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Soil is considered as the fundamental media to provide nutrients to plants for their growth and development. Nevertheless, soil quality is closely related to soil microbes, enzyme activity, soil physicochemical properties, and above-ground biomass. In this study, soil quality evaluation was performed on 17 indicators, including soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activity. For this, the stand density with the highest soil quality score was selected for improving forest productivity and forest management. Stand density and soil layer factors have little effect on physical properties, mainly affecting chemical properties and enzyme activity. Different species have different adaptability to soil nutrients. The stand density of Dendrocalamus minor var. amoenus was positively correlated with total nitrogen, urease, available potassium, and available phosphorus. Nine indicators were screened by principal component analysis to explain soil quality (cumulative proportion of 92.50%). Among them, Stand H1 had the highest soil quality score, and the lower stand density is helpful in alleviating competition pressure on light resources, soil nutrition and so on. It is suggested that the future forest management of Dendrocalamus minor var. amoenus should be controlled in the range of 4300 ramet/hm-2, which is more conducive to soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrocalamus minor var. amoenus was analyzed for physiological and proteomic responses under drought stress. The adverse effects of drought on D. minor var. amoenus were primarily affected by gas exchange attributes such as photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) decreased as drought intensity increased. Among chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, actual photochemical efficiency of PSII (FPSII), electron transport rate (ETR), and non-photochemical quenching (qN) also decreased under increasing drought stress throughout the natural dehydration process (15-30 days). Moreover, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels increased significantly when subjected to short drought event and then decreased rapidly under severe drought stress. Using twodimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), we detected more than 500 protein spots; 41 significant differentially expressed protein spots were uncovered under drought stress. Following matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) identification and BLAST of these 41 proteins spots to an NCBI or Uniprot database, 33 differential protein spots were identified. In addition to determining a suitable protocol for protein extraction from D. minor var. amoenus (or other bamboo species), this study provides important information on signal transduction pathway changes under drought stress for exploring drought resistance candidate genes in bamboo species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study attempts to evaluate the effects of EBR (2, 4-epibrassinolide) on photosynthetic parameters, biochemicals, antioxidant systems, and chloroplast ultrastructure in the leaves of Morinda officinalis under high temperature (HT). HT stress significantly reduced the net photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate) (Tr), photosynthetic pigments, and inhibited photochemical activity. Besides, the application of EBR alleviated the decrease in chlorophyll contents and the inhibition of photosynthesis induced by HT stress and improved photosystem II efficiency. Furthermore, HT stress markedly increased reactive oxygen species levels and lipid per-oxidation, while the application of 0.5-1.0 mg L-1 EBR inhibited their increase and enhanced the activity of anti-oxidative enzymes. Microscopic analyses revealed that HT stress induced damages to chloroplasts and thylakoid membranes, displaying chloroplast envelopes disrupted, grana lamellae blurred and stroma lamellar disordered, while 0.5-1.0 mg L-1 EBR treatment effectively protected the thylakoid membrane structure from HT stress, maintained the typical shape of chloroplasts, and promoted the formation of grana. It can be concluded that 0.5-1.0 mg L-1 EBR can reduce the harmful effects of HT on M. officinalis seedlings by improving photosynthesis and protecting the photosynthetic membrane system from oxidative damage through up-regulating the capacity of antioxidant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC) is the carbon-rich material, increasingly as a soil additive for carbon sequestration and soil improvement. Various studies have shown that BC have a profound effect on root morphological traits on agricultural systems, however the effect of BC amendments on the root traits of forest species is scant. The current study attempts to evaluate the effects of different BCs as a soil amendment on the growth and root morphological traits of Fokienia hodginsii. For that reason, three different types of BCs; bamboo (BB), hardwood (BH), and rice straw (BR) with four levels (0, 5, 20, and 80 g kg-1 of soil) collectively ten treatment combination including control (Bo) were incorporated to soil and seedlings were allowed to grow in pots in greenhouse for one year. After one year uprooted seedlings roots were scanned and analyzed by using WinRHIZO software for comparison. Bamboo and rice straw BC amendments were found to significantly improve root traits particularly root volume, average diameter, and root length compared to Bo. Additionally, the seedlings treated with BR80, BB80, and BH80 attained 36%, 29%, and 25% biomass, respectively compared to Control (Bo). Soil physiochemical properties particularly soil pH also varied between different BCs types and levels. Consequently, BC alkalinity is an important feature to correct soil acidity and improve soil fertility by altering soil nutrient content. Root establishment in acidic soils can be enhanced by BC amendments but selection of BC and soil is crucial to maximizing soil improvement and seedlings roots traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is very important to study displacement prediction in geotechnical engineering. Nowadays, the grey system method, time series analysis method and artificial neural network method are three main methods. Based on the brief introduction, the three methods are analyzed comprehensively. Their merits and demerits, applied ranges are revealed. To solve the shortcomings of the artificial neural network method, a new prediction method based on new evolutionary neural network is proposed. Finally, through two real engineering applications, the analysis of three main methods and the new evolutionary neural network method all have been verified. The results show that, the grey system method is a kind of exponential approximation to displacement sequence, and time series analysis is linear autoregression approximation, while artificial neural network is nonlinear autoregression approximation. Thus, the grey system method can suitably analyze the sequence, which has the exponential law, the time series method can suitably analyze the random sequence and the neural network method almostly can be applied in any sequences. Moreover, the prediction results of new evolutionary neural network method is the best, and its approximation sequence and the generalization prediction sequence are all coincided with the real displacement sequence well. Thus, the new evolutionary neural network method is an acceptable method to predict the measurement displacements of geotechnical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the concentration and distribution of urban aerosol in Nova Gorica, Slovenia and Gorizia, Italy on May 24-25, 2010. The measuring campaign performs tracking of two-dimensional spatial and temporal aerosol distributions using scanning elastic lidar. It also analyzes the flow dynamics and the aerosol concentrations within the lower troposphere and an evidence for daily aerosol cycles.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 in China, and to improve the understanding of MIS-C among pediatricians. Methods: Case series study.Collect the clinical characteristics, auxiliary examinations, treatment decisions, and prognosis of 64 patients with MIS-C from 9 hospitals in China from December 2022 to June 2023. Results: Among the 64 MIS-C patients, 36 were boys and 28 were girls, with an onset age being 2.8 (0.3, 14.0) years. All patients suffered from fever, elevated inflammatory indicators, and multiple system involvement. Forty-three patients (67%) were involved in more than 3 systems simultaneously, including skin mucosa 60 cases (94%), blood system 52 cases (89%), circulatory system 54 cases (84%), digestive system 48 cases (75%), and nervous system 24 cases (37%). Common mucocutaneous lesions included rash 54 cases (84%) and conjunctival congestion and (or) lip flushing 45 cases (70%). Hematological abnormalities consisted of coagulation dysfunction 48 cases (75%), thrombocytopenia 9 cases (14%), and lymphopenia 8 cases (13%). Cardiovascular lesions mainly affected cardiac function, of which 11 patients (17%) were accompanied by hypotension or shock, and 7 patients (12%) had coronary artery dilatation.Thirty-six patients (56%) had gastrointestinal symptoms, 23 patients (36%) had neurological symptoms. Forty-five patients (70%) received the initial treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin in combination with glucocorticoids, 5 patients (8%) received the methylprednisolone pulse therapy and 2 patients (3%) treated with biological agents, 7 patients with coronary artery dilation all returned to normal within 6 months. Conclusions: MIS-C patients are mainly characterized by fever, high inflammatory response, and multiple organ damage. The preferred initial treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin combined with glucocorticoids. All patients have a good prognosis.

Objective: To elucidate the clinical features of patients with refractory juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), and to explore the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in the treatment of refractory JDM. Methods: A total of 75 JDM patients admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology in Shenzhen Children's Hospital from January 2012 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and to analyze the clinical manifestations, efficacy and safety of tofacitinib in the treatment of refractory JDM. Patients were divided into refractory group with using of glucocorticoids in combination with two or more anti-rheumatic drugs for treatment, and the presence of disease activity or steroid dependence after a one-year follow-up. The non-refractory group is defined as clinical symptoms disappeared, laboratory indicators were normal, and clinical remission was achieved after initial treatment, and the clinical manifestations and laboratory indexes of the two groups were compared. The Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's precision probability test was used for intergroup comparison. Binary Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for refractory JDM. Results: Among the 75 children with JDM, 41 were males and 34 were females with a age of onset of 5.3 (2.3, 7.8) years. The refractory group consisted of 27 cases with a age of onset of 4.4 (1.5, 6.8) years, while the non-refractory group consisted of 48 cases with a age of onset of 5.9 (2.5, 8.0) years. Compared with 48 cases in the non-refractory group, the proportion of interstitial lesions and calcinosis in the refractory group was higher than that in the non-refractory group (6 cases (22%) vs. 2 cases (4%), 8 cases (30%) vs. 4 cases (8%), both P <0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that observation group were more likely to be associated with to interstitial lung disease ( OR =6.57, 95% CI 1.22-35.31, P =0.028) and calcinosis ( OR =4.63, 95% CI 1.24-17.25, P =0.022). Among the 27 patients in the refractory group, 22 cases were treated with tofacitinib, after treatment with tofacitinib, 15 of 19 cases (86%) children with rashes showed improvement, and 6 cases (27%) with myositis evaluation table score less than 48 score both were improved, 3 of 6 cases (27%) had calcinosis were relieved, and 2 cases (9%) had glucocorticoid-dependence children were successfully weaned off. During the tofacitinib treatment, there was no increase in recurrent infection, blood lipids, liver enzymes, and creatinine were all normal in the 22 cases. Conclusions: Children with JDM with calcinosis and interstitial lung disease are more likely to develop refractory JDM. Tofacitinib is safe and effective for refractory JDM.

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of type I interferonopathies and provide clues for early identification and diagnosis. Methods: Clinical data of 20 patients admitted to Department of Pediatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital and 5 patients admitted to Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital from January 2016 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The data included gene results, clinical manifestations and auxiliary examination results. Results: Of the 25 cases, 12 were males and 13 were females. Age of onset ranged from 1 day to 11 years. And 84% of them had the onset before the age of 3 years. The cases consisted of 14 cases of Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS), 6 cases of adenosine deaminase 2 deficiency (DADA2), 3 cases of stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI), and 2 cases of Spondyloenchondrodysplasia with immune dysregulation (SPENCDI). Eighteen patients (72%) experienced neurologic disorder, among whom 16 (64%) showed intracranial calcification, 11 (44%) had dystonia, 10 (40%) had leukodystrophy, 6 (24%) had epilepsy, 5 (20%) had brain atrophy and 5 (20%) had early-onset cerebrovascular events. Skin involvement occurred in 15 cases (60%), among whom 8 cases (32%) had chilblain-like rash, 4 cases (16%) had livedo reticularis, 3 cases (12%) had erythema, 2 cases (8%) had erythema nodosum and 2 cases (8%) had Raynaud's phenomenon. In addition, 12 cases (48%) had positive autoimmune antibodies, 10 cases (40%) manifested as developmental retardation, 8 cases (32%) experienced lung interstitial lesions, and 7 cases (28%) demonstrated thyroid dysfunction. And 1 died (4%) at 11 years of age. Conclusions: Type Ⅰinterferonopathies can involve multiple organs, and share the characteristics of systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The early-onset neurological symptoms (early-onset cerebrovascular events, intracranial calcification, leukodystrophy and cerebral atrophy), rashes (chilblain-like rash, livedo reticularis and erythema), positive autoimmune antibodies, developmental delay, interstitial lung disease and thyroid dysfunction may indicate type Ⅰ interferonopathies.

Objective: To explore the clinical phenotype, immunological features, pathogenesis and gene variation of a case with A20 haploinsufficiency (HA20). Methods: A patient diagnosed with tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) mutated HA20 was admitted into Shenzhen Children's Hospital in May,2019.The clinical data was analyzed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the patient's peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets, and also, the percentage of follicular helper T cell (TFH) cells in the patient and thirteen healthy controls. After the construction of empty vector, wild-type and mutant plasmid vectors, a wild-type or mutant overexpression system of the TNFAIP3 gene was established in 293T cells and Hela cells. Then, the expression level of A20 in 293T cells and the expression of inhibitor K binding α (IKBα) in green fluorescent protein (GFP)+Hela cells before and after tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) stimulation were measured, to verify the pathogenicity of this variation. Results: A 5 years and 11 months old boy, presented with recurrent oral ulcer, abdominal pain, joint swelling and arthralgia. Oral ulcer, chronic skin rashes, knee joint swelling were observed. The levels of inflammatory markers were increased. Colonoscopy showed congestion of mucosa and multiple ulcers in terminal ileum and ileocecus. The absolute number of naive B cells was 124×10(6) cells/L (reference range 147×10(6)-431×10(6) cells/L), accounting for 0.430 of the total B cells (reference range 0.484-0.758). Compared to healthy controls (0.016-0.071), the percentage of TFH cells in CD4(+)T cells was much lower (0.008).A heterozygous mutation of TNFAIP3 gene (c.909&#95;913 del, p.L303fs) was identified by genetic analysis. In vitro study showed that truncated A20 protein was expressed in TNFAIP3 mutant overexpressed 293T cells, which verified the pathogenicity of this variation. Besides, after TNF-α stimulation, the degradation rate of IkBα protein in mutant overexpressed Hela cells (35%) was between the other two groups (15% in the wild-type group and 57% in the non-loaded group). Conclusions: This case with HA20 due to a de novo TNFAIP3 gene mutation presents with early onset Behcet-like autoinflammatory syndrome. This variation leads to expression of truncated A20 protein, enhanced degradation of IkBα, and further activation of nuclear factor κB signaling pathway.

