Regulation of Immune Balance by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Cough Variant Asthma： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Cough variant asthma （CVA） is a chronic respiratory disease with cough as its main symptom. The occurrence of CVA is closely related to non-specific airway inflammation， and its pathogenesis involves environmental， genetic， immune， and other factors. In recent years， the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in the treatment of CVA have attracted the attention of experts and scholars in China and abroad， especially its prominent role in regulating immune balance， relieving cough symptoms in CVA patients， and reducing recurrence. T Helper cells 1 （Th1）， T helper cells 2 （Th2）， T helper cells 17 （Th17）， and regulatory T cells （Treg） are derived from CD4+ T cells. Immune imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg is a new hotspot in the pathogenesis of CVA and a potential key target in the treatment of CVA by TCM. Th cell subsets are in dynamic balance under physiological conditions， maintaining respiratory immune homeostasis in which pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines are balanced. Immature helper T cells （Th0） can be differentiated into Th1， Th2， Th17， Treg， and other cell subsets due to cytokine types in the microenvironment in the stage of CVA maturation. The proliferation of Th2 cells leads to eosinophilic airway inflammation. Excessive differentiation of Th17 cells induces neutrophil airway inflammation. Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cells are mutually restricted in number and function， and the immune imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg is easy to aggravate the generation of inflammatory response. Restoring immune balance is particularly important for the airway anti-inflammatory therapy of CVA. In this paper， the imbalance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg and the pathogenesis of CVA were systematically expounded. Meanwhile， the latest research on the regulation of immune imbalance by TCM compound， single TCM， and its effective ingredients in the treatment of CVA was reviewed. It provides ideas and references for revealing the scientific connotation of TCM regulating immune balance therapy of CVA， as well as the development of clinical treatment and basic research of CVA.

Development and verification of cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography for detection of charge variants of pembrolizumab / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To develop and verify a cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography(CEX-HPLC)method for the detection of charge variants of pembrolizumab.Methods Pembrolizumab was bound to the exchange column matrix by using MabPac SCX-10 column,and the variants with different charges were eluted by gradually increasing the salt concentration of the mobile phase.The specificity,precision,linear range,accuracy and durability of the method were verified,and the charge variants of three batches of pembrolizumab finished products were detected by using the developed method.Results The resolution of the last acidic isomer peak and the first basic isomer peak of pembrolizumab from the main peak were 1.28 and 1.42,respectively.The mobile phase A and preparation buffer had no obvious interference peaks at the peak of the sample;The RSD values of the precision verification were all less than 2.0%;The total peak area,main peak area,acidic isomer peak area and basic isomer peak area of the standard all exhibited good linear relationship with the theoretical dilution concentration with each R~2 of 1.00;The recovery rates of the total peak area and main peak area of the standard at three concentrations were between 96.81% and 106.07%;When pH value of the mobile phase was within the range of 6.30±0.10,the RSD values of the total peak area and main peak area percentage of the standard were1.5% and 1.9%,and when the column temperature was within the range of(35±4) ℃,the RSD values of the total peak area and main peak area percentage of the standard were 0.4% and 0.3%,respectively.The RSD value of the main peak retention time of the three batches of finished products was 0.Conclusion The developed CEX-HPLC method can effectively separate the acidic isomers,main peaks and basic isomers of pembrolizumab with good specificity,precision and accuracy,which can be used for the follow-up research and development of pembrolizumab,the process verification of expanding production and the stability research.

