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Background Talaromyces marneffei ( T. Marneffei ) infection is considered as an indicator of immunosuppression in immunocompromised individuals, leading to multiple organ damage. Our study aimed to evaluate both the clinical characteristics and immunological features of pediatric patients infected with T. marneffei from our institute, providing novel insights into diagnosis and treatment for this life-threatening disease. Method Thirteen pediatric patients with T. marneffei infection were enrolled in Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center during 2012 to 2020. Clinical data and laboratory findings were collected and further analyzed. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between serum immunoglobulins (Igs) levels and white blood cell count, or the absolute lymphocyte count. Results Patients were diagnosed as having T. Marneffei infection mainly based on the results of fungal culture and Gram stain of specimens. The most common presentations were fever (69%), pneumonia (38%) and immunodeficiency (38%). The total levels of Igs (IgE, IgA, and IgM) were positively correlated with both white blood cell count and absolute lymphocyte count. Conclusion Serum Ig expression Pattern in patients diagnosed with T. marneffei infection might serve as an effective prognostic marker which would help with the development of early interventions for children with this fatal disease. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11046-023-00724-2.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) originates from a differentiation block in muscle progenitors. Leptomeningeal metastasis is a rare but devastating complication of RMS which can be caused by dissemination of cancer cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Here, we present a 4‐year‐old female with RMS originating from the upper nasal wall. The following histologic and immunohistochemistry analyses combined with molecular testing analysis supported the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). Results from CSF routine test, magnetic resonance imaging scans and CSF cytology indicated metastatic meningitis, thus confirming the diagnosis of metastatic ERMS in CSF. This is the first report to describe the clinical features of ERMS in CSF.

BackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fatal disease characterized by an accumulation of immature myeloid blasts in the bone marrow (BM). Cytokine provide signals for leukemia cell to better survive in the BM microenvironment. Previously, we identified interleukin-33 (IL-33) as a stimulator of cell survival in human AML cell line and primary mouse leukemia cells. However, the mechanism on how IL-33 regulates AML activity is not well known.MethodsFlow cytometry, ELISA and cytometric bead array (CBA) were used to investigate the expression of IL1RL1 and serum cytokine levels in AML patient samples and cell culture supernatant. The correlation of serum IL-33 and IL-6 levels was calculated by Pearson R test. Annexin V staining was used to examine the apoptosis of AML cells. RT-PCR was used to measure IL-6 expression in leukemia cells.ResultsThe cell surface expression of IL-33-specific receptor, IL1RL1, is elevated in BM cells from AML patients at diagnosis, and the serum level of IL-33 in AML patients is higher than that of healthy donor controls. Moreover, IL-33 levels are positively associated with IL-6 levels in pediatric patients with AML. In vitro, IL-33 treatment increased IL-6 mRNA expression and protein level in BM and peripheral blood (PB) cells from AML patients. IL-33 inhibited cell apoptosis by activating p38 MAPK pathway using human AML cell line as well as AML patient samples. Finally, IL-33 activated IL-6 expression in a manner that required p38 MAPK pathway using clinical AML samples.ConclusionsTaken together, we demonstrate that p38 MAPK pathway is important for IL-33-mediated anti-apoptotic process as well as cytokine expression and release in pediatric patients with AML.

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