Background Air pollution exposure has a significant impact on maternal and child health. However, the research on the association between ambient ozone (O₃) exposure during pregnancy and the risk of premature birth in newborns is limited, and the conclusions are inconsistent. Objective To investigate the association of ambient O₃ exposure during pregnancy with the risk of preterm birth in Guangdong Province. Methods Data of pregnant women in Guangzhou from 2013 to 2019 and Foshan from 2018 to 2023 were collected, and O₃ concentrations during different trimesters were assessed according to maternal residential addresses. Bilinear interpolation was used to evaluate the concentrations of air pollution. A cohort study design was adopted in our study. Restricted cubic spline curves were used to evaluate the exposure-response relationship between O₃ exposure and preterm birth risk and explore potential exposure threshold of O₃. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of O₃ exposure with preterm birth. Results A total of 702 924 pregnant women were included in this study, of whom 43 051 (6.12%) were preterm. The average O₃ exposure concentrations of pregnant women during the first, second, third, and whole trimesters were 95.51, 97.51, 100.60, and 97.87 μg·m⁻³, respectively. We observed J-shaped associations between O₃ exposure and preterm birth risk during the second, third, and whole trimesters of pregnancy using restricted cubic spline curves. This study found that there were threshold concentrations between O₃ exposure and preterm birth risk during different gestational periods, and the threshold concentrations in the first, second, third, and whole trimesters were 112.32, 99.83, 111.74, and 112.46 μg·m⁻³, respectively. During the second, third, and whole trimesters of pregnancy, after adjusting for maternal age, baby sex, pre-pregnancy body mass index, mode of delivery, baby birth weight, gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension, the odds ratios (OR) of preterm birth were 1.02 (95%CI: 1.01, 1.04), 1.02 (95%CI: 1.00, 1.03), and 1.17 (95%CI: 1.13, 1.21) for each 10 μg·m⁻³ increase in O₃ concentration above the O₃ threshold. No significant association was found between O₃ exposure and the risk of preterm birth during the first trimester. Conclusion There is a nonlinear association between the risk of preterm birth and O₃ exposure during pregnancy, and higher concentrations of O₃ exposure during pregnancy are associated with the risk of preterm birth. Above the O₃ threshold concentration during pregnancy, especially during the second, third, and whole trimesters, the risk of preterm birth elevates with the increase of O₃ exposure concentrations.

Objective:To investigate the metabolism-related proteins and their presence in the plasma of female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) patients.Methods:From March 2021 to March 2023, FAGA patients aged 18-50 (FAGA group) and healthy women (HC group) were recruited from the Dermatology Outpatient Department of Huashan Hospital. 3 ml of peripheral venous blood was collected from each participant and centrifuged to obtain plasma. Olink proteomics analysis was performed on the collected plasma, differentially expressed proteins were screened with R language, the diagnostic accuracy of the differentially expressed proteins was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed on differentially expressed proteins. Immunofluorescence analysis on hair follicles in the parietal region of the FAGA group and the occipital region of the HC group was performed to validate the differentially expressed proteins identified. SPSS 25.0 software was used to analyze the data, with normal distribution metric data represented by Mean±SD. Student’s t-test was used to compare the basic information of two groups of subjects and the relative fluorescence intensity of differentially expressed proteins in hair follicles. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on plasma metabolism-related proteins and the basic information of subjects. P<0.05 indicates a statistically significant difference. Results:Sixty-one cases were included in the FAGA group, with an average age of (33.8±7.4) years and an onset age of (29.5±7.8) years. Among them, 38 cases were mild FAGA, 14 cases were moderate, and 9 cases were severe. Twenty-seven cases were included in the HC group, with an average age of (32.0±7.7) years. There was no statistically significant difference in the basic information (age, body mass index, testosterone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, uric acid, and ferritin levels) between the two groups of subjects ( P>0.05). Compared to the HC group, the plasma of the FAGA group showed 26 significantly upregulated differentially expressed proteins ( P<0.05), with AHCY and NECTIN2 exhibiting the most significant differences (all P=0.003). The ROC curve evaluation revealed that the area under the curve for AHCY and NECTIN2 was greater than 0.7, indicating good diagnostic accuracy. The GO analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins were primarily enriched in the BAT3 complex (cellular component), ubiquitin-dependent ERAD pathway, natural killer cell activation (biological process), as well as ubiquitin protein ligase binding and ubiquitin-specific protease binding (molecular function). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that AHCY ( r=-0.23, P=0.010) and NECTIN2 ( r=-0.31, P=0.033) were negatively correlated with the severity of hair loss in FAGA patients. The results of hair follicle immunofluorescence analysis showed that the relative fluorescence intensity of AHCY and NECTIN2 in the FAGA group was higher than that in the HC group ( P<0.05). In other words, both AHCY and NECTIN2 were upregulated in the FAGA group. Conclusion:Metabolism-related proteins play an important role in FAGA. AHCY and NECTIN2 may serve as early diagnostic biomarkers for FAGA.

