1.Role of protein palmitoylation modification in the proliferation and gametogenesis of Plasmodium falciparum
Minjuan ZHANG ; Meihua ZHANG ; Tiancheng YANG ; Guoding ZHU ; Jianxia TANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):148-159
Objective To investigate the palmitoyltransferase (PATs) activity during different developmental stages of Plasmodium falciparum and to explore the impact of PATs activity on intra-erythrocytic replication and gametocytogenesis, so as to provide insights into development of novel antimalarial targets. Methods The PATs activity was measured using the click chemistry method during different developmental stages of P. falciparum, including rings, trophozoites, schizonts, and gametocytes. P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes were divided into three groups, including a control group, a dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, and a 2-bromopalmitate (2-BP) group. Erythrocytes in the control group were incubated in normal culture media, and cells in DMSO and 2-BP groups were exposed to DMSO or 2-BP at a final concentration of 10 μmol/L to examine the inhibitory effect of 2BP on the PATs activity. The growth curve analysis and gametocyte production assay were employed to investigate changes in asexual proliferation and gametocyte production of P. falciparum following inhibition of the PATs activity with 2-BP, and transcriptomics sequencing was performed to examine the impact of inhibition of the PATs activity with 2-BP on transcriptional levels of P. falciparum and possible mechanisms. Results The green fluorescence intensity of PATs varied across developmental stages of P. falciparum (F = 38.120, P < 0.001), with a higher fluorescence intensity seen in trophozoites (35.680 ± 8.439), merozoites (33.380 ± 9.030) and gametocytes (21.540 ± 8.654), and a lower intensity in ring bodies (10.720 ± 3.183) (all P values < 0.05). The green fluorescence intensities were 8.738 ± 1.576, 8.633 ± 1.827 and 4.911 ± 0.318 in the control group, DMSO group, and 2-BP group 4 days post-culture (schizont stage), respectively (F = 91.490, P < 0.001), and the PATs activity was significantly inhibited post-treatment with 2-BP (P < 0.05). The areas under the time curve for the parasitemias were 25.700 ± 0.696, 28.630 ± 3.062 and 8.370 ± 1.751 in the control group, DMSO group, and 2-BP group following inhibition of the PATs activity during the asexual stage of P. falciparum (F = 83.440, P < 0.001), and the parasitemia was lower in the 2-BP group than in the control group and the DMSO group (both P values < 0.001). In addition, the asexual stage development was delayed in the 2BP group, with abnormal morphology seen. The numbers of merozoites were 18.050 ± 4.362, 18.200 ± 3.517 and 14.020 ± 4.320 in each schizont in the control group, DMSO group and 2-BP group, respectively (H = 39.100, P < 0.001), and the merozoite number was significantly lower in the 2-BP group than in the control group and the DMSO group (both Padjusted values < 0.001). The areas under the time curve for P. falciparum gametocyte production were 18.900 ± 0.384, 18.240 ± 0.177 and 7.507 ± 0.201 in the control group, the DMSO group, and the 2-BP group following inhibition of the PATs activity, respectively (F = 1 677.000, P < 0.001), and the proportion of gametocyte production was statistically lower in the 2-BP group than in the control group and DMSO group (both P values < 0.001). The formation and maturation of gametophytes were blocked in the 2-BP group, and most of them were arrested in the middle and late stages. Following 2-BP treatment, significantly down-regulated genes during the asexual stage of P. falciparum were significantly enriched in cell cycle regulation, mitosis, DNA damage/response and structural organization, and significantly down-regulated genes during the gametocyte stage were significantly enriched in biological processes of cell cycle (mitosis and G1/S transition), RNA regulation and metabolism (such as carbon catabolite repression 4-negative on TATA-less) and cell development and differentiation. Conclusion The palmitoylation modification plays an important role in the asexual reproduction and gametocyte generation and development of P. falciparum.
2.The role of targeting ferroptosis in cancer radiotherapy
Jingyuan ZHU ; Jinyi LANG ; Meihua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(10):1053-1058
Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death pathway, characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a recent discovery. Radiotherapy, utilizing targeted ionizing radiation, stands as a prevalent cancer treatment modality. Recent investigations have unveiled a pronounced interconnection between targeting ferroptosis and radiotherapy. In this article, key molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and related drugs were systematically summarized, the interaction between ferroptosis and radiotherapy was discussed, and the potential of targeting ferroptosis in enhancing anti-tumor effect mediated by radiotherapy was evaluated, aiming to provide important reference for formulating effective precise radiotherapy strategies.
3.Predictive value of machine learning models based on CT imaging features for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Hanlin ZHU ; Bo FENG ; Haifeng ZHANG ; Meihua ZHANG ; Min TIAN ; Tong ZHANG ; Peiying WEI ; Zhijiang HAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(1):68-73
Objective:To establish three machine learning prediction models based on CT imaging characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) , and use SHAP (shapley additive explanations) analysis to investigate the contribution of each CT image features in the best model.Methods:CT imaging features in 426 cases of 440 PTCs confirmed pathologically from Jan. 2016 to Jan. 2021 at the affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital of Westlake University Medical School were retrospectively analyzed. compared with 467 cases of 528 nodular goiter (NG) , evaluating the distribution of four CT characteristics: cookie bite sign, enhanced range of narrowing/blur (ERNB) , microcalcifications, and irregular shape. We split the data into 8∶2 ratio for training and testing sets, then constructed three machine learning models using XGBoost, RF, and SVM. Based on AUC, accuracy, F1 score, and other metrics, we selected the best model. Lastly, we used SHAP values to assess each CT feature’s contribution and positive/negative effects on the model.Results:Among 440 PTC and 528 NG nodules, CT features like cookie bite sign, ERNB, microcalcifications, and irregular shape occurred in 326 and 30 ( χ 2=483.05, P<0.001) , 363 and 106 ( χ 2=374.45, P<0.001) , 158 and 53 ( χ 2=94.24, P<0.001) , and 354 and 52 ( χ 2=491.34, P<0.001) nodules, respectively. The machine learning models built using XGBoost, RF, and SVM had AUC, accuracy, and F1 scores ranging from 0.884~0.925, 0.867~0.873, and 0.844~0.854 respectively on the training set. On the test set, the scores ranged from 0.869~0.923, 0.845~0.871, and 0.803~0.845. Among them, the XGBoost model demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance on the test set. Among the four CT features, irregular shape had the highest absolute SHAP value, positively contributing to PTC diagnosis. Conclusion:XGBoost model showed the highest PTC diagnostic performance. Irregular shape had the greatest positive impact on PTC diagnosis.
4.Predictive value of machine learning models based on CT imaging features for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Hanlin ZHU ; Bo FENG ; Haifeng ZHANG ; Meihua ZHANG ; Min TIAN ; Tong ZHANG ; Peiying WEI ; Zhijiang HAN
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(1):68-73
Objective:To establish three machine learning prediction models based on CT imaging characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) , and use SHAP (shapley additive explanations) analysis to investigate the contribution of each CT image features in the best model.Methods:CT imaging features in 426 cases of 440 PTCs confirmed pathologically from Jan. 2016 to Jan. 2021 at the affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital of Westlake University Medical School were retrospectively analyzed. compared with 467 cases of 528 nodular goiter (NG) , evaluating the distribution of four CT characteristics: cookie bite sign, enhanced range of narrowing/blur (ERNB) , microcalcifications, and irregular shape. We split the data into 8∶2 ratio for training and testing sets, then constructed three machine learning models using XGBoost, RF, and SVM. Based on AUC, accuracy, F1 score, and other metrics, we selected the best model. Lastly, we used SHAP values to assess each CT feature’s contribution and positive/negative effects on the model.Results:Among 440 PTC and 528 NG nodules, CT features like cookie bite sign, ERNB, microcalcifications, and irregular shape occurred in 326 and 30 ( χ 2=483.05, P<0.001) , 363 and 106 ( χ 2=374.45, P<0.001) , 158 and 53 ( χ 2=94.24, P<0.001) , and 354 and 52 ( χ 2=491.34, P<0.001) nodules, respectively. The machine learning models built using XGBoost, RF, and SVM had AUC, accuracy, and F1 scores ranging from 0.884~0.925, 0.867~0.873, and 0.844~0.854 respectively on the training set. On the test set, the scores ranged from 0.869~0.923, 0.845~0.871, and 0.803~0.845. Among them, the XGBoost model demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance on the test set. Among the four CT features, irregular shape had the highest absolute SHAP value, positively contributing to PTC diagnosis. Conclusion:XGBoost model showed the highest PTC diagnostic performance. Irregular shape had the greatest positive impact on PTC diagnosis.
5.The role of targeting ferroptosis in cancer radiotherapy
Jingyuan ZHU ; Jinyi LANG ; Meihua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(10):1053-1058
Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death pathway, characterized by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a recent discovery. Radiotherapy, utilizing targeted ionizing radiation, stands as a prevalent cancer treatment modality. Recent investigations have unveiled a pronounced interconnection between targeting ferroptosis and radiotherapy. In this article, key molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis and related drugs were systematically summarized, the interaction between ferroptosis and radiotherapy was discussed, and the potential of targeting ferroptosis in enhancing anti-tumor effect mediated by radiotherapy was evaluated, aiming to provide important reference for formulating effective precise radiotherapy strategies.
6.Characterization of molecular transmission network and drug resistance in newly diagnosed HIV-1 population aged 50 years and above in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province
Xiaojuan ZHU ; Jiafeng ZHANG ; Qin FANG ; Zhonghao LU ; Meihua JIN ; Hongyan WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(12):1124-1129
ObjectiveTo analyze the characteristics of HIV-1 molecular network and pretreatment drug resistance genes in the middle-aged and elderly people aged ≥50 years in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, and to provide an evidence for the prevention and control of AIDS epidemic. MethodsA total of 332 samples from the newly reported and untreated AIDS patients aged ≥50 years in Huzhou City from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected, pol genes were amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nest⁃PCR). Phylogenetic trees analyzing the subtypes were constructed, and a molecular network with a gene distance threshold of 1.0% were constructed at the same time. Mutation sites of drug resistance-related genes were identified through the Data Analysis and Detection System of HIV-1 Resistance Gene Detection of Stanford University, USA. ResultsSequence samples of 308 patients were obtained, and9 genotypes were identified, including CRF07_BC in 172 cases (55.8%), CRF01_AE in 61 cases (19.8%), CRF08_BC in 43 cases (14.0%), CRF85_BC in 9 cases (2.9%), and CRF55_01B in 8 cases (2.6%), subtype B in 5 cases (1.6%), subtype C in 4 cases (1.3%), CRF67_01B in3 cases (1.0%), and unique recombination URF01_AE/07_BC in 3 cases (1.0%). When the gene distance threshold was 1.0%, 28 molecular clusters were formed, and 139 cases were connected to the network, with an access rate of 45.0%. The largest transmission cluster C1 contained 44 cases infected with CRF07_BC subtype, all of whom were heterosexually transmitted, and predominantly by males. A total of 30 patients were found to have low-grade or higher drug resistance mutations, and the pretreatment drug resistance rate was 9.7% (30/308). Among them, there were 5 cases (16.7%) of protease inhibitor (PI) related drug resistance mutations, and 26 cases (86.7%) of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) related drug resistance mutations. ConclusionCRF07_BC is the subtype with the most clusters among the middle-aged and elderly infected patients aged ≥50 years in Huzhou City. Middle-aged and elderly transmission clusters are formed within the three counties of WX, NX and CX through related activities. Molecular network monitoring on newly reported cases aged ≥50 years in Huzhou City should be strengthened so that the new characteristics of epidemic changes can be detected in time, providing a scientific basis for adjusting AIDS prevention and control measures for the elderly.
7.Effect of buccal needle therapy on perioperative analgesic effects in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colon cancer surgery
Yihui ZHOU ; Meihua ZHU ; Haiqing HU ; Cong NIU ; Xiaoliang YANG ; Jiamin ZHANG ; Zhiyong CHEN
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(7):704-708
Objective To observe the effect of buccal needle therapy on perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colon cancer surgery.Methods Sixty patients underwent dective laparoscopic radical of colon cancer surgery were selected,32 males and 28 females,aged 45-74 years,BMI 18.5-25.0 kg/m2 and ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ.The patients were divided into two groups using the randomized numerical table method:buccal needle group and control group,30 patients in each group.Before the induction of anesthesia,the buccal needle group was given buccal needle therapy once,and buc-cal needle therapy was performed once a day at 9 a.m.in the postoperative period,leaving the needle in place for 30 minutes each time,for 3 consecutive days of treatment,and the control group was not treated with buccal needle therapy.The amount of intraoperative propofol,remifentanil,sufentanil used in the 48 hours postoperative period and recorded.VAS pain scores were recorded at 1 hour,4,24,and 48 hours postoperatively.Venous blood was collected at the time of admission to the hand room and at 1 day,2,and 3 days postoperatively,respectively,and the concentrations of plasma C-reactive protein(CRP),interleu-kin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)were measured.The occurrence of adverse reactions within 48 hours after operation was recorded.Results Compared with the control group,intraop-erative propofol,remifentanil,the amount of sufentanil used and the number of analgesic pump presses with-in 48 hours after operation in the buccal needle group were significantly reduced in the buccal needle group(P<0.05),VAS pain scores were significantly lower at 1 hour,4,24,and 48 hours postoperatively(P<0.05),CRP,IL-6,and TNF-α concentrations were significantly lower at 1 day,2,and 3 days postopera-tively(P<0.05),and nausea and vomiting,incidence of laryngospasm and laryngeal discomfort were sig-nificantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion The perioperative use of buccal needle therapy in patients un-dergoing laparoscopic radical colon cancer surgery can effectively reduce pain,inhibit inflammatory respon-ses,and decrease the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions.
