1.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
2.Study on the mechanism of Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids promoting decidualization and improving recurrent spontaneous abortion
Fang FANG ; Ying CUI ; Jialü HUANG ; Lili CHEN ; Jia XU ; Yunhui WAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2379-2386
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism by which Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids (CCF) promote decidualization and improve recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). METHODS HTR-8/SVneo cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into blank group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, CCF group, SGK2 inhibitor (GSK650394, abbreviated as “GSK”) group and CCF+GSK group. Each group was treated with the corresponding agents accordingly. HTR-8/SVneo cells with SGK2 knockdown were randomly divided into small interfering RNA of SGK2 (siSGK2) group and siSGK2+CCF group; additionally, blank group and LPS group were established; each group was treated with the corresponding agents accordingly. The cell survival rate, expression levels of WNK signaling pathway- and decidualization-related proteins and mRNAs, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential levels, were assessed in each group before and after SGK2 knockdown. RSA mice model was constructed and randomly divided into model group, CCF low-dose group, CCF high-dose group, GSK group, and combined dosing group, with 4 mice in each group. Other 4 normal pregnant female mice were selected as the control group. The number of implanted embryos, viable fetuses, and lost embryos in mice was recorded. The morphological changes of endometrium and decidualization were observed, and WNK signaling pathway- and decidualization-related proteins and mRNAs expressing levels as well as mitochondrial membrane potential levels were all detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the cell survival rate, as well as the protein and mRNA expression levels of SGK2, WNK1, WNK4, prolactin, insulin-like growth factor- binding protein-1, oxidative stress responsive kinase 1, and Ste20-like proline-/alanine-rich kinase were significantly reduced in the LPS group (P<0.05); compared with the LPS group, the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above- mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly increased in the CCF group, while the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly decreased in the GSK group (P<0.05); compared with the CCF group, the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly reduced in the CCF+GSK group (P<0.05). After knocking down SGK2, compared with the LPS group, the cell survival rate, red/green fluorescence intensity ratio, and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly reduced in the siSGK2 group (P<0.05); compared with the siSGK2 group, the cell survival rate, red/green fluorescence intensity ratio, and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly increased in the siSGK2+CCF group (P<0.05). The in vivo experimental results showed that CCF treatment can significantly improve the number of implanted embryos and viable fetuses in RSA model mice and reduce lost embryos, the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs in endometrial tissue were significantly increased, and the red/green fluorescence intensity ratio was significantly increased (P< 0.05); the combined dosing group could reverse the effect of CCF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CCF can activate SGK2, up- regulate the WNK signaling pathway, promote endometrial decidualization, and improve RSA.
3.Health Risks from Exposure to PM 2.5-bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Fumes Emitted from Various Cooking Styles and Their Respiratory Deposition in a City Population Stratified by Age and Sex.
Jun Feng ZHANG ; Xi CHEN ; Ke GAO ; Shui Yuan CHENG ; Wen Jiao DUAN ; Li Ying FU ; Jian Jia LI ; Shu Shu LAN ; Cui Lan FANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1230-1245
OBJECTIVES:
To characterize fine particulate matter (PM 2.5)-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emitted from different cooking fumes and their exposure routes and assess their health-associated impact to provide a reference for health risk prevention from PAH exposure across different age and sex groups.
METHODS:
Sixteen PM 2.5-bound PAHs emitted from 11 cooking styles were analyzed using GC-MS/MS. The health hazards of these PAHs in the Handan City population (stratified by age and sex) were predicted using the incremental lifetime cancer risk ( ILCR) model. The respiratory deposition doses ( RDDs) of the PAHs in children and adults were calculated using the PM 2.5 deposition rates in the upper airway, tracheobronchial, and alveolar regions.
RESULTS:
The total concentrations of PM 2.5-bound PAHs ranged from 61.10 to 403.80 ng/m 3. Regardless of cooking styles, the ILCR total values for adults (1.23 × 10 -6 to 3.70 × 10 -6) and older adults (1.28 × 10 -6 to 3.88 × 10 -6) exceeded the acceptable limit of 1.00 × 10 -6. With increasing age, the ILCR total value first declined and then increased, varying substantially among the population groups. Cancer risk exhibited particularly high sensitivity to short exposure to barbecue-derived PAHs under equivalent body weights. Furthermore, barbecue, Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and Chinese fast food were associated with higher RDDs for both adults and children.
CONCLUSION
ILCR total values exceeded the acceptable limit for both females and males of adults, with all cooking styles showing a potentially high cancer risk. Our findings serve as an important reference for refining regulatory strategies related to catering emissions and mitigating health risks associated with cooking styles.
Humans
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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/analysis*
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Cooking/methods*
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Male
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Female
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Particulate Matter/analysis*
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Adult
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Child
;
Middle Aged
;
Air Pollutants/analysis*
;
Adolescent
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Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis*
;
Young Adult
;
Child, Preschool
;
Aged
;
China
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Inhalation Exposure
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Age Factors
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Sex Factors
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Cities
;
Infant
4.Influencing factors for quality of life in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: A systematic review
Yanqiu FANG ; Gui JIA ; Lina CUI ; Yulong SHANG ; Ying HAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2062-2067
ObjectiveTo investigate the core influencing factors for quality of life in patients with primary biliary cholangitis through a systematic review, and to provide an evidence-based basis for understanding such factors. MethodsThe databases including CNKI, Wanfang Data, CBM, VIP, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, Scopus, and Medline were searched for articles assessing the influencing factors for quality of life in patients with primary biliary cholangitis using PBC-40 scale published up to January 11, 2025. Quality assessment was conducted using the scale compiled by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and then a qualitative evaluation was performed for the basic situation of the studies included in the analysis. ResultsA total of 11 articles were included, and the results showed that age, sex, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, total bile acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, body mass index, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were important influencing factors for quality of life in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. ConclusionInfluencing factors include demographic features, liver function parameters, and physical and metabolic indicators; however, due to the limited number of studies, more high-quality large-sample studies are needed in the future.
5.Advances in research on shift work associated circadian rhythm disruption and obesity
Yangyan LIU ; He YU ; Lilan HUANG ; Jing CUI ; Yahui LU ; Ying FANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(10):1198-1203
Circadian rhythm disruption is a universal phenomenon that is associated with a combination of internal and external factors, with internal factors referring to disturbances in the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms of sleep-wake behavior, and external factors including changes in sleep habits, severe sleep deprivation, shift work, social jet lag, prolonged exposure to nighttime light, and late nighttime eating. Shift work, as a common occupational factor, can lead to disruption of the central/ peripheral biological clock which regulates the expression of almost the entire genome, and the disruption of the biological clock can lead to genetic variants, hormonal secretion abnormalities, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation, which are risk factors for obesity. In the context of rapid advancement of global economy and industrialization, the prevalence of simple obesity in the traditional cognitive category is increasing in a linear trend, while the incidence of abdominal obesity, which is closely related to metabolic disorders, is also showing an increasing trend. In recent years, the mechanism of circadian rhythm disorder and obesity associated with shift work has attracted much attention, and this article summarized the latest research progress, aiming to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of obesity caused by circadian rhythm disruption due to shift work.
