[Minimal residual disease in adults with Philadelphia chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in high-risk]

Objective: To explore the significance of minimal residual disease (MRD) in predicting prognosis and guiding therapy of adults with Philadelphia-chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph(-) ALL) in high-risk. Methods: Data of newly diagnosed adults with Ph(-) ALL in high-risk who achieved CR were reviewed. Variables associated with outcome were identified by COX regression model and Landmark analysis. Results: A total of 177 patients, 99 (56%) cases male with a median age of 40 years (range, 16-65 years) were included in this study. Of them, 95 (54%) patients received allo-HSCT in CR(1). Multivariate analyses showed that MRD negativity after the first cycle of consolidation (HR=0.52, 95%CI 0.30-0.89, P=0.017) and achieving CR within 4 weeks (HR=0.43, 95%CI 0.24-0.79, P=0.006) were the factors significantly-associated with longer DFS, and allo-HSCT was associated with both longer DFS (HR=0.13, 95%CI 0.08-0.22, P<0.001) and OS (HR=0.24, 95%CI 0.15-0.41, P<0.001) . Landmark analysis was performed on 121 patients, of 85 patients achieving MRD negativity after the first cycle of consolidation, multivariate analyses showed that MRD negativity after the third cycle of consolidation was significantly-associated with longer DFS (HR=0.18, 95%CI 0.05-0.64, P=0.008) and OS (HR=0.14, 95%CI 0.04-0.50, P=0.003) . For the patients achieving MRD negativity after both the first and the third cycles of consolidation, the 3-year DFS rate in the allo-HSCT cohort had a higher trend compared with that in the chemotherapy cohort (75.2% vs 51.3%, P=0.082) , however, the 3-year OS rates in the 2 cohorts were similar (72.7% vs 68.7%, P=0.992) . In those with MRD positivity after the first and/or the third cycle of consolidation, 3-year DFS (64.8% vs 33.3%, P=0.006) and OS (77.0% vs 33.3%, P=0.028) rates in the allo-HSCT cohort were significantly higher than those in the chemotherapy cohort, and similar to those in the cohort achieving MRD negativity after both the first and the third cycles of consolidation and receiving allo-HSCT. Conclusions: MRD negativity after the first cycle of consolidation was a predictor for better outcome in adults with Ph(-) ALL in high-risk. The survival advantage of the allo-HSCT cohort was not pronounced compared with that in the chemotherapy cohort even in those with high-risk features but achieving MDR negativity after both the first and third cycles of consolidation. However, allo-HSCT could be a good option for the patients with MRD positivity after the first and/or the third cycle of consolidation.

[Research on the surgery treatment and etiology of fungal endophthalmitis]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy and etiological diagnosis in the treatment of fungal endophthalmitis. Methods: A retrospective survey was done on the clinical manifestation, etiological diagnosis and treatment efficacy of 15 patients (15 eyes) who had been diagnosed with fungal endophthalmitis at the inpatient department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital during 2002-2015. A total of 15 eyes of 15 patients, 3 male and 12 female patients, were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was (45.8±15.3) years. Among the 15 eyes, 12 (12 patients) were diagnosed with endogenous fungal endophthalmitis and 3 (3 patients) were diagnosed with exogenous fungal endophthalmitis. Fourteen eyes have been misdiagnosed with uveitis, systematic or local application of glucocorticoid and/or immunosuppressor have been conducted on the patients which resulted in exacerbation. Baseline visual acuity: light perception in 2 eyes, hand movement for 12 eyes, and 1 eye of 0.1. Six eyes showed slight inflammatory reaction in anterior chamber, four eyes showed moderate inflammatory reaction in anterior chamber, while five eyes showed severe inflammatory reaction with hypopyon in anterior chamber. B-Scan ultrasound examination showed inflammatory vitreous opacity in all 15 eyes, combined proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) were found in 11 eyes, retinal detachment were found in 10 eyes, which include 6 cases of tractional retinal detachment, 1 case of exudative retinal detachment, and 3 cases of retinal and choroid detachment. Forty eyes underwent vitrectomy, 1 eye underwent intravitreal injection. Nine eyes were processed with silicone oil tamponade, one eye was processed with C(3)F(8) tamponade. At the beginning of the operation, vitreous fluids were collected for preparing smears which were later used for fungus culture and drug susceptibility testing. Results: According to the smear results of vitreous fluid, fungal hyphae and spores were found in 10 eyes. The fungus culture indicated positive results in 12 eyes, including candida albicans in 6 eyes, fusarium, candida parapsilosis, paecilomyces lilacinus, asoergullus terreus, mulan candida and aspergillus in 1 eye respectively. Based on etiological diagnosis, 14 eyes received amphotericin B intraocular injection during operation, and 9 patients received fluconazole (venous transfusion or oral administration), 2 patients received voriconazole through venous transfusion or oral administration, one patient received itraconazole through oral administration. All 15 eyes received local application of amphotericin B eyedrop or fluconazole eyedrop. The intraocular inflammations in all 15 eyes were mitigated. The visual acuity improved in 6 eyes, remained unchanged in 4 eyes, and reduced in 5 eyes. Postoperative visual acuity achieved 0.1 to 0.15 in 2 eyes, 0.01 to 0.04 in 2 eyes, CF in 2 eyes, HM in 4 eyes, LP in 2 eyes, and NLP in 3 eyes. The retina of 5 eyes remained in position, the retina of 2 eyes reattached, the retina of 2 eyes failed to reattach. Recurrent retinal detachment happened in the other 6 eyes, 5 of which received reoperation. Eventually, the retina of 10 eyes reattached, and the retina of the 5 eyes failed to reattach. Conclusions: Vitrectomy is an effective method for treatment of fungal endophthalmitis. The positive rates of vitreous smear and fungus culture were really high. Application of sensitive anti-fungal drugs based on etiological diagnose can improve therapeutic level. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 270-276).

