Ocean internal tides suppress tropical cyclones in the South China Sea.

Tropical Cyclones (TCs) are devastating natural disasters. Analyzing four decades of global TC data, here we find that among all global TC-active basins, the South China Sea (SCS) stands out as particularly difficult ocean for TCs to intensify, despite favorable atmosphere and ocean conditions. Over the SCS, TC intensification rate and its probability for a rapid intensification (intensification by ≥ 15.4 m s-1 day-1) are only 1/2 and 1/3, respectively, of those for the rest of the world ocean. Originating from complex interplays between astronomic tides and the SCS topography, gigantic ocean internal tides interact with TC-generated oceanic near-inertial waves and induce a strong ocean cooling effect, suppressing the TC intensification. Inclusion of this interaction between internal tides and TC in operational weather prediction systems is expected to improve forecast of TC intensity in the SCS and in other regions where strong internal tides are present.

Design, Synthesis, Antifungal Activity, and Action Mechanism of Pyrazole-4-carboxamide Derivatives Containing Oxime Ether Active Fragment As Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors.

The dearomatization at the hydrophobic tail of the boscalid was carried out to construct a series of novel pyrazole-4-carboxamide derivatives containing an oxime ether fragment. By using fungicide-likeness analyses and virtual screening, 24 target compounds with theoretical strong inhibitory effects against fungal succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) were designed and synthesized. Antifungal bioassays showed that the target compound E1 could selectively inhibit the in vitro growth of R. solani, with the EC50 value of 1.1 µg/mL that was superior to that of the agricultural fungicide boscalid (2.2 µg/mL). The observations by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that E1 could reduce mycelial density and significantly increase the mitochondrial number in mycelia cytoplasm, which was similar to the phenomenon treated with boscalid. Enzyme activity assay showed that the E1 had the significant inhibitory effect against the SDH from R. solani, with the IC50 value of 3.3 µM that was superior to that of boscalid (7.9 µM). The mode of action of the target compound E1 with SDH was further analyzed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies. Among them, the number of hydrogen bonds was significantly more in the SDH-E1 complex than that in the SDH-boscalid complex. This research on the dearomatization strategy of the benzene ring for constructing pyrazole-4-carboxamides containing an oxime ether fragment provides a unique thought to design new antifungal drugs targeting SDH.

Structural insights into the orthosteric inhibition of P2X receptors by non-ATP analog antagonists.

P2X receptors are extracellular ATP-gated ion channels that form homo- or heterotrimers and consist of seven subtypes. They are expressed in various tissues, including neuronal and nonneuronal cells, and play critical roles in physiological processes such as neurotransmission, inflammation, pain, and cancer. As a result, P2X receptors have attracted considerable interest as drug targets, and various competitive inhibitors have been developed. However, although several P2X receptor structures from different subtypes have been reported, the limited structural information of P2X receptors in complex with competitive antagonists hampers the understanding of orthosteric inhibition, hindering the further design and optimization of those antagonists for drug discovery. We determined the cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the mammalian P2X7 receptor in complex with two classical competitive antagonists of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate derivatives, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-(2'-naphthylazo-6'-nitro-4',8'-disulfonate) (PPNDS) and pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',5'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), and performed structure-based mutational analysis by patch-clamp recording as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our structures revealed the orthosteric site for PPADS/PPNDS, and structural comparison with the previously reported apo- and ATP-bound structures showed how PPADS/PPNDS binding inhibits the conformational changes associated with channel activation. In addition, structure-based mutational analysis identified key residues involved in the PPNDS sensitivity of P2X1 and P2X3, which are known to have higher affinity for PPADS/PPNDS than other P2X subtypes.

AUXIN RESISTANT 2 and SHORT HYPOCOTYL 2 regulate cotton fiber initiation and elongation.

Auxin, a pivotal regulator of diverse plant growth processes, remains central to development. The auxin-responsive genes auxin/indole-3-acetic acids (AUX/IAAs) are indispensable for auxin signal transduction, which is achieved through intricate interactions with auxin response factors (ARFs). Despite this, the potential of AUX/IAAs to govern the development of the most fundamental biological unit, the single cell, remains unclear. In this study, we harnessed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber, a classic model for plant single-cell investigation, to determine the complexities of AUX/IAAs. Our research identified two pivotal AUX/IAAs, auxin resistant 2 (GhAXR2) and short hypocotyl 2 (GhSHY2), which exhibit opposite control over fiber development. Notably, suppressing GhAXR2 reduced fiber elongation, while silencing GhSHY2 fostered enhanced fiber elongation. Investigating the mechanistic intricacies, we identified specific interactions between GhAXR2 and GhSHY2 with distinct ARFs. GhAXR2's interaction with GhARF6-1 and GhARF23-2 promoted fiber cell development through direct binding to the AuxRE cis-element in the constitutive triple response 1 (GhCTR1) promoter, resulting in transcriptional inhibition. In contrast, the interaction of GhSHY2 with GhARF7-1 and GhARF19-1 exerted a negative regulatory effect, inhibiting fiber cell growth by activating the transcription of xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase 9 (GhXTH9) and cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (GhC4H). Thus, our study reveals the intricate regulatory networks surrounding GhAXR2 and GhSHY2, elucidating the complex interplay of multiple ARFs in AUX/IAA-mediated fiber cell growth. This work enhances our understanding of single-cell development and has potential implications for advancing plant growth strategies and agricultural enhancements.

Modulating the ferroelectric phases in cholesteryl-based organic compounds with perfluoroalkyl tail engineering.

Here, we synthesized a series of cholesteryl-based compounds, whose phases and their transformation can be modulated by temperature and the chain length of the fluoroalkyl moieties. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the phase transition could be modulated with perfluoroalkyl tail engineering in organic single-component ferroelectric crystals.

Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in breast cancer with second primary malignancies.

PURPOSE: To investigate the value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in breast cancer (BC) with second primary malignancies (SPMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 149 BC patients (149/1419, 10.5 %) ultimately diagnosed with SPMs were included in the study. The following data were evaluated: age, location, the treatment of the first BC, the interval between the first BC and SPMs, the maximum diameter of SPMs, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of SPMs, and SPMs metastases. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of follow-up patients were analyzed. The diagnostic efficiency of 18F-FDG PET/CT for SPMs and consistency with the pathological findings were calculated. RESULTS: The most common SPMs of BC was lung cancer (81/149, 54.4 %), particularly early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. There were the shorter maximum diameter of SPMs, the lower SUVmax of SPMs, and the fewer SPMs metastases in the lung cancer group than non-lung cancer group (P<0.001). The OS and PFS of the follow-up patients in the lung cancer group were longer than non-lung cancer group (P<0.001). The SPMs metastases was independent prognostic indicator of OS. The pathological grouping and the SPMs metastases were independent prognostic indicators of PFS. 18F-FDG PET/CT efficacy in diagnosing SPMs in BC patients was high. Compared with the pathological findings, the consistency was good (P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Applying 18F-FDG PET/CT in BC patients might be helpful in detecting SPMs and partially predicting patient prognosis, in addition to its primary function in the diagnosis and staging of BC.

Immunogenicity and safety of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine (SYS6006) in healthy Chinese participants: A randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccine enables quick upgrade of antigen sequence to combat emerging new variants. In an observer-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial, immunologically naïve 300 adults and 150 older participants were enrolled and randomized (1:1:1) to receive two doses of 20 µg or 30 µg of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine (SYS6006) or placebo. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded through 30 days after the second dose. Live virus neutralizing antibody (Nab), S1 protein-specific binding antibody (S1-IgG) and cellular immunity were tested. Results showed that robust wild-type Nab response was elicited with geometric mean titers of 91.3 and 84.9 in the adults, and 74.0 and 115.9 in the elders, 14 days following the second dose (Day 35) in the 20-µg and 30-µg groups, respectively. All seroconverted for wild-type Nab except two participants. Nab against Omicron BA.5 was mild. Robust wild-type S1-IgG response was induced with geometric mean concentrations of 2751.0 and 3142.2 BAU/mL in adults, and 2474.1 and 2993.5 BAU/mL in elders at Day 35 in the 20-µg and 30-µg groups, respectively. S1-IgG against Omicron BA.2 was induced. Cellular immunity was elicited, particularly in enzyme-linked immunospot assay. The most frequent AEs were injection-site pain and fever. Most reported AEs were grade 1 or grade 2. The AE incidences were similar following the first dose and second dose. No vaccination-associated serious AE was reported. In conclusion, two-dose vaccination with SYS6006 demonstrated good safety, tolerability and immunogenicity in immunologically naïve healthy participants aged 18 years or more.

Different responses of marine microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum upon exposures to WAF and CEWAF of crude oil: A case study coupled with stable isotopic signatures.

Increasing use of chemical dispersants for oil spills highlights the need to understand their adverse effects on marine microalgae and nutrient assimilation because the toxic components of crude oil can be more bioavailable. We employed the crude oil water-accommodated fraction (WAF) and chemically enhanced WAF (CEWAF) to compare different responses in marine microalgae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) coupled with stable isotopic signatures. The concentration and proportion of high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW PAHs), which are key toxic components in crude oil, increased after dispersant addition. CEWAF exposure caused higher percent growth inhibition and a lower chlorophyll-a level of microalgae than those after WAF exposure. Compared with WAF exposure, CEWAF led to an enhancement in the self-defense mechanism of P. tricornutum, accompanied by an increased content of extracellular polymeric substances. 13C-depletion and carbon assimilation were altered in P. tricornutum, suggesting more HMW PAHs could be utilized as carbon sources by microalgae under CEWAF. CEWAF had no significant effects on the isotopic fractionation or assimilation of nitrogen in P. tricornutum. Our study unveiled the impact on the growth, physiological response, and nutrient assimilation of microalgae upon WAF and CEWAF exposures. Our data provide new insights into the ecological effects of dispersant applications for coastal oil spills.

Sulfonate-modified fullerenes mimicking tentacle structures for humidity sensors.

In this work, a straightforward method for synthesizing fullerene derivatives with tentacle structures has been explored for monitoring environmental humidity, which involves introducing sulfonate onto the fullerenes. The structure and number of polar groups in three fullerene derivatives determined by a series of structural tests greatly affect their hydrophilicity and morphology, resulting in changes in humidity sensitive properties. In particular, the hysteresis and response time of the sensors display a great correlation with hydrophilicity. C60-Ho, the best performing derivative of this work, has exhibited high response values (∼3500 times), good linearity (R2 = 97.3 %), and rapid response/recovery times (0.3/4.4 s), making it suitable for various applications such as non-contact detection of respiration, finger distance, and soil humidity.

Interfacial Polarization Locked Flexible ß-Phase Glycine/Nb2 CTx Piezoelectric Nanofibers.

Biomolecular piezoelectric materials show great potential in the field of wearable and implantable biomedical devices. Here, a self-assemble approach is developed to fabricating flexible ß-glycine piezoelectric nanofibers with interfacial polarization locked aligned crystal domains induced by Nb2 CTx nanosheets. Acted as an effective nucleating agent, Nb2 CTx nanosheets can induce glycine to crystallize from edges toward flat surfaces on its 2D crystal plane and form a distinctive eutectic structure within the nanoconfined space. The interfacial polarization locking formed between O atom on glycine and Nb atom on Nb2 CTx is essential to align the ß-glycine crystal domains with (001) crystal plane intensity extremely improved. This ß-phase glycine/Nb2 CTx nanofibers (Gly-Nb2 C-NFs) exhibit fabulous mechanical flexibility with Young's modulus of 10 MPa, and an enhanced piezoelectric coefficient of 5.0 pC N-1 or piezoelectric voltage coefficient of 129 × 10-3 Vm N-1 . The interface polarization locking greatly improves the thermostability of ß-glycine before melting (≈210°C). A piezoelectric sensor based on this Gly-Nb2 C-NFs is used for micro-vibration sensing in vivo in mice and exhibits excellent sensing ability. This strategy provides an effective approach for the regular crystallization modulation for glycine crystals, opening a new avenue toward the design of piezoelectric biomolecular materials induced by 2D materials.

Clinical study on the role of platelet-rich plasma in human acellular dermal matrix with razor autologous skin graft repair of giant congenital pigmented nevus in children.

BACKGROUND: NA OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the safety and feasibility of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) in children with human acellular dermal matrix (HADM) transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 22 children with GCMN were included in the study. They were divided into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group used the method of HADM with Razor Autologous Skin Graft combined with PRP to repair skin and soft tissue defects after giant nevus resection (Group A, n = 11). The control group was treated with HADM with Razor Autologous Skin Graft (Group B, n = 11) only. To compare the survival rate of skin grafts, we used the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) for the postoperative skin graft area and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) to compare the two groups of patients. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, location of giant nevi, and pathological classification between Group A and Group (P > 0.05). The survival rate of skin grafting and the VSS and POSAS scores of scar tissue in group A were superior to those of group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PRP has improved the survival rate of composite skin grafting in children with GCMN, and long-term satisfactory prognosis of scar healing. Therefore, we consider this treatment method a valuable contribution to clinical practice.

Using scanning electron microscopy and molecular data to discover a new species from old herbarium collections: The case of Phlomoideshenryi (Lamiaceae, Lamioideae).

Phlomoides is one of the largest genera of Lamiaceae with approximately 150-170 species distributed mainly in Eurasia. In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species, P.henryi, which was previously misidentified as P.bracteosa, from Yunnan Province, southwest China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that P.henryi is found within a clade in which most species lack basal leaves. In this clade, the new species is morphologically distinct from P.rotata in having an obvious stem and, from the rest, by having transparent to white trichomes inside the upper corolla lip. In addition, micro-features of trichomes on the calyx and leaf epidermis can differentiate the new species from other species grouped in the same clade and a key, based on trichome morphology for these species, is provided. The findings demonstrate that the use of scanning electron microscopy can reveal inconspicuous morphological affinities amongst morphologically similar species and play an important role in the taxonomic study of the genus Phlomoides.

High Efficiency over 18.6% of Organic Solar Cells Enabled by PEDOT:PSS/Br-2PACz Dual-Anode Interface.

Organic solar cells (OSCs) with high performance were prepared using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and [2-(3,6-dibromo-9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid (Br-2PACz) double-layer films as the anode interface. By spin-coating a layer of Br-2PACz on PEDOT:PSS to form a PEDOT:PSS/Br-2PACz dual-anode interface, both the Jsc and FF of the device can be increased simultaneously, resulting in a high Jsc of 27.84 mA cm-2 and a high FF of 78.18%. The promising result indicates that the PEDOT:PSS/Br-2PACz dual-anode interface is an effective way to improve the performance of OSCs. The improvement of device performance is mainly attributed to (1) improved interface conductivity; (2) increased hole mobility and more balanced carrier transport efficiency; and (3) optimized morphology, which well explains the increase of Jsc and FF of the device. In addition, the OSC based on the PEDOT:PSS/Br-2PACz dual-anode interface exhibits exceptional stability, as it can maintain 94.7% of its initial efficiency even after 500 h of storage in a nitrogen environment. This work provides a promising strategy for improving the efficiency and stability of OSCs by dual-anode interface modulation.

[Expression of MicroRNA-3162-3p in Different Clinical Stages of Children with Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia and Its Significance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of microRNA-3162-3p in different clinical stages of childhood primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and its significance. METHODS: Ninety-six children with ITP were enrolled and divided into new diagnosis group (n=40), persistent group (n=30) and chronic group (n=26) according to the course of disease. 80 healthy children were selected as the control group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) of ITP children and healthy children were isolated and cultured, and the expression of microRNA-3162-3p in PBMNC of subjects was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The contents of IL-17, IL-23, IL-10 and TGF-ß in PBMNC of subjects were determined by ELISA. The correlation between microRNA-3162-3p and platelet count, IL-17, IL-23, IL-10 and TGF-ß was analyzed. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the expression of microRNA-3162-3p and IL-10 in PBMNC and platelet count of ITP children were significantly decreased（P < 0.05）, while IL-17, IL-23 and TGF-ß were significantly increased (P < 0.05). With the prolongation of the disease course, the expressions of microRNA-3162-3p and IL-10 in PBMNC and platelet count were significantly decreased（P < 0.05）, while the expressions of IL-17, IL-23 and TGF-ß were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The expression of microRNA-3162-3p in PBMNC was positively correlated with platelet count and IL-10 (r =0.716, 0.667), and negatively correlated with IL-17, IL-23, and TGF-ß (r =-0.540, -0.641, -0.560). CONCLUSION: MicroRNA-3162-3p expression is significantly reduced in PBMNC of children with ITP, and is involved in the regulation of Th17/Treg imbalance, which can be used as a potential therapeutic target of ITP.

Correction: An E-selectin targeting and MMP-2-responsive dextran-curcumin polymeric prodrug for targeted therapy of acute kidney injury.

Correction for 'An E-selectin targeting and MMP-2-responsive dextran-curcumin polymeric prodrug for targeted therapy of acute kidney injury' by Jing-Bo Hu et al., Biomater. Sci., 2018, 6, 3397-3409, https://doi.org/10.1039/C8BM00813B.

FTO up-regulation induced by MYC suppresses tumour progression in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is regarded as a distinct molecular subtype of GC, accounting for approximately 9% of all GC cases. Clinically, EBVaGC patients are found to have a significantly lower frequency of lymph node metastasis and better prognosis than uninfected individuals. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has an indispensable role in modulating tumour progression in various cancer types. However, its impact on EBVaGC remains unclear. METHODS: Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and m6A dot blot were conducted to compare the m6A modification levels between EBVaGC and EBV-negative GC (EBVnGC) cells. Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry were applied to explore the underlying mechanism of the reduced m6A modification in EBVaGC. The biological function of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) was determined in vivo and in vitro. The target genes of FTO were screened by MeRIP-seq, RT-qPCR and Western blot. The m6A binding proteins of target genes were verified by RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and Luciferase report assays were performed to investigate the mechanism how EBV up-regulated FTO expression. RESULTS: M6A demethylase FTO was notably increased in EBVaGC, leading to a reduction in m6A modification, and higher FTO expression was associated with better clinical outcomes. Furthermore, FTO depressed EBVaGC cell metastasis and aggressiveness by reducing the expression of target gene AP-1 transcription factor subunit (FOS). Methylated FOS mRNA was specifically recognized by the m6A 'reader' insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1/2 (IGF2BP1/2), which enhanced its transcripts stability. Moreover, MYC activated by EBV in EBVaGC elevated FTO expression by binding to a specific region of the FTO promoter. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanistically, our work uncovered a crucial suppressive role of FTO in EBVaGC metastasis and invasiveness via an m6A-FOS-IGF2BP1/2-dependent manner, suggesting a promising biomarker panel for GC metastatic prediction and therapy.

Soft ferroelectret ultrasound receiver for targeted peripheral neuromodulation.

Bioelectronic medicine is a rapidly growing field where targeted electrical signals can act as an adjunct or alternative to drugs to treat neurological disorders and diseases via stimulating the peripheral nervous system on demand. However, current existing strategies are limited by external battery requirements, and the injury and inflammation caused by the mechanical mismatch between rigid electrodes and soft nerves. Here we report a wireless, leadless, and battery-free ferroelectret implant, termed NeuroRing, that wraps around the target peripheral nerve and demonstrates high mechanical conformability to dynamic motion nerve tissue. As-fabricated NeuroRing can act as an ultrasound receiver that converts ultrasound vibrations into electrostimulation pulses, thus stimulating the targeted peripheral nerve on demand. This capability is demonstrated by the precise modulation of the sacral splanchnic nerve to treat colitis, providing a framework for future bioelectronic medicines that offer an alternative to non-specific pharmacological approaches.

Anlotinib in combination with pembrolizumab for low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma of the pancreas: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a rare spindle cell sarcoma especially in the pancreas, with myofibroblastic differentiation. Hitherto, only a few cases have been reported. CASE SUMMARY: Herein, we report a case involving the discovery of a pancreatic mass detected during a routine physical examination. Subsequent imaging and pathological tests of the patient led to the diagnosis of LGMS of the pancreas. Following surgical intervention, the patient experienced recurrence and metastasis. Conventional treatment is not effective for postoperative recurrent pancreatic LGMS with multiple metastases. After communicating with the patients and their families, informed consent was obtained for the treatment of anlotinib combined with pembrolizumab. Evaluation of imaging and clinical symptoms post-treatment revealed a relatively favorable response to the combination of anlotinib and pembrolizumab. CONCLUSION: Based on the comprehensive literature review, our report aimed to provide evidence for a better understanding of the disease characteristics, diagnostic criteria, imaging findings, and identification of LGMS. And explore novel treatment strategies for this disease.

The effect of genetic variation and mRNA expression of interleukin-17A gene on susceptibility to asthma.

Analyzing the genetic variation and mRNA expression of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) gene and its impact on asthma susceptibility was the purpose of this study. 120 asthma patients were selected as the asthma group, and another 120 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination were selected as the health group; Compare the cytokine levels and mRNA expression of IL-17A between two groups, as well as the clinical indicator total immunoglobulin E (TIgE) levels; The genotype and allele distribution frequency of IL-17A Single-nucleotide polymorphism locus rs2275913 and rs8193036 were compared between the two groups; Compare the serum IL-17A and TIgE levels of different genotypes at rs2275913 and rs8193036 loci; and logistic regression was used to evaluate the impact of IL-17A on asthma susceptibility. The serum levels of IL-17A, TIgE, and IL-17AmRNA expression in the asthma group were higher than those in the healthy group (P<0.05). There were three genotypes of AA, AG and GG at rs2275913 locus, and the frequency distribution between the two groups was significant (P<0.05), and the frequency of A Allele frequency in asthma group was higher than that in healthy group (P<0.05). There are three genotypes of CC, CT, and TT at the rs8193036 locus, and there was no significant difference in the frequency distribution between the two groups (P>0.05). There is no difference in the frequency distribution of alleles C and T between the two groups (P>0.05). The levels of IL-17A and TIgE in the rs2275913AA genotype were higher than those in the AG and GG genotypes (P<0.05); There was no difference in IL-17A and TIgE levels among different genotypes of rs8193036 (P>0.05). The rs2275913 polymorphism was associated with asthma susceptibility and is an independent risk parameter for asthma susceptibility. Upregulation of serum IL-17A and TIgE, as well as overexpression of IL-17A mRNA, were closely related to asthma susceptibility in asthma patients. The rs2275913 polymorphism had a significant role in increasing the risk of asthma, and variant allele A may be a susceptibility factor for increasing asthma risk.

A fatal case of neonatal viral sepsis caused by human parainfluenza virus type 3.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by severe infection in children, but cases of sepsis associated with human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) have been rarely reported in newborns. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of HPIV-3 positive full-term newborn admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Beijing Children's Hospital due to hematuria, gloomy spirit, inactivity and loss of appetite for 6 h. He had septic shock when he arrived the Accident & Emergency Department requiring immediate intubation and mechanical ventilation. Intravenous antibiotics were started. He had completely negative response to all anti-shock treatments including fluid resuscitation and vasopressor supports, and died 14 h later. Viral nucleic acid detection and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) analyses of nasopharyngeal aspirate and blood specimens verified an HPIV-3 infection, with negative bacterial culture results. The HPIV-3 strain detected in this patient was subtyped as HPIV C3a, and two unreported amino acid mutations were found in the HN protein region. CONCLUSION: The patient had a severe infection associated with HPIV-3, which was the cause of sepsis and septic shock. This study showed the diagnostic value of mNGS in etiological diagnosis, especially in severe neonatal case.