1.Mining Candidate Genes for Litter Size Traits in English Springer Spaniel Bitches Based on Whole Genome Resequencing
Yilong GAO ; Xingliang HE ; Xiaopeng ZHOU ; Dawei LI ; Xijun BAO ; Laiyou LI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):378-387
ObjectiveCandidate genes related to the regulation of litter size traits in English Springer Spaniel breeding bitches are explored, and the genetic mechanism underlying fertility in this breed is investigated, in order to provide reference molecular markers for genomic selection of high fecundity. MethodsWhole genome resequencing was performed on English Springer Spaniel breeding bitches that had given birth to at least 3 litters, and the bitches were divided into a high-litter-size group and a low-litter-size group according to the average litter size. Selection signal analysis was used to obtain the intersection of fixation index (Fst) and nucleotide diversity (Pi) signals as highly selected regions, and candidate genes were screened based on gene annotation and functional enrichment analysis. ResultsThe average litter size in the high-litter-size group (7.41±1.27) was significantly higher than that in the low-litter-size group (3.82±1.20) (P<0.05), and the total number of live offspring in the high-litter-size group (7.06±1.10) was extremely significantly higher than that in the low-litter-size group (3.67±1.11) (P<0.01). A total of 3 155 706 SNPs were detected in the two groups, 63.09% of which were located in intergenic regions, 33.96% in intronic regions, and 0.38%, 0.57%, and 0.09% in exonic regions, 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), and 5'UTRs, respectively. Among the SNPs in exonic regions, 5 256 were nonsynonymous variants, accounting for 43.55%. A total of 1 752 differential genes were identified after annotation screening. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses identified 13 candidate genes that may affect reproductive performance and litter size traits, including WDR35, SMAD7, RPGR, RERGL, PGRMC2, LOC482182, GIMD1, COX7B2, COX16, BMPR2, BMP6, BICD1, and SLC9C1. Their functions mainly involve reproductive hormone regulation, embryonic development, GTPase activation, and oocyte apoptosis. ConclusionEnglish Springer Spaniel breeding bitches have undergone significant artificial selection for litter size traits. These 13 candidate genes play key roles in oocyte maturation and regulation during early pregnancy, providing a new molecular basis for elucidating the genetic mechanism of canine reproductive traits.
2.Programmed cell death in paramyxovirus infection.
Ye LIU ; Yilong WANG ; Zhixu HE ; Zhengyan ZHAO
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(3):399-410
Paramyxoviruses are important respiratory pathogens with substantial clinical relevance in pediatric infectious diseases. During infection, multiple forms of programmed cell death (PCD) may be induced, and this plays pivotal roles in viral replication, dissemination, and host immune responses, thereby profoundly influencing the viral life cycle and disease progression. On one hand, PCD facilitates the clearance of infected cells, restricts viral spread, and activates host immune defenses, thereby enhancing antiviral immunity. On the other hand, excessive or dysregulated cell death may lead to tissue damage and immune imbalance, creating a microenvironment conducive to viral replication and exacerbating disease severity. For instance, apoptosis-mediated by both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways-contributes to infection control but may also be hijacked by viruses to promote dissemination. Pyroptosis, driven by inflammasome activation, triggers lytic cell death and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Necroptosis, mediated by the RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL signaling axis, and pyroptosis both amplify innate immune responses but may concurrently induce inflammatory dysregulation. Immunogenic cell death (ICD), characterized by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns and neoantigens, activates antigen-specific immune responses and holds therapeutic potential for antiviral and antitumor interventions. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis, through the modulation of iron metabolism and associated transporters, may also participate in viral replication and infected cell clearance. This review comprehensively summarizes the roles of apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ICD, and ferroptosis in paramyxovirus infection, aiming to deepen the understanding of paramyxovirus pathogenesis and to provide insights for developing novel antiviral strategies.
