1.The value of whole exome sequencing in the etiological diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis
Yongli ZHAO ; Changbao XU ; Xiaofu WANG ; Xinyu SHI ; Changwei LIU ; Wuxue LI ; Danhua LIU ; Hongen XU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):739-744
Objective:To evaluate the role of whole exome sequencing(WES)in the etiological diagnosis and precision medicine management of patients with urolithiasis.Methods:We conducted a retrospective review of 21 patients with urolithiasis and pathogenic gene mutations identified by WES at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between April 2019 and March 2025. The cohort included 13 males and 8 females,with a mean age of(18.9 ± 11.1)years;18 patients were under 25 years old. Clinical presentations included nephrocalcinosis(8 patients)and urinary tract calculi(13 patients),with five patients exhibiting extra-renal manifestations such as renal tubular acidosis and hyperaldosteronism. Stone composition analysis identified calcium oxalate(16 patients),cystine(4 patients),and carbonate apatite(1 patient). Metabolic abnormalities were prevalent,including hypocitraturia(11 patients),hyperoxaluria(8 patients),and hypercalciuria(7 patients),with eight patients presenting two or more concurrent disorders. All patients underwent WES and comprehensive metabolic evaluation. Sequencing was performed on an Illumina Hiseq4000 platform,achieving a mean depth of > 100× and coverage of > 98% in target regions. Variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics(ACMG)guidelines.Results:WES identified 12 distinct genes across autosomal recessive(9 genes: AGXT, GRHPR, ATP6V1B1, SLC12A1, KCNJ1, SLC3A1, SLC7A9, SLC34A3, WFS1),autosomal dominant(2 genes: CASR, ADCY10),and X-linked recessive(1 gene: CLCN5)inheritance patterns. Genotype-phenotype correlations revealed mutations associated with primary hyperoxaluria(8 patients),hypercalciuria(7 patients),and renal malformation due to a WFS1 mutation(1 patient). A positive genetic diagnosis was achieved in 100% of patients with either urinary oxalate > 1 000 μmol/24 h or cystine stones. 8 patients received a diagnosis of hereditary stone disease at their first presentation(non-delayed group),while 13 experienced a mean diagnostic delay of(9.6 ± 3.9)years. The delayed diagnosis group had a significantly older age at initial stone onset[(10.2 ± 5.3)years vs.(6.8 ± 3.1)years, P = 0.03]and a higher incidence of impaired renal function(6 patients vs. 1 patient, P = 0.04). Analysis of diagnostic delay by gene subgroup showed delays in 2/4 patients with cystinuria[ SLC3A1/ SLC7A9;(8.2 ± 3.5)years],5/8 with primary hyperoxaluria[ AGXT/ GRHPR;(10.5 ± 4.1)years],5/7 with hypercalciuria-related genes[ CASR/ ADCY10/ SLC12A1/ KCNJ1/ SLC34A3;(9.8 ± 3.8)years],and 1/2 with other genes[ ATP6V1B1/ WFS1/ CLCN5;(7.6 ± 2.2)years]. Among 32 mutation sites detected,21 were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic and 11 as variants of uncertain significance. Four novel mutations were identified: ATP6V1B1(presenting with renal tubular acidosis,nephrocalcinosis,and hypocitraturia), WFS1(presenting with renal malrotation,hydronephrosis,and stones without metabolic abnormalities), SLC12A1(presenting with Bartter syndrome type 1,chronic renal insufficiency,hypercalciuria,hypocitraturia,alkalosis,and hyperaldosteronism),and SLC3A1(presenting with bilateral renal stones and cystinuria). Conclusions:WES is crucial in identifying the underlying etiology of urolithiasis and can guide targeted treatment. We recommend early WES for patients with an initial stone presentation before age 25,those with nephrocalcinosis,or those with abnormal metabolic workups to facilitate precise diagnosis and preventive care.
