1.The Application of Quantum Dots in Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Ji-Sheng SHEN ; Li-Li QI ; Jin-Bo WANG ; Zhi-Jian KE ; Qi-Chao WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1917-1931
Quantum dots (QDs), nanoscale semiconductor crystals, have emerged as a revolutionary class of nanomaterials with unique optical and electrochemical properties, making them highly promising for applications in disease diagnosis and treatment. Their tunable emission spectra, long-term photostability, high quantum yield, and excellent charge carrier mobility enable precise control over light emission and efficient charge utilization, which are critical for biomedical applications. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the use of quantum dots for disease diagnosis and therapy, highlighting their potential and the challenges involved in clinical translation. Quantum dots can be classified based on their elemental composition and structural configuration. For instance, IB-IIIA-VIA group quantum dots and core-shell structured quantum dots are among the most widely studied types. These classifications are essential for understanding their diverse functionalities and applications. In disease diagnosis, quantum dots have demonstrated remarkable potential due to their high brightness, photostability, and ability to provide precise biomarker detection. They are extensively used in bioimaging technologies, enabling high-resolution imaging of cells, tissues, and even individual biomolecules. As fluorescent markers, quantum dots facilitate cell tracking, biosensing, and the detection of diseases such as cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and immune-related disorders. Their ability to provide real-time, in vivo tracking of cellular processes has opened new avenues for early and accurate disease detection. In the realm of disease treatment, quantum dots serve as versatile nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery. Their nanoscale size and surface modifiability allow them to transport therapeutic agents to specific sites, improving drug bioavailability and reducing off-target effects. Additionally, quantum dots have shown promise as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy (PDT). When exposed to specific wavelengths of light, quantum dots interact with oxygen molecules to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can selectively destroy malignant cells, vascular lesions, and microbial infections. This targeted approach minimizes damage to healthy tissues, making PDT a promising strategy for treating complex diseases. Despite these advancements, the translation of quantum dots from research to clinical application faces significant challenges. Issues such as toxicity, stability, and scalability in industrial production remain major obstacles. The potential toxicity of quantum dots, particularly to vital organs, has raised concerns about their long-term safety. Researchers are actively exploring strategies to mitigate these risks, including surface modification, coating, and encapsulation techniques, which can enhance biocompatibility and reduce toxicity. Furthermore, improving the stability of quantum dots under physiological conditions is crucial for their effective use in biomedical applications. Advances in surface engineering and the development of novel encapsulation methods have shown promise in addressing these stability concerns. Industrial production of quantum dots also presents challenges, particularly in achieving consistent quality and scalability. Recent innovations in synthesis techniques and manufacturing processes are paving the way for large-scale production, which is essential for their widespread adoption in clinical settings. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the latest research progress in quantum dot applications, including drug delivery, bioimaging, biosensing, photodynamic therapy, and pathogen detection. It also discusses the multiple barriers hindering their clinical use and explores potential solutions to overcome these challenges. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the future directions of quantum dot research, emphasizing the need for further studies on toxicity mitigation, stability enhancement, and scalable production. By addressing these critical issues, quantum dots can realize their full potential as transformative tools in disease diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing biomedical science.
2.Exploring mechanism of action and validation of key regulatory pathways of selenshenzhi prescription in treatment of esophageal cancer based on network pharmacology
Ke-Yi JI ; Su-Hui WU ; Jia-Yao YUAN ; Han-Bing LI ; Shun-Cai WANG ; Long-Jie WANG ; Lin-Lin WANG ; Qi-Long GAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(11):2174-2184
Aim To study the main active components and potential mechanism of selenshenzhi prescription a-gainst esophageal cancer by network pharmacology and in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods The com-mon target was extracted from TCMSP,OMIM and GeneCards databases,and the PPI network was con-structed using STRING database.DAVID database was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,and a network was constructed based on STRING and DAVID database for in vivo and in vitro experimental verifica-tion.Results Prediction results showed that a total of 100 active ingredients and 749 related targets were ob-tained,and 168 common targets were obtained between selenoshenzhi recipe and esophageal cancer,which were involved in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and proteoglycan signaling pathways in cancer.Selenshenz-hi prescription was used to conduct preliminary verifi-cation of related targets for human esophageal cancer EC9706 based on in vitro experiments.The results showed that selenshenzhi prescription could significantly inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells and induce the apoptosis of EC9706 through the expression of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3 and other key apoptotic pro-teins.Lastly,the core target and pathway of selensh-enzhi prescription were preliminically verified based on in vivo animal experiments on nude mice with esopha-geal cancer.The results showed that selenshenzhi pre-scription could significantly inhibit tumor proliferation,promote tumor cell apoptosis,and induce tumor apop-tosis by regulating the expression of key proteins on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Conclusions Selensh-enzhi prescription can control the occurrence and de-velopment of esophageal cancer through the synergistic effect of multi-components,multi-targets and multi-pathways,and provide a theoretical basis for further clinical investigation of the mechanism of selenshenzhi prescription in the treatment of esophageal cancer in the future.
