Genetic overlap between psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis in a Chinese population.

Previous studies reveal that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) share susceptibility genes, such as HLA-B27, demonstrating a degree of genetic overlap between these diseases. Recent studies have identified a number of novel AS and PsA genetic susceptibility loci, but data on these loci in Chinese PsA patients are limited. To identify candidate genes that confer susceptibility to PsA in Chinese patients with PsA, psoriasis vulgaris (PsV), and healthy controls. Sixteen susceptibility loci, reported in a genome-wide association study of AS, and nine susceptibility loci, reported in candidate gene studies of PsA, were examined. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 503 patients with PsA, 496 patients with PsV, and 979 healthy controls using the SNPscanTM multiplex SNP genotyping platform. PLINK software and logistic regression analysis were used to estimate the statistical significance of associations. PPP2R3C (rs8006884) was shown to significantly associate with PsA+PsV (p = 1.92×10-3, OR = 1.28) and was suggested to associate with PsV (p = 0.03, OR = 1.19). A suggestive association was also observed between IL-23R (rs12141575) and PsA as well as with axial PsA based on subtype analysis, KIF3A (rs2897442) and PsV, and ERN1 (rs196941) or IFIH1 (rs984971) and axial PsA. Our results suggest that PPP2R3C confers susceptibility to PsA and PsV, and that this gene may be related to the pathogenesis of psoriatic lesions and arthritis. Moreover, our results indicate a possible association between IL-23R, ERN1, or IFIH1 and subtypes of PsA, and between KIF3A and PsV.

[Efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in the treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia: real-world data from a single medical center].

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of eltrombopag in the treatment of adult primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and evaluated the factors influencing its efficacy and side effects. Methods: A total of 198 patients with adult ITP who were admitted to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2018 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy of each starting dose of eltrombopag was evaluated, and adverse events were analyzed. The factors influencing efficacy were investigated, including sex, age, adult ITP type, platelet antibodies, and combined drug treatments. Results: Of the 198 patients, 70 males and 128 females with a median age of 45 years (18-88 years) were included; 130 (65.7%) had newly diagnosed adult ITP, 25 (12.6%) had persistent adult ITP, and 43 (21.7%) had chronic adult ITP. The bleeding event scores at baseline were assessed; 84.3% had scores of<4 and 15.7% had scores of ≥4. The eltrombopag response rate (initial response) at 6 weeks was 78.8% (complete response [CR]: 49.0%; CR1: 14.6%; CR2: 15.2%). The median response time to eltrombopag was 7 (7, 14) days. The initial response rates to 25, 50, and 75 mg eltrombopag were 74.1%, 85.9%, and 60.0%, respectively (P=0.031). The initial response rate to the 50 mg dose was significantly higher than that of the 25-mg and 75-mg doses. Two patients received 100 mg as the starting dose, and their initial response was 0. Regarding dose adjustment, 70.7% of the patients remained on the starting dose, 8.6% underwent dose adjustment to 50 mg, and 6.1% underwent dose adjustment to 75 mg. Another two patients underwent dose adjustment to 100 mg. After dose adjustment, the persistent response rates were 83.6%, 85.3%, and 85.7% for the 25-, 50-, and 75-mg doses, respectively, with no significant difference. After dose adjustment, the sustained efficacy rate for the 100-mg dose (4 patients) was 100.0%. After 6 weeks of treatment with eltrombopag, the overall bleeding score of patients with ITP decreased. The number of patients with a score of ≥4 decreased to 0, the number of patients with a score of<4 decreased, and there was no significant change in the number of patients with a score of 1-2. The most common adverse event associated with eltrombopag was impaired liver function (7.7%). No thrombosis events or other adverse events were observed. ITP type and number of megakaryocytes significantly affected the initial response to eltrombopag. The initial response rates to eltrombopag for newly diagnosed adult ITP, persistent adult ITP, and chronic adult ITP were 85.3%, 56.0%, and 76.2%, respectively (P=0.003). For megakaryocytes, the initial response rates were 61.8%, 87.1%, and 84.3% (P=0.009) for the decreased, normal, and increased megakaryocyte groups, respectively. Conclusion: Eltrombopag, as a second-line or higher treatment for adult ITP, has a rapid onset of action and good safety. The initial response rate is significantly higher with a dose of 50 mg than with a dose of 25 mg. Patients with newly diagnosed ITP and those with normal or increased megakaryocyte numbers have a higher initial response rate to eltrombopag.