Objective: To investigate the clinical, inflammatory and genetic characteristics of cases with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. Methods: Clinical and inflammatory manifestations and gene sequencing of 11 cases with PFAPA were retrospectively analyzed. Inflammatory markers including white blood cell (WBC) , C reactive protein (CRP) , and serum amyloid A (SAA) were compared between febrile period and intermittent period. Fifteen normal children were taken as healthy controls. The levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines including interleukin(IL)1β, IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor(G-CSF) were compared between febrile period and intermittent period with paired-sample t test, and compared between febrile cases and healthy controls with independent t test. Results: A total of 11 cases (7 females and 4 males) were included. The median onset age was 24 (3-60) months, and the median age of diagnosis was 69 (11-151) months. The median febrile duration was 4 (1-8) days, and the intermittent period lasted 1 to 8 weeks. All the cases had periodic fever and pharyngitis/tonsillitis, 7 of whom had combined lymphadenitis, and 5 of whom suffered from oral ulcers. Compared to intermittent-period-status,WBC ((14.7±4.1) ×10(9)/L vs. (8.4±1.9) ×10(9)/L, P< 0.05), CRP((24.2±21.1) vs. (3.3±2.1)mg/L, P< 0.05), SAA ((136.4±47.7) vs. (7.1±1.1)mg/L, P< 0.05) were significantly elevated in febrile period. Compared to intermittent-period-status and healthy controls, plasma levels of IL-6 ((38±10) vs. (8±4) and (8±5)ng/L, t= 6.514 and 6.830 respectively, P< 0.05), IFN-γ ((132±43) vs. (49±21) and (53±21)ng/L, t= 4.069 and 4.276 respectively, P< 0.05), G-CSF ((403±12) vs. (175±90) and (121±49)ng/L, t= 4.219 and 9.047 respectively, P< 0.05) were significantly higher in febrile period, while no differences were found in levels of IL-1β, IL-17 and TNF-α. Gene sequencing found MEFV gene heterozygous variation in 8 cases. Conclusions: PFAPA often manifests as periodic fever, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, aphthous stomatitis and adenitis. Gene sequencing analysis, detection of inflammation markers and cytokines could help with the diagnose of this disease.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common result of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Hepatocyte injury and metabolic disorders are hallmarks of NAFLD. Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and its downstream factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) trigger inflammatory reaction in response to the presence of cytosolic DNA. STING has recently been shown to play an important role in early alcoholic liver disease. However, little is known about the role of STING-IRF3 pathway in hepatocyte injury. Here, we aimed to examine the effect of STING-IRF3 pathway on hepatocyte metabolism, inflammation and apoptosis., Methods: We examined the activation of the STING-IRF3 pathway, a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model, and determined the role of this pathway in a free fatty acid (FFA)-induced hepatocyte inflammatory response, injury, and dysfunction in L-O2 human liver cells., Results: STING and IRF3 were upregulated in livers of HFD-fed mice and in FFA-induced L-O2 cells. Knocking down either STING or IRF3 led to a significant reduction in FFA-induced hepatic inflammation and apoptosis, as evidenced by modulation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic signaling. Additionally, STING/IRF3 knockdown enhanced glycogen storage and alleviated lipid accumulation, which were found to be associated with increased expression of hepatic enzymes in glycolysis and lipid catabolism, and attenuated expression of hepatic enzymes in gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis., Conclusions: Our results suggest that the STING-IRF3 pathway promotes hepatocyte injury and dysfunction by inducing inflammation and apoptosis and by disturbing glucose and lipid metabolism. This pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for preventing NAFLD development and progression., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and genetic characteristics of cases with X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, and neoplasia (XMEN). Methods: Characteristics of clinical material, immunological data and gene mutation of two cases with XMEN in the same family in China were retrospectively