1.The causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure risk and the mediating role of serum metabolites: A Mendelian randomization study
Yun ZHU ; Jiaming WEI ; Ruifang LIN ; Yongjun LIU ; Yue LIU ; Guohua ZHANG ; Zhihua GUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):115-121
Objective To explore the causal relationship between immune cells and heart failure (HF), and the mediating role of serum metabolites, in order to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Methods We employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method based on genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, analyzing the direct and indirect effects of 731 types of immune cells and 1 400 metabolites on HF. We selected valid instrumental variables and conducted statistical analyses using R software. The primary analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted method, supplemented by MR-Egger analysis and weighted median method. The stability of the results was assessed through tests such as Cochran’s Q test. Results Our research found a negative causal relationship between PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ and HF. Sensitivity analysis supported this result. The reverse MR analysis did not find an effect of HF on PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+, indicating that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might play a unidirectional role in reducing the risk of HF. Further mediation MR analysis showed that PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ might influence the risk of HF onset by regulating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), with a mediation effect ratio of 6.7%. Conclusion PD-L1 on CD14−CD16+ may reduce the risk of HF by elevating the levels of sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), which provides a new perspective for understanding the pathogenesis of HF.
2.Quality control of Sagina japonica by HPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker
Junhong LIU ; Xue LI ; Meiqin ZHANG ; Han HU ; Chunmei BAI ; Chunhua LIU ; Yongjun LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):883-888
OBJECTIVE To establish the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint of Sagina japonica , and to establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker (QAMS) method for simultaneous determination of six componen ts in S. japonica , aiming to provide references for the quality control of this medicinal herb. METHODS HPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints of 12 batches (No. S1-S12) of S . japonica according to Similarity Evaluation System of Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine . The similarity evaluation and identification of common peaks were conducted, followed by cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) for 12 batches of samples. Using vicenin-2 as internal reference, the contents of p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, apigenin-6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glucoside, isoorientin, vitexin and 20-hydroxyecdysone were determined by QAMS method. The results were then compared with those obtained by the external standard method. RESULTS The similarities of HPLC fingerprints for 12 batches of S . japonica ranged from 0.828-0.998. A total of 17 common peaks were calibrated, and 6 common peaks were identified. Specifically, peak 5 was identified as vicenin-2, peak 7 as p-hydroxycinnamic acid, peak 10 as apigenin-6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glucoside, peak 11 as isoorientin, peak 13 as vitexin, and peak 15 as 20-hydroxyecdysone. The results of CA showed that S1-S5, S7 and S9-S11 were clustered into one category, S6 was clustered into one category, and S8 and S12 were clustered into one category. The results of PCA revealed that the accumulative contribution rate of the four main components was 89.430%. The content ranges measured by QAMS method for p-hydroxy cinnamic acid, apigenin-6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glucoside, isoorientin, vitexin and 20-hydroxyecdysone were 0.017 4-0.269 4, 0.568 8-4.240 3, 0.503 2-5.040 3, 0.024 0-0.132 0 and 2.551 3-4.881 1 mg/g, respectively. There was no significant difference in the contents of components measured between QAMS method and the external standard method ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC fingerprint and QAMS method can be used for quality evaluation and quality control of S . japonica.
3.Expert consensus on precise intervention with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for sleep disorders in the elderly
Yuan SHAO ; Jian WANG ; Wei LIANG ; Yingli ZHANG ; Gangqiang HOU ; Xia LI ; Yi XING ; Lu WANG ; Shi TANG ; Yongjun WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):97-105
In recent years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has garnered significant attention as a therapeutic approach for sleep disorders in the elderly. However, the prevailing rTMS protocols are predominantly developed based on normative neurophysiological data derived from young adults and fail to incorporate individualized parameters tailored to the brain characteristics of the elderly. To address this gap, the consensus development group synthesized the latest evidence from 2010 to 2025 and established a standardized rTMS protocol specifically for elderly patients with sleep disorders. Adhering to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) framework, systematically screened randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews regarding rTMS in the treatment of sleep disorders across various conditions. Meanwhile, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was employed to rigorously grade the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations. This consensus guideline delineates precise rTMS protocols for the management of sleep disorders in the elderly, highlights the adjustment of stimulation intensity according to scalp-cortex distance recommends either MRI‑guided neuronavigation or the Beam F3/F4 heuristic approach for accurate target localization, thereby providing precise rTMS intervention protocol for sleep disorders in the elderly, aiming to enhance clinical efficacy while ensuring treatment safety. [Funded by National Key Research and Development Program (number, 2023YFC3603200); General Program of Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (number, JCYJ20240813112859008, JCYJ20240813112900002); Youth Program of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital (number, KN2023A004); www.guidelines-registry.cn number, PREPARE-2026CN530]
4.Effect Modification by Total Bilirubin on the Association Between Hypertension and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Zhang XIA ; Xueli CAI ; Yingying YANG ; Shan LI ; Mengxing WANG ; Xuan WANG ; Tiemin WEI ; Yongjun WANG ; Yilong WANG ; Yuesong PAN
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):85-96
Background:
and Purpose Bilirubin has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Herein, we investigated whether total bilirubin (TBIL) modifies the association between hypertension and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).
