1.Quantitative analysis of brain volume in children with autism spectrum disorder based on artificial intelligence automatic brain segmentation technology
Xiaowen XU ; Yang LI ; Ning DING ; Guifen ZHENG ; Tongtong WU ; Yang LI ; Shanshan SUN ; Xiufeng SONG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(1):50-55
Objective:To characterize the brain structure of Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using artificial intelligence automatic brain segmentation technique, and to analyze the correlation between the characteristics of the brain structure and the degree of brain development.Methods:A case-control study.The data of 52 children who were diagnosed with ASD according to the diagnostic criteria for ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition of the United States at the Department of Psychology of Qingdao University Affiliated Women and Children′s Hospital from January 2023 to April 2024 were prospectively analyzed.Meanwhile, 48 gender- and age-matched typically developing (TD) children in Qingdao were also included.The three-dimensional T1 weighted imaging sequences of all patients were obtained using a GE 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging scanner.Automated brain segmentation techniques were used to obtain the standardized volumes of each brain structure (the ratio of the absolute volume of the brain structure to the whole brain volume).Two-independent-samples t and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the standardized volumes of different brain regions between the 2 groups.Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were used to depict the correlations between volume data of brain areas with significant differences and Gesell Developmental Scale scores. Results:Compared with those in the TD group, the volumes of the left grey matter[25.45%(0.70%) vs.25.16%(1.05%)], the right grey matter [(25.89±0.71)% vs.(25.51±0.73)%], the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex [(0.62±0.03)% vs.(0.59±0.05)%], the right medial orbitofrontal cortex[(0.48±0.04)% vs.(0.46±0.04)%], the right pars triangularis [(0.38±0.07)% vs.(0.35±0.05)%], the left hippocampus [0.22%(0.04%) vs.0.20%(0.02%)], the right hippocampus [0.23%(0.04%) vs.0.22%(0.02%)], the left parahippocampal gyrus [0.15%(0.03%) vs.0.14%(0.02%)], the right parahippocampal gyrus [(0.15±0.02)% vs.(0.14±0.02)%], the left fusiform gyrus [(0.82±0.08)% vs.(0.78±0.08)%], the right superior temporal gyrus [(0.96±0.10)% vs.(0.90±0.09)%], the left insular lobe [(0.54±0.03)% vs.(0.53±0.04)%], the right insular lobe [(0.55±0.03)% vs.(0.53±0.04)%], the right inferior parietal cortex [(1.40±0.16)% vs.(1.33±0.12)%], the right precuneus cortex [(0.99±0.09)% vs.(0.94±0.09)%], the right putamen [(0.37±0.04)% vs.(0.35±0.03)%], the left pallidum [(0.14±0.01)% vs.(0.13±0.01)%], the right pallidum [0.14%(0.02%) vs.0.13%(0.01%)], and the right thalamus [(0.51±0.04)% vs.(0.49±0.03)%] were significantly increased in the ASD group (all P<0.05).Nonetheless, the volumes of the left pericalcarine cortex [(0.19±0.04)% vs.(0.20±0.04)%] and the corpus callosum posterior region [0.05%(0.01%) vs.0.06%(0.01%)] in the ASD group were considerably smaller than those in the TD group (all P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the right thalamus volume was negatively correlated with the Gesell-adaptation development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.276, P=0.048).The volumes of the left fusiform gyrus and left pericalcarine cortex were negatively correlated with the Gesell-fine motor development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.290, P=0.037; r=-0.368, P=0.007). The right precuneus cortex volume was negatively correlated with the Gesell-personal and social competence development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.396, P=0.007). Conclusions:Children with ASD show abnormalities in the volumes of multiple brain regions, and some brain regions are related to the degree of brain development.Automatic brain segmentation technology based on artificial intelligence can rapidly and directly measure and display the volume of brain structures in both ASD and TD children.
