1.Application of Recombinant Collagen in Biomedicine
Huan HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Jian WANG ; Li-Wen WANG ; Qian LIU ; Ning-Wen CHENG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Yun-Lan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):395-416
Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.
2.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.
3.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.
4.An analysis of risk factors for mortality in patients with bloodstream infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Qiuli ZHU ; Miaomiao GENG ; Ju WEI ; Yun SHEN ; Dan HU ; Chunxia CHEN ; Haiwei CHEN ; Zhe SUN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):296-300
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors for 30-day mortality in hospitalized patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). MethodsData were obtained retrospectively from the electronic medical records of inpatients at a tertiary A-grade hospital in Shanghai from January 2016 to December 2023. The collected variables included age, gender, department, surgical treatment, empirical antibiotic therapy, Pitt Bacteremia score (PBS), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), INCREMENT-CPE score (ICS), length of hospital stay, the time from CRKP-BSI to discharge and, etc. The follow-up period ended upon discharge, with the follow-up outcomes defined as in-hospital mortality or discharge. The endpoint was defined as death within 30 days (including day 30) caused by CRKP-BSI or infection-related complications. Patients who survived within 30 days after CRKP-BSI were classified into the survival group, while those who died within 30 days were classified into the death group. Independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients with CRKP-BSI were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. ResultsA total of 71 hospitalized patients with CRKP-BSI, comprising 51 males and 20 females, with an average age of (65.12±18.25) years, were included during the study period. The M (P25, P75) of hospital stay were 37.00 (24.00, 56.00) days, and M (P25, P75) of the duration from CRKP-BSI to discharge or death were 18.00 (7.00, 35.00) days. There were 20 deaths (28.17%) in the death group and 51 survivors (71.83%) in the survival group. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the ICS as an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality in CRKP-BSI patients (HR=1.379, 95%CI: 1.137‒1.671, P=0.001). Each 1-point increase in the ICS was associated with a 37.9% increase in the risk of mortality. ConclusionThe ICS is found to be a risk factor for 30-day mortality in patients with CRKP-BSI, which may facilitate the prediction for the risk of 30-day mortality and thereby support clinical decision-making for patients with CRKP-BSI.
5.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.
6.Fast Object Perception in The Subcortical Pathway: a Commentary on Wang et al.’s Paper in Human Brain Mapping (2023)
Hao-Yun MA ; Yu-Yin WEI ; Li-Ping HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1904-1908
The subcortical visual pathway is generally thought to be involved in dangerous information processing, such as fear processing and defensive behavior. A recent study, published in Human Brain Mapping, shows a new function of the subcortical pathway involved in the fast processing of non-emotional object perception. Rapid object processing is a critical function of visual system. Topological perception theory proposes that the initial perception of objects begins with the extraction of topological property (TP). However, the mechanism of rapid TP processing remains unclear. The researchers investigated the subcortical mechanism of TP processing with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). They find that a subcortical magnocellular pathway is responsible for the early processing of TP, and this subcortical processing of TP accelerates object recognition. Based on their findings, we propose a novel training approach called subcortical magnocellular pathway training (SMPT), aimed at improving the efficiency of the subcortical M pathway to restore visual and attentional functions in disorders associated with subcortical pathway dysfunction.
7.XK gene deletion leading to McLeod syndrome and high-frequency antigen antibodies: identification and transfusion strategy
Jing LI ; Kewen YAO ; Yun DU ; Haiyan HU ; Hongli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(8):1107-1112
Objective: To investigate the hematological characteristics of the rare McLeod phenotype associated with X-linked chronic granulomatous disease, KEL and XK gene analysis, identification of unexpected antibodies, serological characteristics of high-frequency antigen antibodies, and transfusion strategies. Methods: Serological methods were employed to determine the ABO, Rh, and other blood group system antigen phenotypes of the child, along with screening and identification of unexpected antibodies. The titers of high-frequency antigen antibodies were measured using tube antihuman globulin and microcolumn gel card techniques. Kell blood group typing was performed using serological and genotyping methods, while XK gene sequencing was conducted via next-generation sequencing. Peripheral blood smears from the child's mother were examined for erythrocyte morphology. Results: The child's serological results were as follows: blood group O, ccDEE, MM, Le(a-b+), JK(a+b+), Fy(a+b-), and Kell phenotype K-k+, Kp(a-b+). Plasma analysis revealed alloantibodies anti-C、e, as well as a high-frequency antigen antibody anti-KL, with titers of 512 (tube method) and 2 048 (microcolumn gel method). Genotyping results showed KEL genotype K-k+, Kp(a-b+), Js(a-b+), while XK gene NGS identified a hemizygous deletion of exons 1-3 (XK
N. 01), consistent with XK: -1 or Kx-(McLeod). The mother's peripheral blood smear exhibited prominent acanthocytes. Conclusion: The hematological features of this rare McLeod phenotype with X-CGD include weakened Kell antigen expression and a complete exon deletion in the XK gene. Early clinical attention should be given to the symptoms and laboratory diagnosis of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease in pediatric patients. XK genotyping for McLeod phenotype should be prioritized to guide cautious transfusion strategies, preventing life-threatening complications due to incompatible blood products.
