1.Alternative Polyadenylation in Mammalian
Yu ZHANG ; Hong-Xia CHI ; Wu-Ri-Tu YANG ; Yong-Chun ZUO ; Yong-Qiang XING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):32-49
With the rapid development of sequencing technologies, the detection of alternative polyadenylation (APA) in mammals has become more precise. APA precisely regulates gene expression by altering the length and position of the poly(A) tail, and is involved in various biological processes such as disease occurrence and embryonic development. The research on APA in mammals mainly focuses on the following aspects:(1) identifying APA based on transcriptome data and elucidating their characteristics; (2) investigating the relationship between APA and gene expression regulation to reveal its important role in life regulation;(3) exploring the intrinsic connections between APA and disease occurrence, embryonic development, differentiation, and other life processes to provide new perspectives and methods for disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as uncovering embryonic development regulatory mechanisms. In this review, the classification, mechanisms and functions of APA were elaborated in detail and the methods for APA identifying and APA data resources based on various transcriptome data were systematically summarized. Moreover, we epitomized and provided an outlook on research on APA, emphasizing the role of sequencing technologies in driving studies on APA in mammals. In the future, with the further development of sequencing technology, the regulatory mechanisms of APA in mammals will become clearer.
2.Experience in Treating Ischemic Stroke with Triple-Medicinal Combinations
Xueru ZHANG ; Wei SHEN ; Xiao LIANG ; Xiansu CHI ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):407-410
This paper summarized the clinical experience in treating ischemic stroke with jiao (角) medicine (triple-medicinal combinations). Clinically, the combination of Roucongrong (Cistanche deserticola)-Shanyurou (Cornus officinalis)-Guijia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) is used to nourish the kidneys and liver for disease mechanism of liver-kidney depletion, and foundation deficiency due to insufficient essence and blood; the combination of Xixiancao (Sigesbeckia orientalis)-Tianma (Gastrodia elata)-Gouteng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) is used to extinguish wind and eliminate dampness for treating numbness and swelling of limbs caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Shichangpu (Acorus Tatarinowii)-Yuanzhi (Polygala tenuifolia)-Yujin (Curcumae Radix) is used to improve intelligence, refresh the brain, and clear the mind for treating cognitive impairment, memory loss, or speech difficulties caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Banxia (Pinellia ternata)-Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)- Tianma (Gastrodiae rhizoma) is used to dissolve phlegm and extinguish wind, unblock meridians and relieve dizziness for treating dizziness or headache caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Danggui (Angelica sinensis radix)- Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)-Guijianyu (Euonymus alatus) is used to nourish and activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis and unblock meridians for treating weak limbs and activiry difficulty caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Chaihu (Bupleurum chinense)-Zhiziz (Gardenia jasminoides)-Guanye Jinsitao (Hypericum perforatum) is used to soothe the liver and resolve constraint, cool the blood and calm the mind for treating emotional complications.
3.Extraction and identification of primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells by improved tissue block culture method
Fan Zhang ; Bolin Li ; Ming Chi ; Haiqin Liu ; Yuanyu Tang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):10-14
Objective :
To investigate the brain microvascular tissue block culture method for extracting primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells and identify its effect.
Methods :
Brain tissue from 4-week-old Sprague Dawley rats was screened, pre-digested and solidified to obtain brain microvascular segments. These segments were subsequently placed in a CO2incubator for primary culture. The target cells were identified by cell morphology and immunocytochemical staining for factor Ⅷ-related antigen.
Results :
After a 48-hour culture periodin vitro, the short spindle cells crawled out from around the brain microvascular segments. After 72 hours, island-like cell culsters formed. After 96 hours the clusters fused and the cells formed a typical monolayer, cobble stone-like, and mosaic arrangement. Factor Ⅷ-related antigen immunocytochemical staining showed that the cytoplasm of the cells appeared brown-red, indicating positive expression; DAB stained the nucleus, showing blue-dark.
Conclusion
The brain microvascular tissue block culture method can isolate and culture primary rat brain microvascular endothelial cells.
