1.Engineered Bacteriophages for The Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Bacterial Infections
Yu-Ying CHEN ; Chun-Mei HUANG ; Jin-Zhi PAN ; De-Liang LIU ; Yang ZHOU ; Gui-Qin DAI ; Peng-Fei ZHAO ; Hong-Zhou LU ; Ming-Bin ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1581-1596
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have emerged as a serious challenge of global public health crisis. The overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics have dramatically accelerated the emergence, evolution and worldwide spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, necessitating urgent exploration of novel antibacterial strategies. Bacteriophages serve as natural bacterial predators offering distinct advantages including high host specificity, autonomous self-replication capabilities and cost-effective large-scale production. However, wild-type phages present significant clinical limitations due to their narrow host ranges, susceptibility to rapid immune clearance and poor penetration of bacterial biofilms, which severely restrict their therapeutic applications. The convergence of synthetic biology, nanotechnology and advanced gene editing technologies has accelerated the development of engineered bacteriophage platforms, providing programmable, scalable and clinically translatable pathways to overcome these inherent biological constraints. Here, we systematically delineate four fundamental strategies for engineered bacteriophage development. Chemical modification utilizes reactive functional groups such as amino, carboxyl and thiol moieties on capsid proteins through esterification, amidation or click chemistry reactions to achieve precise drug conjugation and surface functionalization. In vivo editing encompasses ultraviolet or chemical mutagenesis for random mutation induction, homologous recombination for targeted genetic alterations, recombineering methodologies including electroporation-mediated bacteriophage recombination engineering, and CRISPR-Cas systems for precise genome editing to enable exact genetic reconstruction and host range reprogramming. In vitro synthesis leverages genome engineering platforms where intact phage genomes are transferred into yeast or host bacteria to facilitate highly efficient homologous recombination, enabling large DNA fragment assembly and cross-gene host range expansion without bacterial toxicity constraints. Directed evolution combines artificial selection through mutation library screening with rational design approaches involving chimeric receptor binding protein construction or site-specific mutagenesis, effectively balancing the discovery of unknown adaptive pathways with targeted host specificity modification. Moreover, we comprehensively discuss therapeutic applications across diverse clinical scenarios. Engineered bacteriophage effectively disrupt bacterial biofilms through sophisticated functionalized delivery platforms including nanozyme-conjugated phages, phage-liposome nanoconjugates and bio-responsive hydrogels, demonstrating significantly enhanced bactericidal efficiency compared to unmodified free phages. These bioengineered vectors attenuate bacterial virulence and resensitize pathogens to antibiotics by delivering CRISPR-Cas systems or base editors to disrupt critical virulence factors such as pili, capsule synthesis machineries and quorum sensing systems, or by inactivating antibiotic resistance determinants including beta-lactamase genes. As an intelligent nanomedicine delivery platform, engineered bacteriophage enable precise pathogen elimination an through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation, immunomodulatory interventions, or controlled release of antibacterial drugs. Furthermore, oral administration of engineered bacteriophage facilitates microbiota modulation, which selectively eliminate intestinal pathogens while preserve beneficial commensal microbiota, thereby restoring microbial community balance and preventing complications associated with dysbiosis. Finally, we critically analyze persistent challenges including host strain matching complexity, evolution of bacterial resistance mechanisms, pharmacokinetic optimization requirements, optimal administration route selection, large-scale production quality control standards and clinical dosing determination protocols. Through multidisciplinary integration of synthetic biology, infectious disease medicine and immunology, future translational medicine studies of bacteriophage should establish comprehensive technical platforms encompassing rapid phage screening, intelligent rational design, rigorous in vivo evaluation and standardized clinical validation processes, ultimately advancing engineered bacteriophage from laboratory innovations to clinically approved therapeutics for effectively combating MDR bacterial infections.
2.Epidemiological characteristics and trends of non-suicidal self-injury among middle school students in Jiading District of Shanghai from 2015 to 2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1282-1286
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and changing trends of non suicidal self injury (NSSI) behaviors among middle school students in Jiading District of Shanghai, from 2015 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for the development of NSSI prevention and control measures among students.
Methods:
Using a stratified cluster random sampling method, a total of five times for Shanghai Adolescent Health Risk Behavior Surveys were conducted for every two years in Jiading District of Shanghai from 2015 to 2023. A total of 5 231 middle school students from junior high schools and senior high schools were selected for questionnaire surveys. Intergroup comparisons were performed using the x 2 test or the χ 2 trend test, and the JointPoint 5.0 software was used to analyze the changing trends, with the annual percent change (APC) used for evaluation. A binary Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the related factors of NSSI behavior among middle school students.