8.Surveillance of Aedes populations in Jiangsu Province in 2020
Julin LI ; Jianxia TANG ; Jingyao WU ; Mengmeng YANG ; Meihua ZHANG ; Cheng LIANG ; Huayun ZHOU ; Guoding ZHU ; Jun CAO
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2023;35(1):63-67
Objective To investigate the seasonal Aedes population fluctuation and the resistance of Aedes populations to common insecticides in Jiangsu Province in 2020, so as to provide insights into vector-borne infectious diseases control.. Methods One village was randomly sampled from each of Xinbei District of Changzhou City and Zhangjiagang County of Suzhou City in southern Jiangsu Province, Hai’an County of Nantong City and Yandu District of Yancheng City in Central Jiangsu Province, and Suining County of Xuzhou City and Sihong County of Suqian City in northern Jiangsu Province during the period between May and October, 2020. A small ponding container was sampled, and larval Aedes mosquitoes were collected using straws once each in early and late stages of each month. All larvae were bred in laboratory to adults for population identification. In addition, larval breeding were observed in all small ponding containers in and out of 30 households that were randomly sampled from six surveillance sites, and the larval mosquito density was estimated using Breteau index. Larval A. albopictus mosquitoes were sampled around Cuiyuan New Village in Jintan District of Changzhou City, and bred in laboratory to the first offspring generation, and the susceptibility of adult female mosquitoes to deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, and propoxur was tested using the filter-paper bioassay recommended by WHO. Results A total of 1 165 larval Aedes mosquitoes were captured from small ponding containers in six surveillance sites of Jiangsu Province in 2020, and all were identified as A. albopictus following eclosion. The largest number of Aedes larvae captured was found in July. A total of 1 152 households were investigated in six surveillance sites, and the mean Breteau indexes were 9.58, 13.20, 13.71, 13.20, 12.18 and 5.58 from May to October, respectively, while a high Aedes transmission risk was seen in Xinbei District of Changzhou City, with a higher Breteau index than in Suining (H = 23.667, Padjusted = 0.001) and Sihong (H = 22.500, Padjusted = 0.003) counties. The field-captured A. albopictus from Cuiyuan New Village in Jintan District of Changzhou City remained sensitive to malathion, but was resistant to propoxur, and developed high-level resistance to deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin. Conclusions A. albopictus was present in southern, central and northern Jiangsu Province in 2020, and the larval density peaked in July. A. albopictus captured from Cuiyuan New Village in Jintan District of Changzhou City has developed high-level resistance to pyrethroid pesticides.
9.Prevalence and influencing factors of comorbidity of chronic diseases among hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure in Huzhou City
SHEN Yimei ; ZHANG Qi ; ZHU Xinfeng ; DING Jingying ; YU Meihua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;35(6):541-545,550
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of comorbidity of chronic diseases among hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure in Huzhou City, so as to provide insights into community hypertension control.
Methods:
Hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure at ages of 35 to 74 years were sampled using a cluster random sampling method from 5 districts (counties) of Huzhou City. Participants' demographics, living behaviors, and development of chronic diseases were collected using questionnaires, and the height, body weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured. Blood glucose, blood lipid and other biochemical parameters were detected, and the number and combination of comorbidity of chronic diseases were descriptively analyzed. Factors affecting the comorbidity of chronic diseases were identified using a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 1 215 respondents were included, with a mean age of (60.83±7.76) years, and including 652 men (53.66%) and 563 women (46.34%). The prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes, hyperuricemia and cardiac encephalopathy was 45.10%, 30.95%, 23.05% and 5.10%, respectively. The prevalence of comorbidity of chronic diseases was 69.22% among respondents, and there were 497 respondents with one comorbidity (40.91%), 272 with two comorbidities (22.39%) and 72 with three and more comorbidities (5.93%). Hypertension+dyslipidemia (20.74%), hypertension+diabetes+dyslipidemia (9.96%) and hypertension+diabetes+dyslipidemia+hyperuricemia (4.36%) were predominant comorbid combinations. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that participants with overweight (OR=1.782, 95%CI: 1.390-2.286), obesity (OR=2.411, 95%CI: 1.802-3.222), grade 2 hypertension (OR=1.438, 95%CI: 1.077-1.919) had a higher risk of multiple comorbidities than those with normal body mass index and controlled blood pressure, and women (OR=0.563, 95%CI: 0.456-0.696) had a lower risk of multiple comorbidities than men.
Conclusions
The prevalence of comorbidity of chronic diseases was 69.22% among community hypertensive patients with uncontrolled blood pressure in Huzhou City, and the comorbidity of chronic diseases mainly included dyslipidemia and diabetes. Men, overweight, obesity and hypertension resulted in a high risk of comorbidity of chronic diseases.
10.Preparation for neonatal resuscitation in delivery room
Weiwei ZHU ; Peiqi WANG ; Ling LIU ; Meihua PIAO ; Tongyan HAN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2022;25(12):996-1000
Correct neonatal resuscitation is the primary way to reduce perinatal mortality and neurological sequelae, and adequate preparation is essential. This article introduces the details for preparing neonatal resuscitation (including antenatal consultation) and ways to optimize the practice, aiming to improve the success rate of neonatal resuscitation.


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