Objective:To investigate the metabolism-related proteins and their presence in the plasma of female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) patients.Methods:From March 2021 to March 2023, FAGA patients aged 18-50 (FAGA group) and healthy women (HC group) were recruited from the Dermatology Outpatient Department of Huashan Hospital. 3 ml of peripheral venous blood was collected from each participant and centrifuged to obtain plasma. Olink proteomics analysis was performed on the collected plasma, differentially expressed proteins were screened with R language, the diagnostic accuracy of the differentially expressed proteins was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed on differentially expressed proteins. Immunofluorescence analysis on hair follicles in the parietal region of the FAGA group and the occipital region of the HC group was performed to validate the differentially expressed proteins identified. SPSS 25.0 software was used to analyze the data, with normal distribution metric data represented by Mean±SD. Student’s t-test was used to compare the basic information of two groups of subjects and the relative fluorescence intensity of differentially expressed proteins in hair follicles. Pearson correlation analysis was performed on plasma metabolism-related proteins and the basic information of subjects. P<0.05 indicates a statistically significant difference. Results:Sixty-one cases were included in the FAGA group, with an average age of (33.8±7.4) years and an onset age of (29.5±7.8) years. Among them, 38 cases were mild FAGA, 14 cases were moderate, and 9 cases were severe. Twenty-seven cases were included in the HC group, with an average age of (32.0±7.7) years. There was no statistically significant difference in the basic information (age, body mass index, testosterone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, uric acid, and ferritin levels) between the two groups of subjects ( P>0.05). Compared to the HC group, the plasma of the FAGA group showed 26 significantly upregulated differentially expressed proteins ( P<0.05), with AHCY and NECTIN2 exhibiting the most significant differences (all P=0.003). The ROC curve evaluation revealed that the area under the curve for AHCY and NECTIN2 was greater than 0.7, indicating good diagnostic accuracy. The GO analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins were primarily enriched in the BAT3 complex (cellular component), ubiquitin-dependent ERAD pathway, natural killer cell activation (biological process), as well as ubiquitin protein ligase binding and ubiquitin-specific protease binding (molecular function). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that AHCY ( r=-0.23, P=0.010) and NECTIN2 ( r=-0.31, P=0.033) were negatively correlated with the severity of hair loss in FAGA patients. The results of hair follicle immunofluorescence analysis showed that the relative fluorescence intensity of AHCY and NECTIN2 in the FAGA group was higher than that in the HC group ( P<0.05). In other words, both AHCY and NECTIN2 were upregulated in the FAGA group. Conclusion:Metabolism-related proteins play an important role in FAGA. AHCY and NECTIN2 may serve as early diagnostic biomarkers for FAGA.

Objective:To explore chromosomal copy number variations (CNVs) and pregnancy outcomes in fetuses with mild to moderate isolated ventriculomegaly (IVM), but without other indications for invasive prenatal diagnosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 215 singleton pregnancies with mild to moderate IVM (lateral ventricular width≥10-<15 mm) who underwent chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), not indicated by advanced age, high risk in serum screening or abnormal history of pregnancy, at the Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between June 2016 and March 2023. The 215 fetuses were grouped into mild ( n=167) and moderate ( n=48) IVM;unilateral ( n=142) and bilateral ( n=73) IVM; first diagnosis of IVM before 28 weeks ( n=138) and thereafter ( n=77). Anomalies other than IVM were excluded via three-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound examination between 22 and 26 weeks of gestation. Out of these cases, 129 were confirmed by fetal cranial MRI, 191 underwent chromosomal karyotype analysis, and 202 cases received cytomegalovirus DNA quantification test for amniotic fluid. The detection rates of pathogenic CNVs in various groups were compared using Fisher's exact test. Results:Among the 215 fetuses, 11 cases (5.1%) of chromosomal abnormalities were detected through CMA, including one trisomy 21, five pathogenic CNVs, and five CNVs of uncertain clinical significance. Within the pathogenic CNVs, there were two de novo mutations with 16p11.2 microdeletion and one de novo mutation with 16p11.2 microduplication, while one 16p11.2 microduplication and one Xp22.31 microdeletion were inherited maternally. Of the CNVs of uncertain significance, there were two 16p13.11 microduplications, each inherited from a different parent, one paternally and one maternally; meanwhile, family validation was refused in the other three cases with 3p22.1 microdeletion, 3p26.3 microdeletion, and 9q21.33q22.31 microduplication. The detection rate of pathogenic CNVs in the moderate IVM group was higher than that in the mild IVM group [6.3% (3/48) vs. 1.2% (2/167)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.083). Similarly, no significant difference was found in the detection rate of pathogenic CNVs when comparing the unilateral IVM group [2.1% (3/142)] with the bilateral IVM group [2.7% (2/73)], nor between the group diagnosed with VM before 28 weeks gestation [2.2% (3/138)] and that diagnosed ≥28 weeks [2.6% (2/77)] (both P>0.05). After the exclusion of fetuses with chromosomal pathogenic abnormalities ( n=11), cytomegalovirus infection( n=1), and additional ultrasound anomalies ( n=7), and several cases with missing data intrauterine outcomes were followed up in 169 IVM fetuses, including 104 (61.5%) improved, 60 (35.5%) unchanged, and five (3.0%) progressed. Follow-ups were successful for 194 women, of which eight pregnancies were terminated (including one trisomy 21, four pathogenic CNVs, one fetal cytomegalovirus infection, and two progressed to severe IVM). Among the 186 newborns, one was diagnosed with X-linked ichthyosis, and one child who progressed to severe IVM before born was followed until 20 months of age without notable phenotypic abnormalities. The rest 184 babies, including those with CNVs of uncertain clinical significance, exhibited no developmental abnormalities during follow-up between the ages of three months and six years. Conclusions:For those fetuses with isolated mild to moderate IVM, but without indications for prenatal diagnosis such as advanced maternal age, high risk in serum screening or abnormal history of pregnancy, remain having the risk for chromosomal aberrations, and 16p11.2 microdeletion/microduplication might be a frequent CNV associated with this condition. Aside from those with pathogenic chromosomal aberrations, fetal cytomegalovirus infection, or progressive enlargement of the lateral ventricles, most fetuses with isolated mild to moderate IVM have a good prognosis.

Skin microbiota is associated with various skin diseases. Scalp hair follicles penetrate deeply into the skin, and carry complex microbial communities distinct from those on the skin surface. Local imbalance of microbial communities may impair the skin barrier function, leading to a variety of hair and scalp diseases. This review discusses changes in microbial diversity and colonization by specific microorganisms in various hair diseases, including dandruff, folliculitis decalvans, etc., and provides new ideas for exploring the pathogenesis of and therapeutic strategies for various hair and scalp diseases.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of isolated fetal echogenic bowel (FEB) as an indicator for invasive prenatal diagnosis.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled 183 pregnant women who were diagnosed with isolated FEB and underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital from August 2013 to January 2021. Clinical data including the results of conventional karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA loads in amniotic fluid and pregnancy outcomes were reviewed analyzed. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis Results:Karyotyping was performed on all of the 183 fetuses and three (1.64%) aneuploidies (one case of trisomy 21, one trisomy 18 and one 47,XYY syndrome) were detected. One trisomy 21 and four pathogenic (P)/likely pathogenic (LP) copy number variation (CNV) were detected among 108 fetuses who received CMA. The detection rate of P/LP chromosomal abnormalities by CMA was higher than that by karyotyping, but there was no significant difference between them [4.63% (5/108) vs 0.93% (1/108), χ 2=1.54, P>0.05]. In addition, three cases of variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) were detected by CMA. CMV DNA loads of fetal cells in the amniotic fluid samples of the 166 cases were determined, and only one (0.6%) was positive (CMV DNA up to 7.01×10 6 copies/ml), and no abnormalities were found in karyotype analysis and CMA detection. A total of 176 cases were followed up, and among them only one case of intrauterine infection and seven cases (three aneuploidies and four P/LP CNV) of chromosomal abnormalities were terminated after genetic counseling. Three fetuses with VOUS and other 165 fetuses without chromosomal abnormalities had a good prognosis after birth. Conclusions:Isolated FEB may be the abnormal ultrasound finding in fetuses with chromosomal abnormalities or CMV infection. Prenatal genetic testing and the exclusion of intrauterine infection are important for management during pregnancy and prognosis assessment of FEB.

