A Case Report of Marfan Syndrome with Pituitary Tumor Which Could be Misdiagnosed as Gigantism / 罕见病研究

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is prone to fibrodysplasia, lens dislocation and rapid height growth, which needs to be distinguished from gigantism. This article reports a 14-year-old patient with MFS who had a typical binocular lens subluxation in both eyes, with visual impairment and rapid height growth. MRI with contrast to the pituitary suggested a pituitary microadenoma, but growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 were in the normal range, thus excluding gigantism or acromegaly. Non-functional pituitary adenoma was considered. MFS patients need long-term follow-up and multidisciplinary collaboration, and attention should be paid to cardiovascular system monitoring and genetic testing, which can be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of patients and risk prevention and control.

Structures of apo Cas12a and its complex with crRNA and DNA reveal the dynamics of ternary complex formation and target DNA cleavage.

Cas12a is a programmable nuclease for adaptive immunity against invading nucleic acids in CRISPR-Cas systems. Here, we report the crystal structures of apo Cas12a from Lachnospiraceae bacterium MA2020 (Lb2) and the Lb2Cas12a+crRNA complex, as well as the cryo-EM structure and functional studies of the Lb2Cas12a+crRNA+DNA complex. We demonstrate that apo Lb2Cas12a assumes a unique, elongated conformation, whereas the Lb2Cas12a+crRNA binary complex exhibits a compact conformation that subsequently rearranges to a semi-open conformation in the Lb2Cas12a+crRNA+DNA ternary complex. Notably, in solution, apo Lb2Cas12a is dynamic and can exist in both elongated and compact forms. Residues from Met493 to Leu523 of the WED domain undergo major conformational changes to facilitate the required structural rearrangements. The REC lobe of Lb2Cas12a rotates 103° concomitant with rearrangement of the hinge region close to the WED and RuvC II domains to position the RNA-DNA duplex near the catalytic site. Our findings provide insight into crRNA recognition and the mechanism of target DNA cleavage.

Analysis of KIF1A gene variant in a Chinese pedigree affected with Spastic paraplegia type 30 / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with hereditary spastic paraplegia type 30 (HSP30).@*METHODS@#A proband presented at the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University in August 2021 was selected as the study subject. The proband was subjected to whole exome sequencing, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.@*RESULTS@#The proband was found to have harbored a heterozygous c.110T>C variant in exon 3 of the KIF1A gene, which can cause substitution of isoleucine by threonine at position 37 (p.I37T) and alter the function of its protein product. The same variant was not found in his parents, elder brother and elder sister, suggesting that it has a de novo origin. Based on the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was rated as likely pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PP3+PS2).@*CONCLUSION@#The c.110T>C variant of the KIF1A gene probably underlay the HSP30 in the proband. Above finding has enable genetic counseling for this family.

Recognition of the caudate lobe and reflections on related issues / 中华消化外科杂志

The hepatic caudate lobe is located in the deep back area of the liver. Due to the unique anatomical position of hepatic caudate lobe, surgical treatment for tumor of hepatic caudate lobe is particularly difficult. Non-surgical treatment, such as ablation, transarterial embolization, etc, is also challenging for tumor of hepatic caudate lobe, and the therapeutic effect is inferior to that of surgery. Therefore, surgical resection is the only treatment for tumor of hepatic caudate lobe. The authors discuss the research history of hepatic caudate lobe, the problems of laparoscopic technique in hepatic caudate lobe resection, etc, in order to provide a theoretical basis for improving the concept of accuracy of laparoscopic caudate lobectomy.

Safety of minimally invasive liver resection for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma complica-ted with portal hypertension: a multicenter study / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the safety of minimally invasive liver resection for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with portal hypertension.Methods:The propensity score matching and retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 807 patients with resectable HCC who underwent minimally invasive liver resection in 8 medical centers, including Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Affiliated with the Zhejiang University School of Medicine et al, from June 2011 to November 2022 were collected. There were 670 males and 137 females, aged 58(50,66)years. Of the 807 patients, 173 cases with portal hypertension were divided into the portal hypertension group, and 634 cases without portal hypertension were divided into the non-portal hypertension group. Observation indicators: (1) propensity score matching and comparison of general data of patients between the two groups after matching; (2) intraoperative and post-operative situations; (3) subgroup analysis. Propensity score matching was done by the 1:1 nearest neighbor matching method, with the caliper setting as 0.001. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the rank sum test. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was constructed using the non-parameter rank sun test. Results:(1) Propensity score matching and comparison of general data of patients between the two groups after matching. Of the 807 patients, 268 cases were successfully matched, including 134 cases in the portal hypertension group and 134 cases in the non-portal hypertension group. The elimination of the tumor diameter and robot-assisted surgery confounding bias ensured comparability between the two groups after propensity score matching. (2) Intraoperative and postoperative situations. The occlusion time of porta hepatis, cases with intraoperative blood transfusion, cases with postoperative complication, cases with complication >Ⅱ grade of Clavien-Dindo classification, cases of Clavien-Dindo classification as Ⅰ grade, Ⅱ grade, Ⅲ grade, Ⅳ grade, cases with liver related complication were 27.0(15.0,43.0)minutes, 33, 55, 15, 13, 29, 14, 1, 37 in the portal hypertension group, versus 35.0(22.0,60.0)minutes, 17, 25, 5, 14, 9, 4, 1, 13 in the non-portal hypertension group, showing significant differences in the above indicators between the two groups ( Z=-2.15, χ2=6.30, 16.39, 4.38, 20.72, 14.16, P<0.05). (3) Subgroup analysis. Results of subgroups analysis showed that in cases with major live resection, the operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, duration of postoperative hospital stay were 243.5(174.6,296.3)minutes, 200.0(150.0,600.0)mL, 7.5(6.0,13.0)days in the portal hypertension group, versus 270.0(180.0,314.5)minutes, 200.0 (75.0,450.0)mL, 7.0(5.5,10.0)days in the non-portal hypertension group, showing no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups ( Z=-0.54, -1.73, -0.92, P>0.05). In cases with non-major live resection, the operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, duration of postoperative hospital stay were 170.0(120.0,227.5)minutes, 100.0(50.0,200.0)mL, 8.0(5.0,10.0)days in the portal hypertension group, versus 170.0(120.0,227.5)minutes, 100.0(50.0,200.0)mL, 7.0(5.5,9.0)days in the non-portal hypertension group, showing no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups ( Z=-1.39, -0.10, 1.05, P>0.05). In cases with anatomical liver resection, the operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, duration of postoperative hospital stay were 210.0(150.0,285.0)minutes, 150.0(50.0,200.0)mL, 8.0(6.0,9.3)days in the portal hypertension group, versus 225.5(146.3,306.8)minutes, 100.0(50.0,250.0)mL, 7.0(6.0,9.0)days in the non-portal hypertension group, showing no significant difference in the above indica-tors between the two groups ( Z=-0.75, -0.26, -0.91, P>0.05). In cases with non-anatomical liver resection, the operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, duration of postoperative hospital stay were 173.5(120.0,231.5)minutes, 175.0(50.0,300.0)mL, 7.0(5.0,11.0)days in the portal hyper-tension group, versus 186.0(123.0,262.5)minutes, 100.0(50.0,200.0)mL, 7.0(5.0,9.5)days in the non-portal hypertension group, showing no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups ( Z=-0.97, -1.12, -0.98, P>0.05). Conclusion:Minimally invasive liver resection or even major liver resection is safe and feasible for screened HCC patients complicated with portal hyper-tension, but attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of postoperative complications.

LRRK2G2019S mutation induced microglia activation after iron removal by inhibiting autophagy associated proteins / 中华神经医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of LRRK2G2019S mutation on activation of microglia after iron deprivation and its mechanism.Methods:(1) Microglia were differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC) with the help of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and identified by immunofluorescent staining, and α-synuclein (α-syn) A53T mutant protein was obtained by protein purification technology. (2) Microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group, α-syn+ deferoxamine (DFO) group; phosphate buffer solution (PBS), 1 μmol/L purified α-syn A53T mutant protein, 1 μmol/L purified α-syn A53T mutant protein+30 mmol/L DFO were given respectively for 24 h. Fe 2+ concentration was detected by colorimetry, Rab35 protein expression was detected by Western blotting, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by flow cytometry, and interleukin-6 ( IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α ( TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β ( TGF-β) mRNA expressions were detected by real time-PCR (RT-PCR); microglia culture supernatant (MCS) in the 3 groups were transfered to SH-SY5Y cells, and SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. (3) Bidirectional DNA sequencing was used to detect leucine rich repeat kinase 2 ( LRRK2) gene mutations in microglia treated with 1 μmol/L purified α-syn A53T mutant protein. Microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group and α-syn+GSK3357679A group, and treated with corresponding drugs for 24 h, respectively (LRRK2 inhibitor GSK3357679A concentration: 10 nmol/L), and LRRK2 protein expression was detected by Western blotting; microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group, α-syn+GSK3357679A, and α-syn+GSK3357679A+DFO group, and treated with corresponding drugs for 24 h, Rab35 protein expression was detected by Western blotting, intracellular ROS level was detected by flow cytometry, and IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR. (4) Microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group, α-syn+rapamycin (RAPA) group, and treated with corresponding drugs for 24 h (concentration of autophagy inducer RAPA: 50 nmol/L); protein expressions of Rab35, P62 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II (LC3II) were detected by Western blotting; intracellular ROS level was detected by flow cytometry, and IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR. (5) Microglia were divided into control group, α-syn group, and α-syn+Rab35 group, and treated with corresponding drugs for 24 h (concentration of Rab35 overexpressed plasmids: 1 μg/mL); Rab35, P62, and LC3II protein expressions were detected by Western blotting; ROS level was detected by flow cytometry, and IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β mRNA expressions were detected by RT-PCR. Results:(1) Immunofluorescent staining showed negative neuronal nuclei (NeuN) expression and positive ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) expression in microglia, and high LRRK2 expression; PcDNA3.1-SNCA-A53T expression plasmid was constructed and α-syn A53T mutant protein was purified. (2) The Fe 2+ concentration in α-syn group was significantly higher than that in control group, and the Fe 2+ concentration in α-syn+DFO group was significantly lower than that in α-syn group ( P<0.05); the Rab35 protein and TGF-β mRNA expressions in control group, α-syn group and α-syn+DFO group were decreased successively, while the IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions were increased successively, with significant differences ( P<0.05); ROS level and SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis rate in control group, α-syn group, α-syn+DFO group were increased successively. (3) Bidirectional DNA sequencing showed that the LRRK2G2019S mutation in microglia was the most obvious after α-syn A53T mutant protein stimulation; compared with the control group, the α-syn group had significantly increased LRRK2 protein expression, while the α-syn+GSK3357679A group had significantly decreased LRRK2 protein expression compared with α-syn group ( P<0.05); compared with the control group, the α-syn group had significantly decreased Rab35 protein and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and statistically increased IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); compared with α-syn group, the α-syn+GSK3357679A group had significantly increased Rab35 protein and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and statistically decreased IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); compared with α-syn+GSK3357679A group, α-syn+GSK3357679A+DFO group had significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions, and significantly decreased Rab35 protein and TGF-β mRNA expressions ( P<0.05). The α-syn group had higher ROS level than the control group, the α-syn+GSK3357679A group had lower ROS level than the α-syn group, and the α-syn+GSK3357679A+DFO group had higher ROS level than the α-syn+GSK3357679A group. (4) Compared with the control group, the α-syn group had significantly decreased Rab35 and LC3II protein, and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and significantly increased P62 protein, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); compared with α-syn group, the α-syn+RAPA group had significantly increased Rab35 and LC3II protein, and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and significantly decreased P62 protein, and IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); the α-syn group had higher ROS level than the control group and α-syn+RAPA group. (5) Compared with the control group, the α-syn group had significantly decreased Rab35 and LC3II protein, and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and statistically increased P62 protein, and IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05); compared with the α-syn group, the α-syn+Rab35 group had significantly increased Rab35 and LC3II protein, and TGF-β mRNA expressions, and significantly decreased P62 protein, and IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions ( P<0.05). The α-syn group had higher ROS level than the control group and α-syn+Rab35 group. Conclusion:LRRK2G2019S can induce neuroinflammation by inhibiting Rab35-related autophagy under iron deprivation, and Rab35 is expected to be a key factor in intervening neuroinflammation.

Advancing drug delivery to articular cartilage: From single to multiple strategies

Articular cartilage (AC) injuries often lead to cartilage degeneration and may ultimately result in osteoarthritis (OA) due to the limited self-repair ability. To date, numerous intra-articular delivery systems carrying various therapeutic agents have been developed to improve therapeutic localization and retention, optimize controlled drug release profiles and target different pathological processes. Due to the complex and multifactorial characteristics of cartilage injury pathology and heterogeneity of the cartilage structure deposited within a dense matrix, delivery systems loaded with a single therapeutic agent are hindered from reaching multiple targets in a spatiotemporal matched manner and thus fail to mimic the natural processes of biosynthesis, compromising the goal of full cartilage regeneration. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of sequential delivery strategies targeting multiple pathological processes. In this review, we first summarize the current status and progress achieved in single-drug delivery strategies for the treatment of AC diseases. Subsequently, we focus mainly on advances in multiple drug delivery applications, including sequential release formulations targeting various pathological processes, synergistic targeting of the same pathological process, the spatial distribution in multiple tissues, and heterogeneous regeneration. We hope that this review will inspire the rational design of intra-articular drug delivery systems (DDSs) in the future.

Laparoscopic limited anatomical hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma within the right anterior section: a propensity score matched study / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the efficacy of laparoscopic limited anatomical hepatectomy (LLAH) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within the right anterior section.Methods:The clinical data of 144 patients with HCC confined in the right anterior section undergoing hepatectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2015 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 122 males and 22 females, aged (54.5±9.7) years. Patients were divided into LLAH ( n=27), laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy (LAH, n=69), and laparoscopic non-anatomical hepatectomy (LNAH, n=48). Propensity score matching was used to compare the operative time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, serum total bilirubin and albumin, and the prognostic indicators such as tumor-free survival (DFS) rate and cumulative survival rate between the groups. Results:After propensity score matching, there were 26 cases each in LLAH and LNAH group. There was no significant difference in operative time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative hospital stay between LLAH group and LNAH group (all P<0.05). The total bilirubin and albumin in LLAH on the third day after operation were [ M( Q1, Q3)] 24.1(20.9, 29.1) μmol/L and (35.8±2.9) g/L, better than those in LNAH group 39.3(33.2, 57.0) μmol/L and (33.9±2.5) g/L, respectively. The 1- and 3-year DFS rates in LLAH group were 92.3% and 57.7%, higher than those in LNAH group (80.8% and 19.2%) (all P<0.05). After propensity score matching, there were 25 patients each in LLAH and LAH group. The operative time, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative complications of LLAH group were lower than those of LAH group, and the liver function parameters of LLAH group was also better than those of LAH group (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in DSF rate between the two groups LLAH group and LAH group ( χ2=0.10, P=0.800). Conclusions:The perioperative outcome of LLAH for HCC within the right anterior section are similar to that of LNAH and better than that of LAH. The DFS of LLAH were better than that of LNAH and similar to that of LAH.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia with t(14;18)(q32;q21): report of 3 cases and review of literature / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Objective:To improve the understanding of chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) with t(14;18)(q32;q21).Methods:The clinical data of 3 cases diagnosed as CLL with t(14;18)(q32;q21) in the Tianjin KingMed Medical Laboratory from January 2020 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinicopathological data, morphological examination, immunophenotype, cytogenetics and somatic mutation of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region genes of patients were comprehensively analyzed, and the literature was reviewed.Results:All the 3 patients showed lymphatic proliferative diseases, and their morphological characteristics and immunophenotype were typical characteristics of CLL.Conclusions:The diagnosis of CLL is mainly based on the typical morphology and immunophenotype of tumor cells. The presence of t(14;18) should not be used to exclude the diagnosis of CLL.

Theory and technical practice of anatomic liver resection based on portal territory for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华消化外科杂志

Anatomic resection aims to improve the surgical efficacy of hepatocellular carcinoma by systematic resection of portal territory. However, due to its deviation of traditional theory and practice, the oncology effect is questionable. Anatomic resection based on portal territory(PT-AR) is planned by the analysis of real portal vein territory, and performed complete resection of tumor-bearing portal territory by fluorescent guidance, while exposing typical inter-territory hepatic vein, so as to ensure the complete function of future liver remnant. PT-AR is based on the core theory of classical anatomic resection, which will correct the deviation of traditional theory and practice from the technical level, so as to lead a better surgical oncology outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Clinical characteristics and surgical effects of acute calculous cholecystitis in high altitude area of Tibet / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and surgical effects of acute calculous cholecystitis (ACC) in high altitude area of Tibet.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 182 ACC patients who underwent surgery in the 954th Hospital of Army from January 2016 to December 2020 were collected. There were 56 males and 126 females, aged (41±13)years. Of the 182 patients, 61 cases undergoing open cholecystec-tomy were divided into the open group, and 121 cases undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were divided into the laparoscopic group. Observation indicators: (1) clinical characteristics of ACC in high altitude area; (2) surgical situations; (3) postoperative complications; (4) follow-up. Follow-up was conducted using outpatient examination and telephone interview to detect postopera-tive complications of patients up to October 2021. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Measure-ment data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3) or M(range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Results:(1) Clinical characteristics of ACC in high altitude area. Of the 182 patients, cases with symptom duration as <3 days, 3 days to 1 month, >1 month and ≤12 months, >12 months were 37, 43, 57, 45, respectively. Seventy-seven of the 182 patients were combined with other diseases before surgery. (2) Surgical situations. Two cases in the open group were found common bile duct stones during the operation, and underwent choledochotomy and T-tube drainage. Nine cases in the laparoscopic group were converted to laparotomy, including 3 cases with severe abdominal adhesion and ineffective hemostasis, 6 cases with anatomical variation of Calot triangle. The conversion to laparotomy rate was 7.438%(9/121). The other patients in the open group and the laparoscopic group completed surgery successfully. The operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, time to postoperative first out-of-bed activities, time to postoperative first flatus, cases with indwelling drainage tube, cases with acute simple cholecystitis, acute suppurative cholecystitis, acute gangrene cholecystitis, gallbladder perforation of disease pathological type, postoperative white cell count, postoperative neutrophil percentage, duration of postoperative hospital stay were (109±42)minutes, 50(45,100)mL, (16.1±1.5)hours, (31.4±11.9)hours, 33, 25, 27, 6, 3, (6.8±1.9)×10 9/L, 72.7%±7.4%, (7.3±1.7)days for the open group. The above indicators were (98±43)minutes, 20(20,50)mL, (12.9±1.4)hours, (26.7±12.1)hours, 51, 56, 51, 9, 5, (7.1±2.4)×10 9/L, 70.5%±8.7%, (6.4±1.7)days for the laparoscopic group. There were significant differences in the volume of intraopera-tive blood loss, time to postoperative first out-of-bed activities, time to postoperative first flatus, duration of postoperative hospital stay between the two groups ( Z=?6.75, t=14.41, 2.46, 3.45, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time, cases with indwelling drainage tube, diseases pathological type, postoperative white cell count, postoperative neutrophil percentage between the two groups ( t=1.66, χ2=2.33, 0.84, t=?0.71, 1.66, P>0.05). (3) Postoperative complica-tions. Postoperative complications occurred in 7 of the 61 patients in the open group and 5 of the 121 patients in the laparoscopic group. There was no significant difference in the postoperative complications between the two groups ( χ2=2.46, P>0.05). (4) Follow-up. Of the 182 patients, 115 cases including 35 cases in the open group and 80 cases in the laparoscopic group were followed up for 12(range, 3?24)months. During the follow-up, 1 case of the 35 patients in the open group had abdominal pain and jaundice, which was diagnosed as choledocholithiasis. The patient was improved after stone removal with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Two cases of the 35 patients in the open group had upper abdominal pain with fever and were improved after anti-infection treatment. Of the 80 patients in the laparoscopic group, 1 case had upper abdominal pain and 1 case had dyspepsia and anorexia, respectively. The two cases were improved after symptomatic treatment. Conclusions:Patients with ACC in the high altitude area of Tibet have high ratio of preoperative complications, long diseases history and high incidence rates of pyogenic perforation of the gallbladder. Patients with ACC in the high altitude area undergoing LC is safe and effective. Compared with open cholecystectomy, LC have less volume of intraoperative blood loss, faster postoperative recovery and shorter duration of postoperative hospital stay.

Classification and evolution of the surgical approach of laparoscopic hepatectomy / 中华消化外科杂志

In the past 30 years, laparoscopic hepatectomy has developed rapidly, which multi-dimensionally promoted the innovation of hepatectomy technology and strategy. This is mainly attributed to the key factors such as the improvement of domestic and foreign scholars′ under-standing of liver anatomy, the conversion and application of laparotomy technology, the expansion of laparoscopic vision and the feedback in surgery related fields. The authors summarize the enlighten-ment, development, promotion and sublimation of laparoscopic hepatectomy, and discuss the classi-fication and evolution of the surgical approach of laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Research progress of circular RNA in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma / 中国医师杂志

CircRNA(circular RNA) is a new class of covalently closed circular non-coding RNAs, with the function of the microRNA sponge, regulation of gene expression, and other functions. Studies have confirmed that circRNAs are involved in the occurrence and progression of a variety of tumors, and can be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for tumor diagnosis and prognosis evaluation. In this paper, the expression and mechanism of circRNA in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are reviewed.

Structural and mechanistic insight into stem-loop RNA processing by yeast Pichia stipitis Dicer.

Dicer is a member of the ribonuclease III enzyme family and processes double-stranded RNA into small functional RNAs. The variation in the domain architecture of Dicer among different species whilst preserving its biological dicing function is intriguing. Here, we describe the structure and function of a novel catalytically active RNase III protein, a non-canonical Dicer (PsDCR1), found in budding yeast Pichia stipitis. The structure of the catalytically active region (the catalytic RNase III domain and double-stranded RNA-binding domain 1 [dsRBD1]) of DCR1 showed that RNaseIII domain is structurally similar to yeast RNase III (Rnt1p) but uniquely presents dsRBD1 in a diagonal orientation, forming a catalytic core made of homodimer and large RNA-binding surface. The second dsRNA binding domain at C-terminus, which is absent in Rnt1, enhances the RNA cleavage activity. Although the cleavage pattern of PsDCR1 anchors an apical loop similar to Rnt1, the cleavage activity depended on the sequence motif at the lower stem, not the apical loop, of hairpin RNA. Through RNA sequencing and RNA mutations, we showed that RNA cleavage by PsDCR1 is determined by the stem-loop structure of the RNA substrate, suggesting the possibility that stem-loop RNA-guided gene silencing pathway exists in budding yeast.

Model-based cellular kinetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection: different immune response modes and treatment strategies

Increasing number in global COVID-19 cases demands for mathematical model to analyze the interaction between the virus dynamics and the response of innate and adaptive immunity. Here, based on the assumption of a weak and delayed response of the innate and adaptive immunity in SARS-CoV-2 infection, we constructed a mathematical model to describe the dynamic processes of immune system. Integrating theoretical results with clinical COVID-19 patients data, we classified the COVID-19 development processes into three typical modes of immune responses, correlated with the clinical classification of mild & moderate, severe and critical patients. We found that the immune efficacy (the ability of host to clear virus and kill infected cells) and the lymphocyte supply (the abundance and pool of naive T and B cell) play important roles in the dynamic process and determine the clinical outcome, especially for the severe and critical patients. Furthermore, we put forward possible treatment strategies for the three typical modes of immune response. We hope our results can help to understand the dynamical mechanism of the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to be useful for the treatment strategies and vaccine design.

Neonatal tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome caused by SKIV2L gene mutation: a case report / 中华围产医学杂志

We here report the diagnosis and treatment of tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome in a female neonate. The 11-day-old patient, born at a gestational age of 38 weeks and with a birth weight of 1 700 g, was admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University in January 2019 due to "skin stained yellow for 6 d". She presented with yellow, thin, and sparse hair that was easy to fall off, intractable diarrhea, repeated fever, and slow weight gain, further complicated by congenital heart disease. After 25-days of treatment, the child's infection was under control, but still had diarrhea. The baby girl was discharge later on request of her parents, but readmitted at the age of 3 months due to pulmonary infection. Delayed development, malnutrition, prominent forehead, wide eye distance, low nasal bridge, hepatomegaly, and intractable diarrhea were also observed. Whole exome sequencing identified a homozygous mutation of c.2344delC(p.His782fs) in SKIV2L gene in the baby, and both her parents were heterozygous carriers of the mutation at this site. She was diagnosed with SKIV2L gene mutation-induced tricho-hepato-enteric syndrome. The patient suffered from sustained diarrhea and recurrent infection and died of infection at 4 months of age after her parents' decision to withdraw treatment.

Analysis of gene variant in a Chinese pedigree with preaxial polydactyly / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the pathogenic variant of preaxial polydactyly in a Chinese Han pedigree and identify the cause of polydactyly.@*METHODS@#The peripheral blood DNA of the proband and her parents was extracted. The polydactyly-related genes were detected by trio whole exome sequencing, and the suspected pathogenic gene was screened out. Sanger sequencing was applied to other members of the pedigree.@*RESULTS@#The results of gene sequencing showed that the LMBR1 gene had a heterozygous variant of c.423+4909(IVS5)C>T in 6 patients of the pedigree. The same variant was not detected in family members with normal phenotype. Based on the ACMG guidelines, c.423+4909(IVS5)C>T of the LMBR1 gene was predicted to be pathogenic (PM1+PM2+PP1-S(PS)+PP4+PP5).@*CONCLUSION@#The heterozygous C>T variant at position 4909 of intron 5 of the LMBR1 gene probably underlies the disease in this pedigree.

Identification of a novel SOD1 variant in a Chinese patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).@*METHODS@#Peripheral blood samples were collected from the patient and his parents for the extraction of genomic DNA. Genetic variant was identified by whole exome sequencing. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing of his parents and healthy controls.@*RESULTS@#The patient was found to harbor a heterozygous c.420C>G (p.Asn140Lys) variant of the SOD1 gene. The same variant was not detected in his parents and 100 healthy controls. The variant has not been included in HGMD, dbSNP and other databases.@*CONCLUSION@#The c.420C>G variant of the SOD1 gene may underlie the ALS in this patient. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of SOD1 gene variants.

Variant analysis of SOX5 gene in a Lamb-Shaffer syndrome family / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a case of Lamb-Shaffer syndrome.@*METHODS@#Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and subjected to whole exome sequencing(WES). Suspected variant was verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The patients was found to harbor a heterozygous c.1495delA(p.Thr499Glnfs*5) frameshift variant of the SOX5 gene by WES. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the same variant was a de novo variant. Based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, c.1495delA(p.Thr499Glnfs*5) variant of the SOX5 gene was predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PS2+PM2).@*CONCLUSION@#The c.1495delA(p.Thr499Glnfs*5) variant of the SOX5 gene probably underlies the Lamb-Shaffer syndrome in this patient.

Clinical findings in critical ill patients infected with SARS-Cov-2 in Guangdong Province, China: a multi-center, retrospective, observational study

BackgroundIn December 2019, human infection with a novel coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2, was identified in Wuhan, China. The mortality of critical illness was high in Wuhan. Information about critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection outside of Wuhan is scarce. We aimed to provide the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of the critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Guangdong Province. MethodsIn this multi-centered, retrospective, observational study, we enrolled critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Guangdong Province. Demographic data, symptoms, laboratory findings, comorbidities, treatments, and prognosis were collected. Data were compared between patients with and without intubation. ResultsForty-five critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were identified in 7 ICUs in Guangdong Province. The mean age was 56.7 years, and 29 patients (64.4%) were men. The most common symptoms at the onset of illness were high fever and cough. Majority of patients presented with lymphopenia and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Treatment with antiviral drugs was initiated in all the patients. Thirty-seven patients (82.2%) had developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, and 13 (28.9%) septic shock. A total of 20 (44.4%) patients required intubation and 9 (20%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. As of February 28th 2020, only one patient (2.2%) had died and half of them had discharged of ICU. ConclusionsInfection with SARS-CoV-2 in critical illness is characterized by fever, lymphopenia, acute respiratory failure and multiple organ dysfunction. Compared with critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, the mortality of critically ill patients in Guangdong Province was relatively low. These data provide some general understandings and experience for the critical patients with SARS-CoV-2 outside of Wuhan.