1.Whole-genome sequencing analysis of co-existing bacteria in platelet products: genomic features and biological implications
Qiqi WANG ; Yuwei ZHAO ; Xue CHEN ; Zhan GAO ; Miao HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):305-316
Objective: To establish a rapid, accurate, and decentralized workflow for bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and risk profiling within the shelf-life of platelet concentrates, and to characterize the species, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and immune evasion mechanisms of co-existing bacteria in qualified platelet products, thereby providing a scientific basis for transfusion safety assessment. Methods: Three units of platelet concentrates, which tested negative by routine bacterial screening, were collected from the Chengdu Blood Center between May and June 2025. Samples were enriched at 37℃under six aerobic and nine anaerobic conditions for 7 days. Using a culturomics strategy, aliquots were plated for isolation on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to obtain cultivable isolates, with negative culture controls included to exclude contamination. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA was extracted via mechanical grinding, purified, and size-selected. Sequencing libraries were constructed and sequenced on the G-seq500 single-molecule nanopore sequencing platform. Genomes were assembled using Flye and polished with NextPolish, with quality evaluated by BUSCO and CheckM. Taxonomic identification was performed using GTDB-Tk. Functional annotation and database comparisons were conducted to analyze virulence factors, AMR genes, and genes related to immune evasion and environmental adaptation. Results: Viable bacteria were successfully isolated from all three qualified platelet units within their shelf life. The isolates were identified as Bacillus albus, Niallia taxi, and Staphylococcus warneri. Nanopore sequencing generated 92 227-109 813 reads (totaling 680-758 Mb) with an N50 of 7 625-8 584 bp and Q20/Q30 scores of 97%/93%, respectively. All three genomes were assembled into complete circular chromosomes with 1-3 plasmids, achieving >93% completeness. Functional analysis revealed that B. albus carried multiple hemolysins, metalloproteases, and multidrug resistance genes, indicating the highest potential pathogenicity and AMR risk. S. warneri exhibited a typical multidrug resistance profile and regulatory network characteristic of coagulase-negative staphylococci, suggesting intermediate virulence. N. taxi harbored few canonical virulence factors and lacked functional AMR determinants, presenting a "low-virulence, low-resistance" profile. Notably, all three strains were enriched in genes encoding antimicrobial peptide resistance systems (e.g., dltABCD, mprF, GraRS, BceAB) and antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a strong capacity to withstand immune stress in the blood environment. Conclusion: Viable bacteria can be recovered from qualified platelet concentrates that test negative by routine screening. Nanopore WGS enables rapid strain-level identification and comprehensive risk profiling of virulence, resistance, and immune adaptation traits. The functional repertoires of these "co-existing" isolates range from environmental adaptation to potential pathogenicity, representing an underappreciated risk for transfusion-transmitted infections in susceptible recipients.
2.Quality assessment of blood components prepared by an automatic whole blood processing system
Liu HE ; Xin JI ; Yuwei HU ; Ling FANG ; Haixia XU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):384-390
Objective: To compare the Reveos automated blood processing system with the current method, and to evaluate the feasibility and validity of using the Reveos system for blood component preparation. Methods: Forty units of 400 mL whole blood samples were divided into two groups: 2C group (for two-component preparation) and 3C group (for three-component preparation). Each group was further divided into a Reveos subgroup and a control subgroup. Blood components were prepared using the Reveos system and the current centrifugation method respectively. The 2C group yielded suspended red blood cells and plasma, while the 3C group yielded suspended red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Key quality indicators for red blood cells, plasma, and platelets were measured before and after separation. Inter-group differences were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results: The trend of changes in the main performance indicators of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets before and after separation was generally consistent between the Reveos group and the control group, with no significant differences for most performance indicators. The Reveos system outperformed the current method in several aspects: in the 3C group, the hematocrit (Hct) was significantly higher in the Reveos group than in the control group [(62.82%±1.64%) vs (53.62%±3.04)%, P<0.001]; the white blood cell count in red blood cell suspensions was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.37±1.42)×10
/L vs (8.42±2.30)×10
/L, P<0.001]; plasma yield was 27.5% higher than that in the control group [(183.90±17.37) mL vs (144.28±20.53) mL, P<0.001]; and the platelet activation rate was significantly lower than that in the control group [(21.97±14.25)% vs (34.73±11.92)%, P=0.044]. Conclusion: The Reveos system demonstrates good consistency with the current method in preparing blood components, and outperforms the current method in terms of leukocyte reduction and red blood cell concentration.
