Super-Stretchable and High-Energy Micro-Pseudocapacitors Based on MXene Embedded Ag Nanoparticles

The advancement of aqueous micro-supercapacitors offers an enticing prospect for a broad spectrum of applications, spanning from wearable electronics to micro-robotics and sensors. Unfortunately, conventional micro-supercapacitors are characterized by low capacity and slopy voltage profiles, limiting their energy density capabilities. To enhance the performance of these devices, the use of 2D MXene-based compounds has recently been proposed. Apart from their capacitive contributions, these structures can be loaded with redox-active nanowires which increase their energy density and stabilize their operation voltage. However, introducing rigid nanowires into MXene films typically leads to a significant decline in their mechanical properties, particularly in terms of flexibility. To overcome this issue, super stretchable micro-pseudocapacitor electrodes composed of MXene nanosheets and in situ reconstructed Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NP-MXene) are herein demonstrated, delivering high energy density, stable operation voltage of ≈1 V, and fast charging capabilities. Careful experimental analysis and theoretical simulations of the charging mechanism of the Ag-NP-MXene electrodes reveal a dual nature charge storage mechanism involving ad(de)sorption of ions and conversion reaction of Ag nanoparticles. The superior mechanical properties of synthesized films obtained through in situ construction of Ag-NP-MXene structure show an ultra stretchability, allowing the devices to provide stable voltage and energy output even at 100% elongation.

Tetramethylpyrazine alleviates hypoxia-induced proliferation, migration, and inflammatory response of fibroblast-like synoviocytes via inhibiting the HIF-1α- circCDC42BPB pathway

OBJECTIVES

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease, which might trigger cartilage, bone damage, and disability. Recent studies have suggested that Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), an alkaloid monomer isolated from the rhizome of the traditional herbal medicine Ligusticum wallichii Franch, exerts a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties, containing anti-inflammatory. This study aimed to analyze the role and underlying mechanism of TMP in RA.

METHODS

Under Hypoxia condition, RA-Fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) were treated with TMP at different doses. Cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and migration were detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, flow cytometry assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay. Cyclin D1, Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein levels were measured using western blot assay. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 were evaluated using ELISA. Circular RNA (circRNA) hsa_circ_0005178 (circCDC42BPB), CDC42BPB, and HIF-1α expression were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Binding between HIF-1α and CDC42BPB promoter was predicted by JASPAR and verified using dual-luciferase reporter and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.

RESULTS

TMP might hinder FLS proliferation, cycle progression, migration, and inflammatory response under hypoxic conditions. CircCDC42BPB expression was increased in RA patients and RA-FLSs treated with hypoxia, while its level was obviously reduced in RA-FLSs treated with hypoxia and TMP. TMP might abolish hypoxia-induced circCDC42BPB expression. Upregulation of circCDC42BPB might partially overturn the repression of TMP on hypoxia-caused RA-FLS damage. TMP might regulate circCDC42BPB level via HIF-1α in RA-FLSs under hypoxic conditions.

CONCLUSION

TMP might block RA-FLS injury partly via regulating the HIF-1α- circCDC42BPB pathway, providing a promising therapeutic target for RA.

[Hepatitis B virus infection status and clinical characteristics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China and its association with RA disease characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional study. A retrospective study was conducted on RA patients recruited from January 2001 to February 2023 in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital. Demographic and clinical data were collected including age, gender, disease duration, active smoking, RA disease activity, physical function, radiographic assessment, serological markers of HBV infection and liver function indicators. According to the status of HBV infection, RA patients were grouped as chronic HBV infection, resolved HBV infection and no HBV infection groups. The distribution of each group and the clinical characteristics of RA patients were analyzed. Results: Among 1 941 RA patients, 1 461 (75.3%) completed HBV screening, including 335 males (22.9%) and 1 126 females (77.1%), with a mean age of (55.4±13.1) years. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection was 10.1%(148/1 461), which was significantly higher in male patients than in females [14.6%(49/335) vs 8.8%(99/1 126), P<0.001], especially among those males born from 1970 to 1979[20.0%(7/35) vs 8.5%(17/201), P=0.037] and 1980-1989 [31.8%(7/22) vs 10.5%(14/133), P=0.007]. Among 148 RA patients with chronic HBV infection, there were 5 cases (3.4%) of chronic hepatitis B, 2 cases (1.4%) of HBV-associated cirrhosis and 1 case (0.7%) of hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of resolved HBV infection was 57.6%(841/1 461). There were 472(32.3%) patients with no HBV infection and 267(56.6%) of them showed negative anti-HBs. Among all RA patients, 15 (1.0%) patients had abnormal liver function, of which 7 cases were drug-induced liver injury, 5 cases were chronic hepatitis B, 2 cases were non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and 1 case was primary biliary cholangitis. Conclusion: Chronic HBV infection remains a common complication in RA patients in China, the infection rate is 10.1%, and the screening and management of HBV infection should be strengthened in clinical practice.

Respiratory syncytial virus co-opts hypoxia-inducible factor-1α-mediated glycolysis to favor the production of infectious virus

IMPORTANCE

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading etiological agent of lower respiratory tract illness. However, efficacious vaccines or antiviral drugs for treating RSV infections are currently not available. Indeed, RSV depends on host cells to provide energy needed to produce progeny virions. Glycolysis is a series of oxidative reactions used to metabolize glucose and provide energy to host cells. Therefore, glycolysis may be helpful for RSV infection. In this study, we show that RSV increases glycolysis by inducing the stabilization, transcription, translation, and activation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α in infected cells, which is important for the production of progeny RSV virions. This study contributes to understanding the molecular mechanism by which HIF-1α-mediated glycolysis controls RSV infection and reveals an effective target for the development of highly efficient anti-RSV drugs.

Three-Dimensional Zinc-Seeded Carbon Nanofiber Architectures as Lightweight and Flexible Hosts for a Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Anode

Uneven zinc (Zn) deposition typically leads to uncontrollable dendrite growth, which renders an unsatisfactory cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency (CE) of aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), restricting their practical application. In this work, a lightweight and flexible three-dimensional (3D) carbon nanofiber architecture with uniform Zn seeds (CNF-Zn) is prepared from bacterial cellulose (BC), a kind of biomass with low cost, environmental friendliness, and abundance, as a host for highly reversible Zn plating/stripping and construction of high-performance aqueous ZIBs. The as-prepared 3D CNF-Zn with a porous interconnected network significantly decreases the local current density, and the functional Zn seeds provide uniform nuclei to guide the uniform Zn deposition. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of Zn seeds and the 3D porous framework in the flexible CNF-Zn host, the electrochemical performance of the as-constructed ZIBs is significantly improved. This flexible 3D CNF-Zn host delivers a high and stable CE of 99.5% over 450 cycles, ensuring outstanding rate performance and a long cycle life of over 500 cycles at 4 A g-1 in the CNF-Zn@Zn//NaV3O8·1.5H2O full battery. More importantly, owing to the flexibility of the 3D CNF-Zn host, the as-assembled pouch cell shows outstanding mechanical flexibility and excellent energy storage performance. This strategy of producing readily accessible carbon from biomass can be employed to develop advanced functional nanomaterials for next-generation flexible energy storage devices.

Combinatorial Metabolic Engineering of Escherichia coli for Enhanced L-Cysteine Production: Insights into Crucial Regulatory Modes and Optimization of Carbon-Sulfur Metabolism and Cofactor Availability

Microbial production of valuable compounds can be enhanced by various metabolic strategies. This study proposed combinatorial metabolic engineering to develop an effective Escherichia coli cell factory dedicated to L-cysteine production. First, the crucial regulatory modes that control L-cysteine levels were investigated to guide metabolic modifications. A two-stage fermentation was achieved by employing multi-copy gene expression, improving the balance between production and growth. Subsequently, carbon flux distribution was further optimized by modifying the C1 unit metabolism and the glycolytic pathway. The modifications of sulfur assimilation demonstrated superior performance of thiosulfate utilization pathways in enhancing L-cysteine titer. Furthermore, the studies focusing on cofactor availability and preference emphasized the vital role of synergistic enhancement of sulfur-carbon metabolism in L-cysteine overproduction. In a 5 L bioreactor, the strain BW15-3/pED accumulated 12.6 g/L of L-cysteine. This work presented an effective metabolic engineering strategy for the development of L-cysteine-producing strains.

[The application of a new type of sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet in aspiration surgery for upper limb lymphedema]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a new type of sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet (SEET) in aspiration surgery for upper limb lymphedema. Methods: The clinical data of 159 patients who underwent aspiration surgery for upper limb lymphedema from January 2017 to June 2022 in the Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 54 patients were treated with SEET (SEET group), while 105 patients were not treated with SEET (No-SEET group). The propensity score matching method was used, and the surgical indicators and complications were compared between the two groups. The factors affecting intraoperative bleeding volume were analyzed through multiple linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 49 pairs of patients were successfully matched by the propensity score method. The age of patients in the SEET and No-SEET groups was (57.7±8.9) years and (56.8±9.1) years, respectively. Compared with the Non-SEET group, the SEET group had less bleeding volume [(311±164) ml vs (437±173) ml, P<0.001]. The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the factors affecting intraoperative bleeding volume included age (β=-0.142, P=0.041), using the SEET (β=-0.249, P=0.002), surgical time (β=0.195, P=0.010) and the amount of fat mixture sucked out (β=0.464, P<0.001). Conclusions: The clinical application of the SEET in aspiration surgery for upper limb lymphedema is safe, and can significantly reduce the bleeding volume and alleviate blood shortage.

[Efficacy and safety of low-dose rasburicase for refractory chronic gouty arthritis]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of low-dose rasburicase for refractory chronic gouty arthritis. Methods: A cohort study. The clinical data of patients with refractory chronic gouty arthritis who were treated with rasburicase at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University between January 2021 and July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Refractory chronic gouty arthritis was defined as serum uric acid (sUA)>360 μmol/L and urate volume>10 cm³ under dual-energy computed tomography after tolerable maximal oral urate-lowering therapy for at least 3 months. The administration of low-dose rasburicase was applied intravenously with total dosage ranging from 4.5 to 7.5 mg each dose, at 4-week intervals for a maximum of three doses. Efficacy was evaluated by the changes of sUA level, tophus and urate volume. Results: A total of 22 patients were included for analysis, with 95.4% (21/22) male, the mean age was (44±15) years, and the median duration of gout was 11 (6-15) years. The mean sUA at baseline was (667±112) μmol/L. The levels of sUA significantly decreased after each dose of rasburicase (P<0.001), and the median reduction of sUA after each dose of rasburicase was 568 (471-635), 187 (66-335) and 123 (49-207) μmol/L, respectively. At week 12, nine patients (40.9%) exhibited sUA<360 μmol/L and tophus disappeared in one patient. The urate volume significantly decreased at week 12 when compared with that before the first dose of rasburicase in all the patients [40 (16-172) cm³ vs 17 (7-134) cm³, P<0.001], with a median reduction rate of 41.6% (22.9%-58.5%). The everall safety of rasburicase was good, and no serious adverse reactions occurred. Conclusions: Low-dose rasburicase is well-tolerated and effective for decreasing the urate burden in patients with refractory chronic gouty arthritis. Further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of de novo concomitant proximal 21q deletion of 21q11.2q21.3 and distal Xp deletion of Xp22.33p22.2 due to an unbalanced X;21 translocation detected by amniocentesis

OBJECTIVE

We present molecular cytogenetic characterization of de novo concomitant proximal 21q deletion of 21q11.2q21.3 and distal Xp deletion of Xp22.33p22.2 due to an unbalanced X; 21 translocation detected by amniocentesis.

CASE REPORT

A 35-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 45,X,der(X)t(X; 21) (p22.2; q21.3),-21. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) revealed the result of an 11.9-Mb Xp22.33p22.2 deletion encompassing HCCS, SHOX, AMELX and OFD1 and a 15.4-Mb 21q11.2q21.3 deletion encompassing NRIP1 and APP. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a malformed fetus was delivered with craniofacial dysmorphism. The parental karyotypes were normal. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis by quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) confirmed a paternal origin of the 21q proximal deletion. Cytogenetic analysis of cord blood confirmed the karyotype of 45,X,der(X)t(X; 21) (p22.2; q21.3),-21. aCGH analysis of the cord blood confirmed the prenatal diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

QF-PCR analysis is useful for determination of the parental origin of a de novo unbalanced X; autosome translocation detected by prenatal diagnosis. The information acquired is useful for genetic counseling under such a circumstance.

Mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis associated with a favorable fetal outcome and perinatal progressive decrease of the trisomy 21 cell line

OBJECTIVE

We present mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis associated with a favorable fetal outcome and perinatal progressive decrease of the trisomy 21 cell line.

CASE REPORT

A 33-year-old woman underwent elective amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of anxiety, and the karyotype of cultured amniocytes was 47,XX,+21[4]/46,XX[13]. In 17 colonies of cultured amniocytes, four colonies had 47,XX,+21, while the other 13 colonies had 46,XX. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed the result of arr (21) × 3 [0.32] consistent with 32% mosaicism for trisomy 21. Repeat amniocentesis performed at 25 weeks of gestation revealed 47,XX,+21[4]/46,XX[24] with four colonies of 47,XX,+21 and 24 colonies of 46, XX on cultured amniocytes, and arr 21q11.2q22.3 × 2.25 by aCGH, 19.2% mosaicism for trisomy 21 (20/104 cells) by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and no uniparental disomy (UPD) 21 by quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) on uncultured amniocytes. The parental karyotypes were normal, and prenatal ultrasound was unremarkable. A phenotypically normal 2815-g female baby was delivered at 38 weeks of gestation. Cytogenetic analysis on the cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta revealed the karyotype of 47,XX,+21[10]/46,XX[30]. 47,XX,+21[5]/46,XX[35] and 47,XX,+21[38]/46,XX[2], respectively. QF-PCR analysis on the DNA extracted from parental bloods, uncultured amniocytes, cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta confirmed a paternal origin of trisomy 21. When follow-up at age two months, the neonate was phenotypically normal, the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+21[6]/46,XX[34], and no trisomy 21 signals by interphase FISH was found on 100 buccal mucosal cells. When follow-up at age 13 months, the neonate was phenotypically normal, and the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+21[3]/46,XX[37].

CONCLUSION

Mosaic trisomy 21 at amniocentesis can be a transient and benign condition, and the abnormal trisomy 21 cell line may decrease and disappear after birth.

Mosaic trisomy 18 at amniocentesis associated with a favorable fetal outcome in a pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 18 by amniocentesis associated with a favorable fetal outcome in a pregnancy.