8.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.
9.Setup Errors in Abdominal Deep Inspiration Breath-Hold Radiotherapy for Left-Sided Breast Cancer After Conservation Surgery
Yan ZHANG ; Yun TENG ; Diancheng HAN ; Wangyuan HU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(9):758-763
Objective To compare the setup errors between abdominal deep inspiration breath hold (ADIBH) guided by real-time position management (RPM) and free breathing (FB) for breast cancer patients who were treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) after breast-conserving surgery. Methods The data of 60 patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery for left-sided breast cancer and completed IMRT were analyzed retrospectively. Of these patients, 30 received ADIBH technique guided by RPM and 30 received FB technique. Setup errors in translational (X, Y, Z) and rotational (Rx, Ry, Rz) directions were assessed by comparing planning CT and cone-beam CT (CBCT) images for both patient groups. Results Compared with FB group (232 sets of CBCT images), ADIBH (261 sets of CBCT images) significantly reduced setup errors in the translational directions (X, Z) and rotational directions (Rx, Ry, and Rz) (Z values were 3.14, 2.42, 1.45, 1.93, 1.37, respectively; all P<0.05). In the ADIBH group, the difference in setup errors between the patients with BMI <24 kg/m2 and those with BMI ≥24 kg/m2 was not statistically significantly different (P≥0.05); no significant change in setup errors was detected when comparing the first treatment week with subsequent radiotherapy fractions (P≥0.05). The rotation error in the Ry direction was greater in the first treatment week than subsequent radiotherapy fractions in the FB group (Z=8.02, P=0.02). Conclusion In left-sided breast cancer patients receiving postoperative IMRT, the ADIBH technique demonstrates significantly smaller setup errors compared to FB technique, independent of BMI, thereby improving radiotherapy precision.
10.Association of sugar sweetened beverage consumption with insomnia and depressive symptoms among first grade middle school students from Yunnan Province
LI Jiangli, YANG Chaoyuan, ZHANG Ming, FU Yun, YANG Wanjuan, YANG Jizong, WANG Jixue, HU Mengdie, LU Qiuan, XU Honglü ;
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(2):173-177
Objective:
To investigate the association of sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption with insomnia and depressive symptoms among first grade middle school students from Yunnan Province, so as to provide evidence to guide interventions for the treatment of these symptoms in this population.
Methods:
From October to December 2022, 8 500 firstgrade middle school students from 11 counties in Yunnan Province were selected by cluster random sampling. Depressive symptoms, SSB consumption, and insomnia symptoms among students were evaluated by the Child Depression Scale (CDI), dietary frequency questionnaire, and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). A Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between SSB consumption, insomnia, depressive symptoms, and their interaction effects among students.
Results:
The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 28.3%, and having insomnia symptoms ( OR=6.07, 95%CI =5.46-6.75), consuming carbonated beverages ( OR=1.20, 95%CI =1.08-1.34), tea ( OR=1.13, 95%CI =1.02-1.25), energy drinks ( OR=1.36, 95%CI =1.23-1.50), and other beverages ( OR=1.32, 95%CI =1.19-1.45) were positively correlated with depressive symptoms among first grade middle school students ( P < 0.05). Carbonated beverages (additive effect: OR=2.96, 95%CI =2.72-3.22, multiplicative effect: OR=4.75, 95%CI =4.25- 5.32 ), fruit drinks (additive effect: OR=2.61, 95%CI =2.40-2.82; multiplicative effect: OR=4.43, 95%CI =3.94-4.97), tea (additive effect: OR=2.70, 95%CI =2.47-2.89; multiplicative effect: OR=4.34, 95%CI =3.86-4.89), energy drinks (additive effect: OR=2.82, 95%CI =2.61-3.05; multiplicative effect: OR=4.48, 95%CI =3.92-5.12), sweetened milk (additive effect: OR= 2.73, 95%CI =2.06-2.96; multiplicative effect: OR=4.61, 95%CI =4.12-5.17) and other beverages (additive effect: OR= 2.73 , 95%CI =2.53-2.95; multiplicative effect: OR=4.56, 95%CI =4.00-5.20) had both additive and multiplicative effects with insomnia, and increased the risk of depressive symptoms in first grade middle school students ( P <0.01).
Conclusions
The interaction between the consumption of SSB and insomnia symptoms may increase the risk of depressive symptoms among first grade middle school students in Yunnan Province. It is necessary to advocate middle school students to reduce SSB intake, in order to decrease the occurrence of depressive symptoms among this population.


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