4.Value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices with significant portal hypertension in compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
Cheng LIU ; Jiayi ZENG ; Mengbing FANG ; Zhiheng CHEN ; Bei GUI ; Fengming ZHAO ; Jingkai YUAN ; Chaozhen ZHANG ; Meijie SHI ; Yubao XIE ; Xiaoling CHI ; Huanming XIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):263-268
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices since there is a high risk of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and to provide a basis for the early diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices. MethodsA total of 108 patients with significant portal hypertension due to compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who attended Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2017 to November 2023 were enrolled, and according to the presence or absence of esophageal and gastric varices under gastroscopy, they were divided into esophageal and gastric varices group (GOV group) and non-esophageal and gastric varices group (NGOV group). Related data were collected, including age, sex, imaging findings, and laboratory markers. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of five scoring models, i.e., fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), LOK index, LPRI, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR). The binary logistic regression method was used to establish a combined model, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared between the combined model and each scoring model used alone. The Delong test was used to compare the AUC value between any two noninvasive diagnostic models. ResultsThere were 55 patients in the GOV group and 53 patients in the NGOV group. Compared with the NGOV group, the GOV group had a significantly higher age (52.64±1.44 years vs 47.96±1.68 years, t=0.453, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase [42.00 (24.00 — 17.00) U/L vs 82.00 (46.00 — 271.00) U/L, Z=-3.065, P<0.05], aspartate aminotransferase [44.00 (32.00 — 96.00) U/L vs 62.00 (42.50 — 154.50) U/L,Z=-2.351, P<0.05], and platelet count [100.00 (69.00 — 120.00)×109/L vs 119.00 (108.50 — 140.50)×109/L, Z=-3.667, P<0.05]. The ROC curve analysis showed that FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone had an accuracy of 0.667, 0.681, 0.730, and 0.639, respectively, in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices (all P<0.05), and the positive diagnostic rates of GOV were 69.97%, 65.28%, 67.33%, and 58.86%, respectively, with no significant differences in AUC values (all P>0.05), while APRI used alone had no diagnostic value (P>0.05). A combined model (LAF) was established based on the binary logistic regression analysis and had an AUC of 0.805 and a positive diagnostic rate of GOV of 75.80%, with a significantly higher AUC than FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone (Z=-2.773,-2.479,-2.206, and-2.672, all P<0.05). ConclusionFIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR have a similar diagnostic value for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and APRI alone has no diagnostic value. The combined model LAF had the best diagnostic efficacy, which provides a certain reference for clinical promotion and application.
5.A prospective study of the effect of laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection on liver synthetic function and liver cirrhosis
Kunqing XIAO ; Tianming GAO ; Jinhong CAI ; Zhaobao SHI ; Shengjie JIN ; Chi ZHANG ; Baohuan ZHOU ; Dousheng BAI ; Guoqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(1):51-57
Objective:To investigate the effect of laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection (LSD) on liver synthesis and development of liver cirrhosis.Methods:This is a prospective case series study.The clinical data of liver cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who received LSD at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Northern Jiangsu People′s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University from September 2014 to January 2016 were included. This study analyzed the diameter of the portal vein, the velocity of portal blood flow, the routine blood parameters, the liver function, the synthetic proteins of liver (antithrombin Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ), protein S, protein C), and the serum content of liver fibrotic markers(collagen type Ⅳ, procollagen type Ⅲ, laminin, hyaluronidase). Repeated measures ANOVA was used for comparison between multiple groups, and least significance difference was used for post-hoc multiple comparison.Results:A total of 106 patients were included in the study, including 70 males and 36 females, aged (51.8±9.8) years(range: 28 to 75 years).Compared with the preoperative results, the diameter of portal vein and the velocity of portal vein decreased after surgery ( F=14.03, 12.15, respectively, both P<0.01). Compared with the preoperative results, the total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, Child-Pugh score and classification were improved ( F=17.96, 56.01, 66.63, 35.83, 33.49, and 27.50, respectively, all P<0.01), and the AT-Ⅲ, protein S, protein C,collagen type Ⅳ, procollagen type Ⅲ, laminin and hyaluronidase levels were also improved ( F=47.87, 36.26, 18.02, 2.79, 14.58, 44.35, and 14.38, respectively, all P<0.01). Compared with the preoperative period, the diameter of portal vein was reduced from the first week to the 24 th month after surgery ( t=5.45 to 9.39, all P<0.01). Compared with the preoperative period, the velocity of portal vein blood from the first week after surgery to the 24 th month after surgery was decreased ( t=4.02 to 8.43, all P<0.01). Compared with the preoperative period, routine blood parameters (white blood count, hemoglobin, platelet count), liver function (total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, Child-Pugh score), liver synthetic protein (AT-Ⅲ, protein S, protein C) and liver fibrotic markers (collagen type Ⅳ, procollagen type Ⅲ, laminin, hyaluronidase) were improved to varying degrees at the 24th month after surgery ( t=-20.46 to 11.93, all P<0.01). Conclusion:Preliminary findings show that LSD can reduce portal vein pressure, restore blood cell number, and improve liver synthesis function and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.
6.A prospective study of the effect of laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection on liver synthetic function and liver cirrhosis
Kunqing XIAO ; Tianming GAO ; Jinhong CAI ; Zhaobao SHI ; Shengjie JIN ; Chi ZHANG ; Baohuan ZHOU ; Dousheng BAI ; Guoqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(1):51-57
Objective:To investigate the effect of laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection (LSD) on liver synthesis and development of liver cirrhosis.Methods:This is a prospective case series study.The clinical data of liver cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who received LSD at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Northern Jiangsu People′s Hospital Affiliated to Yangzhou University from September 2014 to January 2016 were included. This study analyzed the diameter of the portal vein, the velocity of portal blood flow, the routine blood parameters, the liver function, the synthetic proteins of liver (antithrombin Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ), protein S, protein C), and the serum content of liver fibrotic markers(collagen type Ⅳ, procollagen type Ⅲ, laminin, hyaluronidase). Repeated measures ANOVA was used for comparison between multiple groups, and least significance difference was used for post-hoc multiple comparison.Results:A total of 106 patients were included in the study, including 70 males and 36 females, aged (51.8±9.8) years(range: 28 to 75 years).Compared with the preoperative results, the diameter of portal vein and the velocity of portal vein decreased after surgery ( F=14.03, 12.15, respectively, both P<0.01). Compared with the preoperative results, the total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, Child-Pugh score and classification were improved ( F=17.96, 56.01, 66.63, 35.83, 33.49, and 27.50, respectively, all P<0.01), and the AT-Ⅲ, protein S, protein C,collagen type Ⅳ, procollagen type Ⅲ, laminin and hyaluronidase levels were also improved ( F=47.87, 36.26, 18.02, 2.79, 14.58, 44.35, and 14.38, respectively, all P<0.01). Compared with the preoperative period, the diameter of portal vein was reduced from the first week to the 24 th month after surgery ( t=5.45 to 9.39, all P<0.01). Compared with the preoperative period, the velocity of portal vein blood from the first week after surgery to the 24 th month after surgery was decreased ( t=4.02 to 8.43, all P<0.01). Compared with the preoperative period, routine blood parameters (white blood count, hemoglobin, platelet count), liver function (total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, Child-Pugh score), liver synthetic protein (AT-Ⅲ, protein S, protein C) and liver fibrotic markers (collagen type Ⅳ, procollagen type Ⅲ, laminin, hyaluronidase) were improved to varying degrees at the 24th month after surgery ( t=-20.46 to 11.93, all P<0.01). Conclusion:Preliminary findings show that LSD can reduce portal vein pressure, restore blood cell number, and improve liver synthesis function and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis.
7.Association Between the Coexistence of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases and Quality of Life in Middle-aged and Elderly People Living with HIV/AIDS
Yao ZHANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Cong LIU ; Haidan ZHONG ; Peishan DU ; Quanmin LI ; Linghua LI ; Jing GU
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(1):161-171
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence rate of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the association with quality of life in middle-aged and elderly patients with HIV/AIDS. MethodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed 432 patients with HIV/AIDS (aged≥45 years) in the Infectious Disease Center in Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, and 366 participants were included in the analysis after quality control. A questionnaire and the EuroQol 5-Dimensional 3-level version (EQ-5D-3L) were used to investigate NCDs and quality of life and Tobit regression model was used to estimate the association between chronic diseases and quality of life. ResultsAmong the 366 participants, 29(7.9%) had cardiovascular disease, 45(12.3%) had hypertension, 122(33.3%) had hyperglycemia, 151(41.3%)had hyperlipidemia,7(1.9%) had cancer, 17 (4.6%) had chronic kidney disease, 38 (10.4%) had chronic liver disease, 21(5.7%) had musculoskeletal disorders, and 253(69.1%) suffered from at least one type of chronic diseases. The median (lower and upper quartiles) of EQ-5D utility index was 1.000(0.964~1.000). Multivariate Tobit regression results of the total population showed that cancer [ba=-0.08,95%CI (-0.15,-0.01),P=0.036], chronic kidney disease [ba=-0.07, 95%CI (-0.12,-0.02),P=0.006], musculoskeletal disease [ba=-0.09, 95%CI (-0.13, -0.05),P<0.001], and ≥3 types of chronic diseases[ba=-0.05, 95%CI(-0.08,-0.01),P=0.013] were negatively correlated with EQ-5D utility index. The stratified analysis results of different CD4+T cell levels showed that hypertension [ba=-0.07, 95%CI (-0.12, -0.02), P=0.007], chronic kidney disease [ba=-0.10,95%CI (-0.18,-0.03), P=0.006], musculoskeletal disease [ba=-0.15, 95%CI (-0.22,-0.07), P<0.001] and ≥3 types of chronic diseases [ba=-0.09, 95%CI (-0.09, -0.01), P<0.001] were negatively correlated with EQ-5D utility index in the group with CD4≤500 (cells/μL), whereas cancer[ba=-0.11, 95%CI (-0.20,-0.01), P=0.031] was negatively correlated with EQ-5D utility index in the group with CD4>500(cells/μL). ConclusionsThe prevalence rate of chronic non-communicable diseases in middle-aged and elderly patients with HIV/AIDS is relatively high. The classification of NCDs such as cancer or chronic kidney disease or other chronic diseases and the numbers of NCDs categories are negatively correlated with quality of life. However,this association varies among patients with HIV/AIDS of different CD4+T cell levels. It is suggested that we should try to prevent and identify NCDs at an early stage, strengthen linkages and integration of health services for AIDS and chronic NCDs, and jointly manage and control AIDS with chronic diseases to improve the quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS.
8.Effect of central positioning techniques for anterior capsulotomy in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery on intraocular placement and visual quality
Shuaishuai LIU ; Wei ZHOU ; Xiaochen DING ; Shuang ZHANG ; Qiangqiang CHI ; Yong LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):523-529
AIM: To examine how three distinct central positioning techniques for anterior capsulotomy-pupil center, limbus center, and lens apex-affect intraocular lens(IOL)placement and visual quality following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery(FLACS).METHODS: A total of 36 patients(72 eyes)with age-related cataracts who underwent FLACS and ZCB00 aspherical IOL implantation at Aier Eye Hospital Medical Center, Anhui Medical University between January and December 2023 were included in this prospective study. Patients were divided into three groups based on the central positioning mode for anterior capsulotomy: pupil center, limbus center, and lens apex center groups. IOL alignment and displacement were evaluated using the Casia2 device, and the postoperative visual quality was assessed.RESULTS: At 1 d postoperatively, the IOL tilt for the pupil, limbus, and apex groups were 3.96°±1.51°, 4.63°±1.87°, and 3.90°±2.24°, respectively(F=1.07, P=0.35); IOL decentration values were 0.21±0.10 mm, 0.23±0.16 mm, and 0.21±0.12 mm, respectively(F=0.14, P=0.87); total higher-order aberrations were 0.32±0.40 μm, 0.56±0.61 μm, and 0.53±0.60 μm, respectively(F=1.38, P=0.26); and coma aberrations values were 0.13±0.10 μm, 0.16±0.15 μm, and 0.14±0.15 μm, respectively(F=0.3, P=0.74). All results obtained postoperative day 1 did not differ significantly. At 3 mo postoperatively, IOL tilt values were 5.42°±2.00°, 3.96°±1.44°, and 3.20°±1.19°, respectively(F=12.40, P<0.001); IOL decentration values were 0.33±0.07 mm, 0.23±0.11 mm, and 0.21±0.11 mm, respectively(F=4.99, P=0.008); total higher-order aberrations were 0.67±0.29 μm, 0.44±0.37 μm, and 0.42±0.19 μm, respectively(F=5.50, P=0.006); and coma aberrations values were 0.21±0.12 μm, 0.19±0.12 μm, and 0.12±0.11 μm, respectively(F=3.87, P=0.03). All results obtained 3 mo postoperatively were statistically significant.CONCLUSION: Using the lens apex as the central positioning mode for anterior capsulotomy in FLACS improves postoperative IOL stability and reduces postoperative IOL tilt and decentration. If the lens apex cannot be determined intraoperatively, the limbus center-positioning mode is recommended.
9.Relationship between screening myopia and physical fitness index in college freshmen without majoring in public safety administration
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):431-434
Objective:
To explore the relationship between visual acuity and physical fitness of university freshmen, so as to provide reference for myopia prevention and control for freshmen.
Methods:
From October to November 2022, 2 160 college freshman without majoring in public safety administration, selected from Guangxi Police College in 2022 by using the stratified cluster random sampling method, were reviewed for the results of visual acuity test and physical fitness scores. The physical fitness indices were evaluated by using the Z scores of physical fitness test scores, and the strength of association between the level of physical fitness index and myopia was analyzed by using Logistic regression model.
Results:
Among 2 160 college freshman without majoring in public safety administration, 917 (42.5%) students were diagnosed screening myopia, including 66 (3.1%) cases of high myopia, 383 (17.7%) cases of moderate myopia and 468 (21.7%) cases of mild myopia. The differences in the distribution of visual acuity tests among students with different physical fitness indices, body mass index, and gender were statistically significant ( Z/H=54.50, 49.53, 15.51, P <0.01). Low level and low middle level physical fitness indices were associated with screening myopia among freshmen[ OR (95% CI )=2.81(1.93-4.08),1.87(1.38-2.54)], and low level physical fitness indexes were associated with high myopia [ OR (95% CI )=7.22(2.33-22.32)] ( P <0.01).
Conclusions
Screening myopia among college freshman without majoring in public safety administration is related to physical fitness, and low level and low middle level physical fitness index are risk factors for myopia. Improving the level of physical fitness might be effective in preventing myopia.
10.Differentiation and Treatment of Non-Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Based on the Concept of Nourishing the Heart and Softening the Hardness
Xiaofei GENG ; Xinbiao FAN ; Xitong SUN ; Wenyu SHANG ; Wenxiu LI ; Chi ZHANG ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):846-850
This article summarized clinical experience in differentiating and treating non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) based on the concept of nourishing the heart and softening the hardness. It is considered that HCM belongs to the category of "heart accumulation", with the fundamental cause being depletion of the spleen and kidney, and phlegm-stasis accumulation, as well as qi-yin exhaustion, serving as the manifestations. Spleen and kidney depletion leads to the transformation of phlegm and stasis, which accumulate in the heart; over time, this phlegm-stasis accumulation consumes heart qi and yin, resulting in the heart being deprived of nourishment, which eventually leads to the damage to both the function and structure of heart. Therefore, the method of nourishing the heart and softening the hardness is proposed for the treatment of non-obstructive HCM. Emphasis is placed on softening hardness and dissipating masses throughout the entire treatment process, often using Modified Siwei Ruanjian Formula (四味软坚方加减). During periods with prominent symptoms, the main treatment is boosting qi and nourishing yin to soften hardness and dissipate masses with self-made Yuxin Ruanjian Formula (自拟育心软坚方) in modifications; in stable periods, the main treatment is boosting kidney and fortifying spleen to soften hardness and dissipate masses with self-made Pishen Tongzhi Formula (脾肾同治方) in modifications.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail