1.Identification of terpenoid synthases family in Perilla frutescens and functional analysis of germacrene D synthase.
Pei-Na ZHOU ; Zai-Biao ZHU ; Lei XIONG ; Ying ZHANG ; Peng CHEN ; Huang-Jin TONG ; Cheng-Hao FEI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2658-2673
Based on whole-genome identification of the TPS gene family in Perilla frutescens and screening, cloning, bioinformatics, and expression analysis of the synthetic enzyme for the insect-resistant component germacrene D, this study lays the foundation for understanding the biological function of the TPS gene family and the insect resistance mechanism in P. frutescens. This study used bioinformatics tools to identify the TPS gene family of P. frutescens based on its whole genome and predicted the physicochemical properties, systematic classification, and promoter cis-elements of the proteins. The relative content of germacrene D was detected in both normal and insect-infested leaves of P. frutescens, and the germacrene D synthase was screened and isolated. Gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, and expression profiling were then performed. The results showed that a total of 99 TPS genes were identified in the genome, which were classified into the TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e/f, and TPS-g subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis showed that the TPS in P. frutescens has conserved structural characteristics within the same subfamily. Promoter cis-element analysis predicted the presence of light-responsive elements, multiple hormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements in the TPS family of P. frutescens. Transcriptome data revealed that most of the TPS genes in P. frutescens were highly expressed in the leaves. GC-MS analysis showed that the relative content of germacrene D significantly increased in insect-damaged leaves, suggesting that it may act as an insect-resistant component. The germacrene D synthase gene was screened through homologous protein binding gene expression and was found to belong to the TPS-a subfamily, encoding a 64.89 kDa protein. This protein was hydrophilic, lacked a transmembrane structure and signal peptide, and was predominantly expressed in leaves, with significantly higher expression in insect-damaged leaves compared to normal leaves. In vitro expression results showed that germacrene D synthase tended to form inclusion bodies. Molecular docking showed that farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) fell into the active pocket of the protein and interacted strongly with six active sites. This study provides a foundation for further research on the biological functions of the TPS gene family in P. frutescens and the molecular mechanisms underlying its insect resistance.
Perilla frutescens/chemistry*
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Plant Proteins/chemistry*
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Multigene Family
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Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/metabolism*
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Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry*
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Phylogeny
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
2.Identification of high-risk preoperative blood indicators and baseline characteristics for multiple postoperative complications in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a multi-machine learning feature contribution analysis.
Kejia ZHU ; Zhiyang HUANG ; Biao WANG ; Hang LI ; Yuangang WU ; Bin SHEN ; Yong NIE
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(12):1532-1542
OBJECTIVE:
To explore, identify, and develop novel blood-based indicators using machine learning algorithms for accurate preoperative assessment and effective prediction of postoperative complication risks in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
METHODS:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted including RA patients who underwent unilateral TKA between January 2019 and December 2024. Inpatient and 30-day postoperative outpatient follow-up data were collected. Six machine learning algorithms, including decision tree, random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine, extreme gradient boosting, and light gradient boosting machine, were used to construct predictive models. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), F1-score, accuracy, precision, and recall. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were employed to interpret and rank the importance of individual variables.
RESULTS:
According to the inclusion criteria, a total of 1 548 patients were enrolled. Ultimately, 18 preoperative indicators were identified as effective predictive features, and 8 postoperative complications were defined as prediction labels for inclusion in the study. Within 30 days after surgery, 453 patients (29.2%) developed one or more complications. Considering overall accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, the random forest model [AUC=0.930, 95% CI (0.910, 0.950)] and the extreme gradient boosting model [AUC=0.909, 95% CI (0.880, 0.938)] demonstrated the best predictive performance. SHAP analysis revealed that anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, interleukin-6, body mass index, age, and smoking status made significant contributions to the overall prediction of postoperative complications.
CONCLUSION
Machine learning-based models enable accurate prediction of postoperative complication risks among RA patients undergoing TKA. Inflammatory and immune-related blood biomarkers, such as anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor, interleukin-6, play key predictive roles, highlighting their potential value in perioperative risk stratification and individualized management.
Humans
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Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects*
;
Arthritis, Rheumatoid/blood*
;
Machine Learning
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Postoperative Complications/blood*
;
Female
;
Male
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Risk Factors
;
Preoperative Period
;
C-Reactive Protein/analysis*
;
Risk Assessment
3.Influence of Outdoor Light at Night on Early Reproductive Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization and Its Threshold Effect: Evidence from a Couple-Based Preconception Cohort Study.