analyzed. The related reports literature were searched by using search terms'MAGT1 gene'or'XMEN'. Results: The proband, a 2-year-eight-month old boy, was admitted due to 'Urine with deepened color for two days and yellow stained skin for one day'. He had suffered from recurrent upper respiratory tract infection and sinusitis previously. Hemoglobin level was 38 g/L. The absolute count of reticulocytes was 223.2×10(9)/L. Urobilinogen level was 38 μmol/L (3-16 μmol/L). Coomb's test was positive. Both total (77.2 μmol/L) and indirect bilirubin (66 μmol/L) levels were elevated. There was an inverted CD4(+)/CD8(+)T cell ratio (0.89). The gene sequencing results showed MAGT1 gene c.472delG, p.D158Mfs*6 mutation. His 1-year-6-month old brother, was also identified to have MAGT1 gene c.472delG, p.D158Mfs*6 mutation.The younger brother mainly suffered from recurrent upper respiratory tract infection, accompanied by an inverted CD4(+)/CD8(+)T cell ratio (0.45), an elevated ratio and number of total B cells (45.7%). A total of 7 reports were retrieved including 11 male cases caused by MAGT1 gene mutation. These 11 cases were characterized by EBV viremia (11 cases), recurrent upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media or sinusitis (10 cases), secondary neoplasia diseases (8 cases), reduction of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratio (7 cases),and autoimmune thrombocytopenia or hemolytic anemia (2 cases). Conclusion: XMEN often manifests as male onset, recurrent upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media or sinusitis, EBV viremia, lymphoproliferative disease or lymphoma, autoimmune diseases and reduction of CD4(+)/CD8 (+)T cell ratio. NKG2D expression in NK cells is significantly reduced, and gene sequencing analysis shows a pathogenic mutation in MAGT1 gene.

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and genetic characteristics of cases with NBAS gene defects. Method: Characteristics of clinical materials, immunological data and gene mutation of the first case in China with NBAS gene mutation were retrospectively analyzed. The related literature was searched by using search terms'NBAS'. Result: A 2-year-four-month old girl, was admitted due to 'fever and pallor for one day'. There was an intrauterine growth retardation at her fetal stage. Since her birth, she had suffered from recurrent infections and development delay was accompanied by persistent liver dysfunction. Her head circumference and height were 43.5 cm and 60 cm, respectively. She seemed pale. She had progeroid appearance with loose skin, sparse hair, proptosis and low-set ears. The cranial suture did no close and the anterior fontanel was about 6 cm×5 cm. Abdominal palpation showed that the liver was 2 cm below the right costal margin, and the spleen was 1.5 cm below the left rib. Both alanine aminotransferase(100-1 991 IU/L) and aspartate aminotransferase (191-1 367 IU/L) were persistently abnormal. Visual evoked potentials and fundus examination revealed optic nerve atrophy. Bone mineral density assessment showed osteoporosis. The IgG level was 2.0 g/L (3.41-19.6) and absolute count of CD19(+)B cells was 231.27/μl (608.8-2 167.7) . Her hemoglobin level was 53 g/L. Bone marrow smear showed serious hypoplasia in erythroid cell. The gene sequencing results showed NBAS gene c.5741C> T, pR1914H and c.6496-6497insA, p.S2166Ffs* 2 compound heterozygous mutations. A total of 8 literatures were collected including 57 cases with NBAS gene homozygous or compound heterozygous mutation. These 57 cases were characterized by short stature(88%, 50/57) , Pelger-Huët anomaly (75%, 43/57) , skeletal dysplasia (74%, 42/57), optic nerve atrophy (72%, 41/57), abnormality of liver enzymes or acute liver failure (42%,24/57), abnormalities of immune system(19%, 11/57), development delay of mental, language or sports(11%, 6/57). Other clinical manifestations such as progeroid appearance, proptosis and hypotonia were also common. NBAS gene c.5741G>A homozygous mutation accounted for 61% (35/57) cases. Conclusion: Cases with NBAS gene defects often manifests as short stature, optic nerve atrophy, Pelger-Huët anomaly, skeletal dysplasia, recurrent infections, abnormality of liver enzymes, progeroid appearance, proptosis, hypotonia and immunodeficiency. Gene sequencing analysis showed NBAS gene homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations, and homozygous mutation of c.5741G>A was most common.

