Objective: To analyze the serological phenotypes and molecular genetic characteristics of a proband with ABO forward and reverse typing discrepancy and their family members, and to investigate the molecular genetic mechanism underlying the Ael/AelB phenotype caused by the c. 575T>C variant on an ABO A1.02 background. Methods: Serological testing and adsorption-elution assays were performed for blood group identification of the proband and family members. PCR-SBT, cloning sequencing, and Nanopore third-generation sequencing were used to analyze ABO gene variants and haplotypes. Phyre2 and PyMOL were used to predict the effect of the p. Ile192Thr variant on the structure of glycosyltransferase A (GTA), and plasma GTA activity was evaluated using an in vitro transferase assay. Results: Among thirteen family members, four members showed a serological phenotype consistent with the Ael subtype and one with the AelB subtype. Cloning sequencing and third-generation sequencing confirmed that five family members carried the ABO A1.02 (c. 575T>C) variant, which co-segregated with the weak A phenotype in the family. Structural modeling suggested that p. Ile192Thr may alter the local spatial conformation and hydrogen-bond interactions of GTA. Plasma GTA activity testing showed markedly reduced GTA activity in the tested individuals. Conclusion: The ABO A1.02 (c. 575T>C) variant is associated with the Ael/AelB phenotype. The p. Ile192Thr substitution may weaken A antigen expression by altering GTA conformation and reducing enzymatic activity. This study provides additional evidence for the role of this variant in the Ael/AelB phenotype from the perspectives of familial inheritance, full-length haplotype analysis, and functional assessment, which is important for accurate ABO subtype identification and individualized transfusion strategies.

Based on the theory of "combined bi （痹） syndrome of the body and zang （脏）organs"， this paper elucidates the pathogenic transmission and treatment principles of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease （SSc-ILD）. For the pattern in which the disease transmits from the body to the zang organs， the underlying pathogenesis is blood deficiency and liver constraint with cold congealing in the collaterals. The treatment principle is to nourish the blood and warm the channels， diffuse the lung and defend against pathogenic factors， so as to interrupt the inward transmission of the disease. For the pattern in which the disease transmits from the zang organs to the body， the pathogenesis may involve lung deficiency with insecurity of the exterior， liver fire attacking the lung and scorching the collaterals， or latent pathogens of phlegm and blood stasis permeating outward. The treatment principle is to tonify the lung and secure the exterior， clear the liver and purge the lung， and resolve blood stasis and unblock the collaterals， so that when the zang organs are restored， the body can be nourished. For the pattern in which the body and zang organs are simultaneously affected， the pathogenesis lies in violent toxin pathogens spreading throughout the three jiao （焦） and damaging both the body and zang organs. The treatment principle is to cool the blood and resolve toxins， resolve blood stasis and unblock the collaterals， thereby eliminating pathogenic factors from both the interior and exterior. Emphasis is placed on simultaneous treatment of the body and zang organs and dynamic syndrome differentiation and treatment， providing a new approach to understanding the pathogenesis of SSc-ILD in traditional Chinese medicine and to its stratified treatment.

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between the occurrence of cardiovascular events in rheumatoid arthritis（RA） and traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome. MethodsThe cross-sectional study selected 6713 RA patients from 122 centres nationwide， in which general information such as name， gender， age， height， body weight， and course of disease were collected by completing a questionnaire； patients were classified into eight types of syndrome according to the information of their four examinations，i.e. wind-dampness obstruction syndrome， cold-dampness obstruction syndrome， dampness-heat obstruction syndrome， phlegm-stasis obstruction syndrome， stasis-blood obstructing collateral syndrome， qi-blood deficiency syndrome， liver-kidney insufficiency syndrome， and qi-yin deficiency syndrome. According to the occurrence of cardiovascular events， they were divided into the occurrence group and the non-occurrence group， and the condition assessment data and laboratory examination indexes were recorded. The test of difference between groups was used to analyse the possible risk factors for the occurrence of RA cardiovascular events， and binary logistic regression was used to analyse the correlation between TCM syndromes and RA cardiovascular events. ResultsA total of 6713 RA patients were included， including 256 cases in occurrence group and 6457 in non-occurrence group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of height， gender， insomnia， appetite， white blood cell（WBC）， hemoglobin（HGB）， platelets（PLT）， rheumatoid factor（RF）， anti-cyclic peptide containing citrulline（CCP）， alanine aminotransferase（ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase（AST）， γ-glutamyl transpeptidase（GGT）， urea creatinine（CREA）， and glucose（GLU）（P＞0.05）. The TCM syndromes between groups showed significant statistic differences（P＜0.05）. Patients in occurrence group had longer disease duration， heavier body weight， and older age； more severe conditions such as disease activity（DAS-28）， number of painful joints（TJC）， number of swollen joints（SJC）， health questionnaire scores（HAQ）， visual analog scores（VAS）， restlessness， and fatigue； higher blood sedimentation rate（ESR）， low-density lipoprotein（LDL-C）， triglyceride（TG）， total cholesterol（TC）， D-Dimer， and lower high-density lipoprotein（HDL-C）（P＜0.05）. The distribution of syndrome types showed that dampness-heat obstruction syndrome accounted for the largest proportion of patients in both groups and was higher in RA cardiovascular events. Logistic regression analysis showed that the occurrence of RA cardiovascular events was strongly associated with dampness-heat obstruction syndrome［OR=5.937， 95%CI （4.434， 7.949）， P＜0.001］. ConclusionThe occurrence of RA cardiovascular events were associated with TCM syndromes， and the probability of cardiovascular events in the RA patients with dampness-heat obstruction syndrome was 5.937 times higher than patients with other TCM syndromes.

