1.Preparation and hydrolytic activity analysis of dual-catalytic-triad PETase
Qiudong SU ; Xining YAO ; Feng QIU ; Feng WANG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Ke XU ; Shengli BI ; Yanhai WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):546-551
ObjectiveTo prepare a recombinant PETase with a dual-catalytic-triad and to evaluate its efficiency in the biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). MethodsBased on the crystal structure of wild-type PETase, point mutations (T88H/L117D) were introduced via site-directed mutagenesis. The recombinant protein was prepared using prokaryotic expression and chromatography purification techniques. The enzymatic hydrolysis of the mutant PETase was assessed by relatively quantifying the products mono (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) and terephthalic acid (TPA). ResultsBoth wild-type and mutant PETases accumulated as inclusion bodies, accounting for approximately 20% of the total bacterial protein. After solubilization in urea, the proteins were eluted at 300 mmol/L imidazole during affinity chromatography purification, with concentrations of 1.824 and 1.833 mg/mL and purities of 83.11% and 84.32%, respectively. Subsequent anion-exchange chromatography yielded highly pure enzymes in the 200 mmol/L NaCl fraction: 2.776 mg/mL (96.86% purity) for the wild type and 1.967 mg/mL (95.13% purity) for the mutant. Following refolding, the final concentrations were 0.484 mg/mL for the wild type and 0.991 mg/mL for the mutant. Hydrolysis assays revealed that the mutant released MHET and TPA at (237.67±17.00)% and (197.33±12.01)% of the wild-type levels, respectively. ConclusionThe T88H/L117D dual-catalytic-triad PETase is successfully prepared and it significantly enhanced PET-degrading activity, thus, it′s a promising biocatalyst for PET bioremediation.
2.Applications of Optical Technology in Non-invasive Hemoglobin Detection
Yao PENG ; Xian-Long WANG ; Bi-Tie LAN ; Jian-Hai YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1561-1580
Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is a key clinical biomarker for diagnosing and managing anemia, ischemic stroke, perioperative blood loss, and chronic diseases such as renal failure. Traditional venous blood sampling remains the gold standard due to its high accuracy, but its invasive nature limits frequent testing, real time monitoring, and large scale screening. This has driven growing interest in non-invasive Hb detection technologies over the past decade. Among these, optical methods are the most promising because of their safety, potential for continuous monitoring, and compatibility with portable or wearable devices. This paper systematically reviews major advances in optical non invasive Hb detection from the last ten years. We focus on near-infrared spectroscopy branches—photoplethysmography (PPG) and dynamic spectrum (DS)—and also cover color analysis/RGB imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and photoacoustic spectroscopy. For each technology, we explain its detection principles, analyze advantages and limitations, and summarize optimization strategies reported in recent literature. PPG, based on pulsatile blood volume changes, underpins many commercial continuous monitors. However, its accuracy is constrained by motion artifacts, individual physiological variations (e.g., skin tone, tissue thickness), and low AC signal to noise ratio. In contrast, DS—an advanced derivative of PPG—uses a differential principle to extract absorbance changes between systolic and diastolic peaks. This theoretically eliminates interference from static tissues (skin, bone, venous blood) and common mode noise (e.g., ambient light), positioning DS as a more robust framework for high precision Hb quantification. Beyond spectral methods, color analysis/RGB imaging offers a hardware minimalist approach. By analyzing images of vascular rich, thin tissues (e.g., conjunctiva, nail beds, palms), it enables Hb estimation using smartphone cameras. Recent advances have shifted from manual RGB feature extraction to deep learning models and spectral super resolution that reconstruct hyperspectral data from RGB inputs, significantly improving screening accuracy. Our academic perspective emphasizes critical and integrative analysis. We highlight persistent challenges that hinder clinical translation: profound individual biological variability (skin optics, microvascular architecture), sensitivity to measurement conditions (pressure, ambient light), and a lack of standardized validation protocols and multi center trials. A central thesis is that no single optical method is universally superior; each involves trade offs between accuracy, complexity, cost, and practicality. Looking forward, we posit that the next performance leap will come from multimodal information fusion—combining PPG, electrocardiogram (ECG), bioimpedance, or different optical modalities to compensate for individual differences and environmental noise. AI and deep learning are essential not only for image analysis but also for automated, end to end feature extraction from complex waveforms like PPG sequences. Advancing hardware (tunable lasers, quantum dot LEDs, novel sensor designs) is crucial to improve signal fidelity and portability. Finally, we advocate for clinical scenario specific optimization and rigorous standardized evaluation frameworks to gain regulatory approval (e.g., FDA, NMPA) and achieve widespread clinical acceptance. In conclusion, this review synthesizes a decade of progress. Optical non-invasive Hb detection has evolved from proof of concept studies to emerging products and validated screening tools, but the journey toward reliable, clinic ready quantitative devices continues. The convergence of smarter algorithms, fused sensing modalities, and focused clinical validation offers the most promising path to transform this potential into routine medical practice, ultimately enabling personalized, continuous, and accessible hematological management.