[Clinical significance of IL-18 and IL-18-binding protein in bone marrow of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome].

Objective: To analyze the level and clinical significance of IL-18 and IL-18-binding protein (BP) in the bone marrow of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) . Methods: A total of 43 newly diagnosed patients with MDS who were admitted to the Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, from July 2020 to February 2021 were randomly selected. The control group consisted of 14 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 25 patients with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). The levels of IL-18 and IL-18 BP in the bone marrow supernatant were measured, and their correlations with MDS severity, as well as the functionality of CD8(+) T cells and natural killer cells, was analyzed. Results: The levels of IL-18, IL-18 BP, and free IL-18 (fIL-18) in the bone marrow supernatant of patients with MDS were higher than in the IDA group. The level of fIL-18 was linearly and negatively correlated with the MDS-International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) score. IL-18 receptor (IL-18Rα) expression on CD8(+) T cells in the MDS group was lower than in the IDA group, and the levels of fIL-18 and IL-18Rα were positively correlated with CD8(+) T-cell function in the MDS group. Conclusion: IL-18 BP antagonizes IL-18, leading to a decrease in fIL-18 in the bone marrow microenvironment of patients with MDS, affecting CD8(+) T-cell function, which is closely related to MDS severity; therefore, it may become a new target for MDS treatment.

[Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of intravenous infusion of ferric derisomaltose in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia: a single-center retrospective analysis].

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ferric derisomaltose injection versus iron sucrose injection in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) . Methods: A total of 120 patients with iron deficiency anemia admitted from June 2021 to March 2023 were given intravenous iron supplementation with ferric derisomaltose to assess the efficacy and safety of hemoglobin (HGB) elevation before and after treatment. Simultaneously, the clinical effects of iron supplementation with iron sucrose were compared to those of inpatient patients during the same period. Results: Baseline values were comparable in both groups. Within 12 weeks of treatment, the elevated HGB level in the ferric derisomaltose group was higher than that of the iron sucrose group, with a statistical difference at all time points, and the proportion of HGB increased over 20 g/L in the patients treated for 4 weeks was higher (98.7%, 75.9% ). During the treatment with ferric derisomaltose and iron sucrose, the proportion of mild adverse reactions in the ferric derisomaltose group was slightly lower than that of the iron sucrose group, and neither group experienced any serious adverse reactions. The patients responded well to the infusion treatment, with no reports of pain or pigmentation at the injection site. Conclusion: The treatment of IDA patients with ferric derisomaltose has a satisfactory curative effect, with the advantages of rapidity, accuracy, and safety. Therefore, it is worthy of widespread clinical use.

[Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].

Objectives: To investigate the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) . Methods: The data of 98 patients with suspected pulmonary infection after allo-HSCT who underwent pathogen detection from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid between June 2016 and August 2023 at Nanfang Hospital were analyzed. The diagnostic performance of mNGS, conventional methods, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for PJP were compared. Results: A total of 12 patients were diagnosed with PJP, including 11 with a proven diagnosis and 1 with a probable diagnosis. Among the patients with a proven diagnosis, 1 was positive by both conventional methods and qPCR, and 10 were positive by qPCR only. Pneumocystis jirovecii was detected by mNGS in all 12 patients. The diagnostic sensitivity of mNGS for PJP was 100%, which was greater than that of conventional methods (8.3%, P=0.001) and similar to that of qPCR (91.6%, P=1.000) . A total of 75% of the patients developed mixed pulmonary infections, and cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus were the most common pathogens. Mixed infection was detected in eight patients by mNGS and in five patients by qPCR, but not by conventional methods (P=0.008) . Conclusions: mNGS had good sensitivity for diagnosing PJP after allo-HSCT and was advantageous for detecting mixed infectious pathogens; therefore, mNGS might be an effective supplement to regular detection methods and qPCR.

