1.Mechanisms and research progress of circular RNAs in radon exposure-induced diseases
Jia ZHANG ; Xiaoliang LI ; Jianlei RUAN ; Jianxiang LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(2):303-308
Radon, the only naturally occurring radioactive noble gas, is among the most common radioactive nuclides to which humans are exposed. Radon can induce various biological effects in the human body and is a risk factor for lung cancer. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable, tissue-specific, and abundantly expressed in body fluids. circRNAs can regulate gene expression and play an important role in the development of cancer. In this paper, we summarized the changes in the expression and function of circRNAs, highlighting the potential mechanisms of circRNAs in radon exposure-induced cancers. Our results provided theoretical support for the use of circRNAs as a biomarker of radon exposure-induced radiation damage, and offer a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of radon exposure-induced diseases.
2.A Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trial of Fulvestrant Combined with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of ER+/HER2– Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Integrated Analysis of 18F-FES PET-CT and Metabolites with Treatment Response
Qing SHAO ; Ningning ZHANG ; Xianjun PAN ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Yali WANG ; Xiaoliang CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xiaohua ZENG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):126-139
Purpose:
This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy.
Materials and Methods:
Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety.
Results:
Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways.
Conclusion
This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.
3.A Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trial of Fulvestrant Combined with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of ER+/HER2– Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Integrated Analysis of 18F-FES PET-CT and Metabolites with Treatment Response
Qing SHAO ; Ningning ZHANG ; Xianjun PAN ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Yali WANG ; Xiaoliang CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xiaohua ZENG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):126-139
Purpose:
This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy.
Materials and Methods:
Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety.
Results:
Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways.
Conclusion
This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.
4.A Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trial of Fulvestrant Combined with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of ER+/HER2– Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Integrated Analysis of 18F-FES PET-CT and Metabolites with Treatment Response
Qing SHAO ; Ningning ZHANG ; Xianjun PAN ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Yali WANG ; Xiaoliang CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xiaohua ZENG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):126-139
Purpose:
This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy.
Materials and Methods:
Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety.
Results:
Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways.
Conclusion
This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.
5.Significance of precise classification of sacral meningeal cysts by multiple dimensions radiographic reconstruction MRI in guiding operative strategy and rehabilitation.
Jianjun SUN ; Qianquan MA ; Xiaoliang YIN ; Chenlong YANG ; Jia ZHANG ; Suhua CHEN ; Chao WU ; Jingcheng XIE ; Yunfeng HAN ; Guozhong LIN ; Yu SI ; Jun YANG ; Haibo WU ; Qiang ZHAO
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(2):303-308
OBJECTIVE:
To precise classify sacral meningeal cysts, effective guide minimally invasive neurosurgery and postoperative personalized rehabilitation by multiple dimensions radiographic reconstruction MRI.
METHODS:
From March to December 2021, based on the original 3D-fast imaging employing steadystate acquisition (FIESTA) scanning sequence, 92 patients with sacral meningeal cysts were pre-operatively evaluated by multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI. The shape of nerve root and the leakage of cyst were reconstructed according to the direction of nerve root or leakage track showed on original MRI scans. Sacral canal cysts were accurately classified as including nerve root and without nerve root, so as to accurately design the incision of skin and formulate corresponding open range of the posterior wall of the sacral canal. Under the microscope intraoperation, the shape of the nerve roots inside cysts or leakage track of the cysts without nerve roots were verified and explored. After the reinforcement and shaping operation, several reexaminations of multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI were performed to understand the deformation of the nerve root and hydrops in the operation cavity, so as to formulate a persona-lized rehabilitation plan for the patients.
RESULTS:
Among the 92 patients with sacral mengingeal cyst, 58 (63.0%) cysts with nerve root cyst, 29 (31.5%) cysts without nerve root cyst, and 5 (5.4%) cysts with mixed sacral canal cyst. In 58 patients with nerve root cysts, the accuracy of preoperative clinical classification on MRI image reached 96.6% (56/58) through confirmation by operating microscope. Only 2 cases of large single cyst with nerve root on the head of cyst were mistaken for without nerve root type. In 29 patients with sacral cyst without nerve root, the accuracy of preoperative image reached 100% through confirmation by operating microscope. The accuracy of judging the internal nerve root and leakage of 12 cases with recurrent sacral cyst was also 100%. Two cases of delayed postoperative hydrops were found one month after operation. After rehabilitation treatment by moxibustion and bathing, the hydrops disappeared 4-6 months after operation.
CONCLUSION
Multiple dimensional reconstruction MRI can precisely make clinical classification of sacral meningeal cysts before operation, guide minimally invasive neurosurgery effectively, and improve the rehabilitation effect.
Humans
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Sacrum/surgery*
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods*
;
Cysts/rehabilitation*
;
Aged
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
;
Spinal Nerve Roots/diagnostic imaging*
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures
;
Neurosurgical Procedures/methods*
6.Functional analysis of a nitrate-induced GARP transcription factor AhNIGT1.2 in peanut nodulation.
Xiaoliang LI ; Haitong HE ; Suqin HE ; Luyao WANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhaosheng KONG ; Lixiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(2):657-669
Peanut, a major economic and oil crop known for the high protein and oil content, is extensively cultivated in China. Peanut plants have the ability to form nodules with rhizobia, where the nitrogenase converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia nitrogen that can be utilized by the plants. Analysis of nodule fixation is of positive significance for avoiding overapplication of chemical fertilizer and developing sustainable agriculture. In this study, AhNIGT1.2, a member of the NIGT family predominantly expressed in peanut nodules, was identified by bioinformatics analysis. Subsequent spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that AhNIGT1.2 was highly expressed in nodules and showed significant responses to high nitrogen, low nitrogen, high phosphorus, low phosphorus, and rhizobia treatments. Histochemical staining indicated that the gene was primarily expressed in developing nodules and at the connection region between mature nodules and peanut roots. The fusion protein AhNIGT1.2-GFP was located in the nucleus of tobacco epidermal cells. The AhNIGT1.2-OE significantly increased the number of peanut nodules, while AhNIGT1.2-RNAi reduced the number of nodules, which suggested a positive regulatory role of AhNIGT1.2 in peanut nodulation. The AhNIGT1.2-OE in roots down-regulated the expression levels of NRT1.2, NRT2.4, NLP1, and NLP7, which indicated that AhNIGT1.2 influenced peanut nodulation by modulating nitrate transport and the expression of NLP genes. The transcriptome analysis of AhNIGT1.2-OE and control roots revealed that overexpressing AhNIGT1.2 significantly enriched the differentially expressed genes associated with nitrate response, nodulation factor pathway, enzymes for triterpene biosynthesis, and carotenoid biosynthesis. These findings suggest that AhNIGT1.2 play a key role in peanut nodulation by regulating nitrate transport and response and other related pathways. This study gives insights into the molecular mechanisms of nitrogen and phosphorus in regulating legume nodulation and nitrogen fixation, and sheds light on the development of legume crops that can efficiently fix nitrogen in high nitrogen environments.
Arachis/physiology*
;
Nitrates/metabolism*
;
Plant Proteins/physiology*
;
Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Plant Root Nodulation/physiology*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
;
Root Nodules, Plant/metabolism*
;
Nitrogen Fixation
7.Ultrashort Echo Time and Zero Echo Time MRI and Their Applications at High Magnetic Fields:A Literature Survey
Soham S. MORE ; Xiaoliang ZHANG
Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging 2024;28(4):153-173
Ultrashort echo time (UTE) and zero echo time (ZTE) imaging sequences have been developed to detect short T2 relaxation signals emanating from regions or tissues that conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods fail to capture. Owing to the high dipole–dipole interactions in solid and semisolid tissues, the signal decay occurs very rapidly, typically in less than 1 ms. The echo time generated by conventional imaging methods is insufficiently short, resulting in void signals from these short-T2 species. The application of UTE and ZTE techniques enables the imaging of solid and semi-solid tissues, making the conventionally invisible visible, which can significantly impact clinical imaging. Highand ultra-high-field-strength (UHF) MRI offers a critical advantage in enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of MRI. When combined with UTE and ZTE sequences, it enables the recovery of signals from void areas and markedly improves signal quality. To bolster this approach and further validate the technique, while addressing its limitations, extensive efforts have been made to collect supplementary data using various research tools. Studies demonstrate that integrating UTE and ZTE sequences with advanced high and ultra-high field imaging techniques—particularly innovative developments in transmit/receive hardware, software, and novel trajectory approaches—plays a pivotal role in enhancing the clarity and accuracy of MRI for musculoskeletal, neural, lung, and dental applications.
8.Instructions for the Guangdong Province Occupational Health Engineering Ventilation Inspection Work Specification (Trial)
Xia WU ; Shibiao SU ; Danying ZHANG ; Xiaoliang LI ; Shijie HU
China Occupational Medicine 2024;51(6):694-699
At present, China has not yet established a comprehensive standard and evaluation system specifically for occupational health engineering ventilation inspection. In order to meet the requirements for the design of occupational-disease-prevention facilities, the evaluation of occupational disease hazard control effectiveness, and the protective facilities, the Guangdong Provincial Occupational Health Technical Quality Control Center developed the Guangdong Province Occupational Health Engineering Ventilation Inspection Work Specification (Trial) by referring domestic and international standards and norms related to occupational health engineering, industrial ventilation design manuals and professional literature, using brainstorming and experience-based methods. The work specification covers the key detection indicators of ventilation systems, and comprehensively covers the core links of occupational health engineering ventilation testing. The relevant indicators mainly include: detection of air velocity control; wind speed and air volume of exhaust hoods and exhaust vents of ventilation facilities; detection of wind pressure, wind speed and air volume inside the ventilation duct; fresh air volume detection; and calculation and evaluation of ventilation frequency. The specification is highly practical, indicting scientific and advanced principles, and ensures the fairness and reliability of the testing process and results. Its implementation will effectively promote the standardization and professionalism of occupational health engineering ventilation testing, providing robust technical support for safeguarding workers' health.
9.Ultrashort Echo Time and Zero Echo Time MRI and Their Applications at High Magnetic Fields:A Literature Survey
Soham S. MORE ; Xiaoliang ZHANG
Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging 2024;28(4):153-173
Ultrashort echo time (UTE) and zero echo time (ZTE) imaging sequences have been developed to detect short T2 relaxation signals emanating from regions or tissues that conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods fail to capture. Owing to the high dipole–dipole interactions in solid and semisolid tissues, the signal decay occurs very rapidly, typically in less than 1 ms. The echo time generated by conventional imaging methods is insufficiently short, resulting in void signals from these short-T2 species. The application of UTE and ZTE techniques enables the imaging of solid and semi-solid tissues, making the conventionally invisible visible, which can significantly impact clinical imaging. Highand ultra-high-field-strength (UHF) MRI offers a critical advantage in enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of MRI. When combined with UTE and ZTE sequences, it enables the recovery of signals from void areas and markedly improves signal quality. To bolster this approach and further validate the technique, while addressing its limitations, extensive efforts have been made to collect supplementary data using various research tools. Studies demonstrate that integrating UTE and ZTE sequences with advanced high and ultra-high field imaging techniques—particularly innovative developments in transmit/receive hardware, software, and novel trajectory approaches—plays a pivotal role in enhancing the clarity and accuracy of MRI for musculoskeletal, neural, lung, and dental applications.
10.Prognostic significance and biological implications of SM‑like genes in mantle cell lymphoma
Xue HE ; Changjian YAN ; Yaru YANG ; Weijia WANG ; Xiaoni LIU ; Chaoling WU ; Zimu ZHOU ; Xin HUANG ; Wei FU ; Jing HU ; Ping YANG ; Jing WANG ; Mingxia ZHU ; Yan LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Shaoxiang LI ; Gehong DONG ; Xiaoliang YUAN ; Yuansheng LIN ; Hongmei JING ; Weilong ZHANG
Blood Research 2024;59():33-
Background:
SM-like (LSM) genes a family of RNA-binding proteins, are involved in mRNA regulation and can function as oncogenes by altering mRNA stability. However, their roles in B-cell progression and tumorigenesis remain poorly understood.
Methods:
We analyzed gene expression profiles and overall survival data of 123 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The LSM index was developed to assess its potential as a prognostic marker of MCL survival.
Results:
Five of the eight LSM genes were identified as potential prognostic markers for survival in MCL, with particular emphasis on the LSM.index. The expression levels of these LSM genes demonstrated their potential utility as classifiers of MCL. The LSM.index-high group exhibited both poorer survival rates and lower RNA levels than did the overall transcript profile. Notably, LSM1 and LSM8 were overexpressed in the LSM.index-high group, with LSM1 showing 2.5-fold increase (p < 0.001) and LSM8 depicting 1.8-fold increase (p < 0.01) than those in the LSM.index-low group.Furthermore, elevated LSM gene expression was associated with increased cell division and RNA splicing pathway activity.
Conclusions
The LSM.index demonstrates potential as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with MCL. Elevated expression of LSM genes, particularly LSM1 and LSM8, may be linked to poor survival outcomes through their involvement in cell division and RNA splicing pathways. These findings suggest that LSM genes may contribute to the aggressive behavior of MCL and represent potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

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