Clinical follow-up study of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical course and explore the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative conversion duration （NCD） in asymptomatic and mild-symptomatic patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. MethodsClinical data were collected from 244 confirmed cases of corona virus disease （COVID-19） with Omicron variant infection admitted to a temporal makeshift hospital in Shanghai from April 9， 2022 to May 20， 2022. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed， with a primary focus on the time of COVID-19 nucleic acid conversion. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to determine identify risk factors associated with NCD. ResultsThe median duration of negative RNA conversion was 9 days （ranged 7‒12 days）. The percentage of patients with positive nucleic acid results on the 5th， 7th， 10th， and 14th days after confirmed infection was 68.4%， 47.1%， 20.1%， and 5.7%， respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves indicated a median nucleic acid conversion time of 12 days （ranged 10‒14 days） for patients with hypertension， 9 days （ranged 7‒11 days） in patients without hypertension， and 11 days （ranged 9‒13 days） for patients aged ≥60 years， and 9 days （ranged 7‒11 days） for patients aged <60 years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that only hypertension was an independent risk factor of NCD （RR=1.60； 95% CI： 1.03‒2.49， P=0.036）. ConclusionIn asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients infected with the Omicron variant， 20.1% patients continue to exhibit positive viral nucleic acid on the 10th days of infection. The independent risk factor associated with the conversion of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid to negative is hypertension.

A Novel Retrograde AAV Variant for Functional Manipulation of Cortical Projection Neurons in Mice and Monkeys / 神经科学通报·英文版

Retrograde adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are capable of infecting the axons of projection neurons and serve as a powerful tool for the anatomical and functional characterization of neural networks. However, few retrograde AAV capsids have been shown to offer access to cortical projection neurons across different species and enable the manipulation of neural function in non-human primates (NHPs). Here, we report the development of a novel retrograde AAV capsid, AAV-DJ8R, which efficiently labeled cortical projection neurons after local administration into the striatum of mice and macaques. In addition, intrastriatally injected AAV-DJ8R mediated opsin expression in the mouse motor cortex and induced robust behavioral alterations. Moreover, AAV-DJ8R markedly increased motor cortical neuron firing upon optogenetic light stimulation after viral delivery into the macaque putamen. These data demonstrate the usefulness of AAV-DJ8R as an efficient retrograde tracer for cortical projection neurons in rodents and NHPs and indicate its suitability for use in conducting functional interrogations.

Comparative analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants Alpha (B.1.1.7), Gamma (P.1), Zeta (P.2) and Delta (B.1.617.2) in Vero-E6 cells: ultrastructural characterization of cytopathology and replication kinetics

Abstract This study compares the effects of virus-cell interactions among SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) isolated in Brazil in 2021, hypothesizing a correlation between cellular alterations and mortality and between viral load and transmissibility. For this purpose, reference isolates of Alpha, Gamma, Zeta, and Delta variants were inoculated into monolayers of Vero-E6 cells. Viral RNA was quantified in cell supernatants by RT‒PCR, and infected cells were analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of cellular changes 24, 48, and 72 hours postinfection (hpi). Ultrastructural analyses showed that all variants of SARS-CoV-2 altered the structure and function of mitochondria, nucleus, and rough endoplasmic reticulum of cells. Monolayers infected with the Delta variant showed the highest number of modified cells and the greatest statistically significant differences compared to those of other variants. Viral particles were observed in the cytosol and the cell membrane in 100 % of the cells at 48 hpi. Alpha showed the highest mean particle diameter (79 nm), and Gamma and Delta were the smallest (75 nm). Alpha and Gamma had the highest particle frequency per field at 48 hpi, while the same was observed for Zeta and Delta at 72 hpi and 24 hpi, respectively. The cycle threshold of viral RNA varied among the target protein, VOC, and time of infection. The findings presented here demonstrate that all four VOCs evaluated caused ultrastructural changes in Vero-E6 cells, which were more prominent when infection occured with the Delta variant.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 promoter variant (rs2854744) is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

ABSTRACT Objective: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease and a growing global epidemic. In NAFLD, liver fat surpasses 5% of hepatocytes without the secondary causes of lipid accumulation or excessive alcohol consumption. Given the link between NAFLD and insulin resistance, the possible association between the rs2854744 (−202 G>T) promoter polymorphism of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) gene and NAFLD was investigated in this study. Materials and methods: In this genetic case-control association study, the IGFBP3 rs2854744 genotypes of 315 unrelated individuals, including 156 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 159 controls, were determined using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses. Results: The "GT+TT" genotype of the IGFBP3 rs2854744 polymorphism, compared with the "GG" genotype, was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk of NAFLD after adjustment for confounding factors (P = 0.009; odds ratio [OR] = 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-3.18). Additionally, the IGFBP3 rs2854744 "T" allele, in comparison with the "G" allele, was significantly overrepresented in NAFLD patients than the controls (P = 0.008; OR = 1.85; 95%CI = 1.23-2.94). Conclusion: Our findings first indicated that the IGFBP3 rs2854744 "GT+TT" genotype is a marker of increased NAFLD susceptibility; however, it needs to be supported by further investigations in other populations.

La genética de la epilepsia en la práctica clínica / The genetics of epilepsy in the clinical practice

Resumen La epilepsia es un trastorno neurológico caracterizado por crisis epilépticas recurrentes no provocadas, en el cual la genética tiene un factor etiológico importante. Durante las últimas décadas se ha logrado encontrar genes específicos involucrados en la patogénesis de esta condición. Actualmente existen múltiples exámenes disponibles en la práctica clínica para el diagnóstico genético, siendo los más útiles los paneles multi-genes y la secuenciación del exoma completo por medio de next generation sequencing (NGS). El tener un diagnósti co genético puede mejorar la calidad de vida de cada paciente y su familia, al mismo tiempo que nos ayuda a individualizar el tratamiento haciéndolo más eficaz. Algunos ejemplos en los que el diagnóstico genético puede modificar la conducta terapéutica incluyen el gen SCN1A en que se recomienda no utilizar medicamentos bloqueadores de canales de sodio y el gen SLC2A1 en el que se recomienda el inicio de la dieta cetogénica. El futuro de la investigación en medicina de precisión en epilepsia es muy prometedor, con el objetivo de que cada paciente reciba un tratamiento acorde a su etio logía genética.

Abstract Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is known that genetics play an important etiology roll. During the last decades it has been possible to find specific genes involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. There are currently multiple studies available in clinical practice for genetic diagnosis, the most useful being the next generation se quencing (NGS) techniques with multi-gene panels and whole exome sequencing. Having a genetic diagnosis can help improve the quality of life of each patient and their family, while it helps us to individualize the treatment, making it more effective. Some examples in which ge netic diagnosis can modify therapeutic conduct include the SCN1A gene, in which it is recommended not to use drugs that block Sodium channels, and the SLC2A1 gene, in which starting ketogenic diet is recommended. The future of precision medicine research in epilepsy is very promising, with the goal that each patient receives treatment according to their genetic etiology.

The rhabdoid variant of adrenocortical carcinoma-Report of three cases and literature review

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy. Extensive rhabdoid morphology in ACC has been described recently in very few cases. The proportion of rhabdoid morphology and the role of SMARCB1/ INI1 expression in these tumor cells to diagnose the specific variant is not described in the literature. We reviewed the clinicopathological features of nine cases of adrenocortical neoplasm. Out of which, three cases of ACC showed predominant rhabdoid morphology. Large discohesive cells with abundant cytoplasm containing eosinophilic inclusions, eccentric vesicular nucleus, and prominent nucleoli. INI1 immunostain was retained in all cases. We reported the rhabdoid variant of ACC, a novel entity, and its diagnostic approach from their histological mimickers. Identifying more cases of this entity will help to clearly understand the pathogenesis, biologic behaviour, and any specific molecular alterations in the future.

Identification of rare atypical BCR-ABL1 transcript: A case report

CML is characterized by the presence of a BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript. Several guidelines have been published for its detection and molecular monitoring. Here, a case is described of chronic myeloid leukemia presenting in the blast phase with a rare variant transcript, with a discussion on possible red flags in its detection and genetic testing and description of the patient's clinical characteristics. This case highlights the pitfalls of using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) for diagnosis of CML, especially when the clinical picture and the test results are discordant.