Results:
In 2023, the reported NSSI rate among middle school students in Jiading District was 14.2%. The rate was significantly higher among junior high school students (17.1%) than that among senior high school students (11.1%), and higher among females (19.2%) than that among males (10.0%) ( χ 2=10.04, 23.21, both P <0.01). From 2015 to 2023, the overall reported NSSI rate showed an increasing trend, rising from 8.6% in 2015 to 14.2% in 2023 ( χ 2 trend =22.25), with an APC of 6.64% ( t =3.49), and the APC for girls was 9.79 % ( t =3.20) (all P <0.05). Among students reporting NSSI, the proportion experiencing ≥6 episodes increased from 10.8% in 2015 to 19.2% in 2023 ( χ 2 trend =6.57, P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that girls, junior high school students, those with insomnia, depressive emotion and drinkers had higher risks of NSSI, compared to boys, senior high school students, those without insomnia, non depressive emotion students and non drinkers ( OR =1.71, 1.96, 3.44, 4.76, 1.77, all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
The reported rate of NSSI among middle school students in Jiading District of Shanghai, increased annually from 2015 to 2023, and the proportion of repeated NSSI also showed an upward trend. Early intervention measures targeting middle school students, especially junior high school students and females, should be implemented to prevent and control its occurrence and development.
3.Dexmedetomidine alleviates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat models
Genfeng LIU ; Lu NAN ; Qin GAO ; Yixuan CHEN ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng YU ; Shuchun YU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(3):303-309
Objective To investigate the relationship between the protective mechanism of dexmedetomidine(Dex)against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury and cuproptosis.Methods The Langendorff models were con-structed using SD rats(I/R group),which were divided into 4 groups according to different interventions during reperfusion as:sham group,I/R group,Dex group and Dex+ES-Cu group.The left ventricular peak pressure(LVSP)of the rats in the above four groups were continuously monitored in the immediate pre-ischemic period(T0),30 min of reperfusion(T1),60 min reperfusion(T2),90 min reperfusion(T3),2 h of reperfusion(T4).Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(LVEDP),heart rate(HR),maximum rate of rise of left ventricular pressure(+dp/dtmax)and maximum rate of drop.Subsequently,the extent of myocardial infarction was shown by 1%triphenyltetrazoliumchloride(TTC)staining,and the degree of myocardial fibrosis was assessed by Sirius red staining;Myocardial enzyme profiles,oxidative stress and inflammation indexes were detected by ELISA;Copper ions were detected by copper ion detection kit in myocardial tissues;ATF3,SPI1 and FDX1 protein level expres-sion was detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the sham-operated group,the extent of myocardial in-farction and fibrosis increased in the I/R group(P<0.05),the level of serum MDA,IL-6,IL-1β,and TNF-α was elevated(P<0.05),and the activity of SOD and GSH-Px decreased(P<0.05).The Dex group significantly alleviated the above changes in the I/R group,and compared with the Dex group,in the Dex+ES-Cu group myocardi-al tissue copper ion content at the end of perfusion was increased(P<0.05).Both ATF3 and SPI1 protein were in-creased and FDX1 protein was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions Dex can regulate copper metabolism and improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MI/RI)resulted from oxidative stress and inflammation in rat model.
4.Efficacy analysis of a novel inguinal tourniquet for compression hemostasis
Peng-Fei LIU ; Hao SUN ; Meng-Jie DOU ; Ya-Hua LIU ; Shao-Bin CHAI ; Si-Yu CHEN ; Fa-Qin LYU ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(6):688-694
Objective To assess the efficacy of a novel inguinal tourniquet in healthy individuals and to investigate the relationship between localized inguinal compression and femoral artery blood flow occlusion.Methods A self-controlled study was conducted.From November 9 to November 30,2024,11 volunteers were recruited at the Third Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital.Three compression methods--finger pressure,a novel groin tourniquet,and a SAM junction tourniquet(SJT)—were applied bilaterally to the inguinal region until distal blood flow signals disappeared.Each compression method was tested in 22 trials with a 5-minute interval between operations.Differences in hemostatic efficacy between bilateral inguinal regions and across compression methods were compared.Subsequently,the novel tourniquet was incrementally pressurized in 120 mmHg multiples using an integrated pressure device to analyze trends in popliteal artery blood flow velocity.Observational indicators included the internal pressure of the tourniquet pressurization device,peak systolic velocity(PSV)of popliteal artery,inguinal surface pressure magnitude,inguinal surface pressure distribution,and pain scores(assessed using a single-dimensional numerical rating scale).Results No statistically significant difference was observed in the minimum pressure required to occlude femoral artery blood flow bilaterally(P>0.05).The success rates of femoral artery blood flow occlusion at the inguinal region were 100%for the novel inguinal tourniquet,SJT,and finger pressure.The novel inguinal tourniquet induced the highest pain scores,ranging from 5 to 8.A significant reduction in PSV of popliteal artery was noted when the intra-tourniquet pressure reached 360 mmHg and 480 mmHg(P<0.05),with a 95%hemostasis efficacy observed within the range of 360-600 mmHg.No significant association was observed between the recovery of popliteal artery blood flow after limb movement and inguinal pressure distribution(P>0.05).The PSV of popliteal artery exhibited the strongest negative correlation with the average pressure within the inguinal compression area(r=-0.79,P<0.001),with a linear regression fitting line of y=69.69-0.13x(P<0.001,R2=0.58).Conclusions The novel inguinal tourniquet effectively occludes femoral artery blood flow within a pressure range of 360-600 mmHg,accompanied by moderate-to-severe pain.Its hemostatic mechanism mainly relies on increasing the mean pressure within the inguinal compression area.
5.Effects of Heixiaoyao Powder on neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice via ATP/P2X7R/NF-κB signaling pathway
Zhi-peng MENG ; Yu-jie LÜ ; Yun-yun HU ; Jiao YANG ; Yi-qin CHEN ; Hu-ping WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):51-57
AIM To investigate the effects of Heixiaoyao Powder on neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.METHODS The 16-week-old male APP/PS1 transgenic mice were randomly divided into the model group,the BBG group(P2X7R specific antagonist,30 mg/kg)and high,medium and low dose Heixiaoyao Powder groups of(22.10,11.05,5.53 g/kg),in contrast to the male C57BL/6J mice of the same age and the same strain of the blank groups,with 12 mice in each group.When normal saline by gavage was dosed upon the blank group and the model group,and the other groups were treated with corresponding drug by gavage.After 90 days of administration,the mice had their learning and memory ability detected by Morris water maze test;their hippocampal pathological changes observed with HE staining;their MyD88 expression detected by immunofluorescence staining;their hippocampal levels of pro-inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-6),anti-inflammatory factors(IL-10),ATP and amyloid protein β(Aβ)detected by ELISA;their hippocampal mRNA expressions of P2X7R,TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB-P65 detected by RT-qPCR method;and their hippocampal protein expressions of P2X7R,TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB-P65 and p-NF-κB-P65 detected by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group demonstrated prolonged escape latency and reduced frequency in crossing platform(P<0.01);decreased number of hippocampal neurons,deranged neurons,and darker cytoplasm staining;increased immunofluorescence expression of hippocampal MyD88(P<0.01);decreased IL-10 level(P<0.01);increased levels of TNF-α,IL-6,ATP and Aβ(P<0.01);increased mRNA and protein expressions ofP2X7R,TLR4 and MyD88(P<0.01),and increased protein expression of p-NF-κB-P65(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Heixiaoyao Powder or BBG demonstrated shortened escape latency and increased frequency in crossing platform(P<0.01);more number of neatly arranged hippocampal neurons;increased hippocampal IL-10 level(P<0.01),decreased levels of TNF-α,IL-6,ATP and Aβ(P<0.05,P<0.01);decreased mRNA and protein expressions of P2X7R,TLR4 and MyD88(P<0.05,P<0.01);and decreased protein expression of p-NF-κB-P65(P<0.05,P<0.01).Except the low dose Heixiaoyao Powder group,the other treatment groups shared decreased immunofluorescence expression of MyD88(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Heixiaoyao Powder can significantly improve the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 model mice,and its mechanism may lie in its function in alleviating cerebral neuroinflammation by reducing the abnormal Aβ aggregation via inhibiting the activation of ATP/P2X7R/NF-κB signaling pathway.
