1.Establishment of a mouse model of traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis
Ning LI ; Tianyang LYU ; Yumin HENG ; Changkui LIU ; Yayuan GUO ; Tiange DENG ; Kaijin HU
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(10):1162-1168
Objective:A C57/BL6 mouse model of traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TTMJA) was established through composite trauma to lay the foundation for studying the pathophysiology of TTMJA.Methods:This study was conducted from January 2024 to February 2025. Forty-two 4-weeks old C57/BL6 mice, numbered 1 to 42, are randomly assigned to a control group ( n=21) and an experimental group ( n=21) using a computer-generated random number sequence. The experimental group undergoes modeling surgery on the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ), while the control group is routinely raised without special treatment. At 12 weeks post-surgery, the TMJ complex of both groups is assessed via body weight and mouth opening measurements, gross observation, micro-CT, and histological staining to evaluate model establishment. Results:At 12 weeks post-operation, in the experimental group, the body weight of mice [(27.75±1.08) g] did not show a significant difference compared with that of the control group [(30.80±0.29) g]( t=0.54, P=0.610). The maximum vertical passive mouth opening [(1.70±0.26) mm] in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.43±0.21) mm]( t=8.92, P<0.001). Gross observation indicated that the right TMJ structure of the experimental-group mice was normal, while irregular hyperplasia occurred in the left TMJ complex. Micro-CT revealed that at 12 weeks post-operation, the right joint structure of the experimental-group mice was normal, with regular condyles and glenoid fossae. On the left side, a large amount of bone hyperplasia occurred on the lateral side of the joint in the condyles and glenoid fossae, forming two irregular bone masses, and there was an uncalcified radiolucent zone between the bone masses. In histological staining, no new cartilage or bone tissue was observed in the left joint space of the control-group mice, and the articular disc structure was normal. In the experimental-group mice, obvious new cartilage and calcified bone tissue were visible on the lateral side of the left joint space. A bone bridge was formed between the condyles and glenoid fossae, the articular disc structure disappeared, and bony ankylosis occurred. Conclusions:In this experiment, a TTMJA model of C57/BL6 mice was initially established by removing the articular disc and damaging part of the fibrous cartilage of the glenoid fossae and condyles, providing an experimental platform for further research on the pathogenesis of TTMJA.
2.Establishment of a mouse model of traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis
Ning LI ; Tianyang LYU ; Yumin HENG ; Changkui LIU ; Yayuan GUO ; Tiange DENG ; Kaijin HU
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(10):1162-1168
Objective:A C57/BL6 mouse model of traumatic temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TTMJA) was established through composite trauma to lay the foundation for studying the pathophysiology of TTMJA.Methods:This study was conducted from January 2024 to February 2025. Forty-two 4-weeks old C57/BL6 mice, numbered 1 to 42, are randomly assigned to a control group ( n=21) and an experimental group ( n=21) using a computer-generated random number sequence. The experimental group undergoes modeling surgery on the left temporomandibular joint (TMJ), while the control group is routinely raised without special treatment. At 12 weeks post-surgery, the TMJ complex of both groups is assessed via body weight and mouth opening measurements, gross observation, micro-CT, and histological staining to evaluate model establishment. Results:At 12 weeks post-operation, in the experimental group, the body weight of mice [(27.75±1.08) g] did not show a significant difference compared with that of the control group [(30.80±0.29) g]( t=0.54, P=0.610). The maximum vertical passive mouth opening [(1.70±0.26) mm] in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.43±0.21) mm]( t=8.92, P<0.001). Gross observation indicated that the right TMJ structure of the experimental-group mice was normal, while irregular hyperplasia occurred in the left TMJ complex. Micro-CT revealed that at 12 weeks post-operation, the right joint structure of the experimental-group mice was normal, with regular condyles and glenoid fossae. On the left side, a large amount of bone hyperplasia occurred on the lateral side of the joint in the condyles and glenoid fossae, forming two irregular bone masses, and there was an uncalcified radiolucent zone between the bone masses. In histological staining, no new cartilage or bone tissue was observed in the left joint space of the control-group mice, and the articular disc structure was normal. In the experimental-group mice, obvious new cartilage and calcified bone tissue were visible on the lateral side of the left joint space. A bone bridge was formed between the condyles and glenoid fossae, the articular disc structure disappeared, and bony ankylosis occurred. Conclusions:In this experiment, a TTMJA model of C57/BL6 mice was initially established by removing the articular disc and damaging part of the fibrous cartilage of the glenoid fossae and condyles, providing an experimental platform for further research on the pathogenesis of TTMJA.