The B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: An enigma to diagnose

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by an abnormal clonal proliferation of T-cells, B-cells, or both. Sometimes, tuberculosis and lymphoma presentation can share common symptoms and features. In this case report, we present the case of a 28-year-old female patient who came with a chief complaint of swelling on the right side of the face for the past 6 months. Initially, it was not associated with pain but gradually developed severe pain over the region and reduced salivary flow. The patient was planned for surgery with a differential diagnosis of salivary gland pathology. Post-operatively, the histopathological report showed atypical cells which were diffusely positive for cluster of differentiation (CD)20. Focally positive for CD45 and CD3 which was positive in reactive T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry pattern favors the diagnosis of B-cell type NHL. Through this case report, we want to share our experience in treating an aggressive tumor that mimics salivary gland pathology.

Ayudas diagnósticas y diagnóstico diferencial de la enfermedad de Pompe / Diagnostic aids and differential diagnosis of Pompe disease

Introducción: La enfermedad de Pompe (EP) o glucogenosis tipo II es una enfermedad autosómica recesiva causada por mutaciones en el gen GAA que codifica para la proteína alfa-1,4-glucosidasa. Su deficiencia lleva a un almacenamiento anormal de glucógeno en los lisosomas de varias células, a través de los diferentes tejidos, lo que causa un compromiso musculoesquelético predominante. Contenidos: Los fenotipos de la enfermedad dependen de las variantes genéticas y de los niveles de la actividad enzimática residual. La enfermedad se presenta como EP de inicio infantil, EP de inicio tardío y EP intermedio, por lo que es de suma importancia su diagnóstico temprano, por medio de estudios moleculares como la secuenciación de Sanger y la secuenciación de nueva generación. Conclusiones: Se ha demostrado, mediante diferentes estudios, que las variaciones genéticas pueden diferir entre etnias, y es importante su caracterización molecular para determinar el tratamiento más adecuado, de acuerdo con el estado del material inmunológico de reacción cruzada (CRIM).

Introduction: Pompe disease (PD) or Glycogenosis Type II is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in the GAA gene that codes for the alpha-1,4-glucosidase protein. Its deficiency leads to abnormal glycogen storage in the lysosomes of various cells throughout the different tissues causing a predominant musculoskeletal compromise. Contents: The phenotypes of the disease depend on the genetic variants and the levels of residual enzyme activity, presenting as infantile-onset PD, late-onset PD, and intermediate PD; Therefore, early diagnosis of the disease through molecular studies such as Sanger sequencing and new generation sequencing is of utmost importance. Conclusions: It has been shown through different studies that genetic variations can vary between ethnic groups and the molecular characterization of the variants is important to determine the most appropriate treatment depending on the state of the cross-reactive immunological material (CRIM)

Introducción al filtrado, análisis y curación de variantes genéticas en pacientes con Discapacidad Intelectual / Introduction to filtering, analysis and curation of genetic variants in patients with Intellectual Disability

Resumen Actualmente la secuenciación del exoma completo (WES; Whole-exome sequencing) mediante la técnica NGS (Next-generation sequencing) es uno de los estudios genéticos más solicitados dentro del abordaje de pacientes con Discapacidad Intelectual con o sin otras anomalías. Al igual que con otros proce dimientos y estudios clínicos, es conveniente que los médicos prescriptores tengan una comprensión clara de los alcances y limitaciones del uso de WES, del proceso de análisis de las variantes genéticas identificadas, así como de aspectos a evaluar acerca de la calidad y estructura de los informes de los estudios de NGS, con el objetivo de que puedan interpretar mejor los resultados de un estudio y plantear de la mejor manera la correlación de los mismos con la clínica observada.

