Multiple transcriptome analyses reveal mouse testis developmental dynamics.

The testes are the organs of gamete production and testosterone synthesis. Up to date, no model system is available for mammalian testicular development, and only few studies have characterized the mouse testis transcriptome from no more than three postnatal ages. To describe the transcriptome landscape of the developing mouse testis and identify the potential molecular mechanisms underlying testis maturation, we examined multiple RNA-seq data of mouse testes from 3-week-old (puberty) to 11-week-old (adult). Sperm cells appeared as expected in 5-week-old mouse testis, suggesting the proper sample collection. The principal components analysis revealed the genes from 3w to 4w clustered away from other timepoints, indicating they may be the important nodes for testicular development. The pairwise comparisons at two adjacent timepoints identified 7,612 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), resulting in 58 unique mRNA expression patterns. Enrichment analysis identified functions in tissue morphogenesis (3-4w), regulation of peptidase activity (4-5w), spermatogenesis (7-8w), and antigen processing (10-11w), suggesting distinct functions in different developmental periods. 50 hub genes and 10 gene cluster modules were identified in the testis maturation process by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and the miRNA-lncRNA-mRNA, miRNA-circRNA-mRNA and miRNA-circRNA-lncRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. The results suggest that testis maturation is a complex developmental process modulated by various molecules, and that some potential RNA-RNA interactions may be involved in specific developmental stages. In summary, this study provides an update on the molecular basis of testis development, which may help to understand the molecular mechanisms of mouse testis development and provide guidance for mouse reproduction.

Population genetic analyses of Eastern Chinese Han nationality using ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit.

Currently, the most commonly used method for human identification and kinship analysis in forensic genetics is the detection of length polymorphism in short tandem repeats (STRs) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). However, numerous studies have shown that considerable sequence variations exist in the repeat and flanking regions of the STR loci, which cannot be identified by CE detection. Comparatively, massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology can capture these sequence differences, thereby enhancing the identification capability of certain STRs. In this study, we used the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit to sequence 58 STRs and 94 individual identification SNPs (iiSNPs) in a sample of 220 unrelated individuals from the Eastern Chinese Han population. Our aim is to obtain MPS-based STR and SNP data, providing further evidence for the study of population genetics and forensic applications. The results showed that the MPS method, utilizing sequence information, identified a total of 486 alleles on autosomal STRs (A-STRs), 97 alleles on X-chromosome STRs (X-STRs), and 218 alleles on Y-chromosome STRs (Y-STRs). Compared with length polymorphism, we observed an increase of 260 alleles (157, 31, and 72 alleles on A-STRs, X-STRs, and Y-STRs, respectively) across 36 STRs. The most substantial increments were observed in DYF387S1 and DYS389II, with increases of 287.5% and 250%, respectively. The most increment in the number of alleles was found at DYF387S1 and DYS389II (287.5% and 250%, respectively). The length-based (LB) and sequence-based (SB) combined random match probability (RMP) of 27 A-STRs were 6.05E-31 and 1.53E-34, respectively. Furthermore, other forensic parameters such as total discrimination power (TDP), cumulative probability of exclusion of trios (CPEtrio), and duos (CPEduo) were significantly improved when using the SB data, and informative data were obtained for the 94 iiSNPs. Collectively, these findings highlight the advantages of MPS technology in forensic genetics, and the Eastern Chinese Han genetic data generated in this study could be used as a valuable reference for future research in this field.