[Role and clinical significance of MUC4 gene mutations in thrombotic events in patients with classic paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria].

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of MUC4 gene mutations in thrombotic events in patients with classic paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and gene sequencing results of 45 patients with classic PNH admitted to the Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, from June 2018 to February 2022. MUC4 gene mutations in patients with classic PNH were summarized, and the risk factors for thrombotic events in these patients were analyzed. Additionally, the effects of MUC4 gene mutations on the cumulative incidence and survival of thrombotic events in patients with classic PNH were determined. Results: The detection rate of MUC4 gene mutations in patients with classic PNH who experienced thrombotic events (thrombotic group) was 68.8% (11/16), which was significantly higher than that in the non-thrombotic group [10.3% (3/29) ] (P<0.001). All mutations occurred in exon 2. MUC4 mutation (OR=20.815, P=0.010) was identified as an independent risk factor for thrombotic events in patients with classic PNH. The cumulative incidence of thrombotic events was 78.6% (11/14) in the MUC4 gene mutation group (mutation group) and 16.1% (5/31) in the non-mutation group, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). Survival analysis showed a lower overall survival (OS) rate in the thrombotic group compared with that in the non-thrombotic group [ (34.4±25.2) % vs. (62.7±19.3) % ] (P=0.045). The OS rate of patients was (41.7±29.9) % in the mutation group and (59.1±18.3) % in the non-mutation group (P=0.487) . Conclusion: MUC4 gene mutations are associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic events in classic PNH patients, highlighting their role as independent risk factors for thrombosis in this population. These mutations can be considered a novel predictive factor that aids in evaluating the risk of thrombosis in patients with classic PNH.

Effect of PD-L1 Expression for the PD-1/L1 Inhibitors on Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-analysis Based on Randomised Controlled Trials.

AIMS: As PD-L1 expression has been proposed as one of the cancer biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the predictive value of tumour proportional score (TPS) in the effect of immunotherapy [programmed death protein-1/ligand 1 (PD-1/L1) inhibitors] for NSCLC is worth exploring further. Here, we aimed to summarise the outcomes of current NSCLC randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and explore the predictive value of TPS in clinical immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with or without chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RCTs published by PubMed, Medline, Embase and Scopus before February 2023 comparing immunotherapy (PD-1/L1 with or without other therapy) versus a control group in advanced or metastatic NSCLC were included to assess the prognosis according to the patients' TPS with 1% and 50% as the thresholds. The primary endpoints were overall survival and progression-free survival. RESULTS: In total, 28 RCTs containing 17 266 participants with advanced or metastatic NSCLC were included in this meta-analysis. Statistical results showed that compared with TPS <1%, ≥1% or within 1-49%, patients with TPS ≥50% benefited more significantly from the immunotherapy. A subgroup analysis showed that when TPS was <1%, ≥1% or within 1-49%, ICIs + chemotherapy had better efficacy than ICIs alone; PD-1 (such as pembrolizumab) inhibitors had better efficacy than PD-L1 inhibitors (such as atezolizumab). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of immunotherapy (PD-1/L1 inhibitors) for advanced or metastatic NSCLC is influenced by TPS.

[Abnormal expression of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells and CXCL13 in severe aplastic anemia patients and their correlation with hematological parameters].

