The mammalian testis is an immunoprivileged organ where local tissue-specific cells acquire an effective innate immune function against invading microbial pathogens. The present study demonstrated that mouse Leydig cells had innate antiviral activities in response to viral DNA challenge through p204 activation. The DNA sensor p204 and its signaling adaptor stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) were constitutively expressed in Leydig cells. Synthetic herpes simplex virus DNA analog (HSV60), a p204 agonist, induced the expression of type I IFNs and various antiviral proteins, including IFN-stimulating gene 15, 2′5′-oligoadenylate synthetase, and Mx glutamyl transpeptidase 1, in Leydig cells. The HSV60-induced innate antiviral response in Leydig cells was significantly reduced by inhibiting p204 signaling using specific small interfering RNAs targeting p204 and Sting. The antiviral response did not affect steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. These results indicated a novel mechanism underlying the testicular innate antiviral response.

Background: This study aimed to analyze clinical characteristics and risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in premature infants. Materials: This study included seven premature infants who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Peking University Third Hospital from 1 January 2014–30 June 2021, and suffered PICC-related venous thrombosis. The control group included premature infants (n = 56) matched (1:8) by the following: Did not experience venous thrombosis; born with a similar gestational age (±2 w), birth weight (±200 g); and received PICC catheterization in the same period (±4 w). Clinical neonatal data were collected through the hospital electronic medical record system and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The incidence of PICC-related thrombus was 0.23% (7/3043. Univariate analysis revealed that, compared to the non-thrombotic group, mothers in the thrombosis group had autoimmune diseases (χ² = 9.844, p = 0.030) and used anticoagulative drugs during pregnancy (χ² = 8.036, p = 0.025). The corrected gestational age when PICC-related thrombosis occurred in the thrombosis group was 32 + 6 (30 + 1, 34 + 1) weeks. The average time from catheter placement to thrombosis was 5 (1, 12) days. Among infants, 85.7% (6/7) experienced deep vein thrombosis, of which four were in the lower extremity veins; three occurred within 2 days after central venous catheter extubation, and four occurred during central venous catheter indwelling. The clinical manifestations of thrombosis include skin edema, color changes, and skin temperature changes in the affected limbs. The seven neonates had normal coagulation at the time of thrombus diagnosis, but D-dimers significantly increased 1–2 days after thrombosis, returning to normal 5–8 days after thrombus. The thrombus persisted for 4.5 (3, 8) days. All seven neonates were treated with low molecular weight heparin calcium anticoagulation for 10 (3, 17) days and recovered completely. Conclusions: PICC-related thrombosis occurred within 1 week after catheter placement, and thrombosis more likely happened in infants whose mothers had autoimmune disease. When this high-risk factor exists and the patient has been intubated for 1 week and has sudden swelling in the intubated limb, venous ultrasound should be performed immediately to diagnose, and treatment should be provided in a timely manner to reduce adverse events.

Background/Objectives: The clinical characteristics and outcomes of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) caused by irregular antibodies remain unclear. Herein, we analyzed the clinical features and prognosis of HDN. Methods: Children admitted to our institution between June 2009 and December 2022 with a definite diagnosis of HDN were evaluated. Patients with irregular antibodies were matched in a 1:3 ratio to those with ABO incompatibility. Children with confirmed Rh-incompatibility hemolytic disease were divided into the RhD subgroup (hemolysis induced by Rh anti-D) and the non-RhD group (hemolysis induced by other Rh antibodies). Results: The irregular antibody and ABO incompatibility group included 32 and 96 patients, respectively. Compared to the ABO incompatibility group, the irregular antibody group showed earlier jaundice; higher incidence of liver and spleen enlargement and anemia; higher direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity; earlier and more severe anemia; higher rates of enhanced phototherapy, blood transfusion, and blood exchange; and longer hospital stay (all p < 0.05). Compared to the non-RhD group, the RhD subgroup showed an earlier occurrence of jaundice and a higher incidence of liver and spleen enlargement (both p < 0.05). The multiple irregular antibody subgroup further showed earlier occurrence of jaundice and a higher rate of enhanced phototherapy, blood transfusion, and blood exchange than the single-antibody group (both p < 0.05). Conclusions: HDN caused by irregular red blood cell antibodies is rare, but clinical manifestations are serious. It is important to pay attention to the screening of irregular antibodies during pregnancy, to strengthen monitoring, and to provide intrauterine treatment and early intervention as necessary.

A cardiac inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an extremely rare tumor. Our patient was admitted to the hospital due to syncope and subsequently diagnosed with cardiac IMT. He has multiple cerebral infarctions during the disease but recovered well after undergoing twice cardiac surgeries during 4 years of follow-up. Syncope and cerebral infarctions are uncommon in IMT and easily misdiagnosed.