1.Pathological changes and macrophage polarization in the liver and spleen of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Xiaoyu QIN ; Yuchun CAI ; Yang HONG ; Fanna WEI ; Yahong HU ; Yumeng CAI ; Yuan HU ; Ting ZHANG ; Xiaojin MO ; Bin XU ; Yan LU ; Jiahui SUN ; Yan ZHOU ; Zelin ZHU ; Muxin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):169-183
Objective To investigate the temporal changes in pathological damage and macrophage polarization in liver and spleen tissues of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis, and to preliminarily unravel the peripheral immune responses during the early stage of A. cantonensis infection. Methods Forty female BALB/c mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups, including the control group and 7-, 14-, and 21-day infection groups, with 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection groups was inoculated with 30 third-stage (L3) larvae of A. cantonensis by oral gavage, and five mice were randomly selected from each infection group on days 7, 14, and 21 post-infection, while mice in the control group were given the same volume of physiological saline and five mice were randomly selected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. Mouse liver and spleen tissues were sampled. The histopathological changes of mouse liver and spleen tissues were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and the percentage of positive staining area and the co-localization positive rates of the macrophage surface antigens F4/80, CD86, and CD206 were quantified in mouse liver and spleen tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. In addition, five mice were collected from each infection group on days 7, 14, and 21 post-infection, and five mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. Mouse liver and spleen tissues were sampled for detection of macrophage markers CD86 and CD206 and macrophage phenotyping using flow cytometry, and the expression of M1 macrophage markers, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and M2 markers, including arginase 1 (Arg1), mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1) and chitinase-like protein 3 (Chil3) was quantified in mouse liver and spleen tissues using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay. Results Proliferative lesions of the hepatocyte were observed in mouse liver tissues and the follicular structures of the mouse spleen white pulp were disrupted 21 days post-infection with A. cantonensis. Immunohistochemical staining showed that there were significant differences in the percentages of F4/80, CD86 and CD206 positive staining areas in the liver and spleen tissues among the four groups of mice (F = 242.40, 197.14, 183.19, 157.65, 242.35 and 146.24; all P values < 0.001), and the percentages of positive staining in the liver and spleen tissues of mice in the 14-day infection group [(4.45 ± 0.51)%, (3.74 ± 0.67)%, (8.32 ± 0.72)%, (16.56 ± 1.14)%, (11.62 ± 0.52)%, and (8.29 ± 0.72)%, respectively] and the 21-day infection group [(3.70 ± 0.11)%, (3.22 ± 0.43)%, (11.53 ± 1.03)%, (12.59 ± 1.05)%, (9.02 ± 0.83)%, and (11.67 ± 1.10)%, respectively] were higher than in the control group [(0.35 ± 0.16)%, (0.40 ± 0.02)%, (0.93 ± 0.05)%, (2.78 ± 0.26)%, (2.33 ± 0.20)%, and (1.85 ± 0.20)%, respectively] (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed significant differences in the positive rates of F4/80 co-localization with CD86 and CD206 in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 24.42, 25.28, 54.51 and 130.55; all P values < 0.001). Flow cytometry detected significant differences in the proportions of CD86+ and CD206+ macrophages in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 67.98, 18.41, 29.77, 172.80; all P values < 0.001), and the proportions of CD206+ macrophages in the liver and spleen of the 21-day infection group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(9.25 ± 2.55)% vs (3.83 ± 0.72)%, and (4.22 ± 0.56)% vs (0.47 ± 0.18)%, respectively] (both P values < 0.05). In addition, RT-qPCR assay quantified significant differences in the relative mRNA expression of M1 macrophage markers (IL-1β, TNF-α and Nos2) and M2 macrophage markers (Arg1, Chil3 and Mrc1) in mouse liver and spleen tissues among the four groups (F = 41.30, 31.82, 199.33, 19.96, 62.01, 119.76, 23.67, 95.90, 72.27, 82.59, 123.41 and 29.75; all P values < 0.05). Conclusions A. cantonensis infection may cause progressive pathological damage in mouse liver and spleen tissues, accompanied by dynamic temporal changes in macrophage polarization. M1 macrophage polarization predominates at the early stage of A. cantonensis infection and shifts towards M2 polarization at the later stages, suggesting that M2 polarization may participate in immune regulation at late stages of A. cantonensis infection by suppressing excessive inflammatory responses and promoting tissue repair.
