Objective:To investigate the influencing factors and perinatal outcomes associated with monozygotic twins (MZT) following elective single embryo transfer (eSET) via in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 12 079 patients who achieved pregnancy after undergoing IVF/ICSI-eSET at Reproductive Health Hospital of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2015 and September 2023. Patients were stratified into two groups based on ultrasound findings 30 d post-transfer: singleton pregnancy group and MZT pregnancy group. Finally, 300 MZT and 1 500 single pregnancies, which were randomly matched according to 1∶5 were included by study period. General patients' characteristics, embryo-related factors, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify risk factors for MZT after single embryo transfer, adjusting for potential confounding variables.Results:The incidence of twin pregnancy following single embryo transfer was 2.48% (300/12 079), which was higher than that of naturally conceived monozygotic twin pregnancy. No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). The blastocyst transfer rate was higher in the MZT pregnancy group [93.3% (280/300)] than in the singleton pregnancy group [88.8% (1 332/1 500), P=0.022]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that blastocyst transfer was associated with an increased risk of MZT ( OR=0.552, P=0.016, 95% CI: 0.341-0.894). Analysis of blastocyst cycles showed that the risk of MZT was higher when transferring high-quality blastocysts [79.6% (223/280) vs. 67.8% (903/1 332), P<0.001], where as a trophectoderm (TE) grading of C [20.4% (57/280) vs. 32.2% (429/1 332), P<0.001] had a lower risk of MZT. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of MZT was found to increase with the transfer of blastocysts with a B-grade inner cell mass (ICM) ( OR=0.601, P=0.001, 95% CI: 0.442-0.819) and A/B grade TE (grade A: OR=2.951, P<0.001, 95% CI: 1.980-4.399; grade B: OR=1.840, P<0.001, 95% CI: 1.315-2.576). The risk of complications during pregnancy [47.7% (143/300) vs. 19.3% (289/1 500), P<0.001], preterm labor [55.1% (140/254) vs. 7.4% (101/1 368), P<0.001], and the risk of stillbirth [3.7% (11/300) vs. 1.5% (22/1 500), P=0.016] were significantly higher in the MZT pregnancy group than in the singleton pregnancy group. Conclusion:Assisted reproductive technology may contribute to the risk of MZT. Transfer of blastocysts, particularly those with loose ICM arrangement and dense TE arrangement, appears to increase the risk of MZT in patients undergoing eSET.

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors and perinatal outcomes associated with monozygotic twins (MZT) following elective single embryo transfer (eSET) via in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 12 079 patients who achieved pregnancy after undergoing IVF/ICSI-eSET at Reproductive Health Hospital of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2015 and September 2023. Patients were stratified into two groups based on ultrasound findings 30 d post-transfer: singleton pregnancy group and MZT pregnancy group. Finally, 300 MZT and 1 500 single pregnancies, which were randomly matched according to 1∶5 were included by study period. General patients' characteristics, embryo-related factors, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify risk factors for MZT after single embryo transfer, adjusting for potential confounding variables.Results:The incidence of twin pregnancy following single embryo transfer was 2.48% (300/12 079), which was higher than that of naturally conceived monozygotic twin pregnancy. No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). The blastocyst transfer rate was higher in the MZT pregnancy group [93.3% (280/300)] than in the singleton pregnancy group [88.8% (1 332/1 500), P=0.022]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that blastocyst transfer was associated with an increased risk of MZT ( OR=0.552, P=0.016, 95% CI: 0.341-0.894). Analysis of blastocyst cycles showed that the risk of MZT was higher when transferring high-quality blastocysts [79.6% (223/280) vs. 67.8% (903/1 332), P<0.001], where as a trophectoderm (TE) grading of C [20.4% (57/280) vs. 32.2% (429/1 332), P<0.001] had a lower risk of MZT. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of MZT was found to increase with the transfer of blastocysts with a B-grade inner cell mass (ICM) ( OR=0.601, P=0.001, 95% CI: 0.442-0.819) and A/B grade TE (grade A: OR=2.951, P<0.001, 95% CI: 1.980-4.399; grade B: OR=1.840, P<0.001, 95% CI: 1.315-2.576). The risk of complications during pregnancy [47.7% (143/300) vs. 19.3% (289/1 500), P<0.001], preterm labor [55.1% (140/254) vs. 7.4% (101/1 368), P<0.001], and the risk of stillbirth [3.7% (11/300) vs. 1.5% (22/1 500), P=0.016] were significantly higher in the MZT pregnancy group than in the singleton pregnancy group. Conclusion:Assisted reproductive technology may contribute to the risk of MZT. Transfer of blastocysts, particularly those with loose ICM arrangement and dense TE arrangement, appears to increase the risk of MZT in patients undergoing eSET.

