1.Study on the correlation between HLA antibodies and pregnancy-related factors, and the predictive value of a random-forest model among female blood donors in Nanning
Fang LU ; Huihui MO ; Wujin SU ; Zhoulin ZHONG ; Hengcong LI ; Yuchen HUANG ; Yuxi CHEN ; Lilan LI ; Yan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):367-372
Objective: To explore the association between the HLA antibody positivity rate in female blood donors and pregnancy history, number of pregnancies, interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation, and age, to identify associated variables using a univariate generalized additive model (GAM), and to further analyze the predictive role of characteristic variables for HLA antibody positivity using a random forest model. Methods: HLA antibody detection was performed on 391 female blood donors using the Luminex immunomagnetic bead method. The correlation between pregnancy-related factors and HLA antibodies was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Based on R software, a univariate GAM was first constructed to analyze the association types between characteristic variables and the HLA antibody positivity rate, followed by the construction of a random forest model to evaluate the predictive value of the variables. Results: Among the 391 female blood donors without a transfusion history, the overall HLA antibody positivity rate was 26.34%. The positivity rate in donors with a pregnancy history was significantly higher than that in those without (30.09% vs 9.72%, P<0.05), and HLA antibody positivity rate increased linearly with the number of pregnancies (P<0.05). In the univariate GAM, age and number of deliveries exhibited a non-linear association with the HLA antibody positivity rate (the positivity rate increased sharply between 25-35 years of age and stabilized after 3 deliveries). Besides, the interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation showed a linear association with the HLA antibody positivity rate, and the positivity rate decreased as the interval prolonged (P<0.05). In the random forest model, age (mean decrease gini=29.26) and interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation (mean decrease gini=22.02) were core predictive variables: age was more conducive to identifying positive samples, while the interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation was more helpful for excluding negative samples. The number of deliveries (mean decrease accuracy=16.98) made a significant contribution to predicting positive samples, whereas the number of abortions had no impact. The model had an AUC of 0.583 (95% CI: 0.593 8-0.770 2), indicating a certain predictive value. Conclusion: The associated variables identified by the univariate GAM model, including age, interval from the last pregnancy to blood donation, and number of deliveries, provide a basis for key variables in the random forest model. All three variables have predictive value for HLA antibody positivity, which can provide evidence-based support for personalized transfusion management and stratified screening of female blood donors in this region.
2.Strategies of HIV-1 Vaccines Based on mRNA Platforms
Pei LIU ; Zhong-Yue FANG ; Xin-Xin CHEN ; Shao-Wei LI ; Ying GU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):826-839
Since its emergence in the 1980s, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused a global pandemic, posing a severe threat to human life and health as well as social development. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively curbs HIV transmission and antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly extends the lifespan of patients, vaccines remain a pivotal tool for blocking transmission and ending the pandemic. The high genetic variability of HIV-1, the glycan shield of its envelope glycoproteins, and the long-term persistence of latent reservoirs have repeatedly led to bottlenecks in traditional vaccine strategies. In recent years, mRNA technology has offered a novel approach to addressing these challenges, leveraging advantages such as sequence programmability, short production cycles, native conformational expression of antigens, and self-adjuvant effects. In recent years, mRNA vaccine technology has emerged as a transformative solution to longstanding vaccinology challenges, characterized by its sequence programmability, rapid production cycles, native conformational antigen expression, and intrinsic self-adjuvanting properties. Unlike traditional platforms reliant on pathogen culture or recombinant proteins, mRNA vaccines can be expeditiously designed and updated based solely on viral genomic sequences. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA facilitates endogenous antigen expression and presentation, simultaneously eliciting potent humoral and cellular immune responses. Within this landscape, self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) further extends in vivo antigen expression to enhance the persistence of immune responses. Moreover, the LNP delivery system not only protects mRNA from degradation and mediates endosomal escape but also synergizes with mRNA to optimize immune activation via self-adjuvant effects. Importantly, mRNA platforms circumvent the pre-existing immunity associated with viral vectors and the genomic integration risks of DNA vaccines, positioning them as a cornerstone for global pandemic preparedness. This review systematically delineates recent advances in mRNA technology for HIV-1 vaccine development, focusing on four pivotal research frontiers. First, mRNA innovations building upon the RV144 trial optimize antigens through codon modification and multivalent designs to induce more durable and broad-spectrum immunity. Second, particulate mRNA vaccine strategies, utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs) and ferritin nanoparticles, achieve in situ antigen self-assembly, significantly enhancing B cell activation and reducing infection risks in