1.The change of EPA1-ROS-NLRP1 signaling in CUMS-induced depression model mice
Shuxiang TIAN ; Mengqing LIU ; Han YANG ; Mingguang NIU ; Yanyan YIN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):836-844
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression changes of the Endophilin A1 (EPA1)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1) signaling pathway in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression model mice. Methods50 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and CUMS model group(n=25). The model mice received 42 days of CUMS stress exposure, after which behavioral changes were assessed through monitoring body weight, sucrose preference test, forced swim test, tail suspension test, open field test, and elevated plus-maze test. Hematoxylin-Eosin and Nissl staining were used to observe neuronal damage in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions. Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) assay kit was used to detect Ca²⁺ levels in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect colocalization of EPA1 and NLRP1 as well as ROS changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial structure in hippocampal neurons. The expression levels of calcium-activated neutral protease 1 (Calpain-1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2), NLRP1 inflammasome, downstream inflammatory proteins, and synapse-associated proteins in the hippocampus of mice was detected by using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, mice in the CUMS model group exhibited depressive-like behavior and hippocampal neuronal damage. The levels of NLRP1 and EPA1 significantly increased in the hippocampus, and both were co-expressed in the cytoplasm and membrane of hippocampal neurons in the CUMS group mice(P<0.01). Ca²⁺ concentration was elevated(P<0.01), and the protein levels of Calpain 1 and NOX2 were upregulated(P<0.01). The average fluorescence intensity of ROS significantly increased, accompanied by structural damage to neuronal mitochondria(P<0.01). The levels of NLRP1 and its downstream inflammatory proteins significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of synapse-associated proteins significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionEPA1 exhibits abnormal expression changes in CUMS-induced depression model mice, which may be closely associated with ROS generation, NLRP1 inflammasome activation, and the regulation of synaptic protein expression.
2.Current status and influencing factors of insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children
Xiaofang HU ; Yan HAN ; Min ZHANG ; Jialu HOU ; Qiaoqian WANG ; Yanyan LUO
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):1026-1032
AIM: To analyze the current status and influencing factors for insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children from Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, and to provide reference and basis for myopia prevention and control in this district.METHODS: A stratified cluster random sampling strategy was used to select 2 854 preschool children(5 708 eyes)from 29 child-care centers in Changzhi City between January and May 2024. Hyperopia reserve was assessed through measurements and questionnaire surveys. Totally 2 820 cases(5 640 eyes)were finally included, with 34 cases excluded(32 cases of uncooperativeness and 2 cases of distractibility). The univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression were performed to analyze the associated influencing factors of insufficient hyperopia reserve.RESULTS: A total of 580 preschool children with insufficient hyperopia reserve were detected, with an incidence of 20.57%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that male(OR=1.723, 95% CI: 1.419-2.093), maternal myopia(OR=2.210, 95% CI: 1.681-2.906), paternal myopia(OR=1.426, 95% CI: 1.059-1.921), myopia in both parents(OR=2.761, 95% CI: 2.110-3.612), preterm infants(OR=1.740, 95% CI: 1.294-2.342), the mean daily sleep duration <10 h(OR=1.272, 95% CI: 1.024-1.579), and the mean daily outdoor activity time <2 h(OR=1.222, 95% CI: 1.005-1.485)were risk factors for insufficient hyperopia reserve(all P<0.05). Conversely, using blackout curtains during the day and turning off lights at night(OR=0.598, 95% CI: 0.405-0.883)were identified to be protective factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Sex, genetics, gestational age, sleep duration and environmental conditions, and outdoor activity time are potentially associated with insufficient hyperopia reserve in preschool children. Caregivers should prioritize the management of these risk factors to prevent the occurrence of myopia.
3.Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin prolonged the survival of a porcine kidney xenograft in a sensitized, brain-dead human recipient.
Shuaijun MA ; Ruochen QI ; Shichao HAN ; Zhengxuan LI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Guohui WANG ; Kepu LIU ; Tong XU ; Yang ZHANG ; Donghui HAN ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Di WEI ; Xiaozheng FAN ; Dengke PAN ; Yanyan JIA ; Jing LI ; Zhe WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Zhaoxu YANG ; Kaishan TAO ; Xiaojian YANG ; Kefeng DOU ; Weijun QIN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(18):2293-2307
BACKGROUND:
The primary limitation to kidney transplantation is organ shortage. Recent progress in gene editing and immunosuppressive regimens has made xenotransplantation with porcine organs a possibility. However, evidence in pig-to-human xenotransplantation remains scarce, and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major obstacle to clinical applications of xenotransplantation.
METHODS:
We conducted a kidney xenotransplantation in a brain-dead human recipient using a porcine kidney with five gene edits (5GE) on March 25, 2024 at Xijing Hospital, China. Clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were employed, and the observation period lasted 22 days. We collected and analyzed the xenograft function, ultrasound findings, sequential protocol biopsies, and immune surveillance of the recipient during the observation.
RESULTS:
The combination of 5GE in the porcine kidney and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens prevented hyperacute rejection. The xenograft kidney underwent delayed graft function in the first week, but urine output increased later and the single xenograft kidney maintained electrolyte and pH homeostasis from postoperative day (POD) 12 to 19. We observed AMR at 24 h post-transplantation, due to the presence of pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies and cytotoxicity before transplantation; this AMR persisted throughout the observation period. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment mitigated the AMR. We observed activation of latent porcine cytomegalovirus toward the end of the study, which might have contributed to coagulation disorder in the recipient.
CONCLUSIONS
5GE and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were sufficient to prevent hyperacute rejection during pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation. Pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies predisposed the xenograft to AMR. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin were safe and effective in the treatment of AMR after kidney xenotransplantation.
Transplantation, Heterologous/methods*
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Kidney Transplantation/methods*
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Heterografts/pathology*
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Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage*
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Graft Survival/immunology*
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Humans
;
Animals
;
Sus scrofa
;
Graft Rejection/prevention & control*
;
Kidney/pathology*
;
Gene Editing
;
Species Specificity
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Immunosuppression Therapy/methods*
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Plasma Exchange
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Brain Death
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Biopsy
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Male
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Aged
4.Study on the correlation between fine motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly populations
Yejing ZHAO ; Yanyan ZHAO ; Jie ZHANG ; Han CUI ; Ji SHEN ; Ying YUAN ; Wenbin WU ; Hong SHI ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(4):442-450
Objective:To characterize fine motor function in middle-aged and elderly individuals utilizing a novel wearable inertial motion capture device.Additionally, it seeks to investigate the relationship between fine motor deficits and overall cognitive function, as well as various cognitive dimensions.Methods:Participants aged 50 years and older were recruited between November 2022 and April 2023.The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA)was employed to evaluate the cognitive function of the subjects, and a radar chart was utilized to illustrate the extent of impairment across different cognitive dimensions.An independent computerized fine motor evaluation system was developed using the motion capture technology of a novel wearable microelectromechanical system(MEMS)inertial sensor, enabling a quantitative assessment of fine motor skills.The differences in fine motor function characteristics between the two groups were compared.Spearman's correlation analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to examine the relationship between fine motor deficits and cognitive dysfunction.Results:A total of 289 participants were recruited, among whom 140(48.4%)were classified into the cognitive impairment group.The mean MoCA scores for the cognitive impairment group and the non-cognitive impairment group were 22.2 ± 2.79 and 27.7 ± 1.19, respectively( P<0.001).The electronic assessment of fine motor function revealed that the motion parameters of hand function in the cognitive impairment group were significantly poorer across all three numerical evaluation tasks.Spearman's correlation analysis demonstrated a robust correlation between deficits in fine motor function and cognitive dysfunction.Furthermore, in the multiple logistic regression model, after adjusting for potential confounding factors including age, gender, and education level, a significant association between cognitive dysfunction and fine motor dysfunction persisted. Conclusions:A novel wearable motion capture technology was employed to facilitate the digital assessment of fine motor function.The findings revealed a significant correlation between deficits in fine motor function and cognitive dysfunction among middle-aged and elderly populations.
5.Advances in diagnosis and treatment of hereditary dilated cardiomyopathy in children
Xin LIN ; Nari A ; Yanyan HAN
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(2):78-82
Dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM)is the most common type of cardiomyopathy in children.Gene mutation is one of the important causes of DCM in children.Gene mutations encoding sarcomeres,cytoskeleton,nuclear membrane proteins and ion channels lead to hereditary DCM.Hereditary DCM in children has a poor prognosis,and it is easy to be complicated with arrhythmia,has rapid deterioration of cardiac function and high rate of sudden cardiac death.Studies have found that some mutant genes have specific genetic patterns and clinical characteristics,and that the mutant genes have incomplete dominance and age-related dominance.This article discusses the clinical manifestations,auxiliary examinations and diagnosis of hereditary DCM in children through the relationship between gene and phenotype,and divides cardiomyopathy into stage A,stage B,stage C and stage D for treatment,guides follow-up,and suggests life and exercise methods,in order to provide reference for clinical work.
