1.Functional study of a novel RHD variant IVS4+2delT leading to RhD-negative phenotype
Xiao HAO ; Ruirui LI ; Lu ZHANG ; Yongchun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):795-798
Objective: To investigate the effect of a novel RHD genotype (RHD
01N.01/RHD
01.01 with IVS4+ 2delT mutation)on the RhD phenotype through in vitro experiments in a case with a serologically RhD-negative phenotype. Methods: Serological screening was performed using saline method, and confirmed by indirect antiglobulin test (IAT). RhCE phenotyping was determined by RhCE typing cards. The full-length RHD gene was sequenced using PacBio long-read sequencing technology. Bioinformatics analysis and Minigene splicing variant analysis technology were used to elucidate the abnormal splicing mechanism of novel splice site variations. Results: The serological presentation was RhD negative. The PacBio sequencing revealed a compound heterozygote RHD
01N.01 and a new RHD
01.01 allele, which carried a new mutation at the 5′ splice site (IVS4+2delT) of intron 4. Bioinformatics predicted that the mutation disrupts the donor splice site and activates downstream recessive splice sites. The minigene experiment confirmed that this mutation leads to abnormal splicing, producing two types of mRNA: one with a 10 bp insertion and the other with a 15 bp insertion. Conclusion: A novel allele of the RHD gene IVS4+2delT causing an RhD-negative phenotype was identified, revealing that it affects D expression through an abnormal splicing mechanism.
2.Effects of Autonomic Neuromodulators on Atrial Electrical Remodeling and Histopathological Changes in a Rat Model of Atrial Fibrillation
Jiafei LI ; Zhenhao ZHANG ; Shuo WANG ; Ge TIAN ; Shuang WEN ; Yuxue YAN ; Ran CUI ; Zhen YE ; Yongchun CUI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(3):321-331
ObjectiveTo elucidate the effects of autonomic neuromodulators [calcium chloride (CaCl₂)-acetylcholine (ACh)] on atrial electrical remodeling and histopathological changes in rats, thereby providing evidence for further investigation into the pathological mechanisms by which autonomic imbalance induces atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsTen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups, with 5 rats in each group. The experimental group received daily tail vein injections of a CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Surface electrocardiograms were recorded before and after daily administration. On day 28 of administration, under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, echocardiography was performed, and then the rats were euthanized by exsanguination under isoflurane anesthesia for tissue collection. Body weight and heart weight of rats were measured, and electrophysiological parameters including AF inducibility, conduction velocity, and conduction dispersion in isolated rat hearts were monitored using the MappingLab multichannel electrophysiological mapping system. HE staining was performed to evaluate atrial tissue architecture and inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were analyzed by Western blotting. Masson staining was used to quantitatively analyze the proportional distribution of collagen fibers and myocardial fibers, and to calculate the area of collagen deposition, thereby evaluating the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate morphological changes of cardiomyocytes. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect atrial cell apoptosis. ResultsCompared with the control group, the experimental group showed obvious arrhythmias on electrocardiograms. Echocardiography after 28 days of administration revealed significant structural remodeling in the experimental group, with a marked increase in left atrial anteroposterior diameter (P < 0.05), and also showed cardiac dysfunction, with significant decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a significantly increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio (P < 0.05), a markedly higher AF inducibility (P < 0.001), a significantly slowed atrial conduction velocity (P < 0.05), an uneven isochronal map with irregular directions, and a significantly increased conduction dispersion (P < 0.01). HE staining showed that atrial myocytes in the experimental group were disorganized, with slight inflammatory cell infiltration. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β in the atrial tissue of the experimental group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Masson staining showed a significant increase in collagen deposition and a significant increase in fibrosis area in the atrial tissue of the experimental group (P < 0.001). WGA staining showed that cardiomyocytes in the experimental group were significantly hypertrophied compared with the control group (P < 0.05). DHE staining and TUNEL staining revealed that the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes (P < 0.001) and the apoptotic rate (P < 0.01) were both significantly increased. Conclusion Daily tail vein injections of the autonomic neuromodulator CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days can successfully induce AF in rats, accompanied by significant atrial structural remodeling, electrical remodeling, and oxidative stress.
