Sponsorship as a double-edged sword: Political contingency and mobility dynamics in the Chinese bureaucracy.

This article develops a theoretical model on the role of sponsorship in organizations as a double-edged sword. We highlight the political nature of sponsorship that is entrenched in formal authority relations, as it signals employee allegiance and affects career advancement through strategic appointments. We further distinguish the effect of sponsorship from that of sponsorship loss, highlighting the precariousness of sponsorship contingency in the face of leadership successions. The negative effect of sponsorship loss is mitigated by diverse networks, however, which dilute the loyalty affiliation to a particular sponsor and provide "robust action." The theoretical model is empirically tested in a study of mobility patterns in a large, multi-layered Chinese bureaucracy of over 32,000 officials during a 19-year period, from 1990 to 2008.

[Identification of a novel TSC2 gene variant in a patient with tuberous sclerosis complex].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a patient diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). METHODS: Peripheral blood samples of the patient and his parents were collected for the extraction of genomic DNA. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was carried out to detect potential variant, and the result was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: The patient was found to harbor a heterozygous c.1053delG (p.Glu352SerfsX10) frameshifting variant of the TSC2 gene. The same variant was not found in his unaffected parents and 100 unrelated healthy controls. Based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, the variant was predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PS2+PM2). CONCLUSION: The novel c.1053delG (p.Glu352SerfsX10) frameshifting variant of the TSC2 gene probably underlay the TSC in this patient.

Identification of novel KRT5 gene variants in two Chinese patients with sporadic form of epidermolysis bullosa simplex: A case report.

Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), a rare genetic disorder characterized by fragile skin that is prone to blistering and tearing, is primarily caused by mutations in genes encoding keratin proteins, such as KRT5 and KRT14. This study aimed to identify the pathogenic gene variants responsible for the sporadic form of EBS in two Chinese patients. Blood samples were collected from patients and their parents, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed for variant screening. Two novel gene variants were identified within the KRT5 gene: c.1399A>T (p.Ile467Phe) in patient 1 and c.1412G>A (p.Arg471His) in patient 2. These variants were absent in the unaffected parents and a control group of 100 healthy individuals. These two novel gene variants within the KRT5 gene may be responsible for EBS, thus improving understanding of the genetic basis of EBS.

Identification of a novel nonsense ATP2A2 gene variant in a patient with Darier's disease flare following COVID-19 infection: A case report.

RATIONALE: Darier disease (DD) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder that primarily manifests as hyperkeratotic papules and itching. The underlying etiology of DD is pathogenic variation in the ATP2A2 gene. However, this disease has a high penetrance but variable expressivity, indicating that patients inheriting the genotype may have different manifestations due to exogenous factors. Meanwhile, a few reports have documented that COVID-19 may be implicated in the flare of DD. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 51-year-old man presented with keratotic papules and scaly erythematous rash on his trunk with pruritus after being infected with COVID-19. Laboratory test results were normal. Histological analysis revealed epidermal hyperkeratosis and intraepidermal lacunae containing dyskeratinized cells. Genetic analysis revealed a novel variant of ATP2A2 (c.815G>A, p.Trp272*), which was considered pathogenic in this case. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed as having DD. INTERVENTIONS: Oral acitretin and topical corticosteroid hormone ointments were used. OUTCOMES: The patient achieved complete resolution of symptoms during the 3-month follow-up period. LESSONS: We revealed the first novel ATP2A2 variant (c.815G>A, p.Trp272*) in the flare of DD following COVID-19 infection. Additionally, this pathogenic variant enriches the ATP2A2 gene mutation spectrum.