1.Whole-genome sequencing analysis of co-existing bacteria in platelet products: genomic features and biological implications
Qiqi WANG ; Yuwei ZHAO ; Xue CHEN ; Zhan GAO ; Miao HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):305-316
Objective: To establish a rapid, accurate, and decentralized workflow for bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and risk profiling within the shelf-life of platelet concentrates, and to characterize the species, virulence, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and immune evasion mechanisms of co-existing bacteria in qualified platelet products, thereby providing a scientific basis for transfusion safety assessment. Methods: Three units of platelet concentrates, which tested negative by routine bacterial screening, were collected from the Chengdu Blood Center between May and June 2025. Samples were enriched at 37℃under six aerobic and nine anaerobic conditions for 7 days. Using a culturomics strategy, aliquots were plated for isolation on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 to obtain cultivable isolates, with negative culture controls included to exclude contamination. High-molecular-weight genomic DNA was extracted via mechanical grinding, purified, and size-selected. Sequencing libraries were constructed and sequenced on the G-seq500 single-molecule nanopore sequencing platform. Genomes were assembled using Flye and polished with NextPolish, with quality evaluated by BUSCO and CheckM. Taxonomic identification was performed using GTDB-Tk. Functional annotation and database comparisons were conducted to analyze virulence factors, AMR genes, and genes related to immune evasion and environmental adaptation. Results: Viable bacteria were successfully isolated from all three qualified platelet units within their shelf life. The isolates were identified as Bacillus albus, Niallia taxi, and Staphylococcus warneri. Nanopore sequencing generated 92 227-109 813 reads (totaling 680-758 Mb) with an N50 of 7 625-8 584 bp and Q20/Q30 scores of 97%/93%, respectively. All three genomes were assembled into complete circular chromosomes with 1-3 plasmids, achieving >93% completeness. Functional analysis revealed that B. albus carried multiple hemolysins, metalloproteases, and multidrug resistance genes, indicating the highest potential pathogenicity and AMR risk. S. warneri exhibited a typical multidrug resistance profile and regulatory network characteristic of coagulase-negative staphylococci, suggesting intermediate virulence. N. taxi harbored few canonical virulence factors and lacked functional AMR determinants, presenting a "low-virulence, low-resistance" profile. Notably, all three strains were enriched in genes encoding antimicrobial peptide resistance systems (e.g., dltABCD, mprF, GraRS, BceAB) and antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a strong capacity to withstand immune stress in the blood environment. Conclusion: Viable bacteria can be recovered from qualified platelet concentrates that test negative by routine screening. Nanopore WGS enables rapid strain-level identification and comprehensive risk profiling of virulence, resistance, and immune adaptation traits. The functional repertoires of these "co-existing" isolates range from environmental adaptation to potential pathogenicity, representing an underappreciated risk for transfusion-transmitted infections in susceptible recipients.
2.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment Principles of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Spleen-mitochondria Correlation
Shiyi WANG ; Miao YU ; Xinyao HE ; Zi WANG ; Haijun LUAN ; Yibo SUN ; Haotong WANG ; Linlin WANG ; Lijian PANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):258-264
According to the Qi-blood-body fluid theory and the association between the spleen in visceral manifestation theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and mitochondria in modern cellular biology, it is proposed that the role of the spleen in generating and transforming Qi and blood is analogous to the energy-producing function of mitochondria—both serving as fundamental power sources for vital activities of the human body. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, playing a critical role in energy metabolism and the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Similarly, mitochondria are vital for maintaining physiological functions such as cellular energy supply, cell survival, and overall human metabolism. Furthermore, spleen deficiency is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly, mitochondrial energy conversion and substance metabolism are regarded as the microscopic essence of the spleen's function in transportation and transformation. Spleen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the formation of pathological products such as phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis. This aligns with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with Qi deficiency as the root cause and phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis as the manifestations. Therefore, the integrative treatment of COPD should follow the therapeutic principle of invigorating the spleen and reinforcing healthy Qi, while also resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to address both root cause and manifestations. This approach can improve the mitochondrial function, regulate energy metabolism, and reduce oxidative stress levels to alleviate COPD symptoms, slow down disease progression, and improve prognosis. By integrating the holistic concept of TCM with molecular mechanisms of modern medicine, this paper explores the pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of COPD from the spleen-mitochondria correlation. It not only provides a new direction for the modern development of TCM and the integration of Chinese and Western medicine but also offers a theoretical foundation for the integrated treatment of chronic, complex age-related diseases.