3.Single mini-incision combined with honeycomb titanium plate in treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint disloca-tion
Yu-Chen WANG ; Wei-Zhong YU ; Yun-Feng LI ; Wen-Ke ZHU ; Chuan JIA ; Jun-Qi WU ; Hua GAO ; Lin JI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(6):576-582
Objective To explore clinical effect of single small incision with honeycomb titanium plate in treating acute acromioclavicular dislocation.Methods The clinical data of 40 patients with acute acromioclavicular dislocation admitted from December 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to different surgical methods.Among them,20 patients were fixed with single small incision with honeycomb titanium plate(titanium plate group),including 11 males and 9 females,aged from 23 to 65 years old with an average of(47.40±12.58)years old;12 patients on the left side,8 patients on the right side;11 patients with type Ⅲ,3 patients with type Ⅳ,and 6 patients with type Ⅴ according to Rockwood classification.Twenty patients were fixed with clavicular hook plate(clavicular hook group),including 8 males and 12 females,aged from 24 to 65 years old with an average of(48.40±12.08)years old;12 patients on the left side,8 patients on the right side;10 patients with type Ⅲ,2 patients with type Ⅳ,and 8 patients with type V according to Rockwood classifica-tion.Operative time,incision length,intraoperative blood loss,hospital stay,visual analogue scale(VAS)and Constant-Murley score of shoulder joint function were compared between two groups.Anteroposterior radiographs of the affected shoulder joint were recorded before,immediately and 6 months after surgery,and the coracoclavicular distance was measured and compared.Results Both groups of patients were successfully completed operation without serious complications.All patients were fol-lowed up for 6 to 15 months with an average of(11.9±4.8)months.There were no incisional infection,internal plant fracture or failure,bone tunnel fracture and other complications occurred.The incision length of titanium plate group(35.90±3.14)mm was significantly shorter than that of clavicular hook group(49.30±3.79)mm(P<0.05).There were no significant difference in operative time,intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between two groups(P>0.05).At 1 and 3 months after operation,VAS of titanium plate group was lower than that of clavicular hook group(P<0.05).Connstant-Murley scores in titanium plate group at 1,3 and 6 months after operation were(86.80±1.36),(91.60±2.32)and(94.90±2.22),respectively;and in clavicular hook group were(78.45±5.47),(85.55±2.01)and(90.25±1.92),which were higher than that of clavicular hook group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in coracoclavicular distance between two groups immediately and 6 months after op-eration(P>0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation,single small incision combined with honeycomb titanium plate have advantages of shorter incision,fast recovery of shoulder joint function without the second operation,and has good satisfaction of patient.
4.The first female case of human monkeypox in Yunnan Province
Yang ZHOU ; De-Li QI ; Zheng-Ji CHEN ; Zhi-Peng MAO ; Min DAI ; Yu-Dong GAO ; Si-Yi LUO ; Shao-Hua PAN ; Hong-Hai SU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(6):599-603
This is the first reported case of a female with monkeypox infection in Kunming City,Yunnan Province.An epi-demiological investigation was conducted to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of monkeypox epidemics in China,especially for early detection in females in accordance with the"Monkeypox prevention and control program(2023 ver-sion)".Diagnosis was performed as described in the"Monkeypox Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines(2022 version)".Speci-mens were collected for laboratory testing.The epidemiological investigation determined that the female patient had sexual in-tercourse with her newly married husband once before disease onset and the husband hid his history of male homosexual sex.The laboratory test results of the woman and her husband were positive for the nucleic acid of the monkeypox virus.Both had typical clinical symptoms,including rash.The epidemiological investigation,clinical symptoms,laboratory test results,and previous epidemic data of monkeypox in Yunnan province confirmed the woman as the first female infected with monkeypox in Yunnan Province and her husband was the presumed source of infection.
5.A Real-World Single-Center Study of Adult Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Ling-Li WANG ; Lei TIAN ; Fei DONG ; Ping YANG ; Wei WAN ; Qi-Hui LI ; Lan MA ; Jin-Jie GAO ; Ji-Jun WANG ; Wei ZHAO ; Hong-Mei JING
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(2):428-433
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics,therapeutic effect and prognostic factors of patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma(HL).Methods:A total of 129 patients with HL diagnosed in Peking University Third Hospital from January 2010 to March 2021 who were given at least one efficacy assessment after treatment were enrolled,and their clinical data,including sex,age,pathological type,Ann Arbor stage,ECOG score,blood test,β2-microglobulin,lactate dehydrogenase level,albumin level were collected.The clinical characteristics,therapeutic effect and long-term prognosis of the patients were summarized and analyzed.Results:In classical HL,nodular sclerosis HL accounted for the highest proportion of 51.6%,followed by mixed cellularity HL(36.5%),lymphocyte-rich classical HL(3.2%),and lymphocyte depletion HL(0.7%),while nodular lymphocyte predominant HL accounted for 4.8%.The 3-year overall survival(OS)rate of HL patients was 89.8%,and 5-year OS was 85.0%.The 3-year progression-free survival(PFS)rate was 73.4%,and 5-year PFS was 63.1%.Multivariate regression analysis indicated that IPI score was an independent negative factor,while hemoglobin(Hb)level was an independent positive factor for OS in HL patients.When the mediastinal mass size was 9.2 cm,it was most significant to judge the survival status of HL patients.5-year OS and 5-year PFS were 97.4%and 76.0%in early-stage HL patients without large mass,respectively,while in patients with advanced-stage HL was 83.4%and 55.9%(both P<0.05).After 2-4 courses of treatment,the overall response rate(ORR)of patients who received chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy was 95.0%,while that was 89.6%in those with chemotherapy alone.Conclusions:The overall prognosis of patients with HL is satisfactory,especially those in early-stage without large mass.IPI score and Hb level are independent risk factors for the prognosis of HL patients.A 9.2 cm mediastinal mass can be used as the cut-off value for the prognosis of Chinese HL patients.
6.Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in microwave ablation treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis
Xiao-Long LI ; Jia-Xin LI ; Song-Yuan YU ; Pei-Li FAN ; Yun-Jie JIN ; Er-Jiao XU ; Sai-Nan GUAN ; Er-Ya DENG ; Qiu-Yan LI ; Zheng-Biao JI ; Jiu-Ling QI ; Hui-Xiong XU ;
Ultrasonography 2024;43(1):68-77
Purpose:
This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis.
Methods:
This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up.
Results:
No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered.
Conclusion
CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.
7.Pathogenesis and management of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction
Qi Yan NAN ; Shang Guo PIAO ; Ji Zhe JIN ; Byung Ha CHUNG ; Chul Woo YANG ; Can LI
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice 2024;43(5):586-599
Regardless of the underlying etiology, renal fibrosis is the final histological outcome of progressive kidney disease. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is an ideal and reproducible experimental rodent model of renal fibrosis, which is characterized by tubulointerstitial inflammatory responses, accumulation of extracellular matrix, tubular dilatation and atrophy, and fibrosis. The magnitude of UUO-induced renal fibrosis is experimentally manipulated by the species chosen, animal age, and the severity and duration of the obstruction, while relief of the obstruction allows the animal to recover from fibrosis. The pathogenesis of renal fibrosis is complex and multifactorial and is orchestrated by activation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS), oxidative stress, inflammatory response, transforming growth factor beta 1-Smad pathway, activated myofibroblasts, cell death (apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, and necroptosis), destruction of intracellular organelles, and signaling pathway. The current therapeutic approaches have limited efficacy. Inhibition of RAS and use of antioxidants and antidiabetic drugs, such as inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, have recently gained attention as therapeutic strategies to prevent renal scarring. This literature review highlights the state of the art regarding the molecular mechanisms relevant to the management of renal fibrosis caused by UUO.
8.National bloodstream infection bacterial resistance surveillance report(2022): Gram-positive bacteria
Chaoqun YING ; Yunbo CHEN ; Jinru JI ; Zhiying LIU ; Qing YANG ; Haishen KONG ; Haifeng MAO ; Hui DING ; Pengpeng TIAN ; Jiangqin SONG ; Yongyun LIU ; Jiliang WANG ; Yan JIN ; Yuanyuan DAI ; Yizheng ZHOU ; Yan GENG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Lu WANG ; Yanyan LI ; Dan LIU ; Peng ZHANG ; Junmin CAO ; Xiaoyan LI ; Dijing SONG ; Xinhua QIANG ; Yanhong LI ; Qiuying ZHANG ; Guolin LIAO ; Ying HUANG ; Baohua ZHANG ; Liang GUO ; Aiyun LI ; Haiquan KANG ; Donghong HUANG ; Sijin MAN ; Zhuo LI ; Youdong YIN ; Kunpeng LIANG ; Haixin DONG ; Donghua LIU ; Hongyun XU ; Yinqiao DONG ; Rong XU ; Lin ZHENG ; Shuyan HU ; Jian LI ; Qiang LIU ; Liang LUAN ; Jilu SHEN ; Lixia ZHANG ; Bo QUAN ; Xiaoping YAN ; Xiaoyan QI ; Dengyan QIAO ; Weiping LIU ; Xiusan XIA ; Ling MENG ; Jinhua LIANG ; Ping SHEN ; Yonghong XIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2024;17(2):99-112
Objective:To report the results of national surveillance on the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical Gram-positive bacteria isolates from bloodstream infections in China in 2022.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-positive bacteria from blood cultures in member hospitals of National Bloodstream Infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System(BRICS)were collected during January 2022 to December 2022. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted by agar dilution or broth dilution methods recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI). WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software were used to analyze the data.Results:A total of 3 163 strains of Gram-positive pathogens were collected from 51 member units,and the top five bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus( n=1 147,36.3%),coagulase-negative Staphylococci( n=928,29.3%), Enterococcus faecalis( n=369,11.7%), Enterococcus faecium( n=296,9.4%)and alpha-hemolyticus Streptococci( n=192,6.1%). The detection rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci(MRCNS)were 26.4%(303/1 147)and 66.7%(619/928),respectively. No glycopeptide and daptomycin-resistant Staphylococci were detected. The sensitivity rates of Staphylococcus aureus to cefpirome,rifampin,compound sulfamethoxazole,linezolid,minocycline and tigecycline were all >95.0%. Enterococcus faecium was more prevalent than Enterococcus faecalis. The resistance rates of Enterococcus faecium to vancomycin and teicoplanin were both 0.5%(2/369),and no vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium was detected. The detection rate of MRSA in southern China was significantly lower than that in other regions( χ2=14.578, P=0.002),while the detection rate of MRCNS in northern China was significantly higher than that in other regions( χ2=15.195, P=0.002). The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS in provincial hospitals were higher than those in municipal hospitals( χ2=13.519 and 12.136, P<0.001). The detection rates of MRSA and MRCNS in economically more advanced regions(per capita GDP≥92 059 Yuan in 2022)were higher than those in economically less advanced regions(per capita GDP<92 059 Yuan)( χ2=9.969 and 7.606, P=0.002和0.006). Conclusions:Among the Gram-positive pathogens causing bloodstream infections in China, Staphylococci is the most common while the MRSA incidence decreases continuously with time;the detection rate of Enterococcus faecium exceeds that of Enterococcus faecalis. The overall prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci is still at a low level. The composition ratio of Gram-positive pathogens and resistant profiles varies slightly across regions of China,with the prevalence of MRSA and MRCNS being more pronounced in provincial hospitals and areas with a per capita GDP≥92 059 yuan.
