1.Whole-genome sequencing analysis of co-existing bacteria in platelet products: genomic features and biological implications
Qiqi WANG ; Yuwei ZHAO ; Xue CHEN ; Zhan GAO ; Miao HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):305-316
Objective: To establish a rapid, accurate, and decentralized workflow for bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and risk profiling within the shelf-life of platelet concentrates, and to characterize the species, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and immune evasion mechanisms of co-existing bacteria in qualified platelet products, thereby providing a scientific basis for transfusion safety assessment. Methods: Three units of platelet concentrates, which tested negative by routine bacterial screening, were collected from the Chengdu Blood Center between May and June 2025. Samples were enriched at 37℃under six aerobic and nine anaerobic conditions for 7 days. Using a culturomics strategy, aliquots were plated for isolation on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to obtain cultivable isolates, with negative culture controls included to exclude contamination. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA was extracted via mechanical grinding, purified, and size-selected. Sequencing libraries were constructed and sequenced on the G-seq500 single-molecule nanopore sequencing platform. Genomes were assembled using Flye and polished with NextPolish, with quality evaluated by BUSCO and CheckM. Taxonomic identification was performed using GTDB-Tk. Functional annotation and database comparisons were conducted to analyze virulence factors, AMR genes, and genes related to immune evasion and environmental adaptation. Results: Viable bacteria were successfully isolated from all three qualified platelet units within their shelf life. The isolates were identified as Bacillus albus, Niallia taxi, and Staphylococcus warneri. Nanopore sequencing generated 92 227-109 813 reads (totaling 680-758 Mb) with an N50 of 7 625-8 584 bp and Q20/Q30 scores of 97%/93%, respectively. All three genomes were assembled into complete circular chromosomes with 1-3 plasmids, achieving >93% completeness. Functional analysis revealed that B. albus carried multiple hemolysins, metalloproteases, and multidrug resistance genes, indicating the highest potential pathogenicity and AMR risk. S. warneri exhibited a typical multidrug resistance profile and regulatory network characteristic of coagulase-negative staphylococci, suggesting intermediate virulence. N. taxi harbored few canonical virulence factors and lacked functional AMR determinants, presenting a "low-virulence, low-resistance" profile. Notably, all three strains were enriched in genes encoding antimicrobial peptide resistance systems (e.g., dltABCD, mprF, GraRS, BceAB) and antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a strong capacity to withstand immune stress in the blood environment. Conclusion: Viable bacteria can be recovered from qualified platelet concentrates that test negative by routine screening. Nanopore WGS enables rapid strain-level identification and comprehensive risk profiling of virulence, resistance, and immune adaptation traits. The functional repertoires of these "co-existing" isolates range from environmental adaptation to potential pathogenicity, representing an underappreciated risk for transfusion-transmitted infections in susceptible recipients.
2.The Potential Role of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hepatitis and in Targeted Therapy
Haixia LI ; Aiping TIAN ; Miao XUE ; Ziyi LI ; Xiaorong MAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):512-518
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver injury of unknown etiology. The onset of this disease involves the activation and recruitment of diverse immune and non-immune cells, which in turn trigger hepatic damage. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICM) are expressed on the surface of multiple cell types. By regulating cellular functional states, they help limit the intensity and duration of immune responses, thereby preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage, and maintaining immune homeostasis. In AIH, however, this natural "braking" mechanism is impaired, leading to aberrant activation of both immune and non-immune cells and the breakdown of immune homeostasis. Consequently, ICM are likely to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AIH. A deeper understanding of the function of ICM in AIH not onlyadvances our insight into the disease mechanism, but also suggests that targeting these molecules may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AIH.
3.Response to Comments on “Pretreatment 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT to Predict the Response to Treatment With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma”
Shao-Hao CHEN ; Xiao-Hui WU ; Qian-Ren-Shun QIU ; Shao-Ming CHEN ; Jie ZANG ; Jun-Ming ZHU ; Cheng-Long ZENG ; Wei-Bing MIAO ; Xue-Yi XUE ; Ning XU
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(2):188-190
4.Pathogenic Mechanisms and Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer-Related Anorexia
Zehao LIU ; Miao XU ; Peng XUE ; Shijie ZHU ; Feiyu XIE
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(8):616-624
Cancer-related anorexia (CRA) is a common and severe complication of malignant tumors. It is characterized by persistent appetite loss, early satiety, and reduced food intake. It directly leads to malnutrition, decreased treatment tolerance, reduced quality of life, and worsened prognosis. Its pathogenesis is complex, involving a multilayered network of interactions, including the dysregulation of the hypothalamic feeding center, imbalance of peripheral appetite hormones and systemic inflammatory mediators, and actions of tumor-derived factors. It is also highly influenced by anticancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Current clinical management is dominated by multimodal comprehensive therapy based on progestogens, glucocorticoids and prokinetic agents, combined with nutritional support, rehabilitation exercise, psychological intervention and traditional Chinese medicine. However, highly effective approaches capable of fundamentally reversing the disease course of CRA are still lacking. This article provides a systematic review of the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical assessment tools, and comprehensive treatment strategies for CRA. It also presents a discussion on future research directions based on the latest advances to provide a theoretical basis and reference for optimizing clinical practice and developing novel intervention strategies.
5.Advances in the management of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux in patients with esophageal cancer
Xue ZHAO ; Lei LUO ; Yongtao HAN ; Yan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1683-1690
Gastroesophageal reflux is one of the most prevalent postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer, mainly manifested as heartburn and acid regurgitation. It can disturb sleep and trigger negative emotions, seriously impairing patients’ postoperative recovery process and long-term quality of life. This article reviews gastroesophageal reflux from five aspects: main clinical manifestations, hazards, assessment tools, influencing factors, and non-pharmacological interventions. It sorts out the advantages and disadvantages of existing assessment scales, analyzes risk factors related to surgery and individual patients, and summarizes the research status of non-pharmacological interventions including posture adjustment, diet modification and exercise. It aims to raise clinical healthcare professionals’ awareness of identifying and managing patients with postoperative reflux, and provide references for conducting assessments and formulating individualized comprehensive intervention schemes.
6.A practice guideline for therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid for solid organ transplants.
Shuang LIU ; Hongsheng CHEN ; Zaiwei SONG ; Qi GUO ; Xianglin ZHANG ; Bingyi SHI ; Suodi ZHAI ; Lingli ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Liyan CUI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yalin DONG ; Weihong GE ; Xiaofei HOU ; Ling JIANG ; Long LIU ; Lihong LIU ; Maobai LIU ; Tao LIN ; Xiaoyang LU ; Lulin MA ; Changxi WANG ; Jianyong WU ; Wei WANG ; Zhuo WANG ; Ting XU ; Wujun XUE ; Bikui ZHANG ; Guanren ZHAO ; Jun ZHANG ; Limei ZHAO ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Xiaojian ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Rongsheng ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2025;26(9):897-914
Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C0), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug-drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage*
;
Drug Monitoring/methods*
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Humans
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Organ Transplantation
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Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage*
;
Delphi Technique
7.Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase: An important controller in maintaining mesenchymal stem cell-mediated immunomodulatory homeostasis.
Yufei HUI ; Xue JIAO ; Li YANG ; Dejin LU ; Yanbo HAN ; Wen YANG ; Yanli CAO ; Yuxi MIAO ; Shiqiang GONG ; Minjie WEI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3404-3418
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely used in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammation-related diseases due to their potent immunomodulatory properties. Several studies have demonstrated that MSC-mediated immunomodulation is complex and bidirectional, with the in vivo microenvironment influencing the direction of this modulation. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an immunosuppressive factor, has been identified as a key "switch" in the immunomodulatory role of MSCs. In this review, we explore how IDO functions as a critical regulator of MSC immunoregulatory plasticity. We delve into the mechanisms by which changes in IDO expression affect the function of various immune cells, summarize relevant research and clinical advances regarding the role of IDO expression in MSC-based therapies for various diseases, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies that target IDO to enhance the stability of MSC therapeutic effects. This provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing MSCs as safer and more effective clinical therapeutic agents.
8.Salvia miltiorrhiza components and gut microbiota interactions in Helicobacter pylori infection.
Shao-Jian LI ; Jin-Xin MIAO ; Fei WANG ; Hao-Yu WANG ; Yao-Wu MA ; Ying JIANG ; Xia XUE
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):462-470
Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) is a traditional Chinese herb that is commonly known for its cardiovascular and hepatoprotective benefits. Recent studies have confirmed that Danshen and its bioactive components can influence gut microbial homeostasis, thereby affecting Helicobacter pylori (HP) colonization in the human stomach. HP is a bacterial pathogen associated with various gastrointestinal diseases. Current HP treatments mainly involve antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. However, their efficacy is strongly compromised by the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance in HP and genetic heterogeneity among patients. The interaction between Danshen and gut microbial status provides a novel perspective for HP treatment. Understanding the medical properties of Danshen in altering gut microbiota and eliminating HP, as well as the underlying mechanisms, is important for improving human gastrointestinal healthcare. This review investigates the interaction between Danshen and gut microbiota and its impact on HP infection using databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. We explored the unconventional intersection between Danshen, gut microbiota, and HP infection, shedding light on their intricate interplay and potential therapeutic implications. A comprehensive understanding of this interaction provides valuable insights into developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the gut microbiota to mitigate HP-associated gastrointestinal disorders. Please cite this article as: Li SJ, Miao JX, Wang F, Wang HY, Ma YW, Jiang Y, Xue X. Salvia miltiorrhiza components and gut microbiota interactions in Helicobacter pylori infection. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):462-470.
Salvia miltiorrhiza/chemistry*
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Humans
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Helicobacter Infections/microbiology*
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Helicobacter pylori/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
9.Epidemic Evolution Trends and Spatiotemporal Clustering of Human Brucellosis in Xilingol League Inner Mongolia, from 2004 to 2023.
Zhi Guo LIU ; Miao WANG ; Hao TANG ; Chui Zhao XUE ; Zhen Jun LI ; Can Jun ZHENG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(7):848-855
OBJECTIVE:
Human brucellosis is a serious public health concern in the Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia; however, the epidemic trends are unclear.
METHOD:
In this study, Joinpoint regression analysis and spatiotemporal analysis were applied to investigate the epidemic evolution of human brucellosis.
RESULT:
From 2004 to 2023, a total of 35,747 cases were reported, with an annual average of 1787.35 cases and an annual average incidence rate of 176.04/100,000. The incidence increased from 173.96/100,000 in 2004 to 500.71/100,000 in 2009 and fluctuated to 61.43/100,000 in 2023. Three epidemic join points were observed in which the disease experienced an alternative rise and fall, peaking in 2009 (APC = 21.73, P > 0.001) and 2020 (APC = 21.51, P > 0.001). The disease showed a persistent decline trend in lentitude (AAPC = -5.30, P > 0.001), suggesting challenges in disease control and a higher risk of rebound. The most cases were reported in Xilinhot City ( n = 4,777), followed by 4,391 in Sonid Left Banner, and 4,324 in Abaga Banner. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed two high clusters (CI and CII) from 2005 to 2012, the high cluster encompassing eight counties and shifting from north to south.
CONCLUSION
The present analysis highlights that human brucellosis has decreased significantly in the Xilingol League, but the epidemic is still severe; further implementation of a strict control program is necessary.
China/epidemiology*
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Humans
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Brucellosis/epidemiology*
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Epidemics
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Spatio-Temporal Analysis
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Incidence
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Cluster Analysis
10.Altered Cerebral Blood Flow in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Without Cognitive Impairment.
Jia-Ying YANG ; Xue-Wei ZHANG ; Xue-Qing LIU ; Jia-Min ZHOU ; Miao HE ; Jing LI ; Xia-Li SHAO ; Wen-Hui LI ; Yu-Zhou GUAN ; Wei-Hong ZHANG ; Feng FENG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(2):219-225
Objective To investigate the alterations of cerebral blood flow(CBF)in type 2 diabetic mellitus(T2DM) patients without cognitive impairment by using arterial spin labeling(ASL)technique.Methods A total of 23 T2DM patients without cognitive impairment and 23 healthy controls(HC)matched by age,sex,and education attainment were recruited.Their clinical data were collected,and neuropsychological tests and cerebral magnetic resonance imaging were performed.Then,the outcomes of clinical features,neuropsychological tests,and global and regional CBF were compared between the two groups.The significant regional zCBF(z-transformed relative CBF)values were extracted and correlated with clinical data and neuropsychological scores in T2DM patients,controlling age,sex,and education.Results No significant difference was found in whole brain CBF between the two groups(P=0.155),while significantly higher CBF was identified in the left superior temporal gyrus and left insula in the T2DM group(Gaussian random field correction,initial threshold P < 0.001,cluster level P < 0.05).No correlation was observed between the significant regional zCBF values and the clinical data or the neuropsychological scores in T2DM patients(all P>0.05).Conclusion Alterations in cerebral hemodynamics may precede cognitive function changes in T2DM,suggesting that the ASL technique is promising for early monitoring of cerebral hemodynamic changes associated with cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM.
Humans
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/physiopathology*
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Cerebrovascular Circulation
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Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Female
;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Cognitive Dysfunction
;
Neuropsychological Tests
;
Aged

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