1.Key Genes in Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway of Lonicera macranthoides Based on Transcriptome and Metabolome Conjoint Analysis
Jiawei HE ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Juan ZENG ; Jiayuan ZHU ; Simin ZHOU ; Meiling QU ; Ribao ZHOU ; Xiangdan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):167-175
ObjectiveBased on the conjoint analysis of transcriptome and metabolome, the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of Lonicera macranthoides were explored, which provided a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoid compounds in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides. MethodsThe stem, leaves, and three flowering flowers of "Xianglei" L. macranthoides were selected as experimental materials to construct transcriptome and metabolome. The transcriptome and metabolomics were conjointly analyzed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and the key genes in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway of L. macranthoides were explored. ResultsIn this study, 77 differential phenylpropanoids and 315 differential genes were found. Through the joint analysis of transcription and metabolism, nine key differential metabolites and four key genes related to them were finally discovered. Among them, cinnamic acid, 5-O-caffeoylshikimic acid,sinapyl alcohol, and chlorogenic acid were higher in flowers, and the content of the iconic effective component, namely chlorogenic acid,decreased sharply during the withering period. Caffeic acid,ferulic acid, 5-hydroxyconiferaldehyde,p-coumaryl alcohol, and syringin were higher in leaves. These four key genes belong to the cinnamic alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) family, 4-coumaric acid: Coenzyme A (4CL) family, hydroxycinnamyl transferase (HCT) family, and L-phenylalanine ammonlyase (PAL) family genes. ConclusionAmong the four key genes excavated from L. macranthoides, TRINITY_DN42767_c0_g6 is related to the synthesis of p-coumaryl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol. TRINITY_DN43525_c4_g1 uses caffeic acid,ferulic acid,and cinnamic acid as substrates to catalyze the next reaction. TRINITY_DN47958_c3_g4 correlates with the synthesis of 3-p-coumaroyl quinic acid and caffeoyl-CoA, and TRINITY_DN52595_c1_g2 correlates with cinnamic acid synthesis. These findings provide a basis for further exploring the synthesis and regulation mechanism of phenylpropanoids in "Xianglei" L. macranthoides.
2.Feasibility study on the evaluation of parieto-occipital sulcus of normal fetuses by simplified grade of prenatal ultrasound
Yue QIN ; Dandan LUO ; Huaxuan WEN ; Qing ZENG ; Meiyu ZHENG ; Meiling LIANG ; Yimei LIAO ; Xin WEN ; Zhixuan CHEN ; Bocheng LIANG ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(9):776-783
Objective:To validate the morphological changes of the parieto-occipital sulcus on the transcalvarial axial plane between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, simplify grade for assessing fetal parieto-occipital sulcus development, and confirm its clinical feasibility.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study analysis that included 550 cases of normal singleton fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The morphological changes of the bilateral parieto-occipital sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane were observed. The development of the parieto-occipital sulcus was classified into 6 grades based on the developmental features of angulation, progressive closure, and curvilinear growth: straight or shallow arcuate (Grade 0), shallow and wide V-shaped (Grade 1), deep and narrow V-shaped (Grade 2), Y-shaped (Grade 3), I-shaped (Grade 4), and curvilinear (Grade 5). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution of gestational weeks for fetuses with different grades of parieto-occipital sulci on the left and right sides was analyzed. The symmetry between bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus gradings within individuals, as well as the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability were assessed using the Weighted Kappa coefficient. The gender differences in asymmetry of parieto-occipital sulci grades between the left and right sides was analyzed. Moreover, a model for predicting the grade of the parieto-occipital sulcus based on gestational week was established.Results:Grade for the left parieto-occipital sulcus was obtained for 549 fetuses, while grade for the right was obtained for 550 fetuses. From 20 to 32 weeks of gestation, the morphology of the fetal parieto-occipital sulcus was divided into Grade 0-5, progressing from low to high with gestational development. Grade 0 showed that the sulcus was not visible or only had a slight arcuate indentation, occurring at 20-22 weeks; Grade 1 presented as a shallow and wide "V" shape with an obtuse angle at the top, appearing from 20 to 27 weeks; Grade 2 was a deep and narrow "V" shape with an acute angle at the top, appearing from 24 to 29 weeks; Grade 3 appeared as a "Y" shape with the top part partially closed and the bottom still open, occurring between 26 to 30 weeks; Grade 4 was a fully closed "I" shape, appearing at 29-32 weeks; Grade 5 presented as a curved shape, indicating the parieto-occipital sulcus was approaching maturity, appearing from 31 to 32 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of gestational weeks for bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus developmental grade ( P>0.05). Bilateral parieto-occipital sulcus grade could be assessed in 549 fetuses, of which 43 cases (7.83%) exhibited grade asymmetry with a one-grade difference between sides; such asymmetry showed no significant difference between male and female genders ( P=0.647). The weighted kappa coefficient analysis results indicated a strong consistency in the development of the parieto-occipital sulci on both sides within individuals, generally demonstrating symmetrical development ( P<0.001). The intra-observer and inter-observer weighted kappa coefficients were 0.92 and 0.75, respectively, with good consistency. Conclusions:Prenatal ultrasound via the transcalvarial axial plane enables a preliminary and rapid assessment of the development of bilateral parieto-occipital sulci, facilitating early evaluation of fetal cortical maturation.
