1.Epidemiological survey of Helicobacter pylori infection and correlation of dietary and lifestyle habits among adult physical examination population in Xuzhou Area
Jiao JIAO ; Xingsong JIANG ; Chunping QIAN ; Shujuan GAO ; Shuli ZHAO ; Jie ZHUANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Yun ZHU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):163-166
Objective To explore the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and its association with dietary and lifestyle habits among the adult physical examination population in Xuzhou area. Methods Retrospectively selected the physical examination population who underwent HP testing at our hospital's physical examination center from May 2021 to December 2023 as the research object. The prevalence of Hp infection in the population was analyzed based on the physical examination results. A questionnaire survey was used to collect information on the eating and living habits of all study subjects. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between eating and living habits and Hp infection. Results A total of 1 354 physical examination people were included in the study, and the Hp infection rate was 37.30% (505/1354). The difference in Hp infection rates among people of different age groups is statistically significant (P<0.05), with the middle-aged population (41-59 years old) having the highest Hp positive infection rate (45.38%).High salt (41.11%), hot diet (40.56%), history of smoking (45.23%) and drinking (43.80%), less consumption of fruits and vegetables (43.73%), irregular exercise (41.29%), irregular diet People who frequently eat out (43.56%) and eat out frequently (42.57%) have a higher Hp infection rate (P<0.05).After adjusting for demographic factors such as gender, age, place of residence and education level, multivariate Logistic regression results showed that high-salt diet (OR=3.975, 95%CI: 2.670-5.917) and hot diet (OR=3.357, 95%CI: 2.291-4.919), smoking (OR=1.458, 95%CI: 1.082-1.964), drinking alcohol (OR=1.654, 95%CI: 1.279-2.138), eating fruits and vegetables (OR=1.759, 95%CI: 1.345-2.301), regular exercise (OR=1.822, 95%CI: 1.371-2.421), regular diet (OR=1.893, 95%CI: 1.391-2.575), eating out (OR=1.690, 95%CI: 1.277-2.237) were associated with the risk of Hp infection (P<0.05). Conclusion The positive infection rate of Hp among the physical examination population in Xuzhou is slightly lower than the average epidemic level in China. Cultivating healthy eating and living habits can effectively reduce the risk of Hp infection.
2.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
3.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
4.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
5.From Bedside to Molecular Diagnosis-Multidisciplinary Treatment of a Rare Case of Autoinflammatory Disease Presenting with Skin Induration and Limb Weakness
Hanhui FU ; Wenjun WANG ; Yaping LIU ; Hui YOU ; Tao WANG ; Wen ZHANG ; Xuejun ZENG ; Liying CUI ; Huijuan ZHU ; Xiuli ZHAO ; Min SHEN ; Yicheng ZHU
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):207-213
This article reports a rare case of autoinflammatory disease presenting initially with skin induration and swelling after trauma as the initial manifestation, followed by progressive limb weakness. The patient was a middle-aged female who developed skin induration and swelling after trauma, which gradually progressed to limb weakness, dysarthria and bilateral facial paralysis, accompanied by livedo reticularis of the lower extremities, diffuse skin induration of the limbs, and beaded subcutaneous nodules in the right upper limb. The patient had a susceptibility to infection since childhood and a history of chronic livedo reticularis. Skin pathological examination revealed panniculitis. A comprehensive etiological screening for special infections and autoimmune diseases was completed with an unremarkable results, and whole-exome sequencing showed no abnormal findings. Following a multidisciplinary discussion combined with RNA sequencing results, the patient was diagnosed with an autoinflammatory disease, with a suspected type Ⅰ interferonopathy. Treatment with tofacitinib resulted in gradual improvement of clinical symptoms. This case highlights the importance of detailed medical history collection, systematic physical examination and multidisciplinary collaborative diagnosis and treatment, and underscores the pivotal role of molecular diagnosis in the confirmation of rare diseases. It can provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and management of similar rare cases.