2.The value of whole exome sequencing in the etiological diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis
Yongli ZHAO ; Changbao XU ; Xiaofu WANG ; Xinyu SHI ; Changwei LIU ; Wuxue LI ; Danhua LIU ; Hongen XU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):739-744
Objective:To evaluate the role of whole exome sequencing(WES)in the etiological diagnosis and precision medicine management of patients with urolithiasis.Methods:We conducted a retrospective review of 21 patients with urolithiasis and pathogenic gene mutations identified by WES at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between April 2019 and March 2025. The cohort included 13 males and 8 females,with a mean age of(18.9 ± 11.1)years;18 patients were under 25 years old. Clinical presentations included nephrocalcinosis(8 patients)and urinary tract calculi(13 patients),with five patients exhibiting extra-renal manifestations such as renal tubular acidosis and hyperaldosteronism. Stone composition analysis identified calcium oxalate(16 patients),cystine(4 patients),and carbonate apatite(1 patient). Metabolic abnormalities were prevalent,including hypocitraturia(11 patients),hyperoxaluria(8 patients),and hypercalciuria(7 patients),with eight patients presenting two or more concurrent disorders. All patients underwent WES and comprehensive metabolic evaluation. Sequencing was performed on an Illumina Hiseq4000 platform,achieving a mean depth of > 100× and coverage of > 98% in target regions. Variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics(ACMG)guidelines.Results:WES identified 12 distinct genes across autosomal recessive(9 genes: AGXT, GRHPR, ATP6V1B1, SLC12A1, KCNJ1, SLC3A1, SLC7A9, SLC34A3, WFS1),autosomal dominant(2 genes: CASR, ADCY10),and X-linked recessive(1 gene: CLCN5)inheritance patterns. Genotype-phenotype correlations revealed mutations associated with primary hyperoxaluria(8 patients),hypercalciuria(7 patients),and renal malformation due to a WFS1 mutation(1 patient). A positive genetic diagnosis was achieved in 100% of patients with either urinary oxalate > 1 000 μmol/24 h or cystine stones. 8 patients received a diagnosis of hereditary stone disease at their first presentation(non-delayed group),while 13 experienced a mean diagnostic delay of(9.6 ± 3.9)years. The delayed diagnosis group had a significantly older age at initial stone onset[(10.2 ± 5.3)years vs.(6.8 ± 3.1)years, P = 0.03]and a higher incidence of impaired renal function(6 patients vs. 1 patient, P = 0.04). Analysis of diagnostic delay by gene subgroup showed delays in 2/4 patients with cystinuria[ SLC3A1/ SLC7A9;(8.2 ± 3.5)years],5/8 with primary hyperoxaluria[ AGXT/ GRHPR;(10.5 ± 4.1)years],5/7 with hypercalciuria-related genes[ CASR/ ADCY10/ SLC12A1/ KCNJ1/ SLC34A3;(9.8 ± 3.8)years],and 1/2 with other genes[ ATP6V1B1/ WFS1/ CLCN5;(7.6 ± 2.2)years]. Among 32 mutation sites detected,21 were classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic and 11 as variants of uncertain significance. Four novel mutations were identified: ATP6V1B1(presenting with renal tubular acidosis,nephrocalcinosis,and hypocitraturia), WFS1(presenting with renal malrotation,hydronephrosis,and stones without metabolic abnormalities), SLC12A1(presenting with Bartter syndrome type 1,chronic renal insufficiency,hypercalciuria,hypocitraturia,alkalosis,and hyperaldosteronism),and SLC3A1(presenting with bilateral renal stones and cystinuria). Conclusions:WES is crucial in identifying the underlying etiology of urolithiasis and can guide targeted treatment. We recommend early WES for patients with an initial stone presentation before age 25,those with nephrocalcinosis,or those with abnormal metabolic workups to facilitate precise diagnosis and preventive care.
3.Role of high-frequency ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant skin lesions: potential and limitations
Qiao WANG ; Weiwei REN ; Lifan WANG ; Xiaolong LI ; Anqi ZHU ; Dandan SHAN ; Jing WANG ; Yujing ZHAO ; Danhua LI ; Tian Tian REN ; Lehang GUO ; Huixiong XU ; Liping SUN
Ultrasonography 2024;43(4):237-249
Purpose:
This study examined the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) features in differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions.
Methods:
A total of 1,392 patients with 1,422 skin lesions who underwent HFUS examinations were included in an initial dataset (cohort 1) to identify features indicative of malignancy. Qualitative clinical and HFUS characteristics were recorded for all lesions. To determine which HFUS and clinical features were suggestive of malignancy, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The diagnostic performance of HFUS features combined with clinical information was evaluated. This assessment was validated using internal data (cohort 2) and multicenter external data (cohort 3).
Results:
Features significantly associated with malignancy included age above 60 years; lesion location in the head, face, and neck or genital regions; changes in macroscopic appearance; crawling or irregular growth pattern; convex or irregular base; punctate hyperechogenicity; blood flow signals; and feeding arteries. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of HFUS features combined with clinical information were 0.946, 92.5%, and 86.9% in cohort 1; 0.870, 93.1%, and 80.8% in cohort 2 (610 lesions); and 0.864, 86.2%, and 86.6% in cohort 3 (170 lesions), respectively. However, HFUS is not suitable for evaluating lesions less than 0.1 mm in thickness or lesions exhibiting surface hyperkeratosis.
Conclusion
In a clinical setting, the integration of HFUS with clinical information exhibited good diagnostic performance in differentiating malignant and benign skin lesions. However, its utility was limited in evaluating extremely thin lesions and those exhibiting hyperkeratosis.
4.Role of high-frequency ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant skin lesions: potential and limitations
Qiao WANG ; Weiwei REN ; Lifan WANG ; Xiaolong LI ; Anqi ZHU ; Dandan SHAN ; Jing WANG ; Yujing ZHAO ; Danhua LI ; Tian Tian REN ; Lehang GUO ; Huixiong XU ; Liping SUN
Ultrasonography 2024;43(4):237-249
Purpose:
This study examined the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) features in differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions.
Methods:
A total of 1,392 patients with 1,422 skin lesions who underwent HFUS examinations were included in an initial dataset (cohort 1) to identify features indicative of malignancy. Qualitative clinical and HFUS characteristics were recorded for all lesions. To determine which HFUS and clinical features were suggestive of malignancy, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The diagnostic performance of HFUS features combined with clinical information was evaluated. This assessment was validated using internal data (cohort 2) and multicenter external data (cohort 3).
Results:
Features significantly associated with malignancy included age above 60 years; lesion location in the head, face, and neck or genital regions; changes in macroscopic appearance; crawling or irregular growth pattern; convex or irregular base; punctate hyperechogenicity; blood flow signals; and feeding arteries. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of HFUS features combined with clinical information were 0.946, 92.5%, and 86.9% in cohort 1; 0.870, 93.1%, and 80.8% in cohort 2 (610 lesions); and 0.864, 86.2%, and 86.6% in cohort 3 (170 lesions), respectively. However, HFUS is not suitable for evaluating lesions less than 0.1 mm in thickness or lesions exhibiting surface hyperkeratosis.
Conclusion
In a clinical setting, the integration of HFUS with clinical information exhibited good diagnostic performance in differentiating malignant and benign skin lesions. However, its utility was limited in evaluating extremely thin lesions and those exhibiting hyperkeratosis.
5.Role of high-frequency ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant skin lesions: potential and limitations
Qiao WANG ; Weiwei REN ; Lifan WANG ; Xiaolong LI ; Anqi ZHU ; Dandan SHAN ; Jing WANG ; Yujing ZHAO ; Danhua LI ; Tian Tian REN ; Lehang GUO ; Huixiong XU ; Liping SUN
Ultrasonography 2024;43(4):237-249
Purpose:
This study examined the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) features in differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions.
Methods:
A total of 1,392 patients with 1,422 skin lesions who underwent HFUS examinations were included in an initial dataset (cohort 1) to identify features indicative of malignancy. Qualitative clinical and HFUS characteristics were recorded for all lesions. To determine which HFUS and clinical features were suggestive of malignancy, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The diagnostic performance of HFUS features combined with clinical information was evaluated. This assessment was validated using internal data (cohort 2) and multicenter external data (cohort 3).
Results:
Features significantly associated with malignancy included age above 60 years; lesion location in the head, face, and neck or genital regions; changes in macroscopic appearance; crawling or irregular growth pattern; convex or irregular base; punctate hyperechogenicity; blood flow signals; and feeding arteries. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of HFUS features combined with clinical information were 0.946, 92.5%, and 86.9% in cohort 1; 0.870, 93.1%, and 80.8% in cohort 2 (610 lesions); and 0.864, 86.2%, and 86.6% in cohort 3 (170 lesions), respectively. However, HFUS is not suitable for evaluating lesions less than 0.1 mm in thickness or lesions exhibiting surface hyperkeratosis.
Conclusion
In a clinical setting, the integration of HFUS with clinical information exhibited good diagnostic performance in differentiating malignant and benign skin lesions. However, its utility was limited in evaluating extremely thin lesions and those exhibiting hyperkeratosis.