3.Correlation between psoas major index of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients and prognosis after R-CHOP chemotherapy
Wei JIANG ; Ke ZHAO ; Cuiping BAO ; Yongchun JIA ; Zugui LI ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Liang XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1125-1128
Objective To explore the correlation between psoas major index(PMI)in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)and prognosis after rituximab,cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin,vincristine,prednisone(R-CHOP)chemotherapy.Methods Totally 148 DLBCL patients who received R-CHOP chemotherapy were retrospectively enrolled.Based on axis CT image at L3 vertebral transverse process,bilateral psoas muscles were delineated,and PMI was calculated.Then the patients were divided into muscle reduction group(≤lower quartile,n=37)and control group(>lower quartile,n=111)according to the lower quartile of PMI.Clinical and imaging data were compared between groups,and the correlations of PMI with the above indexes were analyzed.The impact factors of prognosis of DLBCL were observed.Results Significant differences of body mass index(BMI),Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG)score,international prognostic index(IPI),the proportion of B symptoms,mortality rate,3-year survival rate,β2-microglobulin,hemoglobin,albumin and PMI were found between groups(all P<0.05).PMI of DLBCL patient was negatively correlated with age,ECOG score,IPI,β2-microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)(r=—0.126,-0.225,—0.262,—0.232,—0.229,all P<0.05),but positively correlated with BMI and hemoglobin(r=0.282,0.376,both P<0.05).The age,ECOG score,IPI and PMI were all independent impact factors of overall survival in DLBCL patients(all P<0.05).Conclusion PMI was an independent impact factor of prognosis of DLBCL after R-CHOP chemotherapy.
4.Efficacy and safety of percutaneous covered stent endovascular exclusion under digital subtraction angiography for removing dialysis catheters misplaced in arteries
Yongchun HE ; Xuliang WANG ; Hua JIANG ; Ping ZHANG ; Jianghua CHEN
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(10):759-763
This was a single-center retrospective case series study. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of percutaneous covered stent endovascular exclusion under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for removing dialysis catheters misplaced in arteries. The clinical data from 7 patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2012 to October 2023 were analyzed. All patients had dialysis catheters confirmed to be misplaced in arteries via chest CT, X-ray radiography or computed tomography angiography. Percutaneous covered stent endovascular exclusion under DSA was used to remove the catheters. The results showed that except for one elderly patient died during waiting for surgery, the remaining 6 patients achieved satisfactory outcomes with no postoperative bleeding. There was no related complication observed during a 6-month follow-up. Arterial misplacement of dialysis catheters is a serious complication requiring prompt removal. Percutaneous covered stent endovascular exclusion under DSA offers a minimally invasive, effective, and safe approach with a high technical success rate and a low complication rate, making it a viable surgical option for similar clinical cases.
5.Application of ArcherQA for independent dose verification of SRT plans for CyberKnife
Xuyao YU ; Yuwen WANG ; Yang DONG ; Daguang ZHANG ; Yongchun SONG ; Qiang REN ; Xi PEI ; Zhiyong YUAN ; Wei WANG ; Jianrong DAI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(11):1139-1145
Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of using the domestic ArcherQA system for fast and simplified independent verification of CyberKnife (CK) stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) plans.Methods:SRT plans of 57 patients treated with CK at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from August 2021 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 15 intracranial, 30 pulmonary, and 12 abdominal tumors cases. Point-dose and planar-dose verifications were performed using an ionization chamber and radiochromic films embedded in a homogeneous phantom, and the results were compared with those calculated by the treatment planning system (TPS). The localization CT images and corresponding SRT plans were imported into the ArcherQA system for independent dose verification and analysis. The correlation between ArcherQA results and phantom measurements was analyzed, with comparisons of target mean dose differences and γ pass rates.Results:Phantom measurement results showed, the measured point-dose differences for intracranial, lung, and abdominal plans were -0.94% ± 3.22%, 1.92% ± 2.05%, and 2.12% ± 0.77%, respectively. The mean dose differences in target dose calculation between ArcherQA and TPS: intracranial in the gross tumor volume (GTV) regions were 0.34% ± 2.21%, lung tumor GTV were -2.47% ± 2.46%, and abdominal tumor GTV were 0.80% ± 2.61%, respectively. Among them, the abdominal GTV region showed the highest correlation between ArcherQA and measured results ( r=0.78). The average two-dimensional γ pass rates (2 mm/2%, threshold=10%) measured using phantom films were 95.92% ± 2.35% for intracranial, 95.70% ± 2.74% for lung, and 96.74% ± 3.41% for abdominal tumors plans, respectively. The three-dimensional ArcherQA results showed comparable γ pass rates (1 mm/2%, threshold=10%) for lung and abdominal GTV and PTV regions, with similar medians and data dispersion to film measurements. Conclusions:The ArcherQA system enables rapid and efficient independent dose verification of CK SRT plans without the need for additional hardware. The verification results show good correlation with phantom measurements, supporting its potential as an auxiliary quality assurance tool in clinical CK SRT implementation.
