1.Preliminary study on the biological characteristics of heat shock cognate protein 20 of Schistosoma japonicum
Xingang YU ; Kaijian YUAN ; Yilong LI ; Xuanru MU ; Hui XU ; Qiaoyu LI ; Wenjing ZENG ; Zhiqiang FU ; Yang HONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(3):294-303
Objective To clone and express the heat shock cognate protein 20 (SjHsc20) of Schistosoma japonicum, and to preliminarily investigate its biological characteristics. Methods The target fragment of the SjHsc20 gene was amplified using PCR assay and cloned into the pET-28a(+) expression plasmid to generate the recombinant expression vector pET-28a(+)-SjH-sc20, which was then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) competent cells. The recombinant SjHsc20 (rSjHsc20) protein was induced with isopropyl β-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and purified, and the expression of the rSjHsc20 protein was checked with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The immunogenicity of the rSjHsc20 protein was detected using Western blotting, and the transcriptional levels of SjHsc20 were quantified in S. japonicum worms at different developmental stages and in male and female adult worms using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay. Thirty female BALB/c mice at ages 6 to 8 weeks were divided into three groups, including the rSjHsc20 immunization group, the PBS control group, and the ISA 206 adjuvant group, of 10 mice in each group. Mice in the rSjHsc20 immunization group were subcutaneously immunized with 20 μg rSjHsc20 on days 1, 15 and 31, and animals in the PBS control group were subcutaneously injected with the same volume of PBS on days 1, 15 and 31, while mice in the ISA 206 adjuvant group were subcutaneously immunized with the same volume of ISA 206 adjuvant on days 1, 15 and 31, respectively. All mice in each group were infected with (40 ± 2) S. japonicum cercariae via the abdomen 14 day following the last immunization. Levels of serum specific IgG and its subtypes IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies against rSjHsc20, and the serum titers of anti-rSjHsc20 antibody were detected in mice using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All mice were sacrifice 42 days post-infection, and S. japonicum worms were collected from the hepatic portal vein and counted. The eggs per gram (EPG), worm burden reductions and egg burden reductions were estimated to evaluate the protective efficacy of the rSjHsc20 protein. Results The SjHsc20 gene had an open reading frame (ORF) with 756 bp in length and encoded 252 amino acids, and the rSjHsc20 protein had a relative molecular mass of approximately 29 kDa. The rSjHsc20 protein was recognized by the serum of mice infected with S. japonicum and the serum of mice immunized with the rSjHsc20 protein, indicating that rSjHsc20 had a good immunogenicity. There was a significant difference in the transcriptional levels of the SjHsc20 gene among the 7-day (1.001 4 ± 0.065 7), 12-day (2.268 3 ± 0.129 2), 21-day (1.378 5 ± 0.160 4), 28-day (1.196 4 ± 0.244 0), 35-day (1.646 3 ± 0.226 1), 42-day worms of S. japonicum (1.758 0 ± 0.611 1) (F = 38.45, P < 0.000 1), and the transcriptional level of the SjHsc20 gene was higher in the 12-day worms than in worms at other developmental stages (all P values < 0.000 1). The serum levels of anti-rSjHsc20 IgG antibody were 0.106 6 ± 0.010 7, 0.108 3 ± 0.010 4, and 0.553 2 ± 0.069 1 in the PBS control group, ISA 206 adjuvant group, and rSjHsc20 immunization group following the last immunization, respectively, and the serum levels of IgG1 antibody were 0.137 3 ± 0.054 0, 0.181 1 ± 0.096 8, and 1.765 8 ± 0.221 1, while the levels of IgG2a antibody were 0.280 3 ± 0.197 6, 0.274 0 ± 0.146 3, and 1.560 4 ± 0.106 0, respectively. There were significant differences in the serum levels of anti-rSjHsc20 IgG (F = 397.70, P < 0.000 1), IgG1 (F = 401.00, P < 0.000 1) and IgG2a antibodies (F = 229.70, P < 0.000 1) among the three groups, and the serum levels