Construction of recombinant Lactococcus expressing thymosin and interferon fusion protein and its application as an immune adjuvant.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, biosafety and green food safety standards have increased the demand for immune enhancers and adjuvants. In the present study, recombinant food-grade Lactococcus lactis (r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN) expressing thymosin Tα1 and chicken interferon fusion protein was constructed. RESULTS: The in vitro interactions with macrophages revealed a mixture of recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN could significantly activate both macrophage J774-Dual™ NF-κB and interferon regulator (IRF) signaling pathways. In vitro interactions with chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) demonstrated that a mixture of recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN significantly enhanced the expression levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-10, CD80, and CD86 proteins in chicken PBMCs. Animal experiments displayed that injecting a lysis mixture of recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN could significantly activate the proliferation of T cells and antigen-presenting cells in chicken PBMCs. Moreover, 16S analysis of intestinal microbiota demonstrated that injection of the lysis mixture of recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN could significantly improve the structure and composition of chicken intestinal microbiota, with a significant increase in probiotic genera, such as Lactobacillus spp. Results of animal experiments using the lysis mixture of recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN as an immune adjuvant for inactivated chicken Newcastle disease vaccine showed that the serum antibody titers of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the vaccine control group, and the expression levels of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly higher than those of the vaccine control group. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that food-safe recombinant r-L. lactis-Tα1-IFN has potential as a vaccine immune booster and immune adjuvant. This study lays the foundation for the development of natural green novel animal immune booster or immune adjuvant.

Solution to a case involving the interpretation of trace degraded DNA mixtures.

DNA mixture analysis poses a significant challenge in forensic genetics, particularly when dealing with degraded and trace amount DNA samples. Multi-SNPs (MNPs) are genetic markers similar to microhaplotypes but with smaller molecular sizes (< 75 bp), making them theoretically more suitable for analyzing degraded and trace amount samples. In this case report, we investigated a cold case involving a campstool stored for over a decade, aiming to detect and locate the suspect's DNA. We employed both conventional capillary electrophoresis-based short tandem repeat (CE-STR) analysis and next-generation sequencing-based multi-SNP (NGS-MNP) analysis. The typing results and deconvolution of the mixed CE-STR profiles were inconclusive regarding the presence of the suspect's DNA in the mixed samples. However, through NGS-MNP analysis and presence probability calculations, we determined that the suspect's DNA was present in the samples from Sect. 4-1 with a probability of 1-8.41 × 10- 6 (99.999159%). This evidence contradicted the suspect's statement and aided in resolving the case. Our findings demonstrate the significant potential of MNP analysis for examining degraded and trace amount DNA mixtures in forensic investigations.

Machine learning based biomarker discovery for chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD).

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is characterized by bone abnormalities, vascular calcification, and some other complications. Although there are diagnostic criteria for CKD-MBD, in situations when conducting target feature examining are unavailable, there is a need to investigate and discover alternative biochemical criteria that are easy to obtain. Moreover, studying the correlations between the newly discovered biomarkers and the existing ones may provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of CKD-MBD. METHODS: We collected a cohort of 116 individuals, consisting of three subtypes of CKD-MBD: calcium abnormality, phosphorus abnormality, and PTH abnormality. To identify the best biomarker panel for discrimination, we conducted six machine learning prediction methods and employed a sequential forward feature selection approach for each subtype. Additionally, we collected a separate prospective cohort of 114 samples to validate the discriminative power of the trained prediction models. RESULTS: Using machine learning under cross validation setting, the feature selection method selected a concise biomarker panel for each CKD-MBD subtype as well as for the general one. Using the consensus of these features, best area under ROC curve reached up to 0.95 for the training dataset and 0.74 for the perspective dataset, respectively. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: For the first time, we utilized machine learning methods to analyze biochemical criteria associated with CKD-MBD. Our aim was to identify alternative biomarkers that could serve not only as early detection indicators for CKD-MBD, but also as potential candidates for studying the underlying molecular mechanisms of the condition.

Development and validation of a diagnostic nomogram for sarcopenia in Chinese hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a clinical condition that is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in those on dialysis. However, the relatively complicated diagnostic procedure limits its use in clinical situations. In this study we aimed to establish a simplified tool for the diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients on hemodialysis (HD). METHODS: Overall, 757 eligible patients from seven HD centers in Shanghai and Suzhou, China, were recruited from 2020 to 2021. The cross-sectional data were analyzed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Among them, 511 consecutive patients (77 with and 434 without sarcopenia) from five centers were included in the training set for the establishment of a diagnostic nomogram. Ten investigative parameters including clinical characteristics, body measurements and physical performance were used to derive the diagnostic nomogram. A total of 246 consecutive patients (47 with and 199 without sarcopenia) were included for validation of the diagnostic model. RESULTS: The average age of the enrolled patients was 60.4 ± 12.1 years, 59.8% were males and 90.5% received dialysis using an arteriovenous fistula. Overall, the sarcopenia rate was 16.4%. The training and validation sets showed no significant differences in sarcopenia rate (15.1% and 19.1%, respectively; P = .160). The nomogram derived from the training set for sarcopenia, which was based on only four features-age, sex, body weight and grip strength-achieved high C-indexes of 0.929 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.904-0.953] and 0.955 (95% CI 0.931-0.979) in the training and external sets, respectively, and had a well-fitted calibration curve. The cut-off value was 0.725, with a sensitivity of 0.909 and a specificity of 0.816. The nomogram accurately diagnosed sarcopenia with fewer variables and more simplified diagnostic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram had a good diagnostic capability for sarcopenia in patients on HD and may be a convenient tool for clinical use.

Mediating effect of gait speed on the relationship between ankle-brachial index and mild cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing hemodialysis are highly predisposed to arterial disease, poor physical performance, and cognitive impairment. However, the connection between them is not yet known. We aimed to investigate the mediating effect of physical performance on the relationship between arterial stiffness and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: We conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study. The final analyzed hemodialysis patients comprised 616 subjects (men 391, women 225) from seven dialysis units in Shanghai, China. MCI was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. Arterial function was measured by ankle-brachial index (ABI) and branchial-ankle pulse-wave velocity (baPWV). Physical function was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Logistic regression and mediation model were used to analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the final analysis sample (n = 616) was 59.0 ± 12.0 years. Hemodialysis patients with MCI were more likely to have lower ABI (p < 0.001) and higher baPWV (p < 0.01). After adjusting for covariates, lower ABI (abnormal ≤0.9 and borderline 0.91-0.99) were positively associated with MCI (OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 1.89-10.39; OR = 4.83, 95% CI = 1.61-14.46). SPPB total score and its components standing balance, gait speed score were negatively associated with MCI. In the mediational model, gait speed played a mediating role (indirect effect ab = -0.21; 95% CI = -0.58 to -0.03) in the association of ABI (≤0.9) and MMSE, while standing balance and chair stands did not. CONCLUSIONS: Lower gait speed mediates a positive association between ABI and MCI in hemodialysis patients. Suitable interventions for physical performance, especially gait speed, may reduce the risk of MCI in hemodialysis patients.

Salidroside attenuates LPS-induced inflammatory activation in young rats with acute lung injury via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

This experiment aimed to analyze the salidroside effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory activation in young rats with acute lung injury (ALI) via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In this study, sixty SD young rats were divided into 5 groups (control, model, salidroside low-dose, salidroside medium-dose and salidroside high-dose), with 12 rats in each group. ALI rat model was established. In the control and model group, rats were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline, while the salidroside low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were intraperitoneally injected with 5, 20, and 40 mg/kg salidroside, then the pathological changes of lung tissue, lung injury score, wet/dry lung weight ratio, neutrophils and TNF-α, MPO, MDA, NO, p-PI3K and p-AKT were detached and compared between these groups. Results showed that the ALI rat model was successfully established. The lung injury score, wet/dry lung weight ratio, neutrophils and TNF-α in alveolar lavage fluid, MPO, MDA, NO, p-PI3K and p-AKT in the lung tissue of the model group were increased than the control group. With the increase of salidroside dose, lung injury score, wet lung weight/dry lung weight ratio, neutrophils and TNF-α in alveolar lavage fluid, and the levels of MPO, MDA, NO, p-PI3K and p-AKT in lung tissues of the salidroside group were decreased then model group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, salidroside may reduce the activation of inflammatory cells in the lung tissue of young rats with LPS-induced ALI by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby exerting a certain protective effect on the lung tissue with LPS-induced ALI.

Pheochromocytoma crisis with refractory Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Takotsubo syndrome, emergency adrenalectomy, and need for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in a previously undiagnosed and asymptomatic patient, due to the use of metoclopramide.

BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytoma (PCC) crisis is a rare life-threatening endocrine emergency. The diagnosis and treatment of PCC crisis, with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as the first manifestation, is highly challenging, and traditional PCC management strategies are no longer suitable for these patients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old female patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following sudden-onset acute respiratory distress and subsequent initiation of mechanical ventilation via endotracheal intubation. She was initially suspected of having a PCC crisis through the bedside critical care ultrasonic examination protocol. The computed tomography examination revealed a left adrenal neoplasm of 6.5cm × 5.9cm. The plasma-free metanephrine level was 100 times higher than the reference value. These findings were compatible with her PCC diagnosis. Alpha-blockers and fluid intake were started immediately. The endotracheal intubation was removed on the 11th day after admission to the ICU. The patient progressed to severe ARDS again, and invasive ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy were needed. Despite aggressive therapy, her condition deteriorated. Therefore, she underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO)-assisted emergency adrenalectomy after multidisciplinary discussion. Postoperatively, the patient was supported by VA-ECMO for 7days. She was discharged from the hospital on day 30 after tumor resection. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlighted the challenges in diagnosing and managing ARDS associated with PCC crisis. The traditional preoperative preparation protocol and optimal operation timing for patients with PCC are not suitable for patients with PCC crisis. Patients with life-threatening PCC crisis may benefit from early tumor removal, and VA-ECMO could maintain hemodynamic stability during and after surgery.

Changes of dysfunctional lens index before and after implantable collamer lens V4c implantation in patients with moderate-to-high myopia.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunctional lens index (DLI) changing is rarely reported after implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation. In the current research, we hope to investigate the changes of DLI by ray-tracing aberrometry before and after implantation of the posterior chamber phakic implantable collamer lens with a central artificial hole for patients with moderate-to-high myopia. METHODS: This retrospective, observational case series included 206 eyes of 104 patients with moderate-to-high myopia who underwent ICL V4c implantation. Data were collected on ocular indicators preoperatively and at 1 day, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The i-Trace Visual Functional Analyzer was used to assess the DLI measurement. RESULTS: The overall values of safety index and efficacy index were both more than 1. Preoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) of included 206 eyes was - 10.77 ± 3.46 diopter (D). Then at 1-day postoperation, the mean SE was - 0.22 ± 0.55 D, and barely changed from 1 day to 6 months postoperatively. Although the endothelial parameters had no significant differences between preoperation and postoperation, the mean loss of endothelial cells was 0.74 ± 0.98% at 6 months. Regarding the vault, there was a significant difference between each time of follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean of the vault decreased 109.6 ± 13.5 µm from 1-day post-op to 6 months post-op. The DLI values were 3.70, 9.26, 10.00, and 9.68 at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively (P < 0.001), but no significant differences were found between 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). The preoperative lnDLI showed a significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.621, P < 0.001) with the preoperative spherical equivalent (SE). The lnDLI was negatively correlated with the axial length (r = - 0.462, P < 0.001), corneal thickness (r = - 0.207, P = 0.003), preoperative LogMAR UDVA (r = - 0.189, P = 0.006), and preoperative LogMAR CDVA (r = - 0.306, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative refractive parameters were confirmed excellent in efficacy, predictability, and stability in half a year. The DLI was significantly improved after the ICL V4c implantation in patients with moderate-to-high myopia and showed good stability during the follow-up periods. The DLI deserves a more comprehensive understanding and application in clinical services.

Effects of intraocular lens anterior edge design on anterior capsule morphology changes following femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy.

PURPOSE: To compare morphological changes in the anterior capsule of two intraocular lenses (IOLs) with different anterior edge designs 6 months after femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy surgery (FLACs). METHODS: This study included 168 eyes from168 patients undergoing FLACs. Group A included 74 eyes from 74 patients who had an Acrysof IQ Restor SN6AD3 IOL implantation with a flat anterior edge and Group B included 94 eyes of 94 patients with a TECNIS Multifocal ZMB00 IOL implantation and a "peak-like" anterior edge. All patients were followed up for 6 months. We assessed anterior capsule morphological changes including variation of anterior opening diameters and lens epithelial cell (LEC) proliferation in four directions, variation of anterior opening area, and the level of anterior capsule opacification (ACO). RESULTS: Variation of anterior opening diameters in 4 directions were significantly lower in Group B (P < 0.05). Obvious shrinkage ratio of anterior opening diameters and contraction of anterior opening area (P < 0.05) appeared in Group A. LEC proliferation was along the "peak" in Group B, while it spread to the edge of anterior capsule in Group A. ACO grades 6 months after operation in Groups A and B were as follows: grade I in 28.38% and 82.98% of eyes, grade II in 51.35% and 17.02% of eyes, and grade III in 20.27% and 0% of eyes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a "peak-like" IOL anterior edge design played an important role in maintaining the morphology of anterior capsule in the early postoperative stage.

Using an optimized generative model to infer the progression of complications in type 2 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: People live a long time in pre-diabetes/early diabetes without a formal diagnosis or management. Heterogeneity of progression coupled with deficiencies in electronic health records related to incomplete data, discrete events, and irregular event intervals make identification of pre-diabetes and critical points of diabetes progression challenging. METHODS: We utilized longitudinal electronic health records of 9298 patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes from 2005 to 2016 from a large regional healthcare delivery network in China. We optimized a generative Markov-Bayesian-based model to generate 5000 synthetic illness trajectories. The synthetic data were manually reviewed by endocrinologists. RESULTS: We build an optimized generative progression model for type 2 diabetes using anchor information to reduce the number of parameters learning in the third layer of the model from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the number of clinical findings, [Formula: see text] is the number of complications, [Formula: see text] is the number of anchors. Based on this model, we infer the relationships between progression stages, the onset of complication categories, and the associated diagnoses during the whole progression of type 2 diabetes using electronic health records. DISCUSSION: Our findings indicate that 55.3% of single complications and 31.8% of complication patterns could be predicted early and managed appropriately to potentially delay (as it is a progressive disease) or prevented (by lifestyle modifications that keep patient from developing/triggering diabetes in the first place). CONCLUSIONS: The full type 2 diabetes patient trajectories generated by the chronic disease progression model can counter a lack of real-world evidence of desired longitudinal timeframe while facilitating population health management.

Application Progress of Massively Parallel Sequencing Technology in STR Genetic Marker Detection.

In recent years, more and more forensic genetics laboratories have begun to apply massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology, that is, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, to detect common forensic genetic markers, including short tandem repeat (STR), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), the control region or whole genome of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), as well as messenger RNA (mRNA), etc., for forensic practice, such as individual identification, kinship analysis, ancestry inference and body fluid identification. As the most widely used genetic marker in forensic genetics, STR is currently mainly detected by capillary electrophoresis (CE) platform. Compared with CE platform, MPS technology has the advantages of simultaneous detection of a large number of genetic markers, massively parallel detection of samples, the polymorphism of sequence detected by NGS makes STR have the advantages of higher resolution and system efficiency. However, MPS technology is expensive, there is no uniform standard so far, and there are problems such as how to integrate MPS-STR data with the existing CE-STR database. This review summarizes the current status of the application of MPS technology in the detection of STR genetic markers in forensic genetics, puts forward the main problems that need to be solved urgently, and prospects the application prospect of this technology in forensic genetics.

Genetic Polymorphism of 16 X-STR Loci in Xinjiang Uygur Population.

OBJECTIVES: To study the genetic polymorphism and population genetic parameters of 16 X-STR loci in Xinjiang Uygur population. METHODS: The Goldeneye® DNA identification system 17X was used to amplify 16 X-STR loci in 502 unrelated individuals (251 females and 251 males). The amplified products were detected by 3130xl genetic analyzer. Allele frequencies and population genetic parameters were analyzed statistically. The genetic distances between Uygur and other 8 populations were calculated. Multidimensional scaling and phylogenetic tree were constructed based on genetic distance. RESULTS: In the 16 X-STR loci, a total of 67 alleles were detected in 502 Xinjiang Uygur unrelated individuals. The allele frequencies ranged from 0.001 3 to 0.572 4. PIC ranged from 0.568 8 to 0.855 3. The cumulative discrimination power in females and males were 0.999 999 999 999 999 and 0.999 999 999 743 071, respectively. The cumulative mean paternity exclusion chance in trios and in duos were 0.999 999 997 791 859 and 0.999 998 989 000 730, respectively. The genetic distance between Uygur population and Kazakh population was closer, and the genetic distance between Uygur and Han population was farther. CONCLUSIONS: The 16 X-STR loci are highly polymorphic and suitable for identification in Uygur population, which can provide a powerful supplement for the study of individual identification, paternity identification and population genetics.

Development and validation of a forensic six-dye multiplex assay with 29 STR loci.

This paper describes the development and validation of a novel 31-locus, six-dye STR multiplex system, which is designed to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Chinese forensic database. This new assay combines 20 extended-CODIS core loci (D3S1358, D5S818, TPOX, CSF1PO, TH01, vWA, D7S820, D21S11, D8S1179, D18S51, D16S539, D13S317, FGA, D1S1656, D2S441, D2S1338, D10S1248, D12S391, D19S433, and D22S1045), nine highly polymorphic loci in Chinese Han population (D3S3045, D6S1043, D6S477, D8S1132, D10S1435, D15S659, D19S253, Penta D, and Penta E), and two gender determining markers, amelogenin and Y-Indel, which could amplify DNA from extracts, as well as direct amplification from substrates. To demonstrate the suitability for forensic applications, this system was validated by precision and accuracy evaluation, concordance tests, case sample tests, sensitivity, species specificity, stability, stutter calculation, and DNA mixtures, according to the guidelines described by the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) and regulations published by the China Ministry of Public Security. The validation results indicate the robustness and reliability of this new system, and it could be a potentially helpful tool for human identification and paternity testing in the Chinese population, as well as facilitating global forensic DNA data sharing.

Analytical validation of an RI sample cartridge with the RapidHIT® ID system.

Evaluating the short tandem repeat (STR) in the field is important for the timely identification of a suspect. Several lines showed that the RapidHIT® ID system is reliable for DNA genotyping with buccal swabs and naked DNA. However, the application of this approach with blood samples has been poorly investigated. Because blood samples are among the most common forensic samples in our laboratory, further studies should be conducted. Here, we assessed the analytical performance of 19 STR loci with a newly developed RapidINTEL (RI) Sample Cartridge Kit by using the blood samples with known genotypes. Several commonly used substrates were included in the sensitivity study, and FTA cards proved to be the most promising sample carrier for blood storage and later identification. There was superior sensitivity and specificity with a 100% concordance rate for 0.5 µL of blood or 7 ng of genomic DNA. The performance for blood samples was comparable with that for the standard protocol. High success rate (90.57%) and high-concordance (100%) genotyping were automatically achieved over a wide range of operating conditions except for TH01. No contamination was observed throughout the study. Hematin, indigo, and humic acid had limited influence on the instrument system, while urea and melanin dramatically affected the genotyping results. Generally, the newly developed RI sample cartridge provided an alternative method for the STR genotyping of single-source blood samples over a wide range of operating conditions.

The intersection of big data and epidemiology for epidemiologic research: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Big data epidemiology facilitates pandemic response by providing data-driven insights by utilizing big data tools that differ from traditional methods. Aspects regarding 'garbage in, garbage out', such as insufficient data, inaccessibility of data, missing data, uncertainty in handling data and bias in analysis or common findings are addressable by combining techniques across disciplines.

