OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features and management of two brothers affected with X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) deficiency. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical presentations, treatment, and follow-up of two brothers with XIAP deficiency diagnosed at Shanghai Children's Hospital in 2020, and summarized similar cases recorded in databases such as PubMed, Wanfang, Chinese Medical Association Journals, and WIP from January 2006 to November 2024. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of our hospital (Ethics No.: 2025R128-E01). RESULTS: Patient 1 was the younger brother, who presented at 8 years of age with growth retardation, folliculitis, erythema nodosum, and perineal abscess. Sequencing revealed that he has carried a hemizygous c.566T>C (p.Leu189Pro) variant of the XIAP gene, which was inherited from his mother. He was allergic to infliximab treatment and underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in January 2021. During a follow-up of 3 years and 10 months post-transplantation, he showed no gastrointestinal symptoms and had a good outcome. Patient 2 was the elder brother, who presented at 10 years and 6 months of age with growth retardation, rash, and anal fistula. Genetic testing revealed the same variant. He was treated with oral azathioprine but did not have regular follow-ups. At 14-years-and-6-months of age, he had developed severe gastrointestinal infection and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, which was alleviated after treatment with antibiotics, glucocorticoids, immunoglobulin, and rituximab. He is currently being prepared for HSCT. A total of 13 publications were retrieved, which involved 64 patients from 23 families, with 23 different variants identified. The main clinical manifestations included splenomegaly (34 cases, 53.1%), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (27 cases, 42.2%), and inflammatory bowel disease or colitis (20 cases, 31.8%). There were significant phenotypic differences among patients from the same family. Thirteen patients (20.3%) underwent HSCT, with a survival rate of 61.5%. CONCLUSION For male children with early onset, poor treatment response, especially those with unexplained splenomegaly and IBD-like symptoms, early genetic testing is recommended. HSCT is a safe and effective treatment for XIAP deficiency. For patients with developmental delay, early onset, and severe IBD phenotype, early transplantation is recommended.
Humans ; Male ; X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein/deficiency* ; Child ; Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/therapy* ; Phenotype ; Siblings ; Retrospective Studies ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics and analyze prognostic factors of neuroblastoma (NB) in infants (≤12 months) at a single center. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of infant patients (≤12 months) diagnosed with NB and treated between January 2014 and December 2022. Clinical features were analyzed, and comparisons between two sample rates were performed using the χ² test. Univariate prognostic analysis was conducted using the log-rank test, and survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 42 infants (≤12 months) with NB were enrolled. Low-risk patients underwent surgical resection alone; intermediate-risk patients received surgery combined with chemotherapy with or without maintenance therapy; high-risk patients were treated with surgery and chemotherapy with or without maintenance therapy or radiotherapy. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was (92.7±4.9)%, and the 5-year overall survival rate was (95.2±3.6)%. Only two patients died because of tumor recurrence or progression. Univariate analysis identified MYCN amplification and the initial lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level ≥ five times the upper limit of the normal were significantly associated with poor prognosis (5-year EFS: 33.3% vs. 97.4% and 60.0% vs. 97.3%, P<0.0001 and P=0.0035). Conclusion Infant NB has a favorable overall prognosis. MYCN amplification and markedly elevated initial LDH are associated with poor outcomes.

Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.

Objective To evaluate whether the hand-drawn bronchial map can increase the endobronchial ultrasonography(EBUS)detection rate and the diagnosis rate for peripheral lung lesions.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 105 patients and divided them into hand-drawn navigation-EBUS group(n=71)and traditional navigation-EBUS group(n=34)according to different navigation methods.Collect case data on age,gender,lesion imaging characteristics(density,location,presence or absence of bronchial inflation sign),biopsy frequency,and final diagnosis from two groups of patients,and analyze the EBUS arrival rate,diagnosis rate,and influencing factors.Results Compared to that in the traditional navigation-EBUS group,the EBUS detection rate in the hand-drawn navigation-EBUS group was significantly higher.When lesions were>20 mm and≤30 mm,the diagnosis rate in the hand-drawn navigation-EBUS group was significantly higher than that in the traditional navigation-EBUS group.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that lesions>20 mm(P=0.042)and bronchial generation of lesions≤5th generation(P=0.005)were favorable factors affecting the diagnosis rate of hand-drawn navigation-EBUS.Conclusion A hand-drawn bronchial map greatly increases the EBUS detection rate and diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy for peripheral lung lesions.

Soy is a vital source of plant carbohydrates.However,it poses significant allergenic risks,particularly to young children and animals.Among the various proteins in soy,β-conglycinin,which con-stitutes approximately 30％of total soy carbohydrates,is a primary allergen.Undigested β-conglycinin can lead to intestinal damage by inhibiting cell growth,disrupting the cytoskeleton,and inducing apopto-sis.It can also enter the lymphatic and circulatory systems,triggering allergic reactions.Conventional ELISA methods for detecting β-conglycinin rely on polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies,which are limited by their large molecular weight,difficulty in accessing the protein core,and sensitivity to acidic and bas-ic conditions.To address these limitations,this study aimed to develop nanobodies(Nbs)against β-con-glycinin.Nbs,derived from the variable regions of heavy-chain antibodies found in camelids,have a mo-lecular weight approximately one-tenth that of conventional antibodies.They offer advantages such as small size,stable structure,high specificity,and strong affinity.A female alpacas was immunized five times using β-conglycinin,which showed a heavy chain antibody potency of 1∶16 000 by ELISA.Pe-ripheral blood lymphocytes were subsequently isolated and total RNA was extracted.The variable region of the heavy-chain antibody was amplified via PCR,and recombinant plasmids were constructed and transformed into the E.coli competency strain ER2738.The resulting library contained about 3.5×108 CFU/mL,which increased to 1.15×1012 PFU/mL after phage rescue,with a 100％Nbs gene insertion rate,indicating high diversity.Its Nbs phage output was significantly enriched by four rounds of solid-phase elution with an enrichment rate of 155.9.Four rounds of solid-phase panning yielded 35 positive clones,all of which shared the same amino acid sequence upon sequencing.The selected Nb was ex-pressed in a prokaryotic system,and its binding ability to β-conglycinin was confirmed using Western blotting and ELISA.The results demonstrated excellent specificity and affinity.This research lays the groundwork for developing a rapid and efficient detection method for β-conglycinin using Nbs,potentially enhancing food safety and allergen management.

Objective:To explore the effect of Wuqinxi combined with resistance training on cardiac function and self-care ability in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 152 CHF patients admitted to Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine between September 2018 and December 2022.Pa-tients were divided into control group(n=76)and intervention group(n=76).Patients in control group received routine intervention measure combined resistance training,while those in the intervention group received additional Wuqinxi.Both groups were intervened for 6 months.The clinical total effective rate,cardiac function,self-care ability and quality of life were compared between two groups.We also compared the incidence of adverse events and readmission rate during 6-month follow-up.Results:The total effective rate of the intervention group was sig-nificantly higher than that of the control group(93.2％vs.81.1％,P=0.003).Compared with patients in the control group,those in the intervention group had significant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(50.08±8.37)％vs.(43.47±8.02)％]and 6min walking distance(6MWD)[(496.76±40.54)m vs.(406.76±28.65)m](P＜0.001 both);and significant lower left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)[(109.82±9.90)ml vs.(165.29±12.26)ml],left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV)[(59.09±2.69)ml vs.(72.61±3.54)ml],score of the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale(EHFScBS)[(26.49±3.24)points vs.(35.80±4.33)points],and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire(MLHFQ)total score[(43.78±4.50)points vs.(56.55±4.92)points](P＜0.001 all).The total incidence of adverse events(2.8％vs.12.3％)and readmission rate(1.4％vs.11.0％)in the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P＜0.05 both).Conclusion:Wuqinxi combined with resistance training may improve clinical efficacy,cardiac function,self-care ability,reduce incidence of adverse events and readmission,then improve quality of life in CHF patients.

Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a recurrent, chronic, nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease. The longer the course of the disease, the higher the risk of cancerization. In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates of colon cancer in China have been increasing year by year, seriously threatening the life and health of patients. Therefore, studying the mechanism of "inflammation cancer transformation" in UC and conducting early intervention is crucial. The "Kenang" theory is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory of phlegm and blood stasis. It is based on the coexistence of phlegm and blood stasis in the body and deeply explores the pathogenic syndromes and characteristics of phlegm and blood stasis. Kenang is a pathological product formed when long-term Qi stagnation leads to the internal formation of phlegm and blood stasis, which is hidden deep within the body. It is characterized by being hidden, progressive, and difficult to treat. The etiology and pathogenesis of "inflammation cancer transformation" in UC are consistent with the connotation of the "Kenang" theory. The internal condition for the development of UC "inflammation cancer transformation" is the deficiency of healthy Qi, with Qi stagnation being the key pathological mechanism. Phlegm and blood stasis are the main pathogenic factors. Phlegm and blood stasis accumulate in the body over time and can produce cancer toxins. Due to the depletion of healthy Qi and a weakened constitution, the body is unable to limit the proliferation and invasion of cancer toxins, eventually leading to cancer transformation in UC. In clinical treatment, the focus should be on removing phlegm and blood stasis, with syndrome differentiation and treatment based on three basic principles: supporting healthy Qi to strengthen the body's foundation, resolving phlegm and blood stasis to break up the Kenang, and regulating Qi and blood to smooth the flow of energy and resolve stagnation. This approach helps to dismantle the Kenang, delay, block, or even reverse the cancerization process of UC, reduce the risk of "inflammation cancer transformation", improve the patient's quality of life, and provide new perspectives and strategies for early intervention in the development of colon cancer.
Humans ; Colitis, Ulcerative/immunology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic

Objective To investigate the short-term efficacy of 3D-printed artificial vertebral body combined with PEEK-Cage implantation in anterior cervical surgery for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine(OPLL).Methods The clinical data of 15 patients with OPLL who underwent anterior cervical surgery with 3D-printed artificial vertebral body and PEEK-Cage implantation in the Fifth Department of Orthopaedics,Liaoning Provincial People's Hospital from September 2022 to June 2023 was retrospectively analyzed.The surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage volume,bed rest time,hospital stay,and surgery-related complications of patients were analyzed.The Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score and visual analogue scale(VAS)score of patients were counted before surgery,3 days after surgery,1 month after surgery and 6 months after surgery.The changes of Cobb angle of fusion segment of patients were recorded before surgery,3 days after surgery,1 month after surgery and 6 months after surgery.Results All 15 patients successfully completed the surgery.The surgical time was 130 to 160 minutes,with an average of(148.68±10.04)minutes.The intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 200 mL,with an average of(130.0±18.8)mL.The postoperative drainage volume was 220 to 980 mL,with an average of(270.0±24.6)mL.The bed rest time was 3 to 11 days,with an average of(3.6±2.8)days.The hospital stay was 7 to 16 days,with an average of(8.2±2.6)days.All patients'incisions healed in the first stage,and no infection occurred.One patient suffered from dural sac tear during surgery;4 patients had dysphagia after surgery;1 patient suffered from muscle weakness of one limb after surgery;Hematoma formed in the incision of cervical spine in 1 patient 3 days after surgery.At 3 days,1 month,and 6 months after surgery,the Cobb angle,VAS score and JOA score of 3 patients with myeloid symptoms and upper limb root pain were significantly improved compared with those before surgery(P<0.05),and the Cobb angle and JOA score of 12 patients with only myeloid symptoms were significantly improved compared with those before surgery(P<0.05).Conclusion 3D-printed artificial vertebral body combined with PEEK-Cage implantation in anterior cervical surgery is an effective method for the treatment of OPLL,which can significantly relieve patients'pain and improve their dysfunction in a short time,with good stability and fusion effect.

Objective:To observe the effect of hyperthermia combined with iron overload on the regulation of tumor-associated macrophage polarization and the migration ability of CAL-27 cells and explore its mechanism.Methods:Human monocytic leukemia cell THP-1 was induced and polarized into M2 macrophages. M2 tumor-associated macrophages and CAL-27 cells were divided into the control group (no intervention), hyperthermia group (incubated at 42 ℃ for 1 h, and then incubated at 37 ℃ for 24 h), ferric citrate group (added with 2.5 mg/ml ferric citrate, and cultured in an incubator at 37 ℃for 24 h) and hyperthermia + ferric citrate group (added with 2.5 mg/ml ferric citrate for 1 h, cultured in an incubator at 42℃ for 1 h, and then incubated at 37℃ for 24 h). For M2 macrophage groups, the mRNA relative expression levels of surface markers of M1 macrophage polarization including interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and those of M2 macrophage polarization including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) were detected by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of IL-1β and IL-10 were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of CD86 (surface marker of M1 macrophage polarization) and CD206 (surface marker of M2 macrophage polarization) were measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and phosphorylated (p)-NF-κB were detected by Western blot (WB). The migration ability of CAL-27 cells was assessed by scratch assay.Results:Compared with the control group, the expression levels of IL-1βand TNF-α mRNA, and IL-1βand CD86 proteins were up-regulated, whereas those of IL-10 and TGF-β mRNA, and IL-10 and CD206 proteins were down-regulated in the hyperthermia, ferric citrate and hyperthermia + ferric citrate groups, respectively (all P<0.05). In addition, the changes in the hyperthermia+ferric citrate group were significantly larger than those in the hyperthermia and ferric citrate groups (all P<0.05). WB showed that the expression level of STAT3 protein was down-regulated and those of TLR4, NF-κB and p-NF-κB expression were up-regulated in the hyperthermia + ferric citrate group (all P<0.05). Scratch assay showed that the migration ability of CAL-27 cells was inhibited in the hyperthermia, ferric citrate and hyperthermia + ferric citrate groups ( P<0.001), and the changes in the hyperthermia + ferric citrate group were significantly more pronounced than those in the hyperthermia and ferric citrate groups (both P<0.001). Conclusions:Hyperthermia and iron overload can promote the polarization of M1 macrophages and inhibit the polarization of M1 macrophages into M2 macrophages, thereby suppressing the migration of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of STAT3 and activating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.