1.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
2.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
3.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
4.Pregnancy and the disease recurrence of patients previously treated for differentiated thyroid cancer: A systematic review and meta analysis
Rui SHAN ; Xin LI ; Ming TAO ; Wucai XIAO ; Jing CHEN ; Fang MEI ; Shibing SONG ; Bangkai SUN ; Chunhui YUAN ; Zheng LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(5):547-555
Background::Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is commonly diagnosed in women of child-bearing age, but whether pregnancy influences the prognosis of DTC remains controversial. This study aimed to summarize existing evidence regarding the association of pregnancy with recurrence risk in patients previously treated for DTC.Methods::We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus based on the prespecified protocol registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022367896). After study selection, two researchers independently extracted data from the included studies. For quantitative data synthesis, we used random-effects meta-analysis models to pool the proportion of recurrence (for pregnant women only) and odds ratio (OR; comparing the risk of recurrence between the pregnancy group and the nonpregnancy group), respectively. Then we conducted subgroup analyses to explore whether risk of recurrence differed by response to therapy status or duration of follow-up time. We also assessed quality of the included studies.Results::A total of ten studies were included. The sample size ranged from 8 to 235, with participants’ age at pregnancy or delivery ranging from 28 to 35 years. The follow-up time varied from 0.1 to 36.0 years. The pooled proportion of recurrence in all pregnant patients was 0.13 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.06-0.25; I2: 0.58). Among six included studies reporting response to therapy status before pregnancy, we observed a trend for increasingly higher risk of recurrence from excellent, indeterminate, and biochemically incomplete to structurally incomplete response to therapy ( Ptrend <0.05). The pooled risk of recurrence in the pregnancy group showed no evidence of a significant difference from that in the nonpregnancy group (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.45-1.23; I2: 0). The difference in follow-up time (below/above five years) was not associated with either the proportion of recurrence in all pregnant patients ( P >0.05) or the OR of recurrence in studies with a comparison group ( P >0.05). Two included studies that focused on patients with distant metastasis also did not show a significant difference in disease recurrence between pregnancy and nonpregnancy groups (OR: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.14-1.87; I2: 59%]). Conclusion::In general, pregnancy appears to have a minimal association with the disease recurrence of DTC with initial treatment. Clinicians should pay more attention to progression of DTC among pregnant women with biochemical and/or structural persistence.Registration::PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; No. CRD42022367896.
5.Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome antiretroviral therapy initiated on the same day in treatment-na?ve people with human immunodeficiency virus: A comparative study of efficacy and regimen
Jing YUAN ; Changgang DENG ; Qisui LI ; Yanyu SUN ; Wei HUANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(22):2720-2725
Background::Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended by guidelines, however, real-world studies of same-day initiation of ART in China are limited, and an optimal treatment regimen has yet to be identified. The study aims to provide a realistic reference for rapid initiation of ART.Methods::We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of treatment-na?ve people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWHs) who were diagnosed and prescribed same-day ART initiation from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022 at Chongqing Public Health Medical Center. PWHs voluntarily chose an ART regimen that divided them into two groups: National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program (NFATP)-recommended regimens group (2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors + non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors/protease inhibitors) and bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) group. The primary endpoint was the virological outcome of the two groups for same-day ART initiation at 24 weeks and 48 weeks. The secondary endpoints included changes in CD4 counts, maintenance of the original ART regimen at 48 weeks, and lipid levels and renal function at 48 weeks.Results::A total of 255 PWHs were included in the study, including 131 (51.4%) in the NFATP group and 124 (48.6%) in the BIC/FTC/TAF group. The overall virological suppression rates at 24 weeks and 48 weeks were 78.2% (165/211) and 95.4% (207/217), respectively. At 24 weeks, the virologic suppression rate in the NFATP group was lower than that in the BIC/FTC/TAF group (65.3% [66/101] vs. 90.0% [99/110], P <0.001). The median increase in the CD4 count was 198.0 (126.0-300.0) cells/μL at 24 weeks, with 182.0 (108.0-245.0) cells/μL in the NFATP group and 219 (132.0-316.0) cells/μL in the BIC/FTC/TAF group ( P = 0.035). At 48 weeks, there was no significant difference in the virological suppression rate or CD4 count between the groups. The 48-week initial ART regimen retention rates and treatment retention rates were significantly higher in the BIC/FTC/TAF group than in the NFATP group (91.1% (113/124) vs. 71.8% (94/131), 99.2% (118/119) vs. 93.0% (120/129), respectively). In terms of safety, there were no significant changes from baseline in levels of creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), or lipids in either group at 48 weeks. Conclusions::ART initiation on the day of diagnosis is effective, safe, and feasible, with satisfactory rates of virologic suppression, 48-week initial ART regimen retention rates, and treatment retention rates in treatment-na?ve PWHs. In our study, the early virologic suppression rate, CD4 cell counts, and treatment retention of the BIC/FTC/TAF regimens were significantly better than those of the NFATP regimens.
6.Applied anatomical study of facial artery branches in the nasolabial groove area
Yuan CONG ; Jing-Wen LIU ; Xiao-Xu SUN ; Chun-Ju ZHANG ; Ai-She DUN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(10):882-886
Objective To observe the course and diameter of facial artery branches and its adjacent structures in nasolabial groove area and the positional relationship,so as to provide reference for clinicians to carry out facial cosmetic repair surgery.Methods A total of 40 adult head and neck specimens were dissected on the spot,and the course and position of the facial artery branches,facial vein and facial nerve in the nasolabial groove area were observed,their diameters were measured,and relevant data were recorded.Results There were 4 types of facial artery branches in the nasolabial groove area:type Ⅰ(upper lip type)accounted for 12.5%,type Ⅱ(nasal type)accounted for 62.5%,type Ⅲ(classical type)accounted for 20.0%,and type Ⅳ(double severe type)accounted for 5.0% .There were 4 kinds of positional relationship between the facial artery and the facial vein in the nasolabial groove area:42.5% of the orofacial artery was located on the medial side of the facial vein,32.5% of the orofacial artery was located on the lateral side of the facial vein,17.5% of the two were close to and wrapped in a fascial sheath,7.5% of the orofacial artery and the main trunk of the facial vein were crossed,and the vein was located in the deep surface of the artery.There were 3 kinds of positional relationship between the facial artery and the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve:87.5% of the facial artery was deep on the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve,7.5% of the facial artery was superficial on the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve,and 5.0% of the facial artery was held or surrounded by two branches of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve on the superficial or deep surface.Conclusion The positional relationship among facial artery,facial vein and facial nerve in the nasolabial groove area is complicated.Familiarity with its positional relationship can avoid damaging blood vessels and nerves during the nasorabial groove surgery,reduce surgical complications and improve surgical safety.
7.Implementation status of intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology in localizing peripherally inserted central catheter tip position in 199 hospitals
Jing SHI ; Lei WANG ; Xiaoqi WU ; Wei GAO ; Hong SUN ; Yuan SHENG ; Yan WU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(4):494-499
Objective:To investigate the implementation status of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology in the hospitals, so as to provide reference for promoting the development of intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. Using the convenient sampling method, members of Intravenous Infusion Committee of Chinese Nursing Association selected PICC/ intravenous therapy leaders meeting the inclusion criteria from 5 to 10 hospitals in their work area as the research objects from December 2022 to January 2023. The self-made PICC Tip Intracardiac Electrocardiogram Positioning Technology Implementation Status Questionnaire was used to investigate the PICC/intravenous therapy leaders. A total of 205 questionnaires were distributed in 28 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities directly under the Central Government, and 199 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 97.1%. Results:Among 199 hospitals, 63.3% (126/199) of them successfully implemented PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology. Among the 126 hospitals that implemented PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, only 20 hospitals included it in their charging items. A total of 50.3% (100/199) of hospitals established a unified intracardiac electrocardiogram guided PICC catheterization procedure; 47.7% (95/199) of hospitals organized/participated in training programs on PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, and 57.3% (114/199) of hospital PICC/intravenous therapy leaders participated in training programs related to PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology. In terms of the relevant achievements of 199 research hospitals, 56 papers, seven utility model patents and 28 awards were issued.Conclusions:The application, training and achievement output of PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology need to be further improved. It is suggested to sink high-quality resources, formulate implementation procedures and evaluation standards, standardize nursing service project management, increase training efforts, and improve scientific research thinking of intravenous therapy nurses, so as to promote the standardization development of new technologies.
8.Common pathogenesis of gout and rheumatoid arthritis based on bioinformatics analysis
Zichen SHAO ; Huanan LI ; Xiaoyun ZHANG ; Weikang SUN ; Qipeng YUAN ; Jing LIU ; Ling CHENG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(12):2478-2483,中插1-中插2
Objective:To study the common pathogenesis of gout and rheumatoid arthritis(RA)by bioinformatics analysis.Methods:Microarray expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in gout and RA were obtained from the GEO public da-tabase.R language and other tools were used to re-annotates the chip,and then the differential genes(DEGs)of the two were screened and the intersection was taken.The protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and topology analysis of common differential genes(CO-DEGs)were constructed by STRING database and Cytoscape software(including CytoNCA plug-in).The HubGene was screened and validated by ROC curve.Finally,the DAVID online analysis tool was used to perform GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis of HubGene.Results:There were 9 HubGene screened,they were TNF,RGS1,CD69,IL7R,DDX3X,SOCS3,IFIT1,IFIT3,CCL3.GO enrichment showed that HubGene was mainly involves the regulation of virus,STAT receptor signaling pathway and positive regu-lation of neuroinflammatory response.KEGG enrichment showed that HubGene was mainly involved in Toll like receptor signaling pathway,TNF signaling pathway,JAK-STAT signaling pathway,adipocytokine signaling pathway,RIG-Ⅰ-like receptor signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation.Conclusion:Using bioinformatics analysis,nine HubGene and related signaling pathways in-volved in the pathogenesis of gout and RA have been identified,which may serve as novel biomarkers and potential targets.
9.Epidemiology and genetic evolution of African swine fever virus:Variations and constants
Shengmei CHEN ; Tao WANG ; Zhanhao LU ; Jing LAN ; Rui LUO ; Qiang FU ; Yuan SUN ; Huaji QIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(7):1545-1555
African swine fever(ASF)is a highly contagious and pathogenic disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs,which is caused by African swine fever virus(ASFV).In European epidem-ics,low-virulence strains of ASFV,which do not have hemadsorbing properties,have been identi-fied.Following the identification of highly virulent genotype Ⅱ ASFV strains in China in 2018,subsequently,low-virulence strains of genotype Ⅱ and genotype Ⅰ emerged.Recombination be-tween genotypes Ⅰ and Ⅱ has also led to the occurrence of high-virulence strains.This indicates a complex and diverse genetic evolution of ASFV during the epidemiological transmission,which po-ses significant challenges for vaccine development and disease surveillance.Here,we provide an o-verview of the novel epidemiological characteristics of ASFV,with a focus on genetic variations and pathogenic differences during the outbreaks of ASF.We also explore how ASFV genetic varia-tions impact immune escape and pathogenicity of the virus,and the challenges they pose for vac-cine development,disease diagnosis,and surveillance.The aim of this review is to enhance our un-derstanding of the genetic evolution and mutation mechanisms of ASFV,providing a theoretical basis for the development of vaccines and research on diagnostic technologies.
10.RHD Genotyping Characteristics of RhD-Negative Blood Donors in Wuhu Area
Meng-Nan LI ; Zhen-Jun DU ; Jing-Wen LIU ; Rui ZHANG ; Yuan WANG ; Dian-Ming CAO ; Ji-Chun TAO ; Lu-Chen ZOU ; Hui HUANG ; En-Tao SUN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(5):1531-1538
Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanism and distribution characteristics of RhD negative phenotypes in Han population of blood donors in Wuhu city.Methods:A total of 210 RhD-samples from August 2021 to August 2022 were screened by serological test and collected from Wuhu Central Blood Station for the voluntary blood donor population.Exons 1 and 10 of the RHD gene were amplificated by PCR to determine whether the samples had the RHD gene.Exons 1-10 of the RHD gene were amplificated by PCR and zygosity analysis were performed in 82 samples containing D gene,and Sanger sequencing was performed on 55 samples containing all RHD exons to determine the genotype.Results:Among 210 RhD-specimens,128 cases(60.38%)had RHD gene deletion.27 cases had partial exons of RHD,including 2 cases with RHD*DVI.3/RHD*01N.01,24 cases with RHD*01N.04/RHD*01N.01,and 1 case with RHD-CE(2-10)/RHD*01N.01.55 cases had retained all of 10 exons,including 4 cases with RHD*01/RHD*01N.01,6 cases with RHD*15/RHD*01N.01,1 case with RHD*01W.72/RHD*01N.01,1 case with RHD*15/RHD*01EL.01,39 cases with RHD*01EL.01/RHD*01N.01,and the remaining 4 cases were determined to have no RHD gene deletion by zygosity analysis and sequencing showed the presence of 1227G>A mutation loci.Conclusion:There is polymorphism in the molecular mechanism of RhD-D gene in Wuhu blood donor population,among which RHD*01EL.01 and RHD*15 are the main variants in this region.The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for RhD blood group identification and clinical blood transfusion in this region.

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