Oxidation of chromium(â ¢): A potential risk of using chemical oxidation processes for the remediation of 2-chlorophenol contaminated soils.

Chemical oxidation processes are widely used for the remediation of organically contaminated soils, but their potential impact on variable-valence and toxic metals such as chromium (Cr) is often overlooked. In this study, we investigated the risk of Cr(Ⅲ) oxidation in soils during the remediation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) contaminated soils using four different processes: Potassium permanganate (KMnO4), Modified Fenton (Fe2+/H2O2), Alkali-activated persulfate (S2O82-/OH-), and Fe2+-activated persulfate (S2O82-/Fe2+). Our results indicated that the KMnO4, Fe2+/H2O2, and S2O82-/Fe2+ processes progressively oxidized Cr(III) to Cr(Ⅵ) during the 2-CP degradation. The KMnO4 process likely involved direct electron transfer, while the Fe2+/H2O2 and S2O82-/Fe2+ processes primarily relied on HO• and/or SO4•- for the Cr(III) oxidation. Notably, after 4 h of 2-CP degradation, the Cr(VI) content in the KMnO4 process surpassed China's 3.0 mg kg-1 risk screening threshold for Class I construction sites, and further exceeded the 5.7 mg kg-1 limit for Class II construction sites after 8 h. Conversely, the S2O82-/OH- process exhibited negligible oxidation of Cr(III), maintaining a low oxidation ratio of 0.13%, as highly alkaline conditions induced Cr(III) precipitation, reducing its exposure to free radicals. Cr(III) oxidation ratio was directly proportional to oxidant dosage, whereas the Fe2+/H2O2 process showed a different trend, influenced by the concentration of reductants. This study provides insights into the selection and optimization of chemical oxidation processes for soil remediation, emphasizing the imperative for thorough risk evaluation of Cr(III) oxidation before their application.

Supramolecular 3 in 1: A Lubrication and Co-Delivery System for Synergistic Advanced Osteoarthritis Therapy.

The complexity, heterogeneity, and drug resistance of diseases necessitate a shift in therapeutic paradigms from monotherapy to combination therapy, which could augment treatment efficiency. Effective treatment of advanced osteoarthritis (OA) requires addressing three key factors contributing to its deterioration: chronic joint inflammation, lubrication dysfunction, and cartilage-tissue degradation. Herein, we present a supramolecular nanomedicine of multifunctionality via molecular recognition and self-assembly. The employed macrocyclic carrier, zwitterion-modified cavitand (CV-2), not only accurately loads various drugs but also functions as a therapeutic agent with lubricating properties for the treatment of OA. Kartogenin (KGN), a drug for articular cartilage regeneration and protection, and flurbiprofen (FP), an anti-inflammatory agent, were coloaded onto CV-2 assembly, forming a supramolecular nanomedicine KGN&FP@CV-2. The three-in-one combination therapy of KGN&FP@CV-2 addresses the three pathological features for treating OA collectively, and thus provides long-term therapeutic benefits for OA through sustained drug release and intrinsic lubrication in vivo. The multifunctional integration of macrocyclic delivery and therapeutics provides a simple, flexible, and universal platform for the synergistic treatment of diseases involving multiple drugs.

Characterization, Antioxidant Capacity and Protective Effect of Peptides from Cordyceps militaris Cultivated with Tussah Pupa on Oxidative Injured HepG2 Cells.

The antioxidant capacity and protective effect of peptides from protein hydrolysate of Cordyceps militaris cultivated with tussah pupa (ECPs) on H2O2-injured HepG2 cells were studied. Results indicated ECP1 (<3 kDa) presented the strongest antioxidant activity compared with other molecular weight peptides. Pretreated with ECPs observably enhanced survival rates and reduced apoptosis rates of HepG2 cells. ECPs treatment decreased the ROS level, MDA content and increased CAT and GSH-Px activities of HepG2 cells. Besides, the morphologies of natural peptides from C. militaris cultivated with tussah pupa (NCP1) and ECP1 were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Characterization results suggested the structure of NCP1 was changed by enzymatic hydrolysis treatment. Most of hydrophobic and acidic amino acids contents (ACC) in ECP1 were also observably improved by enzymatic hydrolysis. In conclusion, low molecular weight peptides had potential value in the development of cosmetics and health food.