AIM: To explore the current status, research hotspots, and trends of global uveitis research to provide a theoretical basis and references for researchers in the field of uveitis, and promote further development in this area.METHODS: Relevant literatures on uveitis were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)database, Wanfang database, and Web of Science core collection database since their establishment until 24 August 2023. The country/publishing institutions, research authors, high-frequency keywords, and burst keywords were visual analyzed by using software such as GraphPad Prism 9, CiteSpace 6.2. R2, and VOSviewer.RESULTS: Research teams for uveitis have been formed in various countries globally. The top three countries in terms of publications are the United States of America(7 585 papers), the United Kingdom(2 412 papers)and Germany(1 679 papers). The top three foreign institutions in terms of publications are Harvard University, Oregon Health & Science University, and Moorfields Eye Hospital, while the top three domestic institutions are Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, and Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University. The analysis of high-frequency keywords and burst keywords in Chinese and English shows that research hotspots mainly focus on exploring pathogenesis and different treatment methods for uveitis. The research hotspots related to uveitis treatment are transitioning to molecular biology-related research topics, such as molecular biological signaling pathways(NF-κB signaling pathway with a strength value of 22.89), biological agents(adalimumab with a strength value of 32.21), and tumor necrosis factor(with a strength value of 48.44). Related research is also expanding to basic experiments on relevant rats.CONCLUSIONS: In recent years, the research hotspots and trends of global uveitis mainly focus on precise diagnosis, pathogenesis, and more effective treatment methods. It is important for more scholars to dedicate themselves to uveitis-related research in the future to make breakthroughs and progress in the field. More large-scale and multicenter clinical studies on uveitis can provide high-quality research evidence.

Objective To investigate the MRI features and characteristics of irregular intraductal papilloma (IDP)and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC),and to improve the diagnostic accuracy of MRI.Methods This study retrospectively included 3 3 patients with IDP and IDC confirmed by surgery and pathology,and analyzed MRI findings including lesion size,boundary,internal components,plain signal intensity,enhancement mode,ADC value and TIC curve χ.2 test,t test and rank-sum test were performed.Results Compared with the two groups,lesion boundary (P＜0.001),size (P＜0.001 ),ADC value (P＜0.001 ),enhancement mode (P＝0.001 ),TIC curve peak time (P＜0.001),slope (P＜0.001)and peak enhancement rate (P＜0.001)were statistically significant (P＜0.05);lesion (P＝0.159), internal components (P＝0.778),T2 WI signal (P＝0.438)and curve type (P＝0.406)were no statistically difference.Conclusion The irregular mass type IDP and IDC have similar MRI findings,the edge of the lesion,the ADC value,the enhancement mode,and the peak time,slope and peak enhancement rate of the curve are important for the identification of the two diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the causes of oocyte vitrification and its application in assisted reproduction. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 26 patients with 27 cycles of oocyte vitrification cryopreservation undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer between January, 2008 and October, 2018. The causes of oocyte vitrification and the outcomes of ICSI and clinical pregnancy were analyzed. RESULTS: The causes of oocytes vitrification included mainly azoospermia or severe spermatogenesis disorder of the husband, failure to obtain sperms from the husband, failure of the husband to be present on the day of oocyte retrieval and acute diseases of the husband to not allow sperm collection. A total of 274 oocytes were frozen in 27 oocyte retrieval cycles, and 217 eggs were thawed in 19 cycles with a survival rate of 81.11% (176/217). The normal fertilization rate, cleavage rate and high-quality embryo rate was 74.81% (98/131), 89.80% (88/98) and 36.73% (36/98), respectively. Fifteen patients underwent embryo transfer, and the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate was 53.33% (8/15) and 33.33% (5/15), respectively. Compared with patients below 35 years of age, the patients aged above 35 years had significantly lower oocyte survival rate after thawing (82.76% 74.42%, =0.211), clinical pregnancy rate (77.78% 16.67%, =0.041) and live birth rate (55.56% 0, =0.044). CONCLUSIONS Oocytes vitrification can be used as a remedy for infertile couples who fail to provide sperms due to male factors on the day of oocyte retrieval. Vitrification of the oocytes does not significantly affect the fertilization rate or the clinical pregnancy rate. The survival rate of the thawed oocytes is related to the age of the wife, and an age younger than 35 years can be optimal for achieving favorable clinical pregnancy outcomes after oocyte vitrification.