6.Study of adsorption of coated aldehyde oxy-starch on the indexes of renal failure
Qian WU ; Cai-fen WANG ; Ning-ning PENG ; Qin NIE ; Tian-fu LI ; Jian-yu LIU ; Xiang-yi SONG ; Jian LIU ; Su-ping WU ; Ji-wen ZHANG ; Li-xin SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):498-505
The accumulation of uremic toxins such as urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, and uric acid of patients with renal failure
7.Burden of influenza-associated consultations in China from 2011 to 2021 surveillance years
Yuxin SHEN ; Zhibin PENG ; Ying QIN ; Xiaoying YU ; Rina SU ; Qingyi WANG ; Jiandong ZHENG ; Hongting ZHAO ; Xiaokun YANG ; Yanping ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):612-618
Objective:To estimate the burden of influenza-associated outpatient consultations in China from 2011 to 2021 surveillance years to provide a reference for developing influenza prevention, control strategies, and vaccination policies.Methods:Data on influenza-like illness (ILI) and virological confirmation of sentinel specimens from 2011 to 2021 surveillance years were extracted from China's national sentinel surveillance system. Generalized additive models were fitted to estimate influenza-associated excess ILI outpatient burden, accounting for seasonal baselines and meteorological factors.Results:Influenza was associated with an average of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.51-1.80) excess ILI consultations per 1 000 person-years (py) in China each year from 2011 to 2021 surveillance years. The influenza-associated outpatient burden was similar across different virus types/subtypes. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 led to a higher rate of influenza- associated ILI consultations [0.65 (95% CI: 0.53-0.76) per 1 000 py] compared to other types/subtypes. The age groups with the highest burdens were children aged 0-4 years and 5-14 years, with excess outpatient consultation rates of 15.23 (95% CI: 13.73-16.73) per 1 000 py and 13.53 (95% CI: 12.49-14.52) per 1 000 py, respectively. Conclusions:Influenza caused many outpatient consultations in China, particularly among children aged 0-14. Continuous influenza monitoring and disease burden assessment should be conducted, and close attention should be paid to the changing trends of various influenza virus types/subtypes. When formulating vaccination strategies, priority should be given to recommending vaccination for high-risk populations, such as children.
8.Arthroscopic suture anchor fixation for acute bony Bankart lesions: excellent bone healing with a low complication rate
Qiangqiang LI ; Peng SUN ; Yu ZHANG ; Kai FU ; Yao YAO ; Jianghui QIN ; Jin XIONG ; Qing JIANG ; Dongyang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(8):523-530
Objective:To investigate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic suture anchor fixation for acute bony Bankart lesions.Methods:Data of 49 patients with acute bone Bankart injury treated with suture anchor fixation under arthroscopy at the Affiliate Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine from February 2019 to July 2024 were retrospectively analyzed, including 34 males and 15 females, aged 46.4±17.7 years (range, 18-81 years). Body mass index was 26.3±4.2 kg/m 2 (range, 19.8-37.9 kg/m 2). There were 17 patients with left shoulder and 32 patients with right shoulder. The time from injury to operation was 12.6±10.5 d (range, 1-50 d). CT three-dimensional reconstruction showed that the area of bone defect accounted for 20.1%±11.4% (range, 8%-49%) of the glenoid area. According to the degree of bone defect, there were 38 cases in the bone defect area ≤25% group and 11 cases in the bone defect area >25% group. All 49 patients received shoulder arthroscopic fixation with wire anchor. All 49 the patients were treated under shoulder arthroscopy using suture anchor technique. Using American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon (ASES) score, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Rowe score as well as shoulder range of motion to evaluate shoulder function. The position and healing of the fracture mass were evaluated with shoulder joint CT and three-dimensional reconstruction at immediate and final follow-up. Results:The incision healed in one stage and no infection occurred in all patients. All 49 patients were followed up for a period of 3 to 81 months, with an average follow-up of 23.8±20.2 months. At the final follow-up, the mean forward elevation, external rotation, and internal rotation improved from 126.1°±20.3°, 36.9°±14.0°, and 10±2 preoperatively to 167.1°±15.5°, 66.8°±8.3°, and 6±1 at the last follow-up, respectively ( P<0.05). At the final follow-up, the mean ASES score, UCLA score, and Rowe score were all significantly improved from 41.3±11.9, 14.2±6.1 and 46.9±14.7 preoperatively to 89.7±7.8, 31.5±3.6 and 92.4±7.4, respectively ( P<0.05). The differences between the final follow-up and preoperative values for forward elevation in the bone defect area >25% group and the bone defect area ≤25% group were 43°±20° and 41°±21°, respectively. The differences in lateral external rotation were 34°±8° and 29°±18°, while the differences in internal rotation (measured by hand-behind-back reach) were 5±2 and 4±2, respectively. None of these differences were statistically significant. The differences between the final follow-up and preoperative scores in the bone defect area >25% fracture fragment group and the bone defect area ≤25% group were as follows: ASES score, 50.9±14.4 vs. 47.7±12.8; UCLA score, 18.4±3.2 vs. 17.0±6.9; and Rowe score, 40.5±13.5 vs. 46.9±15.0. None of these differences were statistically significant. CT examination at the last follow-up showed that all fractures were healed, all patients in the bone defect area ≤25% group achieved good reduction, and 3 patients in the bone defect area >25% group had step-offs on the glenoid surface. Postoperative shoulder adhesion occurred in 5 patients, which was improved after intensive abduction and external rotation exercise. Conclusions:Arthroscopic suture anchor fixation is effective for the bone defect area ≤25% bony Bankart lesions, offering advantages of minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery. For lesions involving more than the bone defect area 25% of the glenoid surface, enhanced fixation strength is recommended to prevent fracture fragment displacement.
