1.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
2.Imaging Evaluation for Steatotic Liver Disease
Shin Mei CHAN ; Vitor F MARTINS ; Kathleen MARSH ; Kang WANG ; Jake T WEEKS ; Aiguo HAN ; Meng YIN ; Kathryn J. FOWLER ; Claude B. SIRLIN ; Cheng William HONG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):137-151
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is the fastest-growing cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 30% of the global population.Imaging is vital for detecting, quantifying, and monitoring hepatic steatosis—the defining abnormality of MASLD—and subsequent fibrosis—the key determinant of liver-related outcomes. This review summarizes the principles, clinical usage, efficacy, and advancements in various imaging modalities for the noninvasive assessment of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, with an emphasis on ultrasound, CT, and MRI. Additionally, this review explores the evolving landscape of MASLD diagnostic approaches, including machine-learning techniques, opportunistic screening, standardized imaging guidelines, and therapies, emphasizing the pivotal role that radiologists can play in shaping these developments.
3.Response to “Considerations in Imaging-Based Assessment of Steatotic Liver Disease to Enhance Harmonization, Longitudinal Interpretation, and Clinical Implementation”
Shin Mei CHAN ; Vitor F. MARTINS ; Kathleen MARSH ; Kang WANG ; Jake T. WEEKS ; Aiguo HAN ; Meng YIN ; Kathryn J. FOWLER ; Claude B. SIRLIN ; Cheng William HONG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(6):591-594
4.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
5.Identification and infection rate of densovirus in Culex pipiens pallens in Beijing in 2023
Xiu-yan XU ; Ting YAN ; Si-jie ZHU ; Jing LI ; Mei-de LIU ; Hong-jiang ZHANG ; Ting LIU ; Qiu-hong LI ; Xiao-jie ZHOU ; Ying TONG ; Yong ZHANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):25-30
Objective This study conducted molecular biological identification of the viruses carried by Culex pipiens pallens specimens collected in Shunyi District, Beijing in 2023, and observed the changes in the infection rate of the viruses carried by Cx. pipiens pallens at different collection times. Methods Cx. pipiens pallens were collected using carbon dioxide mosquito traps. The mosquito samples were ground in batches and analyzed by molecular biology technologies. The virus infection rate at different collection times was analyzed statistically. Results 17 strains of Culex pipiens pallens densovirus(CppDNV)were identified from Cx. pipiens pallens samples collected in Shunyi District, Beijing, in 2023. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the virus genome coding region showed that CppDNV was a single-stranded DNA virus with a total length of 3 335 nt, encoding 2 non-structural proteins(NS1, NS2)and 1 capsid protein(VP). The nucleotide(amino acid)sequence lengths of the three proteins were 2 376 nt(791 aa),1 092 nt(363 aa)and 1 071 nt(356 aa), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CppDNV was located in genus Brevihamaparvovirus. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates across collection times(χ2=4.429, P=0.194). Conclusions CppDNV was identified in Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing, and it was stably maintained in this natural population.
6.Protective effects of Shuangyi Qushi Tongluo Capsules on dexamethasone-induced osteoporosis in mice
Yi LI ; Jian-bin HE ; Jia-xiu XIE ; Quan-mou LUO ; Dong-mei LI ; Jun-hui HE ; Dong-mei WEI ; Chao WEI ; Hong-cong QIU ; Gui-ning WEI ; Bo WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1834-1842
AIM To investigate the protective effects of Shuangyi Qushi Tongluo Capsules(Shuangyi Capsules)on Dexamethasone(Dex)induced osteoporosis in mice.METHODS The C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the Xianling Gubao Capsules group(1.5 g/kg),and the low-dose,moderate-dose,and high-dose Shuangyi Capsules groups(0.6,1.2,and 2.4 g/kg).The mouse model of osteoporosis was induced by 8-week intraperitoneal injection of Dex sodium phosphate injection(5 mg/kg).The mice had their femur osteogenesis observed with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining;their serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and osteocalcin(BGP)activities detected by ELISA;their femoral mRNA expressions of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,and OPN detected by RT-qPCR;and their femoral protein expressions of OPG and RANKL detected by Western blot.Upon the MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to Dex and Shuangyi Capsules,their viability was evaluated by CCK-8 assay;their mineralization determined by alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining(ARS);and their intracellular ROS level detected using DCFH-DA probe.RESULTS Compared with the model group,Shuangyi Capsules groups demonstrated improved fracture of femoral trabeculae and reduced number of osteoclasts;increased serum ALP and BGP activities(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased femoral expressions of Col-Ⅰ mRNA and OPG protein(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased RANKL protein expression(P<0.05).Compared with the MC3T3-E1 cells stimulated by Dex,those underwent further treatment of Shuangyi Capsules demonstrated increased cell viability and ALP activity(P<0.05,P<0.01);increased mineralization and calcium nodule formation;increased expressions of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,OPN mRNA and OPG protein(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased RANKL protein expression(P<0.05,P<0.01);and reduced ROS levels.CONCLUSION Shuangyi Capsules ameliorate Dex-induced osteoporosis in mice by suppressing osteoclast overactivation,enhancing osteoblast activity,and stimulating bone formation through modulation of Col-Ⅰ,OCN,OPN mRNA and OPG/RANKL protein levels.
7.Clinical characteristics of Chikungunya fever in 343 children
Hong MEI ; Jingxuan YANG ; Zhaoyan LAO ; Chuxin HE
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(11):1558-1562
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of children with Chikungunya fever(CHIKF),and provide basis for the treatment and prevention of CHIKF in children.Methods Medical records of children under 14 years old with CHIKF admitted to Foshan Shunde District Le Cong Hospital from July 12 to August 17,2025 were analyzed retrospectively.Epidemiological data,clinical characteristics,laboratory testing results,treatment methods of children were obtained through reviewing electronic health records.Results A total of 343 children confirmed with CHIKF were included in the analysis,all of whom resided in Foshan City,Guangdong Province.198 were males(57.73%)and 145 were females(42.27%).The average age of children was(8.6+3.3)years old.The main initial symptoms were fever(n=302,88.05%),rash(n=306,89.21%),and joint pain(n=246,71.72%).The initial laboratory testing results after admission showed that 95 cases(27.70%)had abnormal white blood cell count in blood routine,3 cases(0.87%)had decreased platelets,52 cases(15.16%)had increased C-reactive pro-tein,and 87 cases(25.36%)reported Chikungunya virus nucleic acid CT values.All children were discharged after completing a 7-day quarantine or Chikungunya virus nucleic acid testing result turned negative,with no severe ill-ness or death.Conclusion All cases from this epidemic experienced mild CHIKF.Early detection,early diagnosis,and early treatment are beneficial for reducing the occurrence of complications,and all children have good prog-noses.
8.Analysis of Risk Factors for Early Relapse/Progression in Patients with Multiple Myeloma and Development of a Nomogram Predic-tion Model
Mei-Jiao HUANG ; Yu LIU ; Hong-Yan WANG ; Tai-Ran CHEN ; Xing-Li ZOU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1655-1661
Objective:To analyze the potential risk factors for early relapse/progression in patients with multiple myeloma(MM)and develop a risk prediction model based on these factors.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 187 newly diagnosed multiple myeloma(NDMM)patients who treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from February 2014 to December 2020.The clinical,laboratory examination,and follow-up data of patients experiencing relapse/progression within 24 months after treatment(ER/EP24)were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses,and a nomogram prediction model was established.Results:Among the 187 patients,58(31.0%)experienced ER/EP24,with a median survival time of only 24 months.The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that failure to achieve partial response(PR)or better after 3-4 cycles of chemotherapy and albumin(ALB)levels<35 g/L were independent risk factors for ER/EP24(P<0.05).These factors,along with other clinically relevant variables,were further incorporated into the nomogram prediction model.The model demonstrated a concordance index(C-index)of 0.784,indicating strong predictive accuracy.Conclusion:MM patients experiencing ER/EP24 exhibit poor outcome,and the nomogram model developed in this study effectively predicts the risk of ER/EP24 in NDMM patients,providing a valuable tool for clinical risk assessment.
9.Gene Mutation Analysis of an Individual with a RHD Variant RHD*DV.5 and RHD Negative Gene Heterozygote
Shi-Shi WU ; Juan PENG ; Li-Bo WU ; Hong-Xiao CHEN ; Dong-Mei ZHAN ; Yue-Mei DONG ; Wan-Qin WANG ; Liang WU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1758-1764
Objective:To perform RHD gene detection on a blood sample with serological weak D phenotype.Methods:A specimen received by the People's Hospital of Zhijin County was serologically identified by the microcolumn gel method and saline method.RHD gene detection was conducted by the PCR-SSP method,and the full sequence determination of the 10 exons amplified was performed.The sequencing results were compared with the ISBT database to determine the genotype.Bioinformatics tool was used to predict the functional damage of mutant proteins,and Alphafold-3 was used for tertiary structural modeling of wild-type and mutant RhD proteins,and the structures of the two proteins were compared and analyzed to explore the reasons why mutations lead to weak serological manifestations.Results:The patient's genotype was identified as RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01 heterozygote,with the complete deletion of RHD genes on one chromosome,unable to express the D antigen.On the other chromosome,a G>A mutation occurred at the 697th base of the 5th exon,resulting in a partial D phenotype.This mutation causes internal hydrogen bond changes at the 233 position of RhD protein,resulting in a change in the conformation of the protein,affecting binding to the corresponding antibody.Conclusion:The patient is a heterozygous mutant individual with RHD*DV.5/RHD*01N.01,exhibiting a partial D phenotype serologically.This variation is extremely rare and has been scarcely reported globally.
10.Formative pathways of medical insurance fund surplus in county medical communities:A transaction cost theory perspective
Si-si MEI ; Qian HAO ; Jie-hong GAO ; Zhen-guo ZHU ; Ya-ming GU
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(5):13-19
The"capitation payment with retained surplus and shared accountability for reasonable overruns"mechanism constitutes a pivotal institutional framework for advancing the high-quality development of County Medical Communities(CMCs).This study addresses two critical operational challenges:identifying the sources of medical insurance fund surplus and optimizing the governance of fund retention processes.Grounded in transaction cost theory,we develop an analytical framework examining the formation of medical insurance fund surplus through the dual lenses of intra-organizational dynamics within CMCs and external medical insurance payment mechanism design.Utilizing Deqing County,Zhejiang Province as an empirical case,this research proposes a five-pronged strategy:Clarifying generation channels of insurance fund surplus,scientifically determining regional medical insurance budgets,implementing bundled payment mechanisms for CMCs,adopting hybrid payment models integrating unified and differentiated approaches,and establishing performance-based incentive systems.These findings elucidate the formative pathways of medical insurance fund surplus while offering theoretical and practical insights for enhancing payment system reforms to support CMC development.


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