Adult ; Cryopreservation ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Oocytes ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Retrospective Studies ; Vitrification

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify potential epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer that went undetected by amplification refractory mutation system-Scorpion real-time PCR (ARMS-PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 specimens were obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from August 2014 to August 2015. In total, 100 ARMS-negative and 100 ARMS-positive specimens were evaluated for EGFR gene mutations by Sanger sequencing. The methodology and sensitivity of each method and the outcomes of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 100 ARMS-PCR-positive samples, 90 were positive by Sanger sequencing, while 10 cases were considered negative, because the mutation abundance was less than 10%. Among the 100 negative cases, three were positive for a rare EGFR mutation by Sanger sequencing. In the curative effect analysis of EGFR-TKIs, the progression-free survival (PFS) analysis based on ARMS and Sanger sequencing results showed no difference. However, the PFS of patients with a high abundance of EGFR mutation was 12.4 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 11.6−12.4 months], which was significantly higher than that of patients with a low abundance of mutations detected by Sanger sequencing (95% CI, 10.7−11.3 months) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The ARMS method demonstrated higher sensitivity than Sanger sequencing, but was prone to missing mutations due to primer design. Sanger sequencing was able to detect rare EGFR mutations and deemed applicable for confirming EGFR status. A clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of EGFR-TKIs in patients with rare EGFR mutations is needed.
Adenocarcinoma/genetics ; Adenocarcinoma/pathology ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/genetics ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation/genetics ; Mutation Rate ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To evaluate the tonic and health effects of Xuebijing injection,a traditional Chinese medicine injection,by means of corn low-nutritional mice model combined with benefit-damage index-general score (BDI-GS) evaluation system under a physiological dosage.Further,to investigate the scientific and practical benefits of the evaluation system in efficacy and safety re-evaluation of clinical traditional Chinese medicine injections.Methods Healthy ICR mice during growth period were randomly divided into blank control group and low,middle and high dose groups.All the mice were fed with corn diets,and treated by intraperitoneal injection once a day.The mice in the blank control group were injected with 0.4 ml 0.9％ sodium chloride injection,and the mice in the low,medium and high dose groups were injected with 0.2,0.4 and 0.6 ml Xuebijing injection,respectively,for seven days.On the 8th day,the mice were killed,dissected,and took nine kinds of organs including heart,lung,thymus,spleen,pancreas,kidney,gonad and femur.The weight BDI,index BDI and the corresponding weight BDI general score (GSw) and index BDI general score (GSI) were calculated,and the serum biochemical parameters were measured.Results Under the physiological dose,Xuebijing injection shows good safety of continuous infusion,tonic and health effects,and slight damages on the rest of organs.More specifically,the values of weight BDI and index BDI were all higher than 9.0,and values of GSw and GSI were all higher than the basic value of 9.0.Furthermore,these parameters increased in a dose-dependent manner.In addition,the total protein level of (47.6 ± 4.30) g/L in the high dose groups was significantly higher than (43.18 ± 2.60) g/L in the blank control group (P＜0.05).Conclusions The Xuebijing injection has a lower risk for conventional usage.This injection is safe under the physiological dosage and much safer in higher dosage designed in this study.The low-nutritional model combined with BDI-GS evaluation system can be used for re-evaluating the function and safety of clinical traditional Chinese medicine injections.