Methods:
Data were obtained from the PolyvasculaR Evaluation for Cognitive Impairment and vaScular Events study. TBIL and direct bilirubin (DBIL) levels were assayed using fasting venous blood samples. Indirect bilirubin (IBIL) was calculated by subtracting DBIL from TBIL. TBIL was stratified as ≤17 μmol/L and >17 μmol/L based on the biological relevance of Gilbert’s syndrome. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, self-reported hypertension history, or current use of antihypertensive agents. White matter hyperintensity, lacunes, cerebral microbleeds, and enlarged perivascular spaces were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and used to rate CSVD burden according to the criteria proposed by Wardlaw et al. and Rothwell et al.
Results:
This study included 3,061 participants, with a mean age of 61.2±6.7 years and 46.5% males. After adjusting for confounders, hypertension was associated with increased odds of presence of CSVD (Wardlaw: odds ratio [OR]=1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–2.44, P<0.001; Rothwell: OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.43–2.38, P<0.001) and higher modified total CSVD burden (common OR: 1.85, 95% CI 1.45–2.36, P<0.001) in participants with TBIL ≤17 μmol/L but not in TBIL >17 μmol/L (P for interaction <0.05). Johnson–Neyman analyses showed cut-off concentrations of 22.3–22.4 μmol/L for effect modification by TBIL. IBIL contributed to effect modification, whereas DBIL did not.
Conclusions
Mildly elevated TBIL may modify the association between hypertension and CSVD.
5.PRMT1-mediated asymmetric dimethylation of arginine residue 602 in DDX1 promotes cholangiocarcinoma progression
Wenzheng LIU ; Yangwei LIAO ; Yiyang KUAI ; Xin GAO ; Xingmin YAN ; Jingjing LI ; Junsheng CHEN ; Jukun SU ; Jingcong ZHOU ; Yizhu KONG ; Siqin HUANG ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Feng PENG ; Bing WANG ; Yongjun CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):843-865
Background/Aims:
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary malignant neoplasm with an extremely poor prognosis. While combined chemoradiotherapy has been demonstrated to delay CCA progression to a certain extent, the absence of specific molecular biomarkers or targets significantly hinders the diagnosis and treatment of CCA.
Methods:
Through cross-analysis of proteomics and ADMA modificationomics, we identified DDX1 overexpressed in CCA with elevated R602-ADMA modifications. HPLC-MS/MS identified PRMT1 as the methyltransferase and USP10 as the deubiquitinating enzyme for DDX1. Immunofluorescence and nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning experiments confirmed DDX1’s nuclear localization. GO and KEGG analyses clarify the biological functions of DDX1 in response to hypoxia. RNA-seq transcriptomics analyzed key pathways influenced by DDX1. A hydrodynamic in situ CCA mouse model was established to validate the chemopreventive effects of the PRMT1-specific inhibitor GSK715 on CCA development.
Results:
DDX1 promotes CCA progression both in vivo and in vitro and can be inhibited by GSK715. Mechanistically, PRMT1 mediates ADMA modification at position R602 of DDX1. This modification promotes DDX1 nuclear localization by recruiting USP10 to deubiquitinate DDX1, while simultaneously inhibiting PRMT1 degradation. DDX1 promotes the transcription of PRMT1 and USP10 by binding to the mRNA 3’UTR region, establishing a positive feedback regulatory pathway. This mechanism promotes the occurrence and development of CCA and can serve as a target for the inhibitor GSK715 to suppress CCA progression.
Conclusions
Our study identified DDX1-R602-ADMA modification as a novel ADMA modification in CCA. It further confirmed its pivotal role in CCA progression. Targeting the USP10-PRMT1-DDX1 axis may represent a significant therapeutic approach for CCA.
6.Feasibility study of HRCM preoperative assessment combined with NOSES Jinling surgery in the treatment of slow transit constipation
Jiaqi KANG ; Mingsen LI ; Chen XU ; Yongjun YU ; Yuwei LI ; Zhao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(12):1455-1460
Objective:To investigate the feasibility of employing high-resolution colon manometry (HRCM) in conjunction with natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) during laparoscopic Jinling surgery for the treatment of colonic slow transit constipation (STC).Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed data from nine patients with STC who underwent HRCM preoperative evaluation and subsequently received NOSES Jinling surgery at Tianjin Union Medical Center between October 2016 and March 2023. The general intraoperative conditions and postoperative evaluation indicators were recorded.Results:All 9 patients underwent HRCM examination before surgery. High amplitude propagation contraction (HAPC) was observed in the ascending colon segment of all patients. The occurrence frequency of HAPC was 4.22±1.86 (times/day). The operation time of 9 patients was 200.0 (167.5, 250.0) minutes, the intraoperative blood loss was 100 (50, 150) ml, the postoperative hospitalization time was 13.0 (12.5, 24.0) days, and the first postoperative exhaust time was 3.0 (2.0, 3.5) days, the first postoperative defecation time was 5.0 (4.5, 5.5) days, the first postoperative eating time was 5.0 (5.0, 5.5) days, and the first postoperative time out of bed was 5.0 (5.0, 8.0) days. Notably, none of the 9 patients experienced postoperative complications. The Wexner scores at 6 months [5 (4, 7)], and 12 months [4 (3, 5)] post-surgery were significantly lower than the preoperative score [20 (16, 21)] ( P<0.05). Additionally, the patient assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) scores at 6 months [22 (20, 25)], and 12 months [18 (12, 45)] after surgery showed a significant decrease compared to preoperative scores [79 (72, 82)] ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The combination of HRCM preoperative assessment and NOSES Jinling surgery is both safe and feasible for the treatment of slow transit constipation, warranting further development and promotion.
7.Lateral fusion after oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion: incidence, imaging characteristics, and contributing factors
Yongjun TONG ; Chudi FU ; Junhui LIU ; Bao HUANG ; Yilei CHEN ; Zhi SHAN ; Xuyang ZHANG ; Shunwu FAN ; Fengdong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(7):420-428
Objective:To evaluate the characteristic manifestations of lumbar fusion following oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), determine the specific incidence of these patterns, and the identify factors associated with fusion characteristics.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 209 patients who underwent OLIF surgery at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between July 2017 and September 2023. The cohort had a mean age of 64.2±9.8 years and included 125 males and 84 females. A total of 338 lumbar segments were assessed, comprising 159 segments treated with stand-alone OLIF (OLIF-SA) and 179 segments treated with OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation (OLIF-PSF). Inclusion criteria were: patients aged 18-80 years who underwent OLIF with complete radiographic records. Surgical parameters, including fixation method, number of fused segments, surgical approach, and cage dimensions (height and width), were obtained from operative records. Radiographic evaluation included preoperative osteophytes, Hounsfield unit (HU) values of endplates, and cage positioning. Fusion rate, fusion pattern (lateral vs. central), cage subsidence, and related influencing factors were assessed. Clinical outcomes were measured via the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. Results:The overall fusion rate was 98.2% (332/338), with a non-union rate of 1.8% (6/338). The incidence of lateral fusion was 40.2% (136/338). In the OLIF-SA group, lateral and central fusion rates were 50.3% (80/159) and 49.7% (79/159), respectively, with no cases of non-union. In the OLIF-PSF group, lateral fusion occurred in 31.3% (56/179), central fusion in 65.4% (117/179), and non-union in 3.3% (6/179), with statistically significant differences between groups ( P<0.05). Preoperative osteophytes and higher endplate HU values were significantly associated with lateral fusion ( P<0.05). However, cage dimensions and cage position (anterior-posterior and lateral placement) were not significantly associated with fusion pattern ( P>0.05). Overall, 61.5% (208/338) of segments showed no cage subsidence; 24.5% (83/338) had settling, and 14.0% (47/338) had grade 1 or higher subsidence. Among lateral fusion cases, the rates of no subsidence, anchoring, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 subsidence were 67.6%, 21.3%, 7.4%, 3.9%, and 0.7%, respectively. In the central fusion group, these rates were 59.2%, 27.6%, 9.2%, 2.5%, and 1.3%, respectively. In the non-union group, grade 2 and 3 subsidence occurred in 50% (3/6) each, significantly higher than in the other fusion groups ( P<0.05). Post hoc analysis confirmed that grade 2 and 3 subsidence rates were significantly elevated in the non-union group compared to the lateral and central fusion groups, while other subsidence categories showed no significant differences across groups. Clinically, patients showed significant improvements in ODI and VAS scores following surgery ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Lateral fusion occurred in 40.2% of OLIF cases. The OLIF-SA technique, preoperative osteophytes, and elevated preoperative HU values were significantly associated with lateral fusion. In contrast, surgical approach, number of fused segments, cage height, width, and cage positioning did not significantly influence the occurrence of lateral fusion.
8.Secretory expression of ribosomal protein S11 in Pichia pastoris and its therapeu-tic potential in melanoma
Xiaomei ZHANG ; Jiangang ZHANG ; Chengkai ZHOU ; Qi YIN ; Zhenzhen LIU ; Yongjun YANG ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(8):1688-1695
The ribosomal protein S11(RPS11)from Enterococcus faecalis is was heterologously ex-pressed using the Pichia pastoris system.The RPS11 gene sequence was optimized to match the yeast codon preference,and the recombinant expression vector pPIC9K-RPS11 was constructed.Electroporation was used to transform the vector into the Pichia pastoris GS115 strain,and high-copy recombinant strains were selected through G418 resistance screening.Protein expression was induced with methanol,and the expression was verified by SDS-PAGE.The recombinant protein was applied in a mouse melanoma treatment model to evaluate its therapeutic effects.The results showed that the recombinant expression vector pPIC9K-RPS11 successfully expressed the target protein with an approximate molecular weight of 14 kDa in Pichia pastoris.The optimal fermenta-tion conditions were determined to be an induction temperature of 30 ℃,induction time of 72 h,and methanol concentration of 1%.Analysis using a mouse peritoneal macrophage trained immuni-ty model revealed that recombinant RPS11 possessed biological activity capable of inducing trained immunity.Additionally,therapeutic experiments in a mouse melanoma model demonstrated that recombinant RPS11 significantly inhibited tumor growth.These findings suggest that the recombi-nant RPS11 secreted by Pichia pastoris not only possesses biological activity in inducing trained immunity but also inhibits tumor cell growth in a mouse melanoma model,providing theoretical support for the heterologous expression and potential applications of recombinant RPS11.
9.Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous diseases in the elderly
Yu ZHAO ; Jichun ZHAO ; Lan ZHANG ; Jianhua HUANG ; Pingfan GUO ; Tao WANG ; Yongjun LI ; Haiyang WANG ; Quan CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(6):1097-1108
The incidence of chronic venous disease(CVD)is significantly higher in the elderly population compared to non-elderly individuals,with more severe disease manifestations.Additionally,elderly CVD patients often have comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular diseases,making the evaluation process more complex and increasing treatment difficulty.Currently,there are no established recommendations in China for the diagnosis and treatment of CVD in individuals aged 60 and above.Against this backdrop,the Peripheral Vascular Disease Management Branch of the Chinese Geriatric Society has developed the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Venous Disease in the Elderly based on domestic and international guidelines,relevant evidence-based medical research,and the physiological and clinical characteristics of the elderly population in China.This consensus aims to provide an important reference for improving the diagnosis and treatment of CVD in elderly patients in China.
10.Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous diseases in the elderly
Yu ZHAO ; Jichun ZHAO ; Lan ZHANG ; Jianhua HUANG ; Pingfan GUO ; Tao WANG ; Yongjun LI ; Haiyang WANG ; Quan CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(6):1097-1108
The incidence of chronic venous disease(CVD)is significantly higher in the elderly population compared to non-elderly individuals,with more severe disease manifestations.Additionally,elderly CVD patients often have comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular diseases,making the evaluation process more complex and increasing treatment difficulty.Currently,there are no established recommendations in China for the diagnosis and treatment of CVD in individuals aged 60 and above.Against this backdrop,the Peripheral Vascular Disease Management Branch of the Chinese Geriatric Society has developed the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Venous Disease in the Elderly based on domestic and international guidelines,relevant evidence-based medical research,and the physiological and clinical characteristics of the elderly population in China.This consensus aims to provide an important reference for improving the diagnosis and treatment of CVD in elderly patients in China.

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