1.Characteristics of imprinted differentially methylated regions in preeclampsia placenta
Huijun TANG ; Xiaojun JIA ; Xinzhi ZHAO ; Weiping YE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):65-71
Objective To investigate the characteristics of imprinted differentially methylated regions (iDMRs) in placentas and their correlation with preeclampsia (PE). Methods A total of 43 healthy pregnant women (control group) and 33 pregnant women with PE (PE group) at Shanghai Putuo Maternity and Infant Hospital and International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from September 2021 to September 2023 were selected. A total of 3 362 CpG sites in 62 iDMRs were analyzed in 76 placenta and 5 maternal blood samples using BisCap targeted bisulfite resequencing (BisCap-seq) assays. The CpG sites in the CpG islands of the iDMRs were assessed for their methylation levels and methylation linkage disequilibrium (MLD). Imprinted methylation haplotype blocks (iMHBs) were constructed based on MLD. The methylation levels and variablility of CpG sites and iMHBs were compared among the healthy placenta, PE placenta and blood samples. Results The CpG sites in the CpG islands of the iDMRs exhibited intermediate methylation, with adjacent sites displaying high MLD (methylation levels: 0.35-0.65, D’ > 0.8). A total of 185 iMHBs were constructed using these coupled CpG sites, 60 placenta-specific iMHBs and 38 somatic iMHBs were found to be differentially methylated in the placenta compared with maternal blood (Padj<0.05). Twenty-seven iMHBs were identified with differentially variable methylation patterns in the placenta. The iMHBs methylation was unchanged in the PE placentas compared to the healthy placentas. Twenty-seven differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) were identified outside the iMHBs structure, among which the methylation levels of 19 CpG sites showed statistically significant differences between the PE group and the control group (Padj<0.05). The quantitative results of placental compositions of maternal plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) using placenta-specific haplotype (PSH) were highly correlated with those estimated by a deconvolution methodology (r=0.973, P<0.01). Conclusions The genomic imprinting features in the PE placentas were obvious, and PSH could be a potential marker of the placenta to quantify the placental compositions of maternal plasma cfDNA.
2.Analysis of cases of reinfection of past SARS-CoV-2 patients in Pudong New Area of Shanghai
Ge ZHANG ; Anran ZHANG ; Yilin JIA ; Li ZHANG ; Lipeng HAO ; Hongmei XU ; Yuanping WANG ; Chuchu YE ; Bo LIU ; Weiping ZHU ; Yixin ZHOU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(2):117-122
ObjectiveTo identify the rate, population characteristics, and vaccination history of repeat infections among previously infected people in the current epidemic based on the rate of repeat infection and population characteristics of different mutant strains at different times in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, and to provide reference for the prevention and control strategies of novel coronavirus repeat infections. MethodsA total of 9 250 investigated subjects were randomly selected from the new cases of asymptomatic infection and confirmed cases reported by Pudong New Area from March to May 2022. The investigation mainly focused on demographic characteristics, nucleic acid or antigen test results, and symptoms after infection. The repeat infection rates among different populations were compared, and logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of gender, age, and vaccination status on repeat infections. ResultsThe survey sample of 9 250 people had a response rate of 81.85%. There were 4 043 males (53.40%) and 3 528 females (46.60%), with a median age of 34 years old (P25, P75: 7, 61). The overall vaccine uptake rate was 59.44% (4 500/7 571). In December of 2022, there were 563 cases of repeat infection, with an infection rate of 7.44%. The lowest rate of repeat infection was seen in the 3‒ year-old group (2.86%) and the highest rate in the 30‒ year-old group (12.42%), with significant differences between different age groups. The repeated infection rate for those who had completed their vaccinations was significantly lower (6.57%) compared to those who had not (7.11%). The age groups of 3‒ years, 70‒79 years, as well as individuals who completed full vaccination and received booster shots were protective factors against repeat infections. ConclusionThe overall rate of reinfection among the infected in Shanghai during the spring of 2022 was low in the outbreak of the Omicron variant, and the rate of reinfection in the 3‒ year-old group was significantly lower than in other age groups. Completing the full course of vaccination significantly reduces the risk of reinfection. Although the reinfection rate is high in individuals who received booster shots, it remains a mitigating factor compared to those who do not receive the vaccine. It is recommended to continue monitoring reinfections in key populations and further strengthen immunization efforts.
3.Exploration on the mechanism and experimental verification of Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets in the treatment of premature ovarian failure based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Yue CHEN ; Jingyao SHE ; Jing WANG ; Yuqi YE ; Chunyun LIANG ; Yan LU ; Weiping ZHONG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(5):622-630
Objective:To explore the mechanism of Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets in the treatment of premature ovarian failure (POF) using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology; To conduct further experimental verification.Methods:The active components and related targets of Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets were obtained using TCMSP and PubChem databases, and the related targets of POF were obtained by using GeneCards database. The Venn online tool was used to screen the intersection genes, and the STRING database was used to construct the PPI network. Then, GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the intersecting genes through the Metescape database, and Cytoscape 3.7.1 software was used to construct the "active component-target" network and "Chinese materia medica-active component-target-key pathway-disease" network. Finally, molecular docking verification was carried out. Mice were divided into blank group, model group, and Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets group using a random number table method, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice in each group were treated with zona pellucida polypeptide 3 (ZP3) and Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) to establish a mouse model of immune POF. Mice in the Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets group received Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets solution 0.56 g/kg for gavage, and the blank control group and the model group received saline for gavage for consecutive 4 weeks. The histopathological changes of the mouse ovary were observed by HE staining. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of ESR1, and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of Akt and p-Akt.Results:A total of 80 intersection targets between Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets and POF were obtained, and the PPI network contained 44 core targets. The top 5 compounds in the topological analysis were formononetin, quercetin, Betulinic acid, Hydroxysafflor Yellow A and Baicalin, and the top 5 targets were PPARG, ESR1, AR, AKT1 and IL6. The molecular function of core genes was mainly receptor ligand activity, and its biological process mainly involved the positive regulation of cell migration. The cellular components mainly included membrane rafts, which were involved in signaling pathways such as cancer signaling pathway, proteoglycans in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. "Chinese materia medica-component-target-pathway-disease" network showed that 8 kinds of Chinese materia medica in the Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets had important core components, among which Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Carthami Flos involved the most important core components. Molecular docking results showed that the active components had a good affinity with the core target. The experimental verification confirmed that Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets promoted follicular development, increased the expression of ESR1 in ovarian tissues and up-regulated the expression level of the key factor of Akt phosphorylation in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.Conclusions:The various active components of Honghua Xiaoyao Tablets may act on PPARG, ESR1 and other targets through multiple signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt and HIF-1 to treat POF. The potential active components are mainly formononetin, quercetin, etc.
4.Seasonal characteristics and etiologic features of the cluster of fever in Pudong New Area of Shanghai in 2013-2021
Yilin JIA ; Jing XU ; Hongmei XYU ; Chuchu YE ; Weiping ZHU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2023;34(2):56-59
Objective To understand the seasonal and etiological characteristics of the epidemic situation of cluster fever in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of prevention and control strategies. Methods The epidemic data of cluster fever in Pudong New Area of Shanghai from 2013 to 2021 were collected, and the data were analyzed by concentration degree and circular distribution methods. Results From 2013 to 2021, there were 109 cases of cluster fever reported in Pudong New Area, with primary schools reporting the most cases, 77 cases (70.64%). The M value was 0.59. Circular distribution results showed that angle dispersion index r value was 0.54, the average angle was 357.32°, and the average angle of Rayleigh’s test Z value was 32.07. The peak day was December 28, and the peak period was from October 25 to March 3 of the following year. The cluster of fever in Pudong New Area was mainly caused by influenza virus. Most cases were single pathogen infection, and some were double pathogen infection. Influenza A virus had the highest detection rate in both single pathogen infection and double pathogen infection. Conclusion Primary schools are the focus of prevention and control of the cluster of fever in Pudong New Area. The epidemic situation of cluster fever has a strong seasonal characteristic, and the peak of incidence is from late October to early March of the next year. Respiratory pathogens such as influenza virus are the main causes of the epidemic situation.
5.Clinical features of patients with severe dengue in Guangdong Province from 2013 to 2019
Wenxin HONG ; Changtai WANG ; Lingzhai ZHAO ; Dongying XIE ; Nan LIU ; Ren CHEN ; Jian WANG ; Yinong YE ; Shuqiang LIN ; Ziwen ZHAO ; Xiaoguang YE ; Jie PENG ; Wenjun GAO ; Huiqin YANG ; Yueping LI ; Linghua LI ; Weiping CAI ; Fuchun ZHANG ; Xiaoping TANG
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2022;40(6):328-334
Objective:To analyze the clinical features of patients with severe dengue (SD) in Guangdong Province, and to improve the understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of SD in China.Methods:The clinical data, laboratory examination and etiological test results of 257 SD cases from 29 dengue fever designated hospitals in Guangdong Province from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2019 were respectively collected. The relevant indicators of the criteria for severe organ involvement were quantified. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for the development of multiple organ failure in SD patients.Results:Among the 257 SD patients, age was (64.1±20.1) years old, with 65.4%(168/257) of them ≥60 years old, 142 were male and 115 were female. One hundred and fifty-two (59.1%) patients had underlying conditions, including 115(44.7%) patients with hypertension. The clinical manifestations were mainly fever (98.4%(253/257)), fatigue (70.0%(180/257)), cough or expectoration (44.4%(114/257)), lethargy or irritability (39.3%(101/257)), vomiting (30.4%(78/257)), abdominal pain or tenderness (20.6%(53/257)), hepatomegaly (2.3%(6/257)), bleeding tendency (59.5%(153/257)), and pleural effusion or ascites (43.6%(112/257)). Platelet count levels were decreased in 90.9%(231/254) of the cases, and 97.1%(234/241) of patients had normal or decreased hematocrit. The most common of severe manifestations were severe organ involvement (61.1%(157/257)), followed by severe bleeding (37.0%(95/257)) and severe plasma leakage (30.0%(77/257)). Severe organ involvements were more common in the kidney (27.6%(71/257)) and heart (26.8%(69/257)). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio ( OR)=1.051, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.004 to 1.100, P=0.035), hypertension ( OR=5.224, 95% CI 1.272 to 21.462, P=0.022), elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level ( OR=1.002, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.003, P=0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ( OR=1.050, 95% CI 1.005 to 1.098, P=0.030), and international normalized ratio (INR) ( OR=4.604, 95% CI 1.601 to 13.238, P=0.005) were risk factors for the development of multiple organ failure in SD patients. The detection results of serum samples form 113 SD patients in acute phase showed that dengue virus (DENV)-1 accounted for 89.4%(101/113), DENV-2 accounted for 9.7%(11/113), and DENV-3 accounted for 0.9% (1/113). Conclusions:Elderly and those with co-existing conditions such as hypertension in SD patients in Guangdong Province are more common. Severe organ involvement such as kidney and heart is the main cause of SD. DENV-1 infection is predominant. Significant elevated levels of AST, BUN and INR may be related to a poor prognosis.
6.NF-κB regulates brown adipocyte function through suppression of ANT2.
Shiqiao PENG ; Xiaoying ZHANG ; Lili YU ; Yanhong XU ; Yang ZHOU ; Shengnan QIAN ; Xinyu CAO ; Xiaotong YE ; Jiajun YANG ; Weiping JIA ; Jianping YE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2022;12(3):1186-1197
The transcription factor nuclear factor of kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is expressed in brown adipocytes, but its role remains largely unknown in the cells. This issue was addressed in current study by examining NF-κB in brown adipocytes in vitro and in vivo. NF-κB activity was increased by differentiation of brown adipocytes through elevation of p65 (RelA) expression. The transcriptional activity of NF-κB was induced by the cold stimulation with an elevation in S276 phosphorylation of p65 protein. Inactivation of NF-κB in brown adipocytes made the knockout mice [uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1)-CreER-p65f/f, U-p65-KO] intolerant to the cold environment. The brown adipocytes exhibited an increase in apoptosis, a decrease in cristae density and uncoupling activity in the interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) of p65-KO mice. The alterations became severer after cold exposure of the KO mice. The brown adipocytes of mice with NF-κB activation (p65 overexpression, p65-OE) exhibited a set of opposite alterations with a reduction in apoptosis, an increase in cristae density and uncoupling activity. In mechanism, NF-κB inhibited expression of the adenine nucleotide translocase 2 (ANT2) in the control of apoptosis. Data suggest that NF-κB activity is increased in brown adipocytes by differentiation and cold stimulation to protect the cells from apoptosis through down-regulation of ANT2 expression.
7.A comparative study of semi-quantitative and quantitative models in risk assessment of optical fiber manufacturing enterprises
Jingrong LIU ; Jiaojun LIANG ; Geshi MAO ; Cheng ZHANG ; Weiping YE
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2022;33(4):41-44
Objective To explore the results, feasibility and existing problems of semi-quantitative and quantitative risk assessment models in the assessment of chemical hazard exposure in optical fiber manufacturing enterprises. Methods The chemical hazard factors of an optical fiber enterprise in Wuhan were investigated, detected and evaluated, and the semi-quantitative and quantitative risk assessment models of occupational health of chemical hazard factors in the workplace were used for risk assessment. Results In the semi-quantitative risk assessment model, the consistency between the contact index method and the comprehensive index method was good (Kappa=0.820, P<0.01), and the result was grade 2-3. The evaluation results of the contact ratio method were significantly correlated with those of E/OEL (r2=0.539,P<0.05), and the results were grade 1, 2, 3 and 5. The non-carcinogenic risk hazard quotient of the quantitative risk assessment model was not consistent with the three semi-quantitative methods (Kappa=0), and the results were grade 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Conclusion The semi-quantitative risk assessment model is more suitable for the risk assessment of the optical fiber industry than the quantitative risk assessment model.
8.Application of two occupational risk assessment methods in noise assessment of a beer manufacturing enterprise
Wei PI ; Geshi MAO ; Jiaojun LIANG ; Weiping YE ; Yong MEI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2022;33(3):94-97
Objective To study the applicability of two different occupational health risk assessment methods for noise positions in a beer manufacturing enterprise. Methods An occupational health investigation along with the detection of occupational hazard factors were carried out in the workplace of a beer manufacturing enterprise in Wuhan. Workers with 8-hour working day equivalent sound level (LEX,8 h) ≥ 80 dB (A) were selected as research subjects. The “Guidelines for Noise Occupational Disease Risk Management” method and occupational hazard risk index method were used to assess the risk of noise jobs in the beer manufacturing company. The assessment results of the two methods were compared. Results The noise exposure level of the enterprise was between 81.2 and 91.2dB(A). The guideline method predicted that the risk of high-frequency hearing loss and noise deafness for wine bottling workers and labelers on the bottling production line was high after 35 years exposure to noise. Washing,inspection and boxing on the bottling production line and bottling up on the canning production line were at medium risk, and others were at low risk. The evaluation results of the occupational hazard risk index method showed that the bottlers, bottling workers, wine inspectors, labelers and boxers on the bottling production line were at medium risk, and other positions were at low risk. Conclusion The occupational hazard risk index method is more comprehensive to consider all the factors of health risk, and the evaluation results are close to the “Guidelines for Noise Occupational Disease Risk Management” method. The guideline method can quantitatively predict the risk of high-frequency hearing loss and noise deafness, and the risk of hearing loss increases with the extension of years of noise exposure.
9.Effects of narrative nursing in patients with retinal detachment undergoing surgery
Meihua YAN ; Yan SUI ; Mingzhao QIN ; Weiping LIU ; Qian WANG ; Hui YE
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2022;28(18):2514-2516
Objective:To explore the effect of narrative nursing in patients with retinal detachment undergoing surgery.Methods:From February 2020 to August 2021, 40 patients with retinal detachment who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Geriatrics and Ophthalmology of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University were selected as the research object by the convenient sampling method. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into the observation group and the control group, 20 cases in each. The patients in the control group were given routine nursing, and the patients in the observation group received narrative nursing on this basis. Before and after the intervention, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) , Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) , Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness (MUNSH) , and Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74) were used to investigate the two groups of patients. The hospitalization time and complications of the two groups of patients were recorded.Results:At discharge, the SAS and SDS scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, the GQOLI-74 and MUNSH scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.01) . The hospitalization time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . There was no significant difference in the number of cases of postoperative intraocular hypertension between the two groups ( P>0.05) . Conclusions:Narrative nursing can effectively relieve anxiety and depression in patients with retinal detachment surgery, improve patients' well-being and quality of life, and shorten hospitalization time.
10.The Positive Association between Subclinical Hypothyroidism and Newly-Diagnosed Hypertension Is More Explicit in Female Individuals Younger than 65
Xichang WANG ; Haoyu WANG ; Li YAN ; Lihui YANG ; Yuanming XUE ; Jing YANG ; Yongli YAO ; Xulei TANG ; Nanwei TONG ; Guixia WANG ; Jinan ZHANG ; Youmin WANG ; Jianming BA ; Bing CHEN ; Jianling DU ; Lanjie HE ; Xiaoyang LAI ; Yanbo LI ; Zhaoli YAN ; Eryuan LIAO ; Chao LIU ; Libin LIU ; Guijun QIN ; Yingfen QIN ; Huibiao QUAN ; Bingyin SHI ; Hui SUN ; Zhen YE ; Qiao ZHANG ; Lihui ZHANG ; Jun ZHU ; Mei ZHU ; Yongze LI ; Weiping TENG ; Zhongyan SHAN
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2021;36(4):778-789
Background:
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the most common thyroid dysfunction, and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SCH and newly-diagnosed hypertension.
Methods:
Based on data from the Thyroid disease, Iodine nutrition and Diabetes Epidemiology (TIDE) study, 49,433 euthyroid individuals and 7,719 SCH patients aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Patients with a history of hypertension or thyroid disease were excluded. SCH was determined by manufacturer reference range. Overall hypertension and stage 1 and 2 hypertension were diagnosed according to the guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2017.
Results:
The prevalence of overall hypertension (48.7%), including stage 1 (28.9%) and 2 (19.8%) hypertension, increased significantly in SCH patients compared with euthyroid subjects. With elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, the hypertension prevalence also increased significantly from the euthyroid to different SCH subgroups, which was more profound in females or subjects aged <65 years. The age- and sex-specific regression analysis further demonstrated the same trends in the general population and in the 1:1 propensity matched population. Similarly, several BP components (i.e., systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP) were positively associated with TSH elevation, and regression analysis also confirmed that all BP components were closely related with SCH in female subjects aged <65 years.
Conclusion
The prevalence of hypertension increases for patients with SCH. SCH tends to be associated with hypertension and BP components in females younger than 65 years.


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