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a naturally occurring, low-toxicity, and hydrophilic bile acid (BA) in the human body that is converted by intestinal flora using primary BA. Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) functions to uptake extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate, and is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLPS) refers to liposarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal area. Lipidomics analysis revealed that UDCA was one of the most significantly downregulated metabolites in sera of RLPS patients compared with healthy subjects. The augmentation of UDCA concentration (≥25 μg/mL) demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation of liposarcoma cells. [¹⁵N₂]-cystine and [¹³C₅]-glutamine isotope tracing revealed that UDCA impairs cystine uptake and glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Mechanistically, UDCA binds to the cystine transporter SLC7A11 to inhibit cystine uptake and impair GSH de novo synthesis, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative damage. Furthermore, UDCA can promote the anti-cancer effects of ferroptosis inducers (Erastin, RSL3), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors (Nutlin 3a, RG7112), cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (Abemaciclib), and glutaminase inhibitor (CB839). Together, UDCA functions as a cystine exchange factor that binds to SLC7A11 for antitumor activity, and SLC7A11 is not only a new transporter for BA but also a clinically applicable target for UDCA. More importantly, in combination with other antitumor chemotherapy or physiotherapy treatments, UDCA may provide effective and promising treatment strategies for RLPS or other types of tumors in a ROS-dependent manner.

ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4⁺ T lymphocytes, CD8⁺ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4⁺ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4⁺ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4⁺ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4⁺ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.

BACKGROUND: Effective interventions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic require an understanding of patients' knowledge and perceptions that influence their behaviour. Our study assessed knowledge of COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients and donors, hitherto unevaluated. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 325 kidney transplant recipients and 172 donors between 1 May 2020 and 30 June 2020. The survey questionnaire assessed knowledge levels of COVID-19, sociodemographic data, health status, psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and precautionary behaviours during the pandemic. RESULTS: The mean COVID-19 knowledge score of the study population was 7.5 (standard deviation: 2.2) out of 10. The mean score was significantly higher among kidney recipients compared to kidney donors (7.9 [1.9] vs. 6.7 [2.6]; P <0.001). Younger age (21-49 vs. ≥50 years) and higher education (diploma and higher vs. secondary and lower) were associated with significantly higher knowledge scores in donors, but not among recipients ( P -interactions ≤0.01). In both kidney recipients and donors, financial concerns and/or social isolation were associated with lower knowledge levels. CONCLUSIONS Concerted efforts are needed to improve COVID-19 knowledge in kidney transplant recipients and donors, particularly older donors, donors with lower education and patients with financial concerns or feelings of social isolation. Intensive patient education may mitigate the impact of education levels on COVID-19 knowledge levels.
Humans ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Kidney Transplantation ; Middle Aged ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Transplant Recipients/psychology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tissue Donors/psychology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Young Adult ; Aged ; Pandemics

Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)is a naturally occurring,low-toxicity,and hydrophilic bile acid(BA)in the human body that is converted by intestinal flora using primary BA.Solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)functions to uptake extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate,and is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers.Retroperitoneal liposarcoma(RLPS)refers to liposarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal area.Lipidomics analysis revealed that UDCA was one of the most significantly down-regulated metabolites in sera of RIPS patients compared with healthy subjects.The augmentation of UDCA concentration(≥25 μg/mL)demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation of liposarcoma cells.[15N2]-cystine and[13Cs]-glutamine isotope tracing revealed that UDCA impairs cystine uptake and glutathione(GSH)synthesis.Mechanistically,UDCA binds to the cystine transporter SLC7A11 to inhibit cystine uptake and impair GSH de novo synthesis,leading to reactive oxygen species(ROS)accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative damage.Furthermore,UDCA can promote the anti-cancer effects of ferroptosis inducers(Erastin,RSL3),the murine double minute 2(MDM2)inhibitors(Nutlin 3a,RG7112),cyclin dependent kinase 4(CDK4)inhibitor(Abemaciclib),and glutaminase inhibitor(CB839).Together,UDCA functions as a cystine exchange factor that binds to SLC7A11 for antitumor activity,and SLC7A11 is not only a new transporter for BA but also a clinically applicable target for UDCA.More importantly,in combination with other antitumor chemotherapy or physiotherapy treatments,UDCA may provide effective and promising treatment strategies for RLPS or other types of tumors in a ROS-dependent manner.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of a boy with X-linked familial Behcet-like autoinflammatory syndrome-2 (AIFBL2). METHODS: A boy who was admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University in December 2023 due to recurrent oral ulcers for 2 years, intermittent abdominal pain and fever for more than 1 year was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient was collected. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. A literature search was conducted in OMIM, PubMed, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China Biomedical Literature Service System, and the VIP database using the keywords "ELF4 gene" "deficiency in ELF4, X-linked" "ELF4 deficiency" and "DEX" to identify recently published studies. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2023-H-K44). RESULTS: The patient, a 12-year-old male, presented with recurrent mouth ulcers, fever and abdominal pain. Lymphocyte subsets showed a significant decrease in NK cells. Abdominal CT showed thickening of local intestinal wall in the lower right abdomen. Colonoscopy revealed a solitary deep longitudinal ulcer in the ileocecal region. Genetic testing revealed a hemizygote missense variant c.687C>G, with his mother showing the same mutation at this locus. According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was considered likely pathogenic (PP1+PP2+PM2_Supporting+PP3+PP4). Literature review has found 19 AIFBL2 patients including 1 patient from this study. Mouth ulcer, fever, rash and abdominal pain were the primary clinical manifestations, for which genetic testing is the main diagnostic method. CONCLUSION The hemizygote c.687C>G missense variant of the ELF4 gene probably underlay the AIFBL2 in this child, which has provided a basis for his clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Humans ; Male ; Behcet Syndrome/genetics* ; Child ; DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Hereditary Autoinflammatory Diseases/genetics* ; Mutation

Systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE） may lead to secondary gynecological and obstetric disorders such as decreased ovarian reserve function， menstrual abnormalities， and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Based on "bi （痹） of both body and viscera" theory， this paper proposed that the core mechanism of SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases lies in the mutual transformation between "body bi" and "viscera bi"， which together affect the uterus. Physiologically， uterus forms an internal-external network with the body and viscera through the meridians and blood vessels. Pathologically， when the healthy qi is deficient， nourishment of the body and viscera is impaired； when toxins and stasis accumulate， pathogenic factors disturb the uterus through the chong （冲） and ren （任） meri-dians. The resulting obstruction in the uterus can， in turn， manifest externally and aggravate damage to the body and viscera. Therefore， the pathogenesis of SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases follows a dynamic trajectory of "body bi first， body bi affecting viscera， and then bi of both body and viscera". In treatment， the principle of harmonizing and balancing the healthy qi is emphasized. The main approach is to regulate the viscera， stabilize the body， and nourish the uterus， with the coordination of nourishing the viscera through the body， thereby achieving simultaneous treatment of both body and viscera. This highlights the guiding significance of the "bi of both body and viscera" theory in preventing and treating SLE secondary gynecological and obstetric diseases.

Colorimetric analysis is a detection and quantification method based on observable color changes in response to analytes,which offers significant advantages including visually detectable signals,straightforward operation,rapid response,and low cost.Consequently,it plays a crucial role in a variety of fields.With increasingly diverse and complex application,colorimetric analysis requires continuous improvement in sensitivity,adaptability to diverse detection environments,and complex data handling capabilities.In recent years,the development of artificial intelligence technology,particularly within its core domain of machine learning(ML),has led to significant advancements in colorimetric analysis.The ML-assisted colorimetric analysis enables high-throughput and high-sensitivity detection,alongside automated analysis,thereby providing novel strategies to overcome the inherent limitations.This review categorized machine learning techniques and summarized their application in colorimetric analysis,introducing two fundamental categories of supervised learning,and unsupervised learning based on the division of core learning paradigms.The research progress of ML-assisted colorimetric analysis in the fields of environmental monitoring,biochemical detection,and food safety were summarized.Finally,the current challenges facing by this research area were analyzed and the research prospect of ML-assisted colorimetric analysis was outlined.