non-human primate models. Third, germline-targeting mRNA vaccines address the low-affinity barrier of broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAp) precursors, efficiently activating rare precursor B cells and promoting affinity maturation. Fourth, therapeutic mRNA vaccines offer unique advantages for an HIV functional cure; combining immunogens with mRNA-encoded adjuvants potentiates cellular immunity, while LNP-mediated “shock-and-kill” strategies specifically activate latent reservoirs to guide immune clearance. Comparative analyses with traditional platforms reveal that mRNA technology redefines antigen production and presentation, simulating chronic infection through sustained expression and enabling dual-pathway presentation via endogenous synthesis. Furthermore, we explore the mechanistic innovations of mRNA vaccines in inducing bNAps: sustained in vivo production prolongs the activation window for precursor B cells and maintains germinal center (GC) reactions; endogenously expressed antigens adopt native conformations to expose conserved epitopes; and self-adjuvanting effects modulate the functions of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and follicular helper T cells (Tfh), driving somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation. We also address critical clinical translation challenges, including immune durability, adaptability to special populations, and large-scale LNP manufacturing, while proposing targeted optimization strategies. In conclusion, this review establishes a theoretical framework for utilizing mRNA technology to overcome HIV-1 immune escape, transitioning from a descriptive paradigm to a problem-solving-based synthesis of evidence. By integrating preclinical and early clinical data, we bridge the gap between basic design and translational verification. mRNA technology is poised to become a central pillar inHIV-1 prevention and therapy, providing a robust toolset to achieve the global goal of ending the AIDS pandemic and offering a blueprint for vaccine development against other recalcitrant infectious diseases.
3.The expression and function of MST1 in prostate cancer
Yuhang HUANG ; Shiyuan YIN ; Linna FANG ; Kun ZHONG ; Guifang HE ; Yongping CAI ; Yu YIN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1045-1052
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression level of mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues, its biological functions, and its regulatory effects on androgen receptor (AR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. MethodsImmunohistochemistry was performed to detect MST1 expression in 77 prostate cancer tissues and 34 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues, and the relationship between MST1 expression and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. MST1-overexpressing C4-2 and LNCaP cell lines were constructed. CCK-8 assay, Transwell migration assay, and angiogenesis assay were conducted to evaluate the effects of MST1 on cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The expression changes of AR and VEGF were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. ResultsMST1 expression was significantly lower in PCa tissues compared with BPH tissues (P=0.012). Low MST1 expression was significantly associated with tumor metastasis (P=0.033). MST1 overexpression inhibited C4-2 cell proliferation and migration, with transmembrane migrated cells reduced by 53.6% (P<0.01). MST1 overexpression decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of AR and VEGF (P<0.05). Angiogenesis assay demonstrated that the length of new vessel structure was significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionMST1 shows a low expression level in PCa tissues and is associated with tumor metastasis. MST1 exerts tumor-suppressive effects in prostate cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, as well as downregulating the expression of AR and VEGF, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
4.Investigation on prevalence of pinworm infection among kindergarten children and knowledge of prevention and control among teachers and parents in Gaoyou City from 2023 to 2025
Wei WANG ; Yuhui XU ; Fang TIAN ; Jinbin GAO ; Zhong WAN ; Yong HE
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):309-313
Objective To investigate the prevalence of pinworm infections among kindergarten children and the effectiveness of health interventions among teachers and parents in Gaoyou City, so as to provide insights into optimization of enterobiasis control strategies. Methods From September to November each year from 2023 to 2025, Gaoyou City’s 57 kindergartens were divided into five zones based on the five cardinal directions: east, west, south, north, and center. At least one kindergarten was randomly selected as a survey site in each zone, with a minimum of 200 children surveyed per site. The transparent adhesive tape anal swab method was used to detect pinworm infection in the surveyed children, while the transparent adhesive tape sticking method was employed to assess pinworm egg contamination in the children’s home and classroom environments. Concurrently, health education interventions were conducted for kindergarten teachers and parents. Additionally, self-administered questionnaires were administered to teachers and parents to evaluate children’s hygiene behaviors and the awareness rates of pinworm prevention knowledge among teachers and parents before and after the health education interventions. Results From 2023 to 2025, a total of 1 939 children from nine kindergartens in Gaoyou City were tested for pinworm infection, with two cases detected, resulting in an overall infection rate of 0.10% (2/1 939). No pinworm eggs were found in the samples from the children’s families or classroom environments. In public kindergartens, the proportions of children practicing the four hygiene habits, namely “handwashing after defecation” [96.10% (1 305/1 358) vs. 74.65% (212/284); χ2 = 153.646, P < 0.05], “regular nail trimming” [92.93% (1 262/1 358) vs. 77.82% (221/284); χ2 = 61.349, P < 0.05], “not biting toys or pencils” [88.14% (1 197/1 358) vs. 76.76% (218/284); χ2 = 25.549, P < 0.05], and “showering twice or more per week” [89.03% (1 209/1 358) vs. 74.65% (212/284); χ2 = 41.699, P < 0.05], were all higher than those in private kindergartens. Before health education intervention, the awareness rates of pinworm prevention knowledge among teachers in public and private kindergartens were 86.89% (53/61) and 75.00% (21/28), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (χ2 = 1.935, P > 0.05). The awareness rates among parents of children in public and private kindergartens were 64.73% (879/1 358) and 57.39% (163/284), respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 5.447, P < 0.05). After the intervention, the awareness rates among teachers in public and private kindergartens increased to 96.72% (59/61) and 82.14% (23/28), respectively, while those among parents rose to 88.95% (1 208/1 358) and 77.81% (221/284), both with statistically significant differences (χ2 = 5.628 and 25.808, both P < 0.05). Among the questionnaire items, teachers [32.58% (29/89)] and parents [26.00% (427/1 642)] had the lowest overall awareness rate regarding the “main reasons for the difficulty in preventing and controlling pinworm disease”. After the intervention, these rates increased to 77.53% (69/89) and 70.77% (1 162/1 642), respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of pinworm infection in kindergarten children in Gaoyou City is at a low level. Health intervention can effectively improve the knowledge level of teachers and parents on the prevention and treatment of pinworm disease, but further efforts are needed to strengthen the health education and management of pinworm disease in private kindergartens.
5.Targeting Excessively Accumulated Pathological Tau: PROTAC Molecular Design Strategies and Challenges
Han LI ; Yi-Qiao LEI ; Tian FANG ; Yi DING ; Zhong-Hui WU ; Jia XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2334-2351
The abnormal accumulation, structural change, and spread of tau protein in the brain are now considered important factors in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and many other tau-related neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical and pathological studies have shown that the amount and distribution of abnormal tau protein are closely related to synaptic damage, neuronal loss, and cognitive decline. Therefore, tau protein has become an important target for disease-modifying therapy. However, tau is difficult to target because it has no fixed structure, lacks a clear active site, undergoes many post-translational modifications, and forms different abnormal structures in different diseases and disease stages. Therefore, the effective and selective removal of harmful tau species is both a major opportunity and a major challenge in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) offer a new strategy to deal with this problem. Unlike traditional inhibitors, PROTACs do not simply block protein function. Instead, they bring the target protein close to an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which leads to ubiquitination and degradation of the target protein by the proteasome. This event-driven mechanism may be especially useful for disease-related proteins such as tau protein, which are hard to inhibit with traditional small molecules. In recent years, tau protein-targeting PROTACs and related degradation strategies have shown promising effects in cell and animal models. These effects include reducing abnormal tau protein levels, lowering synaptic toxicity, regulating disease-related signaling pathways, and improving behavioral or cognitive outcomes. These studies support targeted tau protein degradation as a promising therapeutic approach, although many problems still need to be solved before clinical use. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the development of tau protein-targeting PROTACs and discuss the main factors that affect their design and activity. We focus on the choice of tau protein-binding ligands, their binding sites, and their ability to recognize abnormal tau protein rather than normal tau protein. We also discuss the selection of E3 ligase recruiters, linker length and structure, ternary complex formation, and structure-activity relationships that influence degradation potency and selectivity. In addition, we introduce new strategies beyond traditional proteasomal degradation, including the regulation of tau protein phosphorylation and autophagy-based clearance. These approaches may be more suitable for different tau species or different stages of disease. A major challenge for tau protein-targeting PROTACs is delivery to the central nervous system. Many PROTACs have high molecular mass, large polar surface area, flexible structures, and may be removed by efflux transporters. As a result, they often have poor ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and may not reach enough free drug levels in the brain. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of tau protein-targeting PROTACs depends not only on their ability to degrade tau protein in vitro, but also on whether they can achieve long-lasting, selective, and safe target engagement in important brain regions after practical administration. Future studies should focus on improving selectivity for abnormal tau protein, understanding E3 ligase function in neural cells, designing brain-penetrant molecules, developing better delivery methods, and testing these drugs in models that better reflect human disease. Overall, tau protein-targeting PROTACs are a promising and fast-developing strategy for treating tau-related diseases. However, their successful clinical translation will require progress in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, neuroscience, drug delivery, and translational medicine.
