Enhanced Autophagy Suppresses Proplatelet Formation in Pediatric Immune Thrombocytopenia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of enhanced autophagy in megakaryocyte to proplatelet formation in children with immune thrombocytopenia(ITP).@*METHODS@#Giemsa staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe megakaryocyte morphology and proplatelet formation, Western blot was used to determine the expression of cytoskeleton protein and autophagy related protein. Autophagr regulation drugs Rap or 3-MA was used to regulate autophagy of megakaryocytes.@*RESULTS@#Some vacuole-like structures was found in ITP megakaryocytes of the children, the expression of LC3II/I (ITP 1.32±0.18； Ctrl 0.49±0.16，P<0.05) and Atg5-Atg12 (ITP 0.69±0.17； Ctrl 0.12±0.08，P<0.05) was significantly higher in ITP children as compared with those in control group. The immu- nofluorescence staining showed that the cytoskeleton arrangement in megakaryocytes of ITP children was abnormal, and the phosphorylation of myosin light chain was also increased(ITP 0.74±0.09, Ctrl 0.05±0.02，P<0.05). In vitro, inducer or inhibitor of autophagy could regulate the production of proplatelet and the expression of cell cycle related protein, including CyclinD1（Veh 1.08±0.12; Rap 0.46±0.04; Rap+3-MA 0.70±0.03）, CyclinD2（Veh 0.47±0.04; Rap 0.27±0.04; Rap+3-MA 0.41±0.03）, P21（Veh 0.15±0.01; Rap 0.04±0.01; Rap+3-MA 0.05±0.01）.@*CONCLUSION@#Enhanced autophagy is the key factor of poor proplatelet formation in megakaryocytes of ITP children.

Analysis on distribution and epidemic characteristics of common pathogens of pneumonia among hospitalized children，Suzhou，2011－2018 / 中华疾病控制杂志

@#Objective To understand the distribution and epidemic characteristics of common pathogens of pneumonia among hospitalized children in Suzhou． Methods Nasopharyngeal secretions were collected from hospitalized children with clinical pneumonia admitted to the respiratory department of Children＇s Hospital Affiliated to Suzhou University from April 2011 to March 2018 to detect common viral and bacterial pathogens of children＇s pneumonia． Ｒesults The total positive rate of pathogens was 75. 6% in the 4 765 clinical pneumonia cases. The positive rate of bacterial pathogens was 57. 4%. Streptococcus pneumoniae ( SP) was the highest，followed by Haemophilus influenzae ( H. i) ; The positive rate of viral pathogens was 44. 1%. Ｒespiratory syncytial virus ( ＲSV) was the highest，followed by Bocavirus ( BoV) . The mixed infection rate of bacteria and virus was 25. 9%，and the most common types were ＲSV and SP，BoV and Streptococcus viride ( SV) ． Conclusions SP，H．i，ＲSV and BoV are the main pathogens of clinical pneumonia in children． There are statistical differences in different age groups and seasons of hospitalized children＇s pneumonia in Suzhou． The mixed infection rate of bacteria and virus is high．

The estimation of influenza-related outpatient rate in children under 5 years in Suzhou from 2011 to 2017 / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To estimate the outpatient rate of influenza-related influenza-like illness (ILI) for children younger than 5 years in Suzhou municipal districts. Methods From October 2011 to March 2017, we conducted a prospective surveillance program on ILI for children under 5 years in outpatient settings of Soochow University Affiliated Children’s Hospital (SCH). The throat swabs were collected and tested for influenza viruses by RT-PCR. Based on the healthcare utilization surveys and population data, the number of visits and the outpatient rate of influenza-related ILI for children younger than 5 years in Suzhou municipal districts were estimated. Results During 2011-2017, in total, there were 45 930 estimated influenza-related ILI cases younger than 5 years in Suzhou municipal districts, which consisted of 7 490 influenza A/H1N1 cases, 17 843 influenza A/H3N2 cases and 20 597 influenza B cases. The estimated outpatient rate of influenza-related ILI was 6.4% in 2011-2017, which was highest in 2011-2012, 20.5%, and the lowest in 2012-2013, 2.4%. Conclusion The number of visits and the outpatient rate of influenza-related ILI in children younger than 5 years was high in Suzhou municipal districts.

An epidemiological study on human rhinovirus C in hospitalized children with respiratory tract infections / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the detection rates, epidemical characteristics, and clinical features of human rhinovirus C (HRV-C) in hospitalized children with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in Suzhou, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1 702 hospitalized children with RTIs from January to December, 2014 were enrolled, and 1 702 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were collected from all children. RT-PCR was used to measure HRV mRNA, and quantitative real-time PCR combined with high-resolution melting curve was used to measure HRV-C.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of all children, 244 (14.34%) were detected to have HRV infection, among whom 69 (69/244, 28.3%) had HRV-C infection. The rate of mixed infection of HRV-C with other viruses and bacteria was 61% (42/69). HRV-C was detected in each month of the year, and the detection rate of HRV-C in autumn was significantly higher than that in spring, summer, and winter (P<0.05). The children aged 2-5 years had a significantly higher detection rate of HRV-C than those in the other age groups (P<0.05). Compared with HRV-A/B infection, HRV-C infection led to significantly higher proportions of patients with lobar pneumonia and acute exacerbation of asthma (P<0.05), as well as patients with increased neutrophil count and CRP level (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in sex distribution or other clinical manifestations (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HRV-C infection accounts for about 1/3 of HRV infection, with a high incidence rate in autumn. The rate of mixed infection of HRV-C with other viruses and bacteria is high, and children aged 2-5 years have the highest detection rate of HRV-C. Children with HRV-C infection have similar clinical manifestations as those with HRV-A/B infection.</p>

Association of T lymphocyte subsets and allergens with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection complicated by wheezing in infants and young children / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the percentage of T lymphocyte subsets and allergen screening results in infants and young children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection complicated by wheezing.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of peripheral blood T cell subsets in 354 infants and young children with MP infection complicated by wheezing (MP wheezing group), 336 infants and young children with MP infection but without wheezing (MP non-wheezing group), and 277 children with recurrent wheezing (recurrent wheezing group). Allergen screening was also performed for these children.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Both the MP wheezing group and recurrent wheezing group had significantly lower percentages of CD3and CD3CD8lymphocytes than the MP non-wheezing group (p<0.05). The MP groups with or without wheezing had a significantly higher percentage of CD3CD4lymphocytes than the recurrent wheezing group (p<0.05). Both the MP wheezing group and recurrent wheezing group had significantly higher percentages of CD3CD19and CD19CD23lymphocytes than the MP non-wheezing group (p<0.05), and the recurrent wheezing group had the highest percentages (p<0.05). The overall positive rate of food allergens was significantly higher than that of inhaled allergens (30.3% vs 14.7%; p<0.05). The positive rates of food and inhaled allergens in the recurrent wheezing group and MP wheezing group were significantly higher than in the MP non-wheezing group (p<0.05), and the recurrent wheezing group had the highest rates.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Imbalance of T lymphocyte subsets and allergic constitution play important roles in the pathogenesis of MP infection complicated by wheezing in infants and young children.</p>

Clinical significance of MP-DNA from endotracheal aspirates in diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the detection rates of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) from nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in children with pneumonia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 164 hospitalized children with pneumonia were enrolled. NPA and BALF of these children were collected within 24 hours of admission, and MP-DNA was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Venous blood samples of all these children were collected within 24 hours of admission and on days 7-10 of treatment, and serum MP-IgM was detected using ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of MP-DNA in NAP of the 164 cases was 51.8% , which was lower than 63.4% as the detection rate of MP-IgM in serum (P=0.044), and the two detection rates were moderately consistent with each other (Kappa=0.618, P<0.01). The positive rate of MP in BALF was 71.3%, which was not significantly different with that of MP-IgM in serum (P>0.05), and the detection rates were well consistent (Kappa=0.793, P<0.01). The detection rate of MP in NPA was lower than that in BALF (P<0.01), with moderate consistency between two of them (Kappa=0.529, P<0.01). The median MP copy number in BALF was significantly higher than that in NPA (P<0.01). The MP detection rates in NPA and BALF were significantly different among different courses of disease (P<0.05). As the course of disease extended, the MP detection rates in both NPA and BALF showed a declining trend; children with MP pneumonia of 1-2 weeks' duration and 2-4 weeks' duration had a higher MP-DNA detection rate in BALF than in NPA (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MP-DNA in BALF has a high sensitivity, with a great significance for early diagnosis of MP pneumonia, while NPA MP-DNA tests may lead to a missed diagnosis.</p>

Clinical and molecular biologic characteristics of childhood acute leukemia with mixed lineage leukemia gene rearrangement / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To analyze the frequency of mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangement,the frequent types of fusion genes and clinical characteristics of childhood acute leukemia (AL) with MLL gene rearrangement.Methods Morphological and molecular characteristics of 87 AL patients with MLL gene rearrangement were studied and analyzed.MLL fusion gene was detected by way of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR).Results Eighty-seven cases with MLL gene rearrangement were found in 1209 AL patients with incidence of 6.41％ and 9.36％ respectively in ALL and in acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) respectively.Fifty-eight cases of ALL were all B-ALL,28 cases of AML included 17 cases of M5,5 cases of M4,4 cases of M2,1 case of M3 and 1 case of M6.While there was 1 case of mixed of lineage leukemia and myeloid and T-lymphoblastic antigen presentation.The clonal chromosomal aberration was detected in 45 out of 76 cases (59.21％),and chromosome 11q23 aberration were observed in 28 cases (36.84％).There were 7 different kinds of fusion genes,including MLL-AF9 in 25 cases,dupMLL in 25 cases,MLL-AF4 in 17 cases,MLL-AF10 in 9 cases,MLL-ENL in 8 cases,MLL-AFlq in 2 cases,and MLL-AF6 in 1 case.Among the cases of MLL-AF4,MLL-AF9,MLL-AF10,MLL-ENL and dupMLL,there were statistical differences in lineage,age and initial white blood cell count (WBC) (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions In childhood AL with MLL gene rearrangement,B-ALL is more common in ALL,whereas M5 and M4 are more common in AML.The common types of fusion genes are dupMLL,MLL-AF9 and MLL-AF4.Patients with the different kinds of MLL fusion gene may present different clinical characteristics.The most common ALL cases are those with MLL/AF4 and MLL/ENL who may be younger with higher WBC than the others.

Significance of interplay between Rap1 and cadherin to the development of myelodysplastic syndrome / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the hematopoietic pathophysiology of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at stem/progenitor cell level by analyzing the gene expression profiles associated with hematopoiesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The differentially expressed genes which were involved in the hematopoiesis were screened by microarray using CD34(+) cells from MDS patients firstly. RQ-PCR was then applied to validate the screened genes using CD34(+) cells from MDS-RA patients who had normal karyotype. The linkages with hematopoiesis among these validated genes were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the differentially expressed genes in CD34(+) cells of MDS-RA patients, Rap1GAP was up-regulated significantly (P < 0.01). Cadherins, which can interplay with Rap1, including N-cadherin and E-cadherin, were down-regulated significantly (P < 0.01). β-catenin, a downstream effector of cadherins, was highly expressed in MDS-RA patients (P < 0.01). c-myc binding protein was down-regulated (P < 0.01), and c-myc promoter binding protein was up-regulated (P < 0.01). Rac1, Rac2 and Cdc42, which belong to RhoGTPases family and are associated with the cell morphology and hematopoiesis, were all expressed highly in MDS-RA patients (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The abnormal expression of cadherin, β-catenin and c-myc associated genes were closely related to the dysplastic hematopoiesis of MDS. The down regulation of cadherin was associated with the positive feedback mechanism between Rap1 and cadherin. The aberrant expression of Rac1, Rac2 and Cdc42 may contribute to the morphological dysplasia of MDS.</p>

Clinical and experimental studies of childhood acute myeloid leukemia with 11q23/MLL rearrangements / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore clinical and experimental features of 28 cases of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with 11q23/MLL gene rearrangements.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Karyotypes of 234 cases of de novo childhood AML were analyzed using short-term culture of bone marrow cells and R-banding. The fusion transcripts involving MLL gene and partial tandem duplication of MLL (MLL-PTD) were detected by multiple reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Two cases with 11q23 translocation by karyotypic analysis but with negative result of multiple RT-PCR were studied with MLL-dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>R-banding karyotypic analysis has revealed 20 cases with 11q23 translocation (14 cases with M5, 4 cases with M4, 2 cases with M2), including 12 cases with t(9;11)(p22;q23), 3 cases with t(1;11)(q21;q23), 2 cases with t(6;11)(q27;q23), 1 case with t(11;19)(q23;p13), 1 with t(5;11)(q31;q23), and 1 with t(X;11)(q24;q23). Eighteen cases with 11q23 translocation having fusion transcripts involving MLL genes were confirmed with multiple RT-PCR; 2 cases showed negative results, but they were confirmed to have MLL rearrangements by D-FISH. MLL-PTD was also detected in 8 cases (4 cases M5, 2 cases M4, M2 and M6, one case each) from the other childhood AML cases. The total incidence of 11q23/MLL gene rearrangements was 11.97% (28/234), and most of patients(85.7%, 24/28) were M4/M5. The complete remission (CR) rate after treatment for the 28 cases with MLL rearrangements was 53.8%, the difference was significant by statistics (P< 0.05) compared with 90.5% for the control group (M4/M5 childhood AML with other karyotypic abnormalities or normal karyotype). Of them, 2 cases receiving intensive chemotherapy survived for 81 and 66 months, respectively, 4 cases receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation survived for 21, 20, 16 and 11 months, respectively, and are still alive with CR. The medium survival (MS) time for 28 cases with 11q23/MLL rearrangements was 11 months, whereas the MS for control group was 15 months. The difference was not statistically significant(P> 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The 11q23/MLL rearrangements is highly correlated with the occurrence of monocytic leukemia (M4 and M5). The 11q23 translocation and MLL-PTD are mutually exclusive, though both are indicative of poor prognosis. Intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation may ameliorate the clinical outcome. Multiple RT-PCR combined with karyotypic analysis and D-FISH are useful for screening the 11q23/MLL rearrangements in childhood AML.</p>

Clinical and laboratory features of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia with inversion of chromosome 16 / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical and laboratory features of pediatric inv(16) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) retrospectively.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Dual color fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH) using a LSI CBFβ inv(16) break apart probe labeled by Spectrum red and Spectrum green was performed in 15 acute myeloid leukemia cases, including 13 cases with or without abnormal eosinophils but with positive core binding factor β (CBFβ)-MYH11 fusion transcript detected by RT-PCR, and 2 cases with trisomy 8 (+8). The results were compared with the morphology, immunophenotype, karyotype and RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Morphologically, 12 cases were diagnosed as M(4)EO, 2 as M(4), and 1 as M(2a). Immunophenotypically, all 13 AML cases with inv(16) showed positive expression of CD(13) and CD(33), but without the expression of any lymphoid lineage antigens. Karyotyping analysis with G-banding detected inv(16) in 10 AML cases, including 9 M(4)EO cases and 1 M(2a), but only 5 positive cases were detected using R-banding technique. Among them, 2 cases had simultaneous +8 and trisomy22 (+22), one had +22 only in addition to inv(16). D-FISH revealed a CBFβ-MYH11 rearrangement in 13 cases of AML with positive RT-PCR results, and the mean positive rate of cell detection was 55.15% (range 37.0% - 86.0%). The complete remission rate (CR) and median survival period in this series of inv(16) AML were 81.5%and 11 months, respectively, of whom, 8 cases were still in CR. Relapse and karyotypic evolution were seen in case 5 with +8, +22 in addition to inv(16).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AML with inv(16) is a special subtype. Most cases belong to M(4)EO. Its prognosis is good in general, but it seems to be an unfavorable feature for AML with inv(16) and +8, +22 simultaneously, especially with karyotypic evolution. For detection of inv(16), G-banding technique is evidently superior to R-banding technique. D-FISH combined with RT-PCR are more sensitive and reliable than chromosome banding analysis.</p>

