Whole exome sequencing discloses a pathogenic MTM1 gene mutation in a continuous polyhydramnios family in China: Case report and literature review.

Polyhydramnios can be caused by genetic defects at times. However, to establish an accurate diagnosis and provide a precise prenatal consultation in a given case is still a great challenge toward obstetricians. To uncover the genetic cause of polyhydramnios in the two consecutive pregnancies, we performed whole-exome sequencing of DNA for the second suffering fetuses, their parents, and targeted sanger sequencing of other members of this family. We discovered a hemizygous truncating variant in MTM1 gene, c.438_439 del (p. H146Q fs*10) in this Chinese family. In the light of the molecular discoveries, the fetus's clinical phenotype was considered to be a good fit for X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM). There is no related research to the prenatal manifestations of MTM1-related XLMTM among Chinese population, and this is the first one to present. Though the etiology of polyhydramnios is complicated, WES may provide us with a creative avenue in prenatal diagnosis.

Ultrathin Densified Carbon Nanotube Film with "Metal-like" Conductivity, Superior Mechanical Strength, and Ultrahigh Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness.

Flexible and lightweight high-performance electromagnetic interference shielding materials with minimal thickness, excellent mechanical properties, and outstanding reliability are highly desired in the field of fifth-generation (5G) communication, yet remain extremely challenging to manufacture. Herein, we prepared an ultrathin densified carbon nanotube (CNT) film with superior mechanical properties and ultrahigh shielding effectiveness. Upon complete removal of impurities in pristine CNT film, charge separation in individual CNTs induced by polar molecules leads to strong CNT-CNT attraction and film densification, which significantly improve the electrical conductivity, shielding performance, and mechanical strength. The tensile strength is up to 822 ± 21 MPa, meanwhile the electrical conductivity is as high as 902,712 S/m, and the density is only 1.39 g cm-3. Notably, the shielding effectiveness is over 51 dB with a thickness of merely 1.85 µm in the broad frequency range of 4-18 GHz, and it reaches to ∼82 dB at 6.36 µm and ∼101 dB at 14.7 µm, respectively. Further, such CNT film exhibits excellent reliability after an extended period in strong acid/alkali, high temperature, and high humidity. It demonstrates the best overall performance among representative shielding materials by far, representing a critical breakthrough in the preparation of shielding film toward applications in wearable electronics and 5G communication.

Effects of prophylactic uterine artery embolization on second-trimester induced abortions in patients with placenta previa.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of prophylactic uterine artery embolization (UAE) on second-trimester induced abortions in patients with placenta previa. METHODS: The present study was a retrospective review of second-trimester induced abortions in the presence of placenta previa that conducted between January 1, 2008, and October 31, 2017, at a university hospital in Hangzhou, China. Pregnancy outcomes including intraoperative blood loss, transfusion, dilatation and evacuation, hysterotomy delivery, and hysterectomy were compared between patients with and without prophylactic UAE. RESULTS: There were 54 patients included in the study. In patients with partial placenta previa (n=15), the volume of intraoperative blood loss and the frequency of dilatation and evacuation were not significantly different between the UAE and non-UAE groups (P>0.05). No patient had a transfusion, hysterotomy delivery, or hysterectomy. Among patients with complete placenta previa (n=39), the volumes of intraoperative blood loss (P=0.014) and transfusion (P=0.046) were significantly lower in the UAE group compared with the non-UAE group. The rates of dilatation and evacuation, and hysterotomy delivery did not differ between the groups (P>0.05), but were numerically higher in the non-UAE group. No patient was treated with hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic UAE before a second-trimester induced abortion had significant advantages in women with complete placenta previa, but it did not improve the pregnancy outcome in patients with partial placenta previa. CHINESE CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: ChiCTR-OPC-14005334.