Objective: To analyze the expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5)+CD8+ T cells and plasma C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) patients and their correlations with hematological parameters. Methods: The clinical data of 35 SAA patients in the Hematology Department of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2018 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had received the medication: untreated SAA group and recovery SAA group. In untreated group, there were 18 patients who had not received any medication, with 9 males and 9 females, and aged 51 (18-76) years. In recovery SAA group, there were 17 patients who were separated from component blood transfusion after the immunosuppressive treatment with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) combined with cyclosporine A (CsA), with 7 males and 10 females, and aged 46 (16-70) years. Meanwhile, 20 healthy controls were also selected, including 8 males and 12 females, and aged 45(15-72) years. Peripheral blood and bone marrow samples were collected from SAA patients, while peripheral blood samples were obtained from healthy controls. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. The concentration of plasma CXCL13 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlations between the percentage of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells and the concentration of CXCL13, as well as the correlations between these two parameters and the hematological parameters were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Results: The proportion of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in the bone marrow of untreated SAA group was (4.9±2.9)%, which was higher than that of recovery SAA group (2.7±1.5)%, with a statistically significant difference (t=2.34, P=0.027). The proportion of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of untreated SAA group, recovery SAA group and healthy control group was (8.4±4.2)%, (3.8±2.3)% and (2.6±2.0)% respectively. The proportion of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of untreated SAA group was higher than that of recovery SAA group and healthy control group (both P<0.05). The plasma CXCL13 concentration in untreated SAA group was (97.2±46.8) ng/L, which was significantly higher than that in recovery SAA group [(54.9±20.9) ng/L] and healthy control group [(47.6±17.3) ng/L] (both P<0.05). The proportion of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood of SAA patients was positively correlated with the concentration of plasma CXCL13 (r=0.545, P<0.001). The proportion of peripheral blood CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in SAA patients was negatively correlated with white blood cell count, platelets count, percentage of neutrophils, absolute neutrophils count, percentage of reticulocytes, absolute reticulocytes count, bone marrow myeloid cells, bone marrow erythroid cells and megakaryocytes count (r=-0.556, -0.392, -0.617, -0.615, -0.395, -0.543, -0.432, -0.484 and -0.523, all P<0.05). The proportion of peripheral blood CXCR5+CD8+ T cells was positively correlated with the percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes and bone marrow lymphoid cells (r=0.593 and 0.556, both P<0.05). Meanwhile, the concentration of plasma CXCL13 in SAA patients was negatively correlated with white blood cell count, absolute neutrophils count, percentage of reticulocytes, absolute reticulocytes count and bone marrow myeloid cells (r=-0.447, -0.446, -0.498, -0.407 and -0.456, all P<0.05), but positively correlated with bone marrow lymphoid cells (r=0.384, P<0.05). Conclusions: The proportion of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells and the concentration of plasma CXCL13 increases in SAA patients. The proportion of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood is positively correlated with the concentration of CXCL13. Moreover, the proportion of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells and the concentration of CXCL13 are correlated with many hematological parameters, which may play a critical role in the immune pathogenesis of SAA.

Impact of rhG-CSF on Clinical Efficacy and Immune Cell Subsets after Initial Induction Chemotherapy in AML.

BACKGROUND: The impact of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of rhG-CSF administration on clinical efficacy and immune cell subsets after initial induction chemotherapy in AML. METHODS: The clinical efficacy and immune cell subsets were compared in the newly diagnosed patients with AML according to whether rhG-CSF was used after initial induction chemotherapy. Next, rhG-CSF stimulation experi-ments on leukemia cell lines and primary leukemia blasts were performed in vitro. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between control group and rhG-CSF therapy group in complete remission rate and relapse free survival. The duration of agranulocytosis was significantly shortened in rhG-CSF therapy group compared with control group. The percentage of circulating monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were significantly increased after the administration of rhG-CSF. Furthermore, it was found that rhG-CSF did not promote the proliferation of leukemia cell lines and primary leukemia blasts, but increased the proportion of M-MDSCs and Tregs in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of rhG-CSF after initial induction therapy of AML does not affect the clinical remission and relapse rate, but reduces the duration of agranulocytosis and increases the proportion of M-MDSCs and Tregs.

Cymbopogom Citratus Essential Oils: A Promising Source of Antifungals Against Panax Notoginseng-Associated Pathogenic Fungi.

Due to the great threat of chemical pesticides to the ecosystem environment, it is a long-term goal to find environmentally friendly green pesticides. Essential oils (EOs) are considered weapons in plant chemical defense and are important sources of green pesticides. Therefore, the antifungal effects and action mechanisms of Cymbopogom citratus (C. citratus) EOs against seven kinds of Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) pathogenic fungi were investigated. Oxford Cup results showed that C. citratus EOs had an excellent detraction effects against seven fungi of P. notoginseng. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to construct the chemical profiles of C. citratus EOs, disclosed that the main categories are terpenes and oxygenated terpenes. In addition, compared with the hymexazol, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed that EOs and their main components had strong antifungal activities. Besides, EOs had a synergistic effect with hymexazol (a chemical pesticide). The antifungal mechanism of C. citratus EOs was studied by using Fusarium oxysporum (F. oxysporum) as the dominant pathogen. C. citratus EOs may affect the metabolism of fungi and induce mycotoxins to destroy the cell wall to achieve antifungal effects. Finally, EOs were found to significantly retard P. notoginseng infection by F. oxysporum. According to our research, C. citratus EOs are potential green antifungal agent that can be used in the cultivation of P. notoginseng.

