1.Treatment of pulmonary diseases in children from the lung collaterals′ structure, function and pathogenesis
Zhiyuan LU ; Yuhan WANG ; Qigang DAI ; Lili LIN ; Tong XIE ; Shouchuan WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):323-329
The lung collaterals form a network that branches from the lung meridian, traversing the lung system and extending across the body′s surface. Lung collateral disease refers to the structural alterations or dysfunction in these collaterals caused by external or internal pathogens. Research into the structural and physiological functions of children′s lung collaterals, as well as the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation for treating lung collateral diseases in children, holds significant value in guiding the prevention and treatment of pediatric respiratory conditions. Drawing on the theory of collateral disease, the clinical insights of both historical and contemporary physicians, and modern research findings—while considering the unique physiological and pathological characteristics of children′s respiratory systems—this study provides a foundational summary of the morphology and spatial distribution of children′s lung collaterals. The characteristics of these collaterals are highlighted as thin, sparse, short, narrow, brittle, and tender. From this structural understanding, the unique physiological functions of children′s lung collaterals are analyzed. The study further explores the interactions between pathogenic factors and lung collaterals, elucidating the pathogenesis and progression of children′s lung collateral diseases. It proposes treatment principles centered on "seeking treatment in the collaterals and employing the method of unblocking collaterals, "which align with the unique features of pediatric lung collaterals. Common treatment approaches, and relevant prescriptions for managing these diseases are summarized. This paper lays the foundation for a theoretical system encompassing the structure, function, pathogenesis, and syndrome differentiation for treating children′s lung collateral diseases. It offers valuable insights for the clinical diagnosis and management of pediatric respiratory diseases linked to collateral dysfunction and serves as a reference for the systematic development of a broader theoretical framework for children′s collateral diseases.
2.In situ Analytical Techniques for Membrane Protein Interactions
Zi-Yuan KANG ; Tong YU ; Chao LI ; Xue-Hua ZHANG ; Jun-Hui GUO ; Qi-Chang LI ; Jing-Xing GUO ; Hao XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1206-1218
Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.
3.Detection status of thyroid nodules and its relationship with insulin resistance in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jia XIE ; Siyang CHEN ; Tong SUN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):52-55
Objective To analyze the status of thyroid nodules in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its relationship with insulin resistance. Methods A total of 324 elderly patients with T2DM admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2018 to December 2023 were selected as the study subjects. The detection status of thyroid nodules was analyzed. According to the presence of thyroid nodules, the patients were classified into thyroid nodule group and non-thyroid nodule group. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) of the study subjects was measured. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to analyze the correlation between concurrent thyroid nodules and HOMA-IR. ROC curve was drawn to analyze the value of HOMA-IR in assessing the risk of thyroid nodules in elderly patients with T2DM. Results Among the 324 elderly T2DM patients, 211 cases of thyroid nodules were detected, with a detection rate of 65.12%. The detection ratio of thyroid nodules in males and females was 1:1.24. The thyroid nodule detection rate was different among patients with different levels of insulin resistance, and the detection rate of thyroid nodules in patients with HOMA-IR>2.0 was higher than that in patients with HOMA-IR≤2.0 (P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that HOMA-IR was positively correlated with thyroid nodule in elderly T2DM patients (r=0.650, P<0.05). ROC curve revealed that the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of HOMA-IR in evaluating thyroid nodules were 0.911, 81.99%, and 96.46%, respectively. Conclusion The risk of thyroid nodules is high in elderly patients with T2DM, and the detection rate in women is higher than that in men, which is closely related to insulin resistance level. HOMA-IR values can provide a reference for the early evaluation of thyroid nodules in elderly T2DM patients.
4.Study on the current status of emergency management for severe mental disorders in Shanghai
Xiaolei GE ; Yi ZHU ; Chunmei CHEN ; Youwei ZHU ; Yanli LIU ; Jun CAI ; Weibo ZHANG ; Fei XIE
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):276-281
ObjectiveTo investigate the current status of emergency management for severe mental disorders in Shanghai, and to provide countermeasures and suggestions for the establishment of a sound emergency management system for severe mental disorders and the enhancement of emergency management capability. MethodsA questionnaire survey and qualitative interviews were used to conduct an investigation into the emergency management in 17 district-level mental illness prevention and control institutions in Shanghai, which includes the basic situation of emergency management for severe mental disorders, the construction of emergency response teams and personnel, emergency preparedness drills and training, emergency management plans and rules and regulations, and problems encountered in emergency management. ResultsIn terms of emergency management mechanism and basic situation, resources such as personnel allocation, security funds and green channel were well equipped in each district-level mental illness prevention and control institution in Shanghai. However, the equipment of some hardware facilities was still insufficient to some extent. Therefore, further improvement on the emergency management mechanism for severe mental disorders was needed. With regard to the construction of emergency team and personnel allocation, the majority were those aged between 35‒<45 years old, with a bachelor’s degree, and more than 10 years of working experience. For example, 90.27% staff in district-level mental illness prevention and control institution had a bachelor’s degree or above, which was higher than that among the staff in community-level (73.60%); staff majored in clinical medicine in district-level institution accounted for the proportion at 52.71%, higher than that among the staff in community-level (28.86%); 57.24% staff in district-level institution had an intermediate professional title, higher than that among the staff in community-level (42.28%); and 69.90% staff in district-level institution had more than 10 years of working experience, higher than that among the staff in community-level (43.62%). In the aspect of emergency drills and training, all district-level mental illness prevention and control institutions in Shanghai had a high demand for emergency training, and the weak aspects mainly focused on lack of emergency service protocols, skills of addressing technical challenges, and construction of effectiveness evaluation system. Moreover, the teaching methods were primarily centered on case analysis, simulation drills, interactive discussions, and so forth. Concerning emergency management plans and rules and regulations, all districts in Shanghai had relatively established well-developed systems for emergency response plans, emergency response leadership groups, and emergency response operational task forces for severe mental disorders. About half of the institutions had established other rules and regulations related to emergency management of severe mental disorders in addition to emergency plans. ConclusionShanghai has initially established an emergency management system for severe mental disorders, but it is still fragile in specialized training for emergency management of severe mental disorders, construction of emergency management mechanisms, and the building-up of grassroots emergency teams. Further priorities should include strengthening emergency management training, enhancing the construction of emergency management personnel teams, and gradually establishing a more comprehensive and integrated emergency management mechanism for severe mental disorders.
5.Application of bicuspid pulmonary valve sewn by 0.1 mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in right ventricle outflow tract reconstruction
Jianrui MA ; Tong TAN ; Miao TIAN ; Jiazichao TU ; Wen XIE ; Hailong QIU ; Shuai ZHANG ; Jian ZHUANG ; Jimei CHEN ; Jianzheng CEN ; Shusheng WEN ; Haiyun YUAN ; Xiaobing LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1127-1132
Objective To introduce a modified technique of right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction using a handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve crafted from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and to summarize the early single-center experience. Methods Patients with complex congenital heart diseases (CHD) who underwent RVOT reconstruction with a handmade ePTFE bicuspid pulmonary valve due to pulmonary regurgitation at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from April 2021 to February 2022 were selected. Postoperative artificial valve function and right heart function indicators were evaluated. Results A total of 17 patients were included, comprising 10 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (18.18±12.14) years and a mean body weight of (40.94±19.45) kg. Sixteen patients underwent reconstruction with a handmade valved conduit, with conduit sizes ranging from 18 to 24 mm. No patients required mechanical circulatory support, and no in-hospital deaths occurred. During a mean follow-up period of 12.89 months, only one patient developed valve dysfunction, and no related complications or adverse events were observed. The degree of pulmonary regurgitation was significantly improved post-RVOT reconstruction and during follow-up compared to preoperative levels (P<0.001). Postoperative right atrial diameter, right ventricular diameter, and tricuspid regurgitation area were all significantly reduced compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Conclusion The use of a 0.1 mm ePTFE handmade bicuspid pulmonary valve for RVOT reconstruction in complex CHD is a feasible, effective, and safe technique.
6.The diagnosis and testing of immune hemolytic anemia induced by ceftizoxime sodium drug-dependent antibodies
Jing WANG ; Yangyi XIE ; Sha JIN ; Wei SHEN ; Dong XIANG ; Zhongying WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(9):1230-1235
Objective: To explore the laboratory testing methods and clinical management strategies for immune hemolytic anemia induced by Ceftizoxime sodium drug-dependent antibodies. Methods: Patient blood samples were subjected to blood typing, direct antiglobulin test, and unexpected antibody identification. Ceftizoxime sodium drug-dependent antibodies were detected using the immune complex method and drug-sensitized red cell method. The properties and titers of the drug antibodies were further assessed. Flow cytometry was used to assess the complement activation capacity of the drug antibodies in vitro. Results: Direct antiglobulin tests (IgG and C3d) were positive. Ceftizoxime sodium drug-dependent antibodies were identified using both the immune complex method and the sensitized red cell method, their titers significantly increased following the addition of the drug. Flow cytometry confirmed the complement activation capability of these antibodies and identified 30 minutes as the optimal time for activation in vitro. The patient's condition improved rapidly after drug withdrawal and supportive transfusion, resulting in a favorable outcome. Conclusion: Ceftizoxime sodium can cause drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia via complement activation mediated by drug-dependent antibodies. Serological testing is essential for diagnosing drug-induced hemolytic anemia. Clinicians should be vigilant for this adverse reaction. The offending drug must be promptly discontinued, and supportive care should be initiated upon the onset of symptoms.
7.An excerpt of defining organ failures in patients with cirrhosis: Consensus statements (2025)
Jia CHEN ; Zhujun CAO ; Qing XIE
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1762-1765
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome of multi-organ failure in patients with liver cirrhosis triggered by acute insult(s), and it is characterized by a high risk of infection, systemic inflammation, multi-organ failure, and a high short-term mortality rate. However, there are differences in the definition of organ failure (OF) across major hepatology societies. In order to develop standardized OF criteria for patients with liver cirrhosis, an international panel of experts mainly from AASLD, EASL, and APASL developed new consensus statements on the diagnostic criteria for OF in liver cirrhosis, aiming to provide a basis for the diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and clinical trials of ACLF. The consensus statements provide clear definitions for liver failure, infection and immune dysfunction, cerebral failure, renal failure, circulatory failure, respiratory failure, and gastrointestinal failure and systematically integrate the criteria for OF associated with liver cirrhosis for the first time, thereby establishing a core framework for research on ACLF mechanisms, standardization of clinical management, drug development, and assessment of priority for transplantation. Furthermore, the consensus statements identify the dynamic parameters that need to be validated in the future (such as the changes in bilirubin and lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio) and the novel biomarkers requiring further exploration. This article gives an excerpt of the core contents of the consensus statements.
8.Dynamics Changes of Long Non-Coding RNA in the Testis and Epididymis During Male Mouse Aging
Hongle HE ; Rui SUN ; Jinhong GUAN ; Ruoyang CHEN ; Yun XIE ; Chengqiang MO ; Xianshen SHA ; Yanping HUANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):806-815
ObjectiveTo investigate the dynamic expression profiles and potential regulatory mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in male reproductive system aging. MethodsA naturally aging C57BL/6 mouse model was used and 4 mice were selected each at 3, 15, and 21 months of age. RNA was extracted from seven regions of the male reproductive tract (testis, efferent duct, initial segment of epididymis, caput epididymis, corpus epididymis, cauda epididymis, and vas deferens), followed by RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. ResultsRegion-specific dynamic expression profiles of lncRNAs were constructed in the testis, epididymis (efferent duct, initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda), and vas deferens of male mice. Combined with gene functional enrichment analysis, the functional associations of lncRNAs were elucidated in reproductive system aging. The differentially expressed lncRNAs in the aging testis were primarily involved in hormone biosynthesis and extracellular matrix organization, while those in the initial segment of the epididymis were closely related to cell recognition and epithelial cell migration. A comprehensive lncRNA expression atlas associated with male reproductive aging was established. ConclusionLncRNAs may participate in male reproductive aging through the regulation of the reproductive microenvironment, which provides key molecular targets and a research foundation for understanding age-related fertility decline.
9.Spatial transcriptomic analysis deciphers adipocyte-to-fibroblast transformation in bleomycin-induced murine skin fibrosis
Yixiang ZHANG ; Jiahao HE ; Fangzhou XIE ; Shengzhou SHAN ; Jiaqi QIN ; Chuandong WANG ; Qingfeng LI ; Yun XIE ; Bin FANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(22):2745-2757
Background::Scleroderma is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, predominantly occurring in the skin and extending to various parts of the body. The pathophysiology of scleroderma is multifaceted, with the current understanding including endothelial damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibroblast activation in its progression. Nonetheless, the mechanism of cellular interactions and the precise spatial distribution of these cellular events within the fibrotic tissues remain elusive, highlighting a critical gap in our comprehensive understanding of scleroderma’s pathogenesis.Methods::In this study, we administered bleomycin intradermally to the dorsal skin of four individual murine models. Subsequently, skin tissues were harvested at predetermined intervals for comprehensive spatial transcriptomic analysis to determine the spatial dynamics influencing scleroderma pathogenesis. To validate the possible results from bioinformatic analysis, further in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted. Results::Analysis of the spatial transcriptome revealed significant alterations in cell clusters during the progression of scleroderma. Gene Ontology analysis identified disruptions in lipid metabolism as the disease advanced. Pseudotime analysis provided evidence for a phenotypic transition from adipocytes to fibroblasts. In vitro studies demonstrated increased expression of Col1a1 and α-SMA as the disease progressed. These fibroblasts have been identified as key contributors to the increasing inflammation. Co-culturing TGF-β induced adipocytes with RAW264.7 cells resulted in overexpression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the RAW264.7 cells. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed adipocyte loss and fibroblast formation, with transformed fibroblasts showing pronounced pro-inflammatory characteristics, highlighting their crucial role in the disease mechanism. Conclusions::Our study showed the spatial distribution and dynamic alterations of various cell types during scleroderma progression. Crucially, we identified the transformation of adipocytes into fibroblasts as a key factor promoting disease advancement. These emergent fibroblasts intensify inflammation, indicating that research on these cell clusters could reveal key scleroderma mechanisms and guide future therapies.
10.Overview of lipid metabolism in pulmonary fibrosis
Jing-Ying WANG ; Yong XU ; Wei-Chen XU ; Tong XIE ; Chen SHI ; Jin-Jun SHAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1612-1616
Pulmonary fibrosis is a diffuse interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis,and its pathogenesis has not been fully clar-ified.Lipid,as a key component of cell structure involved in signal transduction,plays an important role in maintaining lung function.More and more studies show that lipid changes are closely related to the progress of pulmonary fibrosis.This paper briefly reviews the pulmonary fibrosis disease,the research pro-gress of lipidomics in pulmonary fibrosis and the role of various lipids in pulmonary fibrosis.


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