OBJECTIVE:To reduce patient waiting time for drugs by improving work efficiency via the optimization of the in-telligent workflow of outpatient pharmacy. METHODS:The problems existing in each link in the workflow after the adoption of au-tomated drug dispensing machine in the outpatient pharmacy of our hospital were analyzed. Measures were developed and imple-mented,on the basis of the factors affecting each link including adding drugs,making up a prescription and dispensing drugs,to optimize the workflow. The effect after the optimization was evaluated,with the time it takes to make up a prescription and to dis-pense drugs and patient waiting time for drugs as the indexes. RESULTS:The averaged time it takes a pharmacist to make up a pre-scription and to dispense drugs and patient waiting time for drugs significantly reduced from 3.4 min,9.3 min and 12.7 min to 1.0 min,6.1 min and 7.1 min respectively,after taking measures such as adjusting the number of the drug types,tracks and positions in the machine,adding the contrasting pictures of the drugs which were similar on the system interface for adding drugs,standardiz-ing the process of adding drugs,improving and allocating information labels,adjusting the process of dispensing drugs and adding new small packages of drugs within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS:The optimized intelligent workflow in the pharmacy can reduce pa-tient waiting time for drugs,increase patient satisfaction and promote the development of intelligent pharmacy.

BACKGROUND:The mechanism of differentiation and proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells remains unclear. In addition, issues such as how signal pathways such as Ca2+and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cellproliferation and differentiation signals form complex signal network remain poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Ca2+in the induced differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes.
METHODS:Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from rat bone marrow using whone bone marrow adherence method, purified, amplified, and induced with hepatocyte growth factor. [Ca2+]i in the directional differentiated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and control bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were detected with flow cytometry. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced with hepatocyte growth factor were mixed with nimodipine of different concentration, and cells were divided into three groups:hepatocyte growth factor+nimodipine 10 mg/L, 50 or 100 mg/L groups. cellgrowth was observed with inverted phase contrast microscope and alpha 1-antitrypsin expression of the cells was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. The calcineurin M and the activation of extracellular signal regulated kinase pathway was detected by reverse transcription-PCR and western blotting, respectively.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:[Ca2+]i in the directional differentiated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells was higher than in the control group (P<0.05). After addition of a larger dose of nimodipine, no differentiation of cells was obeserved and growth of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells was getting worse. There were few alpha 1-antitrypsin positive cells in the nimodipine groups. Calcineurin Mexpression was significantly increased in directional differentiated bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and smal dose of nimodipine than the controls (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was found among middle, high dose nimodipine and control groups (P>0.05). These findings indicate that Ca2+could participate in the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes incuded with cytokines, and also maintain the survival and proliferation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Objective:To analyze the genetic test results and ultrasonographic markers of 41 fetuses with short femurs and their relationship.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed 41 fetuses who were diagnosed with short femurs by ultrasound during 19-37 gestational weeks and underwent prenatal genetic examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to June 2019. According to the results of genetic examination, these cases were divided into three groups after excluding three cases of variants of unknown significance: genetically normal group, chromosome variation (including chromosomal aneuploidy and pathogenic or likely pathogenic copy number variations) group, and gene mutation (including pathogenic or likely pathogenic gene mutations) group. According to the head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL), Z FL, FL/HC, FL/AC, ΔZ H-F and ΔZ H+A-2F for each fetus were calculated. One-way ANOVA and LSD- t test were used for statistical analysis. Results:(1) Among the 41 fetuses with short femurs, there were 28 in the genetically normal group, five in the chromosome variation group, three with chromosome variations of unknown significance and five in the gene mutation group. (2) In the genetically normal, chromosome variation and gene mutation groups, Z FL values were -2.78±0.77, -4.36±0.69 and -4.69±0.70; FL/HC ratios were 0.178±0.011, 0.170±0.010 and 0.131±0.022; FL/AC ratios were 0.197±0.013, 0.186±0.011 and 0.151±0.017; ΔZ H-F values were 2.49±1.09, 3.53±1.28 and 8.17±1.30; ΔZ H+A-2F values were 4.44±2.00, 6.78±2.20 and 14.28±1.26, respectively. The differences in Z FL values between the genetically normal group and the chromosome variation group as well as the gene mutation group were statistically significant (both P<0.05); so were the differences in FL/HC, FL/AC and ΔZ H-F values between the gene mutation group and the genetically normal group as well as the chromosome variation group (all P<0.05) and in any pairwise comparison of ΔZ H+A-2F among the three groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The genetic etiology of fetal short femurs is mainly related to chromosomal variations (including chromosomal aneuploidy and pathogenic or likely pathogenic copy number variations) and gene mutation. In fetuses with chromosome variation and gene mutation, the degree of the femoral development delay relative to the development of HC and AC is worse than that in the normal genetic results group.

OBJECTIVE To construct eukaryotic expression vectors for human ABO and subgroup genes A101, B101, CisAB01, Ael05, B(A)04 and Bw03, and validate their expression in vitro. METHODS Total RNA was isolated from individuals with the A101 and B101 subgroups. cDNA of A101 and B101 was synthesized by reverse transcription and amplified with specific primers. Subgroup genes CisAB01, Ael05, B(A)04 and Bw03 were then amplified with PCR for site-directed mutagenesis. Fragments of the ABO genes were directionally linked to pcDNA3.1 positive-eukaryotie expression vectors. After antibiotic screening, the sequences were analyzed. The vectors were transfected into Hela cells, and the expression of target proteins was detected by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS Sanger sequencing has confirmed that pDNA3.1-A101, pDNA3.1-CisAB01, pDNA3.1-Ael05, pDNA3.1-B101, pDNA3.1- B(A)04, pDNA3.1-Bw03 positive-eukaryotic expression vector were successfully constructed. The results of Western blotting and immunofluorescence revealed clear presence of the expressed proteins. CONCLUSION Eukaryotic expression vectors for ABO subgroup genes were successfully constructed and worked well in Hela cells in vitro, which can facilitate further study of the ABO blood group proteins.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the etiology of a patient with severe symptoms of DMD and to trace its pathogenic gene, so as to provide a basis for genetic counseling and clinical intervention. METHODS: Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique was used to analyze exon deletion/repetitive variant of DMD gene, and further analysis was performed by chromosome G-banding, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and SNP array analysis. RESULTS: The MLPA results of the proband showed that the exon 1-79 of DMD gene were deleted, the G-banding karyotype of blood sample was 46, XY, and the deletion of the short arm of X chromosome was found by FISH. SNP array results showed that 5.8Mb (29 628 158-35 434 714) deletion occurred in the Xp21.2p21.1 region of X chromosome, and the patient was diagnosed as the contiguous deletion syndrome involving the genes of IL1RAPL, MAGEB1-4, ROB, CXorf2, GM, AP3K7IP, FTHL1, DMD, FAM47A, TMEM47, and FAM47B. CONCLUSION The exact pathogenic site of this family is the deletion of 5.8 Mb (29 628 158-35 434 714) in the Xp21.2p21.1 region of X chromosome, which can be used for prenatal diagnosis. High resolution SNP array technique plays an important role in detecting potential chromosome abnormalities in patients.
Dystrophin/genetics* ; Exons ; Female ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics* ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

OBJECTIVE: To carry out genetic testing and prenatal diagnosis for a Chinese couple whom had conceived two fetuses featuring multiple malformations including polycystic kidney, polydactyly and encephalocele. METHODS: Following elective abortion, the fetus from the second pregnancy was subjected to whole exome sequencing. Suspected pathogenic variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of the fetus and its parents. RESULTS: The fetus was found to harbor compound heterozygous variants of the CEP290 gene, namely c.2743G>T (p.E915X) and c.2587-2A>T, which were respectively inherited from its father and mother. The same variants were not detected among 100 healthy controls nor reported previously. Bioinformatic analysis suggested both variants to be deleterious. The fetus was diagnosed with Meckel-Gruber syndrome. Prenatal diagnosis for the couple during their next pregnancy suggested that the fetus did not carry the above pathogenic variants. CONCLUSION The compound heterozygous variants of the CEP290 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of Meckel-Gruber syndrome in the second fetus. Above finding has provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the couple, and also enriched the mutational spectrum of the CEP290 gene.
China ; Ciliary Motility Disorders ; Encephalocele/genetics* ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Pedigree ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases/genetics* ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Retinitis Pigmentosa

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree with two individuals suffering from congenital blindness. METHODS: Clinical data and peripheral blood samples of the pedigree were collected. Whole exome sequencing was carried out. Suspected variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of candidate variants was validated through searching of PubMed and related databases, and analyzed with bioinformatics software. RESULTS: Both patients had congenital blindness and a history of multiple fractures. Other features have included microphthalmia and cornea opacity. One patient had normal intelligence, whilst the other had a language deficit. Both patients were found to harbor compound heterozygous variants of the LRP5 gene, namely c.1007_1015delGTAAGGCAG (p.C336X), c.4400G>A (p.R1467Q) and c.4600C>T (p.R1534X). The first one was derived from their mother, whilst the latter two were derived from their father. None of the three variants was detected in their elder sister. CONCLUSION The compound heterozygous variants of c.1007_1015delGTAAGGCAG (p.C336X) and c.4600C>T (p.R1534X) of the LRP5 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of the Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome in this pedigree. The clinical significance of the c.4400G>A (p.R1467Q) variant has remained uncertain. Above finding has enriched the mutational spectrum of Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome.
Aged ; China ; Humans ; Language ; Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-5/genetics* ; Mutation ; Osteogenesis Imperfecta/genetics* ; Pedigree

Objective: To carry out genetic testing for a family with two pregnancies affected with hydrops fetalis and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of the fetus. Methods: DNA was extracted from fetal tissue as well as peripheral blood samples from the couple. Single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were carried out to screen potential mutation. Suspected mutation was validated with PCR and Sanger sequencing. Results: The manifestation of fetal echocardiography was consistent with DCM. No obvious abnormality was found by SNP array analysis. A hemizygous c. 481G>A (p.G161R) mutation of the TAZ gene was detected in the male fetus by NGS and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The mutation was inherited from his mother. Conclusion Barth syndrome due to the c. 481G>A mutation of the TAZ gene probably underlies the recurrent hydrops fetalis and fetal DCM in this family.

Objective: To analyze variants of RUNX2 gene in two pedigrees affected with cleidocranial dysplasia and provide prenatal diagnosis for them. Methods: For the two probands, the coding sequences of the RUNX2 gene were analyzed with PCR and bidirectional Sanger sequencing. To verify the results, peripheral blood samples were collected from their parents and 100 healthy controls. For family 1, umbilical cord blood was also collected for prenatal genetic diagnosis. Results: In family 1, the proband and the fetus both carried a heterozygous c. 578G>C (p.Arg193Pro) mutation. For family 2, the proband was found to carry a heterozygous c. 909C>A (p.Tyr303X) mutation. The same mutations were not found among their parents and 100 healthy controls. Neither mutation was reported previously. Conclusion Variants of the RUNX2 gene probably underlie the cleidocranial dysplasia in both pedigrees. The results enabled prenatal diagnosis for the affected family.

OBJECTIVE: To detect variants of EXT1 and EXT2 genes among five pedigrees affected with multiple osteochondromas and provide prenatal diagnosis for the families based on the results. METHODS: The EXT1 and EXT2 genes of the probands were analyzed by targeted next generation sequencing (NGS). Suspected pathological variants were validated by Sanger sequencing in the probands, their family members and 200 unrelated healthy controls. Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to confirm the presence of gross deletions. Prenatal diagnosis was provided for 2 couples carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. RESULTS: Five variants were detected in the pedigrees, which included EXT1 exon 2-3 deletion, c.1468dupC (p.Leu490ProfsX31), c.2084delC (p.Pro695LeufsX11), and EXT2 c.187delT (p.Phe63SerfsX29) and c.1362T>G (p.Tyr454X). Among these, EXT1 exon 2-3 deletion, c.2084delC (p.Pro695LeufsX11) and EXT2 c.187delT (p.Phe63SerfsX29) were unreported previously. The three novel variants were not found among unaffected members of the pedigree and the 200 healthy controls. Upon prenatal diagnosis, the two fetuses were found to carry the same variants of the the probands. CONCLUSION Pathological variants of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes probably underlie the multiple osteochondromas among the 5 pedigrees. Prenatal diagnosis based on the results can effectively reduce the birth of further offspring affected with the disease.