The safety and feasibility Assessment of Overlap Esophagojejunostomy with Self-pulling and Latter Transection Technique in Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study presents an innovative technique in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) for Overlap esophagojejunostomy, termed self-pulling and latter transection (Overlap SPLT). It evaluates the effectiveness and short-term outcomes of this novel method through a comparative analysis with the established functional end-to-end esophagojejunostomy incorporating self-pulling and latter transection (FETE SPLT). METHODS: From September 2018 to September 2023, this study enrolled 68 gastric cancer patients who underwent totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) with Overlap SPLT anastomosis and 120 patients who underwent TLTG with FETE SPLT anastomosis. Clinicopathological characteristics, surgical and postoperative outcomes data for Overlap SPLT cases were gathered and retrospectively compared with those from FETE SPLT TLTG to evaluate the effectiveness and clinical safety. RESULTS: The duration of anastomosis for Overlap SPLT was 25.3 ± 7.4minutes, significantly longer than that for the FETE SPLT (18.1 ± 4.0minutes, P = 0.031). Perioperatively, one anastomosis-related complication occurred in each group, but this did not constitute a statistically significant difference (P = 0.682). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of operative time, postoperative hospital stay, operative cost, surgical margins, or number of lymph nodes removed. Postoperative morbidity rates were similar between the groups (4.4% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.676). CONCLUSION: The Overlap SPLT technique is regarded as a safe and feasible method for anastomosis. There were no apparent differences in complications between Overlap SPLT and FETE SPLT, but Overlap SPLT costed one additional stapler cartridge and required a longer duration.

Three-Dimensional Bimetallic Ammonium K-Eu Nitrate with a Rare (6,6)-Connected Ion Topology Exhibiting Structural Phase Transition and Photoluminescence Properties.

A K-Eu bimetallic ammonium metal-nitrate three-dimensional (3D) framework incorporating R-N-methyl-3-hydroxyquinuclidine, (RM3HQ)2KEu(NO3)6 (RM3HQ = R-N-methyl-3-hydroxyquinuclidine, 1), was characterized and reported. Distinguishing from the former hybrid rare-earth double perovskites, 1 adopts a mixed corner- and face-sharing K+/Eu3+-centered polyhedral connectivity to form a 3D inorganic framework, showing a rare (6, 6)-connected ion topology with a 66 framework. Notably, 1 exhibits clear phase transition, and the switchable thermodynamic behavior is confirmed by variable-temperature dielectric measurements and second-harmonic generation response. Moreover, 1 also shows photoluminescence properties. The activator Eu3+ plays a crucial role in this process, leading to a significant narrow emission at 592 nm with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 20.76%. The fluorescence lifetime (FLT) of 1 is 4.32 ms. This finding enriches the bimetallic hybrid system for potential electronic and/or luminescence applications.

Simultaneous Stereoinvertive and Stereoselective C(sp3)-C(sp3) Cross-Coupling of Boronic Esters and Allylic Carbonates.

With increasing interest in constructing more three-dimensional entities, there has been growing interest in cross-coupling reactions that forge C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds, which leads to additional challenges as it is not just a more difficult bond to construct but issues of stereocontrol also arise. Herein, we report the stereocontrolled cross-coupling of enantioenriched boronic esters with racemic allylic carbonates enabled by iridium catalysis, leading to the formation of C(sp3)-C(sp3) bonds with single or vicinal stereogenic centers. The method shows broad substrate scope, enabling primary, secondary, and even tertiary boronic esters to be employed, and can be used to prepare any of the four possible stereoisomers of a coupled product with vicinal chiral centers. The new method, which combines the simultaneous enantiospecific reaction of a chiral nucleophile with the enantioselective reaction of a chiral electrophile in a single process, offers a solution for stereodivergent cross-coupling of two C(sp3) fragments.

CD22 blockade aggravates EAE and its role in microglia polarization.

AIMS: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease. Microglia are reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of MS. However, the key molecules that control the inflammatory activity of microglia in MS have not been identified. METHODS: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice were randomized into CD22 blockade and control groups. The expression levels of microglial CD22 were measured by flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescence. The effects of CD22 blockade were examined via in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS: We detected increased expression of microglial CD22 in EAE mice. In addition, an in vitro study revealed that lipopolysaccharide upregulated the expression of CD22 in microglia and that CD22 blockade modulated microglial polarization. Moreover, an in vivo study demonstrated that CD22 blockade aggravated EAE in mice and promoted microglial M1 polarization. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our study indicates that CD22 may be protective against EAE and may play a critical role in the maintenance of immune homeostasis in EAE mice.