[Subjects with impaired glucose tolerance returned to normal glucose status for six years had lower long-term risk of diabetes: 20 years follow up of Daqing diabetes prevention study]

Objective: To explore the influence of lifestyle intervention on long-term diabetes in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) returned to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) within 6 years. Methods: A total of 577 subjects (aged 25-74 years old) with IGT in Daqing were enrolled and randomly assigned to control, and diet, exercise and diet plus exercise groups in a six-year intervention trial in 1986. Subjects who were non-diabetic at the end of the intervention were followed up for additional 14 years. Results: Among all the subjects, 41.38% of them who had returned to NGT from IGT within 6 years maintained NGT status after 20 years, and had a lower incidence of diabetes than subjects maintained IGT status (46.55% vs. 75.25%). Of note, in the intervention group, the percentage of participants developed diabetes in the NGT subjects was significantly lower than that in the IGT group (43.71% vs. 76.25%) after 20 years. There was high long-term risk for diabetes in the IGT subjects after the adjustment of age, sex and baseline glucose (HR=1.81, 95%CI 1.27-2.58, P=0.001), whereas in the non-intervention group, no significant difference could be viewed in long-term diabetic risk between subjects maintained IGT status and those returned to NGT (71.43% vs. 65.22%) after adjusting of the same confounders (HR=1.03, 95%CI 0.45-2.35, P=0.94). Conclusions: IGT subjects who had returned to NGT in early years had lower risk for future diabetes than those who remained IGT. However, this beneficial effect could only be viewed in the intervention group, but not in the non-intervention group.

[Water sorption and hygroscopic changes of five core buildup composite resins]

Objective: To evaluate water sorption and hygroscopic dimensional changes of five core buildup composite resins, and to provide references for material modification on water sorption. Methods: Five commercial core buildup materials (group A: Smart Dentin Replacement(TM); group B: NanoFil; group C: ParaCore(TM); group D: LuxaCore Z; group E: EmbraceCore(TM) Resin Cement) were fabricated to disk-shaped specimens: (15.0±0.1) mm diameter, (2.0±0.1) mm thickness (n=10). Specimens were thoroughly irradiated with curing lights. The initial mass in air was recorded, and the initial mass in deionized water was recorded. Five specimens of each group were immersed in deionized water for 28 d. They were weighed as a function of different immersion time (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 28 d). The mass in air was recorded, and the displayed mass in deionized water was recorded. Archimedes' principle was applied to calculate the dimensional changes. The other five specimens of each group were stored in artificial saliva and were tested by the same methods. Results: All specimens gained weight and hygroscopic changes during 28 d immersion. When stored in deionized water, the apparent mass change of group A [(10.6±0.9) μg/mm(3)] and the dimensional change of group A [(0.39±0.10)%] were the lowest, while the mass change of group E [(48.0±0.2) μg/mm(3)] and the dimensional change of group E [(3.16±0.13)%] were the highest (P<0.05). In artificial saliva, the lowest apparent mass change was found in group A [(11.8±1.0) μg/mm(3)] while the highest change was found in group E [(47.4±3.5) μg/mm(3)] (P<0.05). The lowest dimensional change was found in group C [(0.37±0.09)%] and the highest was found in group E [(3.07±0.19)%] in artificial saliva (P<0.05). Conclusions: Water sorption and dimensional changes vary in immersion fluids with different osmotic pressure. Water sorption and dimensional changes of core buildup composite resins are highly correlated with test materials in both of the deionized water and artificial saliva.

[Survey of HIV infection in men who have sex with men living for 5 years or less in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province]

Objective: To assess the prevalence of HIV infection and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) living for ≤5 years in Wenzhou of Zhejiang province. Methods: MSM who were aged ≥16 years, had lived in Wenzhou for ≥3 months and had anal sex and/or oral sex with men in the last 12 months were recruited through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from February to October in 2015. The MSM recruited completed a questionnaire for the information collection on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behavior, awareness of HIV and related intervention, mental health status. Blood samples were collected from them for serological detection of HIV and syphilis antibodies. Software SPSS 18.0 was used to analyze HIV infection and related factors. Results: A total of 454 MSM were investigated, 108 of them (23.7%) were HIV positive. There were 267 MSM who lived in Wenzhou for ≤5 years, and 73 of them (27.3%) were HIV positive. Most of them were workers and commercial servants aged ≥25 years with personal monthly income <4 000 yuan and educational level of junior high school or below. According to multiple logistics regression analysis, age of 25-68 years old (OR=12.19, 95%CI: 2.29-65.02), heterosexual behavior in recent 6 months (OR=0.42, 95%CI: 0.18-0.96), believing it was possible to be infected with HIV (OR=0.06, 95%CI: 0.01-0.95), believing it was impossible to be infected with HIV (OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.01-0.35) and syphilis status (OR=3.32, 95%CI: 1.05-10.52) were the risk factors associated with HIV infection. Conclusion: Compared with MSM who lived in Wenzhou for >5 years, MSM who lived in Wenzhou for ≤5 years had higher HIV infection rate and higher prevalence of risk behavior. It is necessary to conduct targeted intervention among them.

[Frailty progress and related factors in the elderly living in community: a prospective study]

Objective: To investigate frailty progress status and related factors in the elderly living in communities. Methods: A cohort of elderly people aged 65 and over in Pingyi community of Dujiangyan, Sichuan province, was established. Face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted by trained interviewers. The frailty status, cognitive function, nutrition status and other functions of the subjects surveyed were evaluated at baseline survey and during follow-up. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects surveyed were assessed at baseline survey. Binary logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with frailty progress. Results: A total of 653 elderly people were surveyed in January 2014, and 507 elderly people were followed up while 146 elderly people terminated further follow-up in January 2017. The prevalence rates of frailty and pre-frailty at baseline survey were 11.2% (n=57) and 26.2% (n=133), respectively. After 3 years, 205 subjects (40.4%) surveyed experienced frailty progress, 276 (54.5%) remained to be in frailty state at baseline survey, and 26 (5.1%) had improvement. Disability (OR=8.27, 95%CI: 1.62-42.26), visual problem (OR=2.02, 95%CI: 1.27-3.22), cognitive impairment (OR=1.94, 95%CI: 1.08-3.48), poor self-rated health (OR=1.89, 95%CI: 1.07-3.31), chronic pain (OR=1.57, 95%CI: 1.03-2.40) and older age (OR=1.12, 95%CI: 1.08-1.17) were independently associated with the progress of frailty. In contract, overweight was a protective factor (OR=0.54, 95%CI: 0.34-0.85). Conclusions: Frailty is a dynamic syndrome affected by several socio-demographic factors and geriatric factors. The results of the study can be used in the prevention of frailty progress in the elderly in communities.

Self-assembly of dental surface nanofilaments and remineralisation by SnF2 and CPP-ACP nanocomplexes

Dental caries, erosion and hypersensitivity are major public health problems. SnF₂ is used widely in oral care products to help prevent/treat these conditions. Casein phosphopeptide-stabilised amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomplexes (CPP-ACP) are a biomimetic nanotechnology of salivary phosphopeptide-ACP complexes that deliver bioavailable calcium and phosphate ions to promote dental remineralisation (repair). We show here using in vitro studies and a double-blind, randomised controlled, cross-over design in situ clinical trial that SnF₂ and CPP-ACP interact to form a nanofilament coating on the tooth surface and that together they are superior in their ability to promote dental remineralisation. Sn(II) by cross-linking the CPP-ACP helps to stabilise the complexes which improves delivery to the tooth surface and enhances binding and ion incorporation into tooth mineral. The combination of SnF₂ and CPP-ACP in oral care products may significantly improve their efficacy in prevention/treatment of dental caries/erosion and hypersensitivity.

[The clinical characteristics of 346 patients with IgG4-related disease]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of IgG₄-related disease (IgG₄-RD)so as to improve the understanding of IgG₄-RD in China. Methods: IgG₄-RD patients were recruited from Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2011 and January 2016. All patients were followed-up for more than 6 months. The demographic characteristics, symptoms, organ involvements, laboratory examinations and treatment efficacy were evaluated and analyzed. Results: A total of 346 patients were finally enrolled, including 230 males (66.5%) and 116 females (33.5%). The mean age of disease onset was (53.8±14.2) years old. The mostly common involved organs were lymph nodes (56.4%) and submandibular glands (52.6%). Other affected organs and manifestations included: swelling of the lacrimal glands (46.5%), autoimmune pancreatitis (38.4%), pulmonary involvement (28.0%), sclerosing cholangitis (25.4%), naso-sinusitis (23.4%), parotid gland swelling (21.7%), retroperitoneal fibrosis (19.9%), large arteries involvement (9.5%), kidney involvement (obstructive nephropathy caused by retroperitoneal fibrosis was excluded) (6.9%), skin lesions (6.4%). Rare features consisted of thyroid glands, pituitary glands, gastrointestinal tract, pachymeningitis, pericardium, sclerosing mediastinitis and orchitis. The majority of patients had multi-organ involvement, such as 74.3% patients with 3 and more, 18.2% and 7.5% patients with 2 and single organ involvement respectively. The average IgG₄-RD responder index (IgG₄-RD RI) was 13.21±5.70. History of allergy was found in 172 (49.7%) patients. As to the laboratory tests, elevated serum IgG₄ levels were confirmed in 285 (94.1%) patients, which was positively correlated with IgG₄-RD RI. There were 33.5% patients receiving monotherapy of glucocorticoid, 52.6% treated with glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressive agents, 4.9% patients with immunosuppressant only, and 9.0% patients with mild disease not receiving medication. The majority (336, 97.1%) patients improved the above regimens. Conclusion: IgG₄-RD is a systemic fibro-inflammatory disease with multiple organ involvement. The mostly common involved organs include lymph node, submandibular glands, and pancreas. Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents were effective for IgG₄-RD.

[Effect of influenza and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccinations on elderly with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases: a community-based intervention study]

Objective: To explore the effect of influenza and 23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccinations on symptom-improvement among elderly with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Methods: Data was gathered from 4 communities in 3 National Demonstration Areas set for comprehensive prevention and control of chronic non- communicable diseases in Chongqing city and Ningbo city respectively, from November 2013 to October 2014. The communities were selected by cluster sampling and divided into 4 groups: (1) injected influenza vaccines; (2) injected with pneumococcal vaccines; (3) received both of the two vaccines; (4) the control group that without any intervention measures. All the subjects aged from 60 to 75 were selected to fill in demographic information questionnaire and receive (COPD assessment test, CAT) scores twice, before intervention and 1 year after the vaccination. SAS 9.4 software was used to analyze the change of symptoms and CAT scores before and after the intervention program and comparing the improvement on symptoms among the elderly people under study. Results: A total of 1 244 subjects with nearly same baseline conditions after the propensity score matching, were involved in this study. CAT scores appeared as Median=21 (IQR: 17-26) at baseline. The CAT scores appeared as Median=18 (IQR: 14-24), decreasing in all the 3 vaccinated groups, one year after the intervention program (influenza vaccines, matching t test, t=-6.531, P=0.403; pneumococcal vaccines, Wilcoxon test, H=-9 623, P<0.001; combined vaccine vaccines, matching t test, t=-10.803, P<0.001). However, in the control group, no obvious change was observed (Wilcoxon H=1 167, P=0.403). Proportions of impacts at high or very high levels all decreased in the 3 intervention groups, while little change was observed in the control group. Outcomes from the Factorial analysis suggested that influenza vaccination could improve the general conditions and symptoms including cough, chest tightness, dyspnea, physical activities, and stamina. Pneumococcal vaccination appeared more effective on all of symptoms and indicators. Conclusion: Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination seemed helpful for elderly people suffering COPD to improve the general health condition.