Abstract Currently, Whole exome sequencing (WES) using NGS (Next-generation sequencing) technology is one of the most requested genetic studies within the approach of patients with intellectual disability with or without other anomalies. As with other procedures and clinical studies, it is convenient for prescribing physicians to have a clear understanding of the scope and limitations of the use of WES, the analysis process of the genetic variants identified, as well as aspects to be evaluated regarding quality and structure of the reports of the NGS studies, with the aim that they can better interpret the results of a study, evaluate its quality, and propose in the best way the correlation of the same with the observed phenotype.

Biphasic squamoid alveolar renal cell carcinoma: A rare entity with an even rarer presentation as cutaneous metastases – A case report

Biphasic squamoid alveolar renal cell carcinoma (BSARCC) is a newly emerging distinct and rare morphologic variant of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular data have shown that BSARCC is closely related to papillary RCC type 1. We report a case of Biphasic squamoid alveolar renal cell carcinoma with a rare presentation as cutaneous metastases. This variant tends to show an aggressive behavior. Hence, accurate histopathological diagnosis can help in effective treatment and for close follow-up of the patients.

A comparative computational approach on the most deleterious missense variant in Connexin 43 protein and its potent inhibitor analysis

Intercellular communication between the cell plays an essential role in cell growth and cell formation, including migration, metabolism, and cell differentiation. Cell function and tissue homeostasis are maintained through gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), thus regulating connexin hemichannels. Mis regulation of such connexin, especially connexin (Cx) 43, affects a comprehensive process, including cell differentiation, inflammation, and cell death. Mis regulation may be due to the missense variant in Cx43. Thus, we screened the complete set of mutations from public mutational databases and obtained 219 missense variants, which were then classified based on their pathogenicity, functional impact, stability, conservation, and physiochemical properties. Variant L214P was scrutinized to have the most deleterious, which was then modelled using the I-TASSER server and performed molecular docking analysis to screen potent inhibitors. The compound Kanamycin, Ginsenoside, and Astragaloside IV have better interactions with Cx43 mutant with a maximum of 5 hydrogen bonds. Ginsenoside is a compound that follows a Lipinski rule of five. Thus, the result obtained from this study suggests that Ginsenoside would be a better potent inhibitor for native and mutant Cx43.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for perioperative lung surgery patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for perioperative lung surgery patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant infection. Methods     The clinical data of patients who underwent lung surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from December 1, 2022 to January 9, 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into an infection group and a non-infection group according to whether they were infected with SARS-CoV-2. And the clinical data of two groups were collected and compared. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors affecting the time of hospitalization. Results     A total of 70 patients were enrolled in this study, including 36 (51.4%) males and 34 (48.6%) females at a median age of 61.0 (49.0, 66.8) years. There were 28 patients in the infection group and 42 patients in the non-infection group. The proportion of preoperative abnormal coagulation function and the risk of postoperative pulmonary infection in perioperative patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were higher than those in the non-infection group (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis found that patients with preoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to have pulmonary infection after surgery, but did not prolong the time of hospitalization or increase the risk of severe disease rate. The patients with postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection had worse clinical prognosis, including longer time of hospitalization (P=0.004), higher ICU admission rate (P=0.000), higher lung infection rate (P=0.003) and respiratory failure rate (P=0.000). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender and extent of surgery were independent risk factors for prolonged hospitalization time. Conclusion     Preoperative infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant will increase the risk of pulmonary infection, but it will not affect the clinical prognosis. However, postoperative infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant will still prolong the time of hospitalization, increase the ICU rate, and the risk of pulmonary complications.

Characteristics of digestive system symptoms and abdominal computed tomography imaging of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of digestive system symptoms and its relation with the time of nucleic acid continuous positive in population infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant, and to analyze the abdominal computed tomography (CT) features of patients infected with Omicron variant.Methods:From April 11 to May 23, 2022, a questionnaire survey was conducted in patients infected with Omicron variant admitted to the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center Fangcang Hospital. The questionnaire included basic information, the start time of nucleic acid positive, respiratory symptoms, digestive system syptoms and outcomes, etc.Combined with the clinical data, the relation between digestive tract symptoms and the time of nucleic acid continuous positive were analyzed. Thoracic and abdominal CT were performed for patients with continuous positive nucleic acid results ≥10 d, and the relationship between the abdominal CT imaging characteristics and the time of nucleic acid continuous positive was analyzed. Independent sample t-test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 4 360 valid questionnaires were collected, including 2 475 males and 1 885 females, with a hospital stay of (6.8±4.9) d. Among the 4 360 patients, 1 979 patients (45.4%) had gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort or pain, constipation and diarrhea. The time of nucleic acid continuous positive in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms was (7.4±5.5) d, which was longer than that of patients without gastrointestinal symptoms (6.5±3.6) d, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.78, P<0.001). During the isolation period in the Fangcang Hospital, the time of nucleic acid continuous positive in patients with complete remission of digestive tract symptoms was shorter than that of patients with no remission of digestive tract symptoms ((7.3±5.2) d vs. (8.5±5.7) d), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.25, P=0.025). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the combination of gastrointestinal symptoms was an independent risk factor for continuous positive nucleic acid result ≥10 d ( OR=1.316, 95% confidence interval 1.294 to 2.205, P=0.046). Among the 299 patients with continuous positive nucleic acid results≥10 d, 187 cases (62.5%) had gastrointestinal symptoms, and 146 cases (48.8%) had abdominal CT findings of thickening of the gastroduodenal wall, thickening of the small intestinal wall, indistinct mesenteric vessels of the small intestine, and dilatation and pneumatosis of the colon. In patients with continuous positive nucleic acid results ≥10 d, abdominal CT indicated that patients with gastrointestinal imaging changes had a longer time of nucleic acid continuous positive than those without gastrointestinal imaging changes ((16.0±2.8) d vs. (13.0±2.1) d), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.62, P=0.009). Conclusions:Digestive system symptoms are common in patients infected with Omicron variant. The time of nucleic acid continuous positive in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms is longer than those without gastrointestinal symptoms. Some patients may have gastrointestinal lesions on abdominal CT.

Whole-genome characterization and traceability analysis of the first COVID-19 outbreak caused by Omicron variant in Henan Province / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To analyze the whole genome of Omicron variants causing the first local Omicron outbreak in Henan Province and to investigate the mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome for source tracing.Methods:Respiratory tract samples from COVID-19 cases in the Omicron outbreak in Henan Province from January 7 to 29, 2022 were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and sequence alignment analysis. Whole-genome identity, variations and evolution of the Omicron variants were analyzed.Results:Through high-throughput sequencing, the whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from 120 cases, which accounted for 25.64% (120/468) of all COVID-19 cases in Anyang during the same period. Compared with the genome of Wuhan reference strain (NC_045512.2), there were 57-59 nucleotide mutation sites in the 120 whole genome sequences, and one or two nucleotide mutation sites were added to the shared 57 nucleotide sites. All of the 120 strains were VOC/Omicron (BA.1.1) variants and shared high homology. The whole-genome sequence obtained from the first case A contained 57 nucleotide mutation sites, while apart from the 57 identical nucleotide mutation sites, one specific mutation site (C1594T) was found in the whole-genome sequence obtained from the first case B, suggesting that the two cases were in the same transmission chain. After comparing with the database of domestic and imported cases by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Henan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it was found that the current outbreak was linked with the same transmission chain as the existing local epidemics in other provinces. Moreover, epidemiological investigation showed that on January 2, case A had come into contact with her cousin and his family who returned from an affected area outside the province.Conclusions:Based on the gene sequencing results and epidemiological investigation, the COVID-19 outbreak in Anyang city, Henan Province was a local epidemic and the source of it was a college student who returned to Anyang city from other province on December 28, 2021. These infections were linked to the same transmission chain as the existing local infection in other provinces.