Preliminary study of gene expression profile associated with risk classification of childhood patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中华血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore genes associated with risk classification of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) by gene chip technology.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Group A and B were both composed of three newly diagnosed ALL cases with standard risk. After re-evaluation, group B was relegated to high-risk. The control group was composed of three idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients. The gene expression profiles of group A and B were studied by Illumina Human-6 Beadchip. Eighty-two ALL patients were selected as the experimental group and 21 with normal bone marrow as control group for real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RQ-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) There were 19 genes expressed differently between group B and A, including 14 up-regulated as ABCC4 and BCL11A, 5 down-regulated genes as TOP2A. (2) ABCC4 and BCL11A were validated by RQ-PCR and their expression level was higher in the high risk group than in the standard risk group (P < 0.05). The gene expression level in the group A and B was higher than that in the normal control group (P < 0.01). TOP2A was also validated by RQ-PCR and its expression level in the high risk group was lower than that in the standard risk group (P < 0.05). The gene expression level in the groups A and B was lower than that in the normal control group and the difference was statistically significance (P < 0.01). (3) There was a significant difference in the expression level of ABCC4 between the remission and unremission patients (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression level of BCL11A between different clinical indicators (P > 0.05). There was significant difference in the expression level of TOP2A between remission and prednisone good responder groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Fourteen genes studied were involved in the pathogenesis and drug resistance mechanism in childhood ALL patients. Investigation of gene expression profile will be helpful for predicting drug resistance, prognosis, early intervention and target therapy in childhood ALL.</p>

Characteristics of human metapneumovirus respiratory tract infection in children and the relationship between the infection and meteorological conditions / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the epidemiology of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in children and its relations with meteorological conditions in Suzhou.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Samples obtained from 6655 children hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) during the period from 2006 to 2009, were tested for virus pathogens. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from the children according to a standard protocol and were tested for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses (IFV) A and B, parainfluenza virus (PIV) types 1, 2, and 3 and adenovirus (ADV) with direct immunofluorescence assay. Samples were tested for hMPV with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Meteorological conditions including mean temperature, relative humidity, rainfall amount, sum of sunshine and mean wind velocity were collected monthly. The relationship between activity of the virus and meteorological conditions was analyzed by linear regression and stepwise regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Viral pathogens were identified in 32.2% of 6655 specimens. The positive rate of hMPV was 8.9%, RSV was 15.7%, IFV, PIV and ADV detection rates were less than that of hMPV. The annual positive rate of hMPV from 2006 to 2009 was 8.2%, 8.1%, 12.7%, 7.4% respectively (χ(2) = 33.23, P < 0.05). The hMPV positive rate of the four seasons was 11.6%, 7.6%, 4.7% and 11.7%, respectively, detection rate in winter and spring was significantly higher than those in summer and autumn (χ(2) = 74.67, P < 0.001). The positive rate of hMPV and the monthly mean temperature was moderately correlated (r = -0.43), and the monthly average rainfall (r = -0.29), monthly mean relative humidity (r = -0.27), monthly average sunshine duration (r = -0.11), the monthly average wind speed (r = -0.13) had low correlations.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>hMPV was the second most common viral pathogen of acute respiratory tract infection in children in Suzhou, which prevailed predominantly in the winter and spring. Climatic factors, especially temperature and rainfall may affect the prevalence of hMPV.</p>