9.Clinical management of lipoatrophic diabetes
Tianyuan JIANG ; Qin ZHEN ; Yanyun HU ; Muyu YU ; Na LI ; Yufan WANG ; Fang LIU ; Yongde PENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(5):417-423
Lipoatrophic diabetes(LD) is a rare and distinct form of diabetes characterized by notable clinical heterogeneity. It is often considered one of the manifestations of lipodystrophy syndrome(LDS). In clinical practice, LD is frequently misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes; however, its management protocols and prognostic outcomes differ significantly from those of other diabetes subtypes. Therefore, timely and accurate diagnosis is of great clinical importance. This paper presents two detailed case reports of female patients with LD. Through an in-depth analysis of their clinical features, it also provides an comprehensive review of the key clinical manifestations of LDS, potential pathogenic mechanisms, and current approaches to genetic diagnosis. The aim is to enhance clinicans′ awareness of LDS and improve corresponding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
10.A study and application of rapid and precise dose measurement based on Gafchromic EBT4 film in FLASH radiotherapy
Yi ZHANG ; Yiwei YANG ; Yinghong TANG ; Shilan WANG ; Peng WU ; Qin YANG ; Xufan HUANG ; Yin LUO ; Yu JIANG ; Wenjun LUO ; Guiqiang ZOU ; Hua FENG ; Yinxiang HU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(11):1144-1151
Objective:To establish a rapid and precise dose measurement method with EBT4 film and ensure its measurement accuracy to be within the required range through strict operational procedures for the purpose of addressing the two essential issues of poor measurement accuracy and timeliness of EBT film under FLASH conditions.Methods:After storing under different humidity conditions for a certain period of time, the film was exposed to radiation for analyzing the influence of air humidity on the intrinsic performance of EBT film. By means of repeated scanning operations and the film angle rotation, the influences of repeated scanning and film placement angle were analuzed. Parabolic correction method was used to reduce the spatial position influence during the scanning process. By analying the relationship between net optical density (netOD) and absorbed dose through the comparison of three fitting method, the optimal fitting curve was selected. After irradiation of the same batch of films for 5 min and 24 h, the film doses were calibrated and then compared with ionization chamber-measured result. The rapid and precise film dosimetry method was used to measure both the percentage depth dose from X-rays at ultra-high dose rate and the dose distribution at a depth of 2 cm in water.Results:Air humidity had the greatest influence on the intrinsic performance of EBT film (approximately 20%). The average deviation of repeated scans is within 0.5%. The angle at which the film is placed significantly affected the readouts of the film with the maximum influence approximately 70%. The net optical density combined with polynomial fitting can control the fitting residuals of 1-16 Gy within 3%. The change rate of light channels at 5 min already mostly met the requirements of the rapid mode (< 0.5%). Compared with the measurement result obtained using the reference ionization chamber, the deviations of the 5 min or 24 h dose calibration curves were all within 2%.Conclusions:The EBT4 film can be employed as a precise dosimeter to quickly measure the FLASH radiation dose. Rapid and precise FLASH dose measurements can meet the stringent requirements of both preclinical and clinical FLASH research.


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