2.Investigation of the regulatory effect of overexpressed Ptpn2 on SiO2-mediated mouse alveolar macrophages based on iTRAQ technology
Yi WEI ; Yaqian LI ; Xinjie LI ; Mengfei FENG ; Fuyu JIN ; Hong XU ; Ying ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):183-191
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of overexpressed protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (Ptpn2) on the inflammatory response of mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S) induced by SiO₂. MethodsCells with overexpressed Ptpn2 were constructed and induced by SiO₂. The experimental groups were divided into four groups: the negative control group with an empty vector (NC), the overexpressed Ptpn2 group (P), the negative control group with an empty vector + SiO₂ induction (NS), and the overexpressed Ptpn2 + SiO₂ induction group (PS). Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used to screen differential proteins, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database analyses. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expressions of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of PTPN2, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and proteins related to the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in the cells of each group. ResultsiTRAQ results identified 144 differential proteins among the four groups. GO analysis showed that in biological processes (BP), these differential proteins were mainly enriched in IκB kinase/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling, cell activation and signal transduction involved in immune responses, and regulation of receptor signaling pathways by signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), etc. KEGG analysis revealed that the differential proteins were mainly enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the NC group, the expressions of TNF α, GSDMD, and TGF-β1 in the cells of the NS group increased (P < 0.05); compared to the NS group, the expression of the aforementioned proteins in the PS group decreased in cellular proteins(P < 0.05). The results of Western blot showed that compared with the NC group, the protein expression levels of PTPN2, p-NF-κB,MyD88,TLR4,NLRP3,GSDMD,Caspase-1,IL-1β, TGF-βR1, TGF-βR,p-Smad2/3 in the NS group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05); compared with the NS group, the expression levels of the aforementioned proteins in the PS group were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of Ptpn2 can inhibit the protein expressions of TLR4-TNF-α signaling, NLRP3 signaling, and TGF-β1 signaling closely related to inflammatory response in SiO₂-mediated MH-S macrophages.
3.Advances in techniques for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk: a global perspective and China’s practice
Andong XU ; Hong ZHU ; Jing XU ; Shizhu LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):100-108
Based on review of global and Chinese schistosomiasis control progress and the evolution of control strategies, this article focuses on Chinese practical experiences of schistosomiasis control and systematically summarizes five key determinants for schistosomiasis transmission risk, including source of infections, intermediate host snails, high-risk populations, natural environments, and social factors. To address these risks and challenges associated with these determinants, the article reviews the advances in techniques for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk and their applications, including conventional risk assessment approaches, mathematical model-based tools for prediction of schistosomiasis transmission risk, and indicator-systembased techniques for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk. This review underscores the essential role of interdisciplinary integration and dynamic management in precision schistosomiasis control and recommends the intensification of verification of field adaptation and dynamic updates of indicator systems to promote the widespread application of assessment tools across diverse regions and contexts, so as to provide strategic guidance and methodological support to achieve the target for elimination of schistosomiasis across China in 2030.
4.Differences in Responses to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Therapy between HER2 2+/ISH+ and HER2 3+ in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Lingjun MA ; Ran ZHENG ; Lingyun XU ; Ying ZHU ; Hong YIN ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Rong DENG ; Jue WANG ; Xiaoming ZHA
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):501-512
Purpose:
Dual anti–human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) drugs have become the standard regimen for neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) to HER2-positive breast cancer patients. However, the efficacy varies greatly among patients with different HER2 protein expression levels.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 575 HER2-positive breast cancer patients from multiple centers throughout China from 2013 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. We compared clinicopathological features in different HER2 immunohistochemistry classes (HER2 2+/in situ hybridization [ISH] + or HER2 3+), and their difference in response to NST and survival with single or dual anti-HER2 drugs. Drug sensitivity assays were used to evaluate different efficacy of anti-HER2 drugs in vitro.
Results:
Compared to HER2 3+ subgroup, the HER2 2+/ISH+ group had a higher proportion of hormone receptor–positive status (48.7% vs. 76.1%, p < 0.001), more HER2 protein loss after NST, lower pathological complete response (pCR) rate (46.07% vs. 16.24%, p < 0.001), and tended to have worse disease-free survival (DFS). In HER2 2+/ISH+ patients, treated with pertuzumab and trastuzumab in combination had no significant improvement in pCR (19.12% vs. 12.24%, p=0.287) and DFS (p=0.908) than using alone. Drug sensitivity assay showed poor efficacy with dual anti-HER2 drugs in HER2 2+/ISH+ cell lines; however, fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan drugs had a satisfactory effect.
Conclusion
Owing to the differences in clinicopathological features and treatment efficacy, we considered the HER2 2+/ISH+ group to be a distinct subtype and defined it as the HER2-moderate–positive subgroup. In this subgroup, dual anti-HER2 drugs did not exert significant improvement in pCR and DFS. Therefore, treatment optimization is warranted, with antibody-drug conjugate drugs as potential options.
5.Efficient Loading and Targeted Delivery of Plant Exosomes
Meng XU ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Chong-Bin LEI ; Yang-Zi ZHANG ; Hong-Tao TIAN ; Wen-Tao XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1597-1608
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by plant cells, characterized by a lipid bilayer structure. These vesicles carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and play essential roles in intercellular communication and physiological regulation in plants. Compared to animal-derived extracellular vesicles, PDEVs offer several advantages, such as a broad range of sources, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low production costs. Furthermore, PDEVs have demonstrated remarkable potential as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery, due to their ability to efficiently traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, making them promising candidates for drug delivery systems. This review systematically elaborates on the complex composition of PDEVs, which consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, the typical structural characteristics of their lipid bilayers ranging from 30 to 150 nm, and their versatile loading capabilities as drug carriers, efficiently encapsulating various types of therapeutic agents such as hydrophilic small molecules, hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. We systematically summarize the recent advancements in strategies for enhancing the loading efficiency of PDEVs, which include methods such as co-incubation, ultrasound-assisted loading, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycles, and microfluidic technology. These techniques are evaluated based on their underlying principles, suitable drug types, and their respective advantages. In addition to loading strategies, we focus on the engineered approaches to achieve targeted delivery using PDEVs, such as genetic engineering modifications, chemical ligand conjugation, membrane fusion technology, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. We discuss the mechanisms of these strategies in enhancing targeting efficiency, prolonging in vivo circulation time, and improving therapeutic efficacy. Further, this review highlights the application of PDEVs in various disease models, including tumor, skin inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential as multifunctional delivery platforms. The ability of PDEVs to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents and target specific tissues or cells opens up new avenues for the treatment of complex diseases, offering advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. However, despite the promising applications of PDEVs, several challenges remain in their development and clinical translation. These challenges include variability in source materials, standardization of preparation processes, quality control, scalability of production, and the need for clinical validation. To overcome these obstacles, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted design and multi-omics analysis is proposed as a way to facilitate the precise development of PDEVs. These emerging technologies hold the potential to further enhance the precision and effectiveness of plant-based drug delivery systems, ultimately advancing the field of precision medicine. In conclusion, the use of PDEVs as a platform for drug delivery represents a promising area of research with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of bioactive molecules, along with their inherent advantages in biocompatibility and versatility, makes them a valuable tool in the development of more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions. Continued research and innovation in this field will pave the way for the clinical implementation of PDEVs in the treatment of various diseases, offering new hope for more effective and sustainable therapeutic options.
