Objective:To explore the improvement effect of Tiaojing Zhuyun formula combined with Dai meridian moxibustion on endometrial fibrosis in rats with intrauterine adhesions(IUA)by regulating M2 type macrophage polarization.Methods:SD rats were selected to establish an IUA model using a dual injury method of mechanical curettage and lipopolysaccharide infection,which were randomly separated into model group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group,Dai meridian moxibustion group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group,with 10 rats in each group,another 10 rats were regarded as a sham operation(control)group,after grouping and treatment,the number of embryo implantation of rats in each group after cage closure was detected;HE staining was applied to detect pathological morphology of uterine tissue in rats in different groups,and their endometrial thickness and glandular number were compared;Masson staining was applied to detect endometrial fibrosis in rats of each group,and the collagen volume fraction(CVF)was compared;ELISA was applied to detect serum levels of profibrotic factor TGF-β1,pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6,and levels of procollagen type Ⅰ carboxy-terminal peptide(PⅠNP)and procollagen Ⅲ N-terminal peptide(PⅢNP)of rats in each group;immunofluorescence staining was applied to detect expressions of M2 type macrophage markers CD163 and CD68 in endometrium of rats in each group.Results:Compared with control group,model group showed obvious pathological damage to uterine tissue,thickness of endometrium was thinner,the number of glands and embryo implantation were obviously reduced(P<0.05),endometrial CVF,levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6,and the number of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,pathological damage to uterine tissue of rats in Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group,Dai meridian moxibustion group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group was reduced,thickness of endometrium,the number of glands and embryo implantation,and the numbers of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05),endometrial CVF and levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced(P<0.05);compared with Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group and Dai meridian moxibustion group,pathological damage to uterine tissue of rats in Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group was alleviated,thickness of endometrium,the number of glands and embryo implantation,and the number of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05),endometrial CVF and levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced(P<0.05);there was no obvious change in all indicators between Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Combination of Tiaojing Zhuyun formula and Dai meridian moxibustion can promote the polarization of M2 type macrophages,thereby inhibiting inflammation and endometrial fibrosis in IUA rats,and improving their symptoms of uterine adhesions.

Objective:To explore the improvement effect of Tiaojing Zhuyun formula combined with Dai meridian moxibustion on endometrial fibrosis in rats with intrauterine adhesions(IUA)by regulating M2 type macrophage polarization.Methods:SD rats were selected to establish an IUA model using a dual injury method of mechanical curettage and lipopolysaccharide infection,which were randomly separated into model group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group,Dai meridian moxibustion group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group,with 10 rats in each group,another 10 rats were regarded as a sham operation(control)group,after grouping and treatment,the number of embryo implantation of rats in each group after cage closure was detected;HE staining was applied to detect pathological morphology of uterine tissue in rats in different groups,and their endometrial thickness and glandular number were compared;Masson staining was applied to detect endometrial fibrosis in rats of each group,and the collagen volume fraction(CVF)was compared;ELISA was applied to detect serum levels of profibrotic factor TGF-β1,pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-6,and levels of procollagen type Ⅰ carboxy-terminal peptide(PⅠNP)and procollagen Ⅲ N-terminal peptide(PⅢNP)of rats in each group;immunofluorescence staining was applied to detect expressions of M2 type macrophage markers CD163 and CD68 in endometrium of rats in each group.Results:Compared with control group,model group showed obvious pathological damage to uterine tissue,thickness of endometrium was thinner,the number of glands and embryo implantation were obviously reduced(P<0.05),endometrial CVF,levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6,and the number of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05);compared with model group,pathological damage to uterine tissue of rats in Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group,Dai meridian moxibustion group,Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group was reduced,thickness of endometrium,the number of glands and embryo implantation,and the numbers of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05),endometrial CVF and levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced(P<0.05);compared with Tiaojing Zhuyun formula group and Dai meridian moxibustion group,pathological damage to uterine tissue of rats in Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group was alleviated,thickness of endometrium,the number of glands and embryo implantation,and the number of CD163 and CD68 positive cells in endometrium were increased(P<0.05),endometrial CVF and levels of serum PⅠNP,P Ⅲ NP,TGF-β1,IL-1β and IL-6 were reduced(P<0.05);there was no obvious change in all indicators between Tiaojing Zhuyun formula+Dai meridian moxibustion group and Bujiale group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Combination of Tiaojing Zhuyun formula and Dai meridian moxibustion can promote the polarization of M2 type macrophages,thereby inhibiting inflammation and endometrial fibrosis in IUA rats,and improving their symptoms of uterine adhesions.

Objective:To assess the impact of vanishing twin syndrome (VTS) on the accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).Methods:Three pregnant women who underwent NIPT testing at Guangdong Women and Children′s from November 2019 to February 2020 were selected as the study subjects. The three women had either vanish twin syndrome or had undergone fetal reduction for other reasons in one of their twins, and were subsequently subject to NIPT, chromosome karyotyping, chromosome microarray analysis (CMA), and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Ethic No.: 20230132).Results:Case 1 underwent selective fetal reduction at 8 + weeks of gestation. At 17 + weeks, NIPT showed a fetal DNA fraction of 2.806%, with results indicating the presence of Y chromosome and abnormal sex chromosome ratios. However, the women had subsequent uncomplicated vaginal delivery of a female infant, and no abnormality noted. Case 2 experienced spontaneous demise of one twin at 13 weeks′ gestation. At 19 weeks, NIPT indicated a high risk for chromosome 21 ( Z-score 4.671) in the surviving fetus, but subsequent evaluation showed no abnormality. Case 3, a dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancy, underwent selective reduction at 13 + weeks due to fetal abnormalities in one twin. At 22 + weeks, NIPT for the surviving fetus indicated a high risk for chromosome 21 (Z-score 17.549), but subsequent evaluation was unremarkable. Conclusion:In twin pregnancies, the relatively low cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) concentration can compromise the success rate and accuracy of NIPT compared to singleton pregnancies. Residual DNA from the demised fetus may persist for weeks following VTS or selective reduction, potentially causing false-positive NIPT results and interfering with sex chromosome prediction for the surviving fetus. Additionally, determining chorionicity is critical for reliable interpretation of NIPT results in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of vanishing twin syndrome (VTS) on the accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). METHODS: Three pregnant women who underwent NIPT testing at Guangdong Women and Children's from November 2019 to February 2020 were selected as the study subjects. The three women had either vanish twin syndrome or had undergone fetal reduction for other reasons in one of their twins, and were subsequently subject to NIPT, chromosome karyotyping, chromosome microarray analysis (CMA), and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Ethics No.: 20230132). RESULTS: Case 1 underwent selective fetal reduction at 8⁺ weeks of gestation. At 17⁺ weeks, NIPT showed a fetal DNA fraction of 2.806%, with results indicating the presence of Y chromosome and abnormal sex chromosome ratios. However, the women had subsequent uncomplicated vaginal delivery of a female infant, and no abnormality noted. Case 2 experienced spontaneous demise of one twin at 13 weeks' gestation. At 19 weeks, NIPT indicated a high risk for chromosome 21 (Z-score 4.671) in the surviving fetus, but subsequent evaluation showed no abnormality. Case 3, a dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancy, underwent selective reduction at 13⁺ weeks due to fetal abnormalities in one twin. At 22⁺ weeks, NIPT for the surviving fetus indicated a high risk for chromosome 21 (Z-score 17.549), but subsequent evaluation was unremarkable. CONCLUSION In twin pregnancies, the relatively low cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) concentration can compromise the success rate and accuracy of NIPT compared to singleton pregnancies. Residual DNA from the demised fetus may persist for weeks following VTS or selective reduction, potentially causing false-positive NIPT results and interfering with sex chromosome prediction for the surviving fetus. Additionally, determining chorionicity is critical for reliable interpretation of NIPT results in twin pregnancies.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Diseases in Twins/diagnosis* ; Karyotyping ; Noninvasive Prenatal Testing/methods* ; Pregnancy, Twin ; Prenatal Diagnosis/methods*

Objective:To assess the impact of vanishing twin syndrome (VTS) on the accuracy of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).Methods:Three pregnant women who underwent NIPT testing at Guangdong Women and Children′s from November 2019 to February 2020 were selected as the study subjects. The three women had either vanish twin syndrome or had undergone fetal reduction for other reasons in one of their twins, and were subsequently subject to NIPT, chromosome karyotyping, chromosome microarray analysis (CMA), and short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. This study has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Ethic No.: 20230132).Results:Case 1 underwent selective fetal reduction at 8 + weeks of gestation. At 17 + weeks, NIPT showed a fetal DNA fraction of 2.806%, with results indicating the presence of Y chromosome and abnormal sex chromosome ratios. However, the women had subsequent uncomplicated vaginal delivery of a female infant, and no abnormality noted. Case 2 experienced spontaneous demise of one twin at 13 weeks′ gestation. At 19 weeks, NIPT indicated a high risk for chromosome 21 ( Z-score 4.671) in the surviving fetus, but subsequent evaluation showed no abnormality. Case 3, a dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twin pregnancy, underwent selective reduction at 13 + weeks due to fetal abnormalities in one twin. At 22 + weeks, NIPT for the surviving fetus indicated a high risk for chromosome 21 (Z-score 17.549), but subsequent evaluation was unremarkable. Conclusion:In twin pregnancies, the relatively low cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) concentration can compromise the success rate and accuracy of NIPT compared to singleton pregnancies. Residual DNA from the demised fetus may persist for weeks following VTS or selective reduction, potentially causing false-positive NIPT results and interfering with sex chromosome prediction for the surviving fetus. Additionally, determining chorionicity is critical for reliable interpretation of NIPT results in twin pregnancies.

Objective To explore the clinical effects of Tiaojing Zhuyun mixture combined with regulating menstration and promoting pregnancy by thirteen acupuncture in the treatment of Declining Ovarian Function(DOR)combined with follicular dysplasia infertility.Methods From January 1,2022 to January 1,2023,60 cases of infertility patients with DOR follicular dysplasia were treated in our hospital,and the above cases were randomly divided into experimental group:Tiaojing Zhuyun mixture+ regulating menstration and promoting pregnancy by thirteen acupuncture + Clomiphene group;Control group:Clomiphene group,30 cases each.The improvement of FSH,maximum follicle size and ovulation,uterine artery blood flow index,endometrial thickness and pregnancy were observed after treatment.Results The improvement of follicle stimulating hormone,maximum follicle size,endometrial thickness and uterine artery blood flow indexes in Tiaojing Zhuyun mixture+ regulating menstration and promoting pregnancy by thirteen acupuncture + Clomiphene group were better than clomiphene group.The difference between groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The ovulation rate was 66.7%and the pregnancy rate was 40%.The ovulation rate was 40%higher than the control group,and the pregnancy rate was 20%.The difference between groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion In the patients with DOR follicular dysplasia infertility,Tiaojing Zhuyun mixture combined with regulating menstration and promoting pregnancy by thirteen acupuncture can improve the level of follicle stimulating hormone,promote follicular maturation and ovula-tion,reduce the resistance of uterine artery blood flow,increase the thickness of endometrial,promote pregnancy,and have fewer adverse reactions.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of cognitive impairment and psychotic symptoms in general paresis of insane (GPI) before and after penicillin therapy, and explore factors that may predict the clinical outcomes. Methods Thirty patients with GPI were recruited. All GPI patients underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment before receiving penicillin therapy, and returned for follow-up visits after 7 months. The severity of dementia was determined by Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), cognitive functions were assessed by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer 's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), ability of daily living was assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IALD) and Physical Self maintenance Scale(PSMS), behavioral and psychological symptoms were assessed by Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Aqueous crystalline penicillin G 24 million units per day was administered as continuous infusion for 14 days, followed by benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units IM once per week for 3 weeks. Patients returned for follow-up visits after 7 months. Clinical outcomes were determined by the improvement of neuropsychological test scores at the end of the treatment. Grouped by CDR scores, changes in neuropsychological tests scores among different GPI groups were used to explore the correlation between severity of dementia and clinical outcomes. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to identify factors that may predict the clinical outcomes. Results (1)After penicillin therapy, GPI patients' MMSE scores(14.4± 6.9 vs.17.1 ± 9.1)and IADL scores(4.0(2.0, 5.0)vs.6.0(2.0, 7.3))both improved significantly(t=5.820, Z=3.710, P<0.01),while in ADAS-Cog, only factor scores of attention(1.5(0.7, 3.0)vs.1.5(0, 2.3))reduced significantly(Z=- 2.680, P<0.01). NPI's total scores(46.0 ± 27.1 vs.17.6 ± 15.4)and subscores of hallucination, delusion, agitation, depression, euphoria, disinhibition and irritability reduced significantly (Z=-4.940,-2.381,-2.504,-3.095,-2.492,-3.097,-2.527,-3.715, all P<0.05).(2) Grouped by the CDR scores, MMSE scores and IADL scores in very mild GPI group with CDR=0.5 improved significantly. In mild GPI group with CDR=1, significant changes were also found in all neuropsychological tests scores(MMSE,t=5.409, P<0.01), total scores of ADAS-Cog (Z=-2.366,P<0.05), IADL (Z=2.546, P<0.05), total scores of NPI (Z=-3.558,P<0.01), but except for PSMS. In moderate to severe GPI group with CDR>1,significant change was found only in total scores of NPI (t=-3.772,P<0.05). (3) Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis showed that improvement of MMSE scores after the treatment was significantly correlated with IADL scores and MMSE scores at baseline(β=0.541,P=0.004;β=0.364,P=0.044). Conclusions After penicillin treatment, GPI patients may improve in both cognitive function and psychotic symptoms but not in all the domains. Symptoms of anxiety, sleep/nigh-time behavior change, and apathy, as well as moderate to severe GPI patients may not benefit much from the treatment.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of cognitive impairment and psychotic symptoms in general paresis of insane (GPI) before and after penicillin therapy, and explore factors that may predict the clinical outcomes. Methods Thirty patients with GPI were recruited. All GPI patients underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment before receiving penicillin therapy, and returned for follow-up visits after 7 months. The severity of dementia was determined by Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), cognitive functions were assessed by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer 's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), ability of daily living was assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IALD) and Physical Self maintenance Scale(PSMS), behavioral and psychological symptoms were assessed by Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Aqueous crystalline penicillin G 24 million units per day was administered as continuous infusion for 14 days, followed by benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units IM once per week for 3 weeks. Patients returned for follow-up visits after 7 months. Clinical outcomes were determined by the improvement of neuropsychological test scores at the end of the treatment. Grouped by CDR scores, changes in neuropsychological tests scores among different GPI groups were used to explore the correlation between severity of dementia and clinical outcomes. Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to identify factors that may predict the clinical outcomes. Results (1)After penicillin therapy, GPI patients' MMSE scores(14.4± 6.9 vs.17.1 ± 9.1)and IADL scores(4.0(2.0, 5.0)vs.6.0(2.0, 7.3))both improved significantly(t=5.820, Z=3.710, P<0.01),while in ADAS-Cog, only factor scores of attention(1.5(0.7, 3.0)vs.1.5(0, 2.3))reduced significantly(Z=- 2.680, P<0.01). NPI's total scores(46.0 ± 27.1 vs.17.6 ± 15.4)and subscores of hallucination, delusion, agitation, depression, euphoria, disinhibition and irritability reduced significantly (Z=-4.940,-2.381,-2.504,-3.095,-2.492,-3.097,-2.527,-3.715, all P<0.05).(2) Grouped by the CDR scores, MMSE scores and IADL scores in very mild GPI group with CDR=0.5 improved significantly. In mild GPI group with CDR=1, significant changes were also found in all neuropsychological tests scores(MMSE,t=5.409, P<0.01), total scores of ADAS-Cog (Z=-2.366,P<0.05), IADL (Z=2.546, P<0.05), total scores of NPI (Z=-3.558,P<0.01), but except for PSMS. In moderate to severe GPI group with CDR>1,significant change was found only in total scores of NPI (t=-3.772,P<0.05). (3) Univariate analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis showed that improvement of MMSE scores after the treatment was significantly correlated with IADL scores and MMSE scores at baseline(β=0.541,P=0.004;β=0.364,P=0.044). Conclusions After penicillin treatment, GPI patients may improve in both cognitive function and psychotic symptoms but not in all the domains. Symptoms of anxiety, sleep/nigh-time behavior change, and apathy, as well as moderate to severe GPI patients may not benefit much from the treatment.

Objective To investigate the cognitive characteristics and vascular risk factor between early onset de?pression and late onset depression in late life depression and provide a clue to elucidate the cause of cognitive impairment in late life depression. Method Fifty-six late life depression patients were recruited in our hospital, including 29 early on?set depression patients and 27 late onset depression patients. 25 controls were recruited from Guangzhou community. Cog?nitive evaluation were conducted in all the patients and controls, including MMSE, memory, attention, language, visuospa?tial abilities,executive function and Framingham vascular risk assessment, and analyze the cognitive and vascular risk be?tween the patients. Result There were statistically significant differences in overall cognitive assessment MMSE(24.8 ± 2.9,22.8±3.5,P=0.030), symbol digit modalities test(SDMT)(29.8±10.5, 22.9±11.8, P=0.028), clock drawing test(CDT) (3.6 ± 0.8, 2.9 ± 1.3, P=0.006) and trail making test(TMT) (60.4 ± 20.6, 74.7 ± 28.8, P=0.027) between late onset depression and early onset depression. In addition, the score of vascular risk assessment was significant between late onset depression and early onset depression(14.6±2.7,12.3±2.2,P=0.001). Conclusion Compare with early onset depression, late onset de?pression has much severe cognitive impairments and increased vascular risk factors.

Objective To explore the plasma levels of soluble CD40 (sCD40) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) in the patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Methods The levels of plasma sCD40 and sCD40L were measured in 20 patients with AD, 35 patients with aMCI, and 32 cognitively normal controls (NC) using commercially available ELISAs. The cognitive function of AD and aMCI patients was mea?sured by mini-mental state examination (MMSE). Results There were significant differences in plasma sCD40 among AD, aMCI and NC groups (P<0.05) as the medians (the upper and lower quartiles) of plasma levels were 123.3 (97.4, 149.5) pg/mL, 102.9 (63.6, 124.0) pg/mL and 70.66 (51.0, 90.8) pg/mL, respectively. There were significant differences in plasma sCD40L among AD, aMCI and NC groups (P<0.05) as plasma levels were 537.0 (316.0, 1134.0) pg/mL, 316.0 (190.0,546.0) pg/mL and 167.0 (107.5,478.0) pg/mL. A negative correlation between the plasma concentrations of sCD40L and the MMSE scores was found in aMCI patients (r=-0.736, P<0.001). Conclusions There are relevant chang?es of plasma sCD40 and sCD40L levels in patients with AD and aMCI. The present results suggest that plasma levels of sCD40 and sCD40L may be appropriate biomarkers for AD patients and indicate that CD40-CD40L signaling may be in?volved in AD pathophysiology.