1.Prognostic significance of TRIM28 elevation in non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia
Siqi GONG ; Cong LI ; Mengmeng FAN ; Huiping WANG ; Wanqiu ZHANG ; Xue LIANG ; Qianshan TAO ; Qiang HONG ; Zhimin ZHAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):301-308
ObjectiveTo clarify the expression of TRIM28 in non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its correlation with clinical indicators and prognosis, and to further explore the effect of TRIM28 expression levels on the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells using small interfering RNA. MethodsThe GSE34577 dataset was analyzed using R software to compare TRIM28 expression between healthy controls and non-M3 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Clinical samples from non-M3 AML patients were collected, with TRIM28 expression levels measured using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The analysis focused on correlations between TRIM28 expression and various clinical indicators, treatment efficacy, and patient prognosis. Furthermore, small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology was employed to downregulate TRIM28 expression in human primary AML cells (HL60 cell line). The effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis were then assessed through CCK-8 assays and flow cytometry, respectively. ResultsThe results showed that TRIM28 was up-regulated in non-M3 AML of both online database GSE34577 and clinical samples (P<0.000 1), TRIM28 expression of new diagnosis group and relapsed refractory group was higher than iron deficiency anemia group (P<0.01), and there was no significance between different French-American-British classification systems subtype. TRIM28 expression was higher in non-M3 AML patients with a poor genetic prognosis stratified as moderate than in the good prognosis group, and TRIM28 expression was associated with NPM1 combined with the FLT3-ITD mutation, positively correlated with age, bone marrow blast, peripheral blood blast and white blood cell, negatively correlated with hemoglobin. In addition, interference TRIM28 greatly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. ConclusionThis study reveals that TRIM28 is highly expressed in non-M3 AML and associated with prognosis, and plays a key role in the proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells, suggesting that TRIM28 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for non-M3 AML.
2.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.
3.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
4.Association between prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and hormone levels in fetal umbilical cord blood
Kang'ao SUN ; Yanmei WU ; Hongbing FU ; Xia WANG ; Hong LIANG ; Jingchuan XUE
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(8):917-925
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals characterized by environmental persistence and have been ubiquitously detected in pregnant women. Although existing evidence suggests that PFAS may exert endocrine-disrupting effects, evidence remains limited regarding the associations of individual legacy and emerging PFAS congeners, as well as PFAS mixtures, with fetal hormonal homeostasis. Objective Based on the Jiashan Birth Cohort in China, to investigate the associations between maternal plasma concentrations of legacy and emerging PFAS in the second trimester and levels of multiple hormones in fetal cord blood. Methods A total of 336 women in the second trimester from the Jiashan Birth Cohort were enrolled. Concentrations of 53 legacy and emerging PFAS were measured in maternal plasma, and levels of eight key hormones were determined in fetal cord blood. Multiple linear regression, restricted cubic spline, and Bayesian kernel machine regression models were used to examine the linear, nonlinear, and joint associations of individual PFAS and PFAS mixtures with fetal cord blood hormone levels. Results Maternal plasma concentrations of perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and 8:2 chlorinated perfluoroether sulfonic acid were positively associated with cord blood levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), with β values of 0.040, 0.050, 0.040, and 0.030, respectively (all P<0.05). In contrast, perfluoroheptanoic acid was negatively associated with prolactin levels (β=−0.060, P<0.01). Restricted cubic spline models revealed a nonlinear dose–response relationship between perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and growth hormone (likelihood ratio test P=0.045), with a positive association in the intermediate concentration interval (β=0.261, P=0.010) that turned negative at higher concentrations (β=−0.425, P=0.048), as well as a nonlinear trend between 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid and prolactin (likelihood ratio test P=0.074). Bayesian kernel machine regression analysis indicated a negative trend between PFAS mixture exposure and cord blood prolactin levels. Conclusion Maternal PFAS exposure in the second trimester is associated with higher insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and lower prolactin levels in fetal cord blood. Prolactin appears to be consistently associated with both individual PFAS congeners and PFAS mixtures. These findings suggest that maternal PFAS exposure may affect fetal endocrine homeostasis by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-prolactin regulatory axis.