Prevalence and clinical features of human metapneumovirus infection in hospitalized pediatric patients with respiratory tract infection in Suzhou area / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine whether human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was circulating in Suzhou area and the epidemiology and clinical features associated with hMPV infection.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Samples were collected from January 2006 to December 2007; respiratory specimens were tested for the presence of hMPV by reverse-transcription polymerase Chain reaction (RT-PCR). PCR products of hMPV N gene from some patients were randomly selected for sequencing analysis, and the sequences of the nucleotides and deduced amino acids were compared with those in the GenBank.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Of the 4702 patients screened, 8% had evidence of hMPV infection. The positive rate in 2006 and 2007 was 8.4% and 7.6%, respectively. The positive rates detected during January to March, November and December were higher. The median age of patients was 22. 56 months. The infected children were diagnosed as having upper respiratory tract infection (3.2%), laryngitis (2.1%), bronchiolitis (27.1%), pneumonia (55.9%), and asthma exacerbation (11.7%). Sequence analysis of these hMPV N genes showed 99%-100% homology with the registered sequence in GenBank.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>(1) hMPV accounted for a significant proportion of respiratory tract infection in infants and children. (2) hMPV prevailed predominantly in the winter and spring time. (3) Clinically, hMPV infection can not be discriminated from the infection with other respiratory tract viruses.</p>

Viral pathogens of acute respiratory infection in hospitalized children from Suzhou / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the viral pathogens of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in hospitalized children from Suzhou of China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were obtained from 1,668 hospitalized children with ARI. Common respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1, 2 and 3 and adenovirus, were detected using direct immunofluorescence. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) gene fragments were detected by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Viral agents were identified in 597 cases (35.8%). RSV was the most frequent (17.6%). RSV infection is more common in children less than 1 year old. A highest detection rate of RSV was found during winter and spring. hMPV was detected in 10.6% of the cases, with a peak detection rate between March and May. Single viral infection was found in 561 cases (33.6%) and mixed viral infection in 36 cases (including 27 cases at age of less than 1 year). RSV and hMPV co-infection was common (n=22).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>RSV is common pathogen of ARI in children from Suzhou. RSV viral activity peaks during winter and spring. The children at age of less than 1 year are susceptible to RSV. hMPV is also an important pathogen of ARI, with a peak detection rate between March and May. Mixed viral infection is common in children less than 1 year old.</p>

Classical and molecular cytogenetic abnormalities in 124 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), cytogenetics plays an important role in diagnosis, allocation of treatment and prognosis. On the basis of the conventional cytogenetic analysis, molecular methods have improved pediatric hematologists/oncologist's ability to accurately and rapidly perform risk-stratification on patients with childhood ALL during the last few years. The aim of the present study was to assess the demography of cytogenetic abnormalities in childhood ALL.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The study subjects consisted of 124 newly diagnosed ALL patients younger than 16 years of age, who were diagnosed at the Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Soochow University Children's Hospital. The diagnosis and FAB subtypes of ALL was determined by Wright-Giemsa-stained bone marrow smears and cytochemical staining. Immunophenotyping of the bone marrow samples was performed by flow cytometry. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (Multiplex PCR) analysis was performed to detect the 29 most common leukemia translocations for routine molecular diagnostic hematopathology practice, and complement the information gained from conventional cytogenetic analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Cytogenetic analysis was successful in 112 of 124 children with ALL. Sixty-eight (60%) of them had clonal chromosomal abnormalities. Numerical imbalances consisted of hyperdiploid (> 47 chromosomes, 36 cases), hypodiploid (< 46 chromosomes, 14 cases), pseudodiploidy (18 cases). Chromosomal translocations were observed in 13 patients by conventional cytogenetic analysis. Three cases were found positive for 4; 11 translocation, 3 cases for 9; 22 translocation, 1 case for 1; 19 translocation and 6 cases for other rare translocations. Multiplex-PCR analysis detected 116 of the 124 ALL patients. Thirteen cases of TEL-AML1, 10 cases of rearrangement in the MLL gene, 4 cases of E2A-PBX1, 4 cases of E2A-HLF, 3 cases of BCR-ABL, 2 cases of TLS-ERG, 32 cases of HOX11 were detected by Multiplex PCR in B-lineage leukemias. SIL-TAL1 had been found in 4 of 7 of T-lineage leukemias.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Sixty-eight cases of ALL showed chromosomal aberrations. Multiplex PCR positivity was detected in 59 (50%) of the 116 ALL patients studied. Multiplex PCR combined with chromosomal analysis uncovered chromosomal abnormalities in 95 of 124 (77%) of ALL patients and supplemented each other in detecting chromosomal abnormalities.</p>