of anti-rSjHsc20 IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies were higher in the rSjHsc20 immunization group than in the PBS control group and the ISA 206 adjuvant group (all P values < 0.000 1). There was a significant difference in the IgG1/IgG2a ratio among the rSjHsc20 immunization group (1.177 2 ± 0.143 6), the PBS control group (0.428 4 ± 0.199 8) and the ISA 206 adjuvant group (0.559 9 ± 0.181 1) (F = 43.97, P < 0.000 1), and the IgG1/IgG2a ratio was > 1 in the rSjHsc20 immunization group, which was higher than in the PBS control group and the ISA 206 adjuvant group (both P values < 0.000 1). The titers of serum anti-rSjHsc20 antibody were all above 1∶16 384 in the rSjHsc20 immunization group following immunizations on days 1, 15 and 31, indicating that the rSjHsc20 protein had a strong immunogenicity. The mean worm burdens were (16.60±5.75), (15.80±5.58) worms per mouse and (14.40±5.75) worms per mouse in the PBS control group, the ISA 206 adjuvant group and the rSjHsc20 immunization group 42 days post-infection with S. japonicum cercariae (F = 0.50, P > 0.05), and the EPG were 68 370 ± 22 690, 67 972 ± 19 502, and 41 075 ± 13 251 in the PBS control group, the ISA 206 adjuvant group and the rSjHsc20 immunization group (F = 4.55, P < 0.05), with lower EPG in the PBS control group and the ISA 206 adjuvant group than in the rSjHsc20 immunization group (both P values < 0.05). Immunization with the rSjHsc20 protein resulted in a worm burden reduction of 13.25% and an egg burden reduction of 39.92% relative to the PBS control group. Conclusions SjHsc20 is successfully cloned and expressed, and the rSjHsc20 protein induces partial immunoprotective effects in mice, which provides a basis for deciphering the biological functions of SjHsc20 and assessing the potential of SjH-sc20 as a vaccine candidate.
2.Association of mitochondrial DNA copy number with mild to moderate cognitive impairment and its mediating role in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Tong LIU ; Chazhen LIU ; Peiyun ZHU ; Ping LIAO ; Xin HE ; Jian QI ; Qin YAN ; Yuan LU ; Wenjing WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):581-585
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and cognitive dysfunction, and its mediating role between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive dysfunction. MethodsA case-control study was conducted from May 2019 to April 2021 at the Shanghai Yangpu District Central Hospital, China. A total of 193 subjects were recruited and divided into two groups based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): normal control (NC) group (n=95) and cognitive impairment group (n=98). The prevalence of T2DM was determined on the basis of medical history, while mtDNAcn in peripheral blood samples was quantified using realtime fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ResultsUnivariate analyses revealed that the mean mtDNAcn in the cognitive impairment group was 0.76±0.37, significantly lower than that in the NC group (1.06±0.45) (P<0.05). Logistic regression analyses showed that higher mtDNAcn was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment (OR=0.315, 95%CI: 0.125‒0.795). Additionaly, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between mtDNAcn and the total MoCA score (r=0.381, P<0.01). Morever, T2DM history (OR=2.741, 95%CI: 1.002‒7.497) and elevated glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (OR=1.796, 95%CI: 1.190‒2.711) were identified as risk factors for cognitive impairment. Mediation analyses indicated that mtDNAcn served as a mediator between T2DM/HbA1c and the risk of cognitive impairment, with proportions of mediating effect of 9.04% and 9.18%, respectively. ConclusionPatients with mild and moderate cognitive impairment have significantly lower mtDNAcn than those with normal cognitive function. Reduced mtDNAcn is an influencing factor for cognitive dysfunction and may play a mediating role in the association between T2DM and mild to moderate cognitive impairment.
