Ophthalmic manifestations and treatments of proteus syndrome: a case report and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Proteus syndrome (PS) is an extremely rare disorder with ocular manifestations. In this study, we aimed to describe the ophthalmic characteristics and the clinical course of an unusual PS patient to acquire a comprehensive and intensive understanding of ocular PS and highlight the importance of collaborative treatment by ophthalmologists. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of PS with atypical ocular features and syndromes was observed in a Chinese female. Her proptosis and vision impairment were relieved after Endoscope-Navigation system (ENS)-aided optic canal decompression. A 1.5-year follow-up showed that the treatment was temporarily effective, but the disease continued to develop. A review of the literature was conducted: forty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Although ocular manifestations play important roles in PS diagnosis, only a limited number of cases have been reported to have ocular abnormalities. And to date, almost none of these reports have described the treatment in detail. Therefore, PS patients with ocular manifestations were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: PS is a complex disorder with variable characteristics and progressive imbalances. In this paper, the clinical symptoms, molecular characteristics, and differential diagnosis of PS are introduced. More importantly, the ocular manifestations, treatment, and prognosis of PS cases to date are summarized and discussed. This study aimed to acquire a comprehensive and intensive understanding of ocular PS and to reveal the importance of collaborative treatment by ophthalmologists.

[HedgeHog inhibitor targeted therapy for periocular basal cell carcinoma: a case report].

A female patient, 87 years old, presented with an irregular swelling in the left medial canthus for 7 years. Due to the patient's poor general condition, radical surgery was not considered appropriate. Surgical biopsy confirmed periocular basal cell carcinoma of the left medial canthus. The patient was administered oral HedgeHog inhibitor targeted therapy for 6 months, resulting in approximately 90% reduction in tumor size. The patient's condition improved, and the tumor remained stable during the course of follow-up.

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of Fe-, S- and N-codoped TiO2 for sulfadiazine degradation.

The composite material based on N-, S-, and Fe-doped TiO2 (NSFe-TiO2) synthesized by wet impregnation was used as a photocatalyst to rapidly degrade sulfadiazine. The photocatalytic degradation behavior and mechanism of sulfadiazine on NSFe-TiO2 were investigated for revealing the role of degradation under ultraviolet light. The results showed that compared with TiO2, NSFe-TiO2 markedly improved the efficiency in photocatalytic degradation of sulfadiazine: more than 90% of sulfadiazine could be removed within 120 min by NSFe-TiO2 dosage of 20 mg L-1. The process conformed to first-order reaction kinetics model. The parameters such as loaded amount of NSFe-TiO2, solution pH value, humic acid concentration and recycle numbers on removal efficiency were also studied. Compared to neutral and alkaline conditions, acidic condition was not conducive to the photocatalysis. HA, Ca2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ in the actual water body had mild inhibition on sulfadiazine degradation in UV/NSFe-TiO2 system. Fragments screened by high-resolution mass spectrometry were conducted to explore the oxidation mechanism and pathways of sulfadiazine degradation. On the whole, UV/NSFe-TiO2 photocatalysis has a good effect on sulfadiazine removal. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-023-04771-6.

The changing vaccine landscape: rates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy in young adults during vaccine rollout.

AIMS: Development and rollout of vaccines offers the best opportunity for population protection against the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus. However, hesitancy towards the vaccines might impede successful uptake in the United Kingdom, particularly in young adults who demonstrate the highest rates of hesitancy. This prospective study explored COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in young adults and whether the reasons behind these attitudes changed during the initial stages of the United Kingdom's vaccine rollout. METHOD: Data on vaccination intention were collected from a British university student cohort at three time points: October 2020, February 2021, and March 2021. This online survey included items on intention to receive a vaccine and a free-text response for the reasons behind this intention. Cochran's Q tests examined changes in rates of hesitancy and acceptance over time and free-text responses were analysed thematically. RESULTS: At baseline, 893 students provided data, with 476 participants completing all three time points. Hesitancy declined over time, with 29.4% of participants expressing hesitancy at baseline, reducing to 9.1% at wave 2 and 5.9% at wave 3. The most commonly endorsed themes for those willing to accept a vaccine were self-protection against COVID-19 and pro-social reasons, including protecting the population or unspecific others, and ending the pandemic/returning to normal life. The most commonly endorsed hesitancy themes related to 'confidence' in the vaccines and potential personal risk, including insufficient testing/scientific evidence, concern about side effects, and long-term effects. These reasons remained the most commonly endorsed at both waves 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: While a decline in hesitancy was observed over time, the key reasons behind both vaccine acceptance and hesitancy remained consistent. Reasons behind hesitancy aligned with those of the general public, providing support for the use of generalist interventions. Pro-social reasons frequently underpinned vaccine acceptance, so cohort-specific interventions targeting those factors may be of benefit.