Organic matter composition and thermal stability influence greenhouse gases production in subtropical peatland under different vegetation types.

Peatlands are a major carbon (C) sink globally. Organic matter quality influence greenhouse gases production. However, little is known about how organic matter from different vegetation types, influences C composition and resultant greenhouse gases production in subtropical peatland. Anoxic incubation experiments were conducted using two types of peats with different botanical origin to assess C composition, CO2 and CH4 production. First peat had cypress dominance and the second knotted spikerush and water lily (spike + lily). Solid-state CPMAS 13C NMR determined C chemical stability, MESTA determined C thermal stability, stable isotopes for C source and gas chromatograph for carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). The results indicated dominance of autochthonous C as indicated by δ13C signatures. Low thermal stable C (LTSC) dominated in litter, FL (fermentation layer) and spike + lily sediment, high thermal stable C was dominant in cypress peat. O-alkyl C strongly correlated with LTSC whereas aromatic C correlated negatively with R400 (LTSC:total C ratio). Generally, O-alkyl decreased and alkyl increased along litter-FL-peat continuum. Spike + lily peat exhibited initial stage of decomposition. Indicated by increased alkyl C, aromatic C and aromatic:O-alkyl ratio with increasing peat depth. Also, exhibited 3 times more CH4 and CO2 production compared to cypress peat that dominantly exhibited second stage of decomposition. O-alkyl C exhibited positive relationship with CH4 (P = 0.012, r2 = 0.57) and CO2 (P = 0.047, r2 = 0.41) production whereas R400 related positively with CH4 (P = 0.05, r2 = 0.40). Organic matter thermal and chemical composition varied between the peat types and thermally and chemically labile C influenced CO2 and CH4 production.

[Mibefradil improves skeletal muscle mass, function and structure in obese mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of mibefradil on skeletal muscle mass, function and structure in obese mice. METHODS: Fifteen 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomized equally into normal diet group (control group), high-fat diet (HFD) group and high-fat diet +mibefradil intervention group (HFD +Mibe group). The grip strength of the mice was measured using an electronic grip strength meter, and the muscle content of the hindlimb was analyzed by X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels of the mice were measured with GPO-PAP method. The cross-sectional area of the muscle fibers was observed with HE staining. The changes in the level of autophagy in the muscles were detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay, and the activation of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was detected with Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with those in the control group, the mice in HFD group had a significantly greater body weight, lower relative grip strength, smaller average cross sectional area of the muscle fibers, and a lower hindlimb muscle ratio (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence assay revealed a homogenous distribution of LC3 emitting light red fluorescence in the cytoplasm in the muscle cells in HFD group and HFD+Mibe group, while bright spots of red fluorescence were detected in HFD group. In HFD group, the muscular tissues of the mice showed an increased expression level of LC3 II protein with lowered expressions of p62 protein and phosphorylated AKT and mTOR (P < 0.05). Mibefradil treatment significantly reduced body weight of the mice, lowered the expression level of p62 protein, and increased forelimb grip strength, hindlimb muscle ratio, cross-sectional area of the muscle fibers, and the expression levels of LC3 II protein and phosphorylated AKT and mTOR (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mibefradil treatment can moderate high-fat diet-induced weight gain and improve muscle mass and function in obese mice possibly by activating AKT/mTOR signal pathway to improve lipid metabolism and inhibit obesityinduced autophagy.

[Congenital factor X deficiency: a retrospective analysis of 11 cases].

