1.Geographical Inference Study of Dust Samples From Four Cities in China Based on ITS2 Sequencing
Wen-Jun ZHANG ; Yao-Sen FENG ; Jia-Jin PENG ; Kai FENG ; Ye DENG ; Ke-Lai KANG ; Le WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):970-981
ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.
2.Mitochondial-located miRNAs in The Regulation of mtDNA Expression
Peng-Xiao WANG ; Le-Rong CHEN ; Zhen WANG ; Jian-Gang LONG ; Yun-Hua PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1649-1660
Mitochondria, functioning not only as the central hub of cellular energy metabolism but also as semi-autonomous organelles, orchestrate cellular fate decisions through their endogenous mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which encodes core components of the electron transport chain. Emerging research has identified microRNAs localized within mitochondria, termed mitochondria-located microRNAs (mitomiRs). Recent studies have revealed that mitomiRs are transcribed from nuclear DNA (nDNA), processed and matured in the cytoplasm, and subsequently transported into mitochondria. mitomiRs regulate mtDNA through diverse mechanisms, including modulation of mtDNA expression at the translational level and direct binding to mtDNA to influence transcription. Aberrant expression of mitomiRs leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and contributes to the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Restoring mitomiR expression to physiological levels using mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and alleviate related diseases. Consequently, the regulatory mechanisms of mitomiRs have become a major focus in mitochondrial research. Given that mitomiRs are located in mitochondria, targeted delivery strategies designed for mtDNA can be adapted for the delivery of mitomiRs mimics or inhibitors. However, numerous intracellular and extracellular barriers remain, highlighting the need for more precise and efficient delivery systems in the future. The regulation of mtDNA expression mediated by mitomiRs not only expands our understanding of miRNA functions in post-transcriptional gene regulation but also provides promising molecular targets for the treatment of mitochondrial-related diseases. This review systematically summarizes recent research progress on mitomiRs in regulating mtDNA expression and discusses the underlying mechanisms of mitomiRs-mtDNA interactions. Additionally, it provides new perspectives on precision therapeutic strategies, with a particular emphasis on mitomiRs-based regulation of mitochondrial function in mitochondrial-related diseases.
3.Discussion on the Pathogenesis of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Under the System of Non-uniform Settlement During Bone Resorption and Multidimensional Composite Bowstring Working in Coordination with the Theory of Liver-Kidney and Muscle-Bone Based on the Concept of Liver and Kidney Sharing the Common Source
Gui-Xin ZHANG ; Feng YANG ; Le ZHANG ; Jie LIU ; Zhi-Jian CHEN ; Lei PENG ; En-Long FU ; Shu-Hua LIU ; Chang-De WANG ; Chun-Zhu GONG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):239-246
From the perspective of the physiological basis of liver and kidney sharing the common source in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),and by integrating the theory of kidney dominating bone,liver dominating tendon,and meridian sinew of TCM as well as the bone resorption and collapse theory,and non-uniform settlement theory and lower-limb musculoskeletal bowstring structure theory of modern orthopedics,the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH)under the system of non-uniform settlement during bone resorption and multidimensional composite bowstring working in coordination with the theory of liver-kidney and muscle-bone was explored.The key to the TCM pathogenesis of ONFH lies in the deficiency of the liver and kidney,and then the imbalance of kidney yin-yang leads to the disruption of the dynamic balance of bone formation and bone resorption mediated by osteoblasts-osteoclasts,which manifests as the elevated level of bone metabolism and the enhancement of focal bone resorption in the femoral head,and then leads to the necrosis and collapse of the femoral head.It is considered that the kidney dominates bone,liver dominates tendon,and the tendon and bone together constitute the muscle-bone-joint dynamic and static system of the hip joint.The appearance of collapse destroys the originally balanced muscle-bone-joint system.Moreover,the failure of liver blood in the nourishment of muscles and tendons further exacerbates the imbalance of the soft tissues around the hip joint,accelerates the collapse of the muscle-bone-joint dynamic and static system,speeds up the process of femoral head collapse,and ultimately results in irreversible outcomes.Based on the above pathogenesis,the systematic integrative treatment of ONFH should be based on the TCM holistic concept,focuses on the focal improvement of internal and external blood circulation of the femoral head by various approaches,so as to rebuild the coordination of joint function.Moreover,attention should be paid to the physical constitution of the patients,and therapy of tonifying the kidney and regulating the liver can be used to restore the balance between osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,and to reconstruct the muscle-bone-joint system,so as to effectively delay or even prevent the occurrence of ONFH.