CASE REPORT

A 42-year-old, gravida 4, para 2, woman underwent amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation because advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+18[6]/46,XX[17]. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on uncultured amniocytes showed the result of 45% mosaicism for trisomy 18. At 25 weeks of gestation, the woman underwent repeat amniocentesis which revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+18[10]/46,XX[24]. Simultaneous aCGH on uncultured amniocytes showed the result of arr 18p11.32q23 (148,963-78,012,829) × 2.3 [GRCh (hg19)] with a log₂ ratio of 0.2-0.25 compatible with 30-38% mosaicism for trisomy 18. The parental karyotypes were normal. Prenatal ultrasound was unremarkable. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on uncultured amniocytes showed 27% (27/100 cells) mosaicism for trisomy 18. Quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) on uncultured amniocytes excluded uniparental disomy (UPD) 18. Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) analysis at 34 weeks of gestation revealed a significant gene dosage increase of chromosome 18 (29.95; normal control: -3.0-3.0). At 39 weeks of gestation, a 2840-g phenotypically normal baby was delivered. The cord blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+18[8]/46,XX[32]. The placenta was trisomy 18 of maternal origin. The umbilical cord had a karyotype of 47,XX,+18[2]/46,XX[38]. At age 1½ months, the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+18[5]/46,XX[35], and FISH analysis on buccal mucosal cells revealed 2% (2/102 cells) mosaicism for trisomy 18. When follow-up at age seven months, the neonate was phenotypically normal, and the peripheral blood had a karyotype of 47,XX,+18[1]/46,XX[39].

CONCLUSIONS

Mosaic trisomy 18 at amniocentesis without abnormal fetal ultrasound can be associated with a favorable outcome, and the abnormal trisomy 18 cell line may decrease progressively after birth.

High-level mosaicism for 45,X in 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2) at amniocentesis in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome and postnatal progressive decrease of the 45,X cell line

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of high-level mosaicism for 45,X in 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2) at amniocentesis in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome and postnatal progressive decrease of the 45,X cell line.

CASE REPORT

A 36-year-old, gravida 4, para 3, woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 45,X[22]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[4]. Prenatal ultrasound was unremarkable, and the fetus had normal male external genitalia. Repeat amniocentesis was performed at 20 weeks of gestation, and the second amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 45,X[24]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[3]. Simultaneous interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed that 60% (62/103 cells) were Y-deleted cells. After genetic counseling, the parents decided to continue the pregnancy, and a 3020-g male baby was delivered with a body length of 52 cm, normal male genital organs and no phenotypic abnormalities. The karyotypes of cord blood, umbilical cord and placenta were 45,X[20]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[20], 45,X[31]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[9] and 45,X[40], respectively. At age one month, FISH analysis on urinary cells and buccal mucosal cells revealed 11.5% (7/61 cells) and 13.6% (16/118 cells), respectively for mosaicism for the Y-deleted cells. At age five month, the karyotype of peripheral blood was 45,X[9]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[31]. FISH analysis on buccal mucosal cells showed no abnormal Y-deleted cell (0/101 cells). At age 11 month, the karyotype of peripheral blood was 45,X[5]/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2)[35]. FISH analysis on 102 buccal mucosal cells showed no abnormal signals. The infant was doing well with normal physical and psychomotor development.

CONCLUSION

High-level mosaicism for 45,X in 45,X/46,X,idic(Y)(q11.2) at amniocentesis can be associated with a favorable outcome and progressive decrease of the 45,X cell line.

Perinatal cytogenetic discrepancy in a pregnancy with mosaic 45,X/46, XY at amniocentesis and a favorable outcome

OBJECTIVE

We present perinatal cytogenetic discrepancy in a pregnancy with mosaic 45,X/46, XY at amniocentesis and a favorable outcome.

CASE REPORT

A 38-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 45,X[2]/46,XY[6]. Level II ultrasound at 20 weeks of gestation was unremarkable, and the fetus had normal male external genitalia. Following genetic counseling, the woman decided to continue the pregnancy. At 39 weeks of gestation, a healthy male baby was delivered with a body weight of 3410 g and a body length of 54.5 cm. The male external genital organs were normal. The cord blood had a karyotype of 46, XY (40/40 cells). The umbilical cord had a karyotype of 45,X[1]/46,XY[39]. During follow-up at age one month, his body weight was 4.4 Kg (15th-50th centile), and his body length was 56 cm (50th-85th centile). The infant was doing well. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis on 100 buccal mucosal cells revealed no abnormal Y-deletion cell, and all cells contained one Y signal.

CONCLUSION

Perinatal cytogenetic discrepancy may occur in the pregnancy with mosaic 45,X/46, XY at amniocentesis.

Altered DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Profiles in Radiation-Induced Heart Fibrosis of Sprague-Dawley Rats

Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a serious side effect of radiotherapy for thoracic tumors. Advanced myocardial fibrosis in the late phase of RIHD can lead to myocardial remodeling, heart function impairing and heart failure, resulting in serious clinical consequences, and its pathogenesis remains vague. DNA methylation is one of the important epigenetic mechanisms which often occurs in response to environmental stimuli and is crucial in regulating gene expression. We hypothesized DNA methylation may contribute to pathogenesis in radiation-induced heart fibrosis (RIHF) and altered DNA methylation patterns probably influenced the genes expression in RIHF. In present study, we found genome-wide differences in DNA methylation status and RNA expression were demonstrated and we screened out 44 genes whose altered expression maybe were regulated by CpG island methylation within the gene promoter in RIHF of Sprague-Dawley rat by employing gene expression arrays and human CpG island microarrays. Gene expression and CpG island methylation levels of several candidate genes were further validated. Our investigation provided a new dimension to reveal the specific mechanisms of RIHF and explore the potential therapeutic targets for it.

Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of mosaic ring chromosome 21 associated with low PAPP-A and low PlGF in the first-trimester maternal serum screening

OBJECTIVE

We present diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of mosaic ring chromosome 21 [r(21)].

CASE REPORT

A 17-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of an abnormal result of the first-trimester maternal serum screening for Down syndrome with a free β-hCG level of 1.736 multiples of the median (MoM), a pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) level of 0.275 MoM, a placental growth factor (PlGF) level of 0.281 MoM, a Down syndrome risk of 1:222 and a preeclampsia risk of 1:175. Cytogenetic analysis of cultured amniocytes revealed the result of 46,XX,r(21) (p12q22.3)[19]/45,XX,-21[13]. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis of cultured amniocytes revealed the result of arr [GRCh37] 21q11.2q22.2 (15,485,008-40,625,594) × 1∼2, 21q22.2q22.3 (40,703,792-46,682,184) × 2∼3, 21q22.3 (46,761,631-48,084,156) × 1, consistent with mosaic monosomy 21 and r(21) (p12q22.3). The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a malformed fetus was delivered with low-set ears and hypotelorism. Postnatal cytogenetic analysis revealed a karyotype of 46,XX,r(21) (p12q22.3)[30]/45,XX,-21[8]/46,XX,idic r(21) (p12q22.3)[2] in the cord blood, 46,XX,r(21) (p12q22.3)[34]/45,XX,-21[6] in the skin, 46,XX,r(21) (p12q22.3)[37]/45,XX,-21[3] in the umbilical cord and 46,XX,dup(21) (q22.2q22.3)[32]/46,XX,r(21) (p12q22.3)[8] in the placenta. aCGH analysis of cord blood revealed the result of arr 21q11.2q22.2 (15,499,847-40,662,581) × 2.3, arr 21q22.2q22.3 (40,703,792-46,682,184) × 3.6, arr 21q22.3 (46,761,632-48,090,317) × 1, consistent with mosaic duplication of 21q11.2-q22.2 and 21q22.2-q22.3, and a 1.33-Mb 21q22.3 deletion encompassing the genes of COL18A1, SLC19A1, PCBP3, COL6A1, COL6A2, FTCD, LSS, MCM3AP, YBEY, PCNT, DIP2A, S100B and PRMT2.

CONCLUSION

Mosaic r(21) at amniocentesis may be associated with monosomy 21, idic r(21) and dup(21), and low PAPP-A and low PlGF in the first-trimester maternal serum screening.

Biomimetic Design of Macroporous 3D Truss Materials for Efficient Interfacial Solar Steam Generation

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) utilizing local heating technology for evaporation at the water-to-steam interface is drawing great attention because of its high efficiency of solar-thermal conversion for a sustainable and eco-friendly drinking water regeneration process. Here, inspired by the structure of penguin feathers and polar bear hairs that both have macropores to trap air for thermal insulation, we report a bionic solar evaporator (BSE) with macroporous skeleton for partial thermal management and macro patulous channels for abundant water transportation and rapid steam extraction. Meanwhile, the 3D hierarchical isotropic truss structures can induce multiple light reflections to enable omnidirectional light absorption, and bimodal pores facilitate ion diffusion to suppress salt deposits. This BSE exhibits an evaporation rate of 2.3 kg m^-2 h^-1 and efficiency of 93% under 1 sun. The multiple advantages of high efficiency and salt resistance make BSE available for future practical sewage purification and desalination applications.

Detection of maternal uniparental disomy 9 in association with low-level mosaic trisomy 9 at amniocentesis in a pregnancy associated with intrauterine growth restriction, abnormal first-trimester screening result (low PAPP-A and low PlGF), maternal preeclampsia and a favorable outcome

OBJECTIVE

We present detection of maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) 9 in association with low-level mosaic trisomy 9 at amniocentesis in a pregnancy associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), an abnormal first-trimester maternal serum screening result, abnormal non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), maternal preeclampsia and a favorable outcome.

CASE REPORT

A 37-year-old, primigravid woman underwent first-trimester maternal serum screening and NIPT at 11 weeks of gestation, which revealed a gene dosage increase in chromosome 9 and low levels of plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and placental growth factor (PlGF) in maternal blood. The woman underwent amniocentesis at 16 weeks of gestation, which revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+9[4]/46,XX[35] in cultured amniocytes. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed a result of arr [GRCh37] (9) × 3 [0.14] (X) × 2, compatible with mosaic trisomy 9. The parental karyotypes were normal. Repeat amniocentesis was performed at 20 weeks of gestation. The cultured amniocytes had a karyotype of 47,XX,+9[1]/46,XX[23]. The uncultured amniocytes had a mosaic trisomy 9 level of 10.7% (12/112 cells) by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), a mosaic trisomy 9 level of 10-14% (log₂ ratio = 0.1) by aCGH, and maternal uniparental isodisomy 9 by polymorphic DNA marker analysis. Prenatal ultrasound revealed IUGR, and the mother had preeclampsia. At 29 weeks of gestation, a 1054-g phenotypically normal baby was delivered because of preterm labor. The cord blood and umbilical cord had the karyotype of 46, XX and maternal UPD 9 and isodisomy 9, while the placenta had trisomy 9 of maternal origin. Postnatal FISH anlaysis on 101 buccal mucosal cells and 100 urinary cells at age three months detected no trisomy 9 signals. The baby was doing well at age six months.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy with low-level mosaic trisomy 9 and maternal UPD 9 at amniocentesis can be associated with IUGR, maternal preeclampsia and a favorable outcome. Fetuses with maternal UPD 9 can be associated with an abnormal NIPT result concerning chromosome 9, an abnormal first-trimester maternal serum screening result (low PAPP-A and low PlGF) and mosaic trisomy 9 at amniocentesis.

[Hashimoto's encephalopathy presenting with isolated cerebellar ataxia in 13 children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of Hashimoto's encephalopathy presenting with isolated cerebellar ataxia in children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical features, laboratory tests, neuroelectrophysiological examination, imaging, treatment and outcomes of 13 patients with Hashimoto's encephalopathy presenting with isolated cerebellar ataxia, who were admitted to the Department of Pediatric Neurology of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center from January 2016 to May 2021. Results: Among the 13 cases, 6 were males and 7 were females. The onset age was 2.6 (2.0,3.3) years, 9 children had precursor infection or vaccination before the first course of disease. All the 13 children had gait abnormalities or unsteady sitting, 10 had intentional tremor, 6 had dysarthria, 3 had body tremor, 2 had nystagmus, 3 had fatigue, 3 had hypotonia, 2 had vomiting and 1 had irritability. Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) was 500.0 (298.9,587.2) kU/L and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) was 621.9 (449.6,869.4) kU/L in 13 cases. Autoantibodies were positive in 9 cases, and cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis was seen in 4 cases. Regarding electroencephalography result, 4 cases had background slowing and 1 case had occasional sharp waves. Among the 3 patients who had relapses, 1 had cerebellar atrophy shown on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the recurrence. All the patients received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and intensive methylprednisolone therapy during the first onset, followed by the disappearance of the symptoms, 1 patient had repeated episodes which was decreased after immunosuppressive treatment with Rituximab.Followed up for 25.0 (22.5,33.3) months after the last episode, 12 achieved complete remission and 1 had a wide base gait. Conclusions: Trunk ataxia is the common symptom of Hashimoto's encephalopathy presenting with isolated cerebellar ataxia in children.Children with cerebellar ataxia should be tested for TgAb and TPOAb to detect Hashimoto's encephalopathy, avoiding missed diagnosis and treatment delays; IVIG and intensive steroid therapy is effective, and immunosuppressive therapy for patients with multiple relapses could reduce the recurrence.

Prenatal diagnosis of partial monosomy 8p (8p23.2→pter) and partial trisomy 15q (15q21.2→qter) and incidental detection of a familial chromosome translocation of paternal origin in a pregnancy associated with increased nuchal translucency and an abnormal maternal serum screening result

OBJECTIVE

We present partial monosomy 8p (8p23.2→pter) and partial trisomy 15q (15q21.2→qter) and incidental detection of a familial chromosome translocation of paternal origin in a pregnancy associated with increased nuchal translucency (NT) and an abnormal maternal serum screening result.

CASE REPORT

A 29-year-old primigravid woman underwent chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at 13 weeks of gestation because of an increased NT thickness of 3.2 mm at 12 weeks of gestation and an abnormal maternal serum screening for Down syndrome result with a calculated risk of 1/29. Her husband was 33 years old, and there was no family history of congenital malformations. CVS revealed a derived chromosome 8 or der(8). Cytogenetic analysis of the parents revealed a karyotype of 46,XY,t(8;15)(p21.3;q13) in the father and a karyotype of 46,XX in the mother. The CVS result was 46,XY,der(8)t(8;15)(p21.3;q13)pat. The woman requested for amniocentesis at 16 weeks of gestation. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed a result of arr 8p23.3p23.2 (191,530-2,625,470) × 1.0, arr 15q21.2q26.3 (50,903,432-102,338,129) × 3.0 with a 2.434-Mb deletion of 8p23.3-p23.2 including DLGAP2, CLN8 and ARHGEF10, and a 51.435-Mb duplication of 15q21.2-q26.3 including CYP19A1 and IGF1R. Conventional cytogenetic analysis of cultured amniocytes revealed the result of 46,XY,der(8) t(8;15)(p23.2;q21.2)pat in the fetus. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a malformed fetus was delivered with characteristic craniofacial dysmorphism.

CONCLUSION

Maternal serum screening and NT screening may incidentally detect familial unbalanced reciprocal translocations, and aCGH analysis is useful for a precise determination of the breakpoints of the translocation and the involvement of the related genes under such a circumstance.

Prenatal diagnosis of partial monosomy 2q (2q37.3→qter) and partial trisomy 10q (10q24.31→qter) of paternal origin associated with increased nuchal translucency and abnormal maternal serum screening results

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of terminal 2q deletion and distal 10q duplication of paternal origin in a fetus associated with increased nuchal translucency and abnormal maternal serum screening results.

CASE REPORT

A 26-year-old woman who had experienced spontaneous abortion twice underwent amniocentesis at 16 weeks of gestation because of an increased nuchal translucency thickness of 3.5 mm at 12 weeks of gestation and abnormal maternal serum screening results of 2.573 multiples of the median (MoM) of free β-human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and 1.536 MoM of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) resulting in a trisomy 21 risk of 1:64. Amniocentesis revealed a derivative chromosome 2. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed arr [hg19] 2q37.3 (238,294,223-242,782,258) × 1, 10q24.31q26.3 (102,018,246-135,426,386) × 3. Cytogenetic analysis of parental bloods revealed a karyotype of 46,XX in the mother and a karyotype of 46,XY,t(2;10)(q37.3;q24.3) in the father. The fetal karyotype was 46,XX,der(2)t(2;10)(q37.3;q24.3)pat. The pregnancy was terminated at 20 weeks of gestation, and a malformed fetus was delivered with facial dysmorphism. Postnatal analysis of the cord blood confirmed the results of prenatal diagnosis. The fetus had a 4.693-Mb deletion of 2q37.3 encompassing the genes of HDAC4, KIF1A, PASK, HDLBP, FARP2 and D2HGDH, and a 33.34-Mb duplication of 10q24.31-q26.3 encompassing the gene of NFκB2.

CONCLUSION

First-trimester ultrasound and maternal serum biochemistry screening may help to identify an unexpected unbalanced familial translocation at prenatal diagnosis.

Prenatal diagnosis of maternal uniparental disomy 16 associated with mosaic trisomy 16 at amniocentesis, and pericardial effusion and intrauterine growth restriction in the fetus

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) 16 associated with mosaic trisomy 16 at amniocentesis, and pericardial effusion and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the fetus.

CASE REPORT

A 38-year-old woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age, and the result was 47,XX,+16[2]/46,XX[54]. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed 14% mosaicism for trisomy 16 and a paternally inherited 319-kb microdeletion of 15q11.2 encompassing the genes of TUBGCP5, CYFIP1, NIPA2 and NIPA1. Prenatal ultrasound revealed persistent left superior vena cava, pericardial effusion and severe IUGR. Cordocentesis at 23 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 46,XX, but polymorphic DNA marker analysis revealed maternal UPD 16. Repeat amniocentesis was performed at 27 weeks of gestation and revealed a karyotype of 46, XX in 21/21 colonies. Molecular cytogenetic analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed 22.4% mosaicism (26/116 cells) for trisomy 16 on interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, and 20% mosaicism for trisomy 16 on aCGH. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis on the DNAs extracted from uncultured amniocytes and parental bloods revealed maternal UPD 16. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a fetus was delivered with facial dysmorphism and severe IUGR. The umbilical cord had a karyotype of 47,XX,+16[28]/46,XX[16]. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis on placenta confirmed a maternal origin of trisomy 16.

CONCLUSION

Cytogenetic discrepancy between cultured amniocytes and uncultured amniocytes may present in mosaic trisomy 16 at amniocentesis. Prenatal diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 16 should alert the association of maternal UPD 16 which may be associated with congenital heart defects and severe IUGR on prenatal ultrasound.

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome: Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of a de novo distal deletion of 4p (4p16.1 → pter) in a fetus with facial cleft and preaxial polydactyly

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) in a fetus with facial cleft and preaxial polydactyly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 37-year-old woman underwent amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age, and the result showed an aberrant chromosome 4 or 46,XX,add(4) (p15.3). The woman consulted our clinics at 22 weeks of gestation and requested for repeat amniocentesis. Prenatal ultrasound revealed intrauterine growth restriction, facial cleft, vermian hypoplasia of cerebellum, micrognathia and absent stomach. Conventional cytogenetic analysis was performed on cultured amniocytes, parental bloods and cord blood. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (QF-PCR) were performed on the DNAs extracted from uncultured amniocytes and parental bloods. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was performed on cultured metaphase amniocytes.

RESULTS

aCGH analysis on uncultured amniocytes revealed arr 4p16.3p16.1 (74,447-8,732,731) × 1.0 [GRCh37 (hg19)] with an 8.66-Mb deletion of 4p16.3-p16.1 encompassing 70 [Online Mendelian Inheritance of in Man (OMIM)] genes including ZNF141, FGFRL1, TACC3, LETM1, NSD2 and NELFA. QF-PCR revealed a paternal origin of the distal 4p deletion. Conventional cytogenetic analysis revealed 46,XX,del(4) (p16.1)dn in the fetus. Metaphase FISH analysis confirmed a 4p16 deletion. The parental karyotypes were normal. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a malformed fetus was delivered with typical WHS facial dysmorphism, bilateral cleft lip and palate, and preaxial polydactyly on the right hand.

CONCLUSION

aCGH, QF-PCR and FISH help to delineate the nature of a prenatally defected aberrant chromosome, and the acquired information is useful for genetic counseling.

Prenatal diagnosis of low-level mosaicism for a small supernumerary marker chromosome derived from chromosome 9q (9q13-q21.33) in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome, and cytogenetic discrepancy between cultured amniocytes and uncultured amniocytes

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of low-level mosaicism for a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) derived from chromosome 9q (9q13-q21.33) in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome, and cytogenetic discrepancy between cultured amniocytes and uncultured amniocytes.

CASE REPORT

A 36-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Cytogenetic analysis on cultured amniocytes revealed a karyotype of 46,XY in 20/20 colonies. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed 30% mosaicism for a de novo 20.3-Mb gene dosage increase at 9q13-q21.33. Repeat amniocentesis and cordocentesis were performed at 21 weeks of gestation. Cytogenetic analysis on cord blood revealed a karyotype of 47,XY,+mar [3]/46,XY [37]. aCGH analysis of cord blood revealed 7.5% mosaicism for a 17.15-Mb gene dosage increase at 9q21.11-q21.33. aCGH analysis of uncultured amniocytes revealed 11.7% mosaicism for a 17.15-Mb gene dosage increase at 9q21.11-q21.33. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis excluded uniparental disomy 9. The parental karyotypes were normal. The pregnancy was carried to 37 weeks of gestation, and a 2955-g phenotypically normal male baby was delivered. At birth, the cord blood had a karyotype of 47,XY,+mar [3]/46,XY [37], the placenta had a karyotype of 47,XY,+mar [10]/46,XY [30], and the umbilical cord had a karyotype of 47,XY,+mar [14]/46,XY [36]. aCGH analysis on the DNA extracted from cord blood at birth revealed no genomic imbalance. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis on buccal mucosal cells at age two months detected 3.8% (4/106 cells) mosaicism for the sSMC, compared with 2% (2/100 cells) in the normal control. The neonate had normal physical development at age two months.

CONCLUSION

Cytogenetic discrepancy between cultured amniocytes and uncultured amniocytes may exist in the pregnancy with fetal mosaic sSMC. Low-level mosaicism for an sSMC derived from chromosome 9q13-q21.33 at prenatal diagnosis can be associated with a favorable outcome in the fetus.

Uniformly bimetal-decorated holey carbon nanorods derived from metal-organic framework for efficient hydrogen evolution

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as a fundamental process in electrocatalysis plays a significant role in clean energy technologies. For an energy-efficient HER, it demands an effective, durable, and low-cost catalyst to trigger proton reduction with minimal overpotential and fast kinetics. Here, we successfully fabricate a highly efficient HER catalyst of N-C/Co/Mo₂C holey nanorods with Co/β-Mo₂C nanoparticles uniformly embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon (N-C/Co/Mo₂C) by pyrolyzing the molybdate-coordinated zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67/MoO₄^2-) holey nanorods, which result from the reaction between CoMoO₄ and MeIM in a methanol/water/triethylamine mixed solution. The uniform distribution of MoO₄^2- in the ZIF-67/MoO₄^2- enables Co/β-Mo₂C nanoparticles to be well-distributed within nitrogen-doped carbon holey nanorods. This synthetic strategy endows the N-C/Co/Mo₂C catalyst with uniformly decorated bimetal, thus attaining excellent HER electrocatalytic activities with a small overpotential of 142.0 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 and superior stability in 1.0 mol L^-1 KOH aqueous solution.

Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of mosaicism for r(13), monosomy 13 and idic r(13) by amniocentesis

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of mosaicism for ring chromosome 13 [r(13)], monosomy 13 and isodicentric ring chromosome 13 [idic r(13)] by amniocentesis.

CASE REPORT

A 24-year-old woman underwent amniocentesis at 23 weeks of gestation because of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in the fetus. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 46,XY,r(13)[23]/45,XY,-13[10]/46,XY,idic r(13)[2]. The parental karyotypes were normal. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on cultured amniocytes revealed the result of arr 13q11q31.3 (19,436,286-92,284,309) × 1.85, arr 13q31.3q34 (92,288,514-115,107,733) × 1 [GRCh37 (hg19)], indicating a 22.82-Mb 13q31.3-q34 deletion and a 15-20% mosaicism for 13q11-q31.3 deletion. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a malformed fetus was delivered with facial dysmorphism. The placental tissues had a karyotype of 46,XY,r(13)[18]/46,XY,-13,+mar[14]/45,XY,-13[8]. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis confirmed a maternal origin of the 13q deletion.

CONCLUSION

Fetus with mosaic r(13), monosomy 13 and idic r(13) may present IUGR on prenatal ultrasound, and fetoplacental cytogenetic discrepancy may exist under such a circumstance.

Chemical constituents from the thorns of Gleditsia sinensis and their cytotoxic activities

A new aromatic glycoside (1) and a new natural product, neolignan (2), along with twenty-three known compounds (3-25), were isolated from the thorns of Gleditsia sinensis. According to the spectroscopic analyses (IR, UV, HRESIMS, NMR and ECD), the structures of isolates were elucidated. Herein, compounds 4, 6-8, 10-13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 23 were isolated from the plant of G. sinensis for the first time. Moreover, compounds 4, 6, 15 and 24 showed cytotoxic effects on human ovarian cancer (SKOV-3) cells with IC₅₀ values of 24.83 ± 4.90, 48.86 ± 9.11, 80.13 ± 5.62, 15.38 ± 2.21 μM, respectively. [Formula: see text].

Prenatal diagnosis of concomitant distal 5q duplication and terminal 10q deletion in a fetus with intrauterine growth restriction, congenital diaphragmatic hernia and congenital heart defects

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of concomitant distal 5q duplication and terminal 10q deletion in a fetus with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and congenital heart defects (CHD).

CASE REPORT

A 34-year-old, gravida 4, para 2, woman was referred for amniocentesis at 21 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age and IUGR. There was no congenital malformation in the family. Amniocentesis revealed a derivative chromosome 10 with an additional maternal on the terminal region of 10q. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from the cultured amniocytes revealed a result of arr 5q31.3q35.5 (142, 548, 354-180,696,806) × 3.0, arr 10q26.3 (132, 932, 808-135,434,178) × 1.0 [GRCh37 (hg19)] with a 2.50-Mb deletion of 10q26.3 encompassing 19 [Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM)] genes and a 38.15-Mb duplication of 5q31.3-q35.5 encompassing 195 OMIM genes including four CDH candidate genes of NDST1, ADAM19, NSD1 and MAML1. The mother was found to have a karyotype of 46,XX,t(5; 10) (q31.3; q26.3). Therefore, the fetal karyotype was 46,XX,der(10)t(5; 10)(q31.3; q26.3)mat. Prenatal ultrasound showed IUGR, right CDH, transposition of great artery, double outlet of right ventricle and right atrial isomerism. The pregnancy was terminated, and a malformed fetus was delivered with facial dysmorphism.

CONCLUSION

Fetuses with concomitant distal 5q duplication and terminal 10q deletion may present IUGR, CDH and CHD on prenatal ultrasound.

[Clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis in children]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated optic neuritis (MOG-ON) in pediatric patients. Methods: Clinical data, laboratory examination, the initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fundus, neuroelectrophysiological results, MRI imaging, treatment and prognosis of children diagnosed with MOG-ON from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 29 eyes from 16 children were involved, with a male/female ratio of 1∶1, onset age of (7.0±2.9) years. Seven of 16 patients had prodromal infection, with a unilateral/bilateral ratio of 3∶13, and 2 cases had recurrent optic neuritis. Before treatment, BCVA of 19 eyes (65.5%) was ≤0.1, among them, 4 had no sense of light, 5 had light sense, 5 with sense of hands in front of eyes, and 5 with sense of fingers in front of eyes. There were 10 eyes (34.5%) with BCVA of 0.1-0.5. After treatment, there were 4 eyes (13.8%), 5 eyes (17.2%) and 20 eyes (69.0%) in groups with BCVA of 0.1-0.5, 0.5-1.0, and>1.0, respectively. Twelve of 16 patients had optic papillitis in fundus examination during acute phase. The latency was prolonged and the amplitude was decreased in P100 wave of all the children. Thirteen out of 16 children showed swelling and thickening of optic nerve in MRI T2WI. MRI images exhibited intracranial demyelinating lesions in 12 of 16 children and long segment spinal cord lesions in 3 of 16 children. Thirteen of 16 patients showed effective results after intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. There was no relapse after administration of mycophenolate mofetil in 2 recurrent children. No progression after administration of rituximab was found in 1 child with corticosteroid insensitivity. The average follow-up time was (16±9) months and no recurrence occurred. Ten of 16 patients had full recovery, 4 had significant improvement, and 2 showed no significant improvement. Conclusions: There is no significant gender difference in the incidence of pediatric MOG-ON. Bilateral involvement and severe visual impairment are common in acute phase. Most patients have good response to IVMP combined with IVIG treatment and hence have a good prognosis. Only a few of them have neurological sequelae.

Prenatal diagnosis of low-level mosaic trisomy 20 by amniocentesis in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of low-level mosaic trisomy 20 by amniocentesis in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome.

CASE REPORT

A 35-year-old woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+20[8]/46,XX[23]. The parental karyotypes were normal, and prenatal ultrasound findings were unremarkable. Repeat amniocentesis performed at 20 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 47,XX,+20[2]/46,XX[19]. Simultaneous molecular cytogenetic tests using uncultured amniocytes revealed no genomic imbalance in array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis and a mosaic level of 14.3% (15/105 cells) in interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis using the DNAs extracted from uncultured amniocytes and parental bloods excluded uniparental disomy 20. At 39 weeks of gestation, a phenotypically normal 3580-g female baby was delivered without any structural abnormality. The neonate was doing well at age two years during postnatal follow-ups. Her psychomotor development was normal. Interphase FISH analysis of urinary cells revealed no trisomy 20 signals in 45/45 urinary cells. The peripheral blood had a karyotype of 46,XX in 40/40 lymphocytes.

CONCLUSION

Fetuses with low-level mosaic trisomy 20 at amniocentesis can have a favorable outcome. Molecular cytogenetic analysis on uncultured amniocytes is useful for confirmatory diagnosis of the mosaic level in case of mosaic trisomy 20 at amniocentesis with different mosaic levels at different amniocenteses.

Detection of de novo del(18)(q22.2) and a familial of 15q13.2-q13.3 microduplication in a fetus with congenital heart defects

OBJECTIVE

We present detection of de novo del(18)(q22.2) and a familial 15q13.2-q13.3 microduplication in a fetus with congenital heart defects (CHD).

CASE REPORT

A 27-year-old, primigravid woman was referred for genetic counseling because of fetal CHD. Prenatal ultrasound at 17 weeks of gestation revealed pericardial effusion, cardiomegaly and a large ventricular septal defect. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated at 18 weeks of gestation, and a 192-g female fetus was delivered with facial dysmorphism. Cytogenetic analysis of the umbilical cord revealed a karyotype of 46,XX,del(18)(q22.2). The parental karyotypes were normal. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) of the placental tissue revealed a 2.08-Mb 15q13.2-q13.3 microduplication encompassing KLF13 and CHRNA7, and a 10.74-Mb 18q22.2-q23 deletion encompassing NFATC1. The phenotypically normal father carried the same 2.08-Mb 15q13.2-q13.3 microduplication. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis confirmed a paternal origin of the distal 18q deletion.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal diagnosis of CHD should include a complete genetic study of the embryonic tissues, and the acquired information is useful for genetic counseling.

Inv dup del(10p): Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization

OBJECTIVE

We present molecular cytogenetic characterization of prenatally detected inverted duplication and deletion of 10p [inv dup del(10p)].

CASE REPORT

A 39-year-old, primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 17 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a derivative chromosome 10 with additional material at the end of the short arm of one chromosome 10. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis revealed the result of arr 10p15.3 (136,361-451,013) × 1, 10p15.3p12.1 (536,704-25,396,900) × 3 [GRCh37 (hg19)] with a 0.31-Mb deletion of 10p15.3 encompassing ZMYND11 and DIP2C, and a 24.86-Mb duplication of 10p15.3p12.1. The pregnancy was subsequently terminated, and a female fetus was delivered with facial dysmorphism. Postnatal aCGH analysis showed that the umbilical cord had the same result as that of amniotic fluid, whereas the placenta had only the deletion of 10p15.3. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of the cord blood confirmed inverted duplication and deletion of 10p. The cord blood had a karyotype of 46,XX,der(10) del(10) (p15.3)dup(10) (p15.3p12.1)dn. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis confirmed a maternal origin of the chromosome 10 aberration.

CONCLUSION

Prenatal diagnosis of inv dup del(10p) with haploinsufficiency of ZMYND11 should include a genetic counseling of mental retardation and chromosome 10p15.3 microdeletion syndrome. aCGH, FISH and polymorphic DNA marker analysis are useful for perinatal investigation of inv dup del(10p).

[Clinical features and prognosis of pediatric myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features, outcome and prognosis of pediatric myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), and provide evidence for improving the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: This study involved 30 MOG antibody-associated ADEM patients in the Department of Neurology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center. Patients' clinical information were analyzed. Results: The mean onset age was (5.2±3.3) years old, the ration of male to female was 16∶14. Fifty percent of these patients had a history of precede infection or vaccination before onset. Encephalopathy and seizures were the most common clinical manifestations, followed by movement disorder. In addition, some patients had other positive autoantibodies. Brain Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive, asymmetrical, indefinite large patchy lesions in bilateral cortical and subcortical areas and the spinal cord was characterized by long segmental myelitis. In acute attack, the patients had a good response to corticosteroid combined immunoglobulin therapy. Most of these patients had a good prognosis and recurrence rate was about 20%. Conclusions: The onset age of MOG antibody-associated ADEM is around 5 years old. Encephalopathy and seizures were the most common clinical manifestations. Most patients have a good response to corticosteroid combined immunoglobulin therapy. Some patients may have a recurrent disease course.

[Value of dual-energy CT-based volumetric iodine-uptake in the evaluation of chemotherapy efficacy in advanced gastric cancer]

Objective: To explore the value of dual-energy CT-based volumetric iodine-uptake (VIU) in the evaluation of chemotherapy efficacy in advanced gastric cancer. Methods: Inclusion criteria of subjects: (1) without previous systematic therapy; (2) with complete clinical information before and after chemotherapy; (3) without contraindications of chemotherapy. Exclusion criteria of subjects: (1) unfinished duration and times of chemotherapy; (2) unmeasurable primary lesions; (3) poor imaging quality or poor gastric filling. Clinical and image data of 52 patients with advanced gastric cancer who were diagnosed by pathology from gastroscopic biopsy, and needed chemotherapy evaluated by imaging and clinical information in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from February 2017 to February 2018 were collected and analyzed. Of 52 patients, 38 were male and 14 were female with the median age of 65 (31-88) years old. All the patients underwent a dual-energy, dual phase-enhanced CT scanning before chemotherapy and after the third chemotherapy session. The parameters of the lesions measured before and after chemotherapy in portal vein phase were as follows: the maximum diameter (the largest diameter among those measured in the cross-sectional, coronal, and sagittal planes), average CT value (the regions of interest were manually pinpointed under cross-sectional planes with largest diameter of the tumor, which did not include regions less than 2 mm to the edge of the tumor) and VIU (lesion volume × iodine concentration). The change rates of maximum lesion diameter, average CT value and VIU before and after chemotherapy were calculated [(post-chemotherapy parameters-pre-chemotherapy parameters)/ pre-chemotherapy parameters]. The efficacy of chemotherapy was evaluated by RECIST 1.1 (the change of maximum tumor diameter after chemotherapy), Choi (the change of average CT value after chemotherapy) and VIU (the change of VIU after chemotherapy), respectively, which was categorized by complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Patients with CR, PR, and SD were assigned to the effective group, while those with PD were classified as the ineffective group. Paired t - test or Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare the changes of parameters before and after chemotherapy, whereas Spearman correlation analysis and Kappa test were used for the correlation analysis and the consistency test between the three evaluation criteria (Kappa≥0.75 indicated good consistency). Results: After chemotherapy, the average CT value [(74.01±16.75) HU vs. (81.06±15.87) HU, t=2.202, P=0.030] and median VIU (668.53×10(2) μg vs. 272.52×10(2) μg, Z=4.761, P<0.001) decreased significantly, while the difference of the maximum diameter was not statistically significant [(66.71±34.49) mm vs. (78.45±35.62) mm, t=1.708, P=0.091]. The median change rate of VIU (-53.33%) was greater than that of CT values (-5.75%) with significant difference (Z=-5.408, P<0.001). According to the RECIST 1.1 criteria, 47 patients (90.4%, including 19 with PR and 28 with SD) were effective and 5 patients (9.6%) were ineffective. According to the Choi criteria, 45 patients (86.5%, including 37 with PR and 8 with SD) were effective and 7 patients (13.5%) were ineffective. According to the VIU criteria, 46 patients (88.5%, including 41 with PR and 5 with SD) were effective and 6 patients (11.5%) were ineffective. Efficacy comparison among these three criteria showed no significant difference (χ(2)=0.377, P=0.828). As compared to RECIST 1.1 evaluation, the proportion of PR evaluated by Choi and VIU was significantly higher (χ(2)=16.861, P<0.001), whereas the proportion of SD was significantly lower (χ(2)=24.089, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the proportions of PR and SD between VIU and Choi criteria (χ(2)=0.887, P=0.346). Consistency and correlation analysis showed that the VIU and Choi evaluation criteria presented the highest consistency and correlation (Kappa=0.912, P<0.001; r=0.916, P<0.001). Conclusion: VIU is a feasible parameter for the evaluation of chemotherapy efficacy in advanced gastric cancer, and may be more sensitive than the evaluation criteria based on maximum diameter or change of CT value in the tumor.

Antiviral activity of ethanol extract of Lophatherum gracile against respiratory syncytial virus infection

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lophatherum gracile, an important medicinal plant, is used traditionally in the treatment of cough associated with lung heat and inflammation. In this study, an ethanol extract of L. gracile (DZY) was shown to inhibit respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and RSV-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo. These findings provide a strong and powerful support for the traditional use of L. gracile in the treatment of RSV-related diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To determine the anti-RSV activities of DZY and its ingredients, and explore the relationship between RSV infection and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DZY was extracted from L. gracile and its major ingredients were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RSV-infected HEp-2 and RAW264.7 cell models were established to assess the inhibitory effect of DZY on RSV replication and nitric oxide (NO) production in vitro. Three-week-old BALB/c mice challenged intranasally with RSV were used to establish RSV-infected animal mode. The mice were respectively administered DZY at high-, middle-, and low-dose in different groups. The anti-RSV activity of DZY was evaluated by detecting viral load, lung lesion, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell population, and interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ expression in the lung tissue.

RESULTS

In HEp-2 cell line, DZY effectively inhibited RSV infection in a dose-dependent manner with IC₅₀ values of 20 μg/mL against RSV (Long strain) and IC₅₀ values of 25 μg/mL against RSV (A2 strain). The anti-RSV activity of DZY was mainly determined by isoorientin, swertiajaponin, 3, 5-di-caffeoylquinic acid, and 3, 4-di-caffeoylquinic acid. Moreover, DZY suppressed NO production induced by RSV in vitro. In vivo, oral administration of DZY significantly reduced the viral load and ameliorated lesions in the lung tissue. A probable antiviral mechanism was mediated by slightly improving the ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T cells and inhibiting the mRNA and protein expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) DZY exhibits anti-RSV activities both in vitro and in vivo. (2) RSV infection can trigger a series of inflammatory reactions; thus, ameliorating inflammation is helpful to control the course of disease caused by RSV. These findings provide the rationale and scientific evidence behind the extensive use of L. gracile in traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases potentially caused by RSV.

[Efficacy and safety of domestic dasatinib as second-line treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia patients in the chronic phase]

目的

探讨国产酪氨酸激酶抑制剂（TKI）达沙替尼（商品名：依尼舒）二线治疗慢性髓性白血病慢性期（CML-CP）患者的疗效及安全性。

方法

回顾性分析2016年3月至2018年7月湖北省CML协作组成员医院收治的二线服用国产达沙替尼的CML-CP患者的病例资料，统计患者治疗3、6和12个月时最佳反应率、累积完全细胞遗传学反应（CCyR）率、累积主要分子学反应（MMR）率、无进展生存（PFS）、无事件生存（EFS）情况及不良反应情况。

结果

共纳入83例CML-CP患者，中位随访时间为23（4~45）个月，达沙替尼治疗3、6、12个月最佳反应率分别为77.5%（54/71）、72.6%（61/75）、60.7%（51/69）。至随访截止，累积CCyR率、MMR率分别为65.5%（55/80）、57.1%（48/73），达CCyR和MMR的中位时间均为3个月。随访时间内，PFS率为94.0%（79/83），EFS率为77.4%（65/83）。国产达沙替尼最常见非血液学不良反应为水肿（32.5%），其次为皮疹瘙痒（18.1%）、乏力（13.3%），血液学不良反应主要有血小板减少（31.3%）、白细胞减少（19.3%）和贫血（6.0%）。

结论

国产达沙替尼二线治疗CML-CP患者具有较好的疗效及安全性，可作为CML-CP患者的治疗选择。

[Analysis of adverse events of clinical blood use except for the adverse reactions of blood transfusion]

Objective: To reduce the occurrence of adverse events of clinical blood use by analyzing the clinical adverse events of blood use except for the adverse reactions of blood transfusion. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 294 cases of adverse events of clinical blood use other than adverse blood transfusion reactions in Shijitan hospital from January 2014 to December 2017, and a statistical analysis was made on the types of adverse events of clinical blood use, blood transfusion related departments, and internal and surgical blood use. Results: The incidence of adverse events of clinical blood use was 10.3‰, 9.6‰, 4.2‰ and 4.6‰ in these 4 years respectively, and there were 216 cases (73.5%) of external departments, 49 cases (16.7%) of internal departments, 8 cases (2.7%) of nursing departments, and 21 cases of others(7.1%), which includes 12 cases of errand department, 4 cases of the clinical laboratory and 5 cases of transfusion department. The adverse events of clinical blood use were divided into 4 types: 71 cases (24.1%) of transfusion process problems, 36 cases (12.2%) of clinical communication between departments, 182 cases (61.9%) of clinical unreasonable transfusion and 5 others (1.8%). There were statistically significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events of different types of blood use in external and internal departments based on the property of the department, among which there were significant differences in unreasonable transfusion between them. According to the purpose of blood use, there were statistically significant differences in the occurrence of different types of adverse events between the two departments, and the incidence of different types of external departments were higher than that of internal departments. Conclusions: The incidence of adverse events of blood use in external departments is higher than that in internal departments. Reasonable transfusion should be strengthened to avoid the occurrence of adverse events of clinical blood use, so as to ensure the safety of blood transfusion.

Prenatal diagnosis of a familial 1q21.1-q21.2 microdeletion in a fetus with polydactyly of left foot on prenatal ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of a familial 1q21.1-q21.2 microdeletion in a fetus with polydactyly of left foot on prenatal ultrasound.

CASE REPORT

A 30-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, woman underwent amniocentesis at 22 weeks of gestation because of fetal polydactyly of left foot and echogenic heart foci on prenatal ultrasound. She and her husband and the 2-year-old son were healthy, and there was no family history of mental disorders, skeletal abnormalities and congenital malformations. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 46,XX. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed a 1.317-Mb 1q21.1-q21.2 microdeletion encompassing PRKAB2, FMO5, CHD1L, BCL9, ACP6, GJA5, GJA8 and GPR89B. aCGH analysis of the family members revealed that the phenotypically normal father and elder son carried the same 1q21.1-q21.2 microdeletion. The mother did not have such a deletion. The parents elected to continue the pregnancy, and a 3416-g female baby was delivered at 40 weeks of gestation with neither facial dysmorphism nor gross abnormalities except postaxial polydactyly of the left foot.

CONCLUSION

Fetuses with a 1q21.1-q21.2 microdeletion may present polydactyly on prenatal ultrasound, and aCGH is helpful for prenatal diagnosis under such a circumstance.

Prenatal diagnosis of a familial 15q11.2 (BP1-BP2) microdeletion encompassing TUBGCP5, CYFIP1, NIPA2 and NIPA1 in a fetus with ventriculomegaly, microcephaly and intrauterine growth restriction on prenatal ultrasound

OBJECTIVE

We present prenatal diagnosis of a 15q11.2 (BP1-BP2) microdeletion encompassing TUBGCP5, CYFIP1, NIPA2 and NIPA1 in a fetus with ventriculomegaly, microcephaly and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) on prenatal ultrasound.

CASE REPORT

A 30-year-old, gravida 3, para 2, woman was referred to the hospital for amniocentesis because of fetal ventriculomegaly on prenatal ultrasound. Her husband was 31 years old. The couple had two healthy daughters, and there was no family history of mental disorders and congenital malformations. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 46,XX. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed a 451.89-kb 15q11.2 microdeletion or arr 15q11.2 (22,765,628-23,217,514) × 1.0 [GRCh37 (hg19)] encompassing TUBGCP5, CYFIP1, NIPA2 and NIPA1. The parental karyotypes were normal. aCGH analysis on the DNAs extracted from parental bloods revealed a 402-kb 15q11.2 microdeletion or arr 15q11.2 (22,815,577-23,217,514) × 1.0 (hg19) encompassing TUBGCP5, CYFIP1, NIPA2 and NIPA1 in the phenotypically normal father. The mother did not have any genomic imbalance. Level II ultrasound at 21 weeks of gestation revealed microcephaly and IUGR. The parents elected to terminate the pregnancy at 22 weeks of gestation, and a female fetus was delivered with a body weight of 448 g (10th centile) and a body length of 26 cm (3rd-10th centile) but no gross abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

Fetuses with a 15q11.2 (BP1-BP2) microdeletion may present ventriculomegaly, microcephaly and IUGR on prenatal ultrasound, and aCGH is helpful for prenatal diagnosis under such a circumstance.