6.Preliminary study on the biological characteristics of the isolate of vaccinia virus Tiantan strain VG9
Yunpeng WANG ; Shouchun CAO ; Xiaohong WU ; Jia LI ; Leitai SHI ; Danhua ZHAO ; Changgui LI ; Qiang YE
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2024;44(12):1059-1066
Objective:To further study on the biological characteristics of vaccinia virus VG9 strain obtained by passaging from vaccinia virus Tiantan strain(VTT).Methods:The freeze-dried vaccinia virus VG9 strain was reconstituted and inoculated into Vero cells for recovery and sequential passaging. The strain was identified by indirect immunofluorescence and PCR amplification. The whole genome of VG9 was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology. The sequencing results were compared with the reference sequence of VTT and the genome sequences of other 33 orthopoxviral strains, and a phylogenetic tree was drawn. A purified clone of VG9, namely VG9-V3-3, was obtained by terminal dilution method. Preliminary studies were conducted to characterize the biological properties of this clone, such as virus titer and intradermal virulence in rabbit.Results:VG9 could specifically bind to the rabbit antibody of VTT by indirect immunofluorescence identification, and the PCR amplification results proved that this strain contained the characteristic TK gene fragment of vaccinia virus. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the genome length of VG9 was 183 596 bp, including 165 150 bp in coding region. The sequencing results were compared with the NCBI core nucleotide database, and showed that the sequences of VG9 and multiple existing Tiantan isolates were highly homologous (consistency>99.5%). Sequence comparison revealed a total of 749 nucleotide site differences between the gene sequences of VG9 and TP5 isolate of VTT. The viral titer of the VG9-V3-3 isolate was 6.3 lg (PFU/ml), and the rabbit intradermal virulence assay showed that its virulence was significantly weakened compared with that of VTT.Conclusions:The biological characteristics of vaccinia virus VG9 strain are preliminarily studied and a purified clone strain named VG9-V3-3 is obtained. The viral titer of the isolate is basically stable, and the virulence is significantly weakened compared with that of VTT. In-depth study on the immunogenicity of VG9-V3-3 will be carried out in the future to explore its feasibility as a vaccine production strain.
7.Relationship between serum microRNA-27b expression and major adverse cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2024;47(6):545-549
Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum microRNAs-27b (miR-27b) expression and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Methods:A total of 168 STEMI patients undergoing PCI treated in the Honghu People′s Hospital from February 2019 to April 2021 were selected as the observation group, and 154 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The expression of serum miR-27b was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the expression of serum miR-27b was compared between the two groups. The observation group was followed up for 6 months after PCI, and the occurrence of MACE was counted, and the patients were divided into the occurrence group and the non-occurrence group accordingly it, and the expression of serum miR-27b and general data of the two groups were compared. The influencing factors of MACE in STEMI patients after PCI was analyzed by using Logistic regression analysis method.Results:The expression of serum miR-27b in the observation group was higher than that in the control group : 2.26 ± 0.31 vs. 1.32 ± 0.26, P<0.05. During the 6-month follow-up period, there was no any loss of follow-up in 168 patients underwent PCI, and the incidence rate of MACE was 28.57%(48/168). The miR-27b expression in the occurrence group was higher than that in the non-occurrence group: 2.61 ± 0.49 vs. 2.13 ± 0.24, P<0.05. The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that history of diabetes mellitus, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, low left ventricular ejection fraction, high coronary Gensini score, high serum miR-27b expression, multi-vessel disease, degree of lesion stenosis grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ, and long duration of operation were independent risk factors for MACE in STEMI patients ( OR = 1.697, 2.680, 3.673, 2.121, 2.863, 1.846, 2.751, 3.007, P<0.05). Conclusions:The serum miR-27b in STEMI patients is abnormally high expression, which can increase the risk of MACE after PCI in STEMI patients.
8.Serum levels of myeloperoxidase, interleukin-1β, transforming growth factor-β1 and their correlation with uric acid in patients with gout
Tingwei LI ; Danhua LAO ; Qiuju LIU ; Yaqing MO
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2024;47(10):936-940
Objective:To investigate the serum levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in patients with hyperuric acid gout, and to analyze their correlation and interaction with uric acid.Methods:A total of 120 male patients with hyperuricemia (HUA) diagnosed and treated in the Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (Qinzhou First People′s Hospital) from December 2019 to December 2022 were selected as the study objects, including 55 patients with gout as the observation group and 65 patients without gout as the control group. Serum levels of uric acid, MPO, IL-1β and TGF-β1 were compared between the two groups, Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of HUA with gout, and Pearson test was used to analyze the correlation between serum uric acid level and MPO, IL-1β and TGF-β1 levels, the interactions were calculated by the likelihood ratio test.Results:The levels of serum uric acid, MPO, IL-1β and TGF-β1 in the observation group were higher than those in the control group: (559.63 ± 70.62) μmol/L vs. (448.24 ± 50.49) μmol/L, (0.37 ± 0.10) mmol/L vs. (0.29 ± 0.07) mmol/L, (49.83 ± 5.03) ng/L vs. (42.15 ± 4.77) ng/L, (34.15 ± 6.82) μg/L vs. (28.97 ± 5.14) μg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The results of Logistic regression showed that serum uric acid, MPO, IL-1β and TGF-β1 levels were risk factors for hyperuric acid gout ( P<0.05). The results of Pearson test showed that serum uric acid were positively correlated with the levels of MPO, IL-1β and TGF-β1( r = 0.760, 0.775, 0.759, P<0.05), and there was interaction in the pathogenesis of hyperuric acid gout ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The high levels of MPO, IL-1β and TGF-β1 at the same time can increase the risk of hyperuric acid gout.