6.Genetic differentiation of Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae) based on COⅠ and ITS2 sequences
Gang WANG ; Chun-juan SHI ; Dan KONG ; Xuan ZHU ; Ji HE ; Ming-hui ZHAO ; Chong-cai WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):90-95
Objective Exploring genetic differences among geographic strains of Anopheles sinensis in China. Methods Based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I(COⅠ )and ribosomal the second internal transcribed spacer(ITS2), genetic distance analyses were conducted on An. sinensis samples collected nationwide. Results Genetic differentiation was observed within An. sinensis geographic strains, primarily reflected in the genetic distances of COⅠ sequences, with some distances between samples exceeding those between closely related species. However, ITS2 sequences showed relatively low levels of differentiation within geographic strains. No significant separation was observed, and gene exchange exhibited a random pattern among geographic strains. Conclusions Significant differences in genetic distance were observed among An. sinensis samples, along with evidence of interspecific continuity among sibling species. For the identification of closely related species using wild-collected Anopheles mosquitoes samples, reliance solely on commonly used barcodes such as COⅠ and ITS2 may be insufficient. Additional molecular markers, including COⅡ and D3 gene fragments, should also be considered. Caution should be exercised when using COⅠ genes to identify cryptic species, especially within Anopheles mosquitoes.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis among the elderly in Yangzhou City from 2013 to 2022
ZHAO Qianying ; WANG Hui ; LI Jincheng ; XU Jie ; ZHU Limei
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):276-279
Objective:
To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among residents aged 60 years and older in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2022, so as to provide the evidence for the improvement of PTB prevention and control measures in this population.
Methods:
Data of PTB cases aged 60 years and older in Yangzhou City from 2013 to 2022 were collected from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The temporal, population, and regional distribution characteristics of PTB cases were analyzed using the descriptive epidemiological method.
Results:
A total of 8 726 PTB cases aged 60 years and older were registered in Yangzhou City from 2013 to 2022, including 4 167 cases positive for pathogenic tests, with a positive rate of 47.75%. The registered incidence rates and the positive rates of pathogenic tests of PTB among residents aged 60 years and older in Yangzhou City showed downward trends from 2013 to 2022 (both P<0.05). The average annual registered incidence rate of PTB was 83.95/105, and the average annual registered incidence rate of PTB positive for pathogenic tests was 40.09/105. The average annual registered incidence rate of PTB in males was higher than that in females (138.57/105 vs. 31.76/105, P<0.05). The registered incidence rate of PTB showed an increasing trend with age (P<0.05), with the highest rate observed in the age group of 75-<80 years (110.37/105). The top three regions with the highest average annual registered incidence rates of PTB were Jiangdu District (94.34/105), Baoying County (91.61/105) and Hanjiang District (84.93/105).
Conclusions
The registered incidence of PTB among residents aged 60 years and older in Yangzhou City showed a downward trend from 2013 to 2022. Particular attention should be payed to males, residents aged 75- <80 years, and the elderly in Jiangdu District and Baoying County.
8.Identification of core genes of osteoarthritis by bioinformatics
Xuekun ZHU ; Heng LIU ; Hui FENG ; Yunlong GAO ; Lei WEN ; Xiaosong CAI ; Ben ZHAO ; Min ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):637-644
BACKGROUND:At present,osteoarthritis has become a major disease affecting the quality of life of the elderly,and the therapeutic effect is poor,often focusing on preventing the disease process,and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is still not fully understood.Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to explore the main pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and related mechanisms of gene coding regulation. OBJECTIVE:To screen core differential genes with a major role in osteoarthritis by gene expression profiling. METHODS:Datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO):GSE114007,GSE117999,and GSE129147.Differential genes in the GSE114007 and GSE117999 data collections were screened using R software,performing differential genes to weighted gene co-expression network analysis.The module genes most relevant to osteoarthritis were selected to perform protein interaction analysis.Candidate core genes were selected using the cytocape software.The candidate core genes were subsequently subjected to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and COX analysis to identify the core genes with a key role in osteoarthritis.The accuracy of the core genes was validated using an external dataset,GSE129147. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 477 differential genes were identified,265 differential genes associated with osteoarthritis were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis,and 8 candidate core genes were identified.The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis finally yielded a differential gene ASPM with core value that was externally validated.(2)It is concluded that abnormal gene ASPM expression screened by bioinformatics plays a key central role in osteoarthritis.