Patient with suspected co-infection of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and malaria: a case report.

Background: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is a natural epidemic disease that can be caused by the Hantaan virus (HTNV). Malaria is caused by plasmodium and can be transmitted by a mosquito bite. The similar manifestations shared by these disorders pose a challenge for clinicians in differential diagnosis, in particular, coupled with a false-positive serological test. Case presentation: A 46-year-old man was admitted for fever and chills for over 10 days and was suspected of being co-infected with HFRS and malaria due to a history of travel to malaria-endemic areas and a positive HTNV-immunoglobulin M (IgM) test. Although leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, renal injury, lymphocytosis, overexpression of interleukin-6, and procalcitonin were observed during the hospitalization, the hypotensive, oliguria, and polyuria phases of the HFRS course were not observed. Instead, typical symptoms of malaria were found, including a progressive decrease in erythrocytes and hemoglobin levels with signs of anemia. Furthermore, because the patient had no history of exposure to HFRS endemic areas, exposure to an HTNV-infected rodent, or a positive HTNV-IgG test, and false serological tests of IgM can be caused by various factors, the HFRS coinfection with malaria was ruled out. Conclusion: Misdiagnosis can be easily induced by a false serological test, in particular the IgM test which can be influenced by various factors. A combination of health history, epidemiology, physical examination, precise application of specific examinations involving tests of conventional laboratory parameters as well as well-accepted methods such as the immunochromatographic (ICG) test, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Western blot (WB), and acquaintance with disorders with similar manifestations will contribute to the precise diagnosis in clinical treatment.

Small Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Plus Variceal Embolization for Gastric Varices: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) plus variceal embolization for treating gastric varices (GVs) remains controversial. This nationwide multicenter cohort study aimed to evaluate whether adding variceal embolization to a small diameter (8-mm) TIPS could reduce the rebleeding incidence in patients with different types of GVs. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved 629 patients who underwent 8-mm TIPS for gastric varices at seven medical centers. The primary endpoint was all-cause rebleeding, and the secondary endpoints included overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 629 patients were included. Among them, 429 (68.2%) had gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1), 145 (23.1%) had gastroesophageal varices type 2 (GOV2), and 55 (8.7%) had isolated gastric varices type 1 (IGV1). In the entire cohort, adjunctive embolization reduced rebleeding (6.2% versus 13.6%, P=0.005) and OHE (31.0% versus 39.4%, P=0.02) compared with TIPS alone. However, no significant differences were found in mortality (12.0% versus 9.7%, P=0.42). In patients with GOV2 and IGV1, TIPS+E reduced both rebleeding (GOV2: 7.8% versus 25.1%, P=0.01; IGV1: 5.6% versus 30.8%, P=0.03) and OHE (GOV2: 31.8% versus 51.5%, P=0.008; IGV1: 11.6% versus 38.5%, P=0.04). However, in patients with GOV1, adjunctive embolization did not reduce rebleeding (5.9% versus 8.7%, P=0.37) or OHE (33.1% versus 35.3%, P=0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with TIPS alone, 8-mm TIPS plus variceal embolization reduced rebleeding and OHE in patients with GOV2 and IGV1. These findings suggest that patients with GOV2 and IGV1, rather than GOV1, could benefit from embolization with TIPS.

Divergent association between pain intensity and resting-state fMRI-based brain entropy in different age groups.

Pain is a multidimensional subjective experience sustained by multiple brain regions involved in different aspects of pain experience. We used brain entropy (BEN) estimated from resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) data to investigate the neural correlates of pain experience. BEN was estimated from rs-fMRI data provided by two datasets with different age range: the Human Connectome Project-Young Adult (HCP-YA) and the Human Connectome project-Aging (HCP-A) datasets. Retrospective assessment of experienced pain intensity was retrieved from both datasets. No main effect of pain intensity was observed. The interaction between pain and age, however, was related to increased BEN in several pain-related brain regions, reflecting greater variability of spontaneous brain activity. Dividing the sample into a young adult group (YG) and a middle age-aging group (MAG) resulted in two divergent patterns of pain-BEN association: In the YG, pain intensity was related to reduced BEN in brain regions involved in the sensory processing of pain; in the MAG, pain was associated with increased BEN in areas related to both sensory and cognitive aspects of pain experience.

The Role of Beta2-Microglobulin in Central Nervous System Disease.