3.Return-to-work among COVID-19 survivors in the Philippines and the role of rehabilitation: A mixed-method design
Michael P. Sy ; Roi Charles S. Pineda ; Daryl Patrick G. Yao ; Hans D. Togonon ; Eric Asaba
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(Early Access 2025):1-12
BACKGROUND
A substantial number of COVID-19 recoverees are working-aged individuals, which makes return-towork (RTW) an essential part of rehabilitation. Many COVID-19 recoverees must deal with physical and mental symptoms of post-COVID conditions such as fatigue, dyspnea, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and anxiety. These symptoms coupled with often insufficient support from employers and the government can make the RTW process complicated. Although research related to RTW after COVID-19 has begun to emerge over the years, few primary studies have come out from developing countries.
OBJECTIVESThis exploratory study aims to describe perceived work ability and health-related quality of life, lived experiences of the RTW process, and role of rehabilitation in a limited sample of Filipino COVID-19 recoverees.
METHODSUsing purposive sampling and a convergent parallel mixed-method design, the study draws on an online survey and group interviews to understand expectations, experiences, and self-rated work ability of working-age adults with post-COVID condition. We report the findings of the questionnaire data using descriptive statistics. From the questionnaire respondents, eight participants were interviewed to explore the RTW experiences from multiple perspectives. The group interview was conducted online, and narrative analysis was used to explore the data. This analytic process involved an iterative and inductive process between data gathering and data analysis.
RESULTSFindings from our narrative analysis are reported under four themes: 1) The period of liminality; 2) A ‘positive’ problem; 3) Health as a psychosocial and justice issue; and 4) The reimagination of paid work. The narratives gathered document an overview of how selected Filipinos overcame the COVID-19 infection and their recovery and RTW process.
CONCLUSIONResults call for a re-examination of the concept of health and paid work for individuals undergoing rehabilitation and recovery.
Human ; Pandemics ; Rehabilitation, Vocational ; Occupational Therapy
4.Association between near work, screen time, outdoor time and myopia in children
Huanhuan HUO ; Suyun LI ; Tingting QIU ; Yizhuo GONG ; Xianwei YAO ; Qian XU ; Guoyong LIU ; Yuanyuan HU ; Hongsheng BI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(6):548-555
Objective:To analyze the correlation between near work, screen time, outdoor time and myopia in children based on objective monitoring technology and to explore the influencing factors related to myopia in children.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.From October 2022 to March 2023, the purposive sampling method was used to select 596 children in Grade 2 and Grade 3 from two primary schools in Shandong Province as study subjects.Eye-Monitor technology of eye-use behavior based on artificial intelligence was used to quantify parameters of near work, screen time and outdoor time.The eye-use behavior parameters were compared within each subject and between non-myopic and myopic children on weekdays and weekends.A multivariate binary logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors related to myopia.The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No.HEC-HY-2022023KY).Written informed consent was obtained from the legal guardian of each subject.Results:For each subject, the proportion of near work time on weekdays was greater than on weekends, the proportion of time spent looking at cell phones, computer screens, and outdoor activities was smaller, the duration of single continuous near eye use was longer, the tilt angle of the head in sitting position was greater, and the light intensity was stronger, showing statistically significant differences ( t=19.427, -9.964, -5.916, -10.470, 2.211, 2.898, 15.061; all P<0.05).During weekdays, compared with the non-myopia group, the myopia group had longer total near work duration, longer single continuous