3.Current status and perspectives in environmental oncology
Jie LIU ; Ting GAN ; Wenbiao HU ; Yumin LI
Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine 2024;10(4):293-301
Cancer stands as a leading global cause of death, with its etiology characterized by complexity and multifaceted factors. Growing research indicates a strong correlation between environmental factors and cancer incidence, underscoring the critical importance of intervening in environmental risk factors to mitigate cancer occurrence. Despite this, specialized research institutions focusing on the intersection of environment and cancer remain scarce, with global investment in cancer prevention significantly trailing behind efforts in diagnosis and treatment. Against the backdrop of rapid global climate change, industrialization, urbanization, aging populations, and the globalization of lifestyles, we proposed the concept of Environmental Oncology (EO) to address these challenges. We discussed the rationale and necessity of developing EO and presented a comprehensive research framework focusing on cancer prevention and treatment. Future EO research will aim to identify cancer causes and implement early prevention strategies using advanced scientific technologies and methods. By emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration and integrating molecular biology at the micro level, EO will explore the relationship between external and internal environments and cancer. EO will identify potential therapeutic targets by studying the pathways through which environmental exposures lead to carcinogenesis. EO will develop early warning systems and disseminate research findings by collecting big data, employing robust statistical models, and establishing research centers.
4.Screening and characterization of anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain antibodies with broad-spectrum neutralizing activity
NI Wanqi ; REN Li ; JIN Changzhong ; YANG Furong ; SHEN Yumin ; WANG Shuo ; HU Caiqin ; HAO Yanling ; LIU Ying ; ZHU Biao ; SHAO Yiming ; LI Dan ; WANG Zheng
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(3):258-
convalescents, and to screen for broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Methods Using biotinylated RBD as a molecular probe, flow cytometry was employed to perform single-cell sorting of B cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of convalescents. The obtained B cells were lysed and subjected to reverse transcription, followed by nested PCR amplification of the heavy and light chains of antibodies was conducted using random primers. The amplified products were cloned into corresponding expression vectors, and the respective matched heavy-light chain plasmids were co-transfected into 293F cells for expression. Monoclonal antibodies were then purified using Protein A column chromatography. Neutralization experiments were conducted with the wild-type (WT) pseudovirus, and antibodies with IC50<0.1 μg/mL were selected for further testing of neutralizing breadth and potency against the wild-type (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), Delta variant (B.1.617.2), and currently prevalent pseudovirus strains (XBB, BA.5, BF.7). Results A total of 21 RBD-specific monoclonal B cells were obtained from two recovered patients, resulting in the isolation of 13 pairs of antibody light/heavy chains. Nine antibodies were successfully expressed, with P1-A1, P1-B6, and P1-B9 exhibiting IC50 values below 0.1 μg/mL against the pseudovirus of the wild-type strain (WT). Specifically, P1-B6 effectively neutralized the wild-type strain (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), and Delta variant (B.1.617.2), with IC50 values reaching 0.01 μg/mL. P1-B9 demonstrated effective neutralization against the wild-type strain (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), Delta variant (B.1.617.2), and Gamma variant (P.1) pseudoviruses, with IC50 values of 0.42 μg/mL, 0.63 μg/mL, 0.28 μg/mL, and 2.50 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, P1-B6 exhibited good neutralization against BA.5 and BF.7 pseudoviruses, with IC50 values of 0.06 μg/mL and 0.09 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 WT strain can induce the generation of neutralizing antibodies with broad-spectrum activity. Generating these broadly neutralizing antibodies does not require an excessively high somatic hypermutation. The obtained antibodies can be used as candidates for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and prevention.
5.Current status and perspectives in environmental oncology
Jie LIU ; Ting GAN ; Wenbiao HU ; Yumin LI
Chronic Diseases and Translational Medicine 2024;10(4):293-301
Cancer stands as a leading global cause of death, with its etiology characterized by complexity and multifaceted factors. Growing research indicates a strong correlation between environmental factors and cancer incidence, underscoring the critical importance of intervening in environmental risk factors to mitigate cancer occurrence. Despite this, specialized research institutions focusing on the intersection of environment and cancer remain scarce, with global investment in cancer prevention significantly trailing behind efforts in diagnosis and treatment. Against the backdrop of rapid global climate change, industrialization, urbanization, aging populations, and the globalization of lifestyles, we proposed the concept of Environmental Oncology (EO) to address these challenges. We discussed the rationale and necessity of developing EO and presented a comprehensive research framework focusing on cancer prevention and treatment. Future EO research will aim to identify cancer causes and implement early prevention strategies using advanced scientific technologies and methods. By emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration and integrating molecular biology at the micro level, EO will explore the relationship between external and internal environments and cancer. EO will identify potential therapeutic targets by studying the pathways through which environmental exposures lead to carcinogenesis. EO will develop early warning systems and disseminate research findings by collecting big data, employing robust statistical models, and establishing research centers.
6.Value of cardiac MRI in evaluation of left atrial function in the postoperative tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary stenosis patients
Yanyan MA ; Rongzhen OUYANG ; Liwei HU ; Aimin SUN ; Qian WANG ; Chen GUO ; Yumin ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2023;57(4):404-409
Objective:To explore the value of cardiac MRI (CMRI) in evaluating left atrial function in patients with postoperative tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) and postoperative pulmonary stenosis (rPS).Methods:Totally 67 pediatric patients (49 with rTOF, 18 with rPS) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) were recruited between January 2019 and October 2021 in Shanghai Children′s Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Thirty-three healthy volunteers, matched in gender and age, were included as controls from July 2017 to August 2018. Left atrial EF, strain and strain rate of three phases (reservoir, conduit and pump), left atrial volume (maximum volume index, minimum volume index and pre-atrial contraction volume index) were measured with corresponding cardiac function analysis software. Then, the differences in these parameters were analyzed between the three groups by ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc comparison and Bonferroni correction.Results:Compared with controls, patients with rTOF had lower reservoir function parameters (EF, strain and strain rate), conduit EF, conduit strain, and left atrial maximum volume index ( P<0.05), but higher pump EF ( P<0.05). In patients with rPS, only the reservoir strain rate decreased compared with controls ( P<0.05), and the remaining data showed no significant difference ( P>0.05). The reservoir and conduit EF and strain in patients with rPS were higher than those in patients with rTOF ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In patients with rTOF and rPS, left atrial function has changed despite the preservation of left ventricular EF, which may be an early marker of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. In children with rTOF, left atrial reservoir and conduit functions decreased while the pump function increased. The reservoir and pump functions in rPS were better than those in rTOF. In addition, CMRI can detect left atrial dysfunction early before it enlarged.
7.Long Noncoding RNA Cytoskeleton Regulator RNA Suppresses Apoptosis in Hepatoma Cells by Modulating the miR-125a-5p/ HS1-Associated Protein X-1 Axis to Induce Caspase-9 Inactivation
Zhen-Yu WU ; Yumin WANG ; Hao HU ; Xiang-Nan AI ; Qiang ZHANG ; Yu-Gang QIN
Gut and Liver 2023;17(6):916-925
Background/Aims:
The involvement of long noncoding RNAs in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been well documented by substantial evidence. However, whether cytoskeleton regulator RNA (CYTOR) could affect the progression of HCC remains unclear.
Methods:
The relative expression of CYTOR, miR-125a-5p and HS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) mRNA in HCC cells were determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The viability of treated HCC cells was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell apoptosis was estimated by flow cytometry analysis, assessment of caspase-9 activity and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining, and Western blot of apoptosisrelated proteins. The interplay between CYTOR or HAX-1 and miR-125a-5p was validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay.
Results:
CYTOR was upregulated and miR-125a-5p was downregulated in HCC cells. CYTOR silencing inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells.miR-125a-5p was sponged and negatively regulated by CYTOR, and HAX-1 was directly targeted and negatively modulated by miR-125a-5p. Overexpression of miR-125a-5p enhanced the repressive effects of CYTOR knockdown on HCC cells, and knockdown of HAX-1 enhanced the inhibitory effects of miR-125a-5p mimics on HCC cells.
Conclusions
CYTOR silencing facilitates HCC cell apoptosis in vitro via the miR-125a-5p/HAX-1 axis.
