1.Effect of tritiated water on the immune system of zebrafish and mechanism analysis
Xiaofang GENG ; Chang LIU ; Yinyin YANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Le ZHAO ; Bingqing ZENG ; Chen WANG ; Pengyu LIN ; Yulong LIU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(3):354-362
Objective To investigate the effect of tritiated water on the immune system of zebrafish and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods Zebrafish embryos (2.5 to 3 hours post-fertilization [hpf]) were exposed to 3.7 × 104 Bq/mL tritiated water (tritiated water group), and those exposed to E3 culture medium were used as the control group. The mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, heart rate, body length, yolk sac area, neutrophil count in the tail, immune-related gene expression, and immune-related protein expression of zebrafish in the two groups were determined. Then transcriptome technology was used to further analyze the possible mechanism of tritiated water affecting the immune system of zebrafish. Results Compared with the control group, zebrafish at 72 hpf in the tritiated water group had no significant changes in the mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, body length, and yolk sac area((t = 0.9045, 0.5000, 1.0000, 0.7238, 0.0337, P = 0.4169, 0.6433, 0.3739, 0.4785, 0.9735), but had significantly increased heart rate(t = 4.575,P = 0.002). At 4 days post-fertilization (dpf), the neutrophil count in the tail of zebrafish in the tritiated water group was significantly increased(t = 2.563,P = 0.0196), the mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly decreased(t = 2.891, P = 0.045), the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was significantly increased(t = 3.848, P = 0.018), and the protein expression of NLRP3 was significantly decreased(t = 14.98, P = 0.001). At 7 dpf, the neutrophil count in the tail and the protein expression levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, and interleukin-1β were significantly decreased(t = 3.772, 7.048, 15.620, 4.423, P = 0.014, 0.002, 0.0001, 0.012). Transcriptome sequencing revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the “neutrophil activation” and “platelet activation pathways” at 4 dpf and in the “neutrophil apoptosis”, “ferroptosis”, and “necroptosis” pathways at 7 dpf. Conclusion Tritiated water exposure induces a temporally dynamic immune response in zebrafish, potentially affecting immune homeostasis by regulating neutrophil activation and apoptosis, as well as the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3.
2.Evaluation of donor ALT screening strategies based on random sampling simulation with large sample sizes
Liqin HUANG ; Yuanye XUE ; Le CHANG ; Lunan WANG ; Jinfeng ZENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1094-1100
Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the current alanine aminotransferase (ALT) screening strategies and provide a basis for their optimization. Methods: ALT test results of 21 345 blood samples were collected from 33 blood collection institutions. Multiple probability distribution functions were employed to fit the data, and the akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to determine the optimal fitting model. Based on this model, 1 million random samplings were conducted to simulate the final ALT test results of blood donors under different ALT screening strategies, eligibility criteria, and pre-donation ALT detection deviations. A decision tree was subsequently constructed for health economic analysis. Results: The log-normal distribution with a mean of 2.96 and a variance of 0.65 provided the best fit for the data. When the eligibility criteria was 50 U/L and the pre-donation detection deviation was ±20%, not conducting pre-donation testing increased blood donation by 1.14%. When the pre-donation detection deviation was ±20% and the eligibility criteria was raised from 50 U/L to 100 U/L, conducting and not conducting pre-donation testing increased blood donation by 7.59% and 6.60%, respectively. With a eligibility criteria of 50 U/L and a pre-donation detection deviation of ±20%, 1.14% of eligible blood donors would be disqualified from donating blood. Health economic analysis showed that when the eligibility criteria was adjusted to 56 U/L or higher, not conducting pre-donation ALT testing was the dominant strategy; under other conditions, conducting pre-donation testing was the dominant strategy. Conclusion: The selection of ALT testing strategies is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, and it is necessary to adopt an appropriate ALT screening strategy based on specific testing circumstances.
3.Molecular and therapeutic landscape of ferroptosis in skin diseases
Jiayuan LE ; Yu MENG ; Ying WANG ; Daishi LI ; Furong ZENG ; Yixiao XIONG ; Xiang CHEN ; Guangtong DENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(15):1777-1789
Regulated cell death (RCD) is a critical physiological process essential in maintaining skin homeostasis. Among the various forms of RCD, ferroptosis stands out due to its distinct features of iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and involvement of various inhibitory antioxidant systems. In recent years, an expanding body of research has solidly linked ferroptosis to the emergence of skin disorders. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying ferroptosis in skin diseases is crucial for advancing therapy and prevention strategies. This review commences with a succinct elucidation of the mechanisms that underpin ferroptosis, embarks on a thorough exploration of ferroptosis’s role across a spectrum of skin conditions, encompassing melanoma, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vitiligo, and dermatological ailments precipitated by ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and scrutinizes the potential therapeutic benefits of pharmacological interventions aimed at modulating ferroptosis for the amelioration of skin diseases.
4.Small cell prostate carcinoma and high-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder combined with small cell bladder carcinoma: a case report
Xungang LI ; Wensheng ZHANG ; Xinxi DENG ; Zhiwen LE ; Jia ZENG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(3):225-226
Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare and highly malignant tumor of the urinary system. It is less common for prostate small cell carcinoma coexisting with bladder carcinoma. One such case was reported in this paper. The patient underwent ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy, and transurethral bladder endoscopy + bladder tumor electric resection. Postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry showed prostate small cell carcinoma accompanied by high-grade invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and small cell carcinoma. The patient underwent local bladder perfusion chemotherapy, relying on etoposide plus lobaplatin systemic chemotherapy and toripalimab immunotherapy. Prostate MRI, cystoscopy, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were performed 12 months after operation. The size of the lesions in the prostate and seminal vesicles had decreased, and there was a significant reduction in PSA levels. Additionally, no masses were detected in the bladder.
5.Methods and clinical effects of reconstructing facial and cervical scars with expanded flaps based on the "MLT" principle
Mingqiu TAO ; Mitao HUANG ; Pengfei LIANG ; Minghua ZHANG ; Pihong ZHANG ; Zhiyou HE ; Jizhang ZENG ; Jie ZHOU ; Xu CUI ; Le GUO ; Situo ZHOU ; Yan YANG ; Tinghong XIE ; Xiaoyuan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2024;40(7):657-664
Objective:To explore the methods and clinical effects of reconstructing facial and cervical scars with expanded flaps based on the "MLT" principle.Methods:The study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2019 to May 2022, 74 patients with facial and cervical scars after burn or trauma injuries who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, including 38 males and 36 females, aged from 5 to 58 years, including 24 patients with simple facial involvement, 24 patients with simple cervical involvement, and 26 patients with both facial and cervical involvement, with scar area ranging from 12 to 145 cm2. By following the "MLT" principle (color and texture similar to the face; flap area large enough to reconstruct the entire defect; skin tissue thin enough to transmit the expression, so as to facilitate the shape of the face and five features); in the stage Ⅰ surgery, the skin and soft tissue expanders (hereinafter referred to as the expanders) were implanted, and in the stage Ⅱ surgery, the expander removal+scar resection+flap transplantation to repair the secondary wound was performed, and the wound in the donor area of flap was directly sutured. After operation, silicone gel preparation and laser therapy were used to prevent scar hyperplasia. The expansion ratio and time period of expanders, the occurrence of complications of skin and soft tissue expansion surgery, the type of flap used, and the survival of flap after the stage Ⅱ surgery were observed and recorded. The long-term effect of facial and cervical reconstruction and the recovery of donor area and recipient area of flap were evaluated during the postoperative follow-up after surgery.Results:The expansion ratio of 135 expanders ranged from 1.36 to 3.00 times, and the expansion time period ranged from 6 to 14 months. During skin and soft tissue expansion surgery, 8 patients had poor healing of incisions after expander placement, 7 patients had expander rupture, 5 patients had infection in incisions after expander placement, 3 patients had expander exposure, 2 patients had difficult filling the injection pot, and 1 patient had water leakage from the injection pot. Dorsal shoulder expanded flaps with double blood supply of transverse cervical artery and circumflex scapular artery were used in 8 patients, the expanded flaps of anterior transverse carotid artery perforator were used in 11 patients, the expanded flaps of internal thoracic artery perforator were used in 12 patients, tandem expanded flaps of upper chest and neck were used in 16 patients, dorsal thoracic artery perforator expanded flaps were used in 5 patients, and adjacent rotary propulsive expanded flaps were used in 22 patients. After the stage Ⅱ surgery, the flaps of 71 patients were completely survived. One patient had blood circulation disorder in the flap, and the flap survived after hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Necrosis occurred at the end of the flaps in 2 patients, which healed after dressing change. After the surgery, 42 patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months. The color, texture, and thickness of flaps were good and similar to the surrounding normal skin tissue in the recipient area, the appearance and function of the face and neck were significantly improved, and the wound location in the donor and recipient areas of flaps was concealed with slight scar formation.Conclusions:In the reconstruction of facial and neck scars, by following the "MLT" principle, the expanded flap was carefully designed before surgery, the local aesthetic features within the subunit are reconstructed during the stage Ⅱ surgery, and standard anti-scar treatment measures are actively adopted after surgery. After reconstruction, the color, texture, and thickness of flaps were close to the normal skin in face and neck, and the appearance and function of face and neck are significantly improved, with less linear scars left. It is beneficial to improve the therapeutic effect.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of human parainfluenza viruses infections in children from 2013 to 2023 in Changsha,Hunan
Leyun XIE ; Tian YU ; Tao WANG ; Le YANG ; Xian HU ; Saizhen ZENG
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2024;31(9):667-672
Objective:To understand the epidemiological characteristics of human parainfluenza viruses(HPIVs)infections in patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection(ALRTI)in Changsha,Hunan from 2013 to 2023.Methods:The respiratory virus detection results,demographic characteristics and clinical data of children hospitalized with ALRTI in Children's Medical Center of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University) from January 2013 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected.The epidemic characteristics and clinical symptoms of HPIVs infection were analyzed.Results:During the study,59 725 children with ALRTI were included,the detection rate of HPIVs was 6.66% (3 978/59 725),among which,HPIV1,HPIV2,HPIV3 were detected in 753(1.26%) cases,217(0.36%) cases and 3 055(5.12%) cases,respectively.Among 3 978 cases infected with HPIVs,the overall detection rate in males was higher than that in females(6.99% vs. 6.14%),and the detection rate of HPIVs in 6-11 months old was higher than those in other age groups,with statistically significant differences( P<0.001).Among cases infected with HPIVs,the main clinical diagnosis were mild pneumonia (77.28%) and acute bronchiolitis (14.40%).The detection rate of HPIV3 was the highest (84.62%) in 208 HPIVs-positive children with severe pneumonia,and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001).The detection rate of HPIVs varied across different years,reaching its peak in 2020 with a detection rate of 13.99% ( P<0.001).The overall epidemic peak of HPIVs was in spring and summer.The seasonal epidemic characteristics in different types of HPIVs were not completely consistent.The detection rates of HPIV1(2.07%) and HPIV2(0.60%) were the highest in autumn,while that of HPIV3 (7.11%) was the highest in spring ( P<0.001).The seasonal epidemic characteristics of HPIVs have changed in different years:From 2013 to 2019,HPIVs was mainly prevalent in spring and summer,then shifted to summer and autumn in 2020,and autumn as well as winter in 2021 to 2022,then resumed in spring and summer in 2023. Conclusion:From 2013 to 2023,HPIVs in Changsha,Hunan Province had unique epidemiological characteristics.HPIV3 is the dominant type of HPIVs infection in the hospitalized children with ALRTI in Changsha,Hunan.The epidemic peak of HPIVs was postponed in 2020 to 2022.Paying attention to the continuous monitoring of HPIVs infection is helpful to guide clinicians' diagnosis and treatment.
7.Roles of serotonin system in stress-induced impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis
Le ZHU ; Shuying LIAO ; Yan ZENG ; Yufei MEI
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(5):944-949
Stress is a common risk factor for emotional and cognitive dysfunction during mammalian growth and development.The hippocampal neurogenesis,which regulates the stress response,is highly susceptible to stress stimu-li.This review focuses on the pathomechanism underlying how stress stimuli affect hippocampal neurogenesis and explores the impact of aberrant 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)system,including 5-HT,5-HT receptors and 5-HT neurons,on stress-induced impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis.By summarizing existing research,we aim to provide new ideas for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
8.Application of failure mode and effects analysis based on action priority in the prevention and control of surgical site infection after colorectal surgery
Hong-Man WU ; Jing-Min LAI ; Le-Tao CHEN ; Chen-Chao FU ; Zi-Yuan TANG ; Feng ZHOU ; Cui ZENG ; Lan-Man ZENG ; Nan REN ; Xun HUANG
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(7):881-888
Objective To evaluate the process risk of the implementation of prevention and control measures for surgical site infection(SSI)after colorectal surgery,and explore the application effect of failure mode and effects analysis(FMEA)based on action priority.Methods FMEA based on action priority was adopted to evaluate the whole process of the implementation of prevention and control measures for SSI after colorectal surgery.Prioritiza-tion ranking was conducted according to whether optimized measures were taken.Standard-reaching rate of comp-liance to SSI prevention and control measures as well as SSI incidence before and after the implementation of FMEA were compared.Results After evaluation,there were 7 high-priority and 22 medium-priority prevention and control measures for SSI.The control of medium-priority measures was strengthened,with a focus on developing further preventive and detectable measures for high-priority measures.The re-evaluation results after improvement showed that 7 high-priority measures have been downgraded to medium priority,and 16 medium-priority measures have been downgraded to low priority.Standard-reaching rate of compliance to SSI prevention and control measures in-creased from 77.15%(2 566/3 326)to 92.47%(3 096/3 348),and SSI incidence decreased from 6.04%(58/960)to 2.54%(60/2 364).Conclusion Application of FMEA based on action priority can effectively evaluate the risk of prevention and control process of SSI after colorectal surgery,and adopting preventive risk control measures accord-ing to the current situation can reduce the incidence of SSI after colorectal surgery.
9.Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of 53 cases of drowning in children
Yinggang PENG ; Leyun XIE ; Tian YU ; Tao WANG ; Le YANG ; Saizhen ZENG ; Yimin ZHU
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2024;31(1):47-51
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and first aid measures of children with drowning,and to provide scientific basis for the treatment and prevention of drowning in children.Methods:The clinical data of drowning children admitted to the Children's Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University(Hunan Provincial People's Hospital)from January 2011 to December 2021 were retrospectively summarized. Baseline characteristics,prehospital emergency care and prognosis of the included children were analyzed.According to the time span, drowning children were divided into two stages, the first stage (2011-2016) and the second stage (2017-2021). According to cerebral performance category assessment scale,drowning children with cardiac arrest were divided into two groups: a group with good neurological prognosis and a group with poor neurological prognosis. The baseline characteristics,pre-hospital emergency care, and prognosis of drowning children during different periods and with different prognosis were analyzed.Results:A total of 53 children were enrolled during the study period,with 24 cases in the first phase(2011-2016)and 29 cases in the second phase(2017-2021).Boys accounted for 73.6%(39/53)of the cases, the age ranged from 1 month and 24 days to 14 years old,with 1-4 years old being the most common,accounting for 58.5%(31/53), and the season in which drowning occurred was more common in the summer(39.6%, 21/53).Six cases (11.3%) had significant neurological sequelae, and the mortality rate was 3.8%(2/53).There was a decrease in the proportion of drowning with water control in the second stage compared to the first stage(37.5% vs. 13.79%, P=0.046).Thirty-two(60.4%)children experienced on-site cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) after drowning,with 24 cases in the group with good neurological prognosis and 8 cases in the group with poor neurological prognosis.Children in the poor neurological prognosis group required CPR for a long duration [10.00(1.50, 25.00)min],had lower body temperature,Glasgow Coma Score,pH and higher blood glucose levels on admission(all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Drowning is most common in preschool children,common in boys,and drowning prevention measures for young children deserve focused attention. Children found to be in cardiac arrest at the time of drowning have a long duration of drowning and CPR,which predicts a poor neurological prognosis,and timely and effective on-site CPR is the key to reducing the drowning rate.
10.Phase Separation of Biomacromolecules and Its Important Role in Transcriptional Regulation
Xiang-Dong ZHAO ; Le WANG ; Lu-Jie MA ; De-Bao XIE ; Meng-Di GAO ; Ya-Nan MENG ; Fan-Li ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(4):743-753
Cells not only contain membrane-bound organelles (MBOs), but also membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed by condensation of many biomacromolecules. Examples include RNA-protein granules such as nucleoli and PML nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) in the nucleus, as well as stress granules and P-bodies in the cytoplasm. Phase separation is the basic organizing principle of the form of the condensates or membraneless organelles (MLOs) of biomacromolecules including proteins and nucleic acids. In particular, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) compartmentalises and concentrates biological macromolecules into liquid condensates. It has been found that phase separation of biomacromolecules requires some typical intrinsic characteristics, such as intrinsically disordered regions, modular domains and multivalent interactions. The phase separation of biomacromolecules plays a key role in many important cell activities. In recent years, the phase separation of biomacromolecules phase has become a focus of research in gene transcriptional regulation. Transcriptional regulatory elements such as RNA polymerases, transcription factors (TFs), and super enhancers (SEs) all play important roles through phase separation. Our group has previously reported for the first time that long-term inactivation or absence of assembly factors leads to the formation of condensates of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) subunits in the cytoplasm, and this process is reversible, suggesting a novel regulatory model of eukaryotic transcription machinery. The phase separation of biomacromolecules provides a biophysical understanding for the rapid transmission of transcriptional signals by a large number of TFs. Moreover, phase separation during transcriptional regulation is closely related to the occurrence of cancer. For example, the activation of oncogenes is usually associated with the formation of phase separation condensates at the SEs. In this review, the intrinsic characteristics of the formation of biomacromolecules phase separation and the important role of phase separation in transcriptional regulation are reviewed, which will provide reference for understanding basic cell activities and gene regulation in cancer.

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