6.Risk assessment and stepwise management framework for pulmonary nodules
Lang TANG ; Xiaoke CHEN ; Jie TANG ; Jin JIANG ; Xinnan FANG ; Sikun LIU ; Zeguang YE ; Jiamei JIN ; Canglei ZHANG ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Guibin QIAO ; Junqiang FAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1544-1552
Objective To propose a framework for risk assessment and stepwise management of pulmonary nodules based on existing guidelines and key studies, and to clarify the boundaries for triage, workup escalation, and referral in different detection scenarios. Methods A problem-oriented evidence synthesis approach was used, prioritizing Chinese expert consensus, Fleischner Society Guidelines, British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines, and Lung-RADS. This was supplemented by studies on risk models, imaging measurements, liquid biopsy, tissue sampling, and surgical treatments. This paper is not presented as a formal consensus or a validated clinical pathway. Results A three-tiered framework consisting of basic non-invasive assessment, advanced assessment, and invasive diagnosis was established. It specified the applicable populations, boundaries for the use of risk models, imaging review, management of conflicting results, evaluation of histopathological consistency, and post-intervention follow-up. Liquid biopsy, genetic testing, and artificial intelligence were defined as investigational or adjunctive tools. Conclusion This framework can serve as a preliminary reference for multidisciplinary teams in developing local protocols. It cannot replace applicable guidelines, pathological diagnosis, shared decision-making with patients, or real-world validation.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024
YANG Xianqing ; FANG Lihong ; FANG Lian ; ZHONG Rongwan ; WANG Fei ; LIANG Jie ; HUANG Yanyin ; XU Xiaoping
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):304-307,311
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Jiande City, Zhejiang Province from 2005 to 2024, so as to provide the evidence for strengthening the prevention and control of brucellosis.
Methods:
Data on brucellosis cases and surveillance in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024 were collected through the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, the annual brucellosis surveillance reports from the Jiande Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the annual summaries of brucellosis prevention and control efforts. The epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method.
Results:
A total of 1 125 individuals were monitored in Jiande City from 2005 to 2024, with 18 seropositive cases identified and the seropositivity rate of 1.60%. The average annual seropositivity rate from 2015 to 2024 was 3.35%, which was significantly higher than that of 0.57% from 2005 to 2014 (P<0.05). There were 10 confirmed brucellosis cases and 8 asymptomatic infections, with no reported deaths. The peak incidence occurred between March and August. Among the 16 towns (streets) in Jiande City, 8 reported brucellosis cases. Of the brucellosis cases, 14 were male and 4 were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.5∶1. The majority of cases (13 cases) were aged between 40 and 60 years. Occupational exposure was identified in 16 cases, all of whom were infected through direct hand contact with the excreta, secretions, or animal products of infected sheep or cattle. The primary source of infection was sheep, followed by cattle. Five strains of Brucella were isolated and cultured, all identified as Brucella melitensis biovar 3.
Conclusions
The brucellosis epidemic in Jiande City remained at a sporadic and low prevalence level from 2005 to 2024, with an increasing trend observed from 2015 to 2024. Male occupational groups aged 40 to 60 years were the key population for brucellosis prevention and control, and sheep were the primary source of infection.
