1.Analysis of ACTH level heterogeneity and the diagnostic value of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in patients with subclinical Cushing′s syndrome
Wenji ZHAO ; Jiawei YANG ; Yuxing LOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Shiman LI ; Ziwei ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Ping LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(10):830-836
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and hormonal changes in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-suppressed and non-suppressed subclinical Cushing′s syndrome(SCS), to evaluate the influencing factors of ACTH suppression, and to assess the diagnostic efficiency of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) levels in distinguishing these two groups of SCS patients.Methods:Clinical data of patients diagnosed with SCS in the Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical College, between June 2014 and October 2023 were retrospectively collected. A total of 194 cases were included. According to morning(8: 00 AM) plasma ACTH levels, patients were divided into an ACTH-suppressed group(ACTH<2.2 pmol/L) and a non-suppressed group(ACTH≥2.2 pmol/L). Additionally, 194 gender-, age-, and BMI-matched patients with non-functional adrenal tumors(NFA) were enrolled as controls. Clinical characteristics and hormone levels were compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing ACTH suppression in SCS patients. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum DHEAS levels in distinguishing ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Results:There were no significant differences in the prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, or bone metabolism disorders between the ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed groups. The serum cortisol level after the 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test(DST) was significantly lower in the ACTH non-suppressed group than that in the suppressed group, while the serum DHEAS level was significantly higher in the non-suppressed group(both P<0.01). The area under the curve(AUCs) of serum DHEAS for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients and ACTH-suppressed SCS patients was 0.779(95% CI 0.721-0.837) and 0.874(95% CI 0.831-0.918), respectively. Using a serum DHEAS cutoff of 60.0 μg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients were 66.7% and 76.1%, respectively, while for ACTH-suppressed SCS patients, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.9% and 75.5%, respectively. Conclusion:There were no significant differences in metabolic characteristics between ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Serum cortisol level after 1 mg-DST is an independent influencing factor for ACTH suppression status. Low serum DHEAS level serves as a sensitive diagnostic marker for SCS and also demonstrates diagnostic value in ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients.
2.Investigation of hantavirus carriage in rodents and whole-genome sequence analysis in Shandong province, 2022
Yuwei LIU ; Mingxiao YAO ; Jinyan ZHANG ; Qing DUAN ; Bo PANG ; Wenji ZHAI ; Renpeng LI ; Zengqiang KOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):56-61
Objective:To analyze the situation of rodents carrying Hantavirus and the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of the virus in Zibo city, Shandong province in 2022, and provide reference for the scientific prevention and control of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).Methods:Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect hantavirus (HV) nucleic acids in rodent lung tissues and identify HV genotypes. Each nucleic acid fragment was designed to amplify various gene fragments by segment, and the whole genome of Hantavirus was sequenced by second generation sequencing. Sequence assembly was performed using SeqMan 7.1.0.44, a subprogram of DNAStar. Sequence alignment and evolutionary analysis were conducted using MEGA 7.0 and BioEdit software.Results:A total of 270 host animals were captured in this survey. Among them, 13 rodent lung samples tested positive for Hantavirus, resulting in a virus-positive rate of 4.8%. The full-genome sequences of four hantavirus strains were successfully obtained, all identified as Seoul virus (SEOV) genotype. Four Hantavirus-positive samples showed high nucleotide sequence homology in the M gene and belonged to the SEOV S3 subtype. These strains exhibited high similarity with those from Hebei, Liaoning, and Beijing. The amino acid sequences of the nucleoprotein and glycoprotein immunogenic epitopes were identical to those of the vaccine strain Z37.Conclusions:This study successfully determined the full genome sequences of four hantavirus strains from Zibo city, Shandong province. The genotypes are primarily SEOV, with the subtype being S3. The homology of genes within the same subtype is high, with no significant variations observed. The alignment of immune epitopes in key proteins suggests that the current vaccine may provide protection against locally circulating strains, but further in-depth research is still required.
3.Discovery and investigation of six polio vaccine derived viruses in Guangzhou City
Min CUI ; Chunhuan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Jialing LI ; Jianxiong XU ; Wenji WANG ; Qing HE ; Lihong NI ; Xuexia YUN ; Huanying ZHENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(2):22-25
Objective To understand the surveillance situation of poliovirus in Guangzhou from 2011 to 2024, and to further strengthen polio surveillance and ensure the continued maintenance of a polio-free status. Methods An analysis was conducted on the discovery and investigation results of six cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) detected in Guangzhou. Results A total of 6 VDPV incidents were reported in Guangzhou from 2011 to June 2024, among which 5 incidents were from sewage sample testing in the Liede Sewage Treatment Plant in Guangzhou, all of which were confirmed as VDPV, with 1 for type I, 1 for type II, and 3 for type III. In addition, one confirmed HFMD case was identified as a type VDPV II carrier. No presence of any wild poliovirus (WPV), VDPV cases, or circulating VDPV (cVDPV) was reported. Conclusion Guangzhou City has maintained a high level of vigilance and effectiveness in the monitoring and prevention of polio. Continuously strengthening the construction of the polio monitoring network, optimizing vaccination strategies, and comprehensively improving public health awareness are still the focus of the prevention and control work in the future.
4.Analysis of ACTH level heterogeneity and the diagnostic value of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in patients with subclinical Cushing′s syndrome
Wenji ZHAO ; Jiawei YANG ; Yuxing LOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Shiman LI ; Ziwei ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Ping LI
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(10):830-836
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and hormonal changes in patients with adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)-suppressed and non-suppressed subclinical Cushing′s syndrome(SCS), to evaluate the influencing factors of ACTH suppression, and to assess the diagnostic efficiency of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate(DHEAS) levels in distinguishing these two groups of SCS patients.Methods:Clinical data of patients diagnosed with SCS in the Department of Endocrinology, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical College, between June 2014 and October 2023 were retrospectively collected. A total of 194 cases were included. According to morning(8: 00 AM) plasma ACTH levels, patients were divided into an ACTH-suppressed group(ACTH<2.2 pmol/L) and a non-suppressed group(ACTH≥2.2 pmol/L). Additionally, 194 gender-, age-, and BMI-matched patients with non-functional adrenal tumors(NFA) were enrolled as controls. Clinical characteristics and hormone levels were compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors influencing ACTH suppression in SCS patients. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of serum DHEAS levels in distinguishing ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Results:There were no significant differences in the prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, abnormal glucose metabolism, or bone metabolism disorders between the ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed groups. The serum cortisol level after the 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test(DST) was significantly lower in the ACTH non-suppressed group than that in the suppressed group, while the serum DHEAS level was significantly higher in the non-suppressed group(both P<0.01). The area under the curve(AUCs) of serum DHEAS for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients and ACTH-suppressed SCS patients was 0.779(95% CI 0.721-0.837) and 0.874(95% CI 0.831-0.918), respectively. Using a serum DHEAS cutoff of 60.0 μg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients were 66.7% and 76.1%, respectively, while for ACTH-suppressed SCS patients, the sensitivity and specificity were 84.9% and 75.5%, respectively. Conclusion:There were no significant differences in metabolic characteristics between ACTH-suppressed and non-suppressed SCS patients. Serum cortisol level after 1 mg-DST is an independent influencing factor for ACTH suppression status. Low serum DHEAS level serves as a sensitive diagnostic marker for SCS and also demonstrates diagnostic value in ACTH non-suppressed SCS patients.
5.Investigation of hantavirus carriage in rodents and whole-genome sequence analysis in Shandong province, 2022
Yuwei LIU ; Mingxiao YAO ; Jinyan ZHANG ; Qing DUAN ; Bo PANG ; Wenji ZHAI ; Renpeng LI ; Zengqiang KOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(1):56-61
Objective:To analyze the situation of rodents carrying Hantavirus and the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of the virus in Zibo city, Shandong province in 2022, and provide reference for the scientific prevention and control of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS).Methods:Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect hantavirus (HV) nucleic acids in rodent lung tissues and identify HV genotypes. Each nucleic acid fragment was designed to amplify various gene fragments by segment, and the whole genome of Hantavirus was sequenced by second generation sequencing. Sequence assembly was performed using SeqMan 7.1.0.44, a subprogram of DNAStar. Sequence alignment and evolutionary analysis were conducted using MEGA 7.0 and BioEdit software.Results:A total of 270 host animals were captured in this survey. Among them, 13 rodent lung samples tested positive for Hantavirus, resulting in a virus-positive rate of 4.8%. The full-genome sequences of four hantavirus strains were successfully obtained, all identified as Seoul virus (SEOV) genotype. Four Hantavirus-positive samples showed high nucleotide sequence homology in the M gene and belonged to the SEOV S3 subtype. These strains exhibited high similarity with those from Hebei, Liaoning, and Beijing. The amino acid sequences of the nucleoprotein and glycoprotein immunogenic epitopes were identical to those of the vaccine strain Z37.Conclusions:This study successfully determined the full genome sequences of four hantavirus strains from Zibo city, Shandong province. The genotypes are primarily SEOV, with the subtype being S3. The homology of genes within the same subtype is high, with no significant variations observed. The alignment of immune epitopes in key proteins suggests that the current vaccine may provide protection against locally circulating strains, but further in-depth research is still required.