near eye use duration, shorter outdoor activity duration, closer eye use distance, larger proportion of near work time, and smaller proportion of outdoor activity time, showing statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).During weekends, compared with the non-myopia group, the myopia group had longer time spent looking at cell phones and computer screens, shorter outdoor activity time, greater proportion of time spent looking at cell phones and computer screens, and smaller proportion of outdoor activity time, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).During weekdays, after adjusting for confounding factors, longer single continuous near eye use duration ( OR=1.138, 95% CI: 1.086-1.192, P<0.001) was the risk factor for myopia, and longer working distance ( OR=0.906, 95% CI: 0.847-0.970, P=0.004) and longer outdoor activity time ( OR=0.127, 95% CI: 0.023-0.703, P=0.018) were protective factors for myopia.During weekends, after adjusting for confounding factors, longer time spent on looking at cell phone screens ( OR=2.437, 95% CI: 1.460-4.068, P<0.001) and longer time spent on looking at computer screens ( OR=2.260, 95% CI: 1.283-3.979, P=0.005) were risk factors for myopia, and longer outdoor activity time ( OR=0.624, 95% CI: 0.416-0.934, P=0.022) was the protective factor for myopia. Conclusions:The eyes with continuous near work, prolonged use of smartphone and computer screens, closer eye use distance, and less time spent outdoors have been confirmed to be significantly correlated with myopia based on objective monitoring data.When formulating intervention measures for myopia prevention and control in children, it is advocated to further pay attention to control the distance and duration of near work on weekdays and strengthen screen time management on weekends.
5.Clinical characteristics of patients with brucellosis complicated with epididymo-orchitis
Lei ZOU ; Yao CHENG ; Qingfeng GAO ; Luo SUN ; Ci WANG ; Shuning SUI ; Jingyao LIU ; Baiqiang ZHANG ; Huimei BI
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(10):836-840
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of patients with brucellosis complicated with epididymo-orchitis (Brucellar epididymo-orchitis, BEO), so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of BEO.Methods:General and clinical data of 293 male patients with acute brucellosis admitted to the Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024 were retrospectively collected. They were divided into a BEO group (30 cases) and a non-BEO group (263 cases) based on the presence or absence of epididymo-orchitis. Epidemic characteristics, clinical manifestations and laboratory examination results were compared and analyzed.Results:Among 293 male patients with acute brucellosis, the incidence of BEO was 10.24% (30/293). Their age was mainly concentrated in 45 - < 60 years old (53.33%, 16/30), and occupation was mostly farmers (63.33%, 19/30). There were no statistically significant differences in the distribution of age, occupation, exposure history and onset season between the BEO group and the non-BEO group ( P > 0.05). The distribution of abdominal pain and urinary frequency/urgency/pain symptoms was compared, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). White blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NEUT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the BEO group were higher than those in the non-BEO group ( P < 0.05), while the levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were lower than those in the non-BEO group ( P < 0.05). After 6 - 8 weeks of hospitalization, the levels of WBC, NEUT, CRP, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IFN-γ in patients of the BEO group were significantly different from before treatment ( P < 0.05). Twenty-eight patients were cured, 1 patient underwent orchiectomy, and 1 patient experienced recurrence. Conclusions:Middle-aged male patients with brucellosis are more prone to BEO. Clinical manifestations and laboratory tests have certain diagnostic value for BEO. Suspected BEO patients should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible to reduce the occurrence of adverse prognosis.
6.2',4'-dihydroxychalcone inhibits the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells by regulating miR-7-5p-induced autophagy
Zhaoxia SU ; Nanmiao WANG ; Dan CHEN ; Youyan HAN ; Yao BI ; Tong WANG ; Renbo AN ; Yingshi PIAO ; Xiangshan REN ; Wenjing LI
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(7):698-705
Objective:To investigate the molecular mechanism by which 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone(D2)inhibits proliferation,migration,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in colorectal cancer cells through miR-7-5p-mediated autophagy.Methods:Human colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-15 and SW620 were treated with D2 at concentrations of 0,12.5,25,and 50 μmol/L.Cell proliferation and clonogenic capacity were evaluated using MTT and colony formation assays.Cell migration was assessed by wound healing and Transwell assays.WB assay was used to detect the expression of EMT-related proteins,autophagy-related proteins,and key components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.Autophagosome formation was visualized by immunofluorescence staining.TCGA database and KEGG pathway analyses were performed to evaluate miR-7-5p expression and its association with colorectal cancer.RT-qPCR was used to quantify miR-7-5p expression,and lentiviral transduction was employed to establish stable miR-7-5p knockdown or overexpression cell lines.Results:D2 significantly inhibited colorectal cancer cell proliferation,migration,and EMT(P<0.05 or P<0.01).TCGA and KEGG analyses revealed that miR-7-5p expression was downregulated in colorectal cancer and closely associated with disease progression.D2 treatment(12.5,25,and 50 μmol/L)significantly upregulated miR-7-5p expression in HCT-15 and SW620 cells(P<0.01).At 25 μmol/L,D2 increased the expression of autophagy-related proteins(LC3 and p-ULK1)and inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway(P<0.05),accompanied by increased autophagosome formation(P<0.01).In miR-7-5p-knockdown cells treated with D2,the levels of LC3 and p-ULK1 were significantly reduced compared to D2-only treated cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:D2 upregulates miR-7-5p to induce autophagy,thereby inhibiting colorectal cancer cell proliferation,migration,and EMT,possibly through suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
7.Establishment of an indirect ELISA method for detection of ECoV antibody in donkey and application
Yu YANG ; Yu GUAN ; Jiyuan LI ; Chunyang YAO ; Yanli BI ; Leilei MO ; Tongbin LI ; Yueqiang XIAO ; Heping ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(6):1126-1131
In order to establish a method for the detection of serum antibodies to donkey-derived e-quine coronavirus(ECoV),recombinant ECoV N protein was expressed in E.coli system,purified by nickel column affinity chromatography and identified by Western blot.After optimizing the re-action conditions,the indirect ELISA(iELISA)detection method was established using the puri-fied recombinant protein as coating antigen and used to detect 143 clinical serum samples.The re-sults showed that the recombinant N protein,which has good reaction activity with serum antibod-y,was successfully expressed.The optimum conditions of the established iELISA method were as follows:the amount of antigen coated was 0.2 μg/well and overnight at 4 ℃,10%skimmed milk powder solution was sealed at 37℃ for 1.5 h,the dilution concentration of serum was 1∶200,and the enzyme-labeled secondary antibody diluted at 1∶10 000.The sensitivity test results showed that the positive serum could be diluted to 1∶6 400.The specificity test results showed that all an-tibodies to several donkey pathogens were negative.The repetitive test results showed that the in-tra-and inter-batch coefficients of variation were 2.90%-6.12%and 2.29%-7.88%respectively.The positive rate of clinical donkey serum was 57.3%.The iELISA established in this study pro-vides a technical support for epidemiological investigation and antibody surveillance.
8.Association between near work, screen time, outdoor time and myopia in children
Huanhuan HUO ; Suyun LI ; Tingting QIU ; Yizhuo GONG ; Xianwei YAO ; Qian XU ; Guoyong LIU ; Yuanyuan HU ; Hongsheng BI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology 2025;43(6):548-555
Objective:To analyze the correlation between near work, screen time, outdoor time and myopia in children based on objective monitoring technology and to explore the influencing factors related to myopia in children.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted.From October 2022 to March 2023, the purposive sampling method was used to select 596 children in Grade 2 and Grade 3 from two primary schools in Shandong Province as study subjects.Eye-Monitor technology of eye-use behavior based on artificial intelligence was used to quantify parameters of near work, screen time and outdoor time.The eye-use behavior parameters were compared within each subject and between non-myopic and myopic children on weekdays and weekends.A multivariate binary logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the influencing factors related to myopia.The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No.HEC-HY-2022023KY).Written informed consent was obtained from the legal guardian of each subject.Results:For each subject, the proportion of near work time on weekdays was greater than on weekends, the proportion of time spent looking at cell phones, computer screens, and outdoor activities was smaller, the duration of single continuous near eye use was longer, the tilt angle of the head in sitting position was greater, and the light intensity was stronger, showing statistically significant differences ( t=19.427, -9.964, -5.916, -10.470, 2.211, 2.898, 15.061; all P<0.05).During weekdays, compared with the non-myopia group, the myopia group had longer total near work duration, longer single continuous near eye use duration, shorter outdoor activity duration, closer eye use distance, larger proportion of near work time, and smaller proportion of outdoor activity time, showing statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).During weekends, compared with the non-myopia group, the myopia group had longer time spent looking at cell phones and computer screens, shorter outdoor activity time, greater proportion of time spent looking at cell phones and computer screens, and smaller proportion of outdoor activity time, with statistically significant differences (all P<0.05).During weekdays, after adjusting for confounding factors, longer single continuous near eye use duration ( OR=1.138, 95% CI: 1.086-1.192, P<0.001) was the risk factor for myopia, and longer working distance ( OR=0.906, 95% CI: 0.847-0.970, P=0.004) and longer outdoor activity time ( OR=0.127, 95% CI: 0.023-0.703, P=0.018) were protective factors for myopia.During weekends, after adjusting for confounding factors, longer time spent on looking at cell phone screens ( OR=2.437, 95% CI: 1.460-4.068, P<0.001) and longer time spent on looking at computer screens ( OR=2.260, 95% CI: 1.283-3.979, P=0.005) were risk factors for myopia, and longer outdoor activity time ( OR=0.624, 95% CI: 0.416-0.934, P=0.022) was the protective factor for myopia. Conclusions:The eyes with continuous near work, prolonged use of smartphone and computer screens, closer eye use distance, and less time spent outdoors have been confirmed to be significantly correlated with myopia based on objective monitoring data.When formulating intervention measures for myopia prevention and control in children, it is advocated to further pay attention to control the distance and duration of near work on weekdays and strengthen screen time management on weekends.
9.A study of a comprehensive nutrition education program in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy
Shumin BI ; Yuanyuan YAO ; Yunshan FAN ; Ying FANG ; Mingmei JIANG ; Jia ZHOU ; Yanlin HE ; Chunxia REN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(15):1871-1878
Objective Based on the intervention map to develop a comprehensive nutrition education program for pancreaticoduodenectomy patients and to explore the effect of its clinical application,aiming at providing references for clinical nursing practice.Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select 76 patients who were to undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy in the department of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery of a tertiary hospital in Anhui Province as the study subjects.The 38 patients admitted from October 2021 to September 2022 were in a control group,and the 38 patients admitted from October 2022 to July 2023 were in an experimental group.The experimental group received the comprehensive nutritional education programme constructed in this study,and the control group used conventional nutrition health education measures,and the length of intervention for both groups was from pre-hospitalization to discharge for 6 months.Nutrition-related indicators,postoperative complications,hospitalisation time,hospitalisation costs and satisfaction were compared between the 2 groups.Results A total of 64 patients completed this study,with 33 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group.Repeated measurement analysis of variance showed that the interaction effects of BMI,total serum protein and serum preprotein were statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence of complications,hospitalization days and hospitalization costs of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The scores of nutrition education-related satisfaction in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.001).Conclusion A comprehensive nutritional education program based on intervention map can improve the nutritional status of pancreaticoduodenectomy patients to a certain extent,reduce the occurrence of complications,and promote patients'recovery.
10.The application of healthcare failure mode and effect analysis in reducing hospital infection risks
Yao YAO ; Guihua FAN ; Shuying BI ; Guangxu MAO ; Yajie QIAN ; Chunfeng FAN
Modern Hospital 2025;25(6):869-872,876
Objective To study the role of Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis(HFMEA)in reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infection.Methods Using HFMEA to identify,analyze and evaluate the risks leading to hospital infec-tions,screening out the high-risk events of hospital infections,ultimately determining cleaning management,hand hygiene,and management of patients with multi-drug resistant bacteria as 3 failure modes,and identifying 9 items such as poor personnel ac-ceptance ability as potential failure causes,implementing risk control and intervention for them,and comparing the effects before and after the improvement.Results Except for the potential failure cause of weak awareness of hospital-acquired infections a-mong cleaning staff,the RPN values of the other eight potential failure causes showed significant differences after HFMEA inter-vention(P<0.05).The compliance rate of hand hygiene,the cleaning qualification rate of cleaning staff were both improved,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).In terms of the management of patients with multi-drug resistant bac-teria,the implementation rate of isolation measures,the standardization of cleaning,the standardization of medical procedures,the compliance rate of hand hygiene and the qualification rate of accompanying education for caregivers all significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion HFMEA can effectively control the risk of hospital-acquired infections to a certain extent and reduce the occurrence of hospital-acquired infection events.


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