1.Astrocytic dopamine D1 receptor modulates glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex through d-serine.
Yanan YIN ; Jian HU ; Haipeng WU ; Xinyu YANG ; Jingwen QI ; Lang HUANG ; Zhengyi LUO ; Shiyang JIN ; Nengyuan HU ; Zhoucai LUO ; Tong LUO ; Hao CHEN ; Xiaowen LI ; Chunhua YUAN ; Shuji LI ; Jianming YANG ; Yihua CHEN ; Tianming GAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4692-4710
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a pivotal role in orchestrating higher-order emotional and cognitive processes, a function that depends on the precise modulation of synaptic activity. Although pharmacological studies have demonstrated that dopamine signaling through dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) in the PFC is essential for these functions, the cell-type-specific and molecular mechanisms underlying the neuromodulatory effects remain elusive. Using cell-type-specific knockout mice and patch-clamp recordings, we investigated the regulatory role of DRD1 on neurons and astrocytes in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Furthermore, we explored the mechanisms by which DRD1 on astrocytes regulate synaptic transmission and plasticity at the cellular level, as well as emotional and cognitive functions at the behavioral level, through two-photon imaging, microdialysis, high-performance liquid chromatography, transcriptome sequencing, and behavioral testing. We found that conditional knockout of the Drd1 in astrocytes (CKOAST) increased glutamatergic synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), whereas Drd1 deletion in pyramidal neurons did not affect synaptic transmission. The elevated level of d-serine in the mPFC of CKOAST mice increased glutamatergic transmission and LTP through NMDA receptors. In addition, CKOAST mice exhibited abnormal emotional and cognitive function. Notably, these behavioral changes in CKOAST mice could be reversed through the administration of d-serine degrease to the mPFC. These results highlight the critical role of the astrocytic DRD1 in modulating mPFC synaptic transmission and plasticity, as well as higher brain functions through d-serine, and may shed light on the treatment of mental disorders.
2.Clinical and genetic analysis of RARS2-related pontocerebellar hypoplasia
Xiaoli ZHANG ; Mengyue WANG ; Jialin LI ; Yichao MA ; Junling WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Rui HAN ; Dan XU ; Shuang JIN ; Tianming JIA ; Shujin LI ; Xianjie HUANG ; Yueqin LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1096-1105
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and genotypic changes of six children with RARS2 gene variants. Methods:The clinical data of 6 children with RARS2 gene variants diagnosed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2024 were collected. Genetic variants were detected using trio-whole exome sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Variants were detected and analyzed using relevant databases and software. Pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The protein structure encoded by a previously unreported variant was predicted using a SWISS-MODEL online server. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-373-01). Results:Among the six children, four were males and two were females, with the most recent follow-up age ranging from 1-year-and-1-month to 7 years old. The age of onset was under 1 year in all cases. All six children exhibited seizures, including infantile spasms in three, spasms and tonic spasms in one, and focal seizures in two. One child became seizure-free for 4 ~ 5 years following Valproic acid combined with topiramate and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) pulse therapy, but subsequently experienced a relapse. Another child has remained seizure-free for nearly one year with oral sodium valproate, levetiracetam, and a " cocktail" therapy. Seizures were not controlled in the remaining four children. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia was observed on neuroimaging in two children. All six patients exhibited severe psychomotor retardation. A total of 10 RARS2 gene variants were identified, three of which were previously unreported. Conclusion:The predominant clinical features of Pontocerebellar hypoplasia associated with RARS2 gene variants include infantile onset, severe psychomotor retardation or regression, drug-resistant epilepsy, and feeding difficulties. The characteristic neuroimaging finding is pontocerebellar hypoplasia. However, its appearance may vary widely with time. The majority of affected children have a poor prognosis.