Wen Bin FANG ; Ying TANG ; Ya Ning SUN ; Yan Lan TANG ; Yin Yin CHEN ; Ya Wen CAO ; Ji Qi FANG ; Kun Jing HE ; Yu Shan LI ; Ya Ning DAI ; Shuang Shuang BAO ; Peng ZHU ; Shan Shan SHAO ; Fang Biao TAO ; Gui Xia PAN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):1009-1015
4.Clinical efficacy of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction for severe pneumonia complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction of syndrome of lung heat and fu-organ excess and its effects on SCFA/GPR43 axis
Xiaofang YIN ; Guisong ZHU ; Biao XU ; Shuran HUANG ; Jia ZHU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(4):462-468
Objective:To evaluate clinical efficacy of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction in the treatment of severe pneumonia with gastrointestinal dysfunction of syndrome of lung heat and fu-organ excess; To discuss its effects on short chain fatty acid (SCFA)/G protein coupled receptor 43 (GPR43) axis.Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. From January 2020 to January 2022, 60 hospitalized patients with severe pneumonia complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction (syndrome of lung heat and fu-organ excess) in the Intensive Care Department and Emergency Intensive Care Unit of Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into experimental group and control group according to random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional Western medicine, while patients in the experimental group received Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction combined with conventional Western medicine. Both groups were treated continuously for 7 days and followed up for 28 days. TCM syndrome scores were evaluated before and after treatment. Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) was used to assess pulmonary infection, Gastrointestinal Dysfunction Score (GIDS) was used to assess the degree of gastrointestinal dysfunction, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score was used to assess the prognosis. ELISA was used to detect levels of procalcitonin (PCT), IL-6, CRP, D-lactate (D-LA), short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and G protein coupled receptor 43 (GPR43). The fully automated blood analyzer (flow cytometry) was used to detect white blood cells (WBC) and the proportion of neutrophils (N%). Indirect bladder pressure measurement method was used to measure the intra-abdominal pressure of patients. During treatment, the adverse reactions or events were recorded. Patients were followed up for 28 days and the 28-day mortality rate was recorded.Results:The total effective rate was 73.33% (22/30) in the experimental group and 40.00% (12/30) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=6.79, P<0.05). After treatment, TCM syndrome scores, CPIS, GIDS, and APACHEⅡ score in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group ( t values were 2.84,3.34,2.75,3.05,respectively, P<0.01), serum PCT [(0.35 ± 0.11) μg/L vs. (0.64 ± 0.10) μg/L, t=2.45], IL-6 [(19.33 ± 3.54) ng/L vs. (60.13 ± 15.01) ng/L, t=2.98], N% [(78.84 ± 2.09)% vs. (83.30±2.31)%, t=3.43], and CRP [(28.43 ± 6.38) mg/L vs. (54.48 ± 9.03) mg/L, t=4.02], intra-abdominal pressure [(9.11 ± 2.55) mmHg vs.(11.70 ± 3.02) mmHg, t=7.78] and D-LA [(0.11±0.05) mmol/L vs. (0.18±0.12) mmol/L, t=6.45] in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). After treatment, serum SCFA [(48.18 ± 36.31) μmol/L vs. (35.10 ± 19.32)μmol/L, t=1.95] and GPR43 [(1 254.61 ± 437.40) ng/L vs. (990.15 ± 403.03) ng/L, t=2.13] in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The 28-day mortality rates of the experimental group and the control group were 20.00% (6/30) and 46.67% (14/30) respectively, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.80, P<0.05). During the trial, there were no serious adverse reactions or adverse events in either group. Conclusion:Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction can effectively treat severe pneumonia complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction. The mechanism may involve the up-regulation of SCFA/GPR43 axis.
5.Diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in elderly patients with colon cancer
Biao ZHU ; Zonghuo WANG ; Shenlin JIANG ; Qi HONG
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(4):52-55
Objective To analyze diagnostic value of 18F-fluorode-oxyglucose(18F-FDG)positron emission tomography and computed tomography(PET/CT)in elderly patients with colon cancer.Methods A total of 102 patients with colon cancer admitted to Jingdezhen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively selected to analyze the relationship between 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and clinical features and its diagnostic value.Results The typical 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging of colon cancer was mainly concentrated in ascending colon,transverse colon,descending colon,and sigmoid colon.The glucose metabolism of each part increased,the intestinal wall thickened,and standardized uptake value(SUV)increased.There were statistically significant differences in SUV among colon cancer patients with different vertical thickness of the lesion,gender and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).SUV was positively correlated with vertical thickness of the lesion and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that the area under the curve of 18F-FDG PET/CT for diagnosis of colon cancer lymph node metastasis was 0.993,the sensitivity was 97.2%,and the specificity was 100%.Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis of elderly patients with colon cancer has a high clinical application value.
6.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.
7.Research on the Improvement of Ferroptosis and Cognitive Function Impairment in APP/PS1 Alzheimer's Mice by Bingchan-gsan via the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Shaobo GUO ; Wenhui ZHU ; Yu BAI ; Biao ZHANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(6):598-607
OBJECTIVE To explore whether inhaling Bingchangsan(BCS can modulate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to improve ferroptosis and cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease(AD mouse models.METHODS 30 APP/PS1 mice were ran-domly divided into three groups:a model group(APP/PS1 group,a low-dose Bingchangsan group(BCS-L group,and a high-dose Bingchangsan group(BCS-H group.10 age-matched wild-type(WT mice were used as a control group.The WT group and the APP/PS1 group were treated with nebulized pure water,while the BCS-L group received 0.5μL of Bingchangsan inhalation solution per day,and the BCS-H group received 1μL,both administered via nebulization for 10 min daily for 2 weeks.2 weeks post-treat-ment,spatial cognitive abilities of the mice were assessed using the Morris water maze test.Following the water maze experiment,the mice were euthanized,and their brain tissues were collected for Aβ1-42 immunofluorescence,P-tau immunohistochemistry,and Nissl staining.Hippocampal tissues were extracted for Western blot and qPCR analysis to measure the protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1,Nrf2,HO-1,GPX4,SCL7A11,TFRC,DMT1,FTL,and FTH1.Additionally,brain tissues were used for glutathione(GSH content measurement using a GSH assay kit.RESULTS In the BCS groups,the latency period for escape shortened,and the time spent in the quadrant with the platform,as well as the number of times crossing the platform,increased.Compared to the APP/PS1 group,the expression levels of Aβ1-42 and P-tau in the hippocampal CA1 region and cortex of mice in the BCS groups were signifi-cantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01.Nissl staining revealed a denser arrangement of neurons with more Nissl bodies in the BCS groups.In the hippocampal tissue,compared to untreated APP/PS1 mice,significant increases in the protein and mRNA levels of Nrf2,HO-1,SLC7A11,GPX4,and FTL were observed in all BCS groups(P<0.05,P<0.01.While the BCS-L group showed in-creased levels of FTH1 protein and mRNA,these changes were not statistically significant.Furthermore,the expression levels of TFRC,DMT1,and Keap1 were significantly downregulated in the BCS groups(P<0.05,P<0.01.Additionally,treatment with BCS effectively restored the glutathione(GSH content in the brain(P<0.01.CONCLUSION Inhalation of BCS can improve cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice.BCS activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,increases the expression of GPX4,and enhances Nrf2 tran-scriptional activity by inhibiting Keap1.This leads to an upregulation of SLC7A11 and restoration of GSH levels,effectively countering ferroptosis.Additionally,BCS effectively inhibits TFRC and DMT1,while upregulating FTL and FTH1 expression,thereby maintaining intracellular iron homeostasis.This contributes to mitigating the impact of ferroptosis on APP/PS1 mice,subsequently enhancing their cognitive functions.
8.Clinical Study on Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction in the Treatment of Severe Pneumonia Complicated with Gastrointestinal Dys-function of Lung Heat and FU-Organ Repletion Type
Guisong ZHU ; Xiaofang YIN ; Hong ZHU ; Rong JIA ; Zimeng ZOU ; Biao XU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(8):831-837
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction on respiratory and oxygenation functions and the ex-pression levels of serum aquaporin(AQP)1 and AQP5 in patients with severe pneumonia complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunction of lung heat and fu-organ repletion type.METHODS 60 patients with severe pneumonia complicated with gastrointestinal dysfunc-tion of lung heat and fu-organ repletion type were randomly divided into control group and treatment group,with 30 cases each.The control group received standardized Western medicine treatment,and the treatment group was treated with Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction in addition to the control group.Both groups were treated for 7 d.The respiratory rate and oxygenation index,mechanical ventilation u-tilization rate,the clinical score including CURB-65 and CPIS scores,TCM syndrome score,gastrointestinal function indicators inclu-ding intra-abdominal pressure,serum gastrin(GAS)and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),AQP1 and AQP5 levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Ventilation utilization and ICU hospitalization days during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After treatment,compared with the control group,the respiratory rate,TCM syndrome score and intra-abdominal pressure in the treatment group were decreased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01);meanwhile,the oxygenation index and the levels of serum GAS,AQP1 and AQP5 were increased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction can significantly improve clinical symptoms such as respiratory and oxygenation functions in patients,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of AQP1 and AQP5.