Humans
;
Paramyxoviridae Infections/pathology*
;
Pyroptosis
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Apoptosis
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Virus Replication
;
Necroptosis
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Inflammasomes
;
Immunity, Innate
;
Immunogenic Cell Death
;
Paramyxoviridae/physiology*
;
Signal Transduction
3.Relationship Between Quadriceps Micro-Perfusion Assessed by IVIM and Muscle Strength After Low-Load Resistance Training in Healthy Volunteers
Jiahang LU ; Yilong HUANG ; Jiawen DENG ; Zhenguang ZHANG ; Chao GAO ; Chunli LI ; Kuanjun LI ; Bo HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(10):1133-1138
Purpose To investigate the changes in quadriceps femoris microcirculatory perfusion level after low-load blood flow restriction training and its relationship with muscle strength.Materials and Methods Twenty-five healthy subjects were prospectively recruited in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from September to November 2022.A 200 mmHg pressure cuff was applied at the root of the left thigh for blood flow restriction,and the subjects completed regular knee extension training within 4 weeks.Before the first training session and within 24 hours after the last training session,all subjects underwent scanning with the 3.0T MRI intravoxel incoherent motion sequence and the multi-echo steady-state acquisition three-dimentional imaging sequence.After image post-processing,the quadriceps femoris cross-sectional area,perfusion fraction and pseudo-diffusion coefficient were obtained,and the peak torque was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.The MRI and muscle strength test parameters before and after training were compared,and correlation analyses were performed between the change of peak torque and the change of perfusion fraction,cross-sectional area,and pseudo-diffusion coefficient respectively.Results After low-load blood flow restriction training,the cross-sectional area of the left quadriceps femoris in subjects increased(t=-4.515,P<0.05).Among its components,the cross-sectional area of the left rectus femoris,vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis all increased(t=-3.302,-2.877,-3.207,all P<0.05).The perfusion fraction value of the left quadriceps femoris increased(t=-5.447,P<0.05);the perfusion fraction values of the left rectus femoris,vastus intermedius,vastus lateralis and vastus medialis all increased(t=-5.723,-4.621,-3.767,-4.682,all P<0.05);the muscle strength of the left quadriceps femoris increased(t=-3.983,P<0.05).There was a highly positive correlation between change of perfusion fraction and peak torque of the left quadriceps femoris in subjects(r=0.708,P<0.05).Conclusion After low-load blood flow restriction training,the changes in quadriceps femoris muscle microperfusion quantified by intravoxel incoherent motion are related to muscle strength,which is helpful for formulating rehabilitation training strategies for young patients.
4.Correlation between preoperative knee extensor and flexor muscle strength and postoperative gait function in total knee arthroplasty
Yilong ZHANG ; Wanling WU ; Wenwu YANG ; Hongtao WU ; Wengang LIU ; Minyi HE ; Chuanxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(27):5819-5825
BACKGROUND:Gait dysfunction is one of the significant reasons for patient dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty.Clinical studies have identified a relationship between the preoperative strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and postoperative gait dysfunction,but the exact nature of this correlation is not yet fully understood.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation between the preoperative strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and postoperative gait dysfunction in total knee arthroplasty.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on longitudinal data from 70 patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty.Preoperative measurements included peak torque of the extensor and flexor muscles,peak torque/body weight,and total work.Six months postoperatively,the Timed Up and Go Test and gait speed were measured.Ridge regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing postoperative gait function.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Preoperative peak torque,peak torque/body weight,and total work of the extensor muscles,as well as the peak torque and total work of the flexor muscles,showed a very strong positive correlation with postoperative gait speed(P<0.001).The preoperative flexor muscle peak torque/body weight had a strong positive correlation with postoperative gait speed(P<0.001).Preoperative extensor and flexor muscle peak torques,peak torque/body weight,and total work showed a very strong negative correlation with results from postoperative Timed Up and Go Test(P<0.001).(2)Ridge regression analysis indicated a 94.2%likelihood that preoperative extensor muscle peak torque,peak torque/body weight,and total work,along with flexor muscle peak torque and total work,had a positive impact on gait speed after total knee arthroplasty(P<0.001).The preoperative flexor muscle peak torque/body weight had a negative impact on postoperative gait speed(P<0.001).There was an 87.7%likelihood that preoperative extensor and flexor muscle peak torques,peak torque/body weight,and total work,along with flexor muscle peak torque and total work,had a negative impact on postoperative Timed Up and Go Test(P<0.05),while the flexor muscle peak torque/body weight had no impact on the Timed Up and Go Test(P>0.05).(3)It is indicated that the strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles prior to total knee arthroplasty correlates with postoperative gait speed and Timed Up and Go Test,and can predict the outcomes of postoperative gait function.Enhancing preoperative knee muscle exercises may be a way to reduce the incidence of gait dysfunction following total knee arthroplasty.