6.Clinical value of peripheral immune function status in the assessment of'Deficiency of Vital Qi'in lung cancer metastasis
Fan XU ; Jianhui TIAN ; Youjun LIU ; Zhenyang CHENG ; Zujun QUE ; Bin LUO ; Yun YANG ; Jialiang YAO ; Wang YAO ; Xinyi LU ; Yao LIU ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Jianchun WU ; Yingbin LUO ; Minghua LI ; Wenfei SHI ; Yajing CUI ; Wenji SHANGGUAN ; Yan LI
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(10):1065-1070
Objective:To investigate the association between peripheral immune function status and lung cancer metastasis,and to identify peripheral blood immune biomarkers for'Deficiency of Vital Qi'assessment in lung cancer metastasis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on peripheral blood immune markers collected before treatment from lung cancer patients admitted into Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,between March 2023 and April 2025.Patients were categorized into the non-metastatic and the metastatic groups based on the presence of distant metastasis,and the differences in the expressions of immune cells and cytokines between groups were compared.Peripheral blood immune markers with P<0.05 in univariate analysis were incorporated into a multivariate binary logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of lung cancer metastasis.Results:A total of 193 lung cancer patients were included(101 in the non-metastatic group and 92 in the metastatic group).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender,age,smoking history,drinking history,or pathological type(all P>0.05).Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in multiple immune markers between the non-metastatic and metastatic groups(all P<0.05),including:lymphocyte count,CD3+,CD4+,and CD8+T,CD19+B cells,absolute counts of CD3-CD16+CD56+NK cells,percentages of Treg cells,CD8+CD28+Treg cells,G-MDSC,and CD3-CD16+CD56+dim NK cells,and levels of cytokine IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-10.Binary logistic regression analysis of differential indicators suggested that the percentage of Treg cells and CD8+CD28+Treg cells in peripheral blood were independent predictors of distant metastasis in lung cancer(OR=1.193,95%CI[1.047,1.36],P<0.01;OR=0.978,95%CI[0.957,0.999],P<0.05).Conclusion:Peripheral blood immune dysfunction is the biological basis for'qi deficiency'in lung cancer metastasis.This study quantitatively demonstrates the correlation between peripheral immune function status and lung cancer metastasis,providing empirical evidence for the theories of'qi deficiency and hidden toxicity'and'metastatic state of tumors'.
7.Evaluation of Cardiac Toxicity of Anthracyclines in Children with Acute Leukemia Based on Tei Index
Xuemei CHEN ; Pin GUO ; Liufang CHUAN ; Zi WANG ; Xuejiao LI ; Wenji HE
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(2):117-122
Objective To apply ultrasound to monitor cardiac function changes after anthracycline exposure in children with acute leukemia,in order to obtain the indicators of early changes in their cardiac function.Methods Children with acute leukemia from 2018 March to December 2020 in the Children's Hospital of Kunming Medical University were enrolled according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,their routine cardiac ultrasound and tissue Doppler condition were recorded,and the changes in systolic function were evaluated by Tei index including TeiS,TeiRL,TeiM and TeiT.Results The mean values of LVEF in the normal and the experimental group were both above 60%.FS,SV,and EDV were all in the normal range.While common indicant,the index of TDI or Tei was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The levels of TeiM,TeiRL and TieT in the groups that received a total dose of 200 mg/m2 anthracyclines and 250 mg/m2 were significantly different from that before treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion Tei index can be utilized as a sensitive indicator for early changes in left and right heart function after children with acute leukemia are exposed to anthracyclines.
8.Establishment and verification of a prognostic Nomogram for middle-aged and elderly patients with stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ gastric cancer
Guoyu ZHU ; Yang WU ; Chen QIN ; Xiaochun ZHANG ; Wenji LI
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(17):27-34
Objective To construct and validate a Nomogram prediction model for overall survival (OS) in middle-aged and elderly patients with stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ gastric cancer. Methods The clinical, pathological, and follow-up data of middle-aged and elderly patients with stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ gastric cancer in the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, and Yangzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 1, 2012 to December 1, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, the independent risk factors for OS in middle-aged and elderly patients with stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ gastric cancer were identified, and a Nomogram prediction model was further constructed and validated. The diagnostic performance of the model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve, and the clinical effect of the model was assessed by decision curve analysis (DCA). Results A total of 382 patients were included. A total of 282 cases were as training sets and 100 cases were as validation sets. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that family history of gastric cancer, vascular invasion, nerve invasion, T stage, and N stage were independent risk factors for OS in middle-aged and elderly patients with stage Ⅱ to Ⅲ gastric cancer (
9.Analysis and summary of clinical characteristics of 289 patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Zhejiang Province
Gaixiang XU ; Weimei JIN ; Baodong YE ; Songfu JIANG ; Chao HU ; Xin HUANG ; Bingshou XIE ; Huifang JIANG ; Lili CHEN ; Rongxin YAO ; Ying LU ; Linjie LI ; Jin ZHANG ; Guifang OUYANG ; Yongwei HONG ; Hongwei KONG ; Zhejun QIU ; Wenji LUO ; Binbin CHU ; Huiqi ZHANG ; Hui ZENG ; Xiujie ZHOU ; Pengfei SHI ; Ying XU ; Jie JIN ; Hongyan TONG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(6):549-555
Objective:To further improve the understanding of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), we retrospectively analyzed and summarized the clinical characteristics, treatment status, and survival status of patients with PNH in Zhejiang Province.Methods:This study included 289 patients with PNH who visited 20 hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Their clinical characteristics, comorbidity, laboratory test results, and medications were analyzed and summarized.Results:Among the 289 patients with PNH, 148 males and 141 females, with a median onset age of 45 (16-87) years and a peak onset age of 20-49 years (57.8% ). The median lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) level was 1 142 (604-1 925) U/L. Classified by type, 70.9% (166/234) were classical, 24.4% (57/234) were PNH/bone marrow failure (BMF), and 4.7% (11/234) were subclinical. The main clinical manifestations included fatigue or weakness (80.8%, 235/289), dizziness (73.4%, 212/289), darkened urine color (66.2%, 179/272), and jaundice (46.2%, 126/270). Common comorbidities were hemoglobinuria (58.7% ), renal dysfunction (17.6% ), and thrombosis (15.0% ). Moreover, 82.3% of the patients received glucocorticoid therapy, 70.9% required blood transfusion, 30.7% used immunosuppressive agents, 13.8% received anticoagulant therapy, and 6.3% received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 84.4% (95% CI 78.0% -91.3% ) . Conclusion:Patients with PNH are more common in young and middle-aged people, with a similar incidence rate between men and women. Common clinical manifestations include fatigue, hemoglobinuria, jaundice, renal dysfunction, and recurrent thrombosis. The 10-year OS of this group is similar to reports from other centers in China.
10.Long-term hypomethylating agents in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: a multi-center retrospective study
Xiaozhen LIU ; Shujuan ZHOU ; Jian HUANG ; Caifang ZHAO ; Lingxu JIANG ; Yudi ZHANG ; Chen MEI ; Liya MA ; Xinping ZHOU ; Yanping SHAO ; Gongqiang WU ; Xibin XIAO ; Rongxin YAO ; Xiaohong DU ; Tonglin HU ; Shenxian QIAN ; Yuan LI ; Xuefen YAN ; Li HUANG ; Manling WANG ; Jiaping FU ; Lihong SHOU ; Wenhua JIANG ; Weimei JIN ; Linjie LI ; Jing LE ; Wenji LUO ; Yun ZHANG ; Xiujie ZHOU ; Hao ZHANG ; Xianghua LANG ; Mei ZHOU ; Jie JIN ; Huifang JIANG ; Jin ZHANG ; Guifang OUYANG ; Hongyan TONG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(8):738-747
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hypomethylating agents (HMA) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) .Methods:A total of 409 MDS patients from 45 hospitals in Zhejiang province who received at least four consecutive cycles of HMA monotherapy as initial therapy were enrolled to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HMA. Mann-Whitney U or Chi-square tests were used to compare the differences in the clinical data. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to analyze the factors affecting efficacy and survival. Kaplan-Meier was used for survival analysis. Results:Patients received HMA treatment for a median of 6 cycles (range, 4-25 cycles) . The complete remission (CR) rate was 33.98% and the overall response rate (ORR) was 77.02%. Multivariate analysis revealed that complex karyotype ( P=0.02, OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.84) was an independent favorable factor for CR rate. TP53 mutation ( P=0.02, OR=0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.77) was a predictive factor for a higher ORR. The median OS for the HMA-treated patients was 25.67 (95% CI 21.14-30.19) months. HMA response ( P=0.036, HR=0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.95) was an independent favorable prognostic factor, whereas complex karyotype ( P=0.024, HR=2.14, 95% CI 1.10-4.15) , leukemia transformation ( P<0.001, HR=2.839, 95% CI 1.64-4.92) , and TP53 mutation ( P=0.012, HR=2.19, 95% CI 1.19-4.07) were independent adverse prognostic factors. There was no significant difference in efficacy and survival between the reduced and standard doses of HMA. The CR rate and ORR of MDS patients treated with decitabine and azacitidine were not significantly different. The median OS of patients treated with decitabine was longer compared with that of patients treated with azacitidine (29.53 months vs 20.17 months, P=0.007) . The incidence of bone marrow suppression and pneumonia in the decitabine group was higher compared with that in the azacitidine group. Conclusion:Continuous and regular use of appropriate doses of hypomethylating agents may benefit MDS patients to the greatest extent if it is tolerated.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail