1.Construction of a biomimetic three-layered PLLA/PCL large-diameter vessel via electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming: Preliminary animal evaluation
Wenjun WANG ; Yang GAO ; Feng GAO ; Lei SHI ; Wei LIU ; Weiwang FAN ; Chang XU ; Hong ZHENG ; Xufeng DONG ; ZHUANG Xijing
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1093-1100
Objective To fabricate a large-diameter vascular graft with a pore size gradient structure mimicking that of natural blood vessels, using poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) as base materials through electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming techniques, and to evaluate its application potential. Methods A three-layered tubular graft was fabricated from a PCL/PLLA blend (mass ratio 6 : 4) via electrospinning, followed by an ultrasonic pore-forming process to create a gradient porosity. The resulting graft (diameter: 2 cm, length: 4 cm) was implanted into the descending thoracic aorta of an experimental pig using an end-to-end anastomosis. Graft patency and anastomotic sites were monitored by computed tomography angiography (CTA) at 1 and 6 weeks post-surgery. After 2 months, the graft was explanted for systematic evaluation of vascular regeneration and repair through gross examination, histopathology (H&E and elastic fiber staining), immunohistochemistry [for ETS-related gene (ERG), Actin, and Vimentin], and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Postoperative CTA confirmed excellent graft patency at both 1 and 6 weeks, with no evidence of thrombosis or anastomotic stenosis. Gross examination of the 2-month explant revealed a smooth luminal surface covered by neotissue. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the graft successfully induced the formation of a three-layered structure resembling a native vessel wall, comprising endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry further verified coverage of the luminal surface by endothelial cells (ERG-positive), along with the presence of neosmooth muscle (Actin-positive) and fibroblasts (Vimentin-positive). Endothelial cells were observed adhering to the inner surface of the artificial vessel under SEM. Conclusion The biomimetic, three-layered PLLA/PCL large-diameter vascular graft, constructed via electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming, exhibits excellent short-term patency and biocompatibility in a large animal model. More importantly, it demonstrates a significant potential to promote host cell infiltration and achieve in situ regeneration of a three-layered vascular wall structure, providing a promising experimental basis for the development of next-generation functional vascular substitutes.
2.Follow-up study on latent tuberculosis infection among boarding junior and senior high school freshmen in Zhuhai City
ZHAO Wenjun, SU Wenjing, LUO Tao, LUO Jianzhen,WANG Tao, ZHANG Weihua,WEI Ning, HUANG Xian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1189-1192
Objective:
To investigate follow-up participation situation, negative conversion, and tuberculosis incidence among boarding junior and senior high school freshmen with latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI) in Zhuhai, so as to provide a reference for better LTBI management in school settings.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study enrolled 413 LTBI and 27 184 non LTBI boarding junior and senior high school freshmen in Zhuhai from September to October 2023. The LTBI group underwent follow up retesting at >3-6, >6-12, >12-24, >24 months after screening. The followup content included mycobacterium tuberculosis infection testing,chest X ray examination,and questionaire survey(basic demographic information, lifestyle, history of close contact with tuberculosis, and suspected symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis). Follow-up participation, negative conversion, and tuberculosis incidence were analyzed. Rate was compared by using the Chi-square test, and factors associated with negative conversion were assessed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis.
Results:
Follow-up participation rates increased initially and then declined, with rates of 25.67% within >3-6 months, 37.05% within >6-12 months, 82.02% within >12-24 months, and 52.21% after 24 months. The overall negative conversion rate was 61.03%. The differences in the conversion rate to negative of mycobacterium tuberculosis infection detection among junior and senior high school freshmen in the LTBI group by different testing methods, school types, smoking history, sleep status, and academic stress were all statistically significant( χ 2=124.96, 22.70, 4.71, 6.31, 6.08, all P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified testing methods, smoking history, and sleep status as factors associated with negative conversion ( OR =1.90-21.67, all P <0.05). The cumulative incidence of tuberculosis was 726.39 per 100 000 in the LTBI group versus 14.71 per 100 000 in the non-LTBI group ( RR =49.37, 95% CI =11.08-219.87, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Boarding junior and senior high school freshmen with LTBI in Zhuhai have a higher risk of tuberculosis than concurrent non-LTBI students; they therefore represent a priority group for tuberculosis prevention and control. Centralized follow up is recommended to improve participation, and high specificity methods should be used in follow up retesting and maintain consistency across assessments.
3.Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure Combined with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine: A Review
Qilong ZHANG ; Wenjun WU ; Xiaohu ZHA ; Ruyuan CUI ; Aolong WANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Mingjun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):295-306
Heart failure (HF) is the end stage of various cardiovascular diseases, manifested as ventricular filling or impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder, mainly caused by insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance. The incidence rates of the two common clinical diseases are increasing year by year. HF and T2DM are mutually causal chronic diseases, and their mutual deterioration can form a HF-T2DM comorbidity. The comorbidity status significantly increases the mortality and readmission risk of patients, and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. At present, western medicine treatment mainly involves the use of anti HF drugs and hypoglycemic drugs, which can significantly alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients. However, these two categories of drugs are numerous in variety and differ in their mechanisms, and blind combination may produce adverse reactions. With its unique theoretical system, traditional Chinese medicine exhibits the advantages of multiple components, multiple targets, and high safety through traditional Chinese medicine monomers, Chinese patent medicine, traditional Chinese medicine compounds, and acupuncture, which significantly delays the development of HF-T2DM and shows great potential in clinical treatment. A large number of clinical studies have shown that the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of HF-T2DM has a significant effect in improving cardiac function, controlling blood glucose levels, and improving the quality of life of patients. Based on relevant research at home and abroad, this paper reviewed the HF-T2DM pathogenesis, pharmacological effects, research status of traditional Chinese and western medicine, and early prevention strategies, and discussed current problems and future research directions, in order to provide new ideas and useful references for clinical prevention and treatment of HF-T2DM.
4.Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure Combined with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine: A Review
Qilong ZHANG ; Wenjun WU ; Xiaohu ZHA ; Ruyuan CUI ; Aolong WANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Mingjun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):295-306
Heart failure (HF) is the end stage of various cardiovascular diseases, manifested as ventricular filling or impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder, mainly caused by insufficient insulin secretion and insulin resistance. The incidence rates of the two common clinical diseases are increasing year by year. HF and T2DM are mutually causal chronic diseases, and their mutual deterioration can form a HF-T2DM comorbidity. The comorbidity status significantly increases the mortality and readmission risk of patients, and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. At present, western medicine treatment mainly involves the use of anti HF drugs and hypoglycemic drugs, which can significantly alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients. However, these two categories of drugs are numerous in variety and differ in their mechanisms, and blind combination may produce adverse reactions. With its unique theoretical system, traditional Chinese medicine exhibits the advantages of multiple components, multiple targets, and high safety through traditional Chinese medicine monomers, Chinese patent medicine, traditional Chinese medicine compounds, and acupuncture, which significantly delays the development of HF-T2DM and shows great potential in clinical treatment. A large number of clinical studies have shown that the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of HF-T2DM has a significant effect in improving cardiac function, controlling blood glucose levels, and improving the quality of life of patients. Based on relevant research at home and abroad, this paper reviewed the HF-T2DM pathogenesis, pharmacological effects, research status of traditional Chinese and western medicine, and early prevention strategies, and discussed current problems and future research directions, in order to provide new ideas and useful references for clinical prevention and treatment of HF-T2DM.
5.m6A demethylase FTO rgulates BCL2 mRNA stability and translation efficiency and thereby promotes proplatelet formation
Wenjun XIA ; Yao LU ; Huang WU ; Aiqing WEN ; Wei CHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(6):519-530
Objective To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of down-regulating m6A demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)on proplatelet formation in the MEG-01 megakaryocytic cells.Methods ①MEG-01 cells were treated with 1 nmol/L phorbol myristate acetate(PMA)(treatment group)or DMSO(control group)for 72 h.FTO expression was measured by Western blotting and RT-qPCR.② MEG-01 cells were infected with targeted FTO shRNA(knockdown group,sh-FTO)or negative control shRNA(negative control group,sh-NC)viruses.FTO knockdown group and negative control group MEG-1 cells were treated with 1 nmol/L PMA for 72 h,and the protein and mRNA expression levels of FTO were detected by Western blotting and RT-qPCR.Cell cycle,viability and apoptosis were assessed by propidium iodide(PI)DNA staining,CCK-8 assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and TUNEL staining.The expression of cleaved Caspase-3 protein was determine by Western blotting.Megakaryocyte maturation was assessed by CD41/CD61 staining.Proplatelet formation was observed under bright field and detected by CD61 immunofluorescence assay.The expression of apoptosis-related molecules(Caspase3,BAD,BAK1,BCL2 and MCL1)was detected by RT-qPCR,and the protein change of BCL2 was further verified by Western blotting.The dataset was screened out from the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database,and then analyzed with University of California,Santa Cruz(UCSC)genome browser to compare the methylation sequencing peaks on BCL2 mRNA,and m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation(m6A-RIP)was used to assess the m6A methylation levels of BCL2 target gene mRNAs in MEG-01 megakaryocytes.Then,the changes in the m6A methylation enrichment level of BCL2 mRNA were observed between the sh-NC group and the sh-FTO group.mRNA stability and ribosome profiling assays were performed to assess translational efficiency of target genes.Results ①PMA treatment upregulated the expression of FTO at protein(P<0.05)and mRNA(P<0.01)levels.② FTO shRNA resulted in reduced FTO expression at both mRNA and protein levels(P<0.01).Compared to the negative control group,the FTO knockdown group showed more cells arrested at the G1/S phase[(60.80±1.29)%vs(72.13±1.18)%,P<0.01],significantly reduced cell viability[(1.17±0.03)%vs(0.69±0.05)%,P<0.01],increased Annexin V-FITC/PI positive cells[(12.87±0.83)%vs(17.45±1.58)%,P<0.01],more TUNEL positive cells[(1.03±0.27)%vs(17.49±9.91)%,P<0.01],enhanced protein level of cleaved Caspase-3(P<0.01),decreased proportion of CD41/CD61 positive cells[(51.63±1.13)%vs(34.08±0.53)%,P<0.01],and less proplatelet formation in MEG-01 megakaryocytes[(26.49±6.73)%vs(13.31±5.97)%,P<0.01].③Compared to sh-NC group,the FTO knockdown group had significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression of anti-apoptotic molecule BCL2(P<0.01).UCSC GEO sequencing data revealed there were m6A methylation modification sites on BCL2 mRNA,which was verified through m6A-RIP experiment in MEG-01 megakaryocytes.Compared with GAPDH mRNA,BCL2 mRNA exhibited a significantly enriched m6A signal(P<0.01).Compared to sh-NC group,a significant increase in m6A methylation modification was observed on BCL2 mRNA.BCL2 mRNA stability was significantly decreased,and its translation efficiency significantly was decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion m6 A demethylase FTO rgulates BCL2 mRNA stability and translation efficiency,thereby promoting proplatelet formation in MEG-01 megakaryocytes.
6.Yes-associated protein regulates microgravity-induced primary cilia disassembly and osteogenic differentiation inhibition in osteoblasts
Yanan ZHANG ; Junrui HUA ; Tianyi ZHANG ; Wenjun WEI ; Jufang WANG ; Jinpeng HE
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(1):38-42
Objective To investigate the effects of simulated-microgravity on the osteogenic differentiation,primary cilia status,cytoskeleton structure,and the YAP(Yes-associated protein)expression in primary osteoblasts.Methods Primary osteoblasts were isolated from the skull bones of neonatal Wistar rats and cultured in random positioning machine system to simulate the cellular effects of microgravity.The calcified nodules were stained with Arlizarin to assess the cellular mineralization ability,the primary cilia and cytoskeleton were detected by immunofluorescence staining of Arl13b/γ-Tubulin and α-Tubulin,respectively,and the expression of YAP was measured by western blot.Results The cellular osteogenic differentiation were markedly suppressed after treated with simulated microgravity for 24 h,and the ciliated cells decreased from(58.44±3.65)%to(15.76±1.84)%in parallel with a decline of average cilium length from(3.19±0.51)μm to(1.59±0.46)μm.In addition,simulated microgravity induced disassembly of microtubules.Notably,simulated microgravity interfered YAP expression and the inhibition of YAP into nucleus.Furthermore,knockdown of YAP expression in osteoblasts notably reduced primary cilia expression and inhibited osteogenic differentiation.Conclusion Primary cilia is a key organelle of osteoblasts in sensing microgravity and regulating osteogenic differentiation.Interference with YAP expression and inhibition of nuclear YAP entry may play an important role in the deaggregation of primary cilia induced by microgravity.
7.Regulation of Signaling Pathways Related to Myocardial Infarction by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun WU ; Chidao ZHANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Xue LI ; Bin LI ; Xinlu WANG ; Mingjun ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):321-330
The pathological changes of myocardial infarction (MI) are mainly characterized by progressive myocardial ischemic necrosis, decline in cardiac diastolic function, thinning of the ventricular wall, and enlargement of the ventricles. The clinical manifestations include myocardial ischemia, heart failure, arrhythmia, shock, and even sudden cardiac death, rendering MI one of the most perilous cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the clinical treatment for MI primarily involves interventional procedures and drug therapy. However, due to their significant side effects and high complication rates associated with these treatments, they fail to ensure a satisfactory quality of life and long-term prognosis for patients. On the other hand, traditional Chinese medicine has demonstrated remarkable potential in improving patient prognosis while reducing side effects. Research has elucidated that various signaling pathways such as nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), adenosine 5̒-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smads, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin (β-catenin), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) play crucial roles in regulating the occurrence and development of MI. Effectively modulating these signaling pathways through its therapeutic interventions, traditional Chinese medicine can enhance MI management by inhibiting apoptosis, providing anti-inflammatory properties, alleviating oxidative stress levels, and resisting myocardial ischemia. Due to its notable efficacy and favorable safety, it has become an area of focus in clinical practice.
8.Mechanism of Ferroptosis in Regulating Chronic Heart Failure and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Based on Qi Deficiency and Stagnation: A Review
Ziyang YUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yaqin WANG ; Wenjun MAO ; Guo YANG ; Xuewei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):248-255
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the final stage of cardiovascular diseases. It is a complex syndrome, with dyspnea and edema as the main clinical manifestations, and it is characterized by complex disease conditions, difficult cure, and high mortality. Ferroptosis, a new type of programmed cell death, is different from other types of programmed cell death. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent, accompanied by lipid peroxide accumulation and mitochondrial shrinkage, becoming a hot research topic. Studies have confirmed that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of CHF. The regulation of ferroptosis may become a potential target for the treatment of CHF in the future. The theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation refers to the pathological state of original Qi deficiency and abnormal transportation and distribution of Qi, blood, and body fluid, which has guiding significance for revealing the pathogenesis evolution of some chronic diseases. We believe that Qi deficiency and stagnation is a summary of the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in CHF. Deficiency of Qi (heart Qi) is the root cause of CHF, and stagnation (phlegm turbidity and blood stasis) is the branch of this disease. The two influence each other in a vicious circle to promote the development of this disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays an important role in the treatment of CHF, improving the prognosis and quality of life of CHF patients. This paper explores the correlation between the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation and the mechanism of ferroptosis in CHF. Furthermore, this paper reviews the mechanism of Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions in preventing and treating CHF by regulating ferroptosis according to the principles of replenishing Qi and dredging to remove stagnation, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of CHF with TCM.
9.Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in key areas during the elimination phase
Chao LÜ ; Xiaojuan XU ; Jiajia LI ; Ting FENG ; Hai ZHU ; Yifeng LI ; Ling XU ; Zhihong FENG ; Huiwen JIANG ; Xiaoqing ZOU ; Wenjun WEI ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Yang HONG ; Shiqing ZHANG ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):475-481
Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ2 = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ2 = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ2 = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.
10.Mechanical thrombectomy using the retrograde semi-retrieval technique in the treatment of acute intracranial large vessel occlusion
Zhenjian MA ; Yongbo XU ; Wenjun WU ; Hecheng REN ; Hong LI ; Ming WEI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(6):930-936
Objective To investigate the short-term efficacy of the retrograde semi-retrieval technique(RESET)in the treatment of patients with acute intracranial large vessel occlusion.Methods This retrospective study involved 286 patients with acute intracranial large vessel occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using RESET at Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from November 2017 to March 2019.The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS):ICAS group(n=186,65%)and non-ICAS group(n=100,35%).Baseline characteristics,procedural outcomes,and 90-day modified Rankin Scale(mRS)scores were compared between the two groups.Results The two groups did not significantly differ in baseline characteristics,including age,gender,past medical history,on-admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score,and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT(ASPECT)score(all P>0.05).Successful vascular recanalization was achieved in 272 patients(95.1%),with 209 patients(73.1%)achieving complete recanalization with a single thrombectomy attempt.Rescue therapy was required in 33 patients(11.5%).Two patients in the ICAS group died due to postoperative symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,and one patient in the non-ICAS group died due to postoperative multiple organ failure.Compared with the non-ICAS group,the ICAS group had a significantly longer puncture-to-recanalization time[141.36(124.11,156.53)min vs.65.17(53.92,83.25)min,P<0.001]but a significantly smaller number of thrombectomy attempts[1.00(1.00,1.00)vs.1.00(1.00,2.00),P=0.002].However,there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of final recanalization rate,complete recanalization rate with a single thrombectomy attempt,distal embolism or embolization of new territory,symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,perioperative death,or 90-day mRS score(all P>0.05).Conclusion RESET demonstrates satisfactory short-term efficacy in the treatment of acute intracranial large vessel occlusion.The number of thrombectomy attempts required for complete recanalization is significantly lower in the ICAS group than in the non-ICAS group,suggesting that RESET is particularly suitable for patients with ICAS.


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