[Results of pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the inner limiting membrane in patients with laser-induced macular hole]

Objective: To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with peeling of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) in patients with laser-induced macular hole. Methods: The clinical data of 11 patients (12 eyes) with decreased visual acuity due to laser-induced macular hole from January 2014 to December 2017 were retrospectively studied.All patients underwent routine examination, fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients were observed every two weeks. PPV with ILM peeling was performed when macular hole was enlarged. Closure of macular hole, pre- and post-operation visual acuity were observed. Results: A total of 11 male patients (12 eyes)aged (18±4) years were included in the study.Laser instruments which lead to macular hole consisted of laser toy (3 eye), laser pen (4 eye), laser torch (1 eye) and cosmetic laser instrument (4 eyes). All patients were followed up every two weeks and evaluated by OCT. None of the macular hole was spontaneously closed in this study. All Macular holes were enlarged in 1-3 months of follow-up and underwent PPV with ILM peeling immediately. All of the macular hole with PPV and ILM peeling were completely closed. During follow-up, the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) of 10 eyes (10/12) were found to increase above 3 lines and BCVA of 7 eyes(7/12) were found to be more than 0.5. Only 1 eye maintained the same visual acuity after the surgery which might be due to long course, large macular hole diameter (850 μm) and serious retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) damage. Conclusion: Early PPV with ILM peeling for laser induced macular hole might benefit for the closure rate of macular hole and better visual acuity prognosis.

[Age-related clinical characteristics and prognosis in non-senile adults with acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To explore age-related clinical characteristics, early responses and outcomes in non-senile adults with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: Data of consecutive cases of 18-65 years adults with de novo AML (non-acute promyelocytic leukemia) were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical characteristics at diagnosis, early responses and outcomes across different age groups of patients were analyzed. Results: 1 097 patients were enrolled. 591 (53.9%) were male. Median age was 42 years. Increasing age was significantly associated with decreasing WBC count (P=0.003), increasing PLT count (P=0.034), lower blast proportions in bone marrow (P=0.021). The incidence of NPM1(+)/FLT3-ITD(-) increased with age (P<0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that increasing age was associated with low probabilities of achieving morphologic leukemia free state (MLFS) (P=0.053) and complete remission (CR) (P=0.004) and poor overall survival (OS) (P=0.070) in the whole patients population. However, increasing age was not associated with low MLFS rate and poor OS, except low CR rate (P=0.075) in those receiving standard induction regimen instead of low-intensity regimen. Conclusions: There were significant differences on clinical characteristics, cytogenetics and molecular genetics across different age groups in non-senile adults with de novo AML. In the patients receiving standard induction regimen, age was not associated with MLFS rate and OS.

Association between normal tension glaucoma and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: a nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan

OBJECTIVES

To investigate a possible association between normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

NTG group and the comparison group were retrieved from the whole population of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2013.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 15 317 subjects with NTG were enrolled in the NTG group, and 61 268 age-matched and gender-matched subjects without glaucoma were enrolled in the comparison group.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to compare the cumulative hazard of AD between the two groups. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of AD, adjusted for diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease and stroke. Furthermore, risk factors for developing AD among the NTG group were investigated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the cohort was 62.1±12.5 years. Patients with NTG had significantly higher proportions of diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease and stroke than the comparisons. Patients with NTG had a significantly higher cumulative hazard for AD than the comparisons (p<0.0001). In the multivariable Cox regression after adjustment for confounders, the NTG group had a significantly higher risk of AD (adjusted HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.41 to 1.63). Moreover, in the NTG group, when we compared the effects of different types of glaucoma eye drops, none of the eye drops used were significant risk factors or protective factors for AD.

CONCLUSIONS

People with NTG are at a significantly greater risk of developing AD compared with individuals without glaucoma. Among patients with NTG, none of the glaucoma eye drops used significantly changed the risk of subsequent AD.

[Efficacy and safety of specific sublingual immunotherapy in children with allergic asthma and rhinitis]

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of specific sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with Dermatophagoides farina drops in different courses with allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis.Method:This study retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of SLIT in 158 children with allergic asthma and rhinitis which induced by house dust mites. The children were treated with Dermatophagoides farina drops; clinical observation and follow-up study were conducted. According to the treatment duration, children were divided into 4 groups (1-year, 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year). Symptom scores and medication scores were recorded at each visit. Asthma symptom scores (day and night), the rhinitis symptom scoresand medication scores were evaluated in 4 groups before and after SLIT. The adverse events during the treatment were collected.Result:There were significant differences in asthma symptom scores (day, night), asthma medication scores, rhinitis symptom scores, rhinitis medication scores among children who accepted 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year SLI treatment as compared with baseline (P< 0.01). As compared with 1-year, 2-year, 3-year groups, the asthma medication scores of 4-year group had obviously decrease (P< 0.05). Rhinitis medication score of SLIT3 years group was significantly lower than 2 years group (P< 0.05). Asthma symptom scores in the day, asthma symptom scores at night, rhinitis symptom scores of four groups children had no statistically significant difference (P>0.05).Conclusion:Different courses of sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides farina drops had significant effects; the 4-year course of treatment showed the best effect.

[The comparison of predicting clinical outcomes between immunolophenotype and hematological complete remission before human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donor transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To assess the prognostic significance of immunophenotype complete remission (ICR) and hematological complete remission (HCR) before human-leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor transplantation (MSDT) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Methods: A cohort of 182 AML (non-APL) patients undergoing MSDT in HCR was retrospectively studied [including complete remission with ANC and PLT recovery (CR), CR with incomplete PLT recovery (CRp), CR with inconplete ANC and PLT recovery (CRi)]; ICR was determined as undetective minimal resudial disease (MRD) by multi-parameter flow cytometer. Results: ①Of the 182 patients, 97 were male, 85 female, and the median age was 41(4-62) years. ②The CR and CRi+CRp rates were 80.8% (147/182) and 19.2%(35/182), respectively; The 4-year cumulative incidence of relapse[CIR, (11.0±4.3)% vs (16.0±7.1)%, χ(2)=0.274, P=0.600], non-relapse mortality[NRM, (14.0±4.3)% vs (9.0±6.3)%, χ(2)=0.913, P=0.339], leukemia-free survival[LFS, (75.0±5.1)% vs (75.0±8.3)%, χ(2)=0.256, P=0.613], and overall survial [OS, (77.0±5.2)% vs (80.0±8.1)%, χ(2)=0.140, P=0.708] were comparable between the CRp+CRi and CR groups. ③Compared with the non-ICR group (n=35), the ICR group (n=147) showed lower 4-year CIR [(11.3±3.4) % vs (55.2±8.8) %, χ(2)=32.687, P<0.001], better 4-year LFS [(76.2±4.7)% vs (32.8±8.7)%, χ(2)=26.234, P<0.001] and OS[(79.0±4.7)% vs (39.0±9.1)%, χ(2)=25.253, P<0.001], and comparable NRM[(12.5±4.1)% vs (12.0±7.1)%, χ(2)=1.002, P=0.656]. ④Mulitvariate analysis confirmed the independent prognostic value of ICR in lower CIR [HR=11.026(95%CI 4.685-25.949), P<0.001], higher LFS [HR=5.785 (95% CI 2.974-11.254), P<0.001] and OS[HR=5.578 (95% CI 2.575-27.565), P<0.001]. Conclusion: The results indicated that ICR instead of HCR pre-transplantation had a significant prognostic value in AML patients undergoing MSDT.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Gingipains Display Transpeptidation Activity

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a keystone periodontal pathogen that has been associated with autoimmune disorders. The cell surface proteases Lys-gingipain (Kgp) and Arg-gingipains (RgpA and RgpB) are major virulence factors, and their proteolytic activity is enhanced by small peptides such as glycylglycine (GlyGly). The reaction kinetics suggested that GlyGly may function as an acceptor molecule for gingipain-catalyzed transpeptidation. Purified gingipains and P. gingivalis whole cells were used to digest selected substrates including human hemoglobin in the presence or absence of peptide acceptors. Mass spectrometric analysis of the substrates digested with gingipains in the presence of GlyGly showed that transpeptidation outcompeted hydrolysis, whereas the trypsin-digested controls exhibited predominantly hydrolysis activity. The transpeptidation levels increased with increasing concentration of GlyGly. Purified gingipains and whole cells exhibited extensive transpeptidation activities on human hemoglobin. All hemoglobin cleavage sites were found to be suitable for GlyGly transpeptidation, and this transpeptidation enhanced hemoglobin digestion. The transpeptidation products were often more abundant than the corresponding hydrolysis products. In the absence of GlyGly, hemoglobin peptides produced during digestion were utilized as acceptors leading to the detection of up to 116 different transpeptidation products in a single reaction. P. gingivalis cells were able to digest hemoglobin faster when acceptor peptides derived from human serum albumin were included in the reaction, suggesting that gingipain-catalyzed transpeptidation may be relevant for substrates encountered in vivo. The transpeptidation of host proteins in vivo may potentially lead to the breakdown of immunological tolerance, culminating in autoimmune reactions.

[The clinical analysis of haploidentical stem cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndrome-associated acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the prognosis of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC). Method: The data of 102 patients with high-risk AML in the first complete remission phase (CR1) who received haplo-HSCT from January 2009 to July 2015 in Peking University People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results: These 102 cases included 17 AML-MRC cases (AML-MRC group) and 85 other types of AML cases (control group). There were 8 males and 9 females in the AML-MRC group, and the median age was 35 (17-61) years. There were 52 males and 33 females in other high-risk AML group, and the median age was 31 (11-60) years. No difference was observed between the two groups after haploidentical stem cell transplantation in the rates of cytomegalovirus, EBV (Epstein-Barr virus), blood flow infection rate and hematopoietic reconstitution (P>0.05). The overall 2-year survival rate after transplantation was 80.8% (95%CI 51.6%-93.4%) and 72.5% (95%CI 62.8%-80.1%) (P=0.650), the disease-free survival rate was 79.4% (95%CI 48.8%-92.9%) and 65.9% (95%CI 54.3%-75.2%) (P=0.573), cumulative recurrence rate was 13.0%(95%CI 1.9%-34.7%) and 13.3%(95%CI 7.0%-21.5%) (P=0.623), and non-relapse mortality was 6.7% (95%CI 0.3%-27.0%) and 20.0% (95%CI 12.0%-29.4%) (P=0.436). Conclusion: The prognosis of haplo-HSCT in patients with AML-MRC in CR(1) is similar to that of other types of high-risk AML patients. Haplo-HSCT is an ideal choice for patients with AML-MRC in CR(1).

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of tyr and tyrp1 genes in normal and albino yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco

The full-length complementary DNA of two genes related to vertebrate albinism, the tyrosinase gene tyr and tyrosinase-related protein 1 gene tyrp1, were cloned and analysed from normal and albino yellow catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco. The open reading frames (ORF) of tyr and tyrp1 encode putative peptides of 533 and 526 amino acids (amino-acid), both of which possess two conserved copper binding sites. The homologous identities of deduced amino-acid sequences showed that both Tyr and Tyrp1 of T. fulvidraco share considerable similarity with that of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Both tyr and tyrp1 were expressed in a wide range of adult tissues. Tyr gene had the highest expression level in the brain of both normal and albino T. fulvidraco. Tyrp1 had the highest expression level in the skin of normal groups, and the fin of albino groups. The messenger (m)RNA expressions of tyr and tyrp1 were detectable at different early developmental stages and varied with embryonic and larval growth. Tyr and tyrp1 mRNA have obvious tissue specificity both in normal and albino T. fulvidraco and higher expression levels were detected in the normal group revealing that tyr and tyrp1 may have an important role in pigmentation. These results will provide useful data for understanding the molecular mechanism of melanin formation and the occurrence of albinism in T. fulvidraco.