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory examination, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of hereditary factor Ⅹ (FⅩ) deficiency. Methods: Clinical data of 11 patients with congenital FⅩ deficiency were retrospectively analyzed from July 2009 to February 2021. Results: There were 3 males and 8 females. Median age was 39 (5-55) years. The media duration of follow-up was 81.67 (1.87-142.73) months. Of the 11 patients, 10 had bleeding symptoms, 7 had ecchymosis or hemorrhage after skin bump, 7 had nosebleed, 6 had gingival hemorrhage, and 1 had muscle hematoma. Among the female patients, 6 had menorrhagia and 1 experienced bleeding after vaginal delivery. Family history of FⅩ deficiency was found in one case. Eight patients had a history of surgery, and four had postoperative bleeding. Laboratory findings were characterized by significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and decreased FⅩ activity (FⅩ∶C) . Four cases underwent gene mutation analysis and five new mutations were found. Four cases were treated with prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) and seven cases with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) . One female patient had significantly reduced menstrual volume after PCC prophylactic therapy. One patient received FFP for prophylactic infusion with no bleeding during and after the operation. Conclusion: Most patients with congenital FⅩ deficiency had bleeding symptoms and there was no significant correlation between severity of bleeding symptoms and FⅩ∶C. Prophylaxis should be applied in patients with severe bleeding tendencies. Gene mutation test is significant for screening, diagnosis, and prognosis prediction of congenital FX deficiency.

[Clinical manifestations and gene analysis of 18 cases of hereditary protein S deficiency].

Objective: To analyze the clinical manifestations and molecular pathogenesis of 18 patients with inherited protein S (PS) deficiency. Methods: Eighteen patients with inherited PS deficiency who were admitted to the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital from June 2016 to February 2019 were analyzed: activity of protein C (PC) and antithrombin (AT) , PS activity were measured for phenotype diagnosis; high throughput sequencing (HTS) was used for screening of coagulation disease-related genes; Sanger sequencing was used to confirm candidate variants; Swiss-model was used for three-dimensional structure analysis. Results: The PS:C of 18 patients ranged from 12.5 to 48.2 U/dL. Among them, 16 cases developed deep vein thrombosis, including 2 cases each with mesenteric vein thrombosis and cerebral infarction, and 1 case each with pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy. A total of 16 PROS1 gene mutations were detected, and 5 nonsense mutations (c.134_162del/p.Leu45*, c.847G>T/p.Glu283*, c.995_996delAT/p.Tyr332*, c.1359G> A/p.Trp453*, c.1474C>T/p.Gln492*) , 2 frameshift mutations (c.1460delG/p.Gla487Valfs*9 and c.1747_1750delAATC/p.Asn583Wfs*9) and 1 large fragment deletion (exon9 deletion) were reported for the first time. In addition, the PS:C of the deep vein thrombosis during pregnancy case was 55.2 U/dL carrying PROC gene c.565C>T/p.Arg189Trp mutation. Conclusion: The newly discovered gene mutations enriched the PROS1 gene mutation spectrum which associated with inherited PS deficiency.

Osteogenesis and angiogenesis of a bulk metallic glass for biomedical implants.

Implantation is an essential issue in orthopedic surgery. Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), as a kind of novel materials, attract lots of attentions in biological field owing to their comprehensive excellent properties. Here, we show that a Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 (at. %) BMG (Zr-based BMG) displays the best cytocompatibility, pronounced positive effects on cellular migration, and tube formation from in-vitro tests as compared to those of commercial-pure titanium and poly-ether-ether-ketone. The in-vivo micro-CT and histological evaluation demonstrate the Zr-based BMG can significantly promote a bone formation. Immunofluorescence tests and digital reconstructed radiographs manifest a stimulated effect on early blood vessel formation from the Zr-based BMG. Accordingly, the intimate connection and coupling effect between angiogenesis and osteogenesis must be effective during bone regeneration after implanting Zr-based BMG. Dynamic gait analysis in rats after implanting Zr-based BMG demonstrates a tendency to decrease the pain level during recovery, simultaneously, without abnormal ionic accumulation and inflammatory reactions. Considering suitable mechanical properties, we provide a realistic candidate of the Zr61Ti2Cu25Al12 BMG for biomedical applications.