1.Geographical Inference Study of Dust Samples From Four Cities in China Based on ITS2 Sequencing
Wen-Jun ZHANG ; Yao-Sen FENG ; Jia-Jin PENG ; Kai FENG ; Ye DENG ; Ke-Lai KANG ; Le WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):970-981
ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.
2.Ameliorative effects of Lycii Fructus-Chrysanthemi Flos at different ratios on retinal damage in mice.
Bing LI ; Sheng GUO ; Yue ZHU ; Xue-Sen WANG ; Dan-Dan WEI ; Hong-Jie KANG ; Wen-Hua ZHANG ; Jin-Ao DUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):732-740
This study aimed to compare the ameliorative effects of Lycii Fructus and Chrysanthemi Flos at different ratios on retinal damage in mice and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. A retinal injury model was established by intraperitoneal injection of sodium iodate(NaIO_3) solution. The mice were divided into the following groups: blank group, model group, positive drug(AREDS 2) group, low-and high-dose groups of Lycii Fructus and Chrysanthemi Flos at 1∶1, low-and high-dose groups at 3∶1, and low-and high-dose groups at 1∶3. Administration was carried out 15 days after modeling. The visual acuity of the mice was assessed using the black-and-white box test. The fundus was observed using an optical coherence tomography device, and retinal thickness was measured. HE staining was used to observe the morphology and pathological changes of the retina. The levels of oxidative factors in serum and ocular tissues were measured using assay kits. The levels of inflammatory factors in serum and ocular tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NF-κB proteins in ocular tissues was analyzed by Western blot. The results showed that after administration of Lycii Fructus and Chrysanthemi Flos at different ratios, the model group showed improved retinal thinning and disordered arrangement of retinal layers, elevated content of SOD and GSH in the serum and ocular tissues, and reduced levels of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Lycii Fructus and Chrysanthemi Flos at 1∶1 and 1∶3 showed better improvement effects. The combination significantly upregulated the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and downregulated the expression of NF-κB p65. These results indicate that Lycii Fructus and Chrysanthemi Flos at different ratios can improve retinal damage, reduce oxidative stress, and alleviate inflammation in both the body and ocular tissues of mice. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways in ocular tissues. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Lycii Fructus and Chrysanthemi Flos in the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration.
Animals
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Mice
;
Retina/injuries*
;
Male
;
Lycium/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Chrysanthemum/chemistry*
;
NF-kappa B/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Retinal Diseases/metabolism*
;
NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism*
;
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
;
Flowers/chemistry*
;
Heme Oxygenase-1/genetics*
3.Experimental study on autologous osteochondral transplantation in the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint with articular cartilage defect in rabbits.
Tao LIU ; Sen FANG ; Fang-Xiang LIU ; Ming-Tao ZHANG ; Zhi-Tao YANG ; Bo-Rong ZHANG ; Jun-Wen LIANG ; Xi-Hao WANG ; Jin JIANG ; Xiang-Dong YUN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(6):619-625
OBJECTIVE:
To explore clinical effect of autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) in the treatment of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint with glenoid cartilage defect in rabbits by establishing a model of recurrent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint with < 20% glenoid cartilage defect in rabbits.
METHODS:
Twenty-four male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 6-month-old, weighed (2.69±0.17) kg were selected. The labrum of shoulder joint of rabbits was artificially destroyed to establish a model of recurrent anterior dislocation of shoulder joint with cartilage defect. They were divided into AOT surgery group and simple suture group, with 12 rabbits in each group. AOT group were underwent AOT surgery, while simple suture group was treated with simple Bankart suture for recurrent shoulder joint dislocation. At 6 and 12 weeks after operation, 6 rabbits between two groups were sacrificed for sampling. The dietary conditions, activity conditions, mental states of rabbits and healing conditions of grafts in the specimens were observed and compared between two groups. HE staining was used to observe cell creep, cell morphology, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrochondrocytes and their arrangement. Masson staining was used to observe the formation and arrangement of collagen fibers; Safrane-green staining was used to observe the regeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone and bone tissue. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume (BV) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) between two groups were measured by Micro-CT to evaluate the remodeling of shoulder glenoid bone defects by autologous osteochondral cartilage.
