nine cases (six cases of chromosome aneuploidy, one case of pCNV, and two cases of chromosome unbalanced translocations). The residual risks of NIPT and expanded NIPT were both 11.5% (3/26). (5) In the group of 245 cases with increased NT combined with structural abnormalities, CMA detected abnormalities in 121 cases (107 cases of chromosome aneuploidy, seven cases of pCNV, four cases of chromosome unbalanced translocations, one case of trisomy 21 combined with trisomy 20, and two cases of trisomy 18 combined with sex chromosome abnormalities). The residual risk of NIPT was 16.7% (41/245), and that of expanded NIPT was 4.1% (10/245). Conclusions:For isolated NT≥3.5 mm or NT≥3.0 mm combined with other high-risk factors, chorionic villus sampling in early pregnancy can be recommended, advancing the timing of prenatal diagnosis from the second trimester to the first trimester. For fetuses with isolated 3.0 mm≤NT<3.5 mm, the 2.1% residual risk of chromosomal abnormalities should be fully informed during counseling, even if the risk of NIPT is low.

Objective To investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of six types of tea(green tea,cyan tea,red tea,white tea,black tea and yellow tea)on metabolic disorders in obesity mice induced by high-fat diet(HFD).Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 8 groups with 7 mice per group.An HFD-induced obese mouse model was established,and the mice in control group maintained on standard diet followed by intragastric administration of different teas for 5 weeks.The body weight,liver weight ratio,fasting blood glucose,and lipid profile of the mice were measured to assess glucose and lipid metabolism.Serum inflammatory factors including IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and oxidative stress markers[malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were measured.Additionally,liver histopathology and the expression of key glycolipid metabolism-related genes,adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1(CPT-1),were analyzed to explore underlying mechanisms.Results Cyan tea significantly suppressed weight gain,demonstrating superior weight control.White tea markedly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and decreased the area under the curve of oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)and insulin tolerance test(ITT),indicating synergistic improvements in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.Yellow tea exhibited exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,reducing hepatic IL-6 and MDA while enhancing SOD activity.Green tea activated the lipid oxidation pathway by upregulating AMPK/CPT-1 expression.All kinds of tea significantly attenuated hepatic lipid droplet accumulation.Conclusion All six types of tea alleviated metabolic disorders by reducing hepatic fat content in obesity mice.However,different types of tea exert their unique effects on improving metabolic disorders through differential mechanisms such as glucose metabolism regulation,lipid oxidation,and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

Objective To investigate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of six types of tea(green tea,cyan tea,red tea,white tea,black tea and yellow tea)on metabolic disorders in obesity mice induced by high-fat diet(HFD).Methods Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 8 groups with 7 mice per group.An HFD-induced obese mouse model was established,and the mice in control group maintained on standard diet followed by intragastric administration of different teas for 5 weeks.The body weight,liver weight ratio,fasting blood glucose,and lipid profile of the mice were measured to assess glucose and lipid metabolism.Serum inflammatory factors including IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and oxidative stress markers[malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were measured.Additionally,liver histopathology and the expression of key glycolipid metabolism-related genes,adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1(CPT-1),were analyzed to explore underlying mechanisms.Results Cyan tea significantly suppressed weight gain,demonstrating superior weight control.White tea markedly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and decreased the area under the curve of oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)and insulin tolerance test(ITT),indicating synergistic improvements in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.Yellow tea exhibited exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,reducing hepatic IL-6 and MDA while enhancing SOD activity.Green tea activated the lipid oxidation pathway by upregulating AMPK/CPT-1 expression.All kinds of tea significantly attenuated hepatic lipid droplet accumulation.Conclusion All six types of tea alleviated metabolic disorders by reducing hepatic fat content in obesity mice.However,different types of tea exert their unique effects on improving metabolic disorders through differential mechanisms such as glucose metabolism regulation,lipid oxidation,and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.

OBJECTIVE To explore the intervention mechanism of Shangke Lengtongtie on cold hyperalgesia in KOA mice based on the HMGB1/CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.METHODS Monosodium iodoacetate(MIA)was used for the intra-articular injec-tion into the knee joint to establish mice model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Peripheral blood monocytes were extracted from mice,cultured,and then reinfused into the tail vein of the mice.Subsequently,in vivo animal imaging was used to observe the recruitment sites of these monocytes.The cold hyperalgesia threshold was measured at various time points in each group of mice.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was used to evaluate the level of synovial pathological changes.ELISA was employed to detect the expression of in-flammatory factors IL-1β,TNF-α,and pain mediators CGRP and Substance P in mouse serum.Western blot and qPCR methods were used to detect the protein and gene expression of cold hyperalgesia-related indicators such as TRPA1,TRPM8,HMGB1,CXCL12,CXCR4,Collagen Ⅰ,and Netrin-1 in synovial tissue,as well as DCC in dorsal root ganglia(DRG)tissue.RESULTS In vivo ima-ging showed that after the monocytes were reinfused into KOA mice,they were recruited to the knee joint area,with the HMGB1 group exhibiting a greater recruitment of circulating monocytes at the knee joint.Additionally,compared to the control group,the KOA group and HMGB1 group showed inflammatory pathological changes in the synovium,increased expression of serum inflammatory factors and pain mediators,reduced cold hyperalgesia threshold,and upregulated protein and gene expression of cold hyperalgesia-related indica-tors in synovial and DRG tissues.The changes were more significant in the HMGB1 group compared to the KOA group(P<0.05).Af-ter treatment with Shangke Lengtongtie or GL intervention,synovial inflammation was alleviated,serum inflammatory factors and pain mediators decreased,cold hyperalgesia threshold increased,and the upregulation of cold hyperalgesia-related indicator protein and gene expression levels was significantly reversed(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Shangke Lengtongtie exerts a beneficial effect on the mitigation of synovitis and cold hyperalgesia in KOA mice,a therapeutic mechanism that possibly mediated through the inhibition of the HMGB1/CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.

Objective To investigate the status of population dynamics and distribution changes of Aedes aegypti in Guangdong Province.Methods Continuous monitoring was conducted from May 2018 to July 2024 in Wushi Town and Qishui Town,Leizhou City,Zhanjiang City,Guangdong Province.Additionally,a survey of the distribution of Ae.aegypti along the Leizhou Peninsula coast was carried out.Results The density of Ae.aegypti in Zhanjiang showed a gradual decline from 2018 to 2024.The last detection of adult Ae.aegypti in Wushi Town was in September 2021,and the last larva was found in October 2023.No Ae.aegypti was detected in Qishui Town during surveys from 2021 to 2024.A survey of 18 coastal villages in the Leizhou Peninsula revealed no detections of Ae.aegypti.Conclusions This study provides a basis for understanding the distribution and population density fluctuations of Ae.aegypti,assessing its invasion risk,and scientifically conducting relevant prevention and control efforts.

Objective:To investigate the associations between MRI texture features and genetic mutations in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and non-ccRCC (n-ccRCC).Methods:This was a cross-section study. A retrospective review was performed on 31 patients (ccRCC group 19 cases and n-ccRCC group 12 cases) diagnosed with renal cell carcinomas and underwent targeted sequencing between April 2011 and December 2021 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. All the patients underwent MRI examinations within two weeks before partial or radical nephrectomy. Texture features were extracted from T 1WI, T 2WI, Dixon-MRI, cortical-medulla phase (CMP), nephrographic phase (NGP), and delayed phase (DEP) images. MRI texture features with the highest value for distinguishing ccRCC from n-ccRCC were selected for subsequent analysis. The next-generation high-throughput sequencing technology was employed to analyze gene mutations in renal tumors. The correlation between mutation genes and texture features in ccRCC and n-ccRCC was analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation analysis was performed. Results:A total of 8 MRI texture features were selected. In the ccRCC group, PTEN mutation was correlated with DEP_InverseDifferenceMoment_angle0_offset7 ( r=-0.58, P=0.009). In the non-ccRCC group, SETD2 mutation was correlated with CM_Phase_InverseDifferenceMoment_AllDirection_offset1 and Dixon_W_InverseDifferenceMoment_AllDirection_offset7 ( r=0.58, 0.63, P=0.048, 0.027), PBRM1 mutation was correlated with DE_Phase_InverseDifferenceMoment_angle0_offset7 and DE_Phase_HaraVariance ( r=0.61, -0.60, P=0.034, 0.039), and FAT1 mutation was correlated with DE_Phase_HaraVariance and NG_Phase_Inertia_angle135_offset4 ( r=0.58, 0.58, P=0.047, 0.047). The KEGG pathway annotation analysis showed that the mechanisms of the mutation genes that correlated with MRI texture features in the ccRCC group were related to the p53 signaling pathway, inositol phosphate metabolism, central carbon metabolism in cancer, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer, and phosphatidylinositol signaling system. The mutation genes correlated with MRI texture features in the non-ccRCC group were mainly associated with lysine degradation. Conclusion:The associations are found between MRI texture features and underlying genetic mutations of ccRCC and n-ccRCC. These mutation genes have completely different enrichment pathways.

Objective:To explore the value of four-dimensional flow (4D Flow) MRI in evaluating hemodynamic changes of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS).Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. A retrospective analysis of 67 patients after renal transplantation was performed in Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2021 to October 2022. All patients were examined with non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (NCE-MRA) and 4D Flow MRI. After NCE-MRA assessment, the patients were divided into a non stenosis group (39 cases), non-obvious stenosis group (stenosis degree<50%, 13 cases) and obvious stenosis group (stenosis degree≥50%, 15 cases). The 4D Flow MRI data were analyzed using the post-processing software CVI42 (Canada) to measure hemodynamic parameters of the transplanted renal artery in the non-stenosis group, as well as the proximal, central, and distal regions of the stenosis in the non-obvious stenosis group and obvious stenosis group. The parameters included net flow rate, maximum flow rate, average velocity, peak velocity, average wall shear stress, and maximum wall shear stress. One way analysis of variance and least significant difference (LSD) were used to test the differences of hemodynamic parameters among the three groups and between the proximal, central and distal regions of the stenosis. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between hemodynamic parameters of transplant renal artery and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).Results:The net flow, maximum flow and average velocity at the proximal region of stenosis in the group with obvious stenosis of transplanted renal artery were significantly lower than those in the non-stenosis group and the non-obvious stenosis group (all P<0.05). The net flow and maximum flow at the distal region of stenosis in both obvious stenosis group and non-obvious stenosis group were lower than those in non-stenosis group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.001). The mean velocity and peak velocity at the distal region of stenosis in the obvious stenosis group were higher than those in the non-stenosis group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). The maximum and average wall shear stress at the distal region of stenosis in the obvious stenosis group were lower than those in the non-stenosis group and the non-obvious stenosis group, and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). The net flow and maximum flow in the center region of stenosis were lower than those in the proximal region of stenosis, and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). The peak velocity in the center region and distal region of stenosis was higher than those in the proximal region of stenosis, and the difference was statistically significant (both P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the net flow and eGFR at the TRAS patients proximal, center, and distal stenosis ( r=0.270, 0.260, 0.320, respectively, P=0.044, 0.041, 0.036, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the maximum flow and eGFR at the TRAS patients proximal, center, and distal stenosis ( r=0.306, 0.276, 0.269, respectively, P=0.037, 0.041, 0.043, respectively). Conclusion:After TRAS, there is a significant change in blood flow status. The 4D Flow MRI can provide quantitative hemodynamic parameters to reflect the hemodynamic changes of TRAS.

Objective:To explore the correlation between renal function and abdominal aortic hemodynamic parameters based on four-dimensional flow(4D Flow) MRI in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:A cross-section prospective study was conducted on 73 patients diagnosed with CKD at First People′s Hospital of Changzhou between March 2021 and May 2023, as well as 13 volunteers without kidney injury. According to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the subjects were divided into CKD 1-3 stage group ( n=34), CKD 4-5 stage group ( n=39), and control group ( n=13). All subjects underwent 4D Flow MRI examination of the abdominal aorta, measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV), peak velocity, and maximum wall shear stress (WSS) at the proximal plane (Plane_1) and the higher renal artery opening plane (Plane_2) of the abdominal aorta. The differences in 4D Flow MRI hemodynamic parameters among the three groups were compared using a one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test. The correlation between 4D Flow MRI hemodynamic parameters and eGFR was analyzed by using the Spearman correlation coefficient. The independent influencing factors that affect eGFR were analyzed by using multivariate linear regression analysis. Results:There were significant differences in abdominal aortic PWV and maximal WSS of Plane_1 and Plane_2 among the three groups ( H=10.38, P=0.006; F=11.16, P<0.001; F=4.75, P=0.011). There were no significant differences in the peak velocity of Plane_1 and Plane_2 among the three groups (both P>0.05). Abdominal aortic PWV was negatively correlated with eGFR ( r s=-0.30, P=0.005). There was a positive correlation between the maximal WSS of Plane_1 and Plane_2 with eGFR ( r s=0.39, P<0.001; r s=0.29, P=0.006). Abdominal aortic PWV and maximal WSS of Plane_1 were independent influencing factors of eGFR (b=-4.32, P=0.018; b=132.23, P=0.004). Conclusions:There is an independent correlation between renal function and abdominal aortic hemodynamic parameters based on 4D Flow MRI in patients with CKD, and abdominal aortic PWV and maximal WSS of Plane_1 were independent influencing factors of eGFR.

OBJECTIVE To explore the intervention mechanism of Shangke Lengtongtie on cold hyperalgesia in KOA mice based on the HMGB1/CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.METHODS Monosodium iodoacetate(MIA)was used for the intra-articular injec-tion into the knee joint to establish mice model of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Peripheral blood monocytes were extracted from mice,cultured,and then reinfused into the tail vein of the mice.Subsequently,in vivo animal imaging was used to observe the recruitment sites of these monocytes.The cold hyperalgesia threshold was measured at various time points in each group of mice.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was used to evaluate the level of synovial pathological changes.ELISA was employed to detect the expression of in-flammatory factors IL-1β,TNF-α,and pain mediators CGRP and Substance P in mouse serum.Western blot and qPCR methods were used to detect the protein and gene expression of cold hyperalgesia-related indicators such as TRPA1,TRPM8,HMGB1,CXCL12,CXCR4,Collagen Ⅰ,and Netrin-1 in synovial tissue,as well as DCC in dorsal root ganglia(DRG)tissue.RESULTS In vivo ima-ging showed that after the monocytes were reinfused into KOA mice,they were recruited to the knee joint area,with the HMGB1 group exhibiting a greater recruitment of circulating monocytes at the knee joint.Additionally,compared to the control group,the KOA group and HMGB1 group showed inflammatory pathological changes in the synovium,increased expression of serum inflammatory factors and pain mediators,reduced cold hyperalgesia threshold,and upregulated protein and gene expression of cold hyperalgesia-related indica-tors in synovial and DRG tissues.The changes were more significant in the HMGB1 group compared to the KOA group(P<0.05).Af-ter treatment with Shangke Lengtongtie or GL intervention,synovial inflammation was alleviated,serum inflammatory factors and pain mediators decreased,cold hyperalgesia threshold increased,and the upregulation of cold hyperalgesia-related indicator protein and gene expression levels was significantly reversed(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Shangke Lengtongtie exerts a beneficial effect on the mitigation of synovitis and cold hyperalgesia in KOA mice,a therapeutic mechanism that possibly mediated through the inhibition of the HMGB1/CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling axis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reexplore minimum iodine excretion and to build a dietary iodine recommendation for Chinese adults using the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis. METHODS: Data from 171 Chinese adults (19-21 years old) were collected and analyzed based on three balance studies in Shenzhen, Yinchuan, and Changzhi. The single exponential equation was accordingly used to simulate the trajectory of 24 h urinary iodine excretion as the low iodine experimental diets offered (iodine intake: 11-26 μg/day) and to further deduce the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for iodine, including estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI). RESULTS: The minimum iodine excretion was estimated as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day in three balance studies, respectively. Moreover, it was further suggested as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day for iodine EAR, and 80, 81, and 71 μg/day for iodine RNI or expressed as 1.42, 1.41, and 1.20 μg/(day·kg) of body weight. CONCLUSION The iodine DRIs for Chinese adults were established based on the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis, which provides scientific support for the amendment of nutrient requirements.
Humans ; Iodine/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; China ; Young Adult ; Diet ; Adult ; Nutritional Requirements ; East Asian People