1.Engineering yeast for high-efficiency isoliquiritigenin production via synthetic biology approaches
Yan YIN ; Shucan LIU ; Ting LI ; Ying HUANG ; Xianan ZHANG ; Guangxi REN ; Wei GAO ; Xinghong GUO ; Dan JIANG ; Chunsheng LIU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(4):356-365
Background: Isoliquiritigenin, a key pharmacologically active compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, can be further modified into various high-value 5-deoxyflavones, demonstrating significant potential for pharmaceutical development. Currently, the supply of isoliquiritigenin primarily depends on plant extraction. However, heterologous synthesis using microbial cell factories presents a promising alternative, offering a solution to resource limitations caused by the dwindling availability of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Objective: This study aimed to employ heterologous synthesis in yeast strains for the stable and high-efficiency production of isoliquiritigenin. Methods: First, a stable chassis strain for isoliquiritigenin production was constructed by integrating optimized biosynthetic pathway enzyme genes. A type IV noncatalytic chalcone isomerase-like protein and a synthetic protein scaffold system were employed to enhance the metabolic channeling of key pathway enzymes. Subsequently, yeast metabolism was fine-tuned to balance precursor supply, and cofactor engineering strategies were implemented to increase nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) availability, thereby ensuring the catalytic efficiency of the key enzyme chalcone reductase. Results: The engineered strain Y21-2 achieved a 24.4-fold increase in isoliquiritigenin titer compared to the original strain. Additionally, the proportion of the by-product naringenin chalcone was reduced by 67.8%, marking the first instance in which the ratio of C-5 hydroxylated by-products was minimized to 10.4% during the microbial synthesis of 5-deoxyflavones. Conclusion: This work provides a valuable reference for the efficient and sustainable production of isoliquiritigenin, laying a solid foundation for further pathway optimization and the biotechnological synthesis of other high-value natural 5-deoxyflavones.
2.HuiNet report of 2024: the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical bacterial isolates in Anhui province
Yanyan LIU ; Yasheng LI ; Liang YU ; Yi YANG ; Ting WU ; Jun YIN ; Lifen HU ; Ying YE ; Jiabin LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2025;18(1):63-76
Objective:To report the surveillance results of the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical isolates in Anhui province.Methods:Surveillance data from 94 members of the Anhui Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network(HuiNet)from October 2023 to September 2024 were collected,the major drug-resistant bacteria and the resistance to commonly used antibiotics were analyzed. WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software were used for data analysis.Results:Among 240 339 clinical strains,Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 75.0%(180 153 strains). The detected bacteria mainly include Escherichia coli( n=53 587,22.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae( n=39 774,16.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa( n=25 505,10.6%), Staphylococus aureus( n=19 438,8.1%), Acinetobacter baumannii complex( n=14 239,5.9%),and so on. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus(MRCNS)were 37.7%(7 112/18 853)and 73.9%(13 221/17 895),respectively. No vancomycin- and teicolanin-resistant Staphylococcus were detected. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli(CREC)and Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)were 1.9%(971/51 991)and 12.3%(4 864/39 414),respectively. The resistance rate of CRKP to tigecycline and polycolistin B was 7.7% and 7.9%,respectively. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)complex and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPA)were 57.9%(8 222/14 198)and 18.2%(4 569/25 052),respectively,with low resistance to polycolistin B(2.0% and 7.2%,respectively). The detection rates of MRSA,MRCNS,CRAB complex,third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli(3GC-R-EC)and quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli(QREC)in northern Anhui were the highest(46.8%,77.1%,65.6%,57.6% and 55.5%,respectively),which were higher than those in central and southern Anhui( χ2=107.858 and 566.202,5.950 and 142.223,39.254 and 289.137,135.402 and 449.114,39.142 and 185.114, P<0.05 or <0.01),and the detection rates in central Anhui were higher than those in southern Anhui( χ2=272.031,102.717,162.409,118.891 and 66.889,all P<0.001). The detection rates of CRKP,CRPA and thirdgeneration cephalosporinresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(3GC-R-KP)in central Anhui were the highest(16.7%,21.7% and 32.0%,respectively),which were higher than those in northern and southern Anhui( χ2=229.656 and 439.377,156.599 and 65.818,77.386 and 232.568,all P<0.001). The detection rates of CREC,3GC-R-EC and QREC were the highest in the elderly(2.2%,54.0% and 56.4%,respectively),which were higher than those in children and adults( χ2=8.034 and 13.150,17.032 and 103.437,438.353 and 183.099,all P<0.01). The detection rates of CRKP and 3GC-R-KP in neonates were the highest(20.6% and 56.9%,respectively),which were significantly higher than those in children,adults and the elderly( χ2=38.869,8.337 and 7.921;65.517,55.525 and 49.214,all P<0.01),and the detection rate of 3GC-R-KP in the elderly was higher than that in children and adults( χ2=14.122 and 7.501,both P<0.01). The detection rates of CRAB complex,CRPA,CREC,CRKP and 3GC-R-KP in tertiary hospitals were higher than those in secondary hospitals( χ2=25.606,16.501,5.820,33.116 and 117.086, P<0.05 or <0.01). Except for MRSA,vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and QREC,the detection rates of major drug-resistant bacteria in intensive care unit(ICU)were the highest(all P<0.001). From 2019 to 2024,the detection rates of MRSA,MRCNS,CRKP,CRAB complex and CRPA all showed a slow decreasing trend( χ2=42.319,122.779,340.381,83.512 and 81.668,all P<0.001). Conclusions:The situation of antimicrobial resistance in Anhui province shows a downward trend,but it is still serious,especially in northern and central Anhui. It is necessary to pay attention to the bacterial resistance particularly for the elderly,newborns,children and ICU.
3.Astragaloside Ⅳ inhibits LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage polarization and regulates their migration via cGAS/STING/NF-κB pathway
Chang-chao YANG ; Guo-ting LI ; Lin LIU ; Zi-xian ZHAO ; Wei-kang LI ; Qing-xin SUN ; Yu-ying ZHAO ; Jing-shan ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1290-1297
Aim To explore the effect of astragalosideⅣ(AS-Ⅳ)on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced po-larization and migration of RAW 264.7 macrophages and the underlying mechanism.Methods 1 mg·L-1 LPS was used to construct cell migration model.Scratch assay was utilized to determine cell migration rate.Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to de-tect the expression and location of F4/80,iNOS and Arg-1.CCK-8 assay was used to determine the viabili-ty of RAW 264.7 cells.Griess assay was used to measure NO content.Molecular docking was used to analyze the interaction between AS-Ⅳ and the core tar-gets such as cGAS and STING protein.Western blot was employed to detect the expression of iNOS,Arg-1,cGAS,STING,NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 protein.Results AS-Ⅳ significantly inhibited the migration and M1 polarization of RAW 264.7 cells induced by LPS.Moreover,AS-Ⅳ could interact with cGAS and STING protein,especially cGAS.Further Western blot assay showed that AS-Ⅳ significantly downregulated the expression of iNOS,cGAS,STING and p-NF-κB p65 protein.Conclusions AS-Ⅳ could promote mac-rophage M1 to M2 polarization,thereby inhibited mac-rophage migration through restraining the cGAS/STING/NF-κB signaling pathway,which provides a new therapeutic target for AS-Ⅳ to improve the early inflammatory response of AS.
4.Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction on Phlegm-dampness-blocked Cervical Vertigo and Its Influence on Neck Hemodynamics
Chun-feng WU ; Meng-ying TIAN ; Jia-luo CAI ; Sha-ting LIU ; Xiao-ping LI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(9):1503-1509
Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction on phlegm-dampness-blocking cervical vertigo and its influence on neck hemodynamics.Methods:96 patients with phlegm-dampness block type cervical vertigo admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were divided into control group and observation group,48 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine,and the observation group was treated with Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks and followed up for 6 months.The reduction time and disappearance time of vertigo were recorded.The score of cervical vertigo Symptom and Function Assessment Scale(ESCV)was performed before treatment and 1 day after treatment.The average blood flow level of basilar artery,right vertebral artery and left vertebral artery was detected,and the total clinical effective rate,recurrence rate and adverse reaction rate of the two groups were compared.Results:The reduction time and disappearance time of vertigo in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group(P<0.05).Post-treatment,the ESCV score of both groups was higher than that before treatment;compared with the control group,the ESCV score of the observation group was higher post-treatment(P<0.05).The total clinical effective rate of observation group was higher than that of control group,and the recurrence rate was lower than that of control group(P<0.05).The hemodynamic index were higher after treatment than in the control group(P<0.05).There was no difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction has certain curative effect on phlegm-dampness block type cervical vertigo,can effectively relieve vertigo symptoms,reduce recurrence,improve neck hemodynamics,and is safe,worthy of popularization and application.
5.Genetic and clinical characteristics in epilepsy patients with ATP6V1A gene variants
Shijia OUYANG ; Ting WANG ; Quanzhen TAN ; Yuan LI ; Zeyong DONG ; Changhao LIU ; Wenwei LIU ; Ying YANG ; Xiaoling YANG ; Yuehua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(12):1354-1359
Objective:To explore the genetic and clinical characteristics of epilepsy related with ATP6V1A gene heterozygous variants.Methods:A case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 10 children of epilepsy associated with ATP6V1A gene variants who were admitted to the Children′s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital from January 2019 to December 2024 was collected. The characteristics of children′ gene variation, clinical phenotype, auxiliary examination results, treatment and prognosis were analyzed.Results:Among the 10 children, there were 4 boys and 6 girls. All 10 children with ATP6V1A gene variants were de novo heterozygous variants, including 1 case of mosaic variant. A total of 9 different variants were identified and 7 variants have not been reported previously. The age at epilepsy onset was 28 (9, 48) months. Five children experienced their first seizure as a fever induction. The types of epileptic seizures included focal seizures in 6 children, epileptic spasms in 5 children, tonic spasms and atonic seizures in 1 child respectively. Three children had 2 seizure types. Global developmental delays were exhibited in 8 children, 2 of whom manifested autism spectrum disorder phenotypes. Two children showed normal development. Electroencephalography revealed slowed background activity in 5 children. Interictal epileptiform discharges were recorded in 9 cases, including hypsarrhythmia, focal, multifocal or generalized discharges. Clinical seizures were captured in 4 children. Brain magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities were found in 4 children, including frontotemporal cortical dysplasia, prominent sulci, delayed myelination of white matter, dysplasia of the corpus callosum, bilateral ventricular enlargement, and cerebral atrophy. Five children were diagnosed with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), and 4 of them were diagnosed with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. At the last follow-up, the age was 78 (25, 120) months. Seizures were controlled in 6 children, while 4 children had uncontrolled seizures despite treatment with ≥3 anti-seizure medications. Conclusions:All children with ATP6V1A gene related epilepsy harbored de novo heterozygous missense variants, with few showing mosaic variants. Seizure onset age ranged widely from the neonatal period to childhood. The predominant seizure types were focal seizures and epileptic spasms. The phenotypic spectrum may exhibit DEE, while a minority maintain normal development.
6.Construction of a predictive model for postoperative biliary tract infection in patients with obstructive jaundice based on clinical characteristics and biliary drainage methods
Ting LIU ; Caidi YING ; Yeyong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(19):2945-2949
OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors for biliary tract infection(BTI)after biliary drainage in pa-tients with obstructive jaundice(OJ)based on clinical characteristics and biliary drainage methods,and to con-struct and validate a nomogram model for risk prediction.METHODS A total of 168 patients with OJ treated in the Hepatobiliary Surgery Department of Ningbo Municipal Hospital of TCM from Jan.2020 to Jan.2025 were includ-ed as study subjects.They were divided into a non-infected group(n=97)and an infected group(n=71)based on the occurrence of BTI after biliary drainage.Lasso regression and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the risk factors for BTI after surgery in patients with OJ.The"rms"package in R programming language version 4.2.6 was used to construct the nomogram model,and decision curves,calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to evaluate the model's effectiveness,calibration and discrimination.RESULTS Diabetes history(OR=3.314),drainage method(percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage,OR=2.666),preoperative jaundice duration(OR=2.920),alkaline phosphatase(OR=1.064),total bilirubin(OR=1.028),NLR(OR=1.110)and high biliary obstruction(OR=4.770)were identified as risk factors for BTI after surgery in patients with OJ(P<0.05).The importance of these risk factors,ranked by the feature_importances_function of the logistic regression model,was as follows:high biliary obstruction,drainage method,preoperative jaundice duration,diabetes history,NLR,total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase.Based on these seven risk fac-tors,a nomogram model for predicting BTI risk after surgery in patients with OJ was constructed.The area under the ROC curve(AUC)of the model was 0.851,with a concordance index of 0.849.The decision curve suggested that the model had good predictive performance within a probability threshold range of 0.050 to 0.920.The calibra-tion curve of the model closely aligned with the ideal curve.CONCLUSIONS The risk factors for BTI after surger-y in patients with OJ include diabetes history,drainage method,preoperative jaundice duration,alkaline phospha-tase,total bilirubin,NLR and high biliary obstruction.The constructed nomogram model for predicting BTI after surgery in patients with OJ demonstrates good predictive performance.
7.Construction and application of a bowel preparation drinking water program for colonoscopy based on the characteristics of gastric emptying in the elderly
Lijuan ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Bei WANG ; Haiyan SHI ; Ting LI ; Yanlan MA
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(20):2472-2478
Objective To explore the characteristics of gastric emptying in the whole process of drinking water for colonoscopy in the elderly,and to develop an elderly-friendly drinking water program,thereby improving the comfort and the quality of bowel preparation.Methods From April to September 2024,gastric ultrasound was used to monitor gastric emptying indicators in the whole process of drinking water for colonoscopy in the elderly,summa-rizing its physiological features.On this basis,in October 2024,through literature review and expert argumentation,a bowel preparation drinking water program that meets the characteristics of gastric emptying in the elderly was de-veloped.A convenience sample of 90 elderly patients scheduled for colonoscopy at 2 tertiary hospitals in Beijing was enrolled from November 2024 to January 2025.A non-concurrent controlled trial was conducted:an experimen-tal group from December 2024 to January 2025 received the new elderly-friendly drinking water program,while a control group in November 2024 followed the conventional program.Outcomes included drinking comfort assessed via Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),adverse events,total fluid intake volume and bowel preparation quality via Boston Bowel Preparation Scale(BBPS).Results The experimental group demonstrated superior VAS score(P<0.05),bowel preparation quality(P<0.05),total fluid intake(P<0.05),and higher compliance with optimal stool consistency(P<0.05),compared to the control group.The experimental group also exhibited a lower incidence of adverse events(P<0.05).No significant difference was observed in total bowel preparation duration between 2 groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The bowel preparation drinking water program based on the characteristics of gastric emptying in the elderly improved solution intake tolerance and bowel preparation quality,with practical implications for clinical implementation.
8.A study on genotype and clinical phenotype characteristics of children with epilepsy associated with SCN1B gene variations
Xiaojing XU ; Ting WANG ; Miaomiao CHENG ; Shijia OUYANG ; Ying YANG ; Xiaoling YANG ; Changhao LIU ; Yuehua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(6):624-631
Objective:To summarize the genotype and clinical phenotype characteristics of children with epilepsy associated with the SCN1B gene encoding the sodium channel β1 subunit. Methods:The genotypes and clinical phenotypes of patients with SCN1B variants among suspected genetic epilepsy cases treated at the Children′s Medical Center of Peking University First Hospital between May 2016 and July 2024 were analyzed. These variants were identified using next-generation sequencing and subsequently validated by Sanger sequencing or quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods. Results:A total of 17 patients were analyzed, including 8 males and 9 females. Ten cases of missense variations (including 2 with the same variations), 4 cases of deletion variations, and 1 case each of nonsense variations, splice site variations, and exons 4-5 deletions were identified. Among them, 6 cases had novel SCN1B variations. The variants in 11 cases were inherited from 1 parent. Eleven types of gene variants have not been reported yet. Onset of epilepsy ranged from 3 months to 5 years and 3 months old (median age: 14 months). Types of seizures included generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) in 14 cases, focal seizures in 9 cases, myoclonic seizures in 3 cases, atypical absence seizures in 2 cases and epilepsy spasms, tonic seizures and atonic seizures in 1 case each. Eleven cases had diverse seizure types. Fourteen cases (14/17) demonstrated fever sensitivity. Electroencephalography revealed focal discharges in 3 cases, coinciding with focal and generalized discharges in 3 additional cases, and multifocal discharges in 6 cases. Seizures were identified in 4 cases: 1 case of myoclonic seizures, 1 case of GTCS, 1 case of atypical absence seizures, and 1 case exhibiting both myoclonic and tonic seizures. Nine cases (9/17) were diagnosed with genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus, 1 case diagnosed with myoclonic epilepsy in infancy and 1 diagnosed with infant epileptic spasms syndrome. There were 2 cases of nonspecific developmental epileptic encephalopathy, while the remaining 4 cases could not be diagnosed with a specific epileptic syndrome. Effective antiseizure medications (ASMs) included valproate in 8 cases, levetiracetam in 5 cases, topiramate in 3 cases, clobazam in 2 cases, clonazepam and vigabatrin in 1 case each. Sodium channel blockers exacerbated seizures in 3 cases, specifically oxcarbazepine in 2 cases and lamotrigine in 1 case. At the last follow-up, seizures were controlled for at least 6 months in 14 patients (14/17), while seizures remained uncontrolled in 3 patients despite trialing 2 or more ASMs. Thirteen patients exhibited normal development, while 4 experienced developmental delays. Conclusions:The heterozygous variants in children with SCN1B gene-related epilepsy include missense, deletion, nonsense, splice site variants, and exon deletions. The correlation between different genetic variants and clinical phenotypes remains unclear. These variants are associated with epilepsy onset from infancy to early childhood, presenting with various seizure types, with GTCS being the most common. Phenotypic manifestations can vary significantly in severity, ranging from benign febrile seizures or febrile seizures plus to developmental epileptic encephalopathy. Valproic acid demonstrates the highest effectiveness rate, while the use of sodium channel blockers may worsen seizures in certain patients, necessitating cautious administration.
9.Analysis of clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with relapsing encephalopathy with cerebellar ataxia caused by ATP1A3 gene R756 variants
Shupin LI ; Xiaoling YANG ; Miaomiao CHENG ; Ting WANG ; Shijia OUYANG ; Ying YANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Aijie LIU ; Qian CHEN ; Yuehua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2025;58(12):1293-1300
Objective:To summarize the clinical phenotype and genetic features of patients with relapsing encephalopathy with cerebellar ataxia (RECA) caused by ATP1A3 gene R756 variants. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on patients carrying the ATP1A3 gene R756 variants, identified by whole-exome sequencing of family members, at Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University and Children's Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital from August 2005 to February 2024. Their clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging, electrophysiological and genetic characteristics were summarized. Results:A total of 13 RECA patients were enrolled in this study, including 8 males and 5 females. The age of onset was 8 months to 5 years, with a median age of onset of 18 months. All of 13 patients presented paroxysmal episodes of neurological decompensations triggered by fever and residual symptoms following the acute phase. During acute attack stage, ataxia was observed in all 13 cases, muscle weakness in 12 cases, dysarthria in 12 cases, altered consciousness in 10 cases, dysphagia in 10 cases, dystonic episodes in 4 cases, abnormal eye movement in 2 cases, choreoathetosis in 2 cases, and epileptic seizures in 1 case. All 13 patients had residual symptoms during the nonparoxysmal period, of whom 9 patients had ataxia, 9 patients had dysarthria, 4 patients had dystonia, 3 patients had cognitive disorders, and 1 patient had epileptic seizures. All 13 cases had ATP1A3 missense variants, and variant c.2266C>T/p.R756C was found in 6 cases, c.2267G>A/p.R756H in 5 cases, and c.2267G>T/p.R756L in 2 cases. Nine cases carried de novo variants, 4 with inherited variants. Conclusions:RECA caused by variants of ATP1A3 in residue 756 typically presents with an acute onset during infancy or early childhood, precipitated by febrile episodes and characterized by recurrent episodes of ataxia, with bulbar paralysis, muscle weakness and altered consciousness. Recurrence is common, and the most common persistent symptoms are cerebellar ataxia and dysarthria. A few patients have cognitive impairment. Three types of ATP1A3 gene variants R756C, R756H and R756L are related with RECA, and R756C is the most common variant.
10.Expert consensus on prevention and control of Chikungunya in healthcare institutions(2025 Edition)
Ling HE ; Yan LIU ; Fang YU ; Ying LIU ; Dayue LIU ; Hongyan LIU ; Ruiting WANG ; Shuxian CHEN ; Chen ZHU ; Xiaodong HAN ; Ting HUANG ; Fengxia GUO ; Zhen-feng ZHONG ; Yuanchun MO ; Xiujuan QU ; Yinan LI ; Yi XU ; Chengxiang KONG ; Ning LI ; Shaoyan LU ; Ming WU ; Zide DENG ; Shumei SUN
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(22):3361-3369
OBJECTIVE To standardize the strategies for prevention and control of Chikungunya(CHIK)in healthcare in-stitutions so as to reduce the risk of transmission in the institutions.METHODS A working group comprising the ex-perts in hospital infection control,infectious diseases,and microbiology systematically reviewed domestic and international evidence and current guidelines,integrated China's vector ecology and healthcare realities,conducted two rounds of Delphi to achieve expert consensus,and graded the evidence and recommendation strength using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine system.RESULTS The consensus issues 18 actionable recommendations on triage,patient mosquito-proof isolation,integrated vector control,protection of susceptible populations,environmental cleaning and disinfection,specimen management,medical textile handling,and outbreak emergency response,with each statement assigned an evi-dence level and recommendation strength.CONCLUSION This consensus is for the first time in China to provide evidence-graded strategies for control of CHIK in healthcare institutions,offering work flow-oriented,implementable guidance for clinicians,laboratorians,and infection-control personnel under different risk scenarios and enhancing the comprehensive coping capacity of the healthcare institutions.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail