1.Analysis of The Application and Prospects of CRISPR-based RNA Detection Technology in Forensic Science
Yun FANG ; Xian-Miao WANG ; Wei XIE ; Qi-Fan SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2602-2613
The emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) system represents a revolutionary paradigm shift in molecular diagnostics, offering transformative potential for RNA analysis within the rigorous demands of forensic science. Conventional forensic RNA detection methodologies, such as reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or microarray analysis, are significantly hampered by inherent limitations including complex, multi-step protocols requiring sophisticated laboratory infrastructure, pronounced susceptibility to inhibitors prevalent in complex forensic matrices (e.g., humic acids, heme, indigo dyes), and often inadequate sensitivity for trace or degraded samples typical of crime scenes, thereby failing to meet the critical operational imperatives of forensic practice: rapidity, high specificity, sensitivity, portability, and robustness against interference. This review posits that CRISPR-Cas-based RNA detection technology provides a groundbreaking solution by leveraging the programmable, sequence-specific recognition conferred by the synergistic interaction between a designed guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas effector proteins (e.g., Cas12a, Cas13a, Cas14). Upon target RNA binding, specific Cas enzymes undergo conformational activation, exhibiting collateral cleavage activity―a unique catalytic amplification mechanism where the enzyme non-specifically cleaves surrounding reporter molecules, enabling ultra-high sensitivity. To further enhance detection limits, CRISPR-Cas systems are strategically integrated with isothermal pre-amplification techniques like recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which efficiently amplify target RNA at constant temperatures, eliminating the need for thermal cyclers. This powerful cascade―isothermal pre-amplification followed by CRISPR-mediated sequence-specific recognition and collateral signal amplification―achieves exceptional sensitivity, often down to the single-molecule (attomolar) level, while drastically reducing analysis time to potentially 30-60 min. Crucially, the compatibility of CRISPR-Cas detection with simple, equipment-free readout systems, such as lateral flow strips (LFS) for visual colorimetric results or portable fluorescence/electrochemical sensors, facilitates true point-of-need (PON) forensic analysis directly at crime scenes, morgues, or field labs. This enables rapid applications like specific body fluid identification (e.g., distinguishing menstrual blood via miRNA, identifying saliva via mRNA), post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation through RNA degradation/expression patterns, donor age inference via age-related RNA markers, tissue identification, and microbial forensics, thereby accelerating investigative leads, minimizing sample degradation risks, and optimizing resource allocation. However, significant challenges impede widespread adoption, including persistent environmental interference inhibiting enzymes, fluctuations in Cas/amplification enzyme activity affecting reproducibility, a critical lack of standardized protocols and validated quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) frameworks essential for forensic reliability and court admissibility, and current limitations in multiplex detection capability. Consequently, future research must prioritize overcoming multiplexing bottlenecks for comprehensive analysis, enhancing system robustness through Cas protein engineering and optimized reagents, developing fully integrated, sample-to-answer microfluidic or lateral flow devices for user-friendly field deployment, and collaboratively establishing universally accepted validation guidelines, performance standards, and stringent QA/QC procedures. Furthermore, the urgent development of clear ethical guidelines governing the use of this highly sensitive technology, particularly concerning RNA data privacy and potential misuse, is imperative. This review systematically outlines the principles, forensic applications, current limitations, and future trajectories of CRISPR-RNA detection, with the authors’ conviction that focused efforts addressing these challenges will translate this technology into a cornerstone of next-generation forensic practice, driving unprecedented efficiency and innovation in field investigations and laboratory analysis to enhance justice delivery.
2.Immunotherapy strategies and pharmaceutical care practice on a long-term surviving patient with advanced gastric cancer and mismatch repair deficient
Jinyin LI ; Rong QIAN ; Ling JIANG ; Liming WANG ; Xian ZHANG ; Xiaoyan YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):703-709
To analyze the treatment strategy for a 78-year-old female patient with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) gastric cancer who achieved long-term survival. After third-line chemotherapy failed, gene testing showed ARID1A p.Gln748fs, c.2733-1G>T variation, with PD-L1 TPS 30%, CPS 60%. The nivolumab was employed, and two weeks later, the best response was partial response (PR). During the fourth-line immunotherapy maintenance treatment, progression of left adrenal metastasis was observed. The expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) was positive, and the antibody drug conjugate disitamab vedotin (RC48) was chosen for treatment. After 10 months of treatment with nivolumab combined with RC48, the best efficacy was assessed as stable disease (SD), with a progression free survival (PFS) of up to 12 months. Radiotherapy was employed, and immunotherapy was maintained, allowing the patient to achieve a PFS of 18 months again. During immunotherapy, a clinical pharmacist developed a personalized pharmaceutical care plan for this patient. At the last follow-up, this patient achieved 78 months of long-term survival.