Forensic Application of ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit in Zhengjiang She Ethnic Group.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ability of the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep kit (ForenSeq kit) in analyzing the sequence information of STRs in Zhejiang She ethnic group and its forensic application efficacy. METHODS: A total of 50 Zhejiang She ethnic group samples were sequenced with the ForenSeq kit on the MiSeq FGx platform. The data was analyzed using ForenSeqTM universal analysis software to obtain the motif structure and flank regions of the 58 STRs, then compared with PCR-CE typing results to test the consistency. At last, the allele frequency and population genetic parameters were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 448 sequence polymorphic alleles were detected in 50 samples of Zhejiang She ethnic group. Compared with fragment length polymorphism detected by PCR-CE, 82 alleles were increased by MPS detection based on ForenSeq kit, and 7 SNPs variation were detected in the flanking regions of 6 loci. The 22 male individuals were genotyped, and total 19 haplotypes were detected in 24 Y chromosome STRs of these 22 males. The cumulative discrimination power of the 27 autosomal STRs was 1-8.87×10-30, the cumulative probability of exclusion of duo-testing was 0.999 999 962 640 657, the cumulative probability of exclusion of trios-testing was 0.999 999 999 999 633. CONCLUSIONS: Based on MPS typing technology, using the ForenSeq kit greatly improves the detection efficiency. In addition, the 58 STRs have good genetic polymorphisms in Zhejiang She ethnic group, which are suitable for individual identification and paternity identification in forensic application.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosage Optimization of Linezolid in Patients with Liver Dysfunction.

Linezolid is the first synthetic oxazolidone agent to treat infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens. Infected patients with liver dysfunction (LD) are more likely to suffer from adverse reactions, such as thrombocytopenia, when standard-dose linezolid is used than patients with LD who did not use linezolid. Currently, pharmacokinetics data of linezolid in patients with LD are limited. This study aimed to characterize pharmacokinetics parameters of linezolid in patients with LD, identify the factors influencing the pharmacokinetics, and propose an optimal dosage regimen. We conducted a prospective study and established a population pharmacokinetics model with the Phoenix NLME software. The final model was evaluated by goodness-of-fit plots, bootstrap analysis, and prediction corrected-visual predictive check. A total of 163 concentration samples from 45 patients with LD were adequately described by a one-compartment model with first-order elimination along with prothrombin activity (PTA) and creatinine clearance as significant covariates. Linezolid clearance (CL) was 2.68 liters/h (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.34 to 3.03 liters/h); the volume of distribution (V) was 58.34 liters (95% CI, 48.00 to 68.68 liters). Model-based simulation indicated that the conventional dose was at risk for overexposure in patients with LD or severe renal dysfunction; reduced dosage (300 mg/12 h) would be appropriate to achieve safe (minimum steady-state concentration [Cmin,ss] at 2 to 8 µg/ml) and effective targets (the ratio of area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h [AUC0-24] at steady state to MIC, 80 to 100). In addition, for patients with severe LD (PTA, ≤20%), the dosage (400 mg/24 h) was sufficient at an MIC of ≤2 µg/ml. This study recommended therapeutic drug monitoring for patients with LD. (This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under no. ChiCTR1900022118.).

Genetic analysis of type 2 tri-allelic pattern at TPOX locus in the Chinese Han population.

Tri-allelic patterns can occasionally be observed during the profiling of short tandem repeats (STRs) in routine forensic practice. In previous studies, the Type 2 tri-allelic pattern at TPOX has been widely studied in African and Brazilian populations. In this study, we investigated the incidence, rearrangement, and inheritance of the Type 2 tri-allelic pattern at the TPOX locus in a Chinese Han population. The frequency of the Type 2 pattern at TPOX was approximately 0.0189%, and the major extra allele was allele 11 in the Chinese Han population. Two major allelic combinations, 8/11 and 11/12, were observed, which are different from the configuration of that in both African and Brazilian populations. Tight linkage between alleles 11 and 12 was observed in the majority of the Type 2 pattern at TPOX in the Chinese Han population, while the location of the extra copy on chromosome 2 was validated, which shows an identical ancestral origin. The excess allelic combination 8/11 implies a homogeneous origin and tight linkage relationship. However, the rearrangement in the Type 2 pattern with the 8/11 allelic combination remained unknown. Altogether, these results show the configuration of the Type 2 tri-allelic pattern at the TPOX locus in the Chinese Han population, which will assist in the understanding of the Type 2 tri-allelic pattern at the TPOX locus in the global population.