9.Study on The Detection Method of Fat Infiltration in Muscle Tissue Based on Phase Angle Electrical Impedance Tomography
Wu-Guang XIAO ; Xiao-Peng ZHU ; Hui FENG ; Bo SUN ; Tong ZHAO ; Jia-Feng YAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2663-2676
ObjectiveFat infiltration has been shown to be closely related to muscle mass loss and a variety of muscle diseases. This study proposes a method based on phase-angle electrical impedance tomography (ΦEIT) to visualize the electrical characteristic response caused by muscle fat infiltration, aiming to provide a new technical means for early non-invasive detection of muscle mass deterioration. MethodsThis study was divided into two parts. First, a laboratory pork model was constructed to simulate different degrees of fat infiltration by injecting1 ml or 2 ml of emulsified fat solution into different muscle compartments, and the phase angle images were reconstructed using ΦEIT. Second, a human experiment was conducted to recruit healthy subjects (n=8) from two age groups (20-25 years old and 26-30 years old). The fat content percentage ηfat of the left and right legs was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and the phase angle images of the left and right calves were reconstructed using ΦEIT. The relationship between the global average phase angle ΦM and the spatial average phase angle ΦMi of each muscle compartment and fat infiltration was further analyzed. ResultsIn the laboratory pork model, the grayscale value of the image increased with the increase of ηfat and ΦM showed a downward trend. The results of human experiments showed that at the same fat content percentage, the ΦM of the 26-30-year-old group was about 20%-35% lower than that of the 20-25-year-old group. The fat content percentage was significantly negatively correlated with ΦM. In addition, the M2 (soleus) compartment was most sensitive to fat infiltration, and the spatial average phase angles of the M2 (soleus), M3 (tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus), and M4 (tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and peroneus longus) compartments all showed significant inter-group differences. ConclusionΦEIT imaging can effectively distinguish different degrees of fat infiltration, especially in deep, small or specially located muscles, showing high sensitivity, demonstrating the potential application of this method in local muscle mass monitoring and early non-invasive diagnosis.
10.Correlation between dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI imaging and clinical pathological features of invasive breast cancer and lymphovascular invasion
Shi-Qi GUO ; Yu-Jiao XIE ; Qing-Yang LI ; Si-Yi CHEN ; Jia-Hong SUN ; Zhao-Feng GAO ; Jun-Qing LIANG ; Yu-Hui CHEN ; Bao-Shi BAO ; Li ZHU ; Jian-Dong WANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):847-854
Objective To explore the relationship between dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI)and clinical pathological features of invasive breast cancer and lymphovascular invasion(LVI).Methods Imaging and clinical pathological data were retrospectively collected from 508 patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent breast DCE-MRI at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to August 2021.Patients were divided into the LVI-positive(LVI+)group(n=79)and LVI-negative(LVI-)group(n=429)based on postoperative pathological results.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for LVI.Results Compared with LVI-group,LVI+group had a higher proportion of patients aged<45 years(44.3%vs.27.0%,P=0.002),non-mass-like enhancement(NME)(31.7%vs.17.7%,P=0.004),Ki-67 expression rate(40.0%vs.30.0%,P<0.001),high Ki-67 expression(94.9%vs.78.1%,P=0.001),Luminal B subtype(76.0%vs.60.1%,P=0.008),and positive axillary lymph nodes rate(72.2%vs.31.5%,P<0.001),while the proportion of Luminal A subtype was lower(2.5%vs.21.5%,P<0.001).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that age≥45 years(OR=0.468,95%CI 0.280-0.783,P=0.004)was an independent protective factor for LVI,while NME(OR=1.987,95%CI 1.126-3.444,P=0.016)was an independent risk factor.Compared with Luminal A subtype,patients with Luminal B subtype(OR=10.482,95%CI 3.164-64.923,P=0.001),HER-2 overexpression subtype(OR=11.571,95%CI 2.755-79.341,P=0.003)and triple-negative subtypes(OR=8.433,95%CI 1.985-57.908,P=0.009)had a higher risk of LVI.Conclusions Age≥45 years is an independent protective factor for LVI,while NME is an independent risk factor.Among molecular subtypes,patients with Luminal B,HER-2 overexpression and triple-negative subtypes have a higher risk of LVI compared with the Luminal A subtype.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail