Risk factors of significant relapse and appropriate maintenance therapy strategy in SLE-associated immune thrombocytopenia.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus-associated immune thrombocytopenia (SLE-ITP) is characterized by relapse. The risk factors of relapse and appropriate maintenance therapy strategy deserve further exploration. Objectives: To determine the risk factors for relapse and appropriate maintenance therapy in significant SLE-ITP patients (a platelet count ⩽30 × 109/l) after the first complete response. Design: Retrospective cohort study using the medical records of 105 patients diagnosed as significant SLE-ITP in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital during December 2012 to March 2021. Patients were followed through a call for observations in January 2022. Methods: Data including demographics, initial clinical feature, induction and maintenance therapy, and outcome at the end of follow-up were analyzed. Risk factors for significant relapse were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. The cumulative hazard of significant relapse and the duration of response were estimated, and the differences in outcome between groups were compared using the Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 65 significant SLE-ITP patients were eligible for the final analysis. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] follow-up duration and median [IQR] duration of response were 62.2 [41.0-79.6] months and 43.4 [20.3-68.7] months, respectively. After the first complete response, 19/65 (29.2%) had a significant relapse. Compared with sustained clinical remission (SCR) + sustained response (SR) group, significant relapse group had a higher proportion of discontinued patients (47.4% versus 8.7%, p = 0.001). Among the 13 discontinued patients, the duration of maintenance therapy of the patients in significant relapse group was significantly shorter than that of the patients in SCR + SR group (months, median [IQR], 43.1 [32.0-62.4] versus 12.0 [5.1-22.0], p = 0.009). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that drug withdrawal was an independent risk factor for significant relapse [odds ratio (OR) = 10.4, confidence interval (CI) 95% 2.2-47.8, p = 0.003]. There was no significant difference between glucocorticoids (GCs) + hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) group and GCs + HCQ + immunosuppressive agents (ISAs) group in significant relapse rate (26.7% versus 22.2%, p > 0.05). The two SR curves of GCs + HCQ and GCs + HCQ+ ISA group basically coincided by the Cox regression analysis, demonstrating comparable long-term outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Drug withdrawal, especially abrupt withdrawal with insufficient duration of maintenance therapy, is an independent risk factor for significant relapse of SLE-ITP. HCQ combined with GCs is expected to be the first choice of the maintenance therapy for SLE-ITP patients.

Immunogenicity of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Progress has been made in COVID-19 vaccine development, with encouraging safety and efficacy data. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immunogenicity of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD). Patients with AIIRD (n = 101) were included in this study. All patients received 2 doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. Serum anti-S1/RBD protein IgG was detected 2-16 weeks after the second vaccination. Seropositivity was defined as IgG ≥ 1.00 bound antibody unit S/CO. Immunogenicity of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was assessed by seropositivity rate and the levels of serum IgG antibody against anti-S1/RBD protein, compared with the general population (n = 46). There was no difference by statistical significance in the seropositivity rate between patients with AIIRD (82.2%) and SLE (86.1%) and the control group (93.5%), p > 0.05. The level of anti-S1/RBD protein IgG antibodies in patients with AIIRD (median [IQR], 8.8 [2.2-17.3]) and SLE (median [IQR], 9.6 [2.4-20.4]) was comparable to that in the control group (median [IQR], 7.2 [3.1-14.2]), p > 0.05. Patients treated with glucocorticoids(GCs) (median dose, [IQR]: 2.5 mg/day [IQR 2.5-5.0]) or hydroxychloroquine(HCQ) or GCs + HCQ without other immunomodulatory medications, had an appropriate immunogenic response(88.1%) with high levels of anti-S1/RBD protein IgG(median [IQR], 12.1 [6.5-20.4]). Neither of patients treated with rituximab had positive serum antibodies, which was statistically significant, compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Compared with the control group, methotrexate(MTX) and iguratimod(IGU) was significantly reduced the level of anti-S1/RBD protein IgG antibodies. Inactivated COVID-19 vaccine had appropriate immunogenicity in patients with AIIRD. Immunogenicity of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was severely impaired by rituximab, and also suppressed by MTX and IGU, while low doses of GC and HCQ had negligible effect.

Al-based metal organic framework derived self-assembled carbon nanosheets as innovative anodes for Li- and Na-ion batteries.

Functional modification and structural design of carbon electrode materials are considered as a cost-effective method to improve their electrochemical performance. In this study, a solvothermal method is applied to realize self-assembly of the metal-organic framework. After simple carbonization and acid treatment, carbon nanosheets with 2D adjustable defective sub-units are successfully prepared for the first time. It is found that carbonization temperature has a significant effect on the carbon skeleton structure. The optimal nanostructures with large specific surface area and appropriate pore size distribution make self-assembled carbon nanosheets having excellent Li/Na-ion storage properties. In addition, the adjustable carbon skeleton structure can effectively avoid irreversible damage when charge-discharge cycles. For Li-ion batteries, a specific capacity of 825 mAh g-1 is achieved after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1, while for Na-ion batteries a specific capacity of 193 mAh g-1 is observed after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1. Moreover, for Na-ion batteries, even at a high rate of 1000 mA g-1 the material delivers a specific capacity of 109.5 mAh g-1 after 3500 cycles.

Conducting polymer-coated MIL-101/S composite with scale-like shell structure for improving Li-S batteries.

Lithium-sulfur batteries are regarded as a promising energy storage system. However, they are plagued by rapid capacity decay, low coulombic efficiency, a severe shuttle effect and low sulfur loading in cathodes. To address these problems, effective carriers are highly demanded to encapsulate sulfur in order to extend the cycle life. Herein, we introduced a doped-PEDOT:PSS-coated MIL-101/S multi-core-shell structured composite. The unique structure of MIL-101, large specific area and conductive shell ensure high dispersion of sulfur in the composite and minimize the loss of polysulfides to the electrolyte. The doped-PEDOT:PSS-coated sulfur electrodes exhibited an increase in initial capacity and an improvement in rate characteristics. After 192 cycles at the current density of 0.1C, a doped-PEDOT:PSS-coated MIL-101/S electrode maintained a capacity of 606.62 mA h g-1, while the MIL-101/S@PEDOT:PSS electrode delivered a capacity of 456.69 mA h g-1. The EIS measurement revealed that the surface modification with the conducting polymer provided a lower resistance to the sulfur electrode, which resulted in better electrochemical behaviors in Li-S battery applications. Test results indicate that the MIL-101/S@doped-PEDOT:PSS is a promising host material for the sulfur cathode in the lithium-sulfur battery applications.

3D CuO nanosheet wrapped nanofilm grown on Cu foil for high-performance non-enzymatic glucose biosensor electrode.

3D binder-free CuO nanosheets wrapped nanofilms has been in situ synthesized on Cu substrate by a simple and facile procedure, with an aim of fabricating high-performance glucose sensor. The complex morphology that the nanosheet grown on Cu subtract evolved into nanofilms and eventually converged to nanowires, is benefit for the mass transport and electro-catalysis. Compared the ECSA of the CuO modified electrode to that of the bare Cu electrode, the effective surface area during the electro-catalysis of the CuO/Cu electrode is much larger. The glucose sensor based on CuO products exhibited high sensitivity (4201µAcm-2mM-1), low detection limit (0.5µmol/L) and quick response time (0.7s). And the stability and selectivity is also fantastic. According to the serum sample analysis, it transpires that the CuO/Cu sensor displayed excellent recovery compared to the concentration values measured by medial method. So this material shows great potential applications in glucose sensors.

[The effect of culture supernatant from MSCs on the proliferation and expression of COX-2, MMP-2 in rat synovial cell line].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of culture supernatant form mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the proliferation of rat fibroblast-like synovial cell line RSC-364 and the expression of COX-2, MMP-2. METHODS: After isolation and identification of MSCs, the effect of MSCs supernatant liquid (MSCs-SL) on the proliferation of RSC-364 and the expression of COX-2, MMP-2 were detected by MTT assay and RT-PCR. RESULTS: MSCs-SL enhanced the proliferation of synoviocyte and elevated the expression of COX-2 and MMP-2 in synoviocytes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MSCs may influence the proliferation of synoviocytes by secreting soluble cytokines and altered the expression level of some enzymes in synoviocytes.

Application of microcapsulation technology to the preparation of carbon foam.

Microcapsules were prepared by in situ polymerization and microcapsulation. Tetraethyl orthosilicate was used as the core material and phenolic resin was used as the wall material in an emulsion system of polyacrylic and tetraethyl orthosilicate. The obtained microcapsules were slowly heated such that the core material was released by evaporation, leaving hollow-core spheres. The spheres were mixed with a phenolic resin-derived binder and molded to obtain a carbon foam precursor, which was carbonized at 1100 °C under the protection of N2 gas and graphitized at 2300 °C under the protection of Ar gas. Thus, the carbon foam of hollow closed-shelled microspheres with a graphitic structure was prepared. The properties and structure of this foam were discussed.

Molecular characterization, expression and mapping of porcine LMP2 and MECL-1 genes.

Low molecular mass polypeptides 2 (LMP2) and Multicatalytic endopeptidase complex subunit (MECL-1) are two of three catalytic beta-type subunits of the 20s proteasome and upon interferon gamma-induction. LMP2 is critical for the production of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I ligand and T-lymphocytes. The LMP2 gene is located in the MHC region, but MECL-1 is located outside the MHC region. They are involved in the antigen presentation and are important candidate genes for an initial exploration of relationships between the antigen processing genes and disease resistance. In this report, the porcine LMP2 and MECL-1 cDNA were cloned and A 5099 bp LMP2 genomic DNA structure was identified, then two single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the exon2 and exon5 of LMP2 gene in 367 individuals. The LMP2 and MECL-1 genes putative protein included 219,274 amino acids, respectively. Alignment and phylogenetic of predicted porcine LMP2 and MECL-1 amino acid sequence with their homologies were analyzed. Tissues expression of LMP2 and MECL-1 mRNA were observed by real time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) method, the results revealed MECL-1 expressed widely in all tissues, but LMP2 was not detected in muscle. The porcine MECL-1 gene was mapped to chromosome 6, closely linked to microsatellite SW1108 (LOD = 4.09, 84cR) by radiation hybrid panel.

[Denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis in the genetic diagnosis of hereditary multiple exostoses].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the mutations of EXT2 gene in hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) families and to investigate the sensitivity of denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) in screening the mutations in EXT2 gene. METHODS: Five HME families and 3 sporadic patients were screened for the mutation detection in all exons of EXT2 gene covering the coding sequence and the flanking intronic sequence by DGGE, and DNA sequencing was performed for products with abnormal conformation. RESULTS: Among these HME patients, we found 2 disease-causing mutations: A313T (nonsense mutation) and 319 insGT (frameshift mutation). CONCLUSION: Two mutations of EXT2 gene are identified in the sample. DGGE can be an ideal choice for gene diagnoses of HME.

[Effect of HepG2 cells modified with CD80-IgG1 Fc fusion protein on anti-tumor immune response by lymphocytes].

AIM: To investigate the anti-tumor immune response of lymphocytes elicited by HepG2 cells modified with CD80-IgG1 Fc fragment fusion protein (CD80-Fc). METHODS: HepG2 cells were modified with CD80-Fc, then the expression of CD80 on the cell surface was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). After mixed lymphocyte-tumour cell reaction (MLTR) of the modified HepG2 cells and peripheral lymphocytes of healthy volunteers, the proliferation and cytotoxicity of the lymphocytes were tested by MTT colorimetry and LDH release assay,respectively. RESULTS: CD80-Fc could be efficiently bound on HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells modified with CD80-Fc fusion protein dramatically elicited proliferation and cytotoxicity of normal lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: CD80 may play an important role in anti-tumour immune response. HepG2 cells modified with CD80-Fc fusion protein can elicited potent anti-tumor immune response. This fusion protein provides a convenient means for further potential use in immunotherapy of tumor.

[Construction of eukaryotic expression vector of CD80-IgG1 Fc fragment fusion protein and its expression in CHO cells].

AIM: To construct an eukaryotic expression vector of CD80-IgG1 Fc, and to express the fusion protein in CHO cells. METHODS: The gene encoding the CD80-IgG1 Fc fusion protein were constructed in eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+) by means of T-A cloning and subcloning techniques, then was transfected into CHO cells for stable expression. The expression of the fusion protein was detected by Western blot and ELISA. RESULTS: DNA sequencing and restriction endonuclease digestion analysis indicated that the eukaryotic expression vector CD80-IgG1 Fc/pcDNA3.1(+) was successfully constructed. After the recombinant plasmid was transfected into CHO cells, the stable expression of the fusion protein was demonstrated by Western blot and ELISA. CONCLUSION: The eukaryotic expression vector of CD80-IgG1 Fc/pcDNA3.1(+) was successfully constructed and stably expressed in CHO cells, providing basis for anti-tumor study.

[Study on the fluorescence of poly (amidoamine) dendrimers decorated with coumarin-3-methyl acyl chloride on the periphery].

The polyamidoamine dendrimers, PAMAM-CMAC, was synthesized by decorating PAMAM dendrimer with coumarin-3-methyl acyl chlorine on the periphery. The structures were characterized by FTIR and H-NMR spectra. The fluorescence analysis indicated the PAMAM-CMAC exhibits strong fluorescence emission. The fluorescence intensity of PAMAM-CMAC is much higher than that of PAMAM dendrimer. The fluorescence intensity of PAMAM-CMAC was affected by pH, concentration and solvent. At a considerably big pH value range, the fluorescence emission of PAMAM-CMAC is comparatively stable. Meanwhile, the fluorescence emission of PAMAM-CMAC shifts to longer wavelength with the increase in solvent polarity.

[Modification of titanium surface with calcium and phosphorus ions using micro-arc oxidation and its effect on osteoblast attachment].

OBJECTIVE: To study the method for modifying titanium surface with calcium and phosphorus ions using micro-arc oxidation technique and observe osteoblast attachment to the modified surface. METHODS: TA(2) titanium discs were treated with micro-arc oxidation in electrolyte solution containing Ca(2+) and PO(4)(3-). The influence of Ca(2+) and PO(4)(3-) concentrations in the solution and the electrical parameters of the micro-arc oxidization on the content of calcium and phosphorus ions incorporated into the surface of titanium was investigated using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy was employed for morphological observation of the ceramic coating on the metal surface. The binding strength of ceramic coating with titanium was tested by shear bonding experiment. MC-3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells were then cultured on the treated surface of titanium discs to investigate the influence of the ceramic coating on osteoblast attachment. RESULTS: Micro-arc oxidation treatment produced a layer of porous TiO(2) coating on the surface of titanium discs, with the average pore size of 2 to 10 mum. EDX analysis revealed that the ceramic coating contained Ca and P elements, whose content had close correlation with Ca(2+) and PO(4)(3-) concentrations in the electrolyte solution and voltage, duty cycle and frequency of micro-arc oxidation. The average bonding strength of the ceramic coating with titanium was 22+/-3 MPa, and TiO(2) coating promoted attachment and spread of osteoblast-like cells on the metal surface as demonstrated by cell culture. CONCLUSIONS: Porous TiO(2) coating can be constructed on the surface of titanium using micro-arc oxidation, and Ca(2+) and PO(4)(3-) incorporated into the coating can improve the biocompatibility of titanium. The content of Ca(2+) and PO(4)(3-) in the coating can be modulated by adjusting the concentrations of Ca(2+) and PO(4)(3-) in the electrolyte solution and the electrical parameters of the micro-arc oxidation.

[Effect of antisense CD40 RNA on CD40 expression and proliferation of EB virus-transformed B lymphocytes].

AIM: To investigate the changes of CD40 expression and proliferation pattern of EB virus-transformed B lymphocytes that had been transfected by antisense CD40 RNA. METHODS: Eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3/CD40 of human CD40antisense RNA was constructed by means of T-A cloning and subcloning, and then was transfected into EB virus-transformed B lymphocytes. Changes of CD40 expression on the B cells and their proliferation were tested by flow cytometry and MTT colorimetry assay, respectively. RESULTS: CD40 expression and proliferation of the B cells transfected with antisense CD40 RNA were significantly lower than those of the cells transfected with pcDNA3 alone (P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: Antisense CD40 RNA may be served as an effective means of regulating immune function, and the CD40 gene itself also play an important role in cell proliferation.