Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of protein A immunoadsorption (PAIA) combined with rituximab (RTX) in highly sensitized patients who underwent haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) .Methods:The clinical data of 56 highly sensitized patients treated with PAIA and RTX before haplo-HSCT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Soochow Hopes Hematonosis Hospital between March 2021 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The number of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody types and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), humoral immunity, adverse reactions during adsorption, and survival within 100 days before and after adsorption were measured.Results:After receiving the PAIA treatment, the median MFI of patients containing only HLA Ⅰ antibodies decreased from 7 859 (3 209-12 444) to 3 719 (0-8 275) ( P<0.001), and the median MFI of HLA Ⅰ+Ⅱ antibodies decreased from 5 476 (1 977-12 382) to 3 714 (0-11 074) ( P=0.035). The median MFI of patients with positive anti-donor-specific antibodies decreased from 8 779 (2 697-18 659) to 4 524 (0–15 989) ( P<0.001). The number of HLA-A, B, C, DR, and DQ antibodies in all patients decreased after the PAIA treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (A, B, C, DR: P<0.001, DQ: P<0.01). The humoral immune monitoring before and after the PAIA treatment showed a significant decrease in the number of IgG and complement C3 ( P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). Forty-four patients underwent HLA antibody monitoring after transplantation, and the overall MFI and number of antibody types decreased. However, five patients developed new antibodies with low MFI, and nine patients continued to have high MFI. The overall survival, disease-free survival, non-recurrent mortality, and cumulative recurrence rates at 100 days post-transplantation were 83.8%, 80.2%, 16.1%, and 4.5%, respectively. Conclusions:The combination of PAIA and RTX has a certain therapeutic effect and good safety in the desensitization treatment of highly sensitive patients before haplo-HSCT.

Objective·To analyze and explore the influencing factors that lead to cognitive deterioration in individuals with elevated fasting blood glucose(FBG)and the metabolic clues associated with changes in the risk of cognitive deterioration.Methods·Data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative(ADNI)database were downloaded,and the samples with FBG and follow-up data were selected from the database.Clinical information,including age,gender,body mass index,education years,apolipoprotein E4(APOE4)genotype and race,and corresponding metabolic indicator data,including amino acids,fatty acids,proteins and others were obtained.Based on the FBG levels and diagnosis of cognitive impairment stages in Alzheimer's disease,the subjects were categorized into four groups:normal FBG without/with cognitive deterioration,and elevated FBG without/with cognitive deterioration.The univariate analysis method,the Cox proportional hazards model,orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis(OPLSDA),and Spearman correlation analysis were employed for data analysis.Results·A total of 1 317 subjects were included,among which 1 153 had normal FBG level(>3.9 mmol/L and<6.1 mmol/L)and 164 had elevated FBG level(≥6.1 mmol/L).In the normal FBG group,275 subjects showed cognitive deterioration,while in the elevated FBG group,53 subjects showed cognitive deterioration.Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in gender and race between the normal FBG and elevated FBG group,and significant differences in age,gender,and APOE4 genotype between the groups with and without cognitive deterioration(all P<0.05).Cox regression analysis indicated that primary influencing factors for cognitive deterioration were APOE4 positivity,elevated FBG,and increasing age in order(HR=2.22,HR=1.38,HR=1.02;all P<0.05).In the analysis of baseline metabolic indicators in the groups without and with cognitive deterioration,as well as metabolic indicators before and after cognitive deterioration at different FBG levels,the results of the analysis of variance revealed that in the cognitively deteriorated population,the ratio of phospholipids carried by high-density lipoproteins(HDL)to total lipids was significantly higher;low-density lipoprotein(LDL)particle concentration and the lipids carried by LDL were significantly higher after cognitive deterioration.Correlation analysis showed that valine and leucine were significantly correlated not only with FBG level but also with phosphorylated tau(pTau)level in the plasma in the cognitively deteriorated population.Cholesterol and the ratio of phospholipids to total lipids carried by HDL were significantly correlated with pTau levels in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).Conclusion·Compared to the individuals with normal FBG level,those with high FBG level have a significantly higher risk of cognitive deterioration.Additionally,different metabolic indicators show significant differences between the groups without and with cognitive deterioration,as well as metabolic indicators before and after cognitive deterioration at different FBG levels.Overall,LDL and its lipid content,and HDL-carried phospholipids show an increasing trend during cognitive deterioration,and the branched-chain amino acids valine and leucine are significantly correlated with pTau levels in CSF and plasma,suggesting that these metabolic markers may play an important role in cognitive deterioration.

Macroautophagy (referred to as autophagy hereafter) is a major intracellular lysosomal degradation pathway that is responsible for the degradation of misfolded/damaged proteins and organelles. Previous studies showed that autophagy protects against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced injury (AILI) via selective removal of damaged mitochondria and APAP protein adducts. The lysosome is a critical organelle sitting at the end stage of autophagy for autophagic degradation via fusion with autophagosomes. In the present study, we showed that transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master transcription factor for lysosomal biogenesis, was impaired by APAP resulting in decreased lysosomal biogenesis in mouse livers. Genetic loss-of and gain-of function of hepatic TFEB exacerbated or protected against AILI, respectively. Mechanistically, overexpression of TFEB increased clearance of APAP protein adducts and mitochondria biogenesis as well as SQSTM1/p62-dependent non-canonical nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation to protect against AILI. We also performed an unbiased cell-based imaging high-throughput chemical screening on TFEB and identified a group of TFEB agonists. Among these agonists, salinomycin, an anticoccidial and antibacterial agent, activated TFEB and protected against AILI in mice. In conclusion, genetic and pharmacological activating TFEB may be a promising approach for protecting against AILI.

Infant, Newborn ; Humans ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Blood Transfusion ; Infant, Premature, Diseases

Objective: To establish a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to determine the cortisol in saliva. Methods: Take 0.5 ml saliva sample into a 2 ml centrifuge tube, add excess sodium chloride and 1ml acetonitrile to it, then vortex for 3 min, centrifuge for 10 min at 15 000 r/min, and take 800 μl of the upper layer to another centrifuge tube. Finally, the sample was concentrated by a vacuum concentrator and brought to 200 μl with the initial mobile phase. Then, the sample was analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The target compound was quantified by external standard curve method. Results: The linear range of the method was 0.02-5.00 ng/ml, r=0.999 9, the method limit of the detection was 0.002 ng/ml, the method limit of quantitative was 0.02 ng/ml, and the spiked recoveries were 89.60%-98.60%. The intra-assay precision was 1.90%-3.30%, and the inter-assay precision was 4.20%-9.00%; samples could be stored at -20 °C for at least 14 days. The determination of cortisol could not be interfered by other endogenous substances in the sample. Conclusion The method is simple in pretreatment, high sensitivity, good reproducibility and good recovery, and it is suitable for the quantitative analysis of cortisol in saliva for normal and occupationally stressed populations.

OBJECTIVE: To identify pathogenic mutation in a Chinese family affected with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) through genetic testing and a follow-up survey. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing was performed on DNA samples of two patients and one unaffected member to screen candidate mutations. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the suspected mutations in all ten family members. RESULTS: Four patients and three asymptomatic members (under 25 years old) carried a c.1771T>C mutation of the KIAA0196, while the other three asymptomatic members (over 40 years old) did not carry the mutation. The mutation was predicted to be "affect protein function", "probably damaging" and "disease causing" by SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and Mutation Taster, respectively. Three asymptomatic carriers were followed up and one of them developed HSP one year later, while the other two had no signs of the disease yet. CONCLUSION The clinical phenotype of the c.1771T>C mutation of KIAA0196 has a considerable heterogeneity and this mutation may be a common pathogenic site of KIAA0196 mutations among Chinese patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Phenotype ; Proteins ; genetics ; Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary ; genetics

Objective To preliminarly investigate the application value of Pipeline embolization device ( PED ) in the endovascular interventional treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms. Methods From July 2015 to October 2016, the clinical data of 10 consecutive patients with complex intracranial aneurysm treated with PED at the Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong General Hospital were enrolled retrospectively. Their surgical modalities,complications,and imaging findings were analyzed. Results Of the 10 patients,7 were females and 3 were males,their age was 32-68 years ( mean age 54 ± 12 years) . There were 8 patients with internal carotid artery aneurysm,1 with middle cerebral artery aneurysm,and 1 with vertebrobasilar artery aneurysm;there were 2 patients with ruptured aneurysm and 8 with unruptured aneurysm;there were 5 patients with saccular aneurysm ( 2 with wide-necked aneu-rysm) ,3 with fusiform aneurysm,2 with dissecting aneurysm;there were 2 patients with medium aneurysm ( diameter>5-15 mm) ,2 with large aneurysm ( diameter>15-25 mm) ,6 with giant aneurysm ( diameter>25 mm) ,and there were 2 patients with recurrent aneurysm. They were all single aneurysms. Three patients were treated with PED in combination with coil embolization,and 7 patients were treated with PED implantation alone. Nine patients were treated with one PED and 1 was treated with 3 PEDs. The immediate postoperative angiography revealed that the contrast agents in the aneurysm cavities were obviously stranded. One patient died after procedure and 1 had quadriplegia after procedure,and the remaining 8 patients had no PED-related complications. The modified Rankin scale score was 0 in 8 cases,5 in 1 case,and 6 in 1 case on the first post-operative day. They were followed up for 14 to 28 months. Conclusions The different types of intracranial aneurysms treated with PED implantation is relatively safe and effective,but there are also some risks of dis-ability and death. Strictly selecting the indications and developing the individualized treatment strategies are needed.

OBJECTIVETo detect potential mutation in a large Chinese pedigree affected with congenital corneal dystrophy.

METHODSTwo patients from the pedigree were subjected to whole exome sequencing to determine the candidate gene. Suspected mutation was verified in 13 additional members by directional Sanger sequencing. Ccorrelation between genotype and phenotype was explored.

RESULTSA missense mutation, c.1877A>C (p.His626Pro), was detected in exon 14 of the TGFBI gene in 8 patients from the pedigree, but not in five unaffected members and 100 unrelated healthy controls. Respectively, the mutation was predicted as "affecting protein function", "probably damaging" and "disease causing" by SIFT, PolyPhen-2 and MutationTaster.

CONCLUSIONThe c.1877A>C mutation of the TGFBI gene probably underlies the disease in this pedigree.

Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; drug therapy ; immunology ; pathology ; Cytokines ; immunology ; Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor ; Glypicans ; antagonists & inhibitors ; immunology ; Humans ; Ligands ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; immunology ; pathology ; T-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; immunology

Objective To explore the possibility of the inner vertical outer spiral complex tubular urethra scaffold vascularization in repairing long segment of urethral defect.Methods From August 2014 to October 2015,27 clean male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 3 groups,S1 group was transfected recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) gene lentiviral vector group.S2 group was vascular pedicle transfer tube group.C group was simple stent group.A 3.0 cm inner vertical outer spiral complex scaffold was constructed by using the small intestine acellular matrix (SIS) and polylactic acid copolymer (PLGA) modified by type Ⅰ collagen surface,and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) and smooth muscle cells after transformation from New Zealand white rabbits.In S1 group,the seed cells were transfected by recombinant vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene lentivirus,which express VEGF protein.The complex scaffold was used to repair 3.0 cm rabbit urethral defect In S2 group,the untransfected cells were seeded into the scaffold and embedded in the skin near the groin artery 3 weeks for repairing urethral defect with vascular pedicle transfer tube.In group C,the unseeded scaffold was used to repair the urethral defect alone.Postoperative observation and urethrography were followed 4,8 and 24 weeks after implantation.The HE staining,fluorescence tracing,immunohistochemical and scanning electron microscopy were evaluated at the same phase.Results In S1 group,there were one urinary fistula and one urethral stricture-related death,respectively.The urethra was smooth and patent,histological examination showed active hyperplasia of urethral capillary.In S2 group,there were one urinary fistula and two urethral stricture-related deaths,respectively.The urethral was rough,local thinning or dilated.Fat accumulation and mucosal contraction were found in the urethral submucosal,respctively.In C group,there were one urinary fistula,three hypospadias,and three urethral stricture-related deaths.The thickness of the urethra was uneven and stricture bending.The urethral mucosa was poorly repaired and the scar was narrow.HE and CD31 staining showed that S1 and S2 groups were active in the proliferation of urethral capillaries,and the angiogenesis was abundant.VEGF staining showed that the cytoplasm of endothelial cell layer,smooth muscle layer of vascular wall and the urothelial epithelial cell layer were fully expressed at 24 weeks,especially in epithelial cell layer.CKpan staining showed that the epithelium of S1 and S2 group developed to stratified epithelium,and the morphology of urethra was similar to normal urethra at 24 weeks.The urethral epithelial in C group of grew poor as single-level,irregular arrangement,24 weeks is still a lack of effective stratified epithelium.HE and oα-SMA staining showed that the smooth muscle and actin gradually increased in group S1 and S2,α-SMA staining in group C was scarce and increased at 24 weeks.PLGA was encapsulated by the surrounding tissue and the structure of electrospinning was clear after 4 weeks,absorbed and degraded after 8 weeks and absorbed after 24 weeks.Conclusions The inner vertical outer spiral comnplex tubular urethra scaffold maybe a reasonable method in repairing long segment urethral defects,and the methods of tubular urethra scaffold vascularization by transfected VEGF gene recombinant lentiviral vector and vascular flap deserve more research.