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) and endoscopic naso-biliary drainage (ENBD) on hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HACC).Methods The clinical data of 87 patients with HACC,who underwent ERBD and ENBD form January 2010 to January 2016,were retrospectively analyzed.The incidence of postoperative severe cholangitis,biliary obstruction again within 4 weeks,reduction of total bilirubin and survival time were studied.Results There were significant differences between ERBD group and ENBD group on the incidence of severe cholangitis[29.2％ (14/48) VS 10.3％ (4/39),x2 =4.689,P=0.030] and bile duct obstruction in 4 weeks after operation [47.9％ (23/48) VS 23.1％ (9/39),x2=5.710,P =0.017].The total bilirubin within 2 weeks and 4 weeks postoperatively was significantly reduced compared with that before operation (P＜0.05).There was no statistical difference in descend range of total bilirubin between the two groups.There was significant difference between ERBD group and ENBD group in the median survival time [14 weeks (range,0-60 weeks) VS 34 weeks (range,2-96 weeks),x2 =10.101,P=0.010].Conclusion Compared to ERBD,ENBD has certain advantages on palliative care for HACC.

Objective To construct the Hut78 cell line with EZH2 gene knocked into by CRISPR/Cas9 system. Methods The EZH2 expression vector pMD-18T-EZH2 with homologous arm and the sgRNA expression vector pSpCas9 (BB)-2A-Puro-sgRNA, which could cut the double stranded genomic DNA, were constructed, and the two vectors were co-transfected into Hut78 cells. Then the expression of EZH2 mRNA was detected by qPCR, and the expressions of EZH2 and H3K27me3 proteins were detected by Western blot assay. Results The pMD-18T-EZH2 and pSpCas9(BB)-2A-Puro-sgRNA recombinant vectors were confirmed by DNA sequencing. When Hut78 cells were transfected with the two recombinant plasmid, qPCR results showed that the expression of EZH2 mRNA was significantly increased, and Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of EZH2 and H3K27me3 proteins were significantly increased. Conclusion EZH2 gene is successfully knocked into Hut78 cells by CRISPR/Cas9 system.

Objective To improve the diagnostic accuracy of nonpalpable calcified breast lesions by establishing a Logistic multivariate prediction model to assess the probability of benign/malignant breast lesions.The proposed model is based on the clinical and BI-RADS-X-ray imaging features of patients with nonpalpable calcified breast lesions.Methods A total of 147 nonpalpable calcified breast lesions were analyzed retrospectively.Firstly, based on the personal experience,the X-ray imaging data of lesions were analyzed to obtain the BI-RADS categorization, and the ROC curve was plotted by comparison with pathology.Then the univariate and multivariate analysis was performed on the clinical and X-ray imaging features of pathology to select the independent factors related to benign/malignant features.Further,a Logistic regression model was built,the suitable cut-off point was determined, and the ROC curve was obtained.Finally,the comparisons of the diagnostic accuracy of breast lesions were made between the method using the BI-RADS categorization and the method using the Logistic regression model.Results The AUC of the BI-RADS method was 0.867 9.The univariate analysis showed that there exist statistical differences among clinical features of patients(age,location,and quadrant),as well as the BI-RADS-X-ray imaging features (distribution,morphological and gland density).Also,by using the multivariate Logistic regression equation,the statistical differences among age,quadrant and morphological difference can be observed.The AUC using the built Logistic regression model was 0.906 3.Conclusion The diagnostic accuracy of breast lesions using the Logistic model is higher than that using the BI-RADS categorization method.Therefore, the proposed model is valuable for obtaining accurate diagnosis of breast lesions.