A genome-wide association study of panicle blast resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae in rice.

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae), is one of the most serious diseases worldwide. Developing blast-resistant rice varieties is an effective strategy to control the spread of rice blast and reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides. In this study, 477 sequenced rice germplasms from 48 countries were inoculated and assessed at the booting stage. We found that 23 germplasms exhibited high panicle blast resistance against M. oryzae. Genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) identified 43 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) significantly associated (P < 1.0 × 10-4) with resistance to rice panicle blast. These QTL intervals encompass four genes (OsAKT1, OsRACK1A, Bsr-k1 and Pi25/Pid3) previously reported to contribute to rice blast resistance. We selected QTLs with -Log10 (P-value) greater than 6.0 or those detected in two-year replicates, amounting to 12 QTLs, for further candidate gene analysis. Three blast resistance candidate genes (Os06g0316800, Os06g0320000, Pi25/Pid3) were identified based on significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) distributions within annotated gene sequences across these 12 QTLs and the differential expression levels among blast-resistant varieties after 72 h of inoculation. Os06g0316800 encodes a glycine-rich protein, OsGrp6, an important component of plant cell walls involved in cellular stress responses and signaling. Os06g0320000 encodes a protein with unknown function (DUF953), part of the thioredoxin-like family, which is crucial for maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in vivo, named as OsTrxl1. Lastly, Pi25/Pid3 encodes a disease resistance protein, underscoring its potential importance in plant biology. By analyzing the haplotypes of these three genes, we identified favorable haplotypes for blast resistance, providing valuable genetic resources for future rice blast resistance breeding programs. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-024-01486-5.

Klinefelter syndrome with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome: a case report and literature review / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

The clinical data of a patient with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) complicated by partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) was retrospectively analyzed.The patient, a 2-month-and-22-day-old baby, was admitted to Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University due to abnormal external genitalia in October 2021.Upon birth, the patient exhibited abnormal external genitalia, manifested as clitoral hypertrophy.Hormonal examinations were consistent with those of peers, while chromosomal analysis revealed 47, XXY.Due to the severe undermasculinization, whole exome sequencing was conducted, indicating a heterozygous variant of the AR gene (c.1847G>A, p.Arg616His). The patient was diagnosed with PAIS, and her elder sister was diagnosed with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.For further treatment, a multidisciplinary comprehensive evaluation is needed.This is a rare case of KS combined with PAIS, suggesting the possibility of AR gene mutations in KS children with severe undermasculinization.

Efficacy of pecto-intercostal fascial plane block versus transversus thoracic muscle plane block under ultrasound guidance in coronary artery bypass grafting with general anesthesia / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy of pecto-intercostal fascial plane (PIFP) block versus transversus thoracic muscle plane (TTP) block under ultrasound guidance in coronary artery bypass grafting with general anesthesia.Methods:Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱor Ⅲ patients of either sex, aged 50-79 yr, scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting, were divided into 3 groups ( n=30 each) using a random number table method: PIFP block combined with general anesthesia group (PG group), TTP block combined with general anesthesia group (TG group), and general anesthesia group (G group). After anesthesia induction, bilateral PIFP block was performed under ultrasound guidance in group PG, TTP block was performed under ultrasound guidance in group TG. Three groups used the same general anesthesia method and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after surgery. Visual analog scale scores (cough, position change, etc) at rest and during activity were recorded at 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after operation. The total consumption of intraoperative sufentanil, extubation time, length of stay in intensive care units, rate of rescue analgesia, effective pressing times of patient-controlled analgesia, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, skin pruritus and nerve block-related adverse events were recorded. The operation time of nerve block was recorded and ultrasound-guided needle visibility score was assessed in PG group and TG group. Results:Compared with group G, the total consumption of intraoperative sufentanil was significantly reduced, the extubation time and length of stay in intensive care units were shortened, visual analog scale scores at rest and during activity were decreased at 6, 12 and 18 h after operation, the rate of rescue analgesia was decreased, and the effective pressing times of patient-controlled analgesia were decreased in group PG and group TG ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the aforementioned parameters in PG and TG groups ( P> 0.05). Compared with group TG, the operational time of nerve block was significantly shortened, and the ultrasound-guided needle visibility score was increased in group PG ( P<0.05). No nerve block-related adverse events were found in PG and TG groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and skin pruritus among the three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:PIFP block can provide good perioperative analgesia and promote the rapid recovery in the patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with general anesthesia. Although the analgesic effect of PIFP blockade is similar to that of TTP blockade, PIFP blockade is more clinically valuable due to its simpler operation and less relative risk.

