1.Role and mechanism of Lck/Yes-related novel tyrosine kinases in macrophage M1 polarization
Xin YU ; Zhensheng GAO ; Weihua BIAN ; Xiangyong LIU ; Yeying SUN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):209-216
ObjectiveTo investigate the role and mechanism of Lck/Yes-related novel protein tyrosine kinase (Lyn) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced M1-type polarization of macrophage. MethodsThe LentiCRISPR-V2 plasmid was digested with the restriction endonuclease BSMBI-V2, and the digested DNA fragments were recovered. The digested plasmid was ligated with Lyn-sgRNA using T4 ligase to generate the Lenti-Lyn-gRNA lentivirus. THP-1 cells were infected with the Lenti-Lyn-gRNA lentivirus to obtain a stable cell line with Lyn knockout, and a monoclonal THP-1 cell line with complete Lyn knockout (Lyn⁻/⁻) was established subsequently. Wild-type Lyn (LynWT) and Lyn⁻/⁻ THP-1 cells were induced with 100 ng/mL phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) for 48 h to differentiate into M0 macrophages, which were further polarized into M1 macrophages by stimulation with 100 ng/mL LPS for 24 h. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of M0 macrophage markers, including integrin αM (CD11b), macrophage antigen (CD68), and monocyte differentiation antigen (CD14). The expression of Lyn in M1 macrophages differentiated from wild-type THP-1 cells (LynWT-M1) was measured by qPCR, and the ratio of phosphorylated Lyn to total Lyn (P-Lyn/Lyn) in LynWT-M1 cells was determined by Western blot. In M1 macrophages differentiated from Lyn-knockout THP-1 cells (Lyn⁻/⁻-M1), qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL-10). Western blot was conducted to assess the protein expression of iNOS, as well as the protein levels of molecules related to the Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)signaling pathway, including JAK1, phosphorylated JAK1 (P-JAK1), STAT1, and phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1). Additionally, the expression of the M1 macrophage marker cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80) was analyzed by flow cytometry. ResultsThe Lyn-/- monoclonal cell line was successfully constructed. The expression of CD11b was significantly elevated in Lyn-/- M0 macrophages, and the differentiation of M1 macrophages was successful. Knockdown of Lyn inhibited mRNA expression of iNOS, IL⁃6, CXCL⁃10, protein expression of iNOS and CD80 expression in M1 macrophages (P<0.05). Western blot assay showed that Lyn knockdown inhibited protein expression of JAK1 and P-STAT1 (P<0.01). ConclusionAfter CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Lyn knockout, the expression levels of JAK1 and P-STAT1, the key molecules in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway of M1 macrophages, are significantly downregulated; concomitantly, the expression of M1 macrophage-specific secretory factors (iNOS, IL⁃6, CXCL⁃10 mRNA) and CD80 is also downregulated, which may be achieved via targeted regulation of the JAK1/P-STAT1-mediated JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
2.Availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years
CHEN Bo ; WANG Xihui ; QIU Fengqian ; YU Yan ; GAO Shuna ; HE Lihua ; LI Weiyi ; JI Yunfang ; CHEN Weihua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):21-25
Objective:
To investigate the availability and use of child safety seats among children aged 0-3 years, so as to provide the basis for improving riding safety for children.
Methods:
Parents of children aged 0-3 years in Huangpu District, Shanghai Municipality, were recruited using the stratified multistage random sampling method from May to July 2024. Demographic information, family travel patterns, the use of child safety seat and related health beliefs were collected using questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting the use of child safety seats were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
Totally 514 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective rate of 96.98%. The respondents included 122 fathers (23.74%) and 392 mothers (76.26%), with a median age of 34.00 (interquartile range, 5.00) years. There were 446 families equipping with child safety seats, accounting for 86.77%; and 169 families using child safety seats, accounting for 32.88%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the parents who had children aged >1-2 years (OR=0.597, 95%CI: 0.366-0.973), travelled 2-4 times per month (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.213-0.607) or once per month or less (OR=0.384, 95%CI: 0.202-0.729), and scored high in perceived barrier (OR=0.634, 95%CI: 0.486-0.827) were less likely to use child safety seats; the parents who had children with local household registration (OR=2.506, 95%CI: 1.356-4.633), travelled 5-<10 km (OR=1.887, 95%CI: 1.148-3.101) or ≥10 km (OR=2.319, 95%CI: 1.355-3.967), always wore seat belts (OR=2.342, 95%CI: 1.212-4.524), scored high in perceived susceptibility (OR=1.392, 95%CI: 1.091-1.778) and self-efficacy (OR=1.413, 95%CI: 1.156-1.727) were more likely to use child safety seats.