3.Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure profiles and health risk assessment from dietary and drinking water sources among elderly populations in Songjiang District, Shanghai
Qing CHEN ; Tao YING ; Yuwei LIU ; Hua CAI ; Hong LIU ; Yonggen JIANG ; Gengsheng HE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1299-1306
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent organic pollutants associated with adverse health effects including hepatotoxicity, immunosuppression, and carcinogenicity, have undergone risk assessments by multiple international organizations, with dietary exposure being the primary pathway. Objective To characterize the exposure to PFAS from food and drinking water sources of elderly residents in Songjiang District of Shanghai and to evaluate associated health risk and health effects. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2024 in Songjiang District based on the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank (SSACB) cohort. Dietary surveys were administered via face-to-face interviews among older adults aged 65 years and above, yielding 4 583 valid questionnaires. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of PFAS was calculated by integrating data from the Sixth National Dietary Survey and recent literature on PFAS concentrations in food and drinking water in Shanghai. Health risk assessment was performed using health-based guideline values (HBGV) proposed by various institutions and studies. Additionally, correlation analysis and linear regression modeling of EDI and biochemical indicators in the elderly were conducted to evaluate potential adverse health effects. Results The elderly population in Songjiang District exhibited dietary characteristics consistent with the Eastern Healthy Diet Pattern. Among PFAS compounds, PFOA showed the highest level of oral exposure [mean: 1.495 ng·(kg·d−1)], followed by PFOS [mean: 0.637 ng·(kg·d−1)], PFHxS [mean: 0.636 ng·(kg·d−1)], and PFBS [mean: 0.273 ng·(kg·d−1)]. Specifically, drinking water was the primary source of PFOA [1.415 ng·(kg·d−1), accounting for 94.60%], while aquatic products were the major source of PFOS [0.278 ng·(kg·d−1), accounting for 43.66%]. Using the HBGV derived by China's epidemiological studies, the mean hazard index (HI) for PFAS exposure was 1.39, indicating 54.35% of the population had potential health risks (HI>1). Following the 2024 standard established by the Food Safety Commission of Japan (FSCJ), the HI value dropped to 0.11, suggesting negligible risk. PFAS exposure was negatively associated with triglyceride levels and the indicators of liver and kidney function, but positively associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lung cancer markers in the elderly residents. Conclusion PFAS exposure among the elderly residents in Songjiang District is predominantly attributed to PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFBS, with drinking water and aquatic products identified as primary exposure sources. Current exposure levels demonstrate significant associations with biomarkers of lipid metabolism and lung cancer markers, suggesting potential population health risks. These findings underscore the urgent need to establish HBGV for PFAS compounds based on Chinese population-specific metabolic characteristics.
4.Recent research progress of prenatal stress-induced disease by disrupting offspring intestinal microbiota
Yingzhi He ; Cizheng Zeng ; Xuemei Chen ; Yuwei Xie ; Dang Ao ; Ling Liu ; Wen Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):372-377
Abstract
Prenatal stress is a common, systemic, nonspecific stress response that occurs during pregnancy. The gut microbiota, which is known as the “second genome” of the human body, interacts with all major systems of the body. Changes in the gut microbiota can impact the development and health of infants and young children. Advances in research technology have allowed us to uncover the relationship between prenatal stress and imbalances in offspring intestinal microbiota, as well as the development of multiple systemic diseases. However, the exact mechanisms through which prenatal stress disrupts the gut microbiota of offspring remain incompletely understood. This review summarizes the existing research on diseases caused by prenatal stress disrupting the offspring intestinal flora, and seeks future research directions to expand the understanding of the pathogenesis of infant diseases.
5.Research progress of mitophagy in asthma
Yingzhi He ; You Wang ; Xuemei Chen ; Yuwei Xie ; Dang Ao ; Chuanghong Ke ; Wen Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):766-771
Abstract
Asthma is a well-characterized heterogeneous disease marked by airway remodeling and chronic airway inflammation. Clinically, the treatment of asthma primarily relies on hormonal drugs. However, the long-term use of these medications can lead to significant side effects. Mitophagy is a biological process that selectively transports damaged mitochondria to lysosomes for degradation. Recent research has revealed the crosstalk between mitophagy and asthma. Accordingly, taking mitophagy as an entry point, summarizing the key molecular mechanisms and regulators of mitophagy in asthma will facilitate the development of novel intervention targets and strategies for asthmatic treatment.