9.Clinical effects of Shuilu Erxian Pills combined with Modified Didang Decoction on patients with early and middle stage diabetic nephropathy
Jian-En GUO ; Jia-Hua ZHANG ; Yuan ZHANG ; Pin-Chuan JI ; Zhi-Xu GAO ; Zhan-Hua GAO ; Li-Ping AN ; Jia-Qi YANG ; Bai CHANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(5):1514-1519
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Shuilu Erxian Pills combined with Modified Didang Decoction on patients with early and middle stage diabetic nephropathy.METHODS Eighty-three patients were randomly assigned into control group(42 cases)for 12-week administration of Irbesartan Tablets,and observation group(41 cases)for 12-week administration of Shuilu Erxian Pills,Modified Didang Decoction and Irbesartan Tablets.The changes in clinical effects,TCM syndrome scores,blood glucose indices(FBG,HbA1c),blood lipid indices(TC,TG),renal function indices(BUN,Scr,24 h UTP,eGFR),inflammatory factors(IL-1β,hs-CRP,IL-6,TNF-α,IL-18,TGF-β1),immune function indices(lymphocyte,neutrophil,CD8+,CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+)and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the observation group displayed decreased TCM syndrome scores,blood glucose indices,blood lipid indices,BUN,Scr,24 h UTP,inflammatory factors,CD8+(P<0.05),reduced lymphocyte,neutrophil(P<0.05),and increased eGFR,CD3+,CD4+,CD4+/CD8+(P<0.05),which were more obvious than those in the control group(except for HbA1c,TG,SCr,24 h UTP,lymphocyte,neutrophil)(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with early and middle stage diabetic nephropathy,Shuilu Erxian Pills combined with Modified Didang Decoction can safely and effectively improve clinical symptoms,whose mechanism may contribute to the reduction of inflammatory levels and improvement of immune functions.
10.Clinical study of overlapping Wallstent stent implantation in large or giant extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms
Qi TIAN ; Shuailong SHI ; Shuhai LONG ; Ji MA ; Ye WANG ; Xiao LI ; Renying MIAO ; Yan SONG ; Tengfei LI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2024;23(11):1086-1093
Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of overlapping braided carotid artery stent (Wallstent) implantation in large extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms (15 mm≤diameter<25 mm) and giant ones (diameter≥25 mm).Methods:A retrospective study was performed; the clinical data of 23 patients with large or giant extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms accepted overlapping Wallstent stent implantation in Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2015 to June 2023 were collected. Immediately after implantation, DSA was used to evaluate the retention of contrast agent within the aneurysms and high-resolution C-arm CT (HR-CBCT) was used to detect the apposition between the two stents and between the stents and inner wall of the blood vessel. Perioperative complications were recorded. Clinical follow-up was performed bi-monthly via outpatient visits or telephone, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess the prognoses (mRS scores of 0-2 as good prognosis) at the last follow-up; aneurysm occlusion was evaluated in a 6-month follow-up by DSA and in-stent restenosis in a final imaging follow-up by DSA or CTA according to the OKM grading. Results:Twenty-two patients had successful overlapping implantation of 2 Wallstent stents; blood flow was restricted in one patient due to carotid artery dissection at the distal end of the aneurysm during stent implantation and restored after a Neuroform EZ stent and 2 Wallstent stent implantation from the distal-proximal lesion; technical success rate of 95.7% (22/23) was obtained. DSA immediately after implantation showed obvious contrast medium retention in all aneurysms. HR-CBCT indicated good stent apposition in 21 patients and mild incomplete stent apposition in 2. Clinical follow-up was finished in 23 patients, ranged 6-31 months (mean 11.5±6.3 months); all patients had good prognosis at the last follow-up. Imaging follow-up, including at least once DSA, was conducted for all patients, with intervals ranging from 6 to 15 months (mean 10.4±3.4 months); DSA 6 months after implantation showed complete aneurysm occlusion in 19 patients (OKM grading D) and a bit of residual contrast in 4 patients (OKM grading C); final imaging follow-up (DSA in 2 and CTA in 21) revealed in-stent stenosis in 2 patients (stenosis rates of 51% and 87%) with obvious improved stenosis after balloon angioplasty and patent stents in 21 patients without evidence of aneurysm opacification.Conclusion:Overlapping braided carotid artery stent (Wallstent) implantation is an effective and safe approach for managing large or giant extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.

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