4.The Genetic Polymorphism and Structural Analysis of 47 Microhaplotypes in a Jiangsu Changshu Chinese Han Population
Kun-Peng PAN ; Yao-Sen FENG ; Wen-Shuai YU ; Zong-Wei LIU ; Yi-Ren YAO ; Jie ZHAO ; Ke-Lai KANG ; Chi ZHANG ; Le WANG ; Jian WU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(2):423-434
ObjectiveTo investigate the genetic polymorphism and structure of 47 autosomal microhaplotypes in the Han population in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, and to evaluate the forensic efficiencies and forensic parameters. MethodsThe DNA library of unrelated individual samples was prepared according to MHSeqTyper47 kit manual and sequenced on the MiSeq FGx platform. Microhaplotype genotyping and sequencing depth statistics were processed using MHTyper. The genetic information of samples was then evaluated. The fixation index and genetic distance between the Jiangsu Changshu population and the reference populations in the 1000 Genomes Project phase 3 (1KG) were calculated, and forensic parameters were evaluated. ResultsThe fixation index and genetic distance between the Han population in Changshu, Jiangsu, and the CHB (Han Chinese in Beijing, China) reference population in 1KG were the lowest. The effective allele number (Ae) of each locus is also the closest between the two populations. The combined matching probability (CMP) of the Changshu Han population is close to the 5 populations of the East Asian reference super-population in 1KG, which is 1.25×10-36, and the combined probability of exclusion reached 0.999 999 999 964 1. ConclusionThis study reported the genetic polymorphism and allele frequency of 47 microhaplotypes in a Han population in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province. This information provides a data basis for 47 microhaplotypes in forensic applications. In addition, the polymorphism differences between the 1KG reference population and the Han population in Changshu, Jiangsu were compared, and the genetic structure of 47 microhaplotypes in the Han population in Changshu, Jiangsu was revealed. In general, the reference data of the East Asian super-population in 1KG is more in line with the genetic characteristics of Han population in Changshu, Jiangsu.
5.The construction of integrated urban medical groups in China:Typical models,key issues and path optimization
Hua-Wei TAN ; Xin-Yi PENG ; Hui YAO ; Xue-Yu ZHANG ; Le-Ming ZHOU ; Ying-Chun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(1):9-16
This paper outlines the common aspects of constructing integrated urban medical groups,focusing on governance,organizational restructuring,operational modes,and mechanism synergy.It then delves into the challenges in China's group construction,highlighting issues with power-responsibility alignment,capacity evolution,incentive alignment,and performance evaluation.Finally,the paper suggests strategies to enhance China's compact urban medical groups,focusing on governance reform,capacity building,benefit integration,and performance evaluation.
6.Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of 53 cases of drowning in children
Yinggang PENG ; Leyun XIE ; Tian YU ; Tao WANG ; Le YANG ; Saizhen ZENG ; Yimin ZHU
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2024;31(1):47-51
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics and first aid measures of children with drowning,and to provide scientific basis for the treatment and prevention of drowning in children.Methods:The clinical data of drowning children admitted to the Children's Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University(Hunan Provincial People's Hospital)from January 2011 to December 2021 were retrospectively summarized. Baseline characteristics,prehospital emergency care and prognosis of the included children were analyzed.According to the time span, drowning children were divided into two stages, the first stage (2011-2016) and the second stage (2017-2021). According to cerebral performance category assessment scale,drowning children with cardiac arrest were divided into two groups: a group with good neurological prognosis and a group with poor neurological prognosis. The baseline characteristics,pre-hospital emergency care, and prognosis of drowning children during different periods and with different prognosis were analyzed.Results:A total of 53 children were enrolled during the study period,with 24 cases in the first phase(2011-2016)and 29 cases in the second phase(2017-2021).Boys accounted for 73.6%(39/53)of the cases, the age ranged from 1 month and 24 days to 14 years old,with 1-4 years old being the most common,accounting for 58.5%(31/53), and the season in which drowning occurred was more common in the summer(39.6%, 21/53).Six cases (11.3%) had significant neurological sequelae, and the mortality rate was 3.8%(2/53).There was a decrease in the proportion of drowning with water control in the second stage compared to the first stage(37.5% vs. 13.79%, P=0.046).Thirty-two(60.4%)children experienced on-site cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) after drowning,with 24 cases in the group with good neurological prognosis and 8 cases in the group with poor neurological prognosis.Children in the poor neurological prognosis group required CPR for a long duration [10.00(1.50, 25.00)min],had lower body temperature,Glasgow Coma Score,pH and higher blood glucose levels on admission(all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Drowning is most common in preschool children,common in boys,and drowning prevention measures for young children deserve focused attention. Children found to be in cardiac arrest at the time of drowning have a long duration of drowning and CPR,which predicts a poor neurological prognosis,and timely and effective on-site CPR is the key to reducing the drowning rate.
7.Efficacy of non-inflatable transaxillary approach and transthoracic approach surgery in treatment of thyroid cancer
Le SHU ; Xiang-Jun HUANG ; Shu-Wang PENG ; Lan LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(2):166-169
Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of non-inflatable transaxillary approach and transthoracic approach surgery for thyroid cancer,and analyze the occurrence of postoperative complications in patients.Methods The clinical data of 88 patients with thyroid cancer who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from October 2019 to November 2022 were analyzed.They were divided into group A and B according to the surgical method.Forty-five patients in group A received complete endoscopic thyroidectomy through the non-inflatable axillary approach,while 43 patients in group B received endoscopic thyroidectomy through the thoracic approach.The perioperative indicators,satisfaction with surgical incision,postoperative pain,and incidence of complications of patients in the two groups were compared.And the main influence factors for the occurrence of complications were analyzed.Results The total satisfaction rate for surgical incision of patients in group A was significantly higher than that in group B(P<0.05);while the intraoperative bleeding volume and postoperative drainage volume of patients in group A were significantly lower than those in group B(P<0.05).The VAS score 3 and 5 days after surgery were significantly lower than that 1 day after surgery(P<0.05),and the VAS score 5 days after surgery was lower than that 3 days after surgery(P<0.05).The incidence of postoperative complications in group A was significantly lower than that in group B(P<0.05).Logistic regression results showed that intraoperative bleeding volume was the independent influencing factor for postoperative complications(P<0.05).Conclusion Both non-inflatable transaxillary approach and transthoracic approach surgery are effective for thyroid cancer,but the non-inflatable transaxillary approach surgery has the advantages of concealed incision,higher postoperative aesthetics,and less intraoperative bleeding volume,postoperative drainage volume and postoperative complications.Excessive intraoperative bleeding is the main factor leading to postoperative complications.
8.Effects and mechanisms of zinc ion-loaded composite hydrogel on infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice
Zeping PAN ; Yunlong SHI ; Zhiqiang YUAN ; Yizhi PENG ; Zhonglian AN ; Shuai LE ; Yali GONG
Chinese Journal of Burns 2024;40(9):866-875
Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of zinc ion-loaded composite hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as the zinc-containing hydrogel) on infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice.Methods:This study was an experimental study. A poly (glycerol sebacate)-co-poly(ethylene glycol)-g-catechol prepolymer/quaternized-chitosan hydrogel (hereinafter referred to as the simple hydrogel) and a solid-state zinc-containing hydrogel with porous and good adhesion by adding zinc ions to the simple hydrogel were prepared. The release rate of zinc ions from the zinc-containing hydrogel after immersion in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) for 14 days was calculated. The concentration of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cultured for 2 hours with the simple hydrogel, zinc-containing hydrogel, and PBS was measured. The scavenging ability of the simple hydrogel, zinc-containing hydrogel, and PBS for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2, 4, 6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl (DPPH) was detected using microplate reader to reflect the ability of oxygen free radical removal. The length of vessels formed by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured for 24 hours with the simple hydrogel, zinc-containing hydrogel, and PBS was measured. The cell viability of L929 cells cultured for 24 hours with the simple hydrogel, zinc-containing hydrogel, and PBS was detected using the cell counting kit-8. The mouse red blood cell suspension was divided into blank control group treated with PBS, simple hydrogel group, zinc-containing hydrogel group, and Triton X-100 group treated with corresponding solution. Hemolysis was detected using microplate reader after 2 hours of treatment, and the hemolysis rate was calculated. All experiments had a sample size of 3. Twenty-one C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks were taken, and a full-thickness skin defect wound was prepared in the symmetrical position on the back spine and infected with MRSA. Mice were divided into blank control group treated with PBS, simple hydrogel group, and zinc-containing hydrogel group treated with the corresponding hydrogel. Three days after injury, bacterial concentration in the wounds were measured in all groups of mice ( n=4). On day 0 (immediately), 3, 7, and 14 after injury, the wound infection status of mice was generally observed and the wound healing rate was calculated ( n=5). Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were used to detect new epithelium and collagen formation in the wounds of mice on day 14 after injury. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect neovascularization and distribution of M2 macrophages in the wounds of mice. Results:After immersion for 14 days, the release rate of zinc ions of the zinc-containing hydrogel was (70.5±4.6)%. Compared with the zinc-containing hydrogel, the bacterial concentration was significantly increased after 2 hours of culture with PBS and the simple hydrogel ( P<0.05). The DPPH scavenging rate of the zinc-containing hydrogel was significantly higher than that of PBS and the simple hydrogel (with P values all <0.05). The length of vessels formed by HUVECs cultured for 24 hours with the zinc-containing hydrogel was significantly longer than that cultured with PBS ( P<0.05). Compared with PBS and the simple hydrogel, the cell viability of L929 cells cultured for 24 hours with the zinc-containing hydrogel was significantly higher ( P<0.05). After 2 hours of incubation, compared with that in Triton X-100 group, the hemolysis rate of red blood cells in blank control, simple hydrogel, and zinc-containing hydrogel groups was significantly reduced ( P<0.05); and the hemolysis rate of red blood cells in the latter three groups was similar ( P>0.05). On day 3 after injury, the bacterial concentration in the wounds of mice in zinc-containing hydrogel group was significantly lower than that in blank control and simple hydrogel groups (with P values all <0.05). From day 3 to day 14 after injury, the wounds of mice in all the three groups were gradually healing, and on day 14 after injury, the wounds of mice in the zinc-containing hydrogel group were basically healed. On day 7 after injury, the wound healing rate of mice in zinc-containing hydrogel group was (72.4±8.4)%, which was significantly higher than that of blank control and simple hydrogel groups, being (31.6±6.7)% and (44.7±5.4)%, respectively(with P values all< 0.05). On day 14 after injury, the wound healing rate of mice in zinc-containing hydrogel group was (92.7±4.3)%, which was significantly higher than (73.5±7.4)% in blank control group ( P<0.05). On day 14 after injury, compared with that in blank control and simple hydrogel groups, the newly formed epidermis in mice wound of zinc-containing hydrogel group was longer and thicker, with more collagen deposition, and a more abundant distribution of new vessels and M2 macrophages. Conclusions:The zinc-containing hydrogel exhibits good biocompatibility, oxygen free radical scavenging capacity, and antimicrobial effects both in vitro and in vivo, as well as angiogenic promotion capability. It can provide sustained release of zinc ions to promote re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis, thus enhancing the healing of infected full-thickness skin defect wounds in diabetic mice.
9.Acupoint selection law of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating diabetic gastroparesis based on data mining
Hao HUANG ; Xing WEI ; Le XIAO ; Tianhua ZHANG ; Xiaoyu LI ; Yan PENG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(10):1356-1362
Objective:To explore the acupoint selection law of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) using data mining technology.Methods:The clinical literature on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for DGP was retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, the Cochrane Library from the establishment of the databases to July 31, 2023. The acupoint prescriptions were extracted to Excel 2016 to establish a database, and the statistics of acupoint frequency, meridian, distribution site and specific acupoint use were collected. SPSS Modeler 18.0 was used to analyze the association rules among acupoints, and SPSS Statistics 25.0 was used for clustering analysis and factor analysis to summarize the acupoint selection law for acupuncture treatment of DGP.Results:Totally 153 articles were included, involving 59 acupoints, with a total frequency of 802 times. The 5 most frequently used acupoints were "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Pishu" (BL 20). The commonly used meridians were stomach meridian, Conception Vessel and bladder meridian. The involved acupoints were mostly located in the chest-abdomen and lower limbs, and most of them were Wushu acupoints, Mu acupoints, and Xiahe acupoints. The core acupoints group was "Zusanli (ST 36)-Zhongwan (CV 12)-Neiguan (PC 6)-Pishu (BL 20)-Weishu (BL 21)-Sanyinjiao (SP 6)-Tianshu (ST 25)", 24 groups of association rules, 5 effective clusters and 6 factors were obtained.Conclusion:Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of DGP focuses on both spleen and stomach, treating both symptoms and root causes, and uses methods of combining acupoints such as distant and near matching, combining Mu acupoints, and Xiahe acupoints, and combining of Wushu acupoints and Mu acupoints, to achieve the therapeutic effect of nourishing yin and tonifying qi, dispelling upper abdominal fullness and resolving turbidity, and harmonizing stomach and strengthening spleen.
10.Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 33 caused by EEF1A2 gene mutation:a case report
Hai-Lan HE ; Xue-Qin LIN ; Xiao-Le WANG ; Pan PENG ; Hui XIAO ; Fei YIN ; Jing PENG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(8):861-864
A boy,aged 7 months,presented with severe global developmental delay(GDD),refractory epilepsy,hypotonia,nystagmus,ocular hypertelorism,a broad nasal bridge,everted upper lip,a high palatal arch,and cryptorchidism.Genetic testing revealed a de novo heterozygous missense mutation of c.364G>A(p.E122K)in the EEF1A2 gene,and finally the boy was diagnosed with autosomal dominant developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 33 caused by the EEF1A2 gene mutation.This case report suggests that for children with unexplained infancy-onset severe to profound GDD/intellectual disability and refractory epilepsy,genetic testing for EEF1A2 gene mutations should be considered.This is particularly important for those exhibiting hypotonia,nonverbal communication,and craniofacial deformities,to facilitate a confirmed diagnosis.

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