5.Proceedings of 7T MR Imaging Studies in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Zihao ZHANG ; Yun YUAN ; Peiyu HUANG ; He WANG ; Xin LOU ; Qi YANG ; Jie LU ; Yilong WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):512-518
Cerebral small vessel disease represents a group of common vascular disorders involving pathological changes in arterioles,capillaries and venules,with microvascular investigation remaining a key challenge in stroke.With high signal-to-noise ratio and high contrast enabled by enhanced field strength,7T MRI can surpass the resolution limits of 3T MRI,revealing structural and functional abnormalities in cerebral small vessels below 400 μm,as well as detecting subtle lesions in brain tissue.This paper reviews the research progress of multimodal high-resolution imaging techniques based on 7T MRI,such as time-of-flight angiography,phase contrast imaging and susceptibility imaging,in the study of cerebral small vessel disease.Utilizing these technologies,7T MRI can clearly display the structure of cerebral small vessels,such as the lenticulostriate arteries and deep medullary veins,and measure functional parameters like flow velocity and susceptibility.Additionally,it can sensitively detect cerebral microbleeds and cortical cerebral microinfarct.These imaging data provide valuable information for detecting early features of cerebral small vessel disease and assessing its progression,offering new insights into its pathogenesis.Combined with artificial intelligence-based image analysis methods,7T MRI holds great promise for early diagnosis and progression evaluation in cerebral small vessel disease.
6.Relationship Between Quadriceps Micro-Perfusion Assessed by IVIM and Muscle Strength After Low-Load Resistance Training in Healthy Volunteers
Jiahang LU ; Yilong HUANG ; Jiawen DENG ; Zhenguang ZHANG ; Chao GAO ; Chunli LI ; Kuanjun LI ; Bo HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(10):1133-1138
Purpose To investigate the changes in quadriceps femoris microcirculatory perfusion level after low-load blood flow restriction training and its relationship with muscle strength.Materials and Methods Twenty-five healthy subjects were prospectively recruited in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from September to November 2022.A 200 mmHg pressure cuff was applied at the root of the left thigh for blood flow restriction,and the subjects completed regular knee extension training within 4 weeks.Before the first training session and within 24 hours after the last training session,all subjects underwent scanning with the 3.0T MRI intravoxel incoherent motion sequence and the multi-echo steady-state acquisition three-dimentional imaging sequence.After image post-processing,the quadriceps femoris cross-sectional area,perfusion fraction and pseudo-diffusion coefficient were obtained,and the peak torque was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer.The MRI and muscle strength test parameters before and after training were compared,and correlation analyses were performed between the change of peak torque and the change of perfusion fraction,cross-sectional area,and pseudo-diffusion coefficient respectively.Results After low-load blood flow restriction training,the cross-sectional area of the left quadriceps femoris in subjects increased(t=-4.515,P<0.05).Among its components,the cross-sectional area of the left rectus femoris,vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis all increased(t=-3.302,-2.877,-3.207,all P<0.05).The perfusion fraction value of the left quadriceps femoris increased(t=-5.447,P<0.05);the perfusion fraction values of the left rectus femoris,vastus intermedius,vastus lateralis and vastus medialis all increased(t=-5.723,-4.621,-3.767,-4.682,all P<0.05);the muscle strength of the left quadriceps femoris increased(t=-3.983,P<0.05).There was a highly positive correlation between change of perfusion fraction and peak torque of the left quadriceps femoris in subjects(r=0.708,P<0.05).Conclusion After low-load blood flow restriction training,the changes in quadriceps femoris muscle microperfusion quantified by intravoxel incoherent motion are related to muscle strength,which is helpful for formulating rehabilitation training strategies for young patients.
7.Correlation between preoperative knee extensor and flexor muscle strength and postoperative gait function in total knee arthroplasty
Yilong ZHANG ; Wanling WU ; Wenwu YANG ; Hongtao WU ; Wengang LIU ; Minyi HE ; Chuanxi ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(27):5819-5825
BACKGROUND:Gait dysfunction is one of the significant reasons for patient dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty.Clinical studies have identified a relationship between the preoperative strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and postoperative gait dysfunction,but the exact nature of this correlation is not yet fully understood.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the correlation between the preoperative strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and postoperative gait dysfunction in total knee arthroplasty.METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on longitudinal data from 70 patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty.Preoperative measurements included peak torque of the extensor and flexor muscles,peak torque/body weight,and total work.Six months postoperatively,the Timed Up and Go Test and gait speed were measured.Ridge regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing postoperative gait function.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Preoperative peak torque,peak torque/body weight,and total work of the extensor muscles,as well as the peak torque and total work of the flexor muscles,showed a very strong positive correlation with postoperative gait speed(P<0.001).The preoperative flexor muscle peak torque/body weight had a strong positive correlation with postoperative gait speed(P<0.001).Preoperative extensor and flexor muscle peak torques,peak torque/body weight,and total work showed a very strong negative correlation with results from postoperative Timed Up and Go Test(P<0.001).(2)Ridge regression analysis indicated a 94.2%likelihood that preoperative extensor muscle peak torque,peak torque/body weight,and total work,along with flexor muscle peak torque and total work,had a positive impact on gait speed after total knee arthroplasty(P<0.001).The preoperative flexor muscle peak torque/body weight had a negative impact on postoperative gait speed(P<0.001).There was an 87.7%likelihood that preoperative extensor and flexor muscle peak torques,peak torque/body weight,and total work,along with flexor muscle peak torque and total work,had a negative impact on postoperative Timed Up and Go Test(P<0.05),while the flexor muscle peak torque/body weight had no impact on the Timed Up and Go Test(P>0.05).(3)It is indicated that the strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles prior to total knee arthroplasty correlates with postoperative gait speed and Timed Up and Go Test,and can predict the outcomes of postoperative gait function.Enhancing preoperative knee muscle exercises may be a way to reduce the incidence of gait dysfunction following total knee arthroplasty.
8.Proceedings of 7T MR Imaging Studies in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Zihao ZHANG ; Yun YUAN ; Peiyu HUANG ; He WANG ; Xin LOU ; Qi YANG ; Jie LU ; Yilong WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(5):512-518
Cerebral small vessel disease represents a group of common vascular disorders involving pathological changes in arterioles,capillaries and venules,with microvascular investigation remaining a key challenge in stroke.With high signal-to-noise ratio and high contrast enabled by enhanced field strength,7T MRI can surpass the resolution limits of 3T MRI,revealing structural and functional abnormalities in cerebral small vessels below 400 μm,as well as detecting subtle lesions in brain tissue.This paper reviews the research progress of multimodal high-resolution imaging techniques based on 7T MRI,such as time-of-flight angiography,phase contrast imaging and susceptibility imaging,in the study of cerebral small vessel disease.Utilizing these technologies,7T MRI can clearly display the structure of cerebral small vessels,such as the lenticulostriate arteries and deep medullary veins,and measure functional parameters like flow velocity and susceptibility.Additionally,it can sensitively detect cerebral microbleeds and cortical cerebral microinfarct.These imaging data provide valuable information for detecting early features of cerebral small vessel disease and assessing its progression,offering new insights into its pathogenesis.Combined with artificial intelligence-based image analysis methods,7T MRI holds great promise for early diagnosis and progression evaluation in cerebral small vessel disease.
9.Curative effect of Shuotong ureteroscopy combined with flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi
Yilong LIANG ; Ting DENG ; Shen CHEN ; Ziyan TANG ; Zhen LI ; Guoyou HE ; Jinsong PANG
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(2):77-85
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi, and analyze the influencing factors.Methods:A total of 102 patients with lower calyceal calculi were treated in the Second People′s Hospital of Yulin from February 2019 to December 2022, and they were divided into the observation group and the control group, with 51 cases in each group. The patients of the observation group were treated with Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope, while the patients of the control group were treated with flexible ureteroscope. According to whether the stones were completely removed after operation, all patients were divided into non-stone removal group ( n=13) and stone removal group ( n=89). The operation time, hospitalization time, lithotripsy time, intraoperative blood loss, complication rate and stone clearance rate were compared between the observation group and the control group. Generalized Estimation Equation was used to analyze and evaluate the effects of treatment time, treatment scheme and their interaction on visual analogue scale (VAS), white blood cell (WBC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood creatinine (Cr), hemoglobin (HGB) and procalcitonin (PCT). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of stone removal rate. Nomogram model was constructed based on risk factors and evaluate the model. Results:Compared with the control group, operation time [(118.72±9.61) min vs (136.65±11.27) min], hospitalization stay [(6.43±1.12) d vs (10.29±2.23) d] and the lithotripsy time [ (51.23±10.38) min vs (56.62±11.43) min] of the observation group were shorter, and the amount of intraoperative blood loss [(128.52±10.20) mL vs (157.53±15.31) mL] were significantly less than those of the control group ( P< 0.05). The results of Generalized Estimation Equation analysis showed that treatment time, treatment regimen and their interaction had significant effects on WBC, HGB, BUN, Cr, PCT and VAS ( P< 0.05). Compared with the control group, the incidence of complications (5.88% vs 19.61%) of the observation group was lower and the stone clearance rate ( 94.12% vs 80.39%) was significantly higher than those in the control group ( P< 0.05). The mode of operation, infundibulopelvic angle(IPA), caliceal pelvic height (CPH) and the maximum diameter of stones were all influencing factors of stone removal rate in patients with 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. The nomogram model constructed in this study has good differentiation, calibration and clinical practicability, and can better identify high-risk patients with incomplete removal of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. Conclusions:Shuotong ureteroscope combined with flexible ureteroscope is a safe, effective method for the treatment of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. It has the advantages of simple operation, less intraoperative bleeding, less postoperative complications and high stone clearance rate. IPA, CPH, the maximum diameter of calculi and the mode of operation were all independent factors affecting the stone clearance rate of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi. The nomogram model constructed in this study can well identify the high-risk patients with incomplete clearance of 2-3 cm lower calyceal calculi.
10.Cerebral hemorrhage detection system using microwave technology
Yilong YANG ; Yifei FENG ; Liufeng ZHU ; Yi LIU ; Ying HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2024;41(9):1163-1169
Objective To design and optimize the detection system for cerebral hemorrhage for overcoming the limitations in microwave detection system,such as expensive equipment,complex antenna gating switch system and redundant antenna channels.Methods The system adopted the simplest patch antenna structure,optimized the antenna gating switch system and reduced the number of channels by radiofrequency switch chip strategy.The simulated cerebral hemorrhage was sampled and detected through the optimized detection system;and pattern recognition method was used to distinguish whether there was cerebral hemorrhage.Results XGBoost algorithm model showed superior performance in the task of cerebral hemorrhage recognition,with an accuracy of 1.000 on the test set,an average accuracy of 0.973 in K-fold cross-validation,and an accuracy of 0.996 on the training set.Conclusion The optimized cerebral hemorrhage detection system which has high detection accuracy and reliability has the potential to identify cerebral hemorrhage.

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