[Analysis of the difference of serum immunoglobulins, β2-microglobulin and transferrin in pre-eclampsia and pregnancies complicated with chronic kidney disease]

Objective: To observe and analyze the difference of serum immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, IgM, β2-microglobulin and transferrin in pre-eclampsia (PE) and pregnancies complicated with chronic kidney disease. Methods: Totally 46(40.0%) pregnancies with PE (PE group), 36(31.3%) pregnancies with chronic kidney disease (chronic kidney disease group) and 33(28.7%) normal pregnancies with normal blood pressure and proteinuria without any complication (control group) delivered in Renji Hospital were recruicted in this study from February 2017 to July 2017. Serum IgA, IgG, IgM, β2-microglobulin and transferrin levels were detected. Correlation tests were conducted between these indicators and blood pressure, 24 hours proteinuria value and delivery weeks. Results: (1) Comparison of general situation of pregnancies in the 3 groups: there were no significant difference in the age and child bearing history between the 3 groups (all P>0.05), while there was a significant difference in the blood pressure and deliver week (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in 24 hours proteinuria values between PE group and chronic kidney disease group (Z=-0.187, P=0.852). (2) Comparison of serum immunoglobulin, β2-microglobulin and transferrin levels in pregnant women with three groups: serum IgA level in chronic kidney disease group was significantly higher than those in PE and control groups [(2.4±0.9) vs (1.8±0.9) vs (1.6±0.6) g/L; F=9.959, P<0.01]. The serum IgG and IgM values had no significant difference between the 3 groups (all P>0.05). Serum β2-microglobulin in chronic kidney disease group was significantly higher than those in PE and control groups [(4.0±2.6) vs (2.7±0.7) vs (2.0±0.5) mg/L; F=15.892, P<0.01]. Serum transferrin in chronic kidney disease group was significantly lower than those in PE and control groups [(3.0±0.8) vs (3.7±1.1) vs (3.6±0.6) g/L; F=6.284, P<0.01]. (3) The correlation between serum immunoglobulin, β2-microglobulin, transferrin and blood pressure, proteinuria value and delivery weeks in PE group: the blood pressure level was not correlated with serum IgA, β2-microglobulin and transferrin values in PE group (all P> 0.05). So, 24 hours proteinuria value was positively correlated with β2-microglobulin (r=0.557, P<0.01), which was negatively correlated with transferrin (r=-0.442, P<0.01) and was not correlated with IgA(r=0.089, P=0.556). There was a negative correlation between delivery weeks and β2-microglobulin (r=-0.328, P=0.026), and positive correlation with transferrin (r=0.315, P=0.035) and no correlation with IgA (r=-0.169, P=0.260). (4) The correlation between serum immunoglobulin, β2-microglobulin, transferrin and blood pressure, proteinuria value and delivery weeks in chronic kidney disease group: the blood pressure level was positively correlated with β2- microglobulin (systolic pressure: r=0.598, P<0.01; diastolic pressure:r=0.557, P<0.01), which was not correlated with IgA and transferrin in chronic kidney disease group (all P>0.05). So, 24 hours proteinuria value was positively correlated with β2-microglobulin and IgA (r=0.568, r=0.330, both P<0.05), and not correlated with transferrin (r=0.255, P=0.133). Delivery weeks had a negative correlation with β2-microglobulin (r=-0.574, P<0.01), while it had a positive correlation with transferrin (r=0.369, P=0.027). No correlation was found between delivery weeks and IgA values (r=-0.257, P=0.131). Conclusion: The serum levels of IgA, β2-microglobulin and transferrin in PE and pregnancies with chronic kidney disease are significantly different, which may provide clinical value for the diagnosis of PE and pregnancies with chronic kidney disease in future.

[Research progress of ocular sustained-release corticosteroid delivery systems]

Ocular drug delivery by conventional routes of administration cannot reach or maintain therapeutic drug concentrations in the target tissues for a long duration due to the presence of various anatomical and physiological barriers. Treatment of chronic ocular diseases especially posterior segment of ocular diseases requires novel drug delivery systems that is capable overcome these barriers for efficacious delivery. In recent years, the ocular sustained-release drug delivery system, as a new drug delivery approach, has drawn tremendous attention for its advantages of improving local drug concentration, prolonging action time and reducing frequency of injection. Researchers have been devoted to the developing more effective sustained-release drug delivery systems in order to achieve better clinical efficacy. This article discusses various current sustained-release corticosteroids delivery systems. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 154-160).