Research progress in site mutations of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first discovered in South Africa in November 2021 and has since become a mainstream strain worldwide. Omicron variant was defined as the fifth "variant of concern (VOC)" by World Health Organization on November 26, 2021. This paper illustrates the mutation trends of Omicron variants in terms of SARS-CoV-2 genome and protein structure as well as nucleic acid site mutations and amino acid site mutations, describes the features of Omicron mutation sites in terms of lineage comparison among the VOCs and Omicron sublineages, and further highlights the influences of Omicron site mutations from the aspects of immune escape, virulence and transmission ability. Moreover, this paper also reviews the development of direct antiviral agents, antibodies and vaccines, aiming to provide reference for further investigation.

A case of developmental epileptic encephalopathy type 67 caused by CUX2 gene mutation and literature review / 中华神经科杂志

Objective:To summarize the clinical phenotype and CUX2 gene variation characteristics of developmental epileptic encephalopathy type 67 confirmed by whole exome sequencing. Methods:Clinical data of 1 case diagnosed as CUX2 gene mutations related developmental epileptic encephalopathy type 67 in the Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University in January 2021 were collected, the patient′s clinical characteristics, genetic testing, head imaging, electroencephalogram results and treatment were summarized, and the patient was regularly followed-up every 3 months. At the same time, the domestic and foreign literatures on epileptic encephalopathy caused by CUX2 gene mutation were reviewed. Results:The proband was a 6 years and 4 months old girl. The main clinical manifestations included focal origin progression to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures, retardation of intellectual, language, and motor development, autistic behavior, hyperactivity disorder, and involuntary hand clapping. The video electroencephalogram showed extensive spiny slow wave and multi-spiny slow wave emission in waking and sleeping stages, and spiny slow wave and spiky slow wave emission in bilateral anterior head in sleeping stage. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plain scan and T 2-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T 2-FLAIR) thin layer scan showed that the signal of the left hippocampus was higher than that of the right, and the left hippocampus was slightly swollen. One month later, the brain MRI and T 2-FLAIR were reexamined. The left hippocampal signal was still slightly higher and decreased, and the hippocampal volume was slightly reduced. Whole exome sequencing showed the CUX2 gene with c.1768G>A(p.Glu590Lys) heterozygous missense variant, which was a reported de novo pathogenic variant and both of her parents were wild-type. A total of 10 cases of new heterozygous missense variants in CUX2 gene [c.1768G>A (p.Gelu590Lys)] were reported in 4 literatures. No relevant cases have been reported in China. Conclusions:Developmental epileptic encephalopathy type 67 is relatively rare. The main clinical features are seizures, global developmental delay, movement disorders, athetosis, autism and hyperactivity disorder. The heterozygous missense variant c.1768G>A (Glu590Lys) of CUX2 gene maybe the genetic cause of this case.

Clinical features of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension in patients with common variable immunodeficiency / 中华内科杂志

We wished to summarize the clinical features of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) complicated by non-cirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) and to deepen our understanding of it. The case data of CVID complicated with NCPH admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1983 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively to summarize their clinical characteristics. Six patients with CVID combined with NCPH (three of each sex; 16-45 years) were assessed. Four patients had portal hypertension. All patients had anemia, splenomegaly, a normal serum level of albumin and transaminases, and possibly increased levels of alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Two patients were diagnosed with esophagogastric fundic varices by gastroscopy. Two patients underwent splenectomy (which improved hematologic abnormalities partially). Four patients had autoimmune disease. Two cases were diagnosed with nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) upon liver biopsy. Six patients were administered intravenous immunoglobulin-G (0.4-0.6 g/kg bodyweight) once every 3-4 weeks as basic therapy. Often, CVID complicated with NCPH has: (1) The manifestations of portal hypertension as the primary symptom. (2) Autoimmune-related manifestations. Imaging can provide important diagnostic clues. The etiology may be related to hepatic NRH and splenomegaly due to recurrent infections.