[Analysis of the therapeutic efficacy and factors influencing sequential combination of nucleos(t)ide analogues with pegylated interferon alpha for 48~96 weeks in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B].

Objective: To explore the therapeutic efficacy and factors influencing the sequential combination of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) with pegylated interferon alpha (Peg-IFN-α) in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: 144 CHB cases with NAs treatment for more than 1 year, HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification < 3 000 IU/ml, treated with a sequential combination of Peg-IFN-α treatment for 48 to 96 weeks, and followed up were selected from the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital between May 2018 and May 2020. Intention-to-treat analysis was used to measure the HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute the cumulative HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the factors influencing HBsAg clearance at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy. Univariate and multifactorial COX proportional hazard models were used to analyze the factors influencing HBsAg clearance following 96 weeks of prolonged PEG-IFN-α treatment. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to assess the predictive value of factors influencing HBsAg clearance. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the measurement data between groups. The count data was compared using the χ(2) test between groups. Results: 41 (28.47%) cases achieved HBsAg clearance at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy. The HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks was 40.28% (58/144) by intention-to-treat analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method computed that the cumulative HBsAg clearance rate at 96 weeks was 68.90%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HBsAg quantification at baseline (OR = 0.090, 95%CI: 0.034-0.240, P < 0.001) and a 24-week drop in HBsAg level (OR = 7.788, 95%CI: 3.408-17.798, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of HBsAg clearance in CHB patients treated sequentially in combination with NAs and Peg-IFN-α for 48 weeks. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the baseline HBsAg quantification [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.911, 95% CI: 0.852-0.952)] and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (AUC = 0.881, 95%CI: 0.814-0.930) had equally good predictive value for 48-week HBsAg clearance, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two (Z = 0.638, P = 0.523). The value of the combination of baseline HBsAg quantification and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (AUC = 0.981, 95%CI: 0.941-0.997) was superior to that of single baseline HBsAg quantification (Z = 3.017, P = 0.003) and 24-week drop in HBsAg level (Z = 3.214, P = 0.001) in predicting HBsAg clearance rate at 48 weeks. Multivariate COX proportional hazards model analysis showed that HBsAg quantification at 48 weeks (HR = 0.364, 95%CI: 0.176-0.752, P = 0.006) was an independent predictor of HBsAg clearance with a prolonged course to 96 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment. Conclusion: The HBsAg clearance rate can be accurately predicted with baseline HBsAg quantification combined with a 24-week drop in HBsAg level in patients with CHB who are treated with a sequential combination of NAs and Peg-IFN-α therapy for 48 weeks. Prolonging the course of Peg-IFN-α treatment can enhance the HBsAg clearance rate's capability. An independent predictor of HBsAg clearance is HBsAg quantification at 48 weeks of sequential combination therapy with a prolonged course of 96 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment.

[Risk factors of postoperative voiding dysfunction in children with congenital anorectal malformation].

This study analyzed the clinical data of children with anorectal malformation (ARM)who underwent surgery from 2006 to 2021, and explored the related factors of postoperative voiding dysfunction (VD).A total of 60 children including 51 males and 9 females, aged 4-15 years, were enrolled. During follow up, normal voiding function were found in 43 cases, VD in 17 cases. It was found that middle to high clinical classification (OR＝6.732, 95%CI:1.854-24.443), multiple surgeries (OR＝3.712, 95%CI:1.133-12.160), associated spinal deformity (OR＝3.297, 95%CI:1.029-10.566) and abnormal postoperative defecation (OR＝4.971, 95%CI:1.387-17.816) were the risk factors of VD after ARM (all P<0.05). Urodynamic study and early intervention should be carried out in children with VD after ARM surgery.

[Association between mild cognitive impairment and all-cause mortality in elderly population in China: a Meta analysis].

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the association between mild cognitive impairment and all-cause mortality. Methods: The research papers of the association between cognitive impairment and all-cause mortality in the elderly in the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Wang Fang data and CNKI published as of August 1, 2021 were comprehensively retrieved. Software R 4.02 was used for Meta-analysis. Results: A total of 9 research papers were included, involving 48 709 patients. The quality of included papers was high. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the association between mild cognitive impairment and the increased risk of all-cause mortality was statistically significant. Compared with the normal cognitive population, the risk of mortality in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment increased by 39% (HR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.18-1.63). Conclusions: The current research evidence showed that mild cognitive impairment assessed by MMSE screening scale can be used as an independent predictor of the increased risk of all-cause mortality in the elderly population in China. However, due to the limitation of the number of included studies and sample size, the conclusions need to be supported by more evidence studies.

Association between lack of dental service utilisation and caregiver-reported caries in Australian Indigenous children: A national survey.

AIM: To investigate the association between the lack of dental service utilisation and dental caries in Australian Indigenous children. METHODS: Data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children, which is a longitudinal population-based cross-sectional study in Australia were analysed. A total of 1258 children were included, consisting of the baby cohort and the child cohort at Wave 7. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between caregiver-reported child dental caries and dental service utilisation. Multiple imputation using the fully conditional specifications approach was used to account for missing data. RESULTS: Around one tenth (12.3%) of Indigenous children did not see a dentist when required. Lack of dental service utilisation was associated with an increased likelihood of caregiver-reported dental caries (odds ratio (OR) 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5-3.8) and teeth removed due to dental caries (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-4.7). These associations remained after adjusting for confounders (caregiver-reported dental caries OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3-3.8; teeth removed due to dental caries OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.0-4.4). The reasons reported for not utilising dental services when required were the lack of an available dentist (31.4%), difficulties with physical access (19.8%), long waiting times (13.9%), financial issues with cost (5.8%) and feeling that 'they could cope' (4.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of dental service utilisation was associated with dental caries and extraction due to caries in Australian Indigenous children.

Novel MSH6 mutation predicted metastasis in eyelid and periocular squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Our previous research revealed the relative local aggressiveness of eyelid and periocular squamous cell carcinoma (EPSCC), but its distinct genetic characteristics involved remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: We conducted this study based on next-generation sequencing to identify the genetic distinctiveness of EPSCC and damaging mutations for possible aetiology and poor prognosis. METHODS: We performed sequencing using a 556-gene panel (SmartOnco) in 48 EPSCCs. Cox hazards model was applied to explore mutated genes that increase the risk of metastasis and death. Pathogenesis of the mutations was predicted by sequence alignment algorithms. RESULTS: The most commonly mutated genes were KMT2C (N = 17, 35%), LRP1B (N = 14, 29%), KMT2D (N = 12, 25%), PTCH1 (N = 10, 21%) and TP53 (N = 10, 21%). DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (42%) like MSH6 (19%) and MLH3 (12%) were among the most frequently mutated genes. Cell cycle regulators including TP53 (21%) and CDKN2A (10%) were less frequently mutated than in other squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Ultraviolet exposure, MMR deficiency and ageing were the main aetiology. Of note, KMT2C has a deleterious mutation hotspot. Patients burdened with MSH6 mutation has a higher risk of overall metastasis (P = 0.045, HR = 5.165) and nodal metastasis (P = 0.022, HR = 14.038). Moreover, a hotspot mutation MSH6E52A brought an even higher risk of nodal metastasis (P = 0.011, HR = 18.745). CONCLUSIONS: EPSCCs displayed a unique mutation profile from cutaneous SCCs and mucosal SCCs. We have identified novel damaging mutations in epigenetic regulators like KMT2C boosted early onset of EPSCCs in addition to UVR, ageing or MMR deficiency. And malfunction of MMR genes worsened prognosis.

The Effect of Body Mass Index on Outcome Following Ambulatory High Ligation and Stripping for Lower Varicose Veins: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: The effects of body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of high ligation and stripping (HLS) in an ambulatory center remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the outcomes of HLS in an ambulatory center based on BMI in the Chinese population. Design: This was a prospective cohort study with mid-term follow-up. Materials and Methods: 170 eligible patients were included in the study and the data of Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ), Quality of Recovery (QoR-15), and postoperative complications at predetermined time points were collected. Results: A total of 170 patients (236 limbs) with a mean age of 53.87 ± 9.96 years (range, 24-80 years) and a mean BMI of 23.86 ± 2.96 kg/m2 were included. Of the group, 50.6% were women, and 66 patients received bilateral procedures. Through curve fitting, a BMI less than 28 and a BMI of 28 or higher were found to have a negative [-0.1 (-0.3, 0.1) 0.296] and positive [0.7 (0.2, 1.2) 0.006] relationship trend, respectively, with the improvement of VCSS at 6 weeks after surgery. Through smooth curve fitting, BMI was shown to have a negative relationship trend on the improvement of VCSS at 6 months after surgery. After multivariable risk adjustment for potential confounding factors, BMI was not found to be associated with the improvement of VCSS and AVVQ at 6 weeks after surgery, as well as the improvement of AVVQ at 6 months after surgery (all p-values >0.05). Six months after surgery, BMI was shown to have a negative relationship trend on the improvement of VCSS, and obese patients showed lower VCSS improvement than patients of normal BMI [-1.3 (-1.9, -0.7) <0.0001]. Six weeks after surgery, postoperative complications such as paresthesia were found to be significantly higher in the obese group than in the non-obese group (p < 0.05). At 6 months after surgery, the obese group showed significantly higher complications of the legs compared with the normal BMI group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results showed that obesity is a risk factor for prognosis and postoperative complications following ambulatory HLS.

[Analysis of intestinal microbial diversity in Leopoldamys edwardsi based on illumina sequencing technique].

To explore the composition and diversity of the intestinal microflora of Leopoldamys edwardsi in Hainan Island. In November 2019, DNA was extracted from fecal samples of 25 adult Leopoldamys edwardsi (14 males and 11 females) in Hainan Island at the Joint Laboratory of tropical infectious diseases of Hainan Medical College and Hong Kong University. Based on the IonS5TMXL sequencing platform, single-end sequencing (Single-End) was used to construct a small fragment library for single-end sequencing. Based on Reads shear filtration and OTUs clustering. The species annotation and abundance analysis of OTUs were carried out by using mothur method and SSUrRNA database, and further conducted α diversity and ß diversity analysis. A total of 1481842 high quality sequences, belonging to 14 Phyla, 85 families and 186 Genera, were obtained from 25 intestinal excrement samples of Leopoldamys edwardsi. At the level of phyla classification, the main core biota of the Leopoldamys edwardsi contained Firmicutes (46.04%),Bacteroidetes (25.34%), Proteobacteria (17.09%), Tenericutes (7.38%) and Actinobacteria (1.67%), these five phyla account for 97.52% of all phyla. The ratio of Helicobacter which occupied the largest proportion at the genus level was 12.44%, followed by Lactobacillus (11.39%), Clostridium (6.19%),Mycoplasma (4.23%) and Flavonifractor (3.52%). High throughput sequencing analysis showed that the intestinal flora of Leopoldamys edwardsi in Hainan Island was complex and diverse, which had the significance of further research.

[Interpretation of 2020 edition of Japanese "Guidelines for the management of connective tissue disease/vasculitis-associated skin ulcers"].

Patients with connective tissue diseases and vasculitis often develop refractory skin ulcers in various parts of the body due to abnormal autoimmune reactions, and the skin ulcers caused by different types of diseases have strong heterogeneity. In 2020, The Journal of Dermatology published the Japanese "Guidelines for the management of connective tissue disease/vasculitis-associated skin ulcers", which is an updated version of its 2016 edition, to guide clinical management of related diseases in a more scientific and standard way. By interpreting the guidelines, this paper aims to help domestic clinicians clarify the diagnosis and treatment objectives of connective tissue disease and vasculitis-associated skin ulcers, accelerate skin wound healing, and improve healing quality.

[Generation and characterization of Cyp4v3 gene knockout mice].