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders represent the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, and impose a substantial economic burden on society. In recent years, emerging evidence has found that beta2 -microglobulin (B2M), a subunit of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules, plays a crucial role in the development and progression in certain CNS diseases. On the one hand, intracellular B2M was abnormally upregulated in brain tumors and regulated tumor microenvironments and progression. On the other hand, soluble B2M was also elevated and involved in pathological stages in CNS diseases. Targeted B2M therapy has shown promising outcomes in specific CNS diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and discussion of recent advances in understanding the pathological processes involving B2M in CNS diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, aging, stroke, HIV-related dementia, glioma, and primary central nervous system lymphoma).

Causal relationship between serum metabolites and juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a condition that occurs when individuals under the age of 16 develop arthritis that lasts for more than six weeks, and the cause is unknown. The development of JIA may be linked to serum metabolites. Nevertheless, the association between JIA pathogenesis and serum metabolites is unclear, and there are discrepancies in the findings across studies. METHODS: In this research, the association between JIA in humans and 486 serum metabolites was assessed using genetic variation data and genome-wide association study. The identification of causal relationships was accomplished through the application of univariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Various statistical methods, including inverse variance weighted and MR-Egger, were applied to achieve this objective. To ensure that the findings from the MR analysis were trustworthy, a number of assessments were carried out. To ensure the accuracy of the obtained results, a range of techniques were utilised including the Cochran Q test, examination of the MR-Egger intercept, implementation of the leave-one-out strategy, and regression analysis of linkage disequilibrium scores. In order to identify the specific metabolic pathways associated with JIA, our primary objective was to perform pathway enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. RESULTS: Two-sample summary data MR analyses and sensitivity analyses showed that five metabolites were significantly causally associated with JIA, including two risk factors-kynurenine (odds ratio [OR]: 16.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.07-129.63, p = 5.11 × 10- 6) and linolenate (OR: 16.48, 95% CI: 1.32-206.22, p = 0.030)-and three protective factors-3-dehydrocarnitine (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14-0.72, p = 0.007), levulinate (4-oxovalerate) (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.20-0.80, p = 0.010), and X-14,208 (phenylalanylserine) (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.51-0.92, p = 0.010). Furthermore, seven metabolic pathways, including α-linolenic acid metabolism and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, are potentially associated with the onset and progression of JIA. CONCLUSION: Five serum metabolites, including kynurenine and 3-dehydrocarnitine, may be causally associated with JIA. These results provide a theoretical framework for developing effective JIA prevention and screening strategies.

Resting state fMRI-based brain information flow mapping.

Human brain is a massive information generation and processing machine. Studying the information flow may provide unique insight into brain function and brain diseases. We present here a tool for mapping the regional information flow in the entire brain using fMRI. Using the tool, we can estimate the information flow from a single region to the rest of the brain, between different regions, between different days, or between different individuals' brain.

Ti3C2 mediates the NiFe-LDH layered electrocatalyst to enhance the OER performance for water splitting.

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a very complex process with slow reaction kinetics and high overpotential, which is the main limitation for the commercial application of water splitting. Thus, it is of necessary to design high-performance OER catalysts. NiFe based layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDHs) have recently gained a lot of attention due to their high reaction activity and simple manufacturing process. In this study, a novel electrocatalyst based on NiFe-LDH was constructed by introducing Ti3C2, which was utilized to modulate the structural and electronic properties of the electrocatalysts. Structural examinations reveal that the Ti3C2 of 2D structure successfully dope the NiFe-LDHs nanosheets, forming NiFe-LDH/Ti3C2 heterojunctions. Firstly, the heterojunction substantially reduces the charge transfer resistance, promoting the electron migration between the LDH nanosheets. Secondly, theoretical calculations demonstrate that the energy barrier between the rate-determining step from *OH to *O is lowered, favoring the formation of the reaction intermediates and thus the occurrence of OER. As a result, the composite electrocatalyst exhibits a low overpotential of 334 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm2 and a small Tafel slope of 55 mV/dec, which are superior to those of the NiFe-LDH by 11.2 % and 38.5 %, respectively. This study provides inspiration for promoting the performances of NiFe based electrocatalysts by utilizing 2D materials.

Synergistic Effect of ZIF-8 and Pt-Functionalized NiO/In2O3 Hollow Nanofibers for Highly Sensitive Detection of Formaldehyde.

A rapid and accurate monitoring of hazardous formaldehyde (HCHO) gas is extremely essential for health protection. However, the high-power consumption and humidity interference still hinder the application of HCHO gas sensors. Hence, zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8)-loaded Pt-NiO/In2O3 hollow nanofibers (ZPNiIn HNFs) were designed via the electrospinning technique followed by hydrothermal treatment, aiming to enable a synergistic advantage of the surface modification and the construction of a p-n heterostructure to improve the sensing performance of the HCHO gas sensor. The ZPNiIn HNF sensor has a response value of 52.8 to 100 ppm HCHO, a nearly 4-fold enhancement over a pristine In2O3 sensor, at a moderately low temperature of 180 °C, along with rapid response/recovery speed (8/17 s) and excellent humidity tolerance. These enhanced sensing properties can be attributed to the Pt catalysts boosting the catalytic activity, the p-n heterojunctions facilitating the chemical reaction, and the appropriate ZIF-8 loading providing a hydrophobic surface. Our research presents an effective sensing material design strategy for inspiring the development of cost-effective sensors for the accurate detection of indoor HCHO hazardous gas.

SR9009 attenuates inflammation-related NPMSC pyroptosis and IVDD through NR1D1/NLRP3/IL-1ß pathway.

Intervertebral disc is a highly rhythmical tissue. As a key factor linking biorhythm and inflammatory response, the shielding effect of NR1D1 in the process of intervertebral disc degeneration remains unclear. Here, we first confirmed that NR1D1 in the nucleus pulposus tissue presents periodic rhythmic changes and decreases in expression with intervertebral disc degeneration. Second, when NR1D1 was activated by SR9009 in vitro, NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and IL-1ß production were inhibited, while ECM synthesis was increased. Finally, the vivo experiments further confirmed that the activation of NR1D1 can delay the process of disc degeneration to a certain extent. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that NR1D1 can bind to IL-1ß and NLRP3 promoters, and that the NR1D1/NLRP3/IL-1ß pathway is involved in this process. Our results demonstrate that the activation of NR1D1 can effectively reduce IL-1ß secretion, alleviate LPS-induced NPMSC pyroptosis, and protect ECM degeneration.

Reactive Oxygen Species Amplifier for Apoptosis-Ferroptosis Mediated High-Efficiency Radiosensitization of Tumors.

Insufficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and radioresistance have consistently contributed to the failure of radiotherapy (RT). The development of a biomaterial capable of activating ROS-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis is a potential strategy to enhance RT sensitivity. To achieve precision and high-efficiency RT, the theranostic nanoplatform Au/Cu nanodots (Au/CuNDs) were designed for dual-mode imaging, amplifying ROS generation, and inducing apoptosis-ferroptosis to sensitize RT. A large amount of ROS is derived from three aspects: (1) When exposed to ionizing radiation, Au/CuNDs effectively absorb photons and emit various electrons, which can interact with water to produce ROS. (2) Au/CuNDs act as a catalase-like to produce abundant ROS through Fenton reaction with hydrogen peroxide overexpressed of tumor cells. (3) Au/CuNDs deplete overexpressed glutathione, which causes the accumulation of ROS. Large amounts of ROS and ionizing radiation further lead to apoptosis by increasing DNA damage, and ferroptosis by enhancing lipid peroxidation, significantly improving the therapeutic efficiency of RT. Furthermore, Au/CuNDs serve as an excellent nanoprobe for high-resolution near-infrared fluorescence imaging and computed tomography of tumors. The promising dual-mode imaging performance shows their potential application in clinical cancer detection and imaging-guided precision RT, minimizing damage to adjacent normal tissues during RT. In summary, our developed theranostic nanoplatform integrates dual-mode imaging and sensitizes RT via ROS-activated apoptosis-ferroptosis, offering a promising prospect for clinical cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Menstrual abnormalities effects on clinical features and in vitro fertilization pregnancy outcomes in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic criteria and phenotypes in polycystic ovary syndrome are heterogeneous. Currently, it is unclear how to assess a patient's prognosis based on the onset time of menstruation disturbance. Evidence on this topic is scarce and has mainly focused on menstrual patterns. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the association between the onset time of menstrual disturbance and clinical features and in vitro fertilization pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Our study was a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a randomized controlled trial conducted to compare live birth rates between fresh embryo transfer and frozen embryo transfer in 1508 individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome. Here, 1500 participants were classified into 2 groups according to the onset time of menstrual disturbance: immediately after menarche (early group) and after at least 1 year of regular menstruation (late group). We compared the prepregnancy clinical features, variables of ovarian stimulation, pregnancy outcomes after the initial cycle of embryo transfer, and perinatal and neonatal complications in the 2 groups. RESULTS: Compared with the late group, the early group had more antral follicles (32.00 [range, 27.25-39.50] vs 28.00 [range, 24.00-36.00]; P<.001), an elevated level of antimüllerian hormone (7.02 ng/mL [range, 3.60-11.47] vs 5.66 ng/mL [range, 3.65-8.92]; P=.024), a higher level of baseline luteinizing hormone (10.01±5.93 vs 8.51±5.53 IU/l; P<.001) and luteinizing hormone-to-follicle-stimulating hormone ratio (1.51 [range, 1.00-2.32] vs 1.45 [range, 0.92-2.13]; P<.001), lower levels of fasting glucose (5.47 mmol/L [range, 5.11-5.73] vs 5.50 mmol/L [range, 5.17-5.76]; P<.001), and insulin at 2 hours after 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (56.85 µU/mL [range, 34.63-94.54] vs 59.82 µU/mL [range, 33.56-94.67]; P=.027), a higher level of high-density lipoprotein (1.26 mmol/L [range, 1.04-1.37] vs 1.21 mmol/L [range, 1.07-1.45]; P=.006). During in vitro fertilization, the early group had a higher level of peak estradiol (4596.50 pg/mL [range, 2639.25-6321.00] vs 3954.00 pg/mL [range, 2378.75-6113.50]; P=.013), and luteinizing hormone (2.52 IU/L [range, 1.40-4.21] vs 1.93 IU/L [range, 0.91-3.32]; P=.010) on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin trigger. There was no statistically significant difference observed in the number of oocytes and embryos, the rates of pregnancy and live birth, and the risks of obstetrical and neonatal between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: An early onset of menstrual disturbance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome may be associated with slightly more severe reproductive features and slightly milder metabolic features. Nonetheless, the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and the initial cycle of embryo transfer were comparable between the 2 groups.