9.Psychological experience of nursing assistants of elderly patients with disability and mental disorders: a qualitative study
Gang ZENG ; Weiye CAO ; Aixiang XIAO ; Xingxiao HUANG ; Rong GUI ; Danhua HE ; Wen WANG ; Li LU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(2):161-166
Objective:To explore the real work experience and needs of nursing assistants of elderly patients with disability and mental disorders, and provide reference for relevant institutions to develop a reasonable support system and promote their physical and mental health.Methods:From October to November 2022, purposive sampling was used to select nursing assistants of elderly patients with disability and mental disorders from the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University as the research subject. The phenomenological method was used to conduct in-depth interviews, recordings, and transcripts of 12 nursing assistants. The Colaizzi analysis program was used to analyze, organize, refine, and summarize.Results:A total of five themes were extracted, including multiple emotional experiences, lack of rest and relaxation, insufficient professional identity and external support, lack of care knowledge and skills, heavy workload and poor treatment.Conclusions:Accompanying management institutions and hospitals need to strengthen their attention to nursing assistants, reduce their physical and mental burden, attach importance to skill training, increase welfare benefits, enhance professional identity, and improve the quality of care.
10.Summary of best evidence and evidence-based practice of exercise intervention in elderly patients with sarcopenia in intensive care unit
Haiying LIU ; Yue ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Danhua WANG ; Dongxue HUANG ; Xiaowei ZHOU ; Yuehao SHEN
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(10):1095-1101
Objective:To summarize the best evidence for exercise intervention in elderly patients with sarcopenia in intensive care unit (ICU) through literature search, and provide a reference for clinical implementation of early exercise intervention in this population through evidence-based practice.Methods:① Summary of best evidence: relevant literature on exercise intervention for elderly patients with sarcopenia in ICU, including guideline, evidence summary, expert consensus, systematic review, and original study [quasi-experiment and randomized controlled trial (RCT)] from UpToDate Clinical Advisor, Ovid database, National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Cochrane Library, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PubMed/Medline, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP, and Yimai Tong Guideline Network were systematically searched. The search period covered from the establishment of these databases up to August 24, 2023. The quality of the literature was evaluated by two researchers with methodological expertise in evidence-based medicine, and the evidences were extracted and summarized. ② Evidence-based practice: the elderly patients with high risk of sarcopenia who had been hospitalized in the ICU for more than 7 days from January to April 2024 were enrolled as the research subjects, and they were divided into a control group and an intervention group using convenience sampling method. The control group received routine intensive care nursing. The intervention group implemented exercise intervention based on the actual situation of the patients, the baseline review was conducted before evidence application, and the effectiveness of evidence application at 7 days and 14 days was evaluated.Results:① A total of 19 pieces of literature were included, including 4 guidelines, 1 summary of evidence, 4 expert consensuses, 4 systematic reviews, and 6 original studies (1 quasi-experiment, 5 RCT). After literature quality evaluation, all 19 articles were enrolled. Finally, 31 pieces of best evidence were extracted from eight aspects, including assessment and diagnosis, multidisciplinary cooperation, indication, preparation before intervention, intervention program, safety monitoring, post-intervention evaluation, and special task. ② Finally, a total of 30 patients were enrolled in the intervention group, of which 17 completed 14 days of rehabilitation exercise, and 13 completed 7 days of rehabilitation exercise. Twenty-seven patients were enrolled in the control group, of which 17 completed 14 days of monitoring, and 10 completed 7 days of monitoring. Clinical evidence application results showed that the patients in the intervention group did not experience adverse events such as increased heart rate, extubation, or physical discomfort. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in both groups was gradually decreased with the prolongation of intervention duration, but the 7-day SMI in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (kg/m 2: 8.61±2.66 vs. 6.65±1.50, P < 0.01). Conclusion:By summarizing the best evidence and evidence-based practice of exercise intervention for elderly patients with sarcopenia in ICU, this study confirmed the feasibility due to safe and effective of implementing early exercise intervention for elderly sarcopenia patients in ICU.

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