6.Identification and infection rate of densovirus in Culex pipiens pallens in Beijing in 2023
Xiu-yan XU ; Ting YAN ; Si-jie ZHU ; Jing LI ; Mei-de LIU ; Hong-jiang ZHANG ; Ting LIU ; Qiu-hong LI ; Xiao-jie ZHOU ; Ying TONG ; Yong ZHANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):25-30
Objective This study conducted molecular biological identification of the viruses carried by Culex pipiens pallens specimens collected in Shunyi District, Beijing in 2023, and observed the changes in the infection rate of the viruses carried by Cx. pipiens pallens at different collection times. Methods Cx. pipiens pallens were collected using carbon dioxide mosquito traps. The mosquito samples were ground in batches and analyzed by molecular biology technologies. The virus infection rate at different collection times was analyzed statistically. Results 17 strains of Culex pipiens pallens densovirus(CppDNV)were identified from Cx. pipiens pallens samples collected in Shunyi District, Beijing, in 2023. The nucleotide sequence analysis of the virus genome coding region showed that CppDNV was a single-stranded DNA virus with a total length of 3 335 nt, encoding 2 non-structural proteins(NS1, NS2)and 1 capsid protein(VP). The nucleotide(amino acid)sequence lengths of the three proteins were 2 376 nt(791 aa),1 092 nt(363 aa)and 1 071 nt(356 aa), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CppDNV was located in genus Brevihamaparvovirus. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates across collection times(χ2=4.429, P=0.194). Conclusions CppDNV was identified in Cx. pipiens pallens in Beijing, and it was stably maintained in this natural population.
7.Analysis of the efficiency of HLA-compatible platelet matching using a platelet genotype database
Jiangtian CHEN ; Xianguo XU ; Xiaozhen HONG ; Kairong MA ; Junfeng GUO ; Wei ZHANG ; Faming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(8):1105-1109
Objective: To evaluate the operational efficiency of a single-center platelet genotype database in HLA genotype-matched platelet search and applcation, and to compare the efficiency among different matching strategies, hospitals, and between first-time versus repeat application modes. Methods: Data on platelet genotype-based matching applications from December 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, at our center were collected. Four time intervals were defined according to the workflow: the time from clinical hospital application to blood center receipt confirmation (Δt
); the time from blood center confirmation to completion of platelet gene database search (Δt
); the time from completion of database searching to availability of compatible platelet products (Δt
); and the time from clinical hospital application to availability of compatible platelet products (Δt
). Applications were classified as first-time or repeat based on application history, and as speed-priority matching strategy or classical matching strategy based on matching approach, with efficiency differences compared across the groups. Results: A total of 1 051 valid matching applications were included. The median values of Δt
, Δt
, Δt
, and Δt
were 6.2 h, 0.1 h, 0.2 h, and 11.5 h, respectively. Overall, 55.9% of genotype-based matches resulted in compatible platelets being available on the same day. The median Δt
of the speed-priority strategy was significantly shorter than that of the classical strategy (5.2 h vs 39.6 h, P<0.001). Median Δt
differed significantly among hospitals (P<0.001), with the shortest being 4.4 h. The median Δt
for repeat applications was 6.9 h, significantly shorter than that for first-time applications (27.7 h, P<0.001). Conclusion: The platelet gene database demonstrates sufficient efficiency in HLA genotype-matched platelet searching and application to meet clinical demands. Optimizing matching strategies and hospital application workflows may shorten the time for obtaining compatible platelets.
8.Analysis of the characteristics and influencing factors of new-onset suicidal behaviors among junior and senior high school students
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(9):1330-1334
Objective:
To investigate the incidence and influencing factors of new onset suicidal behaviors among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide evidence for early warning and intervention.
Methods:
Using a cluster sampling method, baseline data were collected from September to November 2023 among 2 379 adolescents selected from 2 junior high schools, 2 general senior high schools and 2 vocational senior high schools in Wuhan, Hubei Province, with follow up carried out from September to November 2024. Data were collected using the School Adaptation Scale, the Essential Resilience Scale, the Personal Social Support Scale, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Adolescent Life Events Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing new onset suicidal behavior among junior and senior high school students.
Results:
Among junior and senior high school students without suicide risk at baseline, 53.55% remained stable risk free during follow up, while 13.28% developed new suicidal behavior during follow up, of which suicidal ideation, suicide plan and suicide attempts accounted for 11.69%, 8.83% and 6.52%, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that increased depressive symptoms at follow up elevated the risk of overall new onset suicidal behaviors ( OR =4.14), ideation ( OR = 4.59), plans ( OR =4.24), and attempts ( OR =4.09); poor sleep quality also increased the risk of overall new onset suicidal behaviors ( OR =2.23), plans ( OR =2.03), and attempts ( OR =2.65) (all P <0.05). Non boarding junior and senior high school students had lower risks of overall new onset suicidal behaviors and ideation ( OR=0.70 and 0.49, respectively); secondary school students with academic performance ranking in the top 20%-30% of their class had a lower risk of new onset ideation ( OR =0.27); and those whose place of origin was outside the city had a lower risk of new onset plans ( OR =0.49) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
New onset suicidal behaviors among junior and senior high school students exhibit dynamic and stage specific differences. Depressive symptoms serve as a common core risk factor across all stages, whereas sleep quality, academic performance, boarding status, and place of origin exert differential influences at distinct stages.
9.A case of ABO complicated blood group caused by Tnpolyagglutination red blood cells
Xinyu HUANG ; Xiaozhen HONG ; Xianguo XU ; Bing ZHANG ; Zuonian XIE ; Faming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(5):662-665
A 90-year-old female patient with novel coronavirus infection, severe pneumonia, and no history of blood transfusion andtransplantation.The mixed appearance phenomenon appeared in the admission blood group identification, and was sent the sample to our laboratory for difficult blood group identification. In the tube saline method, the patient′s red blood cells were positively reacted with 2 monoclonal anti-A and 5 human anti-A reagents.In the microcolumn gel method, the patient′s red blood cells showed 2 positive and 2 negative reactions with monoclonal anti-A and 5 positive and 1 negative reactions with human anti-A. The patient ′s red blood cells showed negative reaction with peanuts in phytohemagglutinin, and positive reaction with double flower lentils, wild soybeans and a string of purples. The patient ′s red blood cells treated with papain showed negative reaction with all monoclonal anti-A reagents, human anti-A and phytohemagglutinin. The patient ′s ABO gene was sequenced as ABO * B.01/O.01.02, but C1GALT1C1 gene mutation was not founded in the gDNA of the whole blood sample.It is speculated that the exposure of Tn antigen on the patient ′s red blood cells leads to red blood cells polyagglutination, resulting in ABO blood group inconsistency.
10.Synthesis and Application of Benzimidazole-Carbazole-based Fluorescent Probe for Detection of Phosgene
Guang-Mei XU ; Ze-Yu SONG ; Qin-Qin TIAN ; Xiao-Hong ZHU ; Jin-Chao SHEN ; Wei HE
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1705-1713,中插37-中插41
Phosgene is a highly reactive chemical substance and a prevalent chemical warfare agent,and it is vitally important for rapid and accurate detection of phosgene to counteract terrorist threats and industrial accidents.In this work,a phosgene probe,designated as SX-Pho,which incorporated benzimidazole and hydroxyl groups as recognition motifs,was prepared through Suzuki coupling and Debus-Radziszewski methodologies to incorporate an electron-donating carbazole moiety.This probe exhibited a large Stokes shift(Approximately 130 nm).Upon exposure to triphosgene/triethylamine conditions(in situ phosgene generation),the fluorescence emission of probe at 470 nm underwent significant quenching,with a 20-fold reduction in intensity,while the fluorescence lifetime decreased from 3.30 ns to 3.06 ns.Concentration titration experiments demonstrated that SX-Pho achieved a lower detection limit of 57.8 nmol/L with high specificity and interference resistance.Preton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H NMR),high-resolution mass spectrometry,and density functional theory(DFT)calculations confirmed the cyclization reaction between hydroxyl groups,imines,and phosgene.The extent of overlap between the highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO)and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO)was notably decreased,leading to the suppression of radiative transitions.The energy gap underwent a reduction of 0.43 eV,while the non-radiative transition was augmented,resulting in fluorescence quenching and achieving rapid detection of phosgene.Based on this,probe-loaded test strips were prepared.The color change under 365 nm illumination allowed visual discrimination of phosgene at concentrations below 20 μL/L.Furthermore,using a smartphone's built-in RGB application to measure the intensity of the blue(B)channel after the test strips were exposed to phosgene enabled both qualitative and quantitative detection.The detection range was 1.82-50 μL/L,with a limit of detection(LOD)of 1.814 μL/L.


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