1.Establishment and preliminary evaluation of a fluorescent recombinase-aided amplification assay for detection of Strongyloides stercoralis
Xiaodan CHEN ; Wanqiong CHENG ; Xiaoyin FU ; Jiayin LÜ ; Jiayue SUN ; Qiuhua BAI ; Xue HAN ; Yunliang SHI ; Dengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):160-168
Objective To establish a fluorescent recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay for detection of Strongyloides stercoralis nucleic acid and to preliminarily evaluate its performance. Methods Six sets of specific primers targeting S. stercoralis 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene and one fluorescent probe were designed and synthesized. The optimal primer-probe set was determined through systematic screening and optimization to establish the fluorescent RAA assay. The assay was evaluated using S. stercoralis genomic DNA at concentrations of 100, 10, and 1 pg/μL, and 100, 10, and 1 fg/μL, as well as recombinant pUC57 plasmids containing the target gene fragments at 1 × 105, 1 × 104, 1 × 103, 1 × 102, 1 × 101, 1 × 100 copies/reaction, to determine the analytical sensitivity. Genomic DNA from Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale, Enterobius vermicularis, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Trichinella spiralis, Clonorchis sinensis, Schistosoma japonicum, and Taenia saginata was used to assess assay specificity. A total of 25 stool samples from patients suspected of S. stercoralis infection were tested by the modified Baermann funnel technique, PCR, and the established fluorescent RAA assay. The sensitivity, specificity, concordance rate and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of these three techniques were estimated, and agreement between methods was evaluated using the Kappa coefficient. Results Exo-4 was identified as the optimal primer set screened from the six primer sets, and the best amplification performance was achieved when the final concentrations of the forward and reverse primers were 0.44 μmol/L and a probe concentration was 0.20 μmol/L. The limit of detection of the fluorescent RAA assay was 100 fg/μL for genomic DNA of S. stercoralis and 1 × 100 copies/reaction for recombinant plasmids. Specific fluorescence signals were detected within 5 min, with no cross-reactivity observed with A. lumbricoides, A. duodenale, E. vermicularis, A. cantonensis, T. spiralis, C. sinensis, S. japonicum, or T. saginata. Among the 25 clinical stool samples from patients suspected of S. stercoralis infections, the modified Baermann funnel technique and fluorescent RAA assay detected 19 positives and 6 negatives, whereas PCR detected 18 positives and 7 negatives. The fluorescent RAA assay showed a sensitivity of 100.00% [95% CI: (82.35%, 100.00%)], specificity of 100.00% [95% CI: (54.07%, 100.00%)], concordance rate of 100.00% [95% CI: (86.28%, 100.00%)], and a Kappa coefficient of 1.00 [95% CI: (1.00, 1.00)] (P < 0.001) relative to the modified Baermann funnel technique, and a sensitivity of 100.00% [95% CI: (81.47%, 100.00%)], specificity of 85.71% [95% CI: (42.13%, 99.64%)], concordance rate of 96.00% [95% CI: (79.65%, 99.90%)], and a Kappa coefficient of 0.90 [95% CI: (0.70, 1.00)] (P < 0.001). Positive amplification products emitted green fluorescence under a portable blue-light device, enabling visual interpretation of results. Conclusions The fluorescent RAA assay established in this study is rapid, highly sensitive, and highly specific. It enables detection of S. stercoralis nucleic acid under isothermal conditions and allows visual interpretation of results, providing a novel tool for rapid clinical diagnosis and field screening of S. stercoralis infections.
2.The magnetic compression technique in the treatment of severe mid-ureteral stricture
Fanchao WEI ; Zhaoxiang WANG ; Shichao HAN ; Zhiwen DONG ; Yuxin FU ; Ruochen QI ; Guohui WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Tong XU ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Weijun QIN ; Lijun YANG ; Shuaijun MA
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):182-186
Objective To explore the feasibility of magnetic compression technique (MCR) in the treatment of severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. Methods After 10 female New Zealand rabbits were selected, the distal end of the right ureter was ligated with silk thread. Two weeks after the operation, when the right ureter was dilated, the mid-ureter was ligated again with silk thread to create a severe single mid-ureteral stricture animal model. Longitudinal incisions were made at the upper and lower ends of the ligation site, and cylindrical NdFeB magnets with central holes (sub-magnets and main magnets) were placed to anastomose and recanalize the mid-ureteral stricture. The magnets were adjusted to the appropriate position to automatically align and attract each other. The longitudinal incision sites of the ureter were sutured with 6-0 Prolene thread, and the abdominal cavity was closed layer by layer. The operation time was recorded. X-ray films were taken every two days to confirm the position of the magnets and record the time of magnet detachment. Three weeks after the operation, the anastomotic specimens were obtained, and the formation of the anastomosis was evaluated with gross observation and histological staining. Results Two weeks after ligation, all experimental rabbits showed obvious dilation of the right ureter. The mid-ureteral ligation and placement of the male and female magnets were successfully completed in all 10 experimental rabbits, with an operation time of (24.00±5.15)minutes. The male and female magnets attracted each other well. X-ray examination showed that the magnets detached and entered the distal ureter (14.0±1.9) days after magnetic compression. The recanalization of the severe single mid-ureteral stricture was successfully achieved. The gross specimens and histological examination of the anastomosis showed that the anastomosis remained patent and the mucosal healing was good. All experimental rabbits survived well after the operation without serious complications. Conclusion MCT provides a new idea and novel method for the treatment of mid-ureteral stricture. This study confirmed the feasibility of this technique in treating severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. The operation is relatively simple and has potential for clinical application.
3.SIZ1 and ESD4 Mediate The Reversible SUMOylation of SnRK2.6 Through Direct Physical Interaction
Huan-Huan FU ; Jian WEI ; Meng-Yao LI ; Yong-Feng HAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1984-1999
ObjectiveTo investigate the novel post-translational modifications (PTMs) of SnRK2.6, a central component in the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway, such as SUMOylation, and to establish a foundation for revealing the physiological functions and molecular mechanisms of SnRK2.6 regulated by these new modifications. MethodsThe interaction between SnRK2.6 and the SUMO E3 ligase SIZ1, as well as members of the SUMO protease family, was examined using yeast two-hybrid and in vitro pull-down assays. An in vitro SUMOylation system in Escherichia coli was utilized to determine whether SnRK2.6 undergoes SUMOylation. Mass spectrometry, combined with site-directed mutagenesis of candidate lysine residues, was employed to identify potential SUMOylation sites on SnRK2.6. In vitro de-SUMOylation assays were performed to assess whether SUMO proteases interacting with SnRK2.6 could catalyze the removal of SUMO moieties from modified SnRK2.6. The protein stability of SnRK2.6 was assessed in a cell-free degradation assay using bacterial-purified SnRK2.6 incubated with total protein extracts from Col and siz1 mutant seedlings. To dissect the genetic relationship between SnRK2.6 and SIZ1, stomatal aperture assays were performed under ABA treatment using snrk2.6, siz1, and snrk2.6 siz1 double mutant plants. ResultsSnRK2.6 physically interacts with SIZ1 and the SUMO protease ESD4, with the binding domains localized to the C-terminal region of SIZ1 and the N-terminal region of ESD4, respectively. SnRK2.6 was found to be SUMOylated, exhibiting two distinct high-molecular-mass bands ranging from 70 to 100 ku, indicative of modified forms. Bioinformatics analysis predicted four putative SUMOylation sites on lysine residues K57, K63, K142, and K190. Mass spectrometry identified three SUMOylation sites on K63, K142, and K174. However, individual or combinatorial point mutations on these sites had minimal impact on the pattern or intensity of SUMOylation signals, suggesting that these residues may not be responsible for the SUMOylation on SnRK2.6. Instead, such mutations only weaken the protein stability or accelerate the protein mobility of SnRK2.6. Therefore, the exact SUMOylation sites on SnRK2.6 remain unidentified. In de-SUMOylation experiments, incubation of GST-ESD4 with SUMOylated SnRK2.6 for 1-2 h led to the near-complete disappearance of both SUMOylated bands. In contrast, neither the GST control nor the catalytically inactive mutant GST-ESD4C448S exhibited any de-SUMOylation activity. In protein turnover experiments, SnRK2.6 exhibited markedly enhanced half-life in siz1 compared with Col, indicating that SIZ1-dependent SUMOylation promotes SnRK2.6 turnover. Phenotypically, snrk2.6 mutants were completely insensitive to ABA-induced stomatal closure; siz1 mutants displayed pronounced hypersensitivity; and the snrk2.6 siz1 double mutant phenocopied snrk2.6—showing no significant response to ABA beyond that of the snrk2.6 mutant. These data indicate that SIZ1 acts as a negative regulator of ABA-triggered stomatal closure and SnRK2.6 functions as a positive regulator, and the inhibitory activity of SIZ1 is strictly dependent on SnRK2.6, placing SnRK2.6 genetically upstream of SIZ1 in the ABA signaling pathway. ConclusionSnRK2.6 undergoes SUMOylation, although the specific SUMOylation sites have not been defined. SnRK2.6 is dynamically regulated by reversible SUMOylation—catalyzed by SIZ1 and reversed by ESD4—which controls its protein stability. SUMOylation acts as a destabilizing signal for SnRK2.6, and SIZ1 exerts its negative effect on ABA-triggered stomatal closure probably through promoting SnRK2.6 degradation via SUMOylation. These findings uncover SUMOylation as a critical regulatory layer fine-tuning SnRK2.6 abundance in ABA signaling.
4.Differentiation and Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease from the Perspective of "Guarding the Channel Passages" Based on Circadian Rhythm
Jingjing ZHAO ; Yuanyuan CHEN ; Lanlan LI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Ran ZHAO ; Shujuan XU ; Han PENG ; Lingmei LI ; Hao GUO ; Jianhua FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(18):1977-1981
Coronary heart disease (CHD) has a distinct circadian rhythmicity in its onset, which is closely related to the waxing and waning of qi and blood in the channel passages of the human body. Grounded in the circadian rhythm theory of "correspondence between heaven and humankind", this paper explores the pathogenic evolution rules of qi-blood disharmony, channel obstruction, interacting as cause and effect with circadian rhythm disorders in CHD. Clinically, CHD can be observed to attack in the early morning, at night, in the afternoon, and at fixed or unfixed circadian intervals. The pathogenesis rhythms at different time nodes can correspondingly reflect the susceptibility tendencies and pathological stress responses of the human body to core pathogeneses such as yang deficiency with cold congelation, yin deficiency with yang floating, qi and yin deficiency, and liver constraint with qi stagnation under specific temporal states. Treatment should be adapted to the season and time, regulating yin and yang in accordance with biological rhythms. It is recommended to regulate qi during the daytime by promoting ascending and dispersing to unblock the channel passages, and select the appropriate timing for administration to harness natural timing. At the Mao (卯) hour, yang ascends while yin descends, and taking medication at this time conforms to the ascending of yang qi. At the Wu (午) hour, the heart meridian is active, and taking medication at this time warms the channel passages and assists heart yang, which can be treated with modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (补中益气汤) or Shengyang Yiwei Decoction (升阳益胃汤). At night, blood should be harmonized, when the channel passages are unblocked through nourishing, restraining, and searching, with Lianmei Decoction (连梅汤) combined with Dahuang Zhechong Pill (大黄䗪虫丸). Following the temporal rhythm, the focus is put on the transitional time of day and night and the four seasons to treat disease before it arises, resonating and corresponding with the natural rhythm.
5.Summary of 16-Year Observation of Reflux Esophagitis-Like Symptoms in A Natural Village in A High-Incidence Area of Esophageal Cancer
Junqing LIU ; Lingling LEI ; Yaru FU ; Xin SONG ; Jingjing WANG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Min LIU ; Zongmin FAN ; Fangzhou DAI ; Xuena HAN ; Zhuo YANG ; Kan ZHONG ; Sai YANG ; Qiang ZHANG ; Qide BAO ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(6):461-465
Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including
6.WANG Xiuxia's Clinical Experience in Treating Hyperprolactinemia with Liver Soothing Therapy
Yu WANG ; Danni DING ; Yuehui ZHANG ; Songli HAO ; Meiyu YAO ; Ying GUO ; Yang FU ; Ying SHEN ; Jia LI ; Fangyuan LIU ; Fengjuan HAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1428-1432
This paper summarizes Professor WANG Xiuxia's clinical experience in treating hyperprolactinemia using the liver soothing therapy. Professor WANG identifies liver qi stagnation and rebellious chong qi (冲气) as the core pathomechanisms of hyperprolactinemia. Furthermore, liver qi stagnation may transform into fire or lead to pathological changes such as spleen deficiency with phlegm obstruction or kidney deficiency with essence depletion. The treatment strategy centers on soothing the liver, with a modified version of Qinggan Jieyu Decoction (清肝解郁汤) as the base formula. Depending on different syndrome patterns such as liver stagnation transforming into fire, liver stagnation with spleen deficiency, or liver stagnation with kidney deficiency, heat clearing, spleen strengthening, or kidney tonifying herbs are added accordingly. In addition, three paired herb combinations are commonly used for symptom specific treatment, Danggui (Angelica sinensis) with Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Zelan (Lycopus lucidus) with Yimucao (Leonurus japonicus) , and Jiegeng (Platycodon grandiflorus) with Zisu (Perilla frutescens).
7.Prospective Study on Tooth Loss and Risk of Esophageal Cancer Among Residents of A Natural Village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province
Jingjing WANG ; Ruihua XU ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Xueke ZHAO ; Qiang ZHANG ; Xin SONG ; Mengxia WEI ; Junfang GUO ; Xuena HAN ; Yaru FU ; Bei LI ; Junqing LIU ; Lingling LEI ; Min LIU ; Qide BAO ; Lidong WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(7):548-553
Objective To investigate the relationship between tooth loss and the occurrence of esophageal cancer in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to observe the occurrence of tooth loss and esophageal cancer among the asymptomatic residents of the natural village for 16 years from January 2008 to July 2024. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline. Results Among the total population of 711 cases, 136 cases were lost to follow-up and 575 cases were included in the final statistics, including 45 cases with esophageal cancer. Significant statistical difference was found between esophageal cancer patients with and without tooth loss (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that tooth loss was associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.977, 95%CI: 1.543-10.255). After the adjustment for confounders, tooth loss
8.Effects of Rhizosphere Organic Acids on Metabolism of Hairy Roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza
Xinyu FU ; Wenying HAN ; Jidong JU ; Bingqian ZHOU ; Guohong YANG ; Xiao WANG ; Lanping GUO ; Wei LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):166-174
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of rhizosphere organic acids secreted by the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza on continuous cropping obstacles. MethodsThe mixed solution of organic acids in the rhizosphere of S. miltiorrhiza in continuous cropping and rotation cropping was added to the hairy roots subcultured for 21 days, and samples were collected on days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The changes of biomass, effective components, primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, antioxidant enzymes, and hormones in hairy roots of S. miltiorrhiza were observed and determined. ResultsCompared with the rotation cropping group and the blank control group, the simulation of organic acid secretion from the roots of S. miltiorrhiza had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of hairy roots and decreased the content of effective components as well as total sugar and total protein in primary metabolites. Compared with the blank control group, the rotation cropping group and the continuous cropping group showed total sugar and total protein content decreases of 33.9% and 5.1%, respectively. On the other hand, the secretion of organic acids from S. miltiorrhiza roots significantly promoted the accumulation of total phenolic acids and total tanshinone, which showed increases of 14.6% and 1.6%, respectively, in continuous cropping group and rotation cropping group compared with the blank control group. ConclusionThe organic acid environment under continuous cropping significantly inhibited the growth of hairy roots and the accumulation of primary metabolites, while promoting the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites of S. miltiorrhiza.
9.Exploring the effects of "liver-smoothing and spirit-regulating" acupuncture on intestinal flora, lipopolysaccharide, and hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in depressive disorder mice based on the gut-brain axis
Bingxin WU ; Yawen LI ; Sibo HAN ; Xichang HUANG ; Junye MA ; Xuesong Liang ; Qian WU ; Wenbin FU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):573-582
Objective:
To investigate the effects of "liver-smoothing and spirit-regulating" acupuncture on the intestinal flora, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the hippocampal toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ transcription factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway in depressive disorder mouse model, and to explore its underlying mechanisms.
Methods:
Eighteen male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, model, and acupuncture groups using a random number method, with six mice in each group. The depression disorder model was induced in mice from both the acupuncture and model groups using CUMS. The mice in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at the acupoints of "Baihui" (DU20), "Yintang" (DU29), "Hegu" (LI4), and "Taichong" (LR3) on the 15th day of modeling, with a duration of 20 min per session, once per day, for 2 consecutive weeks. Behavioral differences were assessed using the sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swim test. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon. The levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon were measured using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB protein in the hippocampus. Changes in gut microbiota structure and abundance were analyzed by 16 S rDNA sequencing.
Results:
Compared to the control group, the model group showed reduced sucrose preference rate, time in the center area, and total distance, with an increase in immobility time (P<0.01). Inflammatory pathological changes were observed in the hippocampal CA1 region and colon. The contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of hippocampal TLR4 and NF-κB were increased (P<0.01). The Chao1 index was increased (P<0.01). The relative abundances of Pseudomonadales, Acinetobacter, Moraxellaceae, Solibacillus, Escherichia_shigella, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterobacterales, Dubosiella, and Erysipelottichales were decreased, while the relative abundances of Alloprevotella and gram_negative_bacteriurh_cTPY_13 were increased (P<0.05). The pathways of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection were upregulated, and the pathway of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the acupuncture group showed increased sucrose preference, time in the center area, and total distance, with a decrease in immobility time (P<0.01). The inflammatory pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region and colon were alleviated. The contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon were reduced(P<0.01). The protein expression levels of hippocampal TLR4 and NF-κB were reduced (P<0.01). The Chao1 index was decreased (P<0.05), and the relative abundances of Dubosiella and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased, while the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae, Alloprevotella, and gram_negative_bacteriuch_cTPY_13 were decreased(P<0.05). The pathways of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection were significantly downregulated, and the pathway of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was upregulated (P<0.01).
Conclusion
" Liver-smoothing and spirit-regulating" acupuncture can improve depressive symptoms in depressive disorder mice, potentially through regulating the LPS and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by intestinal flora, reducing the inflammatory response of the hippocampus, and improving the pathological injury of the hippocampus.
10.Research progress of downstream signal pathway of Piezo1 in cell mechanics microenvironment
Zhuo-Yuan HAN ; Hui PENG ; Xiao-Yue ZHAI ; Yuan-Yuan FU
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(1):120-126
There are a variety of mechanical signals in the microenvironment of cells,which have temporal and spatial variability,which jointly regulate the histological processes such as cell proliferation,differentiation and migration.Piezo1 is a mechanically sensitive cationic channel.As a force sensor,it transmits signals to downstream pathways and participates in a variety of life activities in response to changes in the cell microenvironment.In this paper,the common signal pathways of Piezo1 were reviewed in order to identify the downstream signaling pathways regulated by Piezo1,thereby providing theoretical basis for inhibiting or delaying related diseases.


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