8.Clinical characteristics and prognosis of febrile convulsions in children during the epidemic period of novel coronavirus Omicron variant
Lei WU ; Jie JIANG ; Yumin HU ; Xin WANG ; Hanjie YANG ; Jiayun SHI
Journal of Chinese Physician 2023;25(12):1806-1810
Objective:To evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of febrile convulsions (FS) in children during the epidemic period of novel coronavirus Omicron variant.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of pediatric patients diagnosed with FS at Changsha Central Hospital Affiliated to University of South China from February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023. The clinical characteristics and prognosis of FS patients caused by Omicron variant infection (observation group) were compared with those caused by non Omicron variant infection (control group).Results:A total of 131 cases in the observation group and 341 cases in the control group; The proportion of children aged 12-36 months in the observation group was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05), and the proportion of children aged ≥60 months was higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). Most of the FS in the observation group occurred within 24 hours of fever (128/131, 97.7%), with a statistically significant difference compared to the control group ( P<0.05), and most of them were generalized tonic clonic seizures (127/131, 96.9%), with only one seizure during the course of the disease (114/131, 87.0%), consistent with the characteristics of simple FS. The main clinical symptoms of FS patients in the observation group were upper respiratory tract infections (108/131, 82.5%), which were significantly higher than those in the control group (164/341, 48.1%), while the incidence of lower respiratory tract infections was lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). 369 pediatric patients were followed up by phone or outpatient visits, with 98 cases in the observation group and 2 cases experiencing recurrence. There was no recurrence in the group aged ≥60 months; A total of 271 cases were followed up in the control group, with 9 cases experiencing recurrence. Conclusions:The number of children with FS caused by novel coronavirus Omicron variant has increased sharply, and the proportion of late onset FS patients has increased significantly. Most of them are upper respiratory tract infections. Convulsions usually occur within 24 hours of fever, and the prognosis is good.
9.A prediction model based on contrast-enhanced MRI radiomics and clinical features for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after radical resection
Yang GAO ; Chuanqiang LAN ; Weichuan YE ; Yumin HU ; Jianjian XING ; Yongjin ZHOU ; Jingle FEI ; Jiansong JI
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2022;28(11):817-821
Objective:To develop a prediction model based on imaging features by contrast-enhanced MRI radiomics combined with clinical features for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radical resection.Methods:A retrospective study was carried out on 109 HCC patients who underwent radical resection at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from January 2015 to December 2020. Of 109 patients enrolled in this study, there were 96 males and 13 females, aged (58.3±10.7) years. Based on whether there was recurrence within 12 months after operation, the patients were divided into the early recurrence group ( n=31) and the control group ( n=78). These 109 patients were then randomly divided into the validation set ( n=23) and the training set ( n=86) at a ratio of 1∶4. Based on preoperative multi-phase contrast-enhanced MRI scanning, the tumor lesions were delineated on the Radcloud platform, and 1 409 quantitative radiomic features were extracted. Dimension reduction and screening of these features were carried out using variance threshold, SelectKBest and LASSO. Combined with clinical features (alpha fetoprotein, tumor size), several prediction model were established through machine learning. The predictive efficiencies of these models were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, accuracy rate, recall rate and balanced F score. Results:The proportions of irregular tumor shape and unclear tumor boundary, as well as maximum tumor diameter in the early recurrence group were significantly higher than that in the control group, but the proportion of pseudocapsule was significantly lower than that in the control group (all P<0.05). A total of 465 features were screened from the 1 409 features using the variance threshold method, followed by 38 features were screened using the method of SelectKBest. Finally 7 optimal radiomic features were screened based on the LASSO method. When combined with clinical features, 5 prediction models were established through machine learning. These models were support vector machine, Gaussian naive bayes, logistic regression, Multinomial naive bayes and K-nearest neighbor (KNN), respectively. Among these 5 models, the prediction efficiency of the KNN model was relatively highest, with the area under the ROC curve, accuracy rate, recall rate and balanced F score being 0.90, 0.98, 0.74 and 0.84 in the training set, and 0.76, 0.92, 0.75 and 0.83 in the verification set, respectively. Thus, the KNN model was selected as the best prediction model in this study. Conclusion:The prediction model of KNN was developed for early recurrence of HCC after radical resection based on preoperative contrast-enhanced MRI radiomics combined with clinical features.
10.Research progress on clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2022;41(8):986-991
Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)is an autoimmune disease with unknown etiology and pathogenesis, and is characterized by multiple organ involvement and the production of autoantibodies.Late-onset SLE means that clinical symptoms first occur after 50 years of age, often without typical skin lesions and implicating fewer target organs.It exhibits low disease activity, a high degree of cumulative damage, high rates of comorbidity and mortality, and abnormal immunological profiles, which make its diagnosis difficult.Due to the physiological state and disease characteristics in the elderly, the treatment is slightly different from that for SLE.This article reviews the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of late-onset SLE to provide a basis for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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