3.Analysis of the current status and prognosis of BKV, JCV, CMV and EBVviruria infections in renal transplant patients within one year after surgery
Qian HUANG ; Tianming LI ; Xiaowei MA ; Lin ZHAO ; Ruoyang CHEN ; Min LI ; Xiaoying CHEN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):628-633
Objective:This study aimed to analyze the infection status of viral viruria within one year after kidney transplantation, its impact on renal allograft function, and associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted, involving 370 patients who underwent allogeneic kidney transplantation at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Urinary viral loads of BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were detected using PCR fluorescent probe assays. Patients were categorized into infection and non-infection groups. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and tacrolimus trough concentration was measured during infections, and clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for viral viruria.Results:The 1-year patient survival rate and graft survival rate were both 98.6%. The incidence rates of viral viruria were as follows: JCV (42.7%), BKV (29.7%), CMV (11.6%), and EBV (2.9%), with statistically significant differences among viruses ( P<0.001). Single viral infection accounted for 48% of cases, while co-infections were predominantly BKV+JCV (9%). JCV infection rates remained consistently high throughout the year (22.4%-28.9%), whereas BKV infections peaked at 3 months postoperatively (20.5%). Co-infection with low-load JCV (>2 000 copies/ml) and CMV (>6 000 copies/ml) led to a significant decline in GFR at 6 months post-transplantation [median difference: 16.7 ml/(min×1.73 m2), P=0.019]. Univariate analysis revealed that elevated tacrolimus trough concentration was independent risk factor for BKV (4.90 vs. 4.30 ng/ml, Z=4.29, P<0.001) and JCV infections (5.30 vs. 4.80 ng/ml, Z=4.25, P<0.001). Conclusion:High incidences of JCV and BKV infections were observed post-kidney transplantation. Co-infection with low-load JCV and CMV accelerates renal function impairment, highlighting the critical role of tacrolimus concentration management in reducing viral infection risks.
4.Clinical and genetic analysis of six children with RARS2-related pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
Xiaoli ZHANG ; Mengyue WANG ; Jialin LI ; Yichao MA ; Junling WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Rui HAN ; Dan XU ; Shuang JIN ; Tianming JIA ; Shujin LI ; Xianjie HUANG ; Yueqin LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1096-1105
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the clinical characteristics and genotypic changes of six children with RARS2 gene variants.
METHODS:
The clinical data of 6 children with RARS2 gene variants diagnosed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2024 were collected. Genetic variants were detected using trio-whole exome sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Variants were detected and analyzed using relevant databases and software. Pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The protein structure encoded by a previously unreported variant was predicted using a SWISS-MODEL online server. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-373-01).
RESULTS:
Among the six children, four were males and two were females, with the most recent follow-up age ranging from 1-year-and-1-month to 7 years old. The age of onset was under 1 year in all cases. All six children exhibited seizures, including infantile spasms in three, spasms and tonic spasms in one, and focal seizures in two. One child became seizure-free for 4 ~ 5 years following Valproic acid combined with topiramate and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) pulse therapy, but subsequently experienced a relapse. Another child has remained seizure-free for nearly one year with oral sodium valproate, levetiracetam, and a "cocktail" therapy. Seizures were not controlled in the remaining four children. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia was observed on neuroimaging in two children. All six patients exhibited severe psychomotor retardation. A total of 10 RARS2 gene variants were identified, three of which were previously unreported.
CONCLUSION
The predominant clinical features of Pontocerebellar hypoplasia associated with RARS2 gene variants include infantile onset, severe psychomotor retardation or regression, drug-resistant epilepsy, and feeding difficulties. The characteristic neuroimaging finding is pontocerebellar hypoplasia. However, its appearance may vary widely with time. The majority of affected children have a poor prognosis.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Child, Preschool
;
Infant
;
Child
;
Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies/genetics*
;
Arginine-tRNA Ligase/genetics*
;
Mutation
;
Cerebellar Diseases
5.Exploration of the prediction model for children with severe community-acquired pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit based on the pediatric early warning score
Tianming WANG ; Jiahu HUANG ; Jian LIU ; Zhagen WANG ; Tingjun LI
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(8):573-578
Objective:To analyze the risk factors for children with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU),and establish a clinical prediction model,then evaluate the clinical application value of this model.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on children diagnosed with severe CAP at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from January to June 2023.The children were divided into the PICU group and the non-PICU group based on whether they were admitted to PICU at admission.The differences in pediatric early warning score(PEWS),clinical characteristics,and laboratory test results between the two groups at their last visit before admission were compared. The independent risk factors for children with severe CAP admitted to PICU were analyzed,and a clinical prediction model was established,which was validated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:A total of 274 children were included,including 141 males and 133 females,with a median age of 50 (24,81) months. There were 43 cases in PICU group and 231 cases in non-PICU group.There were no statistically significant differences in gender and age between the two groups of children ( P>0.05). The PEWS score,white blood cell count,neutrophil count,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio,procalcitonin (PCT),and lactate levels of children in the PICU group were significantly higher than those of children in the non-PICU group.While the duration of fever,peak temperature,and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO 2) were significantly lower in the PICU group than those in the non-PICU group. All these differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that PEWS>4 points( OR=6.583,95% CI 1.763 - 24.588, P<0.05),PCT>0.42 μg/L( OR=19.046,95% CI 4.362-83.159, P<0.05),and SpO 2<93%( OR=21.670,95% CI 3.843-122.184, P<0.05)were independent risk factors for children with severe CAP to be admitted to PICU.A clinical prediction model was constructed based on the above three independent risk factors.The area under ROC curve of the clinical prediction model was 0.941(95% CI 0.913-0.968, P<0.05),the sensitivity was 95.3%,the specificity was 80.5%,the positive predictive value was 83.0%,and the negative predictive value was 94.5%. Conclusion:For children with severe CAP,if they have PEWS > 4,an elevated PCT level,and a decreased SpO 2,it is recommended that they be admitted to PICU for further monitoring and treatment.The clinical prediction model for admission to the PICU for children with severe CAP,constructed by combining PEWS with commonly used clinical information in pediatric emergency,has a relatively high predictive efficacy and can provide a reference for the stratified diagnosis and treatment of children with severe CAP in the future.
6.Exploration of the prediction model for children with severe community-acquired pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit based on the pediatric early warning score
Tianming WANG ; Jiahu HUANG ; Jian LIU ; Zhagen WANG ; Tingjun LI
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(8):573-578
Objective:To analyze the risk factors for children with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU),and establish a clinical prediction model,then evaluate the clinical application value of this model.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on children diagnosed with severe CAP at the Children's Hospital Affiliated to School of Medicine of Shanghai Jiao Tong University from January to June 2023.The children were divided into the PICU group and the non-PICU group based on whether they were admitted to PICU at admission.The differences in pediatric early warning score(PEWS),clinical characteristics,and laboratory test results between the two groups at their last visit before admission were compared. The independent risk factors for children with severe CAP admitted to PICU were analyzed,and a clinical prediction model was established,which was validated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:A total of 274 children were included,including 141 males and 133 females,with a median age of 50 (24,81) months. There were 43 cases in PICU group and 231 cases in non-PICU group.There were no statistically significant differences in gender and age between the two groups of children ( P>0.05). The PEWS score,white blood cell count,neutrophil count,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio,procalcitonin (PCT),and lactate levels of children in the PICU group were significantly higher than those of children in the non-PICU group.While the duration of fever,peak temperature,and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO 2) were significantly lower in the PICU group than those in the non-PICU group. All these differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that PEWS>4 points( OR=6.583,95% CI 1.763 - 24.588, P<0.05),PCT>0.42 μg/L( OR=19.046,95% CI 4.362-83.159, P<0.05),and SpO 2<93%( OR=21.670,95% CI 3.843-122.184, P<0.05)were independent risk factors for children with severe CAP to be admitted to PICU.A clinical prediction model was constructed based on the above three independent risk factors.The area under ROC curve of the clinical prediction model was 0.941(95% CI 0.913-0.968, P<0.05),the sensitivity was 95.3%,the specificity was 80.5%,the positive predictive value was 83.0%,and the negative predictive value was 94.5%. Conclusion:For children with severe CAP,if they have PEWS > 4,an elevated PCT level,and a decreased SpO 2,it is recommended that they be admitted to PICU for further monitoring and treatment.The clinical prediction model for admission to the PICU for children with severe CAP,constructed by combining PEWS with commonly used clinical information in pediatric emergency,has a relatively high predictive efficacy and can provide a reference for the stratified diagnosis and treatment of children with severe CAP in the future.
7.Clinical and genetic analysis of RARS2-related pontocerebellar hypoplasia
Xiaoli ZHANG ; Mengyue WANG ; Jialin LI ; Yichao MA ; Junling WANG ; Xiaoli LI ; Rui HAN ; Dan XU ; Shuang JIN ; Tianming JIA ; Shujin LI ; Xianjie HUANG ; Yueqin LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(9):1096-1105
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and genotypic changes of six children with RARS2 gene variants. Methods:The clinical data of 6 children with RARS2 gene variants diagnosed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2024 were collected. Genetic variants were detected using trio-whole exome sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Variants were detected and analyzed using relevant databases and software. Pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The protein structure encoded by a previously unreported variant was predicted using a SWISS-MODEL online server. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-373-01). Results:Among the six children, four were males and two were females, with the most recent follow-up age ranging from 1-year-and-1-month to 7 years old. The age of onset was under 1 year in all cases. All six children exhibited seizures, including infantile spasms in three, spasms and tonic spasms in one, and focal seizures in two. One child became seizure-free for 4 ~ 5 years following Valproic acid combined with topiramate and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) pulse therapy, but subsequently experienced a relapse. Another child has remained seizure-free for nearly one year with oral sodium valproate, levetiracetam, and a " cocktail" therapy. Seizures were not controlled in the remaining four children. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia was observed on neuroimaging in two children. All six patients exhibited severe psychomotor retardation. A total of 10 RARS2 gene variants were identified, three of which were previously unreported. Conclusion:The predominant clinical features of Pontocerebellar hypoplasia associated with RARS2 gene variants include infantile onset, severe psychomotor retardation or regression, drug-resistant epilepsy, and feeding difficulties. The characteristic neuroimaging finding is pontocerebellar hypoplasia. However, its appearance may vary widely with time. The majority of affected children have a poor prognosis.
8.Analysis of the current status and prognosis of BKV, JCV, CMV and EBVviruria infections in renal transplant patients within one year after surgery
Qian HUANG ; Tianming LI ; Xiaowei MA ; Lin ZHAO ; Ruoyang CHEN ; Min LI ; Xiaoying CHEN
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):628-633
Objective:This study aimed to analyze the infection status of viral viruria within one year after kidney transplantation, its impact on renal allograft function, and associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted, involving 370 patients who underwent allogeneic kidney transplantation at Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Urinary viral loads of BK virus (BKV), JC virus (JCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were detected using PCR fluorescent probe assays. Patients were categorized into infection and non-infection groups. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and tacrolimus trough concentration was measured during infections, and clinical data were collected. Univariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for viral viruria.Results:The 1-year patient survival rate and graft survival rate were both 98.6%. The incidence rates of viral viruria were as follows: JCV (42.7%), BKV (29.7%), CMV (11.6%), and EBV (2.9%), with statistically significant differences among viruses ( P<0.001). Single viral infection accounted for 48% of cases, while co-infections were predominantly BKV+JCV (9%). JCV infection rates remained consistently high throughout the year (22.4%-28.9%), whereas BKV infections peaked at 3 months postoperatively (20.5%). Co-infection with low-load JCV (>2 000 copies/ml) and CMV (>6 000 copies/ml) led to a significant decline in GFR at 6 months post-transplantation [median difference: 16.7 ml/(min×1.73 m2), P=0.019]. Univariate analysis revealed that elevated tacrolimus trough concentration was independent risk factor for BKV (4.90 vs. 4.30 ng/ml, Z=4.29, P<0.001) and JCV infections (5.30 vs. 4.80 ng/ml, Z=4.25, P<0.001). Conclusion:High incidences of JCV and BKV infections were observed post-kidney transplantation. Co-infection with low-load JCV and CMV accelerates renal function impairment, highlighting the critical role of tacrolimus concentration management in reducing viral infection risks.
9.Exploration of the Application of Blockchain Technology in the Future Medical Service System
Huan WANG ; Tao LIU ; Jing WANG ; Yanan GAO ; Xin LI ; Liyuan HU ; Zihang FENG ; Zhiyong ZHAO ; Qingyang HUANG ; Quanyu MENG ; Xiaojuan ZHANG ; Hexuan CUI ; Tianming CHEN
Journal of Medical Informatics 2024;45(11):91-94,103
Purpose/Significance To explore the feasibility of applying blockchain technology to the current healthcare system of hos-pitals,and to achieve the purpose of protecting patients'privacy to the greatest extent possible at a lower cost.Method/Process 505 questionnaires are randomly distributed and collected from people of different age groups in Beijing,Tianjin,Shanghai and Shenzhen who have a certain degree of understanding of blockchain technology,and the results are analyzed.Result/Conclusion Different age groups are highly concerned about personal privacy and privacy protection,and are willing to accept blockchain as an emerging technology.There is a greater demand and acceptance for the application of blockchain technology in the primary health care systems.
10.Application of computational fluid dynamics in the evaluation of left ventricular function in cardiomyopathies and coronary disease
Yining ZHANG ; Wenqian WU ; Zhihao DING ; Tianming HUANG ; Yuanming LUO ; Shu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(5):467-472
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an emerging technology applied in the field of cardiovascular medicine, which can obtain hemodynamic data by simulating the blood flow in the patient′s heart for cardiac function assessment and disease diagnosis. Left ventricular function plays a key role in the occurrence and development of cardiomyopathies and coronary disease. CFD can reconstruct the left ventricular anatomic structures of patients to clarify pathophysiologic mechanisms and analyze hemodynamic parameters to evaluate left ventricular function, verify surgical efficacy, and guide surgical strategy, which has a positive effect on achieving early diagnosis and reducing mortality from cardiomyopathies and coronary disease. At present, there are still technical limitations in the large-scale clinical application of CFD, and various solutions are being developed and tested, and further improvement and refinement are needed.

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