The difference in early trimester fetal growth between singletons after frozen embryo transfer and fresh embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND: Frozen embryo transfer resulted in a higher birthweight and an increased risk of macrosomia than fresh embryo transfer. However, the mechanism was still unclear. When the impact of frozen embryo transfer on fetal growth began was unknown. Crown-rump length at 11-13 weeks had been regarded as a good indicator of fetal growth in the first trimester and had been used for gestational age calculation in women with uncertain last menstrual periods. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between frozen embryo transfer and early fetal growth, particularly the crown-rump length, then fresh embryo transfer. The secondary objective was to investigate the potential correlation between crown-rump length and birthweight. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at the Reproductive Medical Center of Shandong University. A total of 4949 patients who obtained singleton pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer and 1793 patients who got singleton pregnancy after fresh embryo transfer between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2022 were included. The primary outcome was the crown-rump length measured via ultrasound at 11-13 weeks gestation. The secondary outcomes were perinatal outcomes, including birthweight and the risk of large for gestational age, small for gestational age, macrosomia, low birthweight, and premature delivery. Multivariable linear regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders of crown-rump length. RESULTS: A total of 6742 live singleton births after frozen embryo transfer or fresh embryo transfer were included in this study. In the univariable analysis, the frozen embryo transfer group had a larger crown-rump length (5.75±0.53 cm vs 5.57±0.48 cm, P<.001) and an increased risk of larger-than-expected crown-rump length (13.5% vs11.2%, P=.013) than the fresh embryo transfer group. After adjusting for confounders in multivariable linear regression models, frozen embryo transfer was still associated with a larger crown-rump length (regression coefficient, 3.809 [95% confidence intervals, 3.621-3.997], P<.001). When subgrouped by fetal gender, the crown-rump length of the frozen embryo transfer group was larger than the fresh embryo transfer group in both male and female fetuses. In addition, the crown-rump length was consistently larger in the frozen embryo transfer group than the fresh embryo transfer group in subgroups of the peak estradiol levels. The comparisons among different crown-rump length groups showed that smaller-than-expected crown-rump length was associated with increased risks of small for gestational age (6.3% vs 3.0%, P<.001) and preterm delivery (9.6% vs 6.7%, P=.004) than normal crown-rump length. CONCLUSION: Frozen embryo transfer was associated with a larger crown-rump length than fresh embryo transfer, suggesting that the effect of frozen embryo transfer on fetal growth may begin in the early trimester. Suboptimal fetal growth in the first trimester may be associated with low birthweight and premature delivery.