8.Analysis of characteristics of adverse drug reactions in a hospital from 2021 to 2023
Yan WANG ; Ming FANG ; Hongwei SONG ; Chao ZHONG ; Feng XU ; Ting ZHOU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(4):200-204
Objective To analyze the characteristics of adverse drug reactions (ADR) reported in Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus, Shanghai Jiaotong University from 2021 to 2023, to provide reference for promoting rational clinical drug use. Methods ADR data reported in our hospital were collected retrospectively, including patients’ basic information, drugs causing adverse reactions, types of adverse reactions and outcomes. Descriptive analysis methods were used to summarize and analyze the data. Results A total of 979 cases of ADR were reported in our hospital from 2021 to 2023. The highest proportion of patients with ADR occurred in the age range of 31 to 50, and more male patients (63.5%). The top five drugs involved with adverse reactions were antibiotics (48.8%), Chinese medicine injections(19.2%), vitamins(7.5%), Chinese traditional medicine(7.2%), equine tetanus immunoglobulin(6.3%). Among antibiotics, cefuroxime, ceftazidime and cefotiam were the majority. The organs/systems involved in all ADR were mainly skin and accessories damage (55.4%). The clinical manifestations were rash, itching, and maculopapular rash. Conclusion From 2021 to 2023, the most common drugs causing adverse drug reactions in our hospital were mainly antibacterial drugs, and the rational clinical use of antibacterial drugs still needs to be concerned.
9.Prognostic Factors of Liposarcoma in Head and Neck
Shuo DING ; Zhigang HUANG ; Jugao FANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Lizhen HOU ; Wei GUO ; Gaofei YIN ; Qi ZHONG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):31-35
Objective To explore the pathogenesis and prognostic factors of liposarcoma in the head and neck region, and simultaneously analyze the efficacy of different treatment regimens. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with primary untreated head and neck liposarcoma who were diagnosed and underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from January 2008 to January 2024. All patients were monitored during follow-up, and their prognoses were analyzed using SPSS software. Results A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Liposarcoma accounted for up to 60% of the cases in the orbit, while the remaining liposarcomas were primarily located in various interspaces of the neck. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common type, comprising 33%, while myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma was the rarest at 4%. The tumor pathological type (P<0.001) and Ki67 (P=0.014) significantly affected the tumor control rate. However, an analysis of disease-specific survival rates revealed no significant differences across various factors (all P>0.05). Conclusion The prognosis of head and neck liposarcoma is better compared to that of liposarcomas in other parts of the body. However, myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, pleomorphic fat sarcoma, and high Ki67 levels are indicators of poor prognosis. Additionally, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy does not significantly enhance disease-specific survival rates.
10.Long-term outcomes of totally endoscopic minimally invasive mitral valve repair for Barlow’s disease: A retrospective cohort study
Lishan ZHONG ; Yanying HUANG ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Shuo XIAO ; Yuxin LI ; Dou FANG ; Qiuji WANG ; Chaolong ZHANG ; Huanlei HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):114-120
Objective To examine the safety, efficacy and durability of totally endoscopic minimally invasive (TEMI) mitral valve repair in Barlow’s disease (BD). Methods A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent mitral valve repair for BD from January 2010 to June 2021 in the Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. The patients were divided into a MS group and a TEMI group according to the surgery approaches. A comparison of the clinical data between the two groups was conducted. Results A total of 196 patients were enrolled, including 133 males and 63 females aged (43.8±14.9) years. There were 103 patients in the MS group and 93 patients in the TEMI group. No hospital death was observed. There was a higher percentage of artificial chordae implantation in the TEMI group compared to the MS group (P=0.020), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups in the other repair techniques (P>0.05). Although the total operation time between the two groups was not statistically different (P=0.265), the TEMI group had longer cardiopulmonary bypass time (P<0.001) and aortic clamp time (P<0.001), and shorter mechanical ventilation time (P<0.001) and postoperative hospitalization time (P<0.001). No statistical difference between the two groups in the adverse perioperative complications (P>0.05). The follow-up rate was 94.2% (180/191) with a mean time of 0.2-12.4 (4.0±2.4) years. Two patients in the MS group died with non-cardiac reasons during the follow-up period. The 3-year, 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates of all patients were 100.0%, 99.2%, 99.2%, respectively. Compared with the MS group, there was no statistical difference in the survival rate, recurrence rate of mitral regurgitation, reoperation rate of mitral valve or adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in the TEMI group (P>0.05). Conclusion TEMI approach is a safe, feasible and effective approach for BD with a satisfying long-term efficacy.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail