Salvage haploidentical transplantation for graft failure after first haploidentical allogeneic stem cell transplantation: an updated experience

Graft failure is a fatal complication following allogeneic stem cell transplantation where a second transplantation is usually required for salvage. However, there are no recommended regimens for second transplantations for graft failure, especially in the haploidentical transplant setting. We recently reported encouraging outcomes using a novel method (haploidentical transplantation from a different donor after conditioning with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide). Herein, we report updated outcomes in 30 patients using this method. The median time of the second transplantation was 96.5 (33-215) days after the first transplantation. Except for one patient who died at +19d and before engraftment, neutrophil engraftments were achieved in all patients at 11 (8-24) days, while platelet engraftments were achieved in 22 (75.8%) patients at 17.5 (9-140) days. The 1-year OS and DFS were 60% and 53.3%, and CIR and TRM was 6.7% and 33.3%, respectively. Compared with the historical group, neutrophil engraftment (100% versus 58.5%, p < 0.001) and platelet engraftment (75.8% versus 32.3%, p < 0.001) were better in the novel regimen group, and OS was also improved (60.0% versus 26.4%, p = 0.011). In conclusion, salvage haploidentical transplantation from a different donor using the novel regimen represents a promising option to rescue patients with graft failure after the first haploidentical transplantation.

Clinical significance and potential application of cuproptosis-related genes in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, gastric cancer (GC) is a common lethal solid malignancy with a poor prognosis. Cuproptosis is a novel type of cell death mediated by protein lipoylation and may be related to GC prognosis.

AIM

To offer new insights to predict GC prognosis and provide multiple therapeutic targets related to cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) for future therapy.

METHODS

We collected data from several public data portals, systematically estimated the expression level and prognostic values of CRGs in GC samples, and investigated related mechanisms using public databases and bioinformatics.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that FDX1, LIAS, and MTF1 were differentially expressed in GC samples and exhibited important prognostic significance in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. We constructed a nomogram model for overall survival and disease-specific survival prediction and validated it via calibration plots. Mecha-nistically, immune cell infiltration and DNA methylation prominently affected the survival time of GC patients. Moreover, protein-protein interaction network, KEGG pathway and gene ontology enrichment analyses demonstrated that FDX1, LIAS, MTF1 and related proteins play key roles in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and cuproptosis. Gene Expression Omnibus database validation showed that the expression levels of FDX1, LIAS, and MTF1 were consistent with those in the TCGA cohort. Top 10 perturbagens has been filtered by Connectivity Map.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, FDX1, LIAS, and MTF1 could serve as potential prognostic biomarkers for GC patients and provide novel targets for immunotarget therapy.

Prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure influences the gut microbiota of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units

Background

To explore the influences of prenatal antibiotic exposure, the intensity of prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure on gut microbiota of preterm infants and whether gut microbiota and drug resistant strains in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a defined period are related.

Methods

Among 28 preterm infants, there were two groups, the PAT (prenatal antibiotic therapy) group (12 cases), and the PAF (prenatal antibiotic free) group (12 cases). Fecal samples from both groups were collected on days 7 and 14. According to the time of prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure, cases were divided into two groups, H (high) group (11 cases) and L (low) group (11 cases), and fecal samples on day 14 were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from the fecal samples and was subjected to high throughput 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the sequencing results.

Results

Prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure exercised influence on the early establishment of intestinal microflora of preterm infants. Bacteroidetes decreased significantly in the PAT group (p < 0.05). The number of Bifidobacterium significantly decreased in the PAT group and H group (p < 0.05). The early gut microbiota of preterm infants with prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure was similar to resistant bacteria in NICU during the same period.

Conclusion

Prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure may affect the composition of early gut microbiota in preterm infants. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in NICU may play a role in reshaping the early gut microbiota of preterm infants with prenatal and postnatal antibiotic exposure.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12941-018-0264-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Topological-insulator-based terahertz modulator

Three dimensional topological insulators, as a new phase of quantum matters, are characterized by an insulating gap in the bulk and a metallic state on the surface. Particularly, most of the topological insulators have narrow band gaps, and hence have promising applications in the area of terahertz optoelectronics. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an electronically-tunable terahertz intensity modulator based on Bi_1:5Sb_0:5Te_1:8Se_1:2 single crystal, one of the most insulating topological insulators. A relative frequency-independent modulation depth of ~62% over a wide frequency range from 0.3 to 1.4 THz has been achieved at room temperature, by applying a bias current of 100 mA. The modulation in the low current regime can be further enhanced at low temperature. We propose that the extraordinarily large modulation is a consequence of thermally-activated carrier absorption in the semiconducting bulk states. Our work provides a new application of topological insulators for terahertz technology.

Mitochondrial DNA mutation and heteroplasmy in type I Leber hereditary optic neuropathy

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited disorder characterized by bilateral acute or subacute loss of central vision, primarily in young males. A G----A single base mutation at 11778nt of the mitochondrial genome which eliminates a SfaNI restriction site [Wallace et al., 1988; Holt et al., 1989; Hotta et al., 1989; Singh et al., 1989; Vilkki et al., 1989; Yoneda et al., 1989; Stone et al., 1990; Lott et al., 1990.] has been found in more than 60% of the families with LHON studied. We studied 25 persons from 4 families with LHON using SfaNI and Mae III digestion of a 201 base pair polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product encompassing the 11778nt mutation. The loss of the SfaNI site and the acquisition of a Mae III site at 11778nt were identified in all maternal relatives of the LHON families studied. The mutation was heteroplasmic in all affected individuals, female carriers, and males at-risk. The heteroplasmy of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was also identified by direct DNA sequencing of PCR amplified by direct DNA sequencing of PCR amplified mtDNA digested by SfaNI or Mae III. It appears that the proportion of the mutant mtDNA correlates with the severity of the disease.

Microdeletion in the X-chromosome and prenatal diagnosis in a family with Norrie disease

We have studied a three-generation family in which Norrie disease is segregating and have performed prenatal diagnosis on the fetus of an obligatory carrier. Deletions at loci DXS7 and DXS77 defined by probes L1.28, L1.28-p59, and pX59 were detected in the affected male. DNA studies of chorionic villus biopsy material indicated that the male fetus had inherited the normal allele from the carrier mother. This prediction was confirmed on eye examination at age 5 months.

Dong quai

The Chinese people discovered Dong Quai and used it as a tonic and spice. Women especially have used Dong Quai to protect their health, generation after generation. This paper reviews the pharmacological effect, toxicity and dosage formula of Dong Quai, based on the modern concept.