OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism for an individual with Bweak subtype. METHODS: Serological methods were used to identify the proband's phenotype. In vitro enzyme activity test was used to determine the activity of B-glycosyltransferase (GTB) in her serum. The genotype was determined by PCR amplification and direct sequencing of exons 5 to 7 and flanking sequences of the ABO gene. T-A cloning technology was used to isolate the haploids. The primary physical and chemical properties and secondary structure of the protein were analyzed with the ProtParam and PSIPRED software. Three software, including PolyPhen-2, SIFT, and PROVEAN, was used to analyze the effect of missense variant on the protein. RESULTS: Serological results showed that the proband's phenotype was Bweak subtype with anti-B antibodies presented in her serum. In vitro enzyme activity assay showed that the GTB activity of the subject was significantly reduced. Analysis of the haploid sequence revealed a c.398T>C missense variant on the B allele, which resulted in a novel B allele. The 398T>C variant has caused a p.Phe133S substitution at position 133 of the GTB protein. Based on bioinformatic analysis, the amino acid substitution had no obvious effect on the primary and secondary structure of the protein, but the thermodynamic energy of the variant protein has increased to 6.07 kcal/mol, which can severely reduce the protein stability. Meanwhile, bioinformatic analysis also predicted that the missense variant was harmful to the protein function. CONCLUSION The weak expression of the Bweak subtype may be attributed to the novel allele of ABO*B.01-398C. Bioinformatic analysis is helpful for predicting the changes in protein structure and function.
Female ; Animals ; ABO Blood-Group System/genetics* ; Phenotype ; Genotype ; Exons ; Alleles

【Objective】 To explore the influence of anti-HLA-Ⅰ with different mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) on the efficacy of HLA-A and -B gene matching platelet transfusion, so as to provide scientific data for clinical platelet gene matching transfusion strategy. 【Methods】 A total of 81 PTR patients had applied for HLA-Ⅰgene matched platelets from the platelet gene database established by our laboratory, and 28 (MFI <5 000) of them needed further avoiding of partial donor-specific antibodies and they were enrolled as the research subjects. According to the platelet MFI value of HLA-Ⅰ antibody-targeting antigen, they were divided into negative transfusion group (MFI <500) (group A) and positive transfusion groups (MFI≥500) ; the latter were further divided into group B (500≤MFI <1 000), group C (1 000≤MFI <3 000) and group D (MFI≥3 000) according to MFI value. Corrected count increment (CCI) in platelet count was used to compare the platelet transfusion effect in 4 groups. 【Results】 Among 28 platelet recipients with MFI <5 000, 19(67.86%) patients successfully received 72 effective transfusions. The first CCI (×10⁹/L) in groups A, B, C and D were 10.27±7.46, 7.58±4.75 (P>0.05), 17.36±7.63 (P>0.05) and -0.77±2.30 (P<0.05), respectively. There was no statistical difference among group A, B and C. 【Conclusion】 The application of HLA-Ⅰ gene matching platelets in PTR patients can adjust the MFI threshold(<2 000) appropriately according to the patient′s condition without compromising the platelet transfusion effect.

【Objective】 To analyze the specificity of HLA class-Ⅰ antibody in the patients received HLA-matched platelet transfusions and estimate the relative immunogenicity of HLA-Ⅰ antigens. 【Methods】 The samples from 96 patients who suffered from platelet transfusion refractorines(PTR) and applied for transfusion with genotype-matched platelet were collected. The specificity of HLA I antibody was detected by Luminex technique, and the antibody expression level was analyzed according to MFI. The mismatch rate of HLA antigen and relative immunogenicity of the population were estimated according to the allele frequency distribution of HLA-A and B loci as well as the yielding frequency of antibody. 【Results】 HLA-Ⅰ antibodies were detected in all 96 patients, with varied species of antibodies. The average positive yielding rates of antibodies corresponding to HLA-A, -B and -C magnetic bead coated antigens (97 in total) were 0.38, 0.47 and 0.28, respectively. Among the HLA-A and -B loci in the Zhejiang population, HLA-A2, A11, A24 and HLA-B60, B46, B58 were the antigens with higher frequency, and their relative immunogenicity was 0.403, 0.283, 0.342, and 0.100, 0.067, 0.178, respectively. 【Conclusion】 The specificity of HLA-Ⅰ antibodies in PTR patients is different, which confirms that the relative immunogenicity differs by HLA-A and -B antigens.

【Objective】 To construct a platelet digital matching information system (PMIS). 【Methods】 The framework of PMIS was designed and the main functions were developed. The information system was connected with the information modules of clinical application, laboratory testing, blood donation service, blood inventory and distribution. Further, the preliminary application of this system will be carried on in clinical. 【Results】 The PMIS had been successfully developed and 5048 blood donors with HLA and HPA genotypes were registered in the system. A total of 306 patients applied for matching and 16.5% of them received compatible platelet reports immediately from the inventory bloods, with the median waiting time of all matching as 3 days, which was significantly shorter than that of the manual method (3.8±3.1 days vs 5.4±5.4 days). 【Conclusion】 The developed PMIS has realized the whole process management of blood donors and patients, which is helpful to improve the platelet matching level.

【Objective】 To analyze the specificity and Eplets of HLA allele-specific antibody in patients with platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR). 【Methods】 HLA-A and B genotypes were detected by PCR-SBT, and HLA-Ⅰ antibodies in patients′ serum were detected by Luminex single antigen beads coating method. IPD-IMGT/HLA Database was used to find the differential amino acids of allele-specific antibodies, and HLA Eplet database was used to analyze the registry Eplets. 【Results】 HLA allele-specific antibodies were found in 12 out of 82 patients with PTR.After sequence alignment, a total of 18 differential amino acids were found, such as 19E>19K, 166D>116E, 167G>167W and so on. Among these differential amino acids, 16 registry Eplets were retrieved such as 19E>19K, 95I>95L, 113YD>113HD and so on.The amino acid substitution of 166DG>166EW, 70Q>70H, 67S>67Y, 94I>94T, 82LR>82RG, and 211G>211A may form new Eplets that have not been registered.The antigens of A11, A24, B15, B27 and B38 can be further subdivided into HLA narrow specific antigens. 【Conclusion】 It was found that there were HLA allele-specific antibodies in patients with PTR, suggesting that high-resolution typing of HLA-A, B should be carried out for these patients and platelet donors in HLA compatible transfusion of PTR.

【Objective】 To analyze the positive rate of antibodies against human leukocyte antigen(HLA)and MHC class I chain-related gene A(MICA) in the convalescent plasma from individuals recovered from COVID-19. 【Methods】 HLA-Ⅰ, -Ⅱ and MICA antibodies were screened simultaneously by Luminex platform. The specificity of HLA-Ⅰ and -Ⅱ antibodies was identified by single antigen reagents.The positive rate of antibody in different groups were compared by Chi-square test. 【Results】 A total of 88 cases of convalescent plasma were collected, among which the positive rates of HLA-Ⅰ, -Ⅱ and MICA antibodies were 18.19%, 19.32% and 10.23%, respectively, and 64 individuals (72.73%) were negative for HLA-Ⅰ and -Ⅱ antibodies. 95 blood donors were randomly selected as the control group, and the positive rate of HLA-Ⅰ, -Ⅱ and MICA antibodies were 8.42%, 13.68% and 10.53%, respectively, and 76 individuals(80.00%) were negative for HLA-Ⅰ and -Ⅱ antibodies. There were no significant difference in the positive rates of HLA-Ⅰ, -Ⅱ and MICA antibodies between convalescent individuals and control group. The specificity of HLA antibody to epitopes was different in each convalescent individual with positive HLA antibodies, and most antibodies were targeted to the epitopes of multiple HLA alleles. 【Conclusion】 A certain proportion of HLA antibody was found in the convalescent plasma of individuals recovered from COVID-19. Therefore, HLA antibody screening is helpful to improve the safety of transfusion.

【Objective】 To establish the HLA-A, -B genotype-matched transfusion strategy for immune-mediated PTR patients based on donor HLA genotyping database, so as to improve the transfusion efficacy. 【Methods】 The serologic cross-match was used to screen immune PTR primarily. 35 PTR patients screened out were subjected to HLA-match. 24 patients were tested for HLA-A, -B genotyping and antibodies against platelet HLA classⅠ, and then received a total of 83 HLA-typed platelet transfusions, based on patient platelet genotype, donor specific antibody (DSA)(priority), and HLA-A, -B cross-reactive groups (CREGs) principle(lower priority). The other 11 patients received a total of 55 HLA-A/B-matched transfusions according to CREGs principle. The clinical information and transfusion outcome were followed up, and the corrected count increment (CCI) was calculated and statistically analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 453 ABO serological cross-matching tests were performed for 35 PTR patients, with 12.94 tests (453/35) per patient, an average of 4.21 (1908/453) donors per test and positive rate of 69.86% (1333/1908). 23 out 24(95.83%) patients, subjected to HLA class I antibody, were positive and each carried (44.37 ± 22.31) kinds of specific antibodies. According to the fluorescence intensity of the antibody in the patient′s serum, the antibody was strongly positive in 17(73.91%) cases, positive 20(86.96%) and weakly positive 23(100%). After 138 HLA-matched transfusions, the first mean CCI value was 14.08 ± 11.12 (23.95 ± 21.28 h), which was significant higher than 1 hour CCI (>7.5 effective) or 24 hours CCI (> 4.5 effective). The responses of DSA avoidance group (CCI of 1st =15.56±11.00)was significant higher than that of non-DSA avoidance group(CCI of 1st =11.86±12.00)(t=2.045, P<0.05). 49.28% of the patients had one or more non-immune factors during platelet transfusion. 【Conclusion】 The HLA-matched platelet transfusion is feasible to prevent and improve immune-mediated PTR. For patients with multiple blood transfusions and positive platelet antibodies, DSA avoidance and CREGs principle combined transfusion strategy can significantly improve the efficacy of blood transfusion and provide accurate platelet transfusion for the clinical.

Objective:To investigate the effect of virus inactivation on weak positive result of 2019 novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV) nucleic acid test.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on the nasopharyngeal swabs of three patients with positive PCR nucleic acid test for 2019-nCoV at different concentrations in the Second affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Medical College from January to February 2020.The virus in nasopharyngeal swab specimens were inactivated by water bath at 56 ℃ for 30 min, dry bath at 56 ℃ for 60 min and dry bath at 60 ℃ for 30 min respectively. After treatment, these samples RNA were extracted and then detected by three new commercial quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction reagent kits for 2019-nCoV.Cycle threshold (Ct) value was used to evaluate the effect of virus inactivation on nucleic acid detection of 2019-nCoV.Results:There was no significant difference between the groups before and after inactivation. Ct values of ORF1ab gene before inactivation were 23.28±0.28, 25.25±0.25, 28.93±0.44, 32.06±0.47, 35.20±0.38, 32.89±0.38, 36.24±0.23, 33.30±0.46, and those after inactivation were, group 1:23.60±0.20, 27.29±0.30, 31.83±0.51, 37.41±0.46, group 2: 24.25±0.34, 27.18±0.42, 31.84±0.61, 34.99±1.01, 34.89±0.45,group 3: 23.37±0.17, 26.89±0.52, 32.05±0.50.Ct value of N gene before inactivation were 24.38±0.09, 26.64±0.11, 30.35±0.12, 33.29±0.33, 36.93±0.11, 34.50±0.12, 35.63±0.12, those after inactivation were, group 1: 24.66±0.11, 28.52±0.14, 32.71±0.14, 37.00±0.13;group 2: 25.41±0.10, 28.79±0.15, 33.29±0.28; group 3: 23.37±0.11, 28.68±0.11, 33.54±0.13, 37.18±0.23(ORF1ab gene: t=-1.416; N gene: t=-1.379, P>0.05). There was no significant difference among the three inactivation groups, the specific Ct values are shown above(ORF1ab gene: t=-0.460; N gene: t=-0.132, P>0.05). However, the Ct values of the inactivated groups (1,2,3) and the non-inactivated group at different dilution times were different (10 ×:Ct value of ORF1ab was 25.25±0.25 in the non-inactivated group, and 27.29±0.30, 27.18±0.42 and 26.89±0.52 in the inactivated group1,2 and 3, t(ORF1ab)=-7.327, P<0.01.Ct value of N gene in the non-inactivated group was26.64±0.11, those in inactivated group 1, 2 and 3 were 28.52±0.14, 28.79±0.15 and 28.68±0.11, respectively, t (N)=-19.340, P<0.01. 100 ×:Ct value of ORF1ab was 28.93±0.44 in the non-inactivated group, and 31.83±0.51,31.84±0.61 and 32.05±0.50 in the inactivated group1,2 and 3, t (ORF1ab)=-9.462, P<0.01. Ct value of N gene in the non-inactivated group was 30.35±0.12, those in the inactivated group 1, 2 and 3 were 32.71±0.14, 33.29±0.28 and 33.54±0.13, respectively, t (N)=-18.583, P<0.01. The positive detection rate of the non-inactivated group (7/11, 8/11, 5/11) was significantly different from that of the inactivated group (inactivated group 1:4/11, 4/11, 3/11, inactivated group 2:3/11, 3/11, 3/11, and inactivated group 3:3/11, 3/11, 2/11) ( Z=-2.670, P<0.01). There were no significant difference among the inactivated groups(inactivated group 1:4/11, 4/11, 3/11, inactivated group 2:3/11, 3/11, 3/11, inactivated group 3:3/11, 3/11, 2/11) ( Z=4.413, P>0.05) and among the three reagents(reagent 1:7/11, 4/11, 3/11, 3/11, reagent 2:8/11, 4/11, 3/11, 3/11, reagent 3:5/11, 3/11, 3/11, 2/11)(χ 2=1.199, P>0.05). Conclusion:The virus inactivation can degrade the nucleic acid of the 2019-nCoV, resulting in the decrease of the Ct value and the false negative results of the low-concentration specimens.

Objective:This study analyzes the expression level of miR-1180-3p and constructs the regulatory network of relevant ceRNA by integrating the DNA methylation and gene expression profile of hepatocellular carcinoma from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).Methods:Firstly, the expression level of miR-1180-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues was analyzed by TCGA database, and the differential expression of lncrna and mRNA was screened. Secondly, the LncBase database and the TargetScan database were used to predict the relationship between miR-1180-3p and lncRNA and mRNA, and the DNA methylation-mediated lncRNA was screened by the DNA methylation profile of lncRNA. Finally, Cytoscape software was used to construct miR-1180-3p relevant ceRNA network, and WebGestalt website was used to perform GO and KEGG analysis of related mRNA in ceRNA.Results:Compared with patients with low expression of miR-1180-3p (mean overall survival duration, 5.69 ± 0.35 years), patients with high expression of miR-1180-3p had shorter overall survival time (mean overall survival duration, 3.99 ± 0.47 years), indicating that the high expression of miR-1180-3p was hepatocellular carcinoma risk factor affecting the prognosis ( HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.1 ~ 1.5, P < 0.01). A miR-1180-3p related ceRNA regulatory network was constructed in this study, which contained 2 lncRNAs (F11-AS1 and LINC01511) and 37 mRNAs. Conclusion:This study has successfully constructed miR-1180-3p relevant ceRNA regulatory network, and DNA methylation-mediated F11-AS1 and F11-AS1/miR-1180-3p/C11of54 ceRNA regulatory axis has played an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective:To screen and analyze the differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in primary hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and adjacent tissues using bioinformatics methods to explore the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and prognosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:GSE76427 data set was collected through GEO database, and DEGs were identified using GEO2R online analysis. Go and KEGG databases were used for enrichment and functional annotation of DEGs. Protein interaction network was built based on the STRING database and Cytoscape software to analyze the key genes of hepatocellular carcinoma, and the survival curve of these key genes were analyzed using the GEPIA database.Results:A total of 74 hepatocellular carcinoma DEGs were screened, of which 3 and 71 were up-and-down-regulated genes. The results of GO enrichment analysis showed that the down-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in cell response to cadmium and zinc ions, negative growth regulation, heterologous metabolic processes and hormone-mediated signaling pathways. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis results showed that the down-regulated DEGs pathway were mainly involved in retinol metabolism, chemical carcinogenesis, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, cytochrome P450 metabolizing xenobiotics, tryptophan metabolism and caffeine metabolism. Protein interaction network had screened out 10 down-regulated core genes: MT1G, MT1F, MT1X, MT1E, MT1H, insulin-like growth factor 1, FOS, CXCL12, EGR1, and BGN. Among them, the insulin-like growth factor 1 was related to the prognosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.Conclusion:Bioinformatics analysis results of HCC chip data showed that 10 key genes may play a key role in the occurrence and development of HCC and the insulin like growth factor 1 is associated with the prognosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.