Objective:To explore the pathogenicity and genotype-phenotype correlation of a c. 158G>A variant of phenylalanine hydroxylase ( PAH) gene among patients with PAH deficiency. Methods:Thirty seven children diagnosed with PAH deficiency at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University between July 2016 and June 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data and results of genetic testing were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 37 patients, mild hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) was observed in 34 cases, two PAH variants (including c. 158G>A), which formed a compound heterozygous mutation genotype, were detected in 33 patients, and the remainder one was found to harbor three PAH variants, including homozygous c. 158G>A variants and a heterozygous c. 842+ 2T>A variant. Classical phenylketonuria (PKU) was observed in 3 patients, and three PAH variants were detected in each of them, including two with c. [158G>A, 842+ 2T>A]/c.728G>A and c. [158G>A, 842+ 2T>A]/c.611A>G, respectively, and one with c. [158G>A, c. 722G>A]/c.728G>A. The c. 158G>A variant has a minimal influence on the PAH activity and is associated with a mild HPA phenotype. The variant should thereby be classified as likely benign. Conclusion:When the c. 158G>A variant and other pathogenic variants are arranged in cis position, the ultimate phenotype will be determined by the pathogenicity of other variants.

ObjectiveTo explore the sensory processing characteristics of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder （ASD）， and to provide a theoretical basis for early screening and intervention training of ASD. MethodsA total of 215 preschool children with ASD and170 typically developed （TD） children were investigated with a basic situation questionnaire and sensory processing measure （SPM）. The two groups were stratified according to age and gender， and the differences of scores in sensory domains were compared to analyze the sensory processing characteristics of preschool children with ASD. ResultsThe scores of social participation， vision， hearing， touch， taste and smell， body awareness， balance and motion， planning and ideas， and total sensory system in children with ASD were all higher than those in children with TD （all P<0.01）. The highest degree of abnormality was found in hearing and the lowest degree in taste and smell in children with ASD. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that in the 4-year-old and 5-year-old children with ASD， the scores of vision （r_s=-0.200， P= 0.033） and hearing （r_s=-0.194， P=0.040） decreased with age. There was no correlation between the scores of other developmental quotients and age （all P>0.05）. Boys and girls with ASD had higher scores in all developmental quotients than TD children （P<0.01）. However， there was no significant gender difference in any developmental quotients of ASD children （all P>0.05）. ConclusionSensory processing abnormalities are common in preschool children with ASD， which are different from those of TD children in multiple sensory domains. Sensory processing abnormalities may be used as an indicator for early screening of ASD， and it is necessary to conduct corresponding intervention training for sensory processing abnormalities in children with ASD.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and pathogenic mutations of propionic acidemia.Methods:Clinical data of two patients with propionic acidemia admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from May 2017 to June 2018 were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the patients and their parents. Inherited disease panel based on Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencing technology was performed to detect gene mutations, and those with suspected pathogenic mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for data analysis.Results:Case 1 was suspected of sepsis and admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Nanjing Medical University due to "drowsiness and milk rejection" on the second day after birth. Tandem mass spectrometry suggested the level of propionyl carnitine and its ratios to acetylcarnitine and free carnitine were increased. Urine gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed elevated 3-hydroxypropionic acid and methylcitric acid. Genetic analysis revealed that the infant carried c.331C>T (p.R111X)/c.1228C>T (p.R410W) compound heterozygous mutations in the PCCB gene. The infant was diagnosed with propionic acidemia and treated with a special diet with an L-Carnitine supplement but died of sudden coma and vomiting without precipitating factors at three months of age. Case 2 presented with sudden vomiting, drowsiness, and anergia on the admission at five-months old. Tandem mass spectrometry showed increased propionyl carnitine level and its ratios. Compound heterozygous mutations of c.146delG (p.G49EfsX16)/c.1253C>T (p.A418V) in the PCCB gene were identified in the patient, of which c.146delG (p.G49EfsX16) was a de novo mutation and was evaluated as a pathogenic mutation. The patient was on a special diet with an L-Carnitine supplement, but with disobedience. Followed up to the age of three years and eight months, the child was severely underdeveloped. Conclusions:Neonates with clinically suspected sepsis may have propionic acidemia, and tandem mass spectrometry and genetic testing should be performed as soon as possible to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Further investigations on the pathogenesis and function of the new mutation are still needed.

A total of 105 undergraduate students of the class 2014 majoring in clinical medicine in Sun Yat-Sen University received probation teaching in our department from October 2017 to May 2018,according to the syllabus of dermatology and venereology of clinical medicine.Senior teachers in our department were responsible for probation teaching,with the help of the independent wards in our department and probation teaching at the outpatient service.The teachers recorded the whole teaching process and evaluated the students' memory after probation.Through the teaching in wards and at the outpatient service,the students mastered the requirements in the syllabus of dermatology and venereology and achieved good results.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for an infant with early-onset argininemia. METHODS: Potential variant was detected with an Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencer using a gene panel for inherited diseases. Suspected variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Genetic testing indicated that he has carried c.560+2T>C and c.811T>C compound heterozygous variant of the AGR1 gene, which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. Among these, c.560+2T>C was suspected to be pathogenic, while c.811T>C was of unknown clinical significance, and both were not reported previously. CONCLUSION The c.560+2T>C and c.811T>C compound heterozygous variants of the AGR1 gene probably underlies the argininemia in this child. Above finding has enriched the variant spectrum of the AGR1 gene.
Arginase ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Hyperargininemia ; genetics ; Infant ; Male

Objective: To explore the genetic basis for an infant with early-onset argininemia. Methods: Potential variant was detected with an Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencer using a gene panel for inherited diseases. Suspected variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Results: Genetic testing indicated that he has carried c. 560+ 2T>C and c. 811T>C compound heterozygous variant of the AGR1 gene, which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. Among these, c. 560+ 2T>C was suspected to be pathogenic, while c. 811T>C was of unknown clinical significance, and both were not reported previously. Conclusion The c. 560+ 2T>C and c. 811T>C compound heterozygous variants of the AGR1 gene probably underlies the argininemia in this child. Above finding has enriched the variant spectrum of the AGR1 gene.

Objective: To compare the clinicopathological characteristics of second primary lung cancer following breast cancer and lung metastases from breast cancer, and then to analyze the risk factors in breast cancer patients with second primary lung tumor. Methods: Clinical data of 55 breast cancer patients with second primary lung tumor and 205 breast cancer patients with solitary pulmonary metastasis in Shandong Cancer Hospital from January 2006 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The risk factors of primary lung cancer following breast cancer were analyzed using logistic regression model. Results: Second primary lung cancer in patients with first breast cancer accounted for approximately 21.2%(55/260) of pulmonary malignant solitary nodules, and 0.84%(55/6 580) of all breast cancer patients. The median intervals between the diagnosis of second primary lung cancer or lung metastasis and first breast cancer were 52 months and 42 months, respectively. These two groups showed significant difference between age, time interval between diagnoses, breast tumor size, axillary lymph node metastasis, estrogen receptor, molecular subtype (luminal B and triple-negative) and history of radiotherapy (P<0.05 for all). A multivariate logistic regression model confirmed that age (OR=1.088, P<0.001), breast tumor size(OR=0.480, P<0.001), and radiotherapy history (OR=3.460, P=0.004) were all independent factors for second primary lung cancer. Conclusions For isolated pulmonary nodules in patients with breast cancer, especially for those with elder age, larger tumor size and radiotherapy history, we should distinguish the second primary lung cancer from pulmonary metastasis. The treatment regimen for lung metastasis and primary lung cancer in patients with breast cancer are entirely distinct. The timely histopathology examinations for pulmonary nodes in patients with breast cancer are recommended.

Objective To investigate the effect of combined administration of autophagy inhibitor 3?methyladenine/bafilomycin A1 and EGFR inhibitor gefitinib on triple?negative breast cancer MDA?MB?468, MDA?MB?231 cells and estrogen receptor?positive MCF?7 cells. Methods All the cells were treated with 3?methyladenine/bafilomycin A1 and/or gefitinib. The effect of autophagy inhibitor and gefitinib on the cell growth was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to determine the alteration of autophagy?related protein ( such as LC3) and apoptosis?related proteins ( such as caspase?3 and caspase?9) . Results MTT assay showed that the IC50 in the GE+3?MA and GE+BAF groups were (4.1±0.2) μmol/L and (3.8±0.3) μmol/L, significantly lower than that of the gefitinib alone group [(7.0±0.2) μmol/L] in MDA?MB?468 cells (P<0.05). Similarly, the IC50 in the GE+3?MA and GE+BAF groups were (9.7±0.1) μmol/L and (7.7±0.2) μmol/L, significantly lower than that of the gefitinib alone group [(14.7±0.1) μmol/L]in MDA?MB231 cells (P<0.05). The flow cytometry assay revealed that the apoptosis rates of MDA?MB?468 cells in GE, GE+3?MA and GE+BAF groups were (12.43± 3.18)%, (23.37±2.71)% and (18.71±2.81)%, respectively. The apoptosis rates of MDA?MB?231 cells of the GE, GE+3?MA and GE+BAF groups were (12.15±1.82)%, (16.94±2.19)% and (33.83±5.92) %, significantly higher than that of the gefitinib alone group (All P<0.05). The apoptosis rates of the MCF?7 cells were not changed significantly among the three groups (P>0.05). Western blot data showed that the expression levels of LC3 and p?Akt were decreased in the combined groups than that of the gefitinib alone group, while the p?PTEN, caspase?3 and caspase?9 were increased. Conclusions Autophagy inhibitor may enhance the sensitivity to gefitinib in MDA?MB?468 and MDA?MB?231 cells by activation of the PTEN/P13K/Akt pathway. Apoptosis in MDA?MB?468 and MDA?MB?231 cells might be enhanced by the combination treatment through caspase cascade.

Objective To investigate the effect of combined administration of autophagy inhibitor 3?methyladenine/bafilomycin A1 and EGFR inhibitor gefitinib on triple?negative breast cancer MDA?MB?468, MDA?MB?231 cells and estrogen receptor?positive MCF?7 cells. Methods All the cells were treated with 3?methyladenine/bafilomycin A1 and/or gefitinib. The effect of autophagy inhibitor and gefitinib on the cell growth was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to determine the alteration of autophagy?related protein ( such as LC3) and apoptosis?related proteins ( such as caspase?3 and caspase?9) . Results MTT assay showed that the IC50 in the GE+3?MA and GE+BAF groups were (4.1±0.2) μmol/L and (3.8±0.3) μmol/L, significantly lower than that of the gefitinib alone group [(7.0±0.2) μmol/L] in MDA?MB?468 cells (P<0.05). Similarly, the IC50 in the GE+3?MA and GE+BAF groups were (9.7±0.1) μmol/L and (7.7±0.2) μmol/L, significantly lower than that of the gefitinib alone group [(14.7±0.1) μmol/L]in MDA?MB231 cells (P<0.05). The flow cytometry assay revealed that the apoptosis rates of MDA?MB?468 cells in GE, GE+3?MA and GE+BAF groups were (12.43± 3.18)%, (23.37±2.71)% and (18.71±2.81)%, respectively. The apoptosis rates of MDA?MB?231 cells of the GE, GE+3?MA and GE+BAF groups were (12.15±1.82)%, (16.94±2.19)% and (33.83±5.92) %, significantly higher than that of the gefitinib alone group (All P<0.05). The apoptosis rates of the MCF?7 cells were not changed significantly among the three groups (P>0.05). Western blot data showed that the expression levels of LC3 and p?Akt were decreased in the combined groups than that of the gefitinib alone group, while the p?PTEN, caspase?3 and caspase?9 were increased. Conclusions Autophagy inhibitor may enhance the sensitivity to gefitinib in MDA?MB?468 and MDA?MB?231 cells by activation of the PTEN/P13K/Akt pathway. Apoptosis in MDA?MB?468 and MDA?MB?231 cells might be enhanced by the combination treatment through caspase cascade.

Objective To investigate the correlation between the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in community residents in Xicheng District of Beijing. Methods A total of 834 permanent residents were se-lected for the survey. The values of height, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum uric acid (UA), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high density lipopro-tein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were recorded. Subjects were divided into HUA and non-HUA groups. Based on four components of MS, subjects were divided into (1) MS0 group (no any component of MS), (2) MS1 group (one component of MS), (3) MS2 group (two components of MS), (4) MS3 (three components of MS) and (5) MS4 group (four components of MS). The relation-ship of HUA and components of MS was analyzed. Results The total prevalence of hyperuricemia was 12.0%in 834 sub-jects. The prevalence of hyperuricemia were significantly higher in male subjects than those of female subjects[21.8%(83/381) vs 3.8%(17/453),χ2=63.765,P<0.01]. Values of BMI, SBP, DBP, TC and TG were significantly higher in HUA group than those of non-HUA group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in levels of HDL-C and FPG between two groups. The prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia were significantly higher in HUA group than those of non-HUA group (P<0.01). The prevalence of HUA gradually increased with the accumulation of MS components (χ2=46.347, P<0.01). Conclusion Hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome are closely related. We should pay more attention to monitor the serum uric acid levels.