6.Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Elements in Different Risk Populations of Heart Failure Complicated with Type 2 Diabetes: A Retrospective Study Based on Nomogram Model and Factor Analysis
Tingting LI ; Zhipeng YAN ; Yajie FAN ; Wenxiu LI ; Wenyu SHANG ; Yongchun LIANG ; Yiming ZUO ; Yuxin KANG ; Boyu ZHU ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1140-1146
ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome elements in different risk populations of heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. MethodsClinical data of 675 type 2 diabetes patients were retrospectively collected. Lasso-multivariate Logistic regression was used to construct a clinical prediction nomogram model. Based on this, 441 non-heart failure patients were divided into a low-risk group (325 cases) and a high-risk group (116 cases) according to the median risk score of heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. TCM diagnostic information (four diagnostic methods) was collected for both groups, and factor analysis was applied to summarize the distribution of TCM syndrome elements in different risk populations. ResultsLasso-multivariate Logistic regression analysis identified age, disease duration, coronary heart disease, old myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, absolute neutrophil count, activated partial thromboplastin time, and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase as independent risk factors for heart failure complicated with type 2 diabetes. These were used as final predictive factors to construct the nomogram model. Model validation results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the modeling group and validation group were 0.934 and 0.935, respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test (modeling group P = 0.996, validation group P = 0.121) indicated good model discrimination. Decision curve analysis showed that the curves for All and None crossed in the upper right corner, indicating high clinical utility. The low-risk and high-risk groups each obtained 14 common factors. Preliminary analysis revealed that the main disease elements in the low-risk group were qi deficiency (175 cases, 53.85%), dampness (118 cases, 36.31%), and heat (118 cases, 36.31%), with the primary locations in the spleen (125 cases, 38.46%) and lungs (99 cases, 30.46%). In the high-risk group, the main disease elements were yang deficiency (73 cases, 62.93%), blood stasis (68 cases, 58.62%), and heat (49 cases, 42.24%), with the primary locations in the kidney (84 cases, 72.41%) and heart (70 cases, 60.34%). ConclusionThe overall disease characteristics in different risk populations of type 2 diabetes patients with heart failure are a combination of deficiency and excess, with deficiency being predominant. Deficiency and heat are present throughout. The low-risk population mainly shows qi deficiency with dampness and heat, related to the spleen and lungs. The high-risk population shows yang deficiency with blood stasis and heat, related to the kidneys and heart.
7.Huoxue Jiedu Formulas (活血解毒方药) as an Adjunctive Therapy for Patients with Binding of Stasis and Toxin Syndrome during the Vulnerable Period after Myocardial Infarction:A Prospective Real-World Study
Xiaofei GENG ; Yingxi YANG ; Zhipeng YAN ; Xinbiao FAN ; Xitong SUN ; Boyu ZHU ; Zheng ZHANG ; Yongchun LIANG ; Xiaoyu SHAN ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2467-2474
ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy of Huoxue Jiedu Formulas (活血解毒方药, HJF) as an adjunctive treatement for patients with binding of stasis and toxin syndrome during the vulnerable period after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) surgery, and to explore its potential mechanism from the perspective of serum neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsA total of 129 patients with binding of stasis and toxin syndrome within 6 months after PCI for AMI were enrolled and divided into a treatment group (65 cases) and a control group (64 cases) based on patients' willingness to take Chinese herbal medicine. The control group received standard western medical therapy alone, while the treatment group additionally received HJF, one dose daily. Both groups were treated for four weeks. Before and after treatment, TCM syndrome scores were assessed. Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) was used to record angina stability and frequency scores, while the short form-36 health survey (SF-36) was employed to assess quality of life across eight dimensions, including physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality, and the patient health questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) was used to assess psychosomatic symptoms; Duke activity status index (DASI) was used to measure daily physical activity. Serum levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) markers including myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA), neutrophil elastase-DNA (NE-DNA), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) were measured in 20 patients from the treatment group. ResultsAfter treatment, TCM syndrome score, PSQI score and PHQ-15 score in both groups significantly decreased, while DASI score, angina stability and frequency scores, and all eight dimensions of the SF-36 scale significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly lower TCM syndrome scores and significantly higher DASI, angina stability and frequency scores (P<0.05), as well as higher scores in the SF-36 dimensions of physical functioning, role-physical, social functioning, bodily pain, and vitality (P<0.05). After treatment, serum levels of MPO-DNA, CitH3, and NE-DNA in the treatment group were significantly reduced (P<0.05). ConclusionHJF combined with conventional therapy can significantly improve angina symptoms, TCM syndrome scores, and psychosomatic conditions in patients with binding of stasis and toxin syndrome during the vulnerable period after AMI. It also enhances quality of life, sleep quality, and daily physical activity. The underlying mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of serum NETs level.
8.Analysis of the mechanism of Zangjiangzhi capsule in the treatment of hyperlipidemia based on its ingredients identified by UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS
Changting He ; Yuling Zhao ; Yongchun Huang ; Yudong Su ; Shoude Zhang
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):44-55
Objective:
To explore the mechanism of action of Zangjiangzhi capsule (ZJZC) in treating hyperlipidemia (HLP).
Methods:
The components of ZJZC were analyzed and identified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS/MS). Network pharmacology analysis was used to explore the mechanism of action of ZJZC in HLP treatment. The SwissTargetPrediction database was used to predict compound targets, and GeneCards, DisGeNet, OMIM, and DRUGBANK databases were used to identify HLP-related targets. Protein–protein interaction diagrams were constructed using the STRING database. The targets were subjected to gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The “herb-ingredient-target” network was visualized using Cytoscape. Preliminary validation was performed using molecular docking and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results:
Ninety compounds were identified in ZJZC, including 34 flavonoids, 12 phenols, 10 terpenoids, 10 alkaloids, 8 organic acids, 8 anthraquinones, and 9 other compounds. In total, 904 targets were identified for these compounds. Among them, 158 targets intersected with the HLP target network. Network pharmacology analysis showed that MAPK1, PPAR-α, RXRA, HSP90AA1, PIK3R1, AKT1, PIK3CA, IL6, TNF, and ESR1 are the key targets of action. KEGG enrichment analysis identified 164 pathways. Among these, the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, lipid and atherosclerosis pathways, regulation of lipids in adipocytes, and insulin resistance are related to HLP. Molecular docking showed good affinity between the key targets and ingredients. Further, ZJZC treatment in mice resulted in lower expression of MAPK1 protein and increased expression of PPAR-α protein, which have been shown to be strongly associated with HLP.
Conclusions
This study showed that ZJZC contains various active ingredients and can modulate multiple targets and pathways associated with HLP, providing evidence at the molecular level for its clinical application in the treatment of HLP.
9.Predicting mortality risk in severe ards patients using indirect calorimetry-based oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production rates
Ke GUAN ; Huihuang ZOU ; Yuna HU ; Ling YE ; Yanwei CHENG ; Jingjing NIU ; Cunzhen WANG ; Ke QIN ; Tingyuan ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Yuhan SUN ; Wenliang ZHU ; Qingbo FAN ; Zhisong GUO ; Yongchun CHEN ; Wenjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(3):396-403
Objective:To investigate the relationship between oxygen consumption (VO 2), carbon dioxide production (VCO 2), and Oxygen Consumption/lactate (VO 2/Lac) with risk of death in patients with severe ARDS. Methods:A retrospective cohort study method was used, and the study subjects were hospitalized for >5 days adult patients with severe ARDS in the central intensive care unit of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2023. The following patients were excluded: IC test was not completed on the 4th day of ICU admission, IC test results were unreliable, mechanical ventilation duration had exceeded 48 h at the time of ICU transfer or admission, palliative care patients and pregnant and parturient women. Using indirect calorimetry to determine VO 2 and VCO 2 values on the 4th day of admission, reviewing medical records to obtain general condition, disease information, blood gas analysis (including lactate value), diagnostic and therapeutic measures, and following up deaths by telephone and time of death. The primary outcome measure was death at 90 days, and the secondary outcome measure was death at 28 days, length of stay in ICU, total length of stay, and total hospitalization cost. Cox regression analysis and linear regression analysis were used to investigate the relationship between VO 2, VCO 2, VO 2/Lac and primary and secondary outcome indexes. Results:A total of 216 patients were enrolled, 78 patients (36.1%) died and 138 patients (63.9%) survived at 90 days. After correction for confounders, the results of multifactorial Cox regression analysis suggested that compared with the Q4 group, HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2 Q1 and Q2 groups was 3.21 (1.38, 7.49) and 3.24 (1.42, 7.38), and HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VCO 2 Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups was 5.88 (2.33, 14.84), 4.26 (1. 60, 11.34) and 3.54 (1.34, 9.35), respectively, and the HR (95% CI) for 90-day risk of death in the VO 2/Lac Q1, Q2 and Q3 groups were 8.72 (3.01, 25.25), 8.43 (2.91, 24.47) and 4.04 (1.34, 12.17) respectively. P-trends were all <0.05, indicating that VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were linearly and negatively associated with the risk of 90-day mortality. In addition, VO 2, VCO 2, and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 28-day risk of death and higher VO 2/Lac was negatively associated with length of ICU stay. Conclusions:VO 2, VCO 2 and VO 2/Lac were negatively associated with 90-day mortality risk and 28-day mortality risk in patients with severe ARDS and may be independent risk factors predicting mortality risk of such patients.
10.Regulation of PU.1 on apoptosis resistance of aging macrophages stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide
Hui FANG ; Yiting YUAN ; Yongchun ZHANG ; Shanshan REN ; Lulu CHEN ; Wei LIAO ; Ai TIAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(4):471-477
Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of PU.1 on apoptosis resistance of aging macro-phages under in vitro inflammatory stimulation simulated by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)of Porphyromonas.Methods The expression of PU.1 in periodontitis gingival tissue and normal gingival tissue was analyzed by GEO database.Mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was divided into control group,P.g-LPS group,H2O2 group and PU.1 inhibitor group.mRNA expression of senescence associated secretory phenotype(IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α)and PU.1 were detected by RT-qPCR;The protein expressions of p21,p16,BAX,caspase-3,Bcl-2,Bcl-xl and PU.1 were detected by Western blot.The number of senescent cells was detected by senescence-associated-galactosidase(SA-β-gal)staining.The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.Results Compared with control group,the expression of p21,p16 protein and mRNA of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α were up-regulated in P.g-LPS group and H2O2 group,the number of senescent cells was increased,the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl was up-regulated,the expression of BAX and caspase-3 was decreased,and the apoptosis rate was decreased.Meanwhile,the mRNA and protein expression of PU.1 were increased(P<0.05).Compared with P.g-LPS group,mRNA and protein expression of PU.1 in PU.1 inhibitor group were down-regulated,Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl were down-regulated,BAX and caspase-3 expressions were increased,apoptosis rate was increased,the number of senescent cells was decreased,and mRNA levels of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased.The expression of p21 and p16 proteins were down-regulated.(P<0.05).Conclusion Under inflammatory stimulation in vitro,increased expression of PU.1 induced apoptosis resistance of aging macrophages,inhibition of PU.1 promoted apoptosis of aging macrophages,reduced the number of aging macrophages,and down-regulated the secretion of inflammatory factors.


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