Disrupting Smad3 potentiates immunostimulatory function of NK cells against lung carcinoma by promoting GM-CSF production.

Through Smad3-dependent signalings, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) suppresses the development, maturation, cytokine productions and cytolytic functions of NK cells in cancer. Silencing Smad3 remarkably restores the cytotoxicity of NK-92 against cancer in TGF-ß-rich microenvironment, but its effects on the immunoregulatory functions of NK cells remain obscure. In this study, we identified Smad3 functioned as a transcriptional repressor for CSF2 (GM-CSF) in NK cells. Therefore, disrupting Smad3 largely mitigated TGF-ß-mediated suppression on GM-CSF production by NK cells. Furthermore, silencing GM-CSF in Smad3 knockout NK cells substantially impaired their anti-lung carcinoma effects. In-depth study demonstrated that NK-derived GM-CSF strengthened T cell immune responses by stimulating dendritic cell differentiation and M1 macrophage polarization. Meanwhile, NK-derived GM-CSF promoted the survival of neutrophils, which in turn facilitated the terminal maturation of NK cells, and subsequently boosted NK-cell mediated cytotoxicity against lung carcinoma. Thus, Smad3-silenced NK-92 (NK-92-S3KD) may serve as a promising immunoadjuvant therapy with clinical translational value given its robust cytotoxicity against malignant cells and immunostimulatory functions to reinforce the therapeutic effects of other immunotherapies.

Exploring the relationship between anal fistula and colorectal cancer based on Mendelian randomization and bioinformatics.

The association between anal fistula patients and colorectal cancer, as well as the potential pathophysiological mechanisms, remains unclear. To explore the relationship between anal fistula and colorectal cancer and its potential mechanisms. Analysis of GEO and TCGA databases. Disease-related genes were also referenced from Coremine Medical, GeneCard and OMIM. Core hub genes were identified through protein-protein interaction analysis by intersecting differentially expressed genes from the datasets with disease data. On one hand, a prognostic model was developed using genes and its prognostic role was validated. On the other hand, the optimal diagnostic genes were selected through machine learning. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to explore the potential causal link between anal fistula and colorectal cancer. Thirteen core genes were identified (TMEM121B, PDGFRA, MID2, WNT10B, HOXD13, BARX1, SIX2, MMP1, SNAL1, CDKN2A, ITGB3, TIMP1, CALB2). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the intersecting genes between anal fistula and colorectal cancer were associated with extracellular matrix components, signalling pathways, cell growth, protein modification, as well as important roles in cellular activities, tissue and organ development, and biological function maintenance. These genes were also involved in pathways related to Wnt signalling and colorectal cancer development. Prognostic analysis and immune infiltration analysis indicated a close relationship between core hub genes and the prognosis and immune infiltration in colorectal cancer. Machine learning showed that core genes played an essential role in the diagnostic differentiation of colorectal cancer. MR results suggested no causal relationship between anal fistula and colorectal cancer. This study identified shared core genes between anal fistula and colorectal cancer, involved in various pathways related to tumour development. These genes play crucial roles in prognosis and diagnosis.

Development of a clinical prognostic model for primary plasma cell leukemia patients treated with novel agents: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

The prognosis of primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) is poor, and the relevant prognostic factors are incompletely understood. We aimed to explore the prognostic factors and develop a validated prognostic prediction model for pPCL patients in the new era. This multicenter retrospective study was conducted across 16 hospitals in China. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to develop a prediction model. The predictive performance of the model was assessed using multiple metrics. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrap resampling. A total of 102 pPCL patients were included in this study, and 57 (55.9%) were male. The 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month OS rates for pPCL patients were 75.4%, 58.3%, and 47.6%, respectively. An overall survival prognostic nomogram for pPCL patients was established by integrating independent prognostic factors, including age, B2MG, and del17p. The nomogram exhibited good performance, with a C-index of 0.720 (95% CI 0.642-0.797) and an AUC of 0.653. Bootstrap validation yielded a C-index of 0.721 (95% CI 0.629-0.787) and an AUC of 0.653 (95% CI 0.546-0.759), indicating a relatively good fit of the calibration curve. A nomogram incorporating age, B2MG grade, and del17p were developed and validated to accurately and consistently predict the prognosis of pPCL patients.

Novel PIP5K1C variant identified in a Chinese pedigree with lethal congenital contractural syndrome 3.

BACKGROUND: Biallelic pathogenic variants in PIP5K1C (MIM #606,102) lead to lethal congenital contractural syndrome 3 (LCCS3, MIM #611,369), a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by small gestational age, severe multiple joint contractures and muscle atrophy, early death due to respiratory failure. Currently, 5 individuals with LCCS3 were reported and 5 pathogenic variants in PIP5K1C were identified. Here, we reported the two fetuses in a Chinese pedigree who displayed multiple joint contractures and other congenital anomalies. METHODS: Trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for the parents and the recent fetus to detect the genetic cause for fetus phenotype. RESULTS: A novel variant, NM_012398.3: c.949_952dup, p.S318Ifs*28 and a previously reported variant, c.688_689del, p.G230Qfs*114 (ClinVar database) in PIP5K1C, were detected in the individuals, and these variants were inherited from the mother and father, respectively. We described the features of multiple joint contractures in our fetuses, including bilateral talipes equinovarus, stiffness in the limbs, extended knees, persistently closed hands and overlapping fingers, which have not been delineated detailedly in previously reported LCCS3 individuals. Furthermore, novel phenotype, bilateral dilated lateral ventricles, was revealed in one fetus. CONCLUSIONS: These findings expanded the genetic variant spectrum of PIP5K1C and enriched the clinical features of LCCS3, which will help with the prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for this family.

An Aggregation-Induced Fluorescence Probe for Detection H2S and Its Application in Cell Imaging.

Monitoring hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in living organisms is very important because H2S acts as a regulator in many physiological and pathological processes. Upregulation of endogenous H2S concentration has been shown to be closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. Herin, a novel fluorescent probe HND with aggregation-induced emission was designed. Impressively, HND exhibited a high selectivity, fast response (1 min) and low detection limit (0.61 µM) for H2S in PBS buffer (10 mM, pH = 7.42). Moreover, the reaction mechanism between HND and H2S was conducted by Job's plot, HR-MS, and DFT. In particular, HND was successfully employed to detect H2S in HeLa cells.

RNASEH2C c.194G>A is a Chinese-specific founder mutation in three unrelated patients with Aicardi-Goutières syndrome 3.

Biallelic pathogenic variants in RNASEH2C cause Aicardi-Goutières syndrome 3 (AGS3, MIM #610329), a rare early-onset encephalopathy characterized by intermittent unexplained fever, chilblains, irritability, progressive microcephaly, dystonia, spasticity, severe psychomotor retardation and abnormal brain imaging. Currently, approximately 50 individuals with AGS3 and 19 variants in RNASEH2C have been revealed. Here, we reported the novel clinical manifestations and genotypic information of three unrelated Chinese patients with AGS3 caused by pathogenic variants in RNASEH2C. In addition to three novel missense variants (c.101G>A, p.Cys34Tyr; c.401T>A, p.Leu134Gln and c.434G>T, p.Arg145Leu), one missense variant (c.194G>A, p.Gly65Asp) reoccurred in all patients but was completely absent in South Asian and other ethnicities. Our study expanded the variant spectrum of RNASEH2C and identified RNASEH2C c.194G>A as a Chinese-specific founder mutation. The novel phenotypes, including mouth ulcers, hip dysplasia, retarded dentition and hypogonadism, observed in our patients greatly enriched the clinical characteristics of AGS3.

Synthesis of 3-Thiocyanobenzothiophene via Difunctionalization of Active Alkyne Promoted by Electrochemical-Oxidation.

A novel and green method for the synthesis of 3-thiocyanatobenzothiophenes via electrochemical-oxidation promoted difunctionalization of active alkyne has been developed. In this protocol, inexpensive and easily available potassium thiocyanate was chosen as the thiocyanation reagent, 2-alkynylthioanisoles as the substrates, a variety of 3-thiocyanatobenzothiophenes were obtained in moderate to good yields under oxidant- and catalyst-free conditions. Moreover, the continuous flow system has good applicability for this transformation, the use of continuous flow system has overcome the disadvantage of low efficiency in traditional electrochemical amplification, and realized the stable and excellent yields of target products in the scale-up reactions.

Novel TARS2 variant identified in a Chinese patient with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy and a systematic review.

Biallelic pathogenic variants in the TARS2 gene cause combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency, subtype 21 (COXPD21, MIM #615918), which is a rare mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (ME) characterized by early-onset severe axial hypotonia, limb hypertonia, delayed psychomotor development, epilepsy, and brain anomalies. Currently, eight COXPD21 patients have been reported in the literature, and 11 pathogenic variants in TARS2 have been identified. Here, we report a 2-year-6-month-old Chinese female who presented with severe dystonia, developmental regression, absent speech, and intractable epilepsy. Laboratory examination showed persistently increased serum lactate. Brain MRI showed that the head of the caudate and partial lenticular nucleus were bilateral symmetrical T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) hyperintense and the corpus callosum was very thin. The clinical characteristics pointed to a ME. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) was employed to detect the causative variants. WES revealed novel compound heterozygous variants, c.470G>C (p.Thr157Arg) and c.2051C>T (p.Arg684Gln), in TARS2 in our patient that were inherited from the mother and father, respectively. Next, we systematically reviewed the available clinical features of COXPD21 patients and noticed that the reduced fetal movement observed in our patient may be a novel phenotype of COXPD21. These findings expand the mutation spectrum of TARS2 and provide insights into the genotype-phenotype relationship in COXPD21 as well as a foundation for its genetic counseling, diagnosis and treatment.

[Analysis of OCRL gene variant in a Chinese pedigree affected with Lowe syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation of a Chinese pedigree affected with Lowe syndrome. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were carried out for the proband and members of his pedigree. RESULTS: The proband, a 3-year-and-5-month-old male, presented with multiple anomalies including congenital cataract, glaucoma, brain dysplasia, renal dysfunction and cognitive impairment. WES revealed that he has harbored a novel hemizygous missense variant of the OCRL gene, namely NM_000276.3: c.1255T>C (p.Trp419Arg) (GRCh37/hg19), which was derived from his unaffected mother. The same variant was not found in his elder brother who was healthy. The variant was predicted to be pathogenic according to ACMG/AMP guideline. Compared with previously reported cases of Lowe syndrome, our patient has displayed rare features including corpus callosum dysplasia, reduction of white matter, cerebral hypoplasia, laryngomalacia, sebaceous cyst, recurrent eczema, cryptorchidism, hypoglycemia and irritability. CONCLUSION: Above finding has expanded the mutational spectrum of the OCRL gene, enriched clinical features of Lowe syndrome, and enabled genetic counseling for this pedigree.

[Genetic and clinical analysis of a novel GLB1 gene variant in a Chinese patient with GM1-gangliosidosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation of a case with GM1-gangliosidosis caused by compound heterogenic variants in GLB1. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the patient and her parents. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for the family and suspected mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The proband, a 2-year-3-month old Chinese girl, presented with psychomotor deterioration, absent speech, intellectual disabilities and behavior problem. Trio-based WES has identified compound heterozygosity for 2 variants in the GLB1 gene: NM_000404.2:c.1343A>T, p.Asp448Val and c.1064A>C, p.Gln355Pro (GRCh37/hg19),which was inherited from the mother and father, respectively. Homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in GLB1, encoding ß-galactosidase, are responsible for GM1-gangliosidosis,an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by variable degrees of neurodegeneration and skeletal abnormalities. The p.Asp448Val variant has been classified as pathogenic for GM1 gangliosidosis in medical literatures for the reason that functional studies demonstrated that expression of the p.Asp448Val variant in COS-1 cells resulted in no detectable ß-galactosidase activity compared to wild type GLB1. The p.Gln355Pro variant has not been reported in literatures or database. The variant is highly conserved residue (PM1), and was not found in either the Genome Aggregation Database or the 1000 Genomes Project (PM2) and was predicted to have a deleterious effect on the gene product by multiple in silico prediction tools (PP3). Next, the ß-galactosidase activity of the patient's peripheral blood leukocytes was determined by fluorescent method. The result was 0.0 nmol/mg. It showed that the p.Gln355Pro variant also resulted in loss of ß-galactosidase activity, thus the variant was classified into clinical pathogenic variant. CONCLUSION: Our study expands the mutational spectrum of the GLB1 gene and provides genetic counseling for the family.

[Genetic and clinical analysis of KIF2A gene variant in a Chinese patient with complex cortical dysplasia and other brain malformations].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a child featuring complex cortical dysplasia and other brain malformations (CDCBM3). METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the patient and his parents. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the family trio. Suspected variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The proband, a 1-year-and-2-month old Chinese boy, had presented with motor developmental delay, lissencephaly, severe cognitive impairments, absent speech and congenital laryngomalacia. WES revealed that he has harbored a heterozygous missense variant of the KIF2A gene, namely NM_001098511.2: c.952G>A, p.Gly318Arg (GRCh37/hg19). The highly conserved residue is located around the ATP nucleotide-binding pocket in the kinesin motor domain (PM1). The variant was not found in the Genome Aggregation Database and the 1000 Genomes Project (PM2), and was predicted to be deleterious on the gene product by multiple in silico prediction tools (PP3). This variant was unreported previously and was de novo in origin (PS2). Based on the ACMG guidelines, it was categorized as likely pathogenic (PS2+PM1+PM2+PP3). Furthermore, the congenital laryngomalacia found in our patient was absent in previously reported CDCBM3 cases. CONCLUSION: The novel variant of the KIF2A gene probably underlay the disorders in the proband. Above finding has expanded the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of CDCBM3.

CNV profiles of Chinese pediatric patients with developmental disorders.

PURPOSE: To examine the overall genomic copy-number variant (CNV) landscape of Chinese pediatric patients with developmental disorders. METHODS: De-identified chromosomal microarray (CMA) data from 10,026 pediatric patients with developmental disorders were collected for re-evaluating the pathogenic CNV (pCNV) yields of different medical conditions and for comparing the frequency and phenotypic variability of genomic disorders between the Chinese and Western patient populations. RESULTS: The overall yield of pCNVs in the Chinese pediatric patient cohort was 21.37%, with variable yields for different disorders. Yields of pCNVs were positively associated with phenotypic complexity and intellectual disability/developmental delay (ID/DD) comorbidity for most disorders. The genomic burden and pCNV yield in neurodevelopmental disorders supported a female protective effect. However, the stratification analysis revealed that it was seen only in nonsyndromic ID/DD, not in nonsyndromic autism spectrum disorders or seizure. Furthermore, 15 known genomic disorders showed significantly different frequencies in Chinese and Western patient cohorts, and profiles of referred clinical features for 15 known genomic disorders were also significantly different in the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: We defined the pCNV yields and profiles of the Chinese pediatric patients with different medical conditions and uncovered differences in the frequency and phenotypic diversity of genomic disorders between Chinese and Western patients.

A transgene-encoded truncated human epidermal growth factor receptor for depletion of anti- B-cell maturation antigen CAR-T cells.

BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) against B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) has been used to treat multiple myeloma (MM). CAR-T cells co-expressing a truncated human EGFR (tEGFR) has been proposed for in vivo cell ablation. METHODS: We designed and tested a novel anti-BCMA CAR. We transduced T cells with retroviral vectors encoding CAR and tEGFR. The anti-BCMA-CAR-transduced T cells were evaluated for the functions including cytokine production, proliferation, cytotoxicity, and in vivo tumor eradication of BCMA. Cetuximab was used for in vivo cell ablation. RESULTS: The CAR-T cells could specifically recognize BCMA, and anti-BCMA CAR-T cells could exhibit interferon-γ and cytotoxicity specifically produced by BCMA and eradicate tumor in vivo. Cetuximab could mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and in vivo elimination. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that BCMA is a suitable target for CAR- T cells and tEGFR is a effective tool for cellular ablation.

[Analysis of clinical manifestation and a mosaic frameshift variant of the KMT2D gene in a Chinese patient with Kabuki syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation in a child with Kabuki syndrome type 1 (KS1) caused by a mosaic frameshift variant of KMT2D gene. METHODS: Trio-based whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried for the patient and her parents. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The proband, a 3-year-and-2-month-old Chinese girl, presented with distinctive facial features, cognitive impairment, mild developmental delay, dermatoglyphic abnormalities, minor skeletal anomalies, ventricular septal defect, and autistic behavior. Trio-based WES revealed that the proband has carried a de novo mosaic frameshit variant of the KMT2D gene, namely NM_003482.3:c.13058delG (p.Pro4353Argfs*31) (GRCh37/hg19), for which the mosaicism rate was close to 21%. The variant was unreported previously and was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) has revealed no pathogenic or likely pathogenic copy number variations. Compared with previously reported cases, our patient has presented obvious behavior anomalies including autism, anxiety and sleep problems, which were rarely reported. CONCLUSION: This study has expanded the spectrum of KMT2D gene variants, enriched the clinical phenotypes of KS1, and facilitated genetic counseling for the family.

[Analysis of RUNX2 gene variant in a Chinese patient with cleidocranial dysplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese patient featuring cleidocranial dysplasia(CCD). METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patient and his parents. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the patient, and suspected variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: WES has identified a missense c.460G>T (p.Val154Phe) (GRCh37/hg19) variant of the RUNX2 gene. The variant was located in the Runt domain, a highly conserved region (PM1); it was not present in either the Genome Aggregation Database or the 1000 Genomes Project (PM2), and was predicted to have a deleterious effect on the gene product by multiple in silico prediction tools (PP3); the clinical phenotype of the patient was highly consistent with that of cleidocranial dysplasia (PP4). Furthermore, the variant was unreported in medical literature and was absent in both parents (PS2). Based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, the c.460 G>T variant of RUNX2 gene was predicted to be pathogenic (PS2+PM1+PM2+PP3+PP4). CONCLUSION: The c.460G>T (p.Val154Phe) variant of the RUNX2 gene probably underlay the clinical phenotype in the patient. Above finding has enabled accurate diagnosis and expanded the spectrum of RUNX2 variants.

[Clinical and genetic analysis of a novel CHD4 gene variant in a Chinese patient with Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genotype-phenotype correlation of a case with Sifrim-Hitz-Weiss syndrome (SIHIWES) caused by a novel CHD4 gene variant. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patient and her parents. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the patient.Suspected variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The proband, a 2-year-old Chinese girl, presented with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, distinctive facial features and multiple congenital anomalies. Her prenatal manifestations included increased nuchal thickness, cranial and facial anomalies, and decreased fetal movement. WES has identified a novel variant in the CHD4 gene, namely NM_001273:c.2989C>G (p.Leu997Val) (GRCh37/hg19).Comparison of her phenotype with previously reported SIHIWES cases suggested that our patient's prenatal presentations were unreported before, with novel features including funduscopic anomaly, facial dysmorphisms such as asymmetrical ears, drooping eyelid, long philtrum and downturned mouth. CONCLUSION: Above findings have expanded the mutational spectrum of the CHD4 gene and revealed novel phenotypes in Chinese patients with SIHIWES.

Concurrent pathogenic variants in SLC6A1/NOTCH1/PRIMPOL genes in a Chinese patient with myoclonic-atonic epilepsy, mild aortic valve stenosis and high myopia.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenic SLC6A1 variants have been reported in patients with myoclonic-atonic epilepsy (MAE). NOTCH1, encoding a member of the Notch family of proteins, is known to be associated with aortic valve disease. The PRIMPOL variant has only been identified in Chinese patients with high myopia. Exome sequencing analysis now allows the simultaneous detection of multiple genetic etiologies for patients with complicated clinical features. However, the presence of three Mendelian disorders in one patient supported by their respective pathogenic variants and clinical phenotypes is very rare. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report a 4-year-old Chinese boy who presented with MAE, delayed language, borderline intellectual disability (ID), mildly impaired social skills and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He also had mild aortic valve stenosis and high myopia. Using whole-exome sequencing (WES), we identified three variants: (1) SLC6A1, NM_003042.4: c.881-883del (p.Phe294del), (2) NOTCH1, NM_017617.5:c.1100-2A > G and (3) PRIMPOL, NM_152683.4:c.265 T > G (p.Tyr89Asp). Parental Sanger sequencing confirmed that SLC6A1 and NOTCH1 variants were de novo, whereas the PRIMPOL variant was inherited from the father who also had high myopia. Furthermore, the PRIMPOL variant was absent from the genomes of the paternal grandparents, and thus was also a de novo event in the family. All three variants are classified as pathogenic. CONCLUSION: The SLC6A1 variant could explain the features of MAE, delayed language, borderline ID, impaired social skills and ADHD in this patient, whereas the features of aortic valve stenosis and high myopia of the patient may be explained by variants in NOTCH1 and PRIMPOL, respectively. This case demonstrated the utility of exome sequencing in uncovering the multiple pathogenic variants in a patient with complicated phenotypes due to the blending of three Mendelian disorders.

Aberrant expression for microRNA is potential crucial factors of haemorrhoid.

BACKGROUND: Haemorrhoids occur commonly and frequently in the human digestive system. There are diverse causes of haemorrhoids and their in-depth pathogenesis is still currently unclear. METHODS: In this study, we explored haemorrhoids from an epigenetics perspective by employing RNA-Seq for comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the differences in microRNA (miRNA) transcripts between haemorrhoidal tissue and normal tissue in 48 patients with Grade II and above haemorrhoids. RESULTS: The results showed that 9 miRNAs were significantly upregulated (ratio > 3.5 and P-value < 0.01) and 16 miRNAs were significantly downregulated (ratio > 0.6 and P-value < 0.01) in haemorrhoid tissue. Subsequently, target gene prediction results showed that there were 184 potential target genes of significantly upregulated miRNAs (common to both TargetScan7.1 and MirdbV5 databases) and there were 372 potential target genes of significantly downregulated miRNAs. Gene ontology analysis results showed that the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs in haemorrhoids are involved in regulating "cell composition" and "protein binding". Lastly, KEGG search found that the differentially expressed miRNAs that are associated with the occurrence of haemorrhoids mainly regulate the activity of endocytosis and the synaptic vesicle cycle. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the results of high-throughput RNA-Seq screening suggested that the occurrence of haemorrhoids may be intimately associated with aberrant miRNA transcription, resulting in aberrant target gene expression and an imbalance in certain signal transduction pathways.

Performance of Different Imaging Techniques for Detection of Para-Aortic Lymph Node Metastasis from Gynecological Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECT: The purpose of this review is to assess the diagnostic performance of different imaging techniques for the detection of para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis from gynecological malignancies. METHODS: Six databases, from the earliest available date of indexing through July 22, 2018, were systematically searched. In addition, the reference lists of relevant articles were searched by hand. Study allocation, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently performed by 2 reviewers. The size effect, sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic OR, and 95% CIs were used in the meta-analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) and Q* were calculated to reflect the synthesized diagnostic accuracy. Statistical calculations of this meta-analysis were conducted using STATA version 14.0 software. RESULTS: Across 41 eligible studies (1,615 participants), pooled SEN, SPE, and AUC of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), PET-CT, and lymphangiography analyses were 25%, 93%, 0.7675; 60%, 94%, 0.9050; 83%, 96%, 0.9422; 66%, 97%, 0.9501; 77%, 75%, 0.8332, respectively. Analysis of combined summary receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that PET and PET-CT were superior to other imaging modalities. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis demonstrated that PET and PET-CT should be the first choice for detecting PALN metastasis in gynecological malignancies. CT was also suitable for confirmation. MRI was not recommended. Further studies are needed for PALN assessment.

[Identification of a 17q25.3 duplication in a Chinese patient with global developmental delay and multiple congenital anomalies].

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the clinical features,inheritance pattern, and genotype-phenotype correlation of a Chinese patient with a 17q25.3 duplication. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing(WES), chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), chromosomal karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed for the analysis of the proband and his family members. RESULTS: A 5.7 Mb duplication at 17q25.3→qter was identified by WES and CMA in the 4-year-old boy with multiple congenital anomalies, which was classified as a clinically pathogenic variant. This duplication was confirmed by FISH, and was inherited from his unaffected mother who carried a balanced translocation. Further study revealed that his grandmother also carried the balanced translocation but had gestated three healthy children and had no abortion history. His uncle also carried the balanced translocation, while his aunt was normal. CONCLUSION: Above results have enriched the clinical phenotypes of 17q25.3 duplication. Genetic counseling was provided for the family. P4HB, ACTG1, BAIAP2 and TBCD genes may underlie the clinical features for the 17q25.3 duplication.