6.Fetal common arterial trunk:echocardiographic and genetic characteristics
Lin SUN ; Jiancheng HAN ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiaoyan HAO ; Hairui SUN ; Yanping RUAN ; Tong YI ; Xiaoyan GU ; Chao XUE ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhuo CHEN ; Yong GUO ; Zhongshan GOU ; Yuwei FU ; Yihua HE
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(6):504-510
Objective:To analyze the echocardiographic and genetic characteristics of fetuses with common arterial trunk(CAT).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 77 480 fetal echocardiograms examined at the Maternal-Fetal Medicine center in Fetal Heart Disease of Beijing Anzhen Hospital from November 2010 to November 2024.Among them,106 fetuses were initially diagnosed with CAT,and 95 cases were ultimately confirmed(0.1%,95/77 480). The echocardiographic and genetic features of CAT fetuses were analyzed. According to the modified Van Praagh classification,CAT was divided into types A1-A4[with ventricular septal defect(VSD)]and B1-B4(without VSD)based on the origin of the pulmonary artery branches and the presence or absence of a VSD. Additionally,CAT was categorized into isolated and complex types based on the presence of associated intracardiac or extracardiac anomalies.Results:① Among the 95 confirmed CAT fetuses,type A accounted for 90.5%(86/95),and type B accounted for 9.5%(9/95). All 9 type B CAT fetuses exhibited no overriding of the arterial trunk , with 8 cases showing left ventricular hypoplasia accompanied by mitral atresia or absence.② Of the 95 CAT fetuses,14 were isolated(14.7%,14/95) , and 81 were complex(85.3%,81/95).The main associated intracardiac anomalies included:single ventricle(22 cases),complete atrioventricular septal defect(12 cases),anomalous pulmonary venous drainage(10 cases),right aortic arch with mirror-image branching(16 cases),and persistent left superior vena cava(14 cases). ③ Genetic testing was performed in 31 fetuses,with 18 showing positive results,primarily 22q11.21 deletion syndrome(29.0%,9/31). Conclusions:Apart from VSD,the most common intracardiac anomaly associated with CAT fetuses is single ventricle. Type B CAT without trunk overriding is often associated with left ventricular hypoplasia and mitral atresia or absence. The most frequent genetic abnormality in CAT fetuses is 22q11.21 deletion syndrome. Prenatal echocardiography should clarify the CAT subtype and associated anomalies,and genetic testing is strongly recommended for perinatal counseling and prognostic evaluation.
7.Emergency nursing care of 1 patient with neck suicide complicated with airway obstruction and hemorrhagic shock
Youya DING ; Sa WANG ; Danping YAN ; Shuaishuai ZHOU ; Tiantian HE ; Yuwei WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(15):1892-1895
To summarize the emergency nursing experience of 1 patient with neck suicide complicated with airway obstruction and hemorrhagic shock.Nursing points:to ensure airway safety and establish artificial airway;to optimize airway management and implement early sedation and wake-up;to control injury bleeding and limited fluid resuscitation;to establish a micro blood station in the emergency department and start a high-dose blood transfusion procedure;to carry out the refined target body temperature management to reduce complications;to optimize speech communication strategies and implement early psychological care.After 7 days of careful treatment and nursing,the patient's condition improved and recovered.After 2 months of follow-up,the patient recovered well.
8.Canonical and noncanonical NOTCH signaling in the nongenetic resistance of cancer: distinct and concerted control.