3.A cross-sectional study of simplified grade of the transcalvarial axial plane in evaluating the convexity sulci of normal fetuses
Yue QIN ; Huaxuan WEN ; Dandan LUO ; Qing ZENG ; Meiyu ZHENG ; Meiling LIANG ; Yimei LIAO ; Xin WEN ; Bocheng LIANG ; Ying YUAN ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(10):884-890
Objective:To study the stability and morphological changes of the convexity sulci in normal fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks, and to explore the simplified grade for evaluating the convexity sulci development and analyzing its clinical significance.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional analysis. A total of 551 cases of normal singleton pregnancies between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation were retrospectively collected, who underwent routine ultrasound examinations at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital from September 2019 to June 2022. The display of the far-field convexity sulci on the transcalvarial axial plane was observed as 0 for not displayed and 1 for displayed.Further, based on the morphology and number of convexity sulci, they were classified into five grades: no sulcus displayed (grade 0), one sulcus (grade 1), two sulci (grade 2), three sulci (grade 3), and four or more sulci (grade 4). The gestational age at examination and pregnancy outcomes were recorded. The distribution characteristics of gestational weeks for each grade of the convexity sulci were analyzed, and the gestational week distribution of the left and right convexity sulci was compared to analyze bilateral symmetry. The Weighted Kappa coefficient was used to analyze inter-observer and intra-observer consistency, and curve regression analysis was employed to establish a model for predicting grade based on gestational weeks.Results:Before 25 weeks of gestation, the convexity of the fetal cranial vertex was completely smooth.The central sulcus consistently appeared after 26 weeks, while the superior frontal sulcus, intraparietal sulcus, postcentral sulcus, and precentral sulcus consistently appeared between 28 and 31 weeks. Among these, the superior frontal sulcus had a lower display rate before 29 weeks. By 32 weeks, all convexity sulci of the cranial vertex should be visible. Three hundred and eleven fetuses were graded for the left, and 240 fetuses were graded for the right. The developmental grade of the convexity sulci increased from Grade 0 to Grade 4 as the gestational age progressed. Grade 0 appeared between 20-26 weeks, grade 1 between 25-28 weeks, grade 2 between 26-28 weeks, grade 3 between 27-30 weeks, and grade 4 between 27-32 weeks. The distribution of grade did not differ significantly between the left and right sides of grade 0, 1, 3 and 4 (all P>0.05), while there was a significant difference in the distribution of gestational age between the convexity sulci of grade 2 ( P<0.05). The Weighted Kappa coefficients for intra-observer and inter-observer consistency were 0.94 and 0.86, respectively, indicating strong consistency. Conclusions:The simplified grade for assessing the development of convexity sulci in normal fetuses on the transcalvarial axial plane via prenatal ultrasound can provide a preliminary evaluation of the maturation of convexity sulci in fetuses between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation.
4.Self-sufficient nanoparticles with dual-enzyme activity trigger radical storms and activate cascade-amplified antitumor immunologic responses.
Liping BAI ; Jin YANG ; Siting YU ; Zhongzheng XIANG ; Yuanyuan ZENG ; Meiling SHEN ; Xiaorong KOU ; Qinjie WU ; Changyang GONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):821-835
Radiotherapy (RT) can potentially induce systemic immune responses by initiating immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. However, RT-induced antitumor immunologic responses are sporadic and insufficient against cancer metastases. Herein, we construct multifunctional self-sufficient nanoparticles (MARS) with dual-enzyme activity (GOx and peroxidase-like) to trigger radical storms and activate the cascade-amplified systemic immune responses to suppress both local tumors and metastatic relapse. In addition to limiting the Warburg effect to actualize starvation therapy, MARS catalyzes glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which is then used in the Cu+-mediated Fenton-like reaction and RT sensitization. RT and chemodynamic therapy produce reactive oxygen species in the form of radical storms, which have a robust ICD impact on mobilizing the immune system. Thus, when MARS is combined with RT, potent systemic antitumor immunity can be generated by activating antigen-presenting cells, promoting dendritic cells maturation, increasing the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and reprogramming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, the synergistic therapy of RT and MARS effectively suppresses local tumor growth, increases mouse longevity, and results in a 90% reduction in lung metastasis and postoperative recurrence. Overall, we provide a viable approach to treating cancer by inducing radical storms and activating cascade-amplified systemic immunity.
5.Mechanism of leukemia stem cells immune escape by Traditional Chinese Medicine intervention
Meiling ZHANG ; Yaru CUI ; Shupeng CHEN ; Junyun LUO ; Yingjian ZENG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(2):137-143
Leukemia is a critical disease with a high incidence and extremely high fatality rate.Immune escape by leukemia stem cells(LSC)is the main factor for recurrence and progression after remission.Clinical diagnosis and treatment by Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)have distinct advantages of syndrome differentiation and treatment.Based on the purpose of diagnosis and treatment,leukemia treatment by TCM emphasizes the harmony of yin and yang to restore human functions,which is conducive to improve autoimmunity and conforms to the mechanism of intervention for tumor cell immune escape.This article discusses the mechanism and research progress of TCM interventions in LSC immune escape based on literature and TCM theory.
6.Effect of virtual reality on cognitive function and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease:a meta-analy-sis
Meiling LÜ ; Jie WANG ; Weisi ZENG ; Xiaoting WEN ; Xin CHU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2024;30(6):648-656
Objective To evaluate the effect of virtual reality(VR)on cognitive function and quality of life in patients with Parkin-son's disease. Methods A systematic search of CBM,CNKI,Wanfang data,VIP,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Embase,and PubMed was carried out to identify randomized control trials(RCT)about the effect of VR technology on pa-tients with Parkinson's disease from inception to February 29th,2024.The control group received routine cogni-tive training,balance training or physical therapy,and the experimental group received VR technology.The quali-ty of articles was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's 5.1.0 RCT risk assessment tool for bias.The meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.4.GRADE was used to evaluate the evidence quality of outcome indica-tors. Results A total of 13 literatures involving 426 patients were included.Allocation concealment and blind methods were not described in most literatures,and selective reporting of research results or other biases was unclear.VR tech-nology could improve the Motreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA)score(MD=1.11,95%CI 0.31 to 1.90,P=0.006),Trail Making Test(TMT)-A score(MD=-6.25,95%CI-11.71 to-0.78,P=0.030)and depression scale score(SMD=-0.56,95%CI-0.95 to 0.18,P=0.004)of patients with Parkinson's disease;however,it did not improve TMT-B score(MD=-6.01,95%CI-28.16 to 16.14,P=0.590),Unified Parkinson's Disease Rat-ing Scale(UPDRS)-Part II score(MD=-2.11,95%CI-4.97 to 0.75,P=0.150)and Parkinson's Disease Ques-tionnaire(PDQ-39)score(MD=-0.92,95%CI-4.03 to 2.19,P=0.560).For quality of evidence,MoCA score,UPDRS-Part II score and PDQ-39 score were low,and depression score and TMT score were moderate. Conclusion VR technology can improve the cognitive function and depression of patients with Parkinson's disease;how-ever,no significant improvement is found in activities of daily living and quality of life.
7.Visualization analysis of helicobacter pylori drug resistance research at home and abroad based on Citespace
Chengzhi YUAN ; Chang YU ; Meiling TAN ; Xinyi ZHANG ; Meiyan ZENG ; Houpan SONG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2023;25(8):1147-1152
Objective:To analyze the research progress and hotspots on drug resistance of helicobacter pylori in China and abroad since 2000, in order to provide theoretical reference and basis for the study of digestive system diseases.Methods:The Chinese and English literature related to helicobacter pylori resistance, which were included in the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database and the Web of Science database, were searched from 2000 to 2021. We imported the retrieved literature into Citespace6.1.R2 software, performed visual analysis on authors, countries and institutions, keywords, cited literature, and drew visual graphs.Results:A total of 2 824 Chinese literature and 1 885 English literature were included. The authors with the highest volume of publications in Chinese and English literature are Hu Fulian and Gisbert JP, respectively. The institutions with the highest volume of publications are the First School of Medicine, Beijing University and the Baylor School of Medicine in the United States. The keywords with high centrality in Chinese literature include clarithromycin, eradication rate, drug resistance, amoxicillin, metronidazole, etc. In the analysis of cited literature, it was observed that the Maastricht Consensus report holds an important position in this field.Conclusions:The use of Citespace visualization analysis has intuitively elucidated the research hotspots on the drug resistance of Helicobacter pylori.
8.Prenatal imaging classification and potential diseases of fetal abnormal sylvian fissure
Yimei LIAO ; Bing WANG ; Huaxuan WEN ; Shuyuan OUYANG ; Dongming HAN ; Caiqun LUO ; Yang LIU ; Bingguang LIU ; Qing ZENG ; Yue QIN ; Dandan LUO ; Meiling LIANG ; Xin WEN ; Zhixuan CHEN ; Haishan XIANG ; Ying YUAN ; Guanxun CHENG ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2023;32(3):211-219
Objective:To assess the ultrasonographic features and potential diseases of fetal abnormal sylvian fissure(SF), and to explore the value of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in prenatal detection.Methods:A total of 28 fetuses with a sonographic diagnosis of abnormal SF in Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University between October 2018 and October 2020 were prospectively included. The fetal brain was evaluated by neuroultrasound and intrauterine MRI in detail. Amniotic fluid/cord blood obtained by amniocentesis or tissue samples from umbilical cord after birth were collected for WGS. Pregnancy outcomes and postnatal MRI were recorded, and neurodevelopment of live-born infants was followed up for more than 24 months after delivery.Results:During the study period, 28 fetuses with abnormal SF were identified, with a gestational age of 21.3-30.0 (24.8±2.0) weeks. Abnormal SF presented in MCD ( n=15, 53.6%), chromosomal anomalies ( n=3, 10.7%) or single-gene genetic syndromes ( n=3, 10.7%) with the affected fetuses showing developmental delay, hydrocephalus or leukomalacia ( n=4, 14.2%), corpus callosal agenesis with large interhemispheric cysts ( n=1, 3.6%), benign subarachnoid space enlargement with arachnoid cysts ( n=1, 3.6%), and multiple malformations ( n=1, 3.6%). Among the 15 cases with MCD, the most common pathology was lissencephaly/pachygyria, followed by schizencephaly, severe microcephaly, hemimegalencephaly with paraventricular heterotopia, and polymicrogyria. Abnormal SF presented bilaterally in 23 fetuses and unilaterally in 5. All cases were categorized into six types depending on SF morphology in the transthalamic section: no plateau-like or a small insula, linear type, irregular corrugated SF, Z-shaped, and cyst occupying type. In addition to abnormal SF, associated anomalies or mild variations were identified in all fetuses. There were 17 cases underwent intrauterine MRI, and 13 cases underwent postnatal MRI examination.And 25 pregnancies were terminated; 3 were born alive, and 2 had typical syndromic changes with poor neurodevelopmental prognosis. A related pathogenic genetic variant was detected in 57.1% (16/28) fetus, and the incidence of single nucleotide variants(SNVs) was 42.9% (12/28), among which de novo SNVs accounted for 91.7% (11/12). Conclusions:Fetal abnormal SF could be classified based on the ultrasonographic features of transthalamic section. Fetal abnormal SF may indicate MCD, some chromosomal abnormalities or single-gene genetic syndromes that may lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, and may be affected by extra-cortical factors. It is suggested to carry out targeted prenatal genetic diagnosis for fetuses with abnormal SF.
9.Feasibility study of prenatal ultrasound in the evaluation of normal fetal sylvian fissure maturation by simplified grading
Yimei LIAO ; Huaxuan WEN ; Bing WANG ; Haishan XIANG ; Qing ZENG ; Yue QIN ; Dandan LUO ; Meiling LIANG ; Xin WEN ; Yan DING ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Zhixuan CHEN ; Ying YUAN ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2022;31(1):30-36
Objective:To observe the morphological changes of the sylvian fissure on the transthalamic section of fetal brain at 20-32 weeks, and grade the fetal sylvian fissure development by means of a simple scoring system and explore its clinical feasibility.Methods:From September 2018 to June 2020, 487 normal single fetuses of 20-32 weeks were examined in Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University. The sylvian fissure maturation was analyzed on the transthalamic section of fetal brain at 20-32 weeks and was graded from 0 to 5: un-visualized (grade 0), shallow arc (grade 1), obtuse-angled platform (grade 2), right-angled platform (grade 3), acute-angled platform (grade 4), and closed operculum (grade 5). The pregnancy outcomes and gestational age were recorded.Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 20.0 software using box plot, Mann-Whitney U test, Weighted Kappa coefficient. Results:Left sylvian fissuer grades were obtained in 280 fetuses and right sylvian fissure grades were obtained in 247 fetuses. The fetal sylvian fissure maturation at 20-32 weeks was graded from 0 to 5, which increased with advancing gestation. Grade 0 only appeared in 3 fetuses at 20 weeks, and 99.4% fetuses at 20 weeks had grade ≥1. Grade 1 appeared in 20-22 weeks, grade 2 in 20-25 weeks, grade 3 in 22-26 weeks, grade 4 in 25-32 weeks, and grade 5 in 27-32 weeks. Box-plot and Mann-Whitney U test showed that gestational week distribution of sylvian fissure at all grades was symmetric on both sides ( P>0.05). The Weighted Kappa coefficients were 0.857(95% CI=0.750-0.957) and 0.939 (95% CI=0.859-1.000), respectively, with strong consistency regarding inter- and intra-observer agreements. Conclusions:Fetal sylvian fissure maturation at 20-32 weeks can be evaluated by means of a simple scoring system with symmetrical grading of both sides.
10.Counting of fetal caudal vertebral body ossification center below terminal conus medullaris in the screening of the closed spine bifida and tethered cord syndrome
Dandan LUO ; Xiaohong ZHONG ; Shuihua YANG ; Huaxuan WEN ; Yi HUANG ; Yue QIN ; Meiling LIANG ; Yimei LIAO ; Qing ZENG ; Mengyu ZHANG ; Zhixuan CHEN ; Ying YUAN ; Shengli LI
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2022;31(10):878-884
Objective:To assess the significance of counting the number of caudal vertebral ossification centers (OCN) below fetal terminal conus medullaris in the screening for closed spina bifida and tethered cord syndrome (TCS).Methods:The OCN was counted in 961 normal fetuses(normal group) between 17 and 41 gestational weeks and in 140 fetuses with closed spina bifida or tethered cord syndrome(abnormal group) from Jan.2013 to Dec.2020 in Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Women and Children′s Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University and Maternity and Child Health Care of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The OCN was counted in the dorsal mid-sagittal section of fetal caudal spine.The reliability and agreement test were evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients in another 50 normal fetuses. The OCN was compared between two groups. ROC curve and the cut-off value were constructed and calculated.Results:In normal group, the N increased with the growing of gestational age.In the subgroup of 17-20 weeks, the OCN ranged from 5 to 7 in most fetuses. In the others subgroups, the OCN was equal to or greater than 6 in 99.9% cases and more than 6 in 97.1% cases. In abnormal group, OCN was less than 7 in 93.0% fetuses and less than 6 in 82.8% cases. There were statistical differences between the two groups except for the subgroup of 17-20 gestational weeks( P<0.05). With the cut-off value of 6.5, the specificity and sensitivity were 93.0% and 94.3% respectively for predicting the presence of closed spinal dysraphism or TCS. Conclusions:OCN is a simple way to evaluate the position of conus medullaris and to screen for the skin-covered spine dysraphism or TSC. OCN is more than 6 in most normal fetuses. Further evaluation of spine is required in fetuses with N less than or equal to 6.

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