OBJECTIVE: Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is a rare degenerative eye disease caused by mutations in the CYP4V2 gene, and Cyp4v3 is the murine ortholog to CYP4V2. To better understand the molecular pathogenesis of this disease and to explore the potential treatment we have established a Cyp4v3 knock-out mouse model. METHODS: Cyp4v3-/- mice were generated by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 in embryonic stem cells of C57BL/6J mice. Ocular morphologic characteristics were evaluated via fundus imaging, histologic analysis of rods and cones via immunofluorescence, and phalloidin stain to observe retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in whole-mounts, electroretinogram (ERG) was also conducted to examine the retinal function. RESULTS: The characteristic features of BCD recurred in the Cyp4v3-/- mice, including retinal crystalline deposits, atrophy and degeneration of RPE cells, and ERG amplitude decline of dark and light adapted a- and b- wave; however, the immunofluorescence stain of rod and cone cells did not show obvious differences when compared with the wild type (WT) mice. In the early stage of the disease, no crystal-like deposits were found in the fundus, ERG detection of the retinal function did not find a significant decline, and the morphological structure and quantity of the neural retina and RPE did not change significantly. Crystalline deposits occurred and converged when the Cyp4v3-/- mice at the end of 6 months, and the deposits disappeared when the Cyp4v3-/- mice at the end of 12 months. The ERG amplitude started to decline when the Cyp4v3-/- mice at the end of 6 months and deteriorated at the end of 12 months. The RPE cells of the 12-month old Cyp4v3-/- mice showed irregular shape by phalloidin staining of F-actin. The Cyp4v3-/- mice behaved normally and were viable and fertile when maintained under specific pathogen-free (SPF) housing conditions. CONCLUSION: Just like BCD patients, the disease progress of Cyp4v3-/- mouse is correlated with the age, which provides a good model for pathogenesis and gene therapy study in the future. The atrophy and degeneration of RPE take the lead in progressing of the disease, but the mechanism is not clear yet.

Understanding and addressing vaccine hesitancy in the context of COVID-19: development of a digital intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was identified in late 2019, spreading to over 200 countries and resulting in almost two million deaths worldwide. The emergence of safe and effective vaccines provides a route out of the pandemic, with vaccination uptake of 75-90% needed to achieve population protection. Vaccine hesitancy is problematic for vaccine rollout; global reports suggest only 73% of the population may agree to being vaccinated. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop equitable and accessible interventions to address vaccine hesitancy at the population level. STUDY DESIGN: & Method: We report the development of a scalable digital intervention seeking to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and enhance uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the United Kingdom. Guided by motivational interviewing (MI) principles, the intervention includes a series of therapeutic dialogues addressing 10 key concerns of vaccine-hesitant individuals. Development of the intervention occurred linearly across four stages. During stage 1, we identified common reasons for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy through analysis of existing survey data, a rapid systematic literature review, and public engagement workshops. Stage 2 comprised qualitative interviews with medical, immunological, and public health experts. Rapid content and thematic analysis of the data provided evidence-based responses to common vaccine concerns. Stage 3 involved the development of therapeutic dialogues through workshops with psychological and digital behaviour change experts. Dialogues were developed to address concerns using MI principles, including embracing resistance and supporting self-efficacy. Finally, stage 4 involved digitisation of the dialogues and pilot testing with members of the public. DISCUSSION: The digital intervention provides an evidence-based approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy through MI principles. The dialogues are user-selected, allowing exploration of relevant issues associated with hesitancy in a non-judgmental context. The text-based content and digital format allow for rapid modification to changing information and scalability for wider dissemination.

[Early reduction of serum RANTES can predict HBsAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues combined with peginterferon alpha].

Objective: To observe the dynamic changes of serum RANTES during the treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues combined with pegylated interferon alpha (peginterferon-α), and further analyze the predictive effect of RANTES on HBsAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: 98 cases of chronic hepatitis B with quantitative HBsAg < 3 000 IU/ml and HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml after≥1 year NAs treatment were enrolled. Among them, 26 cases continued to receive NAs monotherapy, 72 cases received NAs combined with pegylated interferon alpha therapy. The changes in RANTES during treatment were observed. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the early changes of RANTES to predict the HBsAg clearance during 48 weeks. Results: During 48 weeks, 15 cases (20.83%) had achieved HBsAg clearance in combination group, while no patient had achieved HBsAg clearance in NAs group. The overall serum RANTES level had decreased from baseline in NAs and combination group. At week 48, in the combination group, the serum RANTES level was decreased more significantly in patients with HBsAg clearance than patients without. Further analysis showed that, in combination group, HBsAg clearance rate of patients with serum RANTES decreased at week 12 and 24 was higher than patients with elevated (29.17% vs. 4.17%, P = 0.014; 28.00% vs. 4.55%, P = 0.052), and quantitative HBsAg reduction was larger significantly [(1.49 ± 1.26) log(10)IU/ml vs. (0.73 ± 0.81) log(10)IU/ml, P = 0.017; (1.54 ± 1.27) log(10)IU/ml vs. (0.57 ± 0.56) log(10)IU/ml, P = 0.004]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the baseline quantitative HBsAg and the reduction in quantitative HBsAg and serum RANTES during the early period were predictors of HBsAg clearance after 48-week combination therapy. Furthermore, the combination of baseline quantitative HBsAg and 12 - or 24-week reduction of serum RANTES were better predictors of HBsAg clearance than that of baseline quantitative HBsAg combined with HBsAg decrease at week 12 or 24. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the former was 0.925 and 0.939, while that of the latter was 0.909 and 0.929, respectively. Conclusion: Early reduction of serum RANTES at week 12 and 24 can predict HBsAg loss in CHB patients receiving addition of peginterferon-α to ongoing NAs Therapy, so serum RANTES could be one of the key immunological markers for predicting HBsAg clearance.

[Application of lymphocytes test in peripheral blood of patients with systemic sclerosis during the treatment].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the significance of lymphocytes in systemic sclerosis (SSc), by detecting the levels of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, and analyzing the correlation between the lymphocytes and clinical laboratory indexes. METHODS: The numbers and proportion of T, CD4+T, CD8+T, B, and NK cells were detected by flow cytometry in peripheral blood of 32 SSc patients who had taken immunosuppressive drugs and 30 healthy controls (HC). The comparison of the lymphocyte subsets in SSc with them in the HC groups, and the correlation between the lymphocytes and other clinical and laboratory indicators were analyzed by the relevant statistical analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the HC group, the numbers of T, CD4+T, CD8+T, and NK cells in peripheral blood of SSc group, who had taken immunosuppressive drugs, were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). More-over, the proportion of NK cells in peripheral blood of the SSc group was also significantly lower than that in the HC group (P=0.004). In addition, all the lymphocyte subsets were decreased in peripheral blood of more than 65% of the SSc patients who had taken immunosuppressive drugs. Compared with CD4+T normal group, the positivity of Raynaud's phenomenon, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly increased in CD4+T reduction group, respectively (P＝0.024, P < 0.001, P=0.018). ESR was higher in CD8+T reduction group than CD8+T normal group (P＝0.022). The prevalence of fingertip ulcer was significantly increased in B cell decrease group (P=0.019). Compared with NK cell normal group, the prevalence of fingertip ulcer was significantly increased in NK cell lower group (P=0.033), IgM was remarkablely decreased yet (P=0.049). The correlation analysis showed that ESR was negatively correlated with the counts of T lymphocytes (r＝－0.455, P＝0.009), CD4+T lymphocytes (r＝－0.416, P＝0.018), CD8+T lymphocytes (r＝－0.430, P=0.014), B cells (r＝－0.366, P＝0.039). CONCLUSION: The number of CD4+T, CD8+T, B, and NK cells significantly decreased in peripheral blood of SSc patients who had used immunosuppressive drugs, some lymphocyte subsets might be related with Raynaud's phenomenon and fingertip ulcer, and reflected the disease activity by negatively correlated with ESR and CRP; the numbers of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood should be detected regularly in SSc patients who had taken immunosuppressive drugs.

Peripheral blood T-cell receptor repertoire as a predictor of clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients treated with PD-1 inhibitor

Background Identifying valid biomarkers for patient selection impressively promotes the success of anti-PD-1 therapy. However, the unmet need for biomarkers in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains significant. We aimed to explore the predictive value of the circulating T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire for clinical outcomes in GI cancers who received anti-PD-1 therapy. Methods 137 pre- and 79 post-treated peripheral blood samples were included. The TCR repertoire was evaluated by sequencing of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) in the TRB gene. The Shannon index was used to measure the diversity of the TCR repertoire, and Morisita’s overlap index was used to determine TCR repertoire similarities between pre- and post-treated samples. Results Among all enrolled patients, 76 received anti-PD-1 monotherapy and 61 received anti-PD-1 combination therapy. In the anti-PD-1 monotherapy cohort, patients with higher baseline TCR diversity exhibited a significantly higher disease control rate (77.8% vs. 47.2%; hazard ratio [HR] 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14–13.48; P = 0.030) and a longer progression-free survival (PFS) (median: 6.47 months vs. 2.77 months; HR 2.10; 95% CI 1.16–3.79; P = 0.014) and overall survival (OS) (median: NA vs. 8.97 months; HR 3.53; 95% CI 1.49–8.38; P = 0.004) than those with lower diversity. Moreover, patients with a higher TCR repertoire similarity still showed a superior PFS (4.43 months vs. 1.84 months; HR 13.98; 95% CI 4.37–44.68; P < 0.001) and OS (13.40 months vs. 6.12 months; HR 2.93; 95% CI 1.22–7.03; P = 0.016) even in the cohort with lower baseline diversity. However, neither biomarker showed predictive value in the anti-PD-1 combination therapy cohort. Interestingly, the combination of TCR diversity and PD-L1 expression can facilitate patient stratification in a pooled cohort. Conclusion The circulating TCR repertoire can serve as a predictor of clinical outcomes in anti-PD-1 therapy in GI cancers (AU)

Phageome-based vaccination and human innate immune modulation could be a useful strategy to control human Coronavirus infections.