2.Analysis of microbial community composition of lower respiratory tract in patients with severe hospital-acquired pneumonia in critical care
Tongtong ZHENG ; Min WANG ; Qi SHAN ; Minghang LI ; Yazhen BAI ; Qizhi FU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(11):1145-1151
Objective To investigae microbial community structure of lower respiratory tract in severe hospital-acquired pneumonia(SHAP)patients in intensive care unit(ICU)using metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).Methods mNGS was performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)of 84 patients with SHAP.Patients were grouped based on age,smoking status,underlying diseases and duration of artificial airway.The differences in α diversity,β diversity,microbial composition and community structure of airway microbiota were compared between different groups.The differential airway microbiota associated with artificial airway were screened,and microbial co-occurrence networks was constructed to observe the interaction in microorganisms.Results Results of α diversity analysis revealed that diversity and evenness of the microbial community were higher in young adults compared to those of middle-aged patients,while microbial diversity and evenness were significantly reduced in patients with comorbid stroke.In the group of artificial airway treatment,the diversity and uniformity of microorganisms decreased as the duration of artificial airway treatment increased.The diversity was the lowest when the artificial airway treatment lasted for more than 3 days.β diversity analysis confirmed that there were significant differences in the distinct microbial community structures between the>3 days support group and the non-intubated and≤3 days support cohorts.Acinetobacter baumannii was dominant in all groups.The bacterial diversity was significantly higher in the middle-aged group,the non-smoking group,the group without artificial airway therapy,the group without diabetes mellitus,the group with artificial airway therapy≥3 days and the group with chronic lung disease than those of other groups.In particular,pseudomonas aeruginosa,corynebacterium striatum and veillonella parvula were enriched in these groups.Difference analysis showed that there were significant differences in pseudomonas aeruginosa and corynebacterium striatum between the group with artificial airway treatment>3 days,the group without artificial airway therapy and the group with artificial airway treatment≤3 days.Network co-occurrence showed that there may be synergistic or antagonistic relationships between some microorganisms.Conclusion The microbial diversity of the lower respiratory tract in patients with SHAP significantly decreases in the elderly,those with concurrent stroke and those receiving artificial airway treatment.For these groups,rational use of antibiotics should be adopted to guide precise anti-infection treatment.
3.Establishment and Effectiveness of Drug Treatment Pathway for the Initial Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Under the DRG Payment System
Zheng ZENG ; Dawei WAN ; Wei CHEN ; Leyong FAN ; Tongtong CHEN ; Aiping DING ; Shengguang YUAN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(7):1158-1164
Objective To develop and implement a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)and to provide a foundation for refined medication use and cost control management under the Diagnosis Related Groups(DRG)payment system.Methods Clinical pharmacists collaborated to develop a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of DLBCL,utilizing evidence-based medicine and evidence-based pharmacy principles.The PDCA(Plan-Do-Check-Act)cycle method was employed for administrative intervention.The hematology department served as a pilot unit to assess the impact on economic indicators,including inpatient costs,drug expenses,and DRG payment balance,as well as treatment efficacy and the incidence of adverse reactions.Results Compared to the control group,the RG13 intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in average total hospitalization costs and drug expenses,along with a decreased DRG payment balance deficits.All differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The development and implementation of a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of DLBCL can effectively reduce treatment costs,prevent DRG overspending,and alleviate the economic burden on patients,while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
4.Effects of miR-483-3p on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes
Yufen LU ; Xiaoming ZHENG ; Shaojuan WEI ; Liqin CHEN ; Tongtong XU ; Xiangwei LÜ
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(3):339-346
Objective To investigate the effects of miR-483-3p on hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes and its possible mechanism.Methods Rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro,adeno-associated virus-infected H9c2 and the H/R model were constructed by triple-air incuba-tor,and the cells were randomly divided into blank control(Sham)group,model(H/R)group,AAV-miR-483-3p mimic+H/R(AAV-miR-483-3p)group,AAV-miR-483-3p negative control+H/R(AAV-NC)group.The growth status of cells in each group was observed using an inverted microscope;cell proliferation activity was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8);LDH release by lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)kit;apoptosis rate by flow cytometry;apoptosis by notched end labeling(TUNEL).Western blot(WB)was used to detect the expression levels of IL-1β and GSDMD proteins in each group.Results Compared with the Sham group,the H/R group showed abnormal cell status and increased cell death,decreased cell activity,increased LDH release,increased apoptosis rate and apopto-sis level,and increased expression levels of IL-1β and GSDMD proteins(P<0.05);compared with the H/R group,the AAV-miR-483-3p group showed improved cell status and less cell death,increased cell proliferation activity,increased LDH release,and increased IL-1β and GSDMD protein expression levels(P<0.05).Compared with the H/R group,the AAV-miR-483-3p group showed improved cell status and less cell death,increased cell proliferation activity,decreased LDH release,decreased apoptosis rate and apoptosis level,and decreased expression of IL-1β and GSDMD proteins(P<0.05).Conclusion Over-expression of miR-483-3p can improve H/R-inducedH9c2 cardiomyocyte injury by enhancing cell activity and cell metabolism,and inhibiting apoptosis and cell charring.