9.Repair of postoperative defects in chronic phase Ⅱ phosphorous osteomyelitis and medication-related os-teonecrosis of the mandible by sublingual gland flap
Rongju XIE ; Weihong WANG ; Biao XU ; Jin ZHU ; Yemei QIAN ; Jingyi LI ; Hongrong ZHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2024;40(3):407-411
Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of sublingual gland flap in the repair of postoperative jaw defects because of chronic phosphorous osteomyelitis(PNJ)and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw(MRONT).Methods:3 patients with PNJ and 2 with MRONJ were treated by sublingual gland flap in the repair of the postoperative jaw defet.The treatment effects were evalua-ted by clinical obseration.Results:In the 5 patients the wound healed well within 2 weeks postoperatively,with no infection and with normal sublingual gland function after surgery.Conclusion:The use of sublingual gland flap is an effective and feasible method for re-pairing local defects in the mandibles after surgery for chronic PNJ and MRONJ.
10.Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of mitomycin C-perfluorooctyl bromide liposome nanoparticles in the treatment of human pterygium fibroblasts
Tao LI ; Lingshan LIAO ; Shenglan ZHU ; Juan TANG ; Xiaoli WU ; Qilin FANG ; Ying LI ; Biao LI ; Qin TIAN ; Junmei WAN ; Yi YANG ; Yueyue TAN ; Jiaqian LI ; Juan DU ; Yan ZHOU ; Dan ZHANG ; Xingde LIU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2024;44(2):100-105
Objective To prepare a nano drug(PFOB@Lip-MMC)with liposome as the carrier,liquid perfluorooc-tyl bromide(PFOB)as core and mitomycin C(MMC)loading on the liposome shell and study its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human pterygium fibroblasts(HPFs).Methods The thin film dispersion-hydration ultrasonic method was used to prepare PFOB@Lip-MMC and detect its physical and chemical properties.Cell Counting Kit-8,Cam-PI cell viability staining and flow cytometry were employed to detect the impact of different concentrations of PFOB@Lip-MMC on the via-bility of HPFs.DiI fluorescence labeled PFOB@Lip-MMC was used to observe the permeability of the nano drug to HPFs under a laser confocal microscope.After establishing HPF inflammatory cell models,they were divided into the control group(with sterile phosphate-buffered saline solution added),PFOB@Lip group(with PFOB@Lip added),MMC group(with MMC added),PFOB@Lip-MMC group(with PFOB@Lip-MMC added)and normal group(with fresh culture medi-um added)according to the experimental requirements.After co-incubation for 24 h,flow cytometer was used to detect the apoptosis rate of inflammatory cells,and the gene expression levels of interleukin(IL)-1β,prostaglandin E2(PGE2),tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in cells were analyzed by PCR.Results The average particle size and Zeta potential of PFOB@Lip-MMC were(103.45±2.17)nm and(27.34±1.03)mV,respec-tively,and its entrapped efficiency and drug loading rate were(72.85±3.28)%and(34.27±2.04)%,respectively.The sustained-release MMC of drug-loaded nanospheres reached(78.34±2.92)%in vitro in a 24-hour ocular surface environ-ment.The biological safety of PFOB@Lip-MMC significantly improved compared to MMC.In terms of the DiI fluorescence labeled PFOB@Lip-MMC,after co-incubation with inflammatory HPFs for 2 h,DiI fluorescence labeling was diffusely dis-tributed in the cytoplasm of inflammatory HPFs.The apoptosis rate of inflammatory HPFs in the PFOB@Lip-MMC group[(77.23±4.93)%]was significantly higher than that in the MMC group[(51.62±3.28)%].The PCR examination results showed that the gene transcription levels of IL-1 β,PGE2,TNF-α and VEGF in other groups were significantly reduced com-pared to the control group and PFOB@Lip group,with the most significant decrease in the PFOB@Lip-MMC group(all P<0.05).Conclusion In this study,a novel nano drug(PFOB@LIP-MMC)that inhibited the proliferation of HPFs was successfully synthesized,and its cytotoxicity was significantly reduced compared to the original drugs.It has good bio-compatibility and anti-inflammatory effects,providing a new treatment approach for reducing the recurrence rate after pte-rygium surgery.

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