1.Surgical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis: challenges and innovations
Pei ZHANG ; Lu ZHAO ; Yunfei FANG ; Hui YANG ; Yifan WANG ; Yanqiong MA ; Yu MENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):512-518
Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis is a highly invasive zoonotic parasitic disease with poor prognosis. Surgical intervention serves as the pivotal approach to achieve radical cure and improve the prognosis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis patients. In recent years, with the popularization of the concept of precision surgery and the development of the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model, the surgical treatment strategies for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis have been continuously enriched, and the selection of surgical procedures has become increasingly diversified. Although key surgical techniques such as radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation have achieved remarkable progress in clinical application, many insurmountable challenges still remain. Therefore, by sorting out the latest evidence-based advances in the field of surgical treatment for hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, this article focuses on discussing the application status and bottlenecks of radical hepatectomy, autologous liver transplantation and allogeneic liver transplantation in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis.
2.Immunological features of a patient with CHARGE syndrome caused by the CHD7 gene c.5122C>T nonsense mutation
Chenlin LI ; Xin CHEN ; Qing LIU ; Ran CHEN ; Wenli HE ; Lin TONG ; Yulin LI ; Zhengxia PAN ; Yunfei AN ; Lu ZHAO
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):97-102,122
Objective To analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics of a rare case of CHARGE syndrome,we summarize the genotype and phenotype in the Chinese patient population,and explore the underlying immunopathogenic mechanisms.Methods Clinical data from a pediatric patient with CHARGE syndrome were collected and analyzed.A comprehensive analysis of the Chinese patient population was conducted.Gene analysis and immunological characterization were performed using flow cytometry,deep sequencing,and quantitative PCR.Results The proband was a premature female infant whose primary clinical manifestations included congenital heart disease,recurrent respiratory infections,respiratory failure,airway dysplasia,hearing impairment,and bilateral choroidal coloboma.Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation in the CHD7 gene,c.5122C>T(p.Gln1708Ter),classified as pathogenic according to ACMG criteria.Immunological studies indicated impaired thymic output of T cells,significant alterations in the number and proportion of CD8+T cell subsets,increased apoptosis,and defective activation and production of key effector cytokines such as IFN-γ by CD8+T cells.However,no significant abnormalities were observed in peripheral lymphocyte proliferation.Conclusion CHARGE syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene.The main clinical features include ocular defects,cardiac disease,choanal atresia/cleft lip and palate,growth retardation,gonadal hypoplasia,and ear anomalies.This case study suggests that CHARGE syndrome is associated with abnormalities in the development,apoptosis,and effector functions of immune cells.
3.A novel DKC1 gene mutation in a case of dyskeratosis congenita
Wenli HE ; Shuyu FANG ; Lu YANG ; Rui GAN ; Lang YU ; Yunfei AN ; Xiaodong ZHAO ; Li'na ZHOU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):103-109
Objective To determine the pathogenicity of a novel mutation(c.109_111del)in DKC1 gene of an adult patient,and to analyze the clinical phenotype,immunophenotype and telomere length,so as to provide clues for early clinical identification and diagnosis.Methods The clinical data and peripheral blood samples of the patient were collected for genetic testing and family analysis.The lymphocyte subsets of the patient were detected by Flow cytometry,and the telomere length of the patient and healthy controls were detected by Flow-FISH.Results The main clinical manifestations of the patient were mucocutaneous triad,bone marrow failure and infection.The telomere length of lymphocytes in the patient was significantly shorter than that of healthy controls of the same age,and the absolute value and percentage of lymphocyte subsets were abnormal.Conclusion The clinical manifestations of DC patients are diverse.Flow-FISH detection of telomere length is helpful for early diagnosis of DC patients.
4.Masquelet technique combined with antibiotic-coated cement plate for the treatment of infected clavicle nonunion
Xiaotian LU ; Yitong SU ; Yunfei XIE ; Xinglei CHENG ; Shengyan GAO ; Chengsheng WANG ; Meng LI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(20):1313-1319
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the Masquelet technique (induced membrane technique) combined with an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement-coated plate for the treatment of infected nonunion following internal fixation of clavicle fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients with clavicular infected nonunion who underwent staged treatment using the Masquelet technique combined with an antibiotic-loaded bone cement-coated plate between May 2021 and May 2023 in the Second Ward of Traumatic Orthopedics at Gansu Provincial People's Hospital. The cohort included 8 males and 4 females, with a mean age of 28.8±3.1 years (range: 12-48 years). Among them, 10 cases had mid-third clavicular defects, and 2 cases had lateral third defects. All 12 cases involved nonunion due to bone infection following internal fixation of clavicle fractures, with 6 cases initially fixed with Kirschner wires and 6 with plates. The induced membrane technique was applied in two stages. Stage One: Radical debridement was performed, including removal of the original internal fixation and infected necrotic tissue. A plate was implanted, and the bone defect area was filled with antibiotic-loaded bone cement, fully encapsulating the plate. Stage Two: Bone graft reconstruction was carried out 6-8 weeks later, after infection control was confirmed. The induced membrane was incised, the bone cement was removed, and a bone graft was placed within the membrane. Outcomes included infection control, bone union time, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and Constant-Murley shoulder score (CMS) at the final follow-up.Results:The interval between the first and second surgeries was 7.42±1.17 weeks (range: 6-10 weeks). All 12 patients were followed up for a mean duration of 16.4±3.9 months (range: 12-24 months). One patient experienced recurrent infection after the first-stage surgery, which was controlled after repeat debridement and replacement of antibiotic-loaded bone cement, with no recurrence during follow-up. All 12 patients achieved bony union, with a mean healing time of 3.42±0.67 months (range: 3-5 months). Radiographs showed continuous bone cortex with no visible fracture lines. At the final follow-up, the mean VAS score was 0.42±0.51, significantly lower than the preoperative score of 6.68±1.12 ( t=18.711, P<0.001). The mean CMS score was 88.93±3.94, significantly higher than the preoperative score of 44.41±7.15 ( t=20.786, P<0.001). Conclusion:The Masquelet technique combined with an antibiotic-loaded bone cement-coated plate is effective in treating infected nonunion after internal fixation of clavicle fractures, significantly improving acromioclavicular joint function.
5.Residual cell types,molecular expression profiles and quality assessment of in vitro cultured human thymic slices
Wanqing GUAN ; Guihua LUO ; Jingxuan HAN ; Qun XIANG ; Yunfei AN ; Lu ZHAO ; Jianhong MI ; Zeqing FENG ; Yuzhang WU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(9):893-903
Objective To analyze the composition and function of residual cells in pre-transplantation human thymic slices by single-cell transcriptomics sequencing(scRNA-seq),and established a quality assessment method for thymic slices based on the expression levels of molecular markers in the culture supernatant.Methods The discarded thymus from 18 patients with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical treatment in Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University from May 2023 to January 2024 were collected and prepared into thymic slices.After the slices were cultured in vitro for 14 d,scRNA-seq was employed to identify the residual cell types,and gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis was performed to analyze the biological function of the residual cells.Then based on the literature concerning thymic slice culture,the molecular markers indicating thymocyte function were screened out.ELISA was applied to detect the changes in protein levels of molecular markers in the supernatant.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted and assess the value of the molecular markers in the supernatant in evaluating the quality of thymic slices with area under the curve(AUC).Then,the qualified and unqualified thymic slices determined by our obtained molecular markers were transplanted subcutaneously into male nude mice(6~8 weeks old,weighing 14~17 g),respectively,and the male nude mice without transplantation of the thymic slices served as control group.Flow cytometry and histologic analysis were utilized to observe the immune reconstitution after transplantation.Results ① scRNA-seq identified 11 cell types in thymic slices,dominated with epithelial cells,fibroblasts,and T cells.GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that epithelial cells were involved in enrichment entries related to chemotaxis,epithelial cell development,cell matrix adhesion and tight junction;fibroblasts were involved in enrichment entries related to extracellular matrix,epithelial cell proliferation,negative regulation of cell migration,and regulation of actin cytoskeleton;T cells were mainly related to T cell differentiation,regulation of T cell activation,T cell apoptosis,and T cell receptor signaling.② Molecular markers,CCL19,CCL21,CXCL12,CXCL16,IL16 and SELL were identified to indicate thymocyte function.Compared with the levels of the first day,the protein secretions of CCL19,CCL21,CXCL12 and CXCL16 were significantly increased during in vitro culture(P<0.05),while the protein secretions of IL16 and L-selectin(protein form of SELL)were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The combined predictor Pre1 from subset of cytokines(IL16 and L-selectin)had the highest value in the quality assessment of thymic slices after 1 d of culture(AUC=0.883),and the combined predictor Pre2 from subset of cytokines(CCL19,CCL21,CXCL12 and CXCL16)had the highest value in the quality assessment after 14 d of culture(AUC=0.948).③ Transplantation in nude mice indicated that the qualified thymic slices could develop to thymus structure in vivo,and effectively increase the proportion of T cells in peripheral blood(P<0.01),while the unqualified thymic slices could not obtain the reconstitution of T cell development.Conclusion The main residual component cells in thymic slices are epithelial cells,fibroblasts and T cells.IL16 and L-selectin can be used as potential indicators to determine the quality of donor thymic samples.CCL19,CCL21,CXCL12 and CXCL16 can effectively evaluate the quality of thymic slices before transplantation.
6.Immunological features of a patient with CHARGE syndrome caused by the CHD7 gene c.5122C>T nonsense mutation
Chenlin LI ; Xin CHEN ; Qing LIU ; Ran CHEN ; Wenli HE ; Lin TONG ; Yulin LI ; Zhengxia PAN ; Yunfei AN ; Lu ZHAO
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):97-102,122
Objective To analyze the clinical and immunological characteristics of a rare case of CHARGE syndrome,we summarize the genotype and phenotype in the Chinese patient population,and explore the underlying immunopathogenic mechanisms.Methods Clinical data from a pediatric patient with CHARGE syndrome were collected and analyzed.A comprehensive analysis of the Chinese patient population was conducted.Gene analysis and immunological characterization were performed using flow cytometry,deep sequencing,and quantitative PCR.Results The proband was a premature female infant whose primary clinical manifestations included congenital heart disease,recurrent respiratory infections,respiratory failure,airway dysplasia,hearing impairment,and bilateral choroidal coloboma.Whole-exome sequencing revealed a de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation in the CHD7 gene,c.5122C>T(p.Gln1708Ter),classified as pathogenic according to ACMG criteria.Immunological studies indicated impaired thymic output of T cells,significant alterations in the number and proportion of CD8+T cell subsets,increased apoptosis,and defective activation and production of key effector cytokines such as IFN-γ by CD8+T cells.However,no significant abnormalities were observed in peripheral lymphocyte proliferation.Conclusion CHARGE syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene.The main clinical features include ocular defects,cardiac disease,choanal atresia/cleft lip and palate,growth retardation,gonadal hypoplasia,and ear anomalies.This case study suggests that CHARGE syndrome is associated with abnormalities in the development,apoptosis,and effector functions of immune cells.
7.A novel DKC1 gene mutation in a case of dyskeratosis congenita
Wenli HE ; Shuyu FANG ; Lu YANG ; Rui GAN ; Lang YU ; Yunfei AN ; Xiaodong ZHAO ; Li'na ZHOU
Immunological Journal 2025;41(2):103-109
Objective To determine the pathogenicity of a novel mutation(c.109_111del)in DKC1 gene of an adult patient,and to analyze the clinical phenotype,immunophenotype and telomere length,so as to provide clues for early clinical identification and diagnosis.Methods The clinical data and peripheral blood samples of the patient were collected for genetic testing and family analysis.The lymphocyte subsets of the patient were detected by Flow cytometry,and the telomere length of the patient and healthy controls were detected by Flow-FISH.Results The main clinical manifestations of the patient were mucocutaneous triad,bone marrow failure and infection.The telomere length of lymphocytes in the patient was significantly shorter than that of healthy controls of the same age,and the absolute value and percentage of lymphocyte subsets were abnormal.Conclusion The clinical manifestations of DC patients are diverse.Flow-FISH detection of telomere length is helpful for early diagnosis of DC patients.
8.Prrx1 promotes mesangial cell proliferation and kidney fibrosis through YAP in diabetic nephropathy.
Liu XU ; Jiasen SHI ; Huan LI ; Yunfei LIU ; Jingyi WANG ; Xizhi LI ; Dongxue REN ; Sijie LIU ; Heng WANG ; Yinfei LU ; Jinfang SONG ; Lei DU ; Qian LU ; Xiaoxing YIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101247-101247
Mesangial cell proliferation is an early pathological indicator of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Growing evidence highlights the pivotal role of paired-related homeobox 1 (Prrx1), a key regulator of cellular proliferation and tissue differentiation, in various disease pathogenesis. Notably, Prrx1 is highly expressed in mesangial cells under DN conditions. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that Prrx1 overexpression promotes mesangial cell proliferation and contributes to renal fibrosis in db/m mice. Conversely, Prrx1 knockdown markedly suppresses hyperglycemia-induced mesangial cell proliferation and mitigates renal fibrosis in db/db mice. Mechanistically, Prrx1 directly interacts with the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) promoter, leading to the upregulation of YAP expression. This upregulation promotes mesangial cell proliferation and exacerbates renal fibrosis. These findings emphasize the crucial role of Prrx1 upregulation in high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation, ultimately leading to renal fibrosis in DN. Therefore, targeting Prrx1 to downregulate its expression presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating renal fibrosis associated with DN.
9.Association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13-18
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1232-1236
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents.
Results:
In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14),and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.
10.Masquelet technique combined with antibiotic-coated cement plate for the treatment of infected clavicle nonunion
Xiaotian LU ; Yitong SU ; Yunfei XIE ; Xinglei CHENG ; Shengyan GAO ; Chengsheng WANG ; Meng LI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(20):1313-1319
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the Masquelet technique (induced membrane technique) combined with an antibiotic-impregnated bone cement-coated plate for the treatment of infected nonunion following internal fixation of clavicle fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 12 patients with clavicular infected nonunion who underwent staged treatment using the Masquelet technique combined with an antibiotic-loaded bone cement-coated plate between May 2021 and May 2023 in the Second Ward of Traumatic Orthopedics at Gansu Provincial People's Hospital. The cohort included 8 males and 4 females, with a mean age of 28.8±3.1 years (range: 12-48 years). Among them, 10 cases had mid-third clavicular defects, and 2 cases had lateral third defects. All 12 cases involved nonunion due to bone infection following internal fixation of clavicle fractures, with 6 cases initially fixed with Kirschner wires and 6 with plates. The induced membrane technique was applied in two stages. Stage One: Radical debridement was performed, including removal of the original internal fixation and infected necrotic tissue. A plate was implanted, and the bone defect area was filled with antibiotic-loaded bone cement, fully encapsulating the plate. Stage Two: Bone graft reconstruction was carried out 6-8 weeks later, after infection control was confirmed. The induced membrane was incised, the bone cement was removed, and a bone graft was placed within the membrane. Outcomes included infection control, bone union time, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and Constant-Murley shoulder score (CMS) at the final follow-up.Results:The interval between the first and second surgeries was 7.42±1.17 weeks (range: 6-10 weeks). All 12 patients were followed up for a mean duration of 16.4±3.9 months (range: 12-24 months). One patient experienced recurrent infection after the first-stage surgery, which was controlled after repeat debridement and replacement of antibiotic-loaded bone cement, with no recurrence during follow-up. All 12 patients achieved bony union, with a mean healing time of 3.42±0.67 months (range: 3-5 months). Radiographs showed continuous bone cortex with no visible fracture lines. At the final follow-up, the mean VAS score was 0.42±0.51, significantly lower than the preoperative score of 6.68±1.12 ( t=18.711, P<0.001). The mean CMS score was 88.93±3.94, significantly higher than the preoperative score of 44.41±7.15 ( t=20.786, P<0.001). Conclusion:The Masquelet technique combined with an antibiotic-loaded bone cement-coated plate is effective in treating infected nonunion after internal fixation of clavicle fractures, significantly improving acromioclavicular joint function.


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