5.Quantitative analysis of brain volume in children with autism spectrum disorder based on artificial intelligence automatic brain segmentation technology
Xiaowen XU ; Yang LI ; Ning DING ; Guifen ZHENG ; Tongtong WU ; Yang LI ; Shanshan SUN ; Xiufeng SONG
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(1):50-55
Objective:To characterize the brain structure of Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using artificial intelligence automatic brain segmentation technique, and to analyze the correlation between the characteristics of the brain structure and the degree of brain development.Methods:A case-control study.The data of 52 children who were diagnosed with ASD according to the diagnostic criteria for ASD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition of the United States at the Department of Psychology of Qingdao University Affiliated Women and Children′s Hospital from January 2023 to April 2024 were prospectively analyzed.Meanwhile, 48 gender- and age-matched typically developing (TD) children in Qingdao were also included.The three-dimensional T1 weighted imaging sequences of all patients were obtained using a GE 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging scanner.Automated brain segmentation techniques were used to obtain the standardized volumes of each brain structure (the ratio of the absolute volume of the brain structure to the whole brain volume).Two-independent-samples t and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the standardized volumes of different brain regions between the 2 groups.Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were used to depict the correlations between volume data of brain areas with significant differences and Gesell Developmental Scale scores. Results:Compared with those in the TD group, the volumes of the left grey matter[25.45%(0.70%) vs.25.16%(1.05%)], the right grey matter [(25.89±0.71)% vs.(25.51±0.73)%], the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex [(0.62±0.03)% vs.(0.59±0.05)%], the right medial orbitofrontal cortex[(0.48±0.04)% vs.(0.46±0.04)%], the right pars triangularis [(0.38±0.07)% vs.(0.35±0.05)%], the left hippocampus [0.22%(0.04%) vs.0.20%(0.02%)], the right hippocampus [0.23%(0.04%) vs.0.22%(0.02%)], the left parahippocampal gyrus [0.15%(0.03%) vs.0.14%(0.02%)], the right parahippocampal gyrus [(0.15±0.02)% vs.(0.14±0.02)%], the left fusiform gyrus [(0.82±0.08)% vs.(0.78±0.08)%], the right superior temporal gyrus [(0.96±0.10)% vs.(0.90±0.09)%], the left insular lobe [(0.54±0.03)% vs.(0.53±0.04)%], the right insular lobe [(0.55±0.03)% vs.(0.53±0.04)%], the right inferior parietal cortex [(1.40±0.16)% vs.(1.33±0.12)%], the right precuneus cortex [(0.99±0.09)% vs.(0.94±0.09)%], the right putamen [(0.37±0.04)% vs.(0.35±0.03)%], the left pallidum [(0.14±0.01)% vs.(0.13±0.01)%], the right pallidum [0.14%(0.02%) vs.0.13%(0.01%)], and the right thalamus [(0.51±0.04)% vs.(0.49±0.03)%] were significantly increased in the ASD group (all P<0.05).Nonetheless, the volumes of the left pericalcarine cortex [(0.19±0.04)% vs.(0.20±0.04)%] and the corpus callosum posterior region [0.05%(0.01%) vs.0.06%(0.01%)] in the ASD group were considerably smaller than those in the TD group (all P<0.05).Correlation analysis showed that the right thalamus volume was negatively correlated with the Gesell-adaptation development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.276, P=0.048).The volumes of the left fusiform gyrus and left pericalcarine cortex were negatively correlated with the Gesell-fine motor development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.290, P=0.037; r=-0.368, P=0.007). The right precuneus cortex volume was negatively correlated with the Gesell-personal and social competence development quotient in children with ASD ( r=-0.396, P=0.007). Conclusions:Children with ASD show abnormalities in the volumes of multiple brain regions, and some brain regions are related to the degree of brain development.Automatic brain segmentation technology based on artificial intelligence can rapidly and directly measure and display the volume of brain structures in both ASD and TD children.
6.Effects of miR-483-3p on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes
Yufen LU ; Xiaoming ZHENG ; Shaojuan WEI ; Liqin CHEN ; Tongtong XU ; Xiangwei LÜ
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(3):339-346
Objective To investigate the effects of miR-483-3p on hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)-induced apoptosis and pyroptosis of H9c2 cardiomyocytes and its possible mechanism.Methods Rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro,adeno-associated virus-infected H9c2 and the H/R model were constructed by triple-air incuba-tor,and the cells were randomly divided into blank control(Sham)group,model(H/R)group,AAV-miR-483-3p mimic+H/R(AAV-miR-483-3p)group,AAV-miR-483-3p negative control+H/R(AAV-NC)group.The growth status of cells in each group was observed using an inverted microscope;cell proliferation activity was detected by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8);LDH release by lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)kit;apoptosis rate by flow cytometry;apoptosis by notched end labeling(TUNEL).Western blot(WB)was used to detect the expression levels of IL-1β and GSDMD proteins in each group.Results Compared with the Sham group,the H/R group showed abnormal cell status and increased cell death,decreased cell activity,increased LDH release,increased apoptosis rate and apopto-sis level,and increased expression levels of IL-1β and GSDMD proteins(P<0.05);compared with the H/R group,the AAV-miR-483-3p group showed improved cell status and less cell death,increased cell proliferation activity,increased LDH release,and increased IL-1β and GSDMD protein expression levels(P<0.05).Compared with the H/R group,the AAV-miR-483-3p group showed improved cell status and less cell death,increased cell proliferation activity,decreased LDH release,decreased apoptosis rate and apoptosis level,and decreased expression of IL-1β and GSDMD proteins(P<0.05).Conclusion Over-expression of miR-483-3p can improve H/R-inducedH9c2 cardiomyocyte injury by enhancing cell activity and cell metabolism,and inhibiting apoptosis and cell charring.
7.Establishment and Effectiveness of Drug Treatment Pathway for the Initial Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Under the DRG Payment System
Zheng ZENG ; Dawei WAN ; Wei CHEN ; Leyong FAN ; Tongtong CHEN ; Aiping DING ; Shengguang YUAN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(7):1158-1164
Objective To develop and implement a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)and to provide a foundation for refined medication use and cost control management under the Diagnosis Related Groups(DRG)payment system.Methods Clinical pharmacists collaborated to develop a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of DLBCL,utilizing evidence-based medicine and evidence-based pharmacy principles.The PDCA(Plan-Do-Check-Act)cycle method was employed for administrative intervention.The hematology department served as a pilot unit to assess the impact on economic indicators,including inpatient costs,drug expenses,and DRG payment balance,as well as treatment efficacy and the incidence of adverse reactions.Results Compared to the control group,the RG13 intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in average total hospitalization costs and drug expenses,along with a decreased DRG payment balance deficits.All differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The development and implementation of a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of DLBCL can effectively reduce treatment costs,prevent DRG overspending,and alleviate the economic burden on patients,while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
8.Analysis of microbial community composition of lower respiratory tract in patients with severe hospital-acquired pneumonia in critical care
Tongtong ZHENG ; Min WANG ; Qi SHAN ; Minghang LI ; Yazhen BAI ; Qizhi FU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(11):1145-1151
Objective To investigae microbial community structure of lower respiratory tract in severe hospital-acquired pneumonia(SHAP)patients in intensive care unit(ICU)using metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS).Methods mNGS was performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)of 84 patients with SHAP.Patients were grouped based on age,smoking status,underlying diseases and duration of artificial airway.The differences in α diversity,β diversity,microbial composition and community structure of airway microbiota were compared between different groups.The differential airway microbiota associated with artificial airway were screened,and microbial co-occurrence networks was constructed to observe the interaction in microorganisms.Results Results of α diversity analysis revealed that diversity and evenness of the microbial community were higher in young adults compared to those of middle-aged patients,while microbial diversity and evenness were significantly reduced in patients with comorbid stroke.In the group of artificial airway treatment,the diversity and uniformity of microorganisms decreased as the duration of artificial airway treatment increased.The diversity was the lowest when the artificial airway treatment lasted for more than 3 days.β diversity analysis confirmed that there were significant differences in the distinct microbial community structures between the>3 days support group and the non-intubated and≤3 days support cohorts.Acinetobacter baumannii was dominant in all groups.The bacterial diversity was significantly higher in the middle-aged group,the non-smoking group,the group without artificial airway therapy,the group without diabetes mellitus,the group with artificial airway therapy≥3 days and the group with chronic lung disease than those of other groups.In particular,pseudomonas aeruginosa,corynebacterium striatum and veillonella parvula were enriched in these groups.Difference analysis showed that there were significant differences in pseudomonas aeruginosa and corynebacterium striatum between the group with artificial airway treatment>3 days,the group without artificial airway therapy and the group with artificial airway treatment≤3 days.Network co-occurrence showed that there may be synergistic or antagonistic relationships between some microorganisms.Conclusion The microbial diversity of the lower respiratory tract in patients with SHAP significantly decreases in the elderly,those with concurrent stroke and those receiving artificial airway treatment.For these groups,rational use of antibiotics should be adopted to guide precise anti-infection treatment.
9.The effect of wza gene deletion in Klebsiella pneumoniae on capsule formation and bacteriophage sensitivity
Zheng FAN ; Hongbo LIU ; Yuchen CHEN ; Xiaohu CUI ; Zhoufei LI ; Tongtong FU ; Jing YUAN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(7):992-997
Objective:To investigate the effects of wza gene deletion in Klebsiella pneumoniae on capsule formation ability and bacteriophage sensitivity. Methods:The wza deletion mutant strain was constructed through a temperature-sensitive plasmid-mediated homologous recombination. The growth curves of W14 and Δ wza were detected by measuring the optical density OD 600. In order to analyze the effect of gene wza on bacterial capsule formation, wild-type strain W14 and Δ wza mutant strain were detected by transmission electron microscope, and their capsule contents were measured by quantifying the uronic acid contents. The plaque assay was used to detect bacterial sensitivity to bacteriophage in wild-type strain W14 and Δ wza mutant strain. The t test was used to compare whether there were differences in the contents of uronic acid in the capsules of wild-type strain W14 and Δ wza mutant strain. Results:The PCR results revealed that the Δ wza mutant strain was successfully constructed. Compared with wild-type strain W14, the growth curves of Δ wza on the solid plates demonstrated a slightly slower growth. However, no difference in growth was observed among wild-type strain W14 and Δ wza mutant strains in LB broth. The transmission electron microscope results showed that wza gene deletion resulted in the loss of capsule in bacteria. The uronic acid content assay suggested that the capsule content was significantly decreased in Δ wza mutant strain (45.963±2.795) μg/ml compared with wild-type strain W14 (138.800±5.201) μg/ml. There was a statistical difference between the two groups ( t=27.233, P<0.001). The plaque assay indicated that bacteria lost its sensitivity to bacteriophage when gene wza was deleted. Conclusion:Deletion of the wza gene impairs bacterial capsule formation ability and can affect bacterial sensitivity to bacteriophage phiW14.
10.Expression, purification and functional validation of phage depolymerase from hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype K1
Zheng FAN ; Yuchen CHEN ; Hongbo LIU ; Xiaohu CUI ; Zhoufei LI ; Tongtong FU ; Jing YUAN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(9):1348-1353
Objective:To express and purify the phage depolymerase from hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hv Kp) serotype K1 and validate its function. Methods:Phage that infected serotype K1-type hv Kp was isolated from hospital sewage. The biology and morphology of the phage were determined by plaque assay and transmission electron microscopy. The whole genome of the phage was sequenced by the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The presence of depolymerase was determined by observing the plaque halo. Bioinformatic analysis and prokaryotic protein expression system were further used to predict and identify phage depolymerase. The depolymerase gene fragment was obtained by PCR and cloned into the pET28a expression vector, and the expression and purification of the depolymerase were completed in strain BL21. The depolymerase activities on the capsular polysaccharide of serotype K1-type hv Kp clinical isolates were detected by plaque assay and low-speed centrifugation assay. Results:A lytic phage (phiA2) that infected serotype K1-type hv Kp clinical isolate was isolated from hospital sewage. It was typical of the Caudovirales order and Autographiviridae family, and its whole genome was 43 526 bp in length and contained 51 coding domain sequences. The phage phiA2-derived depolymerase phiA2-dep was predicted, expressed and purified. The plaque assay and low-speed centrifugation assay indicated that the depolymerase phiA2-dep had good lytic activity on the capsular polysaccharide of serotype K1-type hv Kp clinical isolates. Conclusion:Depolymerase phiA2-dep can specifically degrade the capsular polysaccharide of serotype K1-type hv Kp, which has potential application value in treating bacterial infection.

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