Human Coronavirus (CoV) infections, including SARS-COV, MERS-COV, and SARS-CoV-2, usually cause fatal lower and upper respiratory tract infections due to exacerbated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We aim to summarize different aspects, such as CoV immune evasion mechanisms and host innate immune response to these infections, and their role in pathogenesis. We have also elaborated the up-to-date findings on different vaccine development strategies and progress against CoVs in both humans and non-human models. Most importantly, we have described the Phageome-human immune interaction, its therapeutic usage as anti-viral, anti-inflammatory agent, and implications for multiple vaccine development systems. The data suggest that endogenous phages might play a vital role in eliminating the infection and regulating the body's immune system. Considering the innate-immune-induced pathogenesis against CoVs and the therapeutic aptitude of phageome, we propose that the prophylactic administration of phages and phage-based vaccines could be a useful strategy to control the emerging CoV infections.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics and prognosis of 235 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors underwent Sunitinib treatment].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognostic factors of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) patients treated with Sunitinib. Methods: The clinical data of pNETs patients from Pfizer Drug Assistance Program of Cancer Foundation of China from April 2013 to November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Follow-up and statistical analysis were performed. Results: A total of 235 patients were enrolled, the patients' overall survival time was between 4 and 252 months, the 3-years and 5-years survival rates were 73.8% and 60.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that factors such as age, Ki-67 index and surgery were associated with the 3-years survival rates of pNETs patients (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the age, Ki-67 index and surgery were independent prognostic factors for pNETs patients (P<0.05). For patients with liver metastases, univariate analysis revealed that surgery was associated with prognosis (P<0.05). The 5-years survival rate of 124 patients with extending usage of Sunitinib was 53.3%. Conclusion: PNETs are rare tumors with atypical clinical symptoms and the patients often have metastasis at the initiate diagnosis. The age, Ki-67 index and surgery are associated with the prognosis of pNETs patients.

Peripheral blood T-cell receptor repertoire as a predictor of clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer patients treated with PD-1 inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Identifying valid biomarkers for patient selection impressively promotes the success of anti-PD-1 therapy. However, the unmet need for biomarkers in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remains significant. We aimed to explore the predictive value of the circulating T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire for clinical outcomes in GI cancers who received anti-PD-1 therapy. METHODS: 137 pre- and 79 post-treated peripheral blood samples were included. The TCR repertoire was evaluated by sequencing of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) in the TRB gene. The Shannon index was used to measure the diversity of the TCR repertoire, and Morisita's overlap index was used to determine TCR repertoire similarities between pre- and post-treated samples. RESULTS: Among all enrolled patients, 76 received anti-PD-1 monotherapy and 61 received anti-PD-1 combination therapy. In the anti-PD-1 monotherapy cohort, patients with higher baseline TCR diversity exhibited a significantly higher disease control rate (77.8% vs. 47.2%; hazard ratio [HR] 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-13.48; P = 0.030) and a longer progression-free survival (PFS) (median: 6.47 months vs. 2.77 months; HR 2.10; 95% CI 1.16-3.79; P = 0.014) and overall survival (OS) (median: NA vs. 8.97 months; HR 3.53; 95% CI 1.49-8.38; P = 0.004) than those with lower diversity. Moreover, patients with a higher TCR repertoire similarity still showed a superior PFS (4.43 months vs. 1.84 months; HR 13.98; 95% CI 4.37-44.68; P < 0.001) and OS (13.40 months vs. 6.12 months; HR 2.93; 95% CI 1.22-7.03; P = 0.016) even in the cohort with lower baseline diversity. However, neither biomarker showed predictive value in the anti-PD-1 combination therapy cohort. Interestingly, the combination of TCR diversity and PD-L1 expression can facilitate patient stratification in a pooled cohort. CONCLUSION: The circulating TCR repertoire can serve as a predictor of clinical outcomes in anti-PD-1 therapy in GI cancers.