3.Current status of generalized pustular psoriasis: Findings from a multicenter hospital-based survey of 127 Chinese patients.
Haimeng WANG ; Jiaming XU ; Xiaoling YU ; Siyu HAO ; Xueqin CHEN ; Bin PENG ; Xiaona LI ; Ping WANG ; Chaoyang MIAO ; Jinzhu GUO ; Qingjie HU ; Zhonglan SU ; Sheng WANG ; Chen YU ; Qingmiao SUN ; Minkuo ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Yuzhen LI ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Songmei GENG ; Aijun CHEN ; Zigang XU ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Qianjin LU ; Yan LU ; Xian JIANG ; Gang WANG ; Hong FANG ; Qing SUN ; Jie LIU ; Hongzhong JIN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):953-961
BACKGROUND:
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP.
CONCLUSIONS
The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Psoriasis/pathology*
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Adult
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Adolescent
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Child
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Young Adult
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Quality of Life
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Middle Aged
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China/epidemiology*
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Recurrence
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Risk Factors
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Surveys and Questionnaires
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East Asian People
4.Prediction of quality markers for cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules based on plasma pharmacology combined with network pharmacology and pharmacokinetics.
Qing-Qing CHEN ; Yuan-Xian ZHANG ; Qian WANG ; Jin-Ling ZHANG ; Lin ZHENG ; Yong HUANG ; Yang JIN ; Zi-Peng GONG ; Yue-Ting LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):959-973
This study predicts the quality markers(Q-markers) for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules based on pharmacodynamics, plasma drug chemistry, network pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics. Strong ammonia solution spray and phenol red secretion assays were employed to evaluate the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules. Twentysix absorbed prototype components of Kening Granules were identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with QExactive Plus quadrupole/Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Exactive Plus Orbitrap HRMS). Through network pharmacology, 11 potential active components were screened out for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules. The 11 components acted on 40 common targets such as IL6, TLR4, and STAT3, which mainly participated in PI3K/Akt, HIF-1, and EGFR signaling pathways. Pharmacokinetic quantitative analysis was performed for 7 prototype components. Three compounds including azelaic acid, caffeic acid, and vanillin were identified as Q-markers for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules based on their effectiveness, transmissibility, and measurability. The results of this study are of great significance for clarifying the pharmacological substance basis, optimizing the quality standards, and promoting the clinical application of Kening Granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Network Pharmacology
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Cough/blood*
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Male
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Humans
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Animals
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Biomarkers/blood*
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Quality Control
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Antitussive Agents/chemistry*
5.Synthesis and antibacterial activity evaluation of octapeptin derivatives
He-xian YANG ; A-long CUI ; Yong-jian WANG ; Shi-bo KOU ; Miao LÜ ; Hong YI ; Zhuo-rong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(1):152-160
Octapeptin has strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria such as
6.Status quo of pain catastrophizing in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and influencing factors analysis
Ziqiang LI ; Guifen FU ; Yanping ZHANG ; Xiang LI ; Xin ZHANG ; Lin ZENG ; Qiuping ZHENG ; Xiaomin XIAN ; Miao WANG
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(22):3389-3395,3400
Objective To investigate the status quo of pain catastrophizing(PC)in the patients with di-abetic peripheral neuropathic pain(DPNP),and to analyze the influencing factors to provide reference for for-mulating clinical preventive intervention strategies.Methods A total of 206 patients with DPNP admitted and treated in the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region were selected as the research sub-jects by convenience sampling method.The general data questionnaire,Numerical Rating Scale(NRS),Pain Catastrophizing scale(PCS),Perceived Social Support Scale(PSSS)and diabetes distress scale(DDS)were used to conduct the investigation.Results The incidence rate of PC in 206 cases of DPNP patients was 44.66%(92/206),and the total score of PCS was(30.10±5.16)points.The results of multiple linear regres-sion analysis showed that the gender,duration of diabetes(≥10 years),multiple drug use,number of compli-cations(>5),NRS score,PSSS score and scores of DDS dimensions were the main influencing factors of PC(all P<0.05),which could explain 92.3%of the total variation of PC.Conclusion The PC incidence rate in the patients with DPNP is high.Clinical healthcare workers should pay attention to the evaluation of PC in these patients,and formulate the scientific and effective targeted intervention measures according to the main influen-cing factors to help the patients to reduce the pain burden in order to reduce the level of PC.
7.Prevention strategy for intracranial infection related to external cerebro-spinal fluid drainage tube based on evidence summary
Xiao-Ju MIAO ; Xian LUO ; Zhong-Min FU ; Jun WANG ; Shun-Jun ZHAO ; Li DING ; Qing-Qing WU ; Bo CHEN ; Shun-Wu XIAO
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(9):1070-1076
Objective To retrieve and extract the best evidence for preventing intracranial infections related to ex-ternal cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)drainage,and provide evidence-based support for reducing the incidence of intracra-nial infection caused by external CSF drainage.Methods Evidence-based care issues were determined according to PIPOST,and the best evidence on intracranial infection related to external CSF drainage tube was retrieved from top to bottom.The literature retrieval period was 2013-2023.Quality control of the literatures,as well as extraction and summary of the evidence were carried out by 2 trained graduate students.Results A total of 17 literatures were included in the analysis,including 3 guidelines,5 expert consensus,8 systematic reviews,and 1 randomized con-trolled trial.Management strategies from 3 dimensions(pre-catheterization,in-catheterization and post-catheteriza-tion)were obtained,including 20 pieces of evidence for preventing intracranial infection,such as preparation for ex-ternal CSF drainage tube,precautions during catheterization,and post-catheterization disposal.Conclusion There are differences in the management of external CSF drainage tube in clinical practice.It is necessary to develop uni-fied,standardized,and rational bundle strategies to prevent intracranial infection,so as to reduce the incidence of catheter-related intracranial infection.
8.Precirrhotic Primary Biliary Cholangitis with Portal Hypertension:Bile Duct Injury Correlate
Yi-Fan HU ; Shun-Xin LI ; Hong-Li LIU ; Zhi-Xiang DU ; Shuang-Shuang WANG ; Miao-Yang CHEN ; Li WANG ; Qing-Fang XIONG ; Yan-Dan ZHONG ; Du-Xian LIU ; Yong-Feng YANG
Gut and Liver 2024;18(5):867-876
Background/Aims:
The histological characteristics and natural history of precirrhotic primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) with portal hypertension (PH) are unclear. Our aim was to clarify the prevalence, risk factors, and histological characteristics of precirrhotic PBC patients with PH.
Methods:
This retrospective study compared the clinical features, histological characteristics, and response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) between the PH and non-PH groups of precirrhotic PBC patients.
Results:
Out of 165 precirrhotic PBC patients, 40 (24.2%) also had PH. According to histological stage 1, 2 and 3 disease, 5.3% (1/19), 17.3% (17/98), and 45.8% (22/48) of patients also had PH, respectively. Precirrhotic PBC with PH was significantly positively correlated with bile duct loss, degree of cytokeratin 7 positivity, and degree of fibrosis in the portal area, but significantly negatively correlated with lymphoid follicular aggregation. Compared to the non-PH group, patients in the PH group showed a higher prevalence of obliterative portal venopathy, incomplete septal fibrosis, portal tract abnormalities and non-zonal sinusoidal dilatation (p<0.05). In addition, patients with PH were more likely to present with symptoms of jaundice, ascites, epigastric discomfort, a poorer response to UDCA, and more decompensation events (p<0.05). High alkaline phosphatase levels, low white blood cell counts, high Mayo scores, and high FIB-4 index values were risk factors for precirrhotic PBC with PH.
Conclusions
Approximately 24.2% of precirrhotic PBC patients have PH, which is histologically related to the injury of bile ducts. High alkaline phosphatase levels, low white blood cell counts, high Mayo scores, and high FIB-4 index values are associated with increased risk of precirrhotic PBC with PH.
9.GO-CoA-Tat improves lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in mice with fatty liver disease
Hai-Yan WANG ; Yu-Lin LI ; Jing-Xian HU ; Hao ZHOU ; Miao JIANG ; Shao-Ren ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2023;30(6):965-970
Objective To investigate the effects of GO-CoA-Tat,an inhibitor of ghrelin O-acyltransferase(GOAT),on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)induced by high-fat diet(HFD).Methods Twenty-four C57BL/6 male mice were selected and divided into control group,HFD group and GO-CoA-Tat group,with 8 mice in each group.The mice in control group was given standard diet,the mice in HFD group and GO-CoA-Tat group were given HFD,and the mice in GO-CoA-Tat group was given daily intraperitoneal injection of GO-CoA-Tat from 3rd week of feeding.Food intake and body mass of mice were measured weekly.After 8 weeks,serum and liver samples were collected,liver weight was measured,and fat droplets were detected by hepatocyte oil red O staining;biochemical indexes such as serum triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and oxidative stress indexes of liver such as glutathione(GSH),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were measured.Results Hepatic steatosis was observed after feeding with HFD for 8 weeks,which was significantly relieved in GO-CoA-Tat group compared with HFD group.Compared with HFD group,the food intake,body weight and liver weight of mice in GO-CoA-Tat group decreased(P<0.05).Compared with HFD group,the content of TG in liver of mice in GO-CoA-Tat group decreased,the concentrations of serum TG and TC decreased(P<0.05),and the concentrations of liver GSH and SOD increased(P<0.01),liver MDA decreased(P=0.005),and the serum ALT and AST decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion GO-CoA-Tat can improve lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in the liver of NAFLD mice,thus play a protective role in the liver.
10.A descriptive analysis of hyperlipidemia in adult twins in China.
Ke MIAO ; Wei Hua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Can Qing YU ; Sheng Feng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dian Jian Yi SUN ; Chun Xiao LIAO ; Yuan Jie PANG ; Zeng Chang PANG ; Min YU ; Hua WANG ; Xian Ping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Guo Hong JIANG ; Xiao Jie WANG ; Yu LIU ; Jian DENG ; Lin LU ; Wen Jing GAO ; Li Ming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(4):544-551
Objective: To describe the distribution characteristics of hyperlipidemia in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR) and explore the effect of genetic and environmental factors on hyperlipidemia. Methods: Twins recruited from the CNTR in 11 project areas across China were included in the study. A total of 69 130 (34 565 pairs) of adult twins with complete information on hyperlipidemia were selected for analysis. The random effect model was used to characterize the population and regional distribution of hyperlipidemia among twins. The concordance rates of hyperlipidemia were calculated in monozygotic twins (MZ) and dizygotic twins (DZ), respectively, to estimate the heritability. Results: The age of all participants was (34.2±12.4) years. This study's prevalence of hyperlipidemia was 1.3% (895/69 130). Twin pairs who were men, older, living in urban areas, married,had junior college degree or above, overweight, obese, insufficient physical activity, current smokers, ex-smokers, current drinkers, and ex-drinkers had a higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia (P<0.05). In within-pair analysis, the concordance rate of hyperlipidemia was 29.1% (118/405) in MZ and 18.1% (57/315) in DZ, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Stratified by gender, age, and region, the concordance rate of hyperlipidemia in MZ was still higher than that in DZ. Further, in within-same-sex twin pair analyses, the heritability of hyperlipidemia was 13.04% (95%CI: 2.61%-23.47%) in the northern group and 18.59% (95%CI: 4.43%-32.74%) in the female group, respectively. Conclusions: Adult twins were included in this study and were found to have a lower prevalence of hyperlipidemia than in the general population study, with population and regional differences. Genetic factors influence hyperlipidemia, but the genetic effect may vary with gender and area.
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Young Adult
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China/epidemiology*
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Diseases in Twins/genetics*
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Hyperlipidemias/genetics*
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Metabolic Diseases
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Twins, Dizygotic
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Twins, Monozygotic/genetics*

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