6.Predictive value of fine motor deficits for mild cognitive impairment in the elderly based on machine learning
Yejing ZHAO ; Yanyan ZHAO ; Jie ZHANG ; Han CUI ; Ji SHEN ; Ying YUAN ; Hong SHI ; Jing LI
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(6):705-711
Objective To explore the characteristics of fine motor deficits in the elderly individuals with MCI due to AD through a new wearable inertial motion capture device,and then construct a prediction model for MCI.Methods A total of 260 elderly subjects were recruited in community from November,2022 to April,2023,and based on diagnosis,they were divided into a MCI group(134 cases)and a control group(126 cases).A new wearable inertial motion capture device,which was self-designed and developed based on MEMS inertial sensor,was used to capture the fine mo-tor movements of the hands,and the obtained data were analyzed with a computerized assessment system to make the quantitative evaluation of fine motor.LASSO learning algorithm and logistic regression analysis were employed to identify the predictive factors for MCI,and then a nomo-gram was constructed based on these factors.ROC curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive ability of the model by calculating its AUC value.DC A,CIC,and Bootstrap method were applied to evaluate and validate the clinical utility and stability of the model.Results The total score of MoCA(22.18±2.84 vs 27.60±1.10)and scores of the dimensions were significantly lower in the MCI group than the control group(all P<0.01).In the five digital assessment tasks,the MCI group showed obviously poorer fine motor performance of both hands than the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC value of our nomogram model in predicting MCI was 0.762(95%CI:0.705-0.819).DCA,CIC,and Bootstrap methods demonstra-ted good and relatively stable discrimination,calibration,and clinical applicability of the model.Conclusion MEMS inertial sensor motion capture technology can make digital evaluation of fine motor.For the elderly,fine motor deficits are significantly associated with risk for MCI.Our no-mogram model based on fine motion parameters shows good predictive efficacy in assessing the risk of MCI.
7.The effect and mechanism of Jianpi Qinghua granule in improving skeletal muscle insulin resistance induced by cadmium exposure in rats
Chi CHEN ; Yuan CHEN ; Ningjian WANG ; Junfei XU ; Xu HAN ; Yanyan XIAO ; Jing TIAN ; Chao WANG ; Mengjie CAI ; Qingguang CHEN ; Hao LU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(1):54-60
Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of Jianpi Qinghua granule in improving skeletal muscle insulin resistance induced by long-term low-dose cadmium exposure in rats.Methods:A total of 24 SPF-grade healthy 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to normal control(NC) group, cadmium exposure(Cd) group, and Jianpi Qinghua granule protection(Cd+ JPQHG) group. After 24 weeks, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels were measured, and HOMA-IR was calculated. The intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were conducted to assess insulin sensitivity. Skeletal muscle tissues were extracted for Western blot analysis to detect levels of insulin signaling pathway-related proteins. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the translocation of glucose transporter 4(GLUT4), and oxidative stress markers were measured.Results:Compared to the NC group, the Cd group showed significant increases in fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin levels, and HOMA-IR after 24-week exposure. Abnormal glucose and insulin tolerance were also observed in the Cd group. The 12-week intervention with Jianpi Qinghua granule significantly improved glucose metabolism and alleviated the abnormalities in glucose and insulin tolerance. Western blot results indicated that the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt in the skeletal muscle of the Cd group were significantly reduced compared to the NC group, while these levels were significantly elevated in the Cd+ JPQHG group, along with increased translocation of GLUT4 to the cell membrane. Additionally, cadmium exposure significantly increased H 2O 2 and malondialdehyde levels while decreased antioxidant enzyme activity. These oxidative stress indicators improved significantly after Jianpi Qinghua granule intervention( P<0.05). Conclusion:Jianpi Qinghua granule may improve skeletal muscle insulin resistance and glucose metabolism disorders due to long-term low-dose cadmium exposure by reducing oxidative stress, regulating the phosphorylation levels of key proteins in the insulin signaling pathway, and promoting GLUT4 translocation to the cell membrane.
8.Association between amino acid metabolism and the severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Mengjie CAI ; Qingguang CHEN ; Jiahui XU ; Xu HAN ; Yanyan XIAO ; Shiyu HAN ; Shenyi JIN ; Jing TIAN ; Hao LU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(9):725-730
Objective:To investigate the assoication of amino acid metabolism levels with severity of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 118 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were admitted to Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January to April 2021. Patients were divided into groups according to the Toronto Clinical Scoring System(TCSS), and amino acid profiling was performed. General demographics and biochemical indicators of each group were collected to analyze the relationship between DPN severity and amino acid metabolism.Results:As TCSS scores increased, patients were older and had a longer duration of diabetes. Statistically significant differences in leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine levels were observed among the four groups. After adjusting for confounding variables using covariance analysis, when the TCSS score was≥13, the serum phenylalanine level was significantly elevated, and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that TCSS score was an influencing factor for phenylalanine levels( P=0.010). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that higher serum phenylalanine levels correlated with higher TCSS scores( OR=1.047, 95% CI 1.011-1.083, P=0.010). Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis revealed that serum phenylalanine and the difference between phenylalanine and tryptophan had diagnostic value for severe DPN patients, with areas under the ROC curve of 0.673(95% CI 0.553-0.793, P=0.006) and 0.746(95% CI 0.641-0.852, P<0.001) respectively. Conclusions:The levels of phenylalanine and tryptophan in the serum of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are correlated with the severity of DPN. These findings suggest that serum phenylalanine, tryptophan, or their metabolic products may be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of DPN.
9.Analysis of 21 cases of Barth syndrome in children
Yanyan XIAO ; Wen YU ; Wenhong DING ; Zhenyu LYU ; Zhiyuan WANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Ling HAN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(3):278-282
Objective:To investigate the clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes of Barth syndrome (BTHS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 pediatric patients diagnosed with BTHS between January 2010 and December 2023 at Beijing Children′s Hospital, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, and Beijing JingDu Children′s Hospital. Clinical data including gender, age at onset, initial symptoms, clinical manifestations, personal history, family genetic history, and laboratory tests (neutrophil count, echocardiography, electrocardiogram and genetic testing) were reviewed.Results:All the 21 patients were male, with the age of onset at 4.1 (1.1, 9.3) months. Main clinical manifestations included heart failure (18 cases), neutropenia (16 cases), respiratory symptoms (15 cases), 3-methylpentenediuria (7 cases),develop retardation (8 cases), gastrointestinal symptoms (7 cases), fatigue and anorexia (6 cases), and recurrent infection (2 cases). Electrocardiogram abnormalities included ST changes (18 cases), flattened T wave and low voltage of limb leads (2 cases), and abnormal Q waves in lead Ⅰ and avL (1 case). Echocardiographic features showed increased trabeculation, interventricular septum and left ventricular wall thickening, and left ventricular enlargement with reduced ejection fraction. Genetic testing identified TAZ gene variations in all 21 patients: 11 missense mutations, 2 nonsense mutations, 2 frameshift mutations, 2 whole code mutations, 2 exon deletions, 1 splicing mutation, and 1 synonymous mutation. Fifteen mutations were maternally inherited, 2 were de novo, and 4 lacked verified variant origin.In terms of treatment, all 18 patients with heart failure received routine heart failure treatment, of whom 11 patients also received intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids. After the follow-up of 91.0 (75.5, 109.5) months, 15 of the 18 patients showed restoration of cardiac function after 4.5 (3.0, 9.8) months of treatment, with one case of significant improvement, while 2 cases suddenly died.Conclusions:BTHS predominantly affects males with early onset, mainly characterized by abnormal cardiac structure and function, along with clinical features including fatigue, delayed growth and development, and neutropenia. Early diagnosis and intervention, including heart failure treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin, and corticosteroids, can lead to significant improvement in cardiac function, though sudden death remains a risk.
10.Construction and operation of the operation system for clinical research achievements transformation in a public hospital
Bingwei WANG ; Wenping ZHOU ; Ruoyan HAN ; Liang MA ; Changpeng LIU ; Ying ZHAO ; Yan ZHENG ; Wengang YI ; Yanyan LIU
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(5):372-377
A scientific and efficient comprehensive operation system for the transformation of clinical research achievements is an important guarantee to fully release the capability of public hospitals of the achievement transformation. A public hospital, focusing on the bottleneck problems faced in the process of transforming scientific and technological achievements, began to explore the construction of a comprehensive operation system for the transformation of clinical research achievements and implemented it throughout the hospital from October 2023. By improving the organizational structure and setting up full-time management positions; formulating supporting policies and perfecting the incentive mechanism; drawing a systematic portrait and creating a standard pathway; expanding the transformation platform and promoting coordinated development; innovating management services and strengthening digital empowerment; and highlighting publicity and education to enhance the capability of transformation, the hospital has effectively promoted the transformation of clinical research achievements. This practice can provide a reference for other hospitals to improve the management of clinical research achievements transformation and promote high-quality hospital development.

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