3.Exploring Pathogenesis and Treatment Principles of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Spleen-mitochondria Correlation
Shiyi WANG ; Miao YU ; Xinyao HE ; Zi WANG ; Haijun LUAN ; Yibo SUN ; Haotong WANG ; Linlin WANG ; Lijian PANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):258-264
According to the Qi-blood-body fluid theory and the association between the spleen in visceral manifestation theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and mitochondria in modern cellular biology, it is proposed that the role of the spleen in generating and transforming Qi and blood is analogous to the energy-producing function of mitochondria—both serving as fundamental power sources for vital activities of the human body. The spleen governs transportation and transformation, playing a critical role in energy metabolism and the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Similarly, mitochondria are vital for maintaining physiological functions such as cellular energy supply, cell survival, and overall human metabolism. Furthermore, spleen deficiency is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. Accordingly, mitochondrial energy conversion and substance metabolism are regarded as the microscopic essence of the spleen's function in transportation and transformation. Spleen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the formation of pathological products such as phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis. This aligns with the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with Qi deficiency as the root cause and phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis as the manifestations. Therefore, the integrative treatment of COPD should follow the therapeutic principle of invigorating the spleen and reinforcing healthy Qi, while also resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis to address both root cause and manifestations. This approach can improve the mitochondrial function, regulate energy metabolism, and reduce oxidative stress levels to alleviate COPD symptoms, slow down disease progression, and improve prognosis. By integrating the holistic concept of TCM with molecular mechanisms of modern medicine, this paper explores the pathogenesis and therapeutic principles of COPD from the spleen-mitochondria correlation. It not only provides a new direction for the modern development of TCM and the integration of Chinese and Western medicine but also offers a theoretical foundation for the integrated treatment of chronic, complex age-related diseases.
4.Exploring the mechanism of Yuchang granule on ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Miao HE ; Can XU ; Shunli LYU ; Jingxia CHEN ; Jing TIAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(4):209-215
Objective To determine the molecular mechanism of Yuchang granule (YCG) against ulcerative colitis (UC) by network pharmacology-based approach combined with molecular docking. Methods TCMSP and HIT database were utilized to search the active components and potential targets of YCG. The effective targets of UC were obtained by GeneCards, CTD, and DisGeNET databases. Venn Diagram was exploited to receive common targets of YCG and UC. Network maps of the TCM of YCG-active component-common targets were constructed by the Cytoscape software to gain key active components. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) of common targets was constructed by the STRING database obtaining core common targets. The mechanism and therapeutic effects of YCG on UC were explored via gene ontology (GO) and the biological pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Molecular docking technology was carried out to verify the combination of core active components with key common targets. Results 98 active components and 237 potential targets were sieved from YCG, and
5.Molecular Mechanism of Liuwei Dihuangwan Regulating GPNMB Expression and Enhancing Autophagy in Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Yuxi LIU ; Zhongkang ZHU ; Songnan WANG ; Jiali LIU ; Ye YIN ; Jiarui MIAO ; Shunuo HE ; Danyu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):1-10
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on the autophagy function in the hippocampus of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) by regulating the expression of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB). Furthermore, it is designed to explore the mechanism of the method of tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsIn experiment 1, 24 5-month-old SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, and the low-, middle- and high-dose(0.59,1.18,2.36 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan groups. At the same time, six 5-month-old senescence accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice were used as the control group. The learning and memory ability was evaluated through novel object recognition experiment. Serum cortisol (Cort), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the expression levels of hippocampal GPNMB, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) and autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot. In experiment 2, 18 SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, vector control group (Vector), and GPNMB overexpression group (GPNMBOE). Lentiviral vectors were stereotactically injected into the brain (2 μL per side in the GPNMBOE group). Western blot was used to detect the expression of the above target proteins in the hippocampus; In Experiment 3, 24 SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, Liuwei Dihuangwan group, Liuwei Dihuangwan+negative control (NC) group, and Liuwei Dihuangwan+GPNMB silencing group (shGPNMB). Before drug treatment, the Liuwei Dihuangwan+NC group and the Liuwei Dihuangwan+shGPNMB group were injected with negative control and GPNMB silencing lentivirus, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of the above target proteins in the hippocampus. ResultsThe novel object discrimination index of mice in the model group was significantly lower than that of mice in the control group (P<0.01). The novel object discrimination index of mice in the medium- and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups was significantly higher than that of mice in the model group (P<0.01). Aggregated autolysosomes were observed in the normal hippocampus tissue by TEM. In the model group, mitochondria were dominant, and no typical characteristic autophagosomes were observed. In the low- and medium-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups, a small number of autolysosomes and autophagosomes with double-membrane structures were observed. In the high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group, the number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes was greater than that in the low- and medium-dose groups. The results of ELISA and Western blot showed that compared with the control group, the levels of serum Cort, ACTH, and urine 17-OHCS in the model group were substantially increased, while the expression of hippocampal ADAM10, Beclin1, and microtubule associated-protein light chain 3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ (LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ) was significantly decreased. The expression of GPNMB and ubiquitin binding protein p62 was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum Cort and ACTH levels in the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups were significantly reduced, while only the urine 17-OHCS level in the high-dose group was significantly reduced. The hippocampal GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ expression levels in the medium-, and high-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuangwan were significantly increased compared to the model group, whereas the expression of p62 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The above indicators showed a progressive trend among the three groups. Compared with the model group, the GPNMBOE group showed a significant increase in GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ expression, and a significant decrease in p62 expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus of the Liuwei Dihuangwan group significantly increased, while the expression of p62 significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the Liuwei Dihuangwan group, the Liuwei Dihuangwan+shGPNMB group showed a significant decrease in GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ, and a significant increase in p62 expression (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan can enhance hippocampal autophagy function and improve AD by upregulating GPNMB expression.
6.Application of Forensic Transcriptomics in the Identification of Tissue Origin of Body Fluid Stains
Yi-Fan BAI ; He-Miao ZHAO ; Jing CHEN ; Hong-Di LIU ; Rui-Qin YANG ; Chong WANG
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(3):260-266
The inference of tissue origin of body fluid stains is crucial for case investigation and court proceedings.However,traditional methods for identification of body fluid stains,such as morpho-logical,chemical,and immunoassay identifications have certain limitations,and there is an urgent need for more efficient methods for confirmatory experiments.In recent years,the rapid development of tran-scriptomics technology has provided new means for the identification of tissue origin of body fluid stains.Different types of RNA in the transcriptome have their own advantages.This paper elaborates in detail on the application of different types of RNA,such as mRNA,miRNA,circRNA,lncRNA,piRNA and microbial transcriptomics in body fluid identification,and summarizes their respective ad-vantages and limitations,in order to provide a reference for related research.
7.Analysis of Surgical Treatment Outcomes in 709 Cases of Infective Endocarditis
Chaoji ZHANG ; Zining WU ; Xingrong LIU ; Guotao MA ; Shangdong XU ; Jianzhou LIU ; Sheng YANG ; Yanxue ZHAO ; Xinpei LIU ; Xiaocui WANG ; Xiaojun MA ; Ligang FANG ; Chunhua YU ; Huaiwu HE ; Qi MIAO ; Jun ZHENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;17(1):197-203
To review the clinical characteristics, short-term outcomes, and risk factors of patients with infective endocarditis(IE) who underwent surgical treatment at a single center, and to summarize treatment experience. Consecutive patients diagnosed with IE who underwent cardiac surgery at the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2012 and June 2024 were enrolled. Statistical analyses were performed on their baseline characteristics, comorbidities, IE predisposing factors, surgical indications, pathogen distribution, surgical strategies, short-term outcomes, and associated risk factors. A total of 709 IE patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. IE involved left-sided valves in 85.3% of cases. The median age was 48(35, 58) years, and 68.0% were male. Prosthetic valve endocarditis accounted for 8.7%. Patients with left-sided IE had a higher prevalence of comorbidities. Streptococcus was the causative pathogen in 43.2% of patients, while right-sided IE was more frequently associated with Significant differences in pathogen distribution were observed between patients with left-sided and right-sided IE. Heart failure was identified as an independent risk factor for both perioperative mortality and adverse outcomes in surgically treated patients. Through strict timing of surgical intervention and optimized perioperative management, surgical treatment may effectively reduce mortality and improve prognosis in patients with IE.
8.Application value of blood miR-192,PD-1,Tim-3,and Wnt signaling pathway-related factors in clinic staging of syphilis
Li DONG ; Yuanyuan DONG ; Miao HE
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(8):805-810
Objective To explore the application value of the expression of microRNA-192(miR-192),programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1),T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3(Tim-3),Wnt family member 1(Wnt1),β-catenin,and Dickkopf-related protein 1(DKK1)in the clinic staging of syphilis,so as to provide more accurate biological markers for the diagnosis and staging of syphilis.Methods A total of 106 patients who were diagnosed as syphilis in the Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi between September 2022 and September 2023 were assigned to the study group,and 48 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in the same period were enrolled as controls.There were 68 males and 38 females with a mean age of(34.71±3.59)years in the study group.There were 26 males and 22 females with a mean age of(34.25±3.62)years in the control group.Quantitative PCR was used to detect to expression level of miR-192 in the blood of patients,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the expression of blood miR-192,PD-1,Tim-3,Wnt1,β-catenin,DKK1.These indicators were compared among patients with different stages of syphilis.The correlation of clinic staging of syphilis with miR-192,PD-1,Tim-3,and Wnt1 was investigated.Its predictive efficiency for syphilis staging was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The expression levels of miR-192,Wnt1,and DKK1 in the study group were lower than those in the control group,while the levels of PD-1,Tim-3,and β-catenin were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The expression levels of miR-192,Wnt1,and DKK1 in the syphilis patients at different stages were as follows:latent stage>primary stage>secondary stage>tertiary stage;the expression levels of PD-1,Tim-3,and β-catenin in the syphilis patients at different stages were as follows:latent stage
9.Efficacy comparison of small-incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond assisted laser in situ keratomileusis in the treatment of myopia with astigmatism
Min ZHOU ; Suying YU ; Wanjiang DONG ; Long CHEN ; Miao HE
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):292-296
AIM: To compare the efficacy of small-incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)and femtosecond assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)in the treatment of patients with myopia and astigmatism.METHODS: Retrospective analysis. A total of 100 cases(200 eyes)of patients with myopia and astigmatism treated in our hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were collected. Among them, 50 cases(100 eyes)were divided into SMILE group and 50 cases(100 eyes)were divided into FS-LASIK group according to the treatment plans. The visual acuity and astigmatism, corneal morphology parameters, subjective visual quality scores, ocular surface indicators, postoperative complications, and quality of life were compared between the two groups before and after surgery.RESULTS: There was no significant difference in uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA), best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), astigmatism, corneal asphericity Q value, corneal surface regularity index(SRI), corneal thickness, and corneal curvature between the two groups before surgery and at 1 d, 1, and 6 mo after surgery(all P>0.05). At 1 and 6 mo after surgery, the subjective visual quality score, the quality of life score, Schirmer I test(SⅠt)and tear film break-up time(BUT)in the SMILE group were better than that in the FS-LASIK group(all P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the SMILE group was lower than that in the FS-LASIK group at 6 mo after surgery(P=0.005).CONCLUSION: Both SMILE and FS-LASIK have good clinical effects in the treatment of myopia with astigmatism, but the SMILE could alleviate ocular surface injury, reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of lifes for patients.
10.Identification of blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology and evaluation of their anti-insomnia effects and mechanisms.
Xia-Xia REN ; Jin-Na YANG ; Xue-Jun LUO ; Hui-Ping LI ; Miao QIAO ; Wen-Jia WANG ; Yi HE ; Shui-Ping ZHOU ; Yun-Hui HU ; Rui-Ming LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1928-1937
This study identified blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills and explored their anti-insomnia effects and mechanisms. The main blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills were detected and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The rationality of the formula was assessed by using enrichment analysis based on the relationship between drugs and symptoms, and core targets of its active components were selected as the the potential anti-insomnia targets of Anshen Dropping Pills through network pharmacology analysis. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis were performed on the core targets. An active component-core target network for Anshen Dropping Pills was constructed. Finally, the effects of low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Anshen Dropping Pills on sleep episodes, sleep duration, and sleep latency in mice were measured by supraliminal and subliminal pentobarbital sodium experiments. Moreover, total scores of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) scale was used to evaluate the changes before and after the treatment with Anshen Dropping Pills in a clinical study. The enrichment analysis based on the relationship between drugs and symptoms verified the rationality of the Anshen Dropping Pills formula, and nine blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The network proximity revealed a significant correlation between eight components and insomnia, including magnoflorine, liquiritin, spinosin, quercitrin, jujuboside A, ginsenoside Rb_3, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the major anti-insomnia pathways of Anshen Dropping Pills involved substance and energy metabolism, neuroprotection, immune system regulation, and endocrine regulation. Seven core genes related to insomnia were identified: APOE, ALB, BDNF, PPARG, INS, TP53, and TNF. In summary, Anshen Dropping Pills could increase sleep episodes, prolong sleep duration, and reduce sleep latency in mice. Clinical study results demonstrated that Anshen Dropping Pills could decrease total scores of PSQI scale. This study reveals the pharmacodynamic basis and potential multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway effects of Anshen Dropping Pills, suggesting that its anti-insomnia mechanisms may be associated with the regulation of insomnia-related signaling pathways. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of Anshen Dropping Pills.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods*
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Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/metabolism*
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Mice
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Network Pharmacology
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Male
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Humans
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Sleep/drug effects*
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Female
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Adult

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