6.A multicenter retrospective cohort study on the attributable risk of patients with Acinetobacter baumannii sterile body fluid infection
Lei HE ; Dao-Bin JIANG ; Ding LIU ; Xiao-Fang ZHENG ; He-Yu QIU ; Shu-Mei WU ; Xiao-Ying WU ; Jin-Lan CUI ; Shou-Jia XIE ; Qin XIA ; Li HE ; Xi-Zhao LIU ; Chang-Hui SHU ; Rong-Qin LI ; Hong-Ying TAO ; Ze-Fen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):42-48
Objective To investigate the attributable risk(AR)of Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)infection in criti-cally ill patients.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients in inten-sive care unit(ICU).Patients with AB isolated from sterile body fluid and confirmed with AB infection in each cen-ter were selected as the infected group.According to the matching criteria that patients should be from the same pe-riod,in the same ICU,as well as with similar APACHE Ⅱ score(±5 points)and primary diagnosis,patients who did not infect with AB were selected as the non-infected group in a 1:2 ratio.The AR was calculated.Results The in-hospital mortality of patients with AB infection in sterile body fluid was 33.3%,and that of non-infected group was 23.1%,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.069).The AR was 10.2%(95%CI:-2.3%-22.8%).There is no statistically significant difference in mortality between non-infected pa-tients and infected patients from whose blood,cerebrospinal fluid and other specimen sources AB were isolated(P>0.05).After infected with AB,critically ill patients with the major diagnosis of pulmonary infection had the high-est AR.There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients in the infected and non-infec-ted groups(P>0.05),or between other diagnostic classifications.Conclusion The prognosis of AB infection in critically ill patients is highly overestimated,but active healthcare-associated infection control for AB in the ICU should still be carried out.
7.Identification of Chemical Components and Components Absorbed into Blood of Sishen Pills
Qiuchen YANG ; Qiongqiong ZHANG ; Fang WANG ; Erping XU ; Liping DAI ; Ying CUI ; Lingling LI ; Yan-Ing ZHANG ; Yalin LIU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(11):1234-1249
OBJECTIVE To identify and classify the chemical components and components absorbed into blood of Sishen Pills u-sing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry.METHODS SD rats were divided into blank group and drug administration group.The rats in drug administration group were given water extract of Sishen Pills formula intragastrically,and blank and drug-containing plasma were collected respectively.A Hypersil GOLD VANQUISH column(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.9 μm)was used,with 0.1%formic acid water acetonitrile as the mobile phase,gradient elution,volume flow rate of 0.3 mL·min-1,and column temperature of 35℃.Electrospray ion source(ESI)with positive and negative ion scanning mode was used for chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry data acquisition.The chemical components of Sishen Pills were identi-fied by comparing the exact molecular mass,fragment ion information and relative retention time with the map of reference substance,matching with the self-established database and combining with literature reports.On this basis,the components absorbed into blood of Sishen Pills were analyzed by comparing the blank plasma and drug-containing plasma.RESULTS A total of 181 chemical compo-nents were identified from Sishen Pills,mainly including flavonoids,alkaloids,lignans and other components.A total of 49 prototype blood components were identified from the plasma samples,mainly including flavonoids,alkaloids and other components.CONCLU-SION A variety of chemical components in Sishen Pills and drug-containing plasma are comprehensively,accurately and quickly i-dentified,and all of them are assigned to the various medicinal materials in the prescription.This study provides reference for the qual-ity control,basic research on medicinal effect materials and clinical application of Sishen Pills.
8. Effect of serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 1 on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cell and its mechanism
Wei-Ming ZHAO ; Xiao LI ; Guo-Ying YU ; Gai-Ping WANG ; Cui-Fang CHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2023;54(6):695-702
[Abstract] Objective To explore the effect of serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 1(SPINK1) on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells RH-35 and its underling molecular mechanism. Methods Spink1 gene expression in liver cancer and rat liver cancer models were analyzed by Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data, RH-35 cells were treated with rrSPINK1 protein, the effect of rrSPINK1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of RH-35 cells was explored by MTT, 2’-deoxy-5-ethynyluridine(EdU) and flow cytometry, the molecular mechanism of SPINK1 regulating liver cancer were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results The results showed that Spink1 gene was over-expressed significantly in liver cancer and rat liver cancer models, rrSPINK1-treated RH-35 cells showed increased viability, EdUpositive cell rate, and the proportion of cells in S phase and G
9.Intravenous Tenecteplase for Acute Ischemic Stroke Within 4.5–24 Hours of Onset (ROSE-TNK): A Phase 2, Randomized, Multicenter Study
Lu WANG ; Ying-Jie DAI ; Yu CUI ; Hong ZHANG ; Chang-Hao JIANG ; Ying-Jie DUAN ; Yong ZHAO ; Ye-Fang FENG ; Shi-Mei GENG ; Zai-Hui ZHANG ; Jiang LU ; Ping ZHANG ; Li-Wei ZHAO ; Hang ZHAO ; Yu-Tong MA ; Cheng-Guang SONG ; Yi ZHANG ; Hui-Sheng CHEN
Journal of Stroke 2023;25(3):371-377
Background:
and Purpose Intravenous tenecteplase (TNK) efficacy has not been well demonstrated in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) beyond 4.5 hours after onset. This study aimed to determine the effect of intravenous TNK for AIS within 4.5 to 24 hours of onset.
Methods:
In this pilot trial, eligible AIS patients with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) mismatch were randomly allocated to intravenous TNK (0.25 mg/kg) or standard care within 4.5–24 hours of onset. The primary endpoint was excellent functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 0–1). The primary safety endpoint was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).
Results:
Of the randomly assigned 80 patients, the primary endpoint occurred in 52.5% (21/40) of TNK group and 50.0% (20/40) of control group, with no significant difference (unadjusted odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval 0.46–2.66; P=0.82). More early neurological improvement occurred in TNK group than in control group (11 vs. 3, P=0.03), but no significant differences were found in other secondary endpoints, such as mRS 0–2 at 90 days, shift analysis of mRS at 90 days, and change in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at 24 hours and 7 days. There were no cases of sICH in this trial; however, asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 3 of the 40 patients (7.5%) in the TNK group.
Conclusion
This phase 2, randomized, multicenter study suggests that intravenous TNK within 4.5–24 hours of onset may be safe and feasible in AIS patients with a DWI-FLAIR mismatch.
10.Clinical, genetic, and pathological analysis in 165 children with disorders of sex development.
Yan-Yan CAO ; Ke-Xin ZANG ; Ying-Ye LIU ; Qiang ZHANG ; Yun ZHOU ; Shuang ZHANG ; Yao-Fang XIA ; Lei LIU ; Xiao-Xiao CHEN ; Shi-Meng ZHAO ; Li-Jun LIU ; Xiao-Wei CUI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2023;25(11):1124-1130
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the clinical phenotypes, genetic characteristics, and pathological features of children with disorders of sex development (DSD).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on epidemiological, clinical phenotype, chromosomal karyotype, gonadal pathology, and genotype data of 165 hospitalized children with DSD at Children's Hospital of Hebei Province and Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital from August 2008 to December 2022.
RESULTS:
Among the 165 children with DSD, common presenting symptoms were short stature (62/165, 37.6%), clitoromegaly (33/165, 20.0%), cryptorchidism (28/165, 17.0%), hypospadias (24/165, 14.5%), and skin pigmentation abnormalities/exteriorized pigmented labia majora (19/165, 11.5%). Chromosomal karyotype analysis was performed on 127 cases, revealing 36 cases (28.3%) of 46,XX DSD, 34 cases (26.8%) of 46,XY DSD, and 57 cases (44.9%) of sex chromosome abnormalities. Among the sex chromosome abnormal karyotypes, the 45,X karyotype (11/57, 19%) and 45,X/other karyotype mosaicism (36/57, 63%) were more common. Sixteen children underwent histopathological biopsy of gonadal tissues, resulting in retrieval of 25 gonadal tissues. The gonadal tissue biopsies revealed 3 cases of testes, 3 cases of dysplastic testes, 6 cases of ovaries, 11 cases of ovotestes, and 1 case each of streak gonad and agenesis of gonads. Genetic testing identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 23 cases (23/36, 64%), including 12 cases of 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by CYP21A2 pathogenic variants.
CONCLUSIONS
Short stature, clitoromegaly, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and skin pigmentation abnormalities are common phenotypes in children with DSD. 45,X/other karyotype mosaicism and CYP21A2 compound heterozygous variants are major etiological factors in children with DSD. The most commonly observed gonadal histopathology in children with DSD includes ovotestes, ovaries, and testes/dysgenetic testes.
Male
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Humans
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Child
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Disorders of Sex Development/pathology*
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Hypospadias/complications*
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Cryptorchidism/complications*
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Retrospective Studies
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Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital
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Steroid 21-Hydroxylase

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