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) leads to thinning of scalp hair and affects 60%~70% of the adult population worldwide. Developing more effective treatments and studying its mechanism are of great significance. Previous clinical studies have revealed that hair growth is stimulated by 650-nm red light. Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanism of 650-nm red light on the treatment of AGA by using ex vivo hair follicle culture. Methods: Human hair follicles were obtained from hair transplant patients with AGA. Hair follicles were cultured in Williams E medium and treated with or without 650-nm red light.Real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression level of genes and proteins in hair follicles, respectively. RNA-sequencing analysis was carried out to reveal the distinct gene signatures upon 650 nm treatment. Results: Low-level 650 nm red light promoted the proliferation of human hair follicles in the experimental cultured-tissue model. Consistently, 650 nm red light significantly delayed the transition of hair cycle from anagen to catagen in vitro. RNA-seq analysis and gene clustering for the differentially expressed genes suggests that leukocyte transendothelial migration, metabolism, adherens junction and other biological process maybe involved in stimulation of hair follicles by 650-nm red light treatment. Conclusion The effect of 650-nm red light on ex vivo hair follicles and the transcriptome set which implicates the role of red light in promoting hair growth and reversing of miniaturization process of AGA were identified.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the origin of supernumerary small marker chromosomes (sSMCs) carried by two fetuses. METHODS: Single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis were carried out on cells cultured from the amniotic fluid samples. RESULTS: SNP-array analysis showed both fetuses to be arr[hg19]22q11.1q11.21(16 888 899-18 649 190)×4, with a duplicated 1.7 Mb region (16 888 899-18 649 190) leading to partial tetrasomy of 22q11.1-22q11.21. FISH confirmed that both fetuses were 47,XN,+mar.ish idic(22)(q11.2) (RP11-958H20 ++),which suggested a diagnosis of Cat-eye syndrome (CES). The appearance of abortuses were consistent with the diagnosis of CES. CONCLUSION Two fetuses with CES were diagnosed by genetic testing. The latter has provided a basis for genetic counseling.
Aneuploidy ; Chromosome Disorders ; diagnosis ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22 ; Eye Abnormalities ; diagnosis ; Female ; Fetus ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Karyotyping ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

Objective To investigate the role of the QQ group follow up of nursing education on patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy in patients after they discharged. Methods Thirty patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma hospitalized from January to December 2013 in our department were set as control group and another 30 patients with NPC hospitalized from January to December 2014 in our department were assined to in the experiment group. Patients of two group received health education before discharge . The controls were followed up on phone and the experimental group received QQ group follow up of education for one year, besides phone follow-up. The two groups were compared in terms of incidence of adverse reactions one year after discharge. Results One year after discharge , the incidences of side effects in the experiment group were lowered than those in the control group , and the differences were siguificant difference ( all P < 0 . 05 ) . Conclusion The QQ group follow up of nursing education can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions by radiotherapy after discharge.

Objective To observe the curative effect of auricular point sticking on menstrual distending pains of breasts. Methods Sixty-two patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands were randomized evenly into experiment group and control group:the former were managed with auricular point sticking and the latter with oral administration of Xiaoyao Pills for three treatment courses, each menstrual cycle as a course.The two groups were compared in terms of menstrual distending pains of breasts.Results The experiment group was significantly better than the control group in terms relieves of pains as well as the curative effect after the trial (P<0.01 for both).Conclusions Auricular point sticking is effective in relieving the menstrual distending pains of breasts.It is simple for manipulation and thus worth clinical spreading.