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and genetic characteristics of cases with Ras-associated autoimmune leukoproliferative disorder(RALD). Method: Characteristics of clinical data and gene mutation of the first two cases in China with RALD were retrospectively analyzed. The related literature was searched by using search terms "NRAS" , "KRAS" or "RALD" . Result: Case1, a seven-year-seven-month old girl, was admitted due to "thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly for three years" . Palpation showed enlargement of submandibular lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly.The platelet count fluctuated between 15×10(9)/L and 60×10(9)/L. Hemoglobin was as 57 g/L and Coomb's test was positive.Lung computed tomography revealed interstitial lung disease, bilateral pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, myocardial injury and ascites. Case2, a seven-year-five-month old girl, was admitted due to "recurrent thrombocytopenia for seven years, intermittent eyelid and abdominal swelling for three years" . Palpation showed enlargement of cervical and right inguinal lymph nodes, and hepatosplenomegaly.The number of platelet and monocyte were 9×10(9)/L and 5.46×10(9)/L, respectively. Bone marrow smear revealed an increase in the proportion of primitive immature cells (0.09 to 0.11). Lung computed tomography revealed interstitial lung disease, pericardial effusion, cardiac enlargement and pulmonary hypertension. The gene sequencing results showed KRAS gene c.38G> A somatic mutation in case1, and p.G12D and NRAS gene c.38G> A, p.G13D somatic mutation in case2. A total of 8 reports were retrieved including 23 cases caused by NRAS(10 cases) or KRAS(13 cases) gene somatic mutation. All the 23 cases showed hypergammaglobulinemia, splenomegaly, B cells hyperplasia or mononucleosis. Conclusion: RALD often manifests as hepatosplenomegaly,lymphoproliferation, autoimmune hematocytopenia, B cells hyperplasia or mononucleosis, hypergammaglobulinemia. Gene sequencing analysis can help diagnose the disease.

Objective: To explore the clinical and immunological features, gene mutations, treatment and prognosis in patients with activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ syndrome (APDS) caused by PIK3CD gene heterozygous germline mutation. Method: The data of clinical, immunological phenotype, treatment, and prognosis of 15 patients with APDS, who visited Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and Shenzhen Children's Hospital from June 2014 to November 2016, were collected and analyzed. Result: Of the 15 patients, 11 were males, remaining 4 patients were females. The median age of disease onset was 1 year, and median age at diagnosis was 4 years and 4 months. All patients had the de novo heterozygous germline mutation in PIK3CD (c. 3061G>A, p. E1021K). The common initial symptoms were respiratory infections, including pneumonia (12 cases) , bronchiectasis (5 cases). Other common clinical manifestations were recurrent and chronic diarrhea (11 cases), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and/or cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia (10 cases), hepatosplenomegaly (13 cases), and lymphadenopathy (10 cases). The main immunological features were increased IgM (11 cases), decreased IgG (6 cases), decreased numbers of CD4 + T cell (7 cases) especially naïve CD4 + T cell (9 cases), reduced numbers of B cells (11 cases) particularly naïve B cells (9 cases), increased numbers of transitional B cells (5 cases) and CD8 + terminally differentiated effector memory T cells (5 cases). After 1-29 months follow up, 13 of the 15 cases remain survived, of whom 5 cases received regular intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, with reduced frequency of infections and improved severity of infections; of whom 3 cases received oral rapamycin therapy at the dosage of 1 mg/ (m 2 ·d) and with a decrease in nonneoplastic lymphoproliferation. Conclusion: E1021K is a hotspot for mutation in the PIK3CD gene in patients with APDS. Regular IVIG can improve their quality of life. Targetel treatment with rapamycin could mitigate hepatosplenomegaly.

A replication-deficient recombinant retrovirus containing the cDNA coding for human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was generated, and then infected rabbit primary skin fibroblasts. After selection with G418, the transduced colonies have the ability of producing VEGF. The integration and expression of VEGF in transduced cells were confirmed by Southern blot, PCR, Northern blot and RT-PCR assay. The VEGF secreted by transduced cells has strong bioactivity when assayed by endothelial proliferation and Miles vascular permeability assay. Thus, this study pave the way for future study of biological and physiological effect of VEGF in vivo.