1.Establishment and validation of droplet digital PCR assay for detection of template DNA residues in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2025;38(04):442-449
Objective To establish and validate a droplet digital PCR(ddPCR) method for the detection of template DNA residues in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, thereby providing technical support for the quality control of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.Methods With the replicon of the common DNA sequence of different plasmids as the target gene, specific primers and probe were designed to establish a ddPCR method for detecting the template DNA residues in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. The established method was validated for linear range, repeatability, accuracy, intermediate precision, robustness,limit of detection(LOD), limit of quantification(LOQ), and specificity. The validated ddPCR method was subsequently applied to detect template DNA residues in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines targeting various variants from different manufacturers.Results The optimal annealing temperature for the established ddPCR was determined to be 58 ℃. The method demonstrated good linearity within a copy number range of 19 to 4 729 copies/μL, with a correlation coefficient(R2) of 0. 999 9.The repeatability coefficient of variation(CV) was less than 10%, and the accuracy recovery rate ranged from 99% to 121%,with a CV of less than 10%. Both CVs of intermediate precision and robustness exhibited less than 10%. The LOD and LOQ of the method were 9 copies/μL and 26 copies/μL, respectively, with good specificity. When applied to detect template DNA residues in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines from four different manufacturers targeting various variants, the CVs were all not more than 15%, and the recovery rates ranged from 79% to 138%.Conclusion The established ddPCR method for detecting template DNA residues in SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine demonstrates high sensitivity, excellent stability, strong specificity, and high accuracy, making it a suitable approach for the detection of template DNA residues in SARS-CoV-2mRNA vaccine.
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.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.
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.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.
7.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.
8.Application value of antegrade splenic superior region dissection first in laparoscopic total gastrectomy of obesity gastric cancer
Danhua XU ; Jiayi GU ; Xinli MA ; Chunchao ZHU ; Ming WANG ; Enhao ZHAO ; Zizhen ZHANG ; Jiangfeng QIU ; Hui CAO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(4):609-612
Objective:To investigate the application value of antegrade splenic superior region dissection first in laparoscopic total gastrectomy of obesity gastric cancer.Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 21 obesity patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy in Renji Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from July 2018 to October 2023 were collected. There were 16 males and 5 females, aged (58±13)years. All 21 patients underwent laparoscopic total gastrec-tomy with antegrade splenic superior region dissection first. Observation indicators: operation time, volume of intraoperative blood loss, laparotomy conversion, intraoperative splenic hemorrhage or gastric hemorrhage, lymph node dissection, time to postoperative first flatus, time to postoperative initial liquid food intake, duration of postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complication. Measure-ment data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and count data were expressed as absolute numbers. Results:All 21 patients underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy success-fully, with the operation time of (283±47)minutes, time for splenogastric ligament and vascular manage-ment of (34±12)minutes, volume of intraoperative blood loss of (143±86)mL, and no laparotomy conversion. There was no intraoperative splenic hemorrhage or gastric haemorrhage. The total number of lymph node dissected in 21 patients was 375, with the number of lymph node dissected as (21±9)per case. Time to postoperative first flatus, time to postoperative initial liquid food intake and duration of postoperative hospital stay in 21 patients were (3.1±0.7)days, (4.0±0.8)days and (10.1±3.0)days, respectively. There were 2 patients with postoperative complications, including 1 case of incision infection and 1 case of lung infection. The 2 patients with postoperative com-plications were recovered and discharged after conservative treatment. There was no death during the postoperative 30 days.Conclusion:The application of antegrade splenic superior region dissec-tion first in laparoscopic total gastrectomy is safe and feasible, which can reduce surgical difficulty.
9.Generation of an induced pluripotent stem cell line from a patient with surfactant metabolism dysfunction carrying ABCA3 mutations
Zhichen TIAN ; Xin XIE ; Jinghan CHI ; Jia CHEN ; Danhua ZHAO ; Yanmei HE ; Xiaojuan YIN
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2024;39(2):98-103
Objective:Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) cell lines were established using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a patient suffering from neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) who carried Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A3 ( ABCA3) compound heterozygous mutations. Methods:Cell experimental research.Peripheral venous blood was collected and PBMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro. PBMCs were transfected with non-integrated Sendai vector carrying reprogramming factors.The chromosome karyotypes of the established iPSCs were analyzed.Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to detect pluripotency markers of stem cells and verify their differentiation potential.Sanger sequencing was performed to analyze gene mutations.In addition, short tandem repeat (STR) analysis was performed, polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to detect virus residual. Results:Karyotype analysis of established iPSCs cell lines showed normal diploid 46, XY karyotype.Immunofluorescence showed positive staining of stem cell pluripotency markers OCT4, SSEA4, Nanog and Sox2.Flow cytometry was used to detected stem cell pluripotency markers and showed expression of TRA-1-60, SSEA-4 and OCT4.After differentiation into all three germ layers, immunofluorescence was performed to detect ectoderm (Pax-6), mesoderm (Brachyury) and endoderm alpha-fetoprotein markers, and the results showed positive staining, which confirmed that the iPSCs had the potential to differentiate.Sanger sequencing showed c. 3997_3998del and c. 3137C>T compound heterozygous mutations.STR analysis showed they originate from PBMCs, and no Sendai virus residual was detected by PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.Conclusions:In this study, PBMCs from patient carrying ABCA3 compound heterozygous mutations was used to establish iPSCs cell lines.The research lays a foundation for the study of pathogenesis, therapeutic drug screening and cell therapy of NRDS caused by ABCA3 gene mutations.
10.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.


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