Conclusions
Equipping family cars with child safety seats and using them can prevent and reduce traffic injuries among children aged 0-3 years. It is recommended to strengthen publicity to promote the use of child safety seats.
3.Distribution characteristics and heritability of alcohol consumption behavior in adult twins in China
Yuanchen LI ; Wenjing GAO ; Weihua CAO ; Jun LYU ; Canqing YU ; Shengfeng WANG ; Tao HUANG ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Chunxiao LIAO ; Yuanjie PANG ; Ruqin GAO ; Min YU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Xianping WU ; Zhong DONG ; Fan WU ; Dezheng WANG ; Zhihua XU ; Yu LIU ; Yanxia MA ; Jie YIN ; Shengli YIN ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):73-80
Objective:To describe the distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption in adult twins in the Chinese National Twin Registry (CNTR), and further explore the influence of genetic factors on alcohol consumption in adult twins.Methods:The subjects of the study were twins registered by CNTR in 11 project areas across China from 2010 to 2018. A total of 56 966 twins (28 483 pairs) aged 18 years and above who answered questions about drinking behavior were included, and the random effect model was used to describe the population and regional distribution characteristics of alcohol consumption. Intra-pair analysis was performed to calculate the concordance rate and heritability of their alcohol consumption.Results:The age of all subjects was (36.6±12.0) years, and current drinkers accounted for 16.6% (9 461/56 966) of all subjects. In men, those aged 50-59 years, those in northern China, those living in rural area, those with low education level and those with high BMI, the proportions of current drinkers were higher. After excluding 468 pairs of twins who had stopped alcohol use and 21 764 pairs of twins who had no drink or had small amount drink, an intra-pair analysis was conducted in 4 929 pairs of same-sex twins, and found that the concordance rate of alcohol consumption was 64.0% (2 059/3 215) in monozygotic twins, and 52.6% (902/1 714) in dizygotic twins, the difference was significant ( P<0.001), and the heritability of alcohol consumption was 24.1% (95% CI: 18.9%- 29.3%). The further stratified analysis found that in southern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 40-49 years (36.1%, 95% CI: 21.6%-50.7%), while in northern men, the heritability was highest in those aged 50-59 years (34.2%, 95% CI: 18.1%-50.3%). Conclusions:In adult twins in China, there were population and regional differences in the distribution of alcohol consumption behavior, and alcohol consumption was influenced by genetic factors, and gender, age and region had potential modifying effects.
4.Study on the correlation between H3N2 subtype influenza virus F195Y mutation and inadaptability in chicken embryos
Shunwu HUANG ; Jinyu DUAN ; Shiyu QI ; Hui LIU ; Ying SUN ; Weihua WU ; Xin WANG ; Yu′e HAO ; Shumei ZOU ; Dayan WANG ; Shisong FANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(2):175-181
Objective:This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms of the maladaptation of H3N2 influenza virus in chicken embryos, provide a theoretical basis for the restoration of H3N2 influenza vaccine production in chicken embryos.Methods:Samples of respiratory secretions from patients with influenza-like symptoms (Influenza-like Illness, ILI) caused by H3N2 influenza virus were inoculated into chicken embryos and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells (MDCK), respectively. After isolating the virus, hemagglutination experiments were conducted to detect hemagglutination titers and hemagglutination inhibition experiments were used to compare antigenic differences; further, whole-genome sequencing of H3N2 influenza virus was performed using second-generation high-throughput gene sequencing (Next Generation High-Throughput Gene Sequencing, NGS), and key amino acid sites of mutations were identified through sequence alignment; combined with sialic acid receptor binding experiments, the differences in the binding of wild-type and mutant receptor binding sites (RBS) to sialic acid receptors were compared; finally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation method were used to explore the specific molecular mechanisms of how mutation sites affect the differences in the affinity of the RBS pocket for sialic acid receptors.Results:The hemagglutination assay result indicated that both chicken embryos and MDCK cells could isolate the influenza virus, and the hemagglutination inhibition test showed that no antigenic differences were produced in the isolated strains. NGS analysis revealed that the H3N2 virus underwent an F195Y mutation in the (RBS) region of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein after adaptation through chicken embryo passages. Receptor-binding experiments demonstrated that the F195Y mutation enhanced the virus′s binding ability to α2, 3-linked sialic acid glycan (Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-PAA, 3′SLN), while the mutation did not affect the affinity of the RBS pocket for α2, 6-linked sialic acid glycan (Neu5Acα2-6Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ-PAA, 6′SLN). Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation result indicate that the F195Y mutation, by replacing a hydrophobic amino acid with a hydrophilic one, leads to a significant decrease in the structure of the RBS pocket, enhancing the binding stability of the H3N2 influenza virus with α2, 3-sln. This is specifically manifested by an increase in binding time and an increase in the number of hydrogen bonds at the RBS site with the receptor. Furthermore, the F195Y mutation does not alter the binding of the virus to other receptors.Conclusions:The F195Y mutation in the RBS pocket of H3N2 influenza virus is a key site affecting the viral chicken embryo inadaptability.
5.Analysis of clinical features and prognostic factors of focal cerebral arteriopathy in children
Xiuwei ZHUO ; Zemou YU ; Lingbing MENG ; Ji ZHOU ; Weihua ZHANG ; Changhong REN ; Shuai GONG ; Lifang DAI ; Xinying YANG ; Shen ZHANG ; Ming LIU ; Hua CHENG ; Xiaojuan TIAN ; Jiuwei LI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(2):174-179
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA) in children, and to analyze its influencing factor of prognosis.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data from 40 children with FCA who were hospitalized at the Department of Neurology, Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from September 2015 to August 2024 were collected. A centralized follow-up was conducted in October 2024 via outpatient clinics or the internet. The pediatric stroke outcome measure (PSOM) was used to evaluate their outcomes. Based on the PSOM, the children were further divided into a group with normal neurological function and another group with abnormal neurological function. Differences between groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Univariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influencing factors for neurological outcomes in children with FCA. Results:A total of 40 children were included, with 20 males and 20 females, and the onset age of 9.2 (6.8, 12.5) years. Among them, 12 cases (30%) had a history of varicella within 1 year before onset. There were 23 cases (58%) presenting with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or recurrent fluctuating symptoms of onset, while 3 cases (8%) developed progressive stroke within the first month of onset. The M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery was the most commonly affected vascular site, with a total of 16 cases (40%). Arterial occlusion occurred in 8 cases (20%). Lumbar puncture was completed in 36 children, and white blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid was increased in 6 cases. All 23 patients who completed magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (VWI) showed circular enhancement of the arterial wall. A total of 28 patients (70%) received antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, and 16 patients (40%) received hormone therapy. At admission, the pediatric National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) score was 6.0 (2.0, 8.8) points, which decreased to 0.5 (0, 3.0) points at discharge. The follow-up duration was 1.6 (0.8, 4.9) years, with 1 case lost to follow-up. There was 1 case presenting with recurrence course manifesting as TIA. Among the 39 cases who completed the follow-up, 23 cases (59%) were assessed as neurologically normal by PSOM, while 16 cases (41%) were assessed as neurologically abnormal. Among the 29 cases who completed the imaging review, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) review in 23 cases indicated stability or improvement in the original arterial stenosis, with 6 cases experiencing transient worsening of arterial stenosis early in the disease course (within 2 months), which later improved. Arterial stenosis progression occurred in 6 cases at the final review of 29 cases who completed the imaging review, with 1 case developing progressive cerebral arteriopathy. The proportion of patients with headache, altered consciousness, and aphasia in the abnormal neurological function group, as well as the PedNISS scores at admission and discharge, were all higher than those in the normal neurological function group (all P<0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that only a PedNISS score>6 points at onset was an influencing factor for abnormal neurological function ( OR=20.58, 95% CI 3.93-107.70, P<0.001). Conclusions:Childhood FCA often presents with fluctuating onset, and the proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery is frequently affected. Progression of arterial stenosis is common within 2 months of the disease course, but clinical progression and new ischemic lesions are uncommon. Most patients have a favorable long-term prognosis. PedNIHSS score>6 points at admission is related to abnormal neurological function outcomes.
6.Association between uric acid and new-onset chronic kidney disease in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients
Haixin ZHOU ; Xiaolin WU ; Zeya LI ; Yu ZHAO ; Weihua CHEN ; Dongjie DU ; Xianzhong GU ; Rongchong HUANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(3):257-262
Objective:To explore the association between uric acid and new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study. Middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients who had attended at least two annual health examinations at Yongshun Community Health Service Center in Tongzhou District, Beijing, from June 2016 to December 2020 were enrolled. The time interval between the two physical examinations was three years. The first physical examination time served as the baseline, and the second as the end of follow-up. Based on the uric acid level at baseline, the participants were divided into the normal uric acid group and the hyperuricemia group. The relevant clinical data of the participants were collected. The endpoint of the study was new-onset CKD. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between uric acid and new-onset CKD in hypertensive patients.Results:A total of 2 472 middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients with an average age of (62.43±7.02) years were included. Of these, 733(29.7%) were male. There were 710 patients with hyperuricemia (hyperuricemia group) and 1 762 patients with normal uric acid levels (normal uric acid group).After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and uric acid-lowering treatment, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that combined with hyperuricemia was an independent risk factor for new-onset CKD in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients ( OR=3.00, 95% CI: 1.87-4.80, P<0.001). The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that elevated uric acid level was an independent risk factor for new-onset CKD in both male and female middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients (both P<0.05), and there was no sex interaction ( P for interactio n>0.05). The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that the combination of asymptomatic hyperuricemia was an independent risk factor for new-onset CKD in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients ( OR=3.00, 95% CI: 1.87-4.80, P<0.001), and there was no gender interaction ( P for interactio n>0.05). Conclusions:Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for new-onset CKD in middle-aged and elderly hypertensive patients, and elevated uric acid levels increase the risk of new-onset CKD in both male and female patients. Moreover, asymptomatic hyperuricemia may increase the risk of new-onset CKD.
7.Development and validation of a clinical prediction model for postoperative pulmonary complications in elderly patients following general anesthesia
Jingjun ZHANG ; Lili JIA ; Mingwei SHENG ; Ying SUN ; Mei DING ; Weihua LIU ; Hongxia LI ; Yiqi WENG ; Wenli YU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(9):1237-1244
Objective:To develop and validate a clinical prediction model for assessing the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly patients undergoing surgery with general anesthesia.Methods:This prospective observational study enrolled patients aged ≥65 years who underwent general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation duration >3 hours across six tertiary hospitals between December 2022 and August 2023. Based on follow-up outcomes (until discharge or postoperative day 7), patients were categorized into a non-PPCs group and a PPCs group. Detailed records included baseline patient characteristics, preoperative comorbidities, surgical information (type, duration), and bedside lung ultrasound scores (LUS) assessed within 24 hours postoperatively using a standardized 12-zone protocol. Predictor selection was performed using LASSO regression. Significant predictors identified were incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression analysis to build the prediction model, visualized as a nomogram. Internal validation was conducted via bootstrap resampling (1 000 repetitions). Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for discrimination, calibration curves for calibration accuracy, and decision curve analysis (DCA) for clinical utility.Results:A total of 130 eligible elderly surgical patients were included. PPCs occurred in 17 patients (incidence rate: 13.1%). Multivariate analysis identified LUS ( OR=1.248, 95% CI: 1.099-1.417, P=0.001) and elective surgery type ( OR=0.206, 95% CI: 0.043-0.988, P=0.048) as independent predictors of PPCs. The nomogram model demonstrated an AUC of 0.867 (95% CI: 0.775-0.959) upon initial testing. Internal validation confirmed good discrimination (AUC=0.863, 95% CI: 0.778-0.972). Calibration curves indicated excellent agreement between predicted probabilities and observed outcomes. Decision curve analysis demonstrated significant clinical net benefit across a wide range of threshold probabilities (0.03-0.89). Conclusions:The clinical prediction model, developed using early postoperative LUS scores and surgical type, effectively predicts the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in elderly patients following surgery under general anesthesia. The model exhibits strong discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, providing clinicians with a reliable tool for individualized risk assessment to support clinical decision-making and potentially reduce PPC incidence.
8.Effect of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy combined with enteric-coated thymopeptide on VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in patients with pityriasis rosea
Jinshu YU ; Dongling GU ; Weihua XU ; Minmin ZHANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(2):179-183
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet B(NB-UVB)phototherapy combined with enteric-coated thymopeptide in treatment of pityriasis rosea and its impacts on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1(VCAM-1)and intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1).Methods Eighty patients with pityriasis rosea who were admitted to Haimen District People's Hospital from September 2022 to February 2024 were selected as research objects.They were divided into treatment group(n=41)and control group(n=39)according to random number table method.The control group was treated with NB-UVB phototherapy for one month,and the treatment group received NB-UVB phototherapy and enteric-coated thymopeptide for one month.The efficacy,rash-related time changes,symptom improvement,Pityriasis Rosea Severity Score(PRSS),VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels,and adverse events were compared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group.The skin rash came to a halt and disappeared in a shorter time in the treatment group than in the control group,while the time to itch cessation in the treatment group was significantly longer than that in the control group(all P<0.05).The PRSS scores and levels of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group after treatment(all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion NB-UVB phototherapy combined with enteric-coated thymopeptide can enhance the therapeutic effects on pityriasis rosea and reduce VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels.
9.ACtriplet:An improved deep learning model for activity cliffs prediction by integrating triplet loss and pre-training
Xinxin YU ; Yimeng WANG ; Long CHEN ; Weihua LI ; Yun TANG ; Guixia LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1837-1847
Activity cliffs(ACs)are generally defined as pairs of similar compounds that only differ by a minor structural modification but exhibit a large difference in their binding affinity for a given target.ACs offer crucial insights that aid medicinal chemists in optimizing molecular structures.Nonetheless,they also form a major source of prediction error in structure-activity relationship(SAR)models.To date,several studies have demonstrated that deep neural networks based on molecular images or graphs might need to be improved further in predicting the potency of ACs.In this paper,we integrated the triplet loss in face recognition with pre-training strategy to develop a prediction model ACtriplet,tailored for ACs.Through extensive comparison with multiple baseline models on 30 benchmark datasets,the results showed that ACtriplet was significantly better than those deep learning(DL)models without pre-training.In addition,we explored the effect of pre-training on data representation.Finally,the case study demonstrated that our model's interpretability module could explain the prediction results reasonably.In the dilemma that the amount of data could not be increased rapidly,this innovative framework would better make use of the existing data,which would propel the potential of DL in the early stage of drug discovery and optimization.
10.ACtriplet: An improved deep learning model for activity cliffs prediction by in tegrating triplet loss and pre-training.
Xinxin YU ; Yimeng WANG ; Long CHEN ; Weihua LI ; Yun TANG ; Guixia LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101317-101317
Activity cliffs (ACs) are generally defined as pairs of similar compounds that only differ by a minor structural modification but exhibit a large difference in their binding affinity for a given target. ACs offer crucial insights that aid medicinal chemists in optimizing molecular structures. Nonetheless, they also form a major source of prediction error in structure-activity relationship (SAR) models. To date, several studies have demonstrated that deep neural networks based on molecular images or graphs might need to be improved further in predicting the potency of ACs. In this paper, we integrated the triplet loss in face recognition with pre-training strategy to develop a prediction model ACtriplet, tailored for ACs. Through extensive comparison with multiple baseline models on 30 benchmark datasets, the results showed that ACtriplet was significantly better than those deep learning (DL) models without pre-training. In addition, we explored the effect of pre-training on data representation. Finally, the case study demonstrated that our model's interpretability module could explain the prediction results reasonably. In the dilemma that the amount of data could not be increased rapidly, this innovative framework would better make use of the existing data, which would propel the potential of DL in the early stage of drug discovery and optimization.


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