RESULTS:
After different surgical interventions were carried out in both groups of rabbits, at 6 weeks after the operation, the abduction, extension, internal rotation and external rotation of the shoulder joint on the operated side showed limited range of motion compared with the contralateral side, while adduction and forward flexion showed no obvious abnormalities compared with the contralateral side. At 12 weeks after operation, the range motion of tshoulder joints in both groups of rabbits had returned to the state before modeling. The effects of HE staining, Masson staining and safrane-green staining at 12 weeks after operation in both groups were stronger than the staining results at 6 weeks after operation. Moreover, the results of HE staining, Masson staining and safranin fixation green staining in AOT group at 6 and 12 weeks after operation were all higher than those in simple suture group. Micro-CT scan results at 6 and 12 weeks after operation showed that BMD (0.427±0.014), (0.466±0.032) g·cm-3, BV(116.171±3.527), (159.327±3.500) mm3, and Tb.Th (0.230±0.006), (0.285±0.009) mm in AOT group, which were higher than those of simple suture group in BMD(0.358±0.011), (0.384±0.096) g·cm-3, BV(72.657±3.903), (118.713±3.860) mm3, and Tb.Th(0.204±0.009), (0.243±0.007) mm;and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
AOT procedure could effectively promote osteogenesis and fibrocartilage regeneration in the cartilage defect area of the shoulder glenoid <20%, which is conducive to reshaping the structure of the shoulder glenoid.
Animals
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Rabbits
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Male
;
Transplantation, Autologous
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Cartilage, Articular/injuries*
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Shoulder Dislocation/physiopathology*
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Bone Transplantation
;
Shoulder Joint/surgery*
4.Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Dementia: Evidence Triangulation from a Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies and Mendelian Randomization Study.
Di LIU ; Mei Ling CAO ; Shan Shan WU ; Bing Li LI ; Yi Wen JIANG ; Teng Fei LIN ; Fu Xiao LI ; Wei Jie CAO ; Jin Qiu YUAN ; Feng SHA ; Zhi Rong YANG ; Jin Ling TANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):56-66
OBJECTIVE:
Observational studies have found associations between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and vascular dementia (VD); however, these findings are inconsistent. It remains unclear whether these associations are causal.
METHODS:
We conducted a meta-analysis by systematically searching for observational studies on the association between IBD and dementia. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis based on summary genome-wide association studies (GWASs) was performed. Genetic correlation and Bayesian co-localization analyses were used to provide robust genetic evidence.
RESULTS:
Ten observational studies involving 80,565,688 participants were included in this meta-analysis. IBD was significantly associated with dementia (risk ratio [ RR] =1.36, 95% CI = 1.04-1.78; I 2 = 84.8%) and VD ( RR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.18-5.70; only one study), but not with AD ( RR = 2.00, 95% CI = 0.96-4.13; I 2 = 99.8%). MR analyses did not supported significant causal associations of IBD with dementia (dementia: odds ratio [ OR] = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.98-1.03; AD: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95-1.01; VD: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.07). In addition, genetic correlation and co-localization analyses did not reveal any genetic associations between IBD and dementia.
CONCLUSION
Our study did not provide genetic evidence for a causal association between IBD and dementia risk. The increased risk of dementia observed in observational studies may be attributed to unobserved confounding factors or detection bias.
Humans
;
Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications*
;
Dementia/etiology*
;
Observational Studies as Topic
;
Genome-Wide Association Study
5.Progress on targets and therapeutic drugs for pancreatic cancer
Hong YANG ; Wan LI ; Sha LI ; Li-wen REN ; Yi-zhi ZHANG ; Yi-hui YANG ; Bin-bin GE ; Xiang-jin ZHENG ; Jin-yi LIU ; Sen ZHANG ; Guan-hua DU ; Jin-hua WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2023;58(1):9-20
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. It is very hard to treat pancreatic cancers for their high heterogeneity, complex tumor microenvironment, and drug resistance. Currently, gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel, capecitabine and FOLFIRINOX are standard chemotherapy for resectable or advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer. Considering the limited efficacy and toxic side effects of chemotherapy, targeted and immune drugs have gradually attracted attention and made some progress. In this article, we systematically reviewed the chemotherapeutic drugs, targets and related targeted drugs, and immunotherapy drugs for pancreatic cancer.
6.A real-world study on the efficacy and safety analysis of paclitaxel liposome in advanced breast cancer.
Chun Xiao SUN ; Shu Sen WANG ; Jian Bin LI ; Yong Sheng WANG ; Qu Chang OUYANG ; Jin YANG ; Hai Bo WANG ; Xiao Jia WANG ; Wen Yan CHEN ; Peng YUAN ; Min YAN ; Ze Fei JIANG ; Yong Mei YIN
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2023;45(1):88-94
Objective: To explore the application and efficacy of paclitaxel liposome in the treatment of advanced breast cancer among Chinese population in the real world. Methods: The clinical characteristics of patients with advanced breast cancer who received paclitaxel liposome as salvage treatment from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2019 in 11 hospitals were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was progression free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcome included objective response rate (ORR) and safety. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox regression model were used for the multivariate analysis. Results: Among 647 patients with advanced breast cancer who received paclitaxel liposome, the first-line treatment accounted for 43.3% (280/647), the second-line treatment accounted for 27.7% (179/647), and the third-line and above treatment accounted for 29.1% (188/647). The median dose of first-line and second-line treatment was 260 mg per cycle, and 240 mg in third line and above treatment. The median period of paclitaxel liposome alone and combined chemotherapy or targeted therapy is 4 cycles and 6 cycles, respectively. In the whole group, 167 patients (25.8%) were treated with paclitaxel liposome combined with capecitabine±trastuzumab (TX±H), 123 patients (19.0%) were treated with paclitaxel liposome alone (T), and 119 patients (18.4%) were treated with paclitaxel liposome combined with platinum ± trastuzumab (TP±H), 108 patients (16.7%) were treated with paclitaxel liposome combined with trastuzumab ± pertuzumab (TH±P). The median PFS of first-line and second-line patients (5.5 and 5.5 months, respectively) were longer than that of patients treated with third line and above (4.9 months, P<0.05); The ORR of the first line, second line, third line and above patients were 46.7%, 36.8% and 28.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that event-free survival (EFS) and the number of treatment lines were independent prognostic factors for PFS. The common adverse events were myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reactions, hand foot syndrome and abnormal liver function. Conclusion: Paclitaxel liposomes is widely used and has promising efficacy in multi-subtype advanced breast cancer.
Humans
;
Female
;
Breast Neoplasms/chemically induced*
;
Paclitaxel/adverse effects*
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Liposomes/therapeutic use*
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Retrospective Studies
;
Treatment Outcome
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Trastuzumab/therapeutic use*
;
Capecitabine/therapeutic use*
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects*
7.Down-regulation of the Smad signaling by circZBTB46 via the Smad2-PDLIM5 axis to inhibit type I collagen expression.
Jing YU ; Wen-Zhao YAN ; Xin-Hua ZHANG ; Bin ZHENG ; Wen-Sen PAN ; Zhan YANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Zi-Yuan NIE ; Ying MA ; Yang BAI ; Long ZHANG ; Dan-Dan FENG ; Jin-Kun WEN
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2023;20(6):431-447
BACKGROUND:
Abnormal type I collagen (COL1) expression is associated with the development of many cardiovascular diseases. The TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway and circRNAs have been shown to regulate COL1 gene expression, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood.
METHODS:
Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were prformed to study the effect of circZBTB46 on the expression of alpha 2 chain of type I collagen (COL1A2). Co-immunoprecipitation assay was performed to observe the interaction between two proteins. RNA immunoprecipitation assay and biotin pull-down assay were performed to observe the interaction of circZBTB46 with PDLIM5.
RESULTS:
In this study, we investigated the role of circZBTB46 in regulating COL1A2 expression in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We found that circZBTB46 is expressed in VSMCs and that TGF-beta inhibits circZBTB46 formation by downregulating KLF4 expression through activation of the Smad signaling pathway. CircZBTB46 inhibits the expression of COL1A2 induced by TGF-beta. Mechanistically, circZBTB46 mediates the interaction between Smad2 and PDLIM5, resulting in the inhibition of Smad signaling and the subsequent downregulation of COL1A2 expression. Furthermore, we found that the expression of TGF-beta and COL1A2 is decreased, while circZBTB46 expression is increased in human abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues, indicating that circZBTB46-mediated regulation of TGF-beta/Smad signaling and COL1A2 synthesis in VSMCs plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis and aneurysm development.
CONCLUSIONS
CircZBTB46 was identified as a novel inhibitor of COL1 synthesis in VSMCs, highlighting the importance of circZBTB46 and PDLIM5 in regulating TGF-beta/Smad signaling and COL1A2 expression.
8.Sports and health integration: logic, dilemma and alleviation
Yanfeng ZHANG ; Yibo GAO ; Sen LI ; Zhaoyong WEN ; Aoyu ZHANG ; Jin HE
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2023;32(6):481-487
By combing out the historical development logic of sports and health integration and the current development achievement, the underlying logic of sports and health integration is described systematically in multiple dimensions, and the prominent dilemmas in development are analyzed as follows: lack of residents' health literacy, excessive dependence on medical treatment, low bridging of talent team construction, lack of the guidance of funds centralization, insufficient financial support, imperfect management system and mechanism, and unspecific departmental collaboration.The strategies for solving the problems are as follows: strengthening the integration of sports science and clinical medicine, consolidating the technical integration of sports prescription and clinical standardization process, further improving the business integration of exercise intervention and clinical treatment, and enhancing the industrial integration of sports products and medical treatment.
9.Study on the features of Clostridioides difficile infection among diarrhea patients in Kunming from 2018 to 2020.
Gui Man LI ; Wen Peng GU ; Min HOU ; Sen Quan JIA ; Yuan Yuan WANG ; Lu Lu BAI ; Jian Wen YIN ; Yong Ming ZHOU ; Xiao Qing FU ; Jin Xing LU ; Yuan WU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(4):624-628
Objective: We analyze the characteristics of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection among diarrhea patients in Kunming from 2018 to 2020 and provide evidence for follow-up surveillance and prevention. Methods: A total of 388 fecal samples of diarrhea patients from four sentinel hospitals in Yunnan Province from 2018 to 2020 were collected. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the fecal toxin genes of C. difficile. The positive fecal samples isolated the bacteria, and isolates were identified by mass spectrometry. The genomic DNA of the strains was extracted for multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). The fecal toxin, strain isolation, and clinical patient characteristics, including co-infection with other pathogens, were analyzed. Results: Among the 388 fecal samples, 47 samples with positive reference genes of C. difficile were positive, with a total positive rate of 12.11%. There were 4 (8.51%) non-toxigenic and 43 (91.49%) toxigenic ones. A total of 18 strains C. difficile were isolated from 47 positive specimens, and the isolation rate of positive specimens was 38.30%. Among them, 14 strains were positive for tcdA, tcdB, tcdC, tcdR, and tcdE. All 18 strains of C. difficile were negative for binary toxins. The MLST results showed 10 sequence types (ST), including 5 strains of ST37, accounting for 27.78%; 2 strains of ST129, ST3, ST54, and ST2, respectively; and 1 strain of ST35, ST532, ST48, ST27, and ST39, respectively. Fecal toxin gene positive (tcdB+) results were statistically associated with the patient's age group and with or without fever before the visit; positive isolates were only statistically associated with the patient's age group. In addition, some C. difficile patients have co-infection with other diarrhea-related viruses. Conclusions: The infection of C. difficile in diarrhea patients in Kunming is mostly toxigenic strains, and the high diversity of strains was identified using the MLST method. Therefore, the surveillance and prevention of C. difficile should be strengthened.
Humans
;
Bacterial Toxins/genetics*
;
Enterotoxins/genetics*
;
Clostridioides difficile/genetics*
;
Multilocus Sequence Typing
;
Coinfection
;
Bacterial Proteins/genetics*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Clostridium Infections/epidemiology*
;
Diarrhea/microbiology*

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