5.CircHECTD1 Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Progression Through miR-375/CADM1 Axis
Yunju PU ; Jiunian LI ; Hong PAN ; Xue WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(9):700-710
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism by which circular RNA circHECTD1 (hsa_circ_0002301) regulates the miR-375/CADM1 axis to inhibit proliferation and migration in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods The expression level of circHECTD1 in CRC cell lines was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, and the circular characteristics of circHECTD1 in CRC cell lines were verified. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and Transwell assay were performed to determine the effects of circHECTD1 on the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. A nude mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was utilized to investigate the effect of circHECTD1 on tumor growth in vivo. For mechanistic studies, bioinformatic databases and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and validate the target miRNAs and mRNAs interacting with circHECTD1 and investigate its competing endogenous RNA interaction network. Results The overexpression of circHECTD1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of CRC cells, whereas knockdown of circHECTD1 produced the opposite effects. In vivo animal experiments demonstrated that the overexpression of circHECTD1 inhibited the growth of CRC cells. Mechanistically, circHECTD1 inhibited CRC cell proliferation and migration by regulating the miR-375/CADM1 axis, and miR-375 overexpression partially reversed the effects of circHECTD1 knockdown on CRC proliferation. Conclusion CircHECTD1 inhibits the progression of CRC by regulating the miR-375/CADM1 axis.
6.LIN Yi's Clinical Experience in Treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Brain Metastases Using the Method of "Consolidating the Root and Cultivating the Origin,Resolving Phlegm and Dredging Collaterals"
Guibin WANG ; Shicui HONG ; Xue SONG ; Shengqi WANG ; Honglin SITU ; Li GUO ; Zhuobin WEN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2048-2052
This paper summarizes professor LIN Yi's clinical experience in treating brain metastases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It is believed that the pathogenesis of this disease is fundamentally based on spleen and lung qi deficiency, with the binding of phlegm, stasis, and toxins acting as the critical link for disease progression, and qi stagnation serving as a major factor in its protracted course. The core therapeutic principle of "consolidating the root and cultivating the origin, resolving phlegm and dredging collaterals" is proposed. Clinically, the disease is staged into active, stable, and convalescent phases. During the active phase, characterized by spleen and lung qi deficiency alongside hyperactivity of phlegm-toxin pathogens, the treatment focuses on supplementing qi, fortifying the spleen, resolving phlegm, and dredging collaterals, utilizing the Yiqi Jiangtan Tongluo Formula (益气降痰通络方). During the stable phase, marked by spleen deficiency, weak qi, and residual phlegm, stasis, and toxins lingering in the collaterals, the treatment aims to fortify spleen, cultivate the origin, expel pathogens, and dredge collaterals, using modified Baihua Qiling Formula (白花芪苓方). During the convalescent phase, characterized by depletion of healthy qi, dysfunction of zang-fu (脏腑) organs, and deep-seated residual phlegm, stasis, and toxins within the brain collaterals, the treatment focuses on regulating qi movement, protecting body fluids, and applying constitution-based treatments, mostly using mild and nourishing medicinals.
7.LIN Yi's Clinical Experience in Treating Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Brain Metastases Using the Method of "Consolidating the Root and Cultivating the Origin,Resolving Phlegm and Dredging Collaterals"
Guibin WANG ; Shicui HONG ; Xue SONG ; Shengqi WANG ; Honglin SITU ; Li GUO ; Zhuobin WEN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(19):2048-2052
This paper summarizes professor LIN Yi's clinical experience in treating brain metastases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It is believed that the pathogenesis of this disease is fundamentally based on spleen and lung qi deficiency, with the binding of phlegm, stasis, and toxins acting as the critical link for disease progression, and qi stagnation serving as a major factor in its protracted course. The core therapeutic principle of "consolidating the root and cultivating the origin, resolving phlegm and dredging collaterals" is proposed. Clinically, the disease is staged into active, stable, and convalescent phases. During the active phase, characterized by spleen and lung qi deficiency alongside hyperactivity of phlegm-toxin pathogens, the treatment focuses on supplementing qi, fortifying the spleen, resolving phlegm, and dredging collaterals, utilizing the Yiqi Jiangtan Tongluo Formula (益气降痰通络方). During the stable phase, marked by spleen deficiency, weak qi, and residual phlegm, stasis, and toxins lingering in the collaterals, the treatment aims to fortify spleen, cultivate the origin, expel pathogens, and dredge collaterals, using modified Baihua Qiling Formula (白花芪苓方). During the convalescent phase, characterized by depletion of healthy qi, dysfunction of zang-fu (脏腑) organs, and deep-seated residual phlegm, stasis, and toxins within the brain collaterals, the treatment focuses on regulating qi movement, protecting body fluids, and applying constitution-based treatments, mostly using mild and nourishing medicinals.
8.Comparison of the Risk Stratification Systems of CHIC and New CCCG in the Prognostic Evaluation of Hepatoblastoma
Zhen LI ; Hong JIANG ; Wenqing WANG ; Yuanqi WANG ; Libin HUANG ; Juncheng LIU ; Hongman XUE
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(2):346-353
ObjectiveTo compare the Children's Hepatic tumors International Collaboration (CHIC) and the new Chinese Children's Cancer Group (CCCG) hepatoblastoma (HB) risk stratification systems in terms of their prognostic prediction efficacy and chemotherapy guidance value for Chinese children with HB, aiming to identify the risk stratification system more suitable for Chinese HB patients. MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 403 pediatric patients with HB aged < 18 years who were initially diagnosed at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between February 2010 and September 2023. The prognostic predictive efficacy and chemotherapy-guided value of the CHIC and CCCG risk stratification systems was compared. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0. Results①Using the new CCCG risk stratification, the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rates for children who received versus did not receive risk-stratified chemotherapy according to the CCCG-HB-2016 protocol were 82.5% and 67.7% (P=0.002), respectively, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 91.5% and 85.1% (P=0.038). Using CHIC risk stratification, the corresponding 5-year EFS rates for children who received versus did not receive risk-stratified chemotherapy according to the CCCG-HB-2016 protocol were 80.3% and 68.5% (P=0.030), and the 5-year OS rates were 90.9% and 85.8% (P=0.151). ②Among children treated with the CCCG-HB-2016 protocol stratified by the new CCCG system, the 5-year EFS rates for the very low-risk (6 cases), low-risk (20 cases), intermediate-risk (61 cases), and high-risk (69 cases) groups were 100%, 94.1%, 94.7%, and 66.2% (P<0.001), respectively, and the 5-year OS rates were 100%, 100%, 96.5%, and 82.0% (P=0.017). Among children treated with the CCCG-HB-2016 protocol stratified by the CHIC system, the 5-year EFS rates for the very low-risk (32 cases), low-risk (22 cases), intermediate-risk (37 cases), and high-risk (54 cases) groups were 93.8%, 95.2%, 76.1%, and 66.8% (P=0.003), respectively, and the 5-year OS rates were 93.1%, 100%, 89.5%, and 85.6% (P=0.190). ③For patients receiving CCCG-HB-2016 risk-stratified chemotherapy, the P-values for EFS comparisons between the CHIC and new CCCG systems within the very low-risk, low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 0.537, 0.879, 0.023, and 0.934, respectively. Among patients who received stratified chemotherapy according to the CCCG-HB-2016 regimen, the intermediate-risk group in the new CCCG risk stratification system exhibited a significant advantage in 5-year event-free survival (EFS) compared with the intermediate-risk group in the CHIC risk stratification system (94.7% vs. 76.1%). ConclusionCompared to the CHIC risk stratification, the new CCCG stratification may offer better prognostic prediction and guidance value for chemotherapy in Chinese HB patients, with the intermediate-risk group showing superior outcomes.
9.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
10.A Fitting Method for Photoacoustic Pump-probe Imaging Based on Phase Correction
Zhuo-Jun XIE ; Hong-Wen ZHONG ; Run-Xiang LIU ; Bo WANG ; Ping XUE ; Bin HE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):525-532
ObjectivePhotoacoustic pump-probe imaging can effectively eliminate the interference of blood background signal in traditional photoacoustic imaging, and realize the imaging of weak phosphorescence molecules and their triplet lifetimes in deep tissues. However, background differential noise in photoacoustic pump-probe imaging often leads to large fitting results of phosphorescent molecule concentration and triplet lifetime. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel triplet lifetime fitting method for photoacoustic pump-probe imaging. By extracting the phase of the triplet differential signal and the background noise, the fitting bias caused by the background noise can be effectively corrected. MethodsThe advantages and feasibility of the proposed algorithm are verified by numerical simulation, phantom and in vivo experiments, respectively. ResultsIn the numerical simulation, under the condition of noise intensity being 10% of the signal amplitude, the new method can optimize the fitting deviation from 48.5% to about 5%, and has a higher exclusion coefficient (0.88>0.79), which greatly improves the fitting accuracy. The high specificity imaging ability of photoacoustic pump imaging for phosphorescent molecules has been demonstrated by phantom experiments. In vivo experiments have verified the feasibility of the new fitting method proposed in this paper for fitting phosphoometric lifetime to monitor oxygen partial pressure content during photodynamic therapy of tumors in nude mice. ConclusionThis work will play an important role in promoting the application of photoacoustic pump-probe imaging in biomedicine.


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