Correlation between ultrasound parameters of internal carotid artery blood flow and regional cerebral oxygen saturation in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting under CPB / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the correlation between ultrasound parameters of internal carotid artery blood flow and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO 2) in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods:Sixty-four elderly patients undergoing elective CABG under CPB, aged 60-80 yr, regardless of gender, with body mass index of 18.1-28.9 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ, with New York Heart Association class Ⅱ or Ⅲ, with left ventricular ejection fraction≥50%, were selected. The rScO 2 and ultrasonic parameters of internal carotid artery including peak systolic velocity (PSV-ICA), end-diastolic velocity (EDV-ICA), diameter (D-ICA) and blood flow volume (Q-ICA) were recorded before anesthesia induction (T 0), at surgical skin incision (T 1), at 30 and 60 min of CPB (mean value was calculated, T 2), and at 30 and 60 min after termination of CPB (mean value was calculated, T 3). The ratio of unilateral internal carotid artery blood flow to cardiac output (Q/CO) was calculated. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the accuracy of ultrasound parameters of internal carotid artery blood flow in predicting rScO 2 < 60%. Results:PSV-ICA was positively correlated with rScO 2 at T 0, T 1 and T 3 ( P<0.05), but no correlation was found between PSV-ICA and rScO 2 at T 2 ( P>0.05). There was no correlation between EDV-ICA and rScO 2 at each time point ( P>0.05). Q-ICA was positively correlated with rScO 2 at each time point ( P<0.05). Q/CO was not correlated with rScO 2 at T 1 ( P>0.05), but Q/CO was positively correlated with rScO 2 at T 2 and T 3 ( P<0.05). During the non-CPB period (T 0, T 1, T 3), the cutoff values of PSV-ICA and Q-ICA in predicting rScO 2< 60% were 51.35 cm/s and 283.5 ml/min respectively, the sensitivity was 0.900 and 0.900 respectively, and the specificity was 0.610 and 0.857 respectively (AUC=0.761, P=0.006; AUC=0.903, P< 0.001). During the CPB period, the cutoff values of Q-ICA and Q/CO in predicting rScO 2<60% were 296.5 ml/min and 5.84% respectively, the sensitivity was 0.900 and 0.800, and the specificity was 0.545 and 0.659 (AUC=0.764, P=0.001; AUC=0.748, P=0.002), respectively. Conclusions:PSV-ICA and Q-ICA are positively correlated with rScO 2 during the non-CPB period, and Q-ICA and Q/CO are positively correlated with rScO 2 during the CPB period in elderly patients undergoing CABG. PSV-ICA, Q-ICA and Q/CO can accurately predict rScO 2<60%.

X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets treated with Burosumab in early childhood: A case study with 18-month follow up / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To retrospectively analyze a pediatric case of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets treated with Burosumab and improve clinicians′ awareness of the safety and effectiveness of the drug.Methods:Clinical data of the child were collected. Whole-exon genetic testing after parental consent confirmed X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets. During 18 months of Burosumab treatment, fasting blood phosphorus, alkaline phosphate, calcium, and calcium phosphate product were monitored every 11-14 days. Parathyroid hormone and 25 hydroxyvitamin D were checked every 2-6 weeks, while knee spacing, liver and kidney function, urinary calcium creatinine ratio, electrocardiogram were assessed every 3 months. Radiological imaging was performed every 6 months, with continuous follow-up of the child.Results:Whole-exon sequencing results showed a c. 1080_1081insCAATGTTA(p.T361Qfs*3) spontaneous heterozygous frameshift mutation in the PHEX gene in the child, which has not been reported previously. After the patient was treated with Burosumab for 18 months, the biochemical indexes were significantly improved, and the rickets score was reduced, without gingival abscess or other adverse events.Conclusion:The variant c. 1080_1081insCAATGTTA(p.T361Qfs*3) in the PHEX gene was identified as the cause of the patient′s condition. Burosumab, as a targeted therapeutic agent for X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, showed significant treatment efficacy.

Serological analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies level in Henan Province / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies level in the population after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Henan Province.Methods:A total of 5 178 peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 10 districts (counties) in Henan Province according to the national seroepidemiological survey program for COVID-19, and the method of cluster random sampling was adopted from March 6 to 15, 2023. Descriptive analysis was used for the basic data, history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respondents. The specific IgG antibody of SARS-CoV-2 was detected using chemiluminescence method. Statistical analysis was performed by using rank sum test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Dunn′s test.Results:The overall positive rate of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody was 83.35%(4 316/5 178). There were statistically significant differences in the specific IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 produced by people of different sexes, different ages, infected or not, vaccinated or not, and vaccinated with different doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ( Z=3.60, H=195.32, Z=6.10, 18.08, H=382.70, respectively, all P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies produced by unvaccinated+ uninfected group, unvaccinated+ infected group, vaccinated+ uninfected group, and vaccinated+ infected group were 3.54(0.98, 11.00), 60.65(2.33, 84.80), 133.00(59.80, 173.00), and 142.00(98.30, 176.00), respectively. And the difference was statistically significant( H=354.62, P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies of uninfected people increased with the increase of inoculum times( H=287.00 and 98.48, both P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies of people who were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the groups of whose interval from the last inoculation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to blood collection was less than three months, three to six months and more than six months were 171.86(156.04, 196.57), 71.71(17.08, 110.38) and 132.14(57.59, 172.25), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( H=19.93, P<0.001). Among them, the absolute difference between the less than three months group and the three to six months group was statistically significant ( Z=3.67, P<0.001), and the absolute difference between the less than three months group and the more than six months group was statistically significant ( Z=3.47, P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies level in the less than three months group was the highest. Conclusions:There is a certain correlation between the number of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses and the specific IgG antibodies level in uninfected people. The specific IgG antibodies could maintain a high level for three months after immunization.

Genetic analysis of a case with 11β hydroxylase deficiency caused by CYP11B2/CYP11B1 chimeric gene / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze a child with 11β hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD) due to CYP11B2/CYP11B1 chimeric gene.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of the child who was admitted to Henan Children's Hospital on August 24, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Peripheral blood samples of the child and his parents were collected and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. RT-PCR and Long-PCR were carried out to verify the presence of chimeric gene.@*RESULTS@#The patient, a 5-year-old male, had featured premature development of secondary sex characteristics and accelerated growth, and was diagnosed with 21 hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). WES revealed that he has harbored a heterozygous c.1385T>C (p.L462P) variant of the CYP11B1 gene, in addition to a 37.02 kb deletion on 8q24.3. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c.1385T>C (p.L462P) was rated as a likely pathogenic variant (PM2_Supporting+PP3_Moderate+PM3+PP4). The results of RT-PCR and Long-PCR suggested that CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 genes have recombined to form a CYP11B2 exon 1~7/CYP11B1 exon 7~9 chimeric gene. The patient was diagnosed as 11β-OHD and effectively treated with hydrocortisone and triptorelin. A healthy fetus was delivered following genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.@*CONCLUSION@#11β-OHD may be misdiagnosed as 21-OHD due to the potential CYP11B2/CYP11B1 chimeric gene, which will require multiple methods for the detection.

Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of two children with Familial glucocorticoid deficiency type 1 due to variants of MC2R gene / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To improve the recognition of Familial glucocorticoid deficiency type 1 (FGD1) due to variants of melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) gene.@*METHODS@#Two children with FGD1 diagnosed at the Henan Children's Hospital respectively in 2019 and 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data, treatment, follow-up and results of genetic testing were collected and retrospectively analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Whole exome sequencing revealed that both children had harbored compound heterozygous variants of the MC2R gene, including c.433C>T (p.R145C) and c.710T>C (p.L237P) in child 1, and c.145delG (p.V49Cfs*35) and c.307G>A (p.D103N) in child 2, among which c.710T>C (p.L237P) and c.145delG (p.V49Cfs*35) were unreported previously.@*CONCLUSION@#FGD1 is clinically rare, and genetic sequencing is crucial for the definite diagnosis. Discovery of the and novel variants has enriched the mutational spectrum of the FGD1 gene.

Quality of life in children with McCune-Albright syndrome and its influencing factors / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the quality of life in children with McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) and its influencing factors, so as to provide scientific basis for improving their quality of life.Methods:The clinical data of 31 children with MAS diagnosed (MAS group) and followed up in Henan Children′s Hospital from June 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.During the same period, 37 healthy age and sex-matched children at a ratio of 1∶1 were recruited as healthy control group.The children′s Quality of Life Universal Core Scale (PedsQL?4.0) was used for the investigation and comparative analysis.Statistical analysis was performed using the independent sample t test, Chi- square test and multiple regression analysis. Results:Compared with the healthy control group, the physiological function ( t=2.092, P<0.05), emotional function ( t=2.373, P<0.05) and total score ( t=2.360, P<0.05) of MAS group significantly decreased.Multiple regression analysis showed that physiological function was negatively correlated with the annual number of vaginal bleeding ( t=-2.367, P<0.05) and the age of first fracture ( t=-2.606, P<0.05). Social function was negatively correlated with the number of fractures ( t=-2.481, P<0.05). Conclusions:The overall quality of life of MAS children is low, especially the quality of physiological function and emotional function.The annual number of vaginal bleedings, the age of the first fracture and the number of fractures are influencing factors for the reduction of the quality of life of children with MAS.

Five patients with 11β-hydroxylase deficiency due to CYP11B1 gene mutation: A case study / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics of 11β-hydroxylase deficiency(11β-OHD) to improve the understanding of this disorder.Methods:The clinical manifestation, hormone level, imaging examination, characteristics of gene variation and follow-up of five patients with 11β-OHD diagnosed in Henan Children′s Hospital from 2016 to 2021 were carefully reviewed.Results:Among the 5 children, 3 were male and 2 were female, all without positive family history. The age at diagnosis was 1 year 5 months to 7 years(average 3 years and 9 months), and the bone age was 3 years 6 months to 16 years(average 10 years and 3 months). Two cases were misdiagnosed as 21-hydroxylase deficiency(21-OHD) and treated with long-term mineralocorticoids. Three patients presented with hypertension and one patient had testicular adrenal rest tumor. Adrenal CT showed bilateral adrenal hyperplasia in five patients. ACTH, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione levels were increased in 5 children, and hypokalemia occurred in 1 patient. One patient carried homozygous novel missense variant, and four patients had compound heterozygous variants. Four patients carried missence mutations, two patients had deletion and one patient harbored a chimeric CYP11B2 exon1-6/CYP11B1 exon7-9. Three novel CYP11B1 mutations, including c. 1385T>C(p.L462P), c.64C>T(p.Q22*)and c. 1354G>A(p.G452R) were identified. The final height of 2 male children were 164.4 cm and 150.2 cm, respectively, and the related hormone levels of the other 3 children were normal.Conclusion:11β-OHD is easily misdiagnosed, leading to severe impairment of final height. CYP11B1 gene variation is complex and diverse, which requires variety of gene detection methods.

Whole-genome characterization and traceability analysis of the first COVID-19 outbreak caused by Omicron variant in Henan Province / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To analyze the whole genome of Omicron variants causing the first local Omicron outbreak in Henan Province and to investigate the mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome for source tracing.Methods:Respiratory tract samples from COVID-19 cases in the Omicron outbreak in Henan Province from January 7 to 29, 2022 were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and sequence alignment analysis. Whole-genome identity, variations and evolution of the Omicron variants were analyzed.Results:Through high-throughput sequencing, the whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 were obtained from 120 cases, which accounted for 25.64% (120/468) of all COVID-19 cases in Anyang during the same period. Compared with the genome of Wuhan reference strain (NC_045512.2), there were 57-59 nucleotide mutation sites in the 120 whole genome sequences, and one or two nucleotide mutation sites were added to the shared 57 nucleotide sites. All of the 120 strains were VOC/Omicron (BA.1.1) variants and shared high homology. The whole-genome sequence obtained from the first case A contained 57 nucleotide mutation sites, while apart from the 57 identical nucleotide mutation sites, one specific mutation site (C1594T) was found in the whole-genome sequence obtained from the first case B, suggesting that the two cases were in the same transmission chain. After comparing with the database of domestic and imported cases by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Henan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it was found that the current outbreak was linked with the same transmission chain as the existing local epidemics in other provinces. Moreover, epidemiological investigation showed that on January 2, case A had come into contact with her cousin and his family who returned from an affected area outside the province.Conclusions:Based on the gene sequencing results and epidemiological investigation, the COVID-19 outbreak in Anyang city, Henan Province was a local epidemic and the source of it was a college student who returned to Anyang city from other province on December 28, 2021. These infections were linked to the same transmission chain as the existing local infection in other provinces.

Effect of inhalation of sevoflurane during cardiopulmonary bypass on early postoperative brain injury in patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of inhalation of sevoflurane during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on early postoperative brain injury in the patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement.Methods:Forty-two American Society of Anesthesiaologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients of either sex, aged 40-70 yr, weighing 47-86 kg, scheduled for elective single valve replacement under CPB, were divided into 3 groups ( n=14 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), combined intravenous-inhalational anesthesia group (group CA) and sevoflurane group (group S). During CPB, propofol 4-6 mg·kg -1·h -1 was intravenously infused in group C, propofol 2-3 mg·kg -1·h -1 was intravenously infused, and 0.5 MAC sevoflurane was inhaled via the membrane oxygenator in group CA, and 1.0-1.5 MAC sevoflurane was inhaled via the membrane oxygenator in group S. The anesthesia and sedation index values were maintained at 40-60 during operation in the three groups.Blood samples were taken from arteries before anesthesia induction (T 1), at 30 min and 6 and 24 h after termination of CPB (T 2-4) for determination of plasma concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and Tau protein. Results:Compared with group C, the plasma concentration of NSE was significantly decreased at T 2, 3, and plasma concentration of Tau protein was decreased at T 2-4 in group S, and the plasma concentration of Tau protein was decreased at T 2 in group CA ( P<0.05). Compared with group CA, the plasma concentration of NSE was significantly decreased at T 2, 3, and the plasma concentration of Tau protein was decreased at T 2-4 in group S ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Inhalation of sevoflurane during CPB can reduce early postoperative brain injury to a certain extent in the patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement.

Genome characterization and traceability analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in a local outbreak / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To analyze the genome characteristics and variations in nucleotides and amino acids of SARS-CoV-2 causing an outbreak in Henan Province in November 2021 and perform the traceability analysis.Methods:In this study, throat swab specimens from cases in the acute phase were collected and tested for the nucleic acids of SARS-CoV-2 by real-time fluorescent RT-PCR. SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid-positive samples were subjected to high-throughput genome sequencing and whole-genome alignment analysis.Results:The median Ct values of ORF1ab gene and N gene in 70 positive specimens was 26.41 (15.58 to 39.27) and 24.43 (12.04 to 39.74), respectively. Compared with the sequence of Wuhan-Hu(NC_045512) reference strain, 47 to 49 nucleotide mutations sharing 47 nucleotide mutation and 41 amino acid mutations were found in 63 strains of successfully sequenced SARS-CoV-2. Nine nucleotide mutations and 12 amino acid mutations were found in the spike protein. The index case shared 47 mutations with the Russian imported cases in Henan Province on October 14 and the local cases in Jiangxi Province in October. Moreover, their genomes were highly homologous and they all belonged to the Delta variant (AY.122 evolutionary branch).Conclusions:Continuous monitoring of imported COVID-19 cases and prolonging the period of quarantine were needed to reduce the risk of local outbreak and epidemic caused by imported COVID-19 cases. Analysis of the genomic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the variations in nucleotides and amino acids was conducive to trace the origin of COVID-19 outbreak quickly and provide reference for precise control.

Expression and significance of serum microRNA-122 in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To study the expression of serum microRNA-122 (miR-122) in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) .Methods:35 NAFLD children aged 7-14 years from the department of Endocrinology and Inherited Metabolic disease, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University were collected, and 43 healthy children healthy children matched with the gender and age as the control group. The height, weight, body mass index (BMI) , waist-hip ratio (WHR) , triglyceride (TG) , cholesterol (TC) , alanine transaminase (ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and miR-122 levels of the children in the two groups were detected and recorded.Results:There was no significant difference in age between NAFLD group (9.97±1.93 years) and control group (10.28±1.68 years) ( P=0.455) . Body weight (65.91±15.94kg) , BMI (29.93±3.77kg/m2) , WHR (0.97±0.04) , TG (1.49±0.46mmol/L) , TC (3.96±0.67mmol/L) , ALT (32.7±15.65U/L) and the level of miR-122 (2.33±1.75) in the NAFLD group was higher than that in the control group (36.93±7.54kg, 17.75±1.60kg/m 2, 0.83±0.04, 0.94±0.18mmol/L, 3.55±0.53mmol/L, 19.77±4.3U/L) , the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The levels of miR-122 in the NAFLD group were positively correlated with ALT and AST (r=0.618, 0.487, P < 0.05) . The ROC curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of miR-122 in diagnosing NAFLD, and the area under the curve of miR-122, ALT and ALT+ miR-122 in diagnosing NAFLD was 0.824, 0.727 and 0.839, respectively. MiR-122 combined with ALT had an advantage in diagnosing NAFLD. Conclusion:The levels of miR-122 in children with NAFLD were positively correlated with ALT. MiR-122 combined with ALT has clinical value in diagnosing NAFLD.

Analysis of TBX19 gene variant in a child with congenital isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of a patient with congenital isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD).@*METHODS@#Clinical characteristics of the patient was reviewed. Genomic DNA of the child was subjected to whole exome sequencing.@*RESULTS@#Genetic testing has confirmed the diagnosis of congenital IAD by identification of compound heterozygous variants of the TBX19 gene, which included a pathogenic nonsense c.535C>T (p.R179X) variant inherited from his father and a novel missense c.298C>T (p.R100C) variant inherited from his mother.@*CONCLUSION@#Congenital IAD due to variants of the TBX19 gene is a rare autosomal recessive disease. It is characterized by low plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels but normal levels of other pituitary hormones. Delayed diagnosis may lead to severe early-onset adrenal failure and wrong treatment which may result in neonatal mortality. Hydrocortisone replacement is effective. Detection of pathogenic variant of TBX19 gene is the key to diagnosis.

Analysis of ALPL gene variant in a patient with infantile hypophosphatasia / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genetic basis for a girl featuring bone and tooth mineralization disorder, premature deciduous teeth, rickets and short stature.@*METHODS@#Genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to high-throughput whole exome sequencing. Suspected variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Impact of potential variants was analyzed with bioinformatic software.@*RESULTS@#The child was found to carry compound heterozygous missense variants of the ALPL gene, including c.1130C>T (p.A377V), a known pathogenic mutation inherited from her father, and c.1300G>A (p.V434M) inherited from her mother, which was unreported previously and predicted to be likely pathogenic based on standards and guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (PM2+PM5+PP3+PP4).@*CONCLUSION@#The compound heterozygous variants of c.1130C>T (p.Ala377Val) and c.1300G>A (p.Val434Met) of the ALPL gene probably underlay the disease in this child. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of ALPL gene variants.

Clinical and genetic analysis of an infant with aldosterone synthase deficiency / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical characteristics and genetic variants in a two-month-and-one-day male infant with aldosterone synthase deficiency.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of the child was collected. Whole exome sequencing was carried out by next generation sequencing(NGS). Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#The infant had measured 54 cm (-2.1 SD) in length and 3.9 kg (-2.8 SD) in weight, and featured recurrent vomiting, poor feeding, apathetic appearance and failure to thrive. Blood electrolyte testing showed low sodium and increased potassium. Serum cortisol, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, 17-alpha-hydroxyl progesterone, androstenedione, and testosterone were all within the normal ranges. The plasma renin activity activity was increased, and plasma aldosterone level was low. NGS revealed that the infant has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the CYP11B2 gene, namely c.1334T>G(p.Phe445Cys) inherited from his father and c.1121G>A(p.Arg374Gln) inherited from his mother. Neither variant was reported previously, and both were predicted to be deleterious for the function of the protein product.@*CONCLUSION@#The compound heterozygous variants of c.1334T>G (p.Phe445Cys) and c.1121G>A (p.Arg374Gln) of the CYP11B2 gene probably underlay the disease in this patient.

Screening of differential metabolites in urine of adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease by non-targeted metabonomics / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To screen differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in urine of adult patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), so as to provide scientific basis for finding specific biomarkers and pathogenesis of KBD.Methods:In Yongshou County, the KBD area in Shaanxi Province, adult KBD patients were selected as the case group, and healthy people without clinical symptoms of KBD were selected as the control group in the same disease area. The subjects' fasting mid-morning urine was collected, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology was used to detect small-molecule metabolites in the urine. Multivariate statistical analysis [partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)] and comparison with KEGG and human metabonomics database (HMDB) were used to identify and screen differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in KBD patients.Results:A total of 58 subjects were included, 39 cases in the case group, including 23 males and 16 females; the age was (61.2 ± 7.8) years old; the body mass index was (22.7 ± 6.5) kg/m 2. There were 19 cases in the control group, including 10 males and 9 females; the age was (50.0 ± 9.0) years old; the body mass index was (24.3 ± 5.5) kg/m 2. Three first-order differential metabolites (HT-2 toxin, T-2 tetraol and seleno-adenosine selenomethionine) were identified and screened, which were highly related to the pathogenesis of KBD, and all were down-regulated. There were 38 second-order differential metabolites, among them, 10 were up-regulated and 28 were down-regulated. Nine differential metabolic pathways were screened, mainly involving amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. Conclusions:The urine metabolism profiles of adult KBD patients and healthy people are significantly different, mainly involving amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism and energy metabolism. The first-order differential metabolites HT-2 toxin, T-2 tetraol and seleno-adenosine selenomethionine are highly correlated with the pathogenesis of KBD.

An in-silico based clinical insight on the effect of noticeable CD4 conserved residues of SARS-CoV-2 on the CD4-MHC-I interactions

The study is aimed to unveil the conserved residues of CD4 in the context of its purposeful interaction with MHC-II at the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 compared with the envelope (Env) glycoprotein (gp) 120 of HIV-1. The paired CD4 conserved residues, including the matched CD4 interacting MHC-II epitopes of the structural viral protein domains, were chosen for the protein modelling using the SWISS-MODEL online server. Energy minimization and structural validation of the modelled viral protein domains, including the CD4 and MHC-II protein were achieved by CHIMERA and PROCHECK-Ramachandran Plot respectively. Protein-protein docking was performed by the HADDOCK online tool. The binding affinity score was measured using the PRODIGY online server. As per our docking report, the Env gp120 of HIV-1 with three identical and three conserved residues of CD4 exhibited the highest binding affinity (-13.9 kcal/mol) with MHC-II than the second-highest RBD-S1-SARS-CoV-2 (-12.5 kcal/mol) with three identical and a single conserved residue of CD4. With a noticeable single salt bridge formation identified at the interacting residues Lys305 (of Env gp120-HIV-1) and Glu139 (of MHC-II); the Env gp120 interaction with MHC-II occupied the crucial His144 and Glu194 (salt-bridge) interacting residues of CD4 with the measured buried surface area 2554.8{+/-}40.8 [A]2. Similarly, the RBD-S1-SARS-CoV-2-MHC-II complex showed two salt bridge formations at the residue sites: 1) Arg567 (of SARS-CoV-2)-Glu194 (of MHC-II) 2) 2) Asp568(of SARS-CoV-2)-Arg165 (of MHC-II) with the increased buried surface area of 1910.9{+/-}97.1 [A]2 over the SARS-CoV score 1708.2{+/-}50.8 [A]2; that camouflaged all crucial CD4 interacting residues of MHC-II. In conclusion, the noticeable conserved residues of CD4 at the RBD-S1 sites of SARS-CoV-2 could interrupt the aspired CD4-MHC-II interactions of adaptive immune activation.

Clinical and genetic analysis of a case of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency caused by novel variant of DLD gene / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of a patient with dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency.@*METHODS@#Potential variants of the DLD gene were detected by whole exome sequencing and verified by Sanger sequencing.@*RESULTS@#Compound heterozygous variants, c.704_705delTT (p.Leu235Argfs*8) and c.1058T>C (p.Ile353Thr), were detected in the DLD gene. The c.1058T>C (p.Ile353Thr) variant was derived from his mother and known to be pathogenic. The c.704_705delTT (p.Leu235Argfs*8) variant was derived from his father and was unreported previously.@*CONCLUSION@#The compound heterozygous variants of c.704_705delTT (p.Leu235Argfs*8) and c.1058T>C (p.Ile353Thr) of the DLD gene probably underlay the disease in this patient. Above finding has facilitated genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.