Bioinformatic analysis identifies potential key genes in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: Age?related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in older individuals. More studies focused on screening the genes, which may be correlated with the development of AMD. With advances in various technologies like multiple microarray datasets, researchers could identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) more accurately. Exploring abnormal gene expression in disease status can help to understand pathophysiological changes in complex diseases. This study aims to identify the key genes and upstream regulators in AMD and reveal factors, especially genetic association, and the prognosis of the development of this disease. Methods: Data from expression profile GSE125564 and profile GSE29801 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We analyzed DEGs using R software (version 3.6.3). Functional enrichment and PPI network analysis were performed using the R package and online database STRING (version 11.0). Results: We compared AMD with normal and found 68 up?regulated genes (URGs) and 25 down?regulated genes (DRGs). We also compared wet AMD with dry AMD and found 41 DRGs in dry AMD. Further work including PPI network analysis, GO classification, and KEGG analysis was done to find connections with AMD. The URGs were mainly enriched in the biological process such as DNA replication, nucleoplasm, extracellular exosome, and cadherin binding. Besides, DRGs were mainly enriched in these functions such as an integral component of membrane and formation of the blood?aqueous barrier (BAB). Conclusion: This study implied that core genes might involve in the process of AMD. Our findings may contribute to revealing the pathogenesis, developing new biomarkers, and raising strategies of treatment for AMD

PCR versus serology for diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: A systematic review & meta-analysis.

Background & objectives Diagnosis for Mycoplasma pneumoniae usually relies on serological tests. PCR technology has some advantages but also limitations. The optimal selection for these tests still needs discussion. This paper reviews the overall diagnostic accuracy of PCR versus serological assays for diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infections and to identify factors associated with heterogeneity of results. Methods: MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched. Articles meeting the selection criteria were retrieved for data collection and analysis. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using QUADAS. Hierarchial summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model was used to estimate summary ROC curve. Results: Initial meta-analysis showed a summary estimate of sensitivity (SEN) 0.62 (95% CI, 0.45-0.76), and specificity (SPE) 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93-0.98). Subgroup analyses were performed to identify factors associated with heterogeneity. For different gene targets, reference standards, subjects (children or adults) and different PCR types, these aspects can generate results of heterogeneity. The 16s rDNA target and adult subjects and real-time PCR may have better test results for PCR. Interpretation & conclusions Commercial PCR tests generated consistent results with high specificity but a lower and more variable sensitivity. The findings suggest commercial PCR tests having superiorities in diagnosing M. pneumoniae infections but still cannot replace serology. PCR plus serology could be good screening tests for reliable and accurate diagnosis of M. pneumoniae.

Expression and clinical significance of peripheral blood CD4~+CD25~+T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of peripheral blood CD4~+, CD25~+ and CD4~+CD25~+ T subpopulations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis.Methods The per- centage and fluorescence intensities of peripheral blood CD4~+,CD25~+ and CD4~+CD25~+ subpopulations from 34 SLE and 18 normal controls were measured with flow cytometry assay,then the correlation with clincal data was analyzed.The CD25~+ cells were defined as the CD25~(high) cells if their fluorescence intensity was higher than 10. Results The percentage of CD4~+CD25~+,CD4~+CD25~(high) T lymphocytes in active SLE patients[(4.80?1.21)% and (0.25?0.10)%]was lower than that in normal controls[(8.92?3.21)% and(0.44?0.22)% and non-active SLE patients(11.28?2.09)% and(0.59?0.34)%](P＜0.05).However,as for the CD25~+ cells in the CD4~+ T cells,there was no difference between SLE patients and normal control group.Peripheral blood CD4~+CD25~+,CD4~+CD25~(high) cells in SLE were reversely correlated with SLEDAI(r=-0.74,P=0.004 and r=-0.614,P=0.026),but not with others such as complements,ANA titers etc.Peripheral blood CD4~+ and CD25~+ lymphocytes in active SLE pa- tients were also lower than those in normal controls[(23?7)vs(34?7)and(7.4?1.8)vs(13.9?3.4),P＜0.05]. CD25 fluorescence intensities were higher in the SLE patients those in the normal controls,but CD4 fluores- cence intensities were not.Conclusion CD4~+CD25~+ may play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Acquired hemophilia A in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus:report of a case and review of literature / 中华风湿病学杂志

Objective To summarize the manifestation and treatment of acquired hemophilia A in pa- tients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Method A case was investigated retrospectively and the lit- erature was reviewed.Results A 25-year-old woman with a 5 year history of SLE was admitted to hospital due to abdominal pain.She was diagnosed with acquired factorⅧinhibitor deficiency based on a prolonged activated partial-thromboplastin time(APTT,135.3 s),reduced factorⅧactivity(0.9%)and factorⅧin- hibitor(26.1 BU/ml).Sonography and magnetic nuclear resonance of the abdomen confirmed the presence of a retro-uterine hematoma.The patient was initially treated with intravenous pulse and oral corticosteroids,factorⅧplasma concentrated and intravenous immunoglobulin.Clinical and biological improvement was promptly obtained.Conclusions Attention should be paid to the association between SLE and acquired hemophilia A. Combination therapy may be recommended as initial therapy for the management of acquired hemophilia A in patients with SLE.But no standardized treatment can be recommended at present.

Practice and Consideration of Clinical Pharmacists Participating in Successful Treatment of Critically Ill Children with Influenza A (H1N1) / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To discuss the role of clinical pharmacists participating in successful treatment of critically ill children with Influenza A (H1N1). METHODS:Considering patients' conditions,clinical pharmacists participated in drug treatment in respect of pharmacokinetics,pharmacodynamics,drug interactions and adverse drug reactions and so on. RESULTS:Combining with advantages of grade three class A comprehensive hospital,medical treatments had been achieved by multidisciplinary corporation. The symptoms of children under critically care disappeared completely and all test indicators returned normal so that critically ill children were cured. CONCLUSION:Clinical pharmacist is an important component of the medical team. Therefore,clinical pharmacists participating in clinical drug treatment can improve clinical efficacy and safety of drug treatment.