Xianzhe HUANG ; Wenwei CHEN ; Yanyan WANG ; Dmytro SHYTIKOV ; Yanwen WANG ; Wangyi ZHU ; Ruyi CHEN ; Yuwei HE ; Yanjia YANG ; Wei GUO
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):23-52
Therapeutic resistance in cancer is responsible for numerous cancer deaths in clinical practice. While target mutations are well recognized as the basis of genetic resistance to targeted therapy, nontarget mutation resistance (or nongenetic resistance) remains poorly characterized. Despite its complex and unintegrated mechanisms in the literature, nongenetic resistance is considered from our perspective to be a collective response of innate or acquired resistant subpopulations in heterogeneous tumors to therapy. These subpopulations, e.g., cancer stem-like cells, cancer cells with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and drug-tolerant persisters, are protected by their resistance traits at cellular and molecular levels. This review summarizes recent advances in the research on resistant populations and their resistance traits. NOTCH signaling, as a central regulator of nongenetic resistance, is discussed with a special focus on its canonical maintenance of resistant cancer cells and noncanonical regulation of their resistance traits. This novel view of canonical and noncanonical NOTCH signaling pathways is translated into our proposal of reshaping therapeutic strategies targeting NOTCH signaling in resistant cancer cells. We hope that this review will lead researchers to study the canonical and noncanonical arms of NOTCH signaling as an integrated resistant mechanism, thus promoting the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Receptors, Notch/metabolism*
;
Disease Resistance/physiology*
;
Signal Transduction/physiology*
;
Humans
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Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology*
;
Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods*
9.Z-DNA-binding protein 1-mediated programmed cell death: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications.
Yuwei HUANG ; Lian WANG ; Yanghui ZHU ; Xiaoxue LI ; Yingying DAI ; Gu HE ; Xian JIANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2421-2451
Programmed cell death (PCD) is characterized as a cell death pathway governed by specific gene-encoding requirements, plays crucial roles in the homeostasis and innate immunity of organisms, and serves as both a pathogenic mechanism and a therapeutic target for a variety of human diseases. Z-DNA-binding protein 1 (ZBP1) functions as a cytosolic nucleic acid sensor, utilizing its unique Zα domains to detect endogenous or exogenous nucleic acids and its receptor-interacting protein homotypic interaction motif (RHIM) domains to sense or bind specific signaling molecules, thereby exerting regulatory effects on various forms of PCD. ZBP1 is involved in apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and PANoptosis and interacts with molecules, such as receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), to influence cell fate under various pathological conditions. It plays a crucial role in regulating PCD during infections, inflammatory and neurological diseases, cancers, and other conditions, affecting disease onset and progression. Targeting ZBP1-associated PCD may represent a viable therapeutic strategy for related pathological conditions. This review comprehensively summarizes the regulatory functions of ZBP1 in PCD and its interactions with several closely associated signaling molecules and delineates the diseases linked to ZBP1-mediated PCD, along with the potential therapeutic implications of ZBP1 in these contexts. Ongoing research on ZBP1 is being refined across various disease models, and these advancements may provide novel insights for studies focusing on PCD, potentially leading to new therapeutic options for related diseases.
10.Epidemiological status of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis and influencing factors related outbreak in Fujian Province
Wenxiang HE ; Linfeng LI ; Ying ZHU ; Yuwei WENG ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(7):742-748
This study was aimed at comprehensively understanding the epidemic status of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis(AHC)and influencing factors related outbreak in Fujian Province,to provide valuable insights for AHC prevention and control in this region.We conducted a descriptive statistical analysis of epidemiological data for AHC cases.Additionally,clinical samples collected from a 2023 outbreak were subjected to pathogen detection,determination of full-length nucleotide sequences within the VP1 region,genotype identification,and comprehensive analysis.The peak incidence of AHC in 2023 was observed in September and accounted for a substantial proportion(86.39%,5 205/6 025)of the total cases throughout the year.The three areas with the highest incidence rates were Sanming(118.57/100 000),Longyan(53.83/100 000)and Zhangzhou(16.02/100 000).From 2011 to 2022,the inci-dence of AHC in Longyan City was the highest for consecutive 12 years.During the peak AHC outbreak period in Fujian Province in 2023,all 62 conjunctival swabs collected were identified as CVA24v,and 60 complete VP1 sequences were obtained through se-quencing.The nucleotide sequence identity among these 60 sequences ranged from 98.7%to 100%,whereas the amino acid identity ranged from 98.4%to 100%.The highest nucleotide sequence identity was observed for the 2023 strain isolated from Zhongshan,Guangdong Province(rang:99.0%~100%).The 2023 strains in Fujian Province belonged to the GIV genotype,and L16I represented a potential unique amino acid variation within the sequence.CVA24v was the causative agent responsible for this AHC epidemic,and its GIV genotype is currently the dominant type in China.Future efforts should prioritize AHC prevention and control measures cen-tered in key cities.Monitoring and early warning of AHC in the whole province should be strengthened before September each year,and the variation of pathogen nucleic should also be tracked in time.


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