3.Expression and Clinical Significance of MIS18BP1 in Bladder Cancer Tissues
Wenjing CAO ; Yulin WANG ; Yuqing ZHAI ; Zongliang ZHANG ; Jiangshui YUAN ; Weiqing SONG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2024;51(3):163-168
Objective To explore the expression, correlation with clinicopathologic parameters, and clinical significance of MIS18 binding protein 1 (MIS18BP1) in bladder cancer. Methods TCGA and GEO databases were used to analyze the mRNA expression of MIS18BP1 in tumors and controls, and the results were verified via qRT-PCR. UALCAN online database was utilized in the analysis of the expression of MIS18BP1 and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters and the degree of immune cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry was employed to analyze the expression of MIS18BP1 in bladder cancer and its relationship with clinicopathological features. The ROC curve was applied to evaluate the diagnostic value of MIS18BP1 mRNA in bladder cancer. Results Bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR results revealed the increased expression of MIS18BP1 mRNA in bladder cancer compared with that in the control group (
4.The role of CB2 in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement
Dengying FAN ; Haoyan ZHAI ; Huijuan LIU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Dongna LI ; Xing QIAO ; Wenjing KANG ; Dechao ZHU ; Chunyan LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(2):212-218
Objective To explore the effect of cannabinoid receptor 2(CB2)on orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)rate and periodontal tissue reconstruction of pressure area in mice.Methods Thirty CB2-/-male mice and thirty littermate control WT male mice were individually accepted the orthodontic appliance at their age of 6 weeks.The mice were respectively scarified at 3 days,7 days,14 days and 21 days after the operation.Then the tooth movement distance was examined through the stereomicroscope.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to explore the biological responses of periodontium at the distal mesial root pressure area.Anti-tartrate acid phospha-tase staining was performed to calculate the number and distribution of osteoclasts at the distal mesial root pressure area,and MMP-9 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry to examine the number of MMP-9(+)monocytes and multinucleated cells in the same district as the TRAP staining.Results Compared with those WT mice at 3,7,14 and 21 days,OTM distance showed a gradual increased tendency according with experimental time over 21 days.The widths of periodontal ligament on the pressure side were markedly greater in CB2-/-mice than WT mice at 7,14 and 21 days(P<0.000 1).The numbers of TRAP positive osteoclasts were significantly greater in CB2-/-mice than those in WT mice at 14 days of OTM(P<0.001).MMP-9 immunohistochemical staining showed that the number of MMP-9(+)monocytes and multinucleated cells was more in CB2-/-mice than that in WT mice at 14 days of OTM(P<0.05).Conclusion The absence of CB2 accelerates orthodontic tooth movement under or-thodontic force.The absence of CB2 reinforces bone resorption in orthodontic tooth movement compressive area dur-ing orthodontic tooth movement.
5.Building and Optimization of "Student-Scholar" Orientated Future Talents Training System in Pharmaceutical Education
Wenjing YUAN ; Peifang HUANG ; Lijuan SHEN ; Jia LIANG ; Huirong YANG ; Xiangnan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(4):541-544
OBJECTIVE
Nowadays, the development of pharmacy discipline has a new trend, which is reflected in the close connection with the national strategy, the integration of basic and applied research, the high degree of discipline intersection, the long achievement cycle, and the high career access, etc. The traditional model of pharmacy talent cultivation can no longer meet the needs of the development of pharmacy discipline and the creation of new drugs in the new era, therefore, it puts forward new paths of the cultivation of innovative talents in pharmacy.
METHODS
On the basis of analyzing the main problems existing in the process of cultivation of existing pharmacy talents, to describe the new trends and new paths of cultivation of top-notch innovative pharmacy talents in the new era.
RESULTS
Propose to start from the four aspects of the trinity of the guidance mechanism, the mechanism of the science education and human resources mechanism, the regularization of the joint mechanism, and the mechanism of the cultivation of talents.
CONCLUSION
It is proposed to build a talent cultivation model with a "Student-Scholar" orientation, to provide new ideas for the cultivation of future pharmacy talents in the new era.
6.Comparing the Anti-oxidative Effects of "Three Decoctions for COVID-19"
Ximeng LI ; Yuan KANG ; Yuan GAO ; Zhuangzhuang LIU ; Wenjing LI ; Zhenlu XU ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Runlan CAI ; Yun QI
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(7):887-894
OBJECTIVE
To compare the anti-oxidative effects of "three decoctions for COVID-19" (Qingfei Paidu decoction, Huashi Baidu decoction, Xuanfei Baidu decoction) in parallel experimental models.
METHODS
In the cell-free system, the total antioxidant capacity was investigated by FRAP method. The scavenging effects of DPPH radicals and superoxide anions were evaluated by DPPH and NBT reduction method, respectively. The scavenging effect of hydroxyl radicals was determined by a fluorescence method based on the end-product MDA. The anti-lipid peroxidation activity was investigated using the FeSO4-induced rat liver homogenate MDA method. Based on these five antioxidant indicators, the antioxidant capabilities of the extracts of three decoctions were parallelly compared in the cell-free system. Furthermore, in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 cells, the productions of intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species(ROS) were detected using the L-012 probe and the MitoSOX mitochondrial superoxide red fluorescence probe, respectively; and intracellular NADPH oxidase activity was measured using the lucigenin probe. These three indicators were used to parallelly compare the antioxidant capabilities of the extracts of three decoctions.
RESULTS
In the cell-free system, three decoctions for COVID-19 could concentration-dependently scavenge DPPH radicals, superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals, and potently inhibit the lipid peroxidation. At the equal extract concentration, their scavenging effects on DPPH radicals and superoxide anions and the total antioxidant capacity were comparable; while Huashi Baidu decoction exhibited the strongest ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation. In the cell system, three decoctions could reduce lipopolysaccharide-elevated intracellular ROS level by weakening NADPH oxidase activity; meanwhile, they could decrease mitochondrial ROS productions, among which Qingfei Paidu decoction possessed the most comprehensive effection.
CONCLUSION
Collectively, three decoctions for COVID-19 exert diverse antioxidant effects in both cell-free and cell systems, and each of them possesses the distinct advantages. Given that oxidative stress is pivotal during the pathological process of COVID-19, the results may suggest that the antioxidant ability of three decoctions is one of the pharmacodynamic basis for their clinical use.
7.Value of dual-layer detector spectral CT quantitative parameters in evaluating treatment response of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer
Wenjing YUAN ; Zhiqing HUANG ; Ziqi JIA ; Hanliang ZHANG ; Jianye LU ; Xiaohua DU ; Zhibo WEN ; Xian LIU ; Weicui CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(2):194-200
Objective:To explore the value of dual-layer detector spectral CT quantitative parameters in evaluating the treatment response of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. From May 2021 to March 2023, a total of 52 patients with LARC who received complete nCRT and were pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma at the Guangdong Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were retrospectively enrolled. Each patient underwent spectral CT examination before and after nCRT, including plain scan, arterial phase (AP), and venous phase (VP) scans. According to the tumor regression grade, the patients were divided into the good response ( n=20) and the poor response group ( n=32). Measurements of the primary tumor′s spectral CT parameters, including effective atomic number (Z eff) at plain scan, iodine concentration (IC), CT values of 40 keV and 100 keV virtual monochromatic image (VMI) at dual-enhanced phases, were taken before and after nCRT. Additionally, the normalized iodine concentration (NIC), spectral curve slope (λHU), and the change rate of the above parameters before and after nCRT were calculated. The independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the efficacy of various metrics in evaluating the tumor treatment response of nCRT. A binary logistic regression analysis of combined parameter results was performed for the parameters with the areas under curve (AUC)>0.75, and the AUC of the combined parameter was evaluated. Results:There were significant differences in NIC AP and λHU VP before nCRT, NIC VP and λHU VP after nCRT, and the change rates of Z eff, NIC AP, NIC VP and λHU AP between the good response group and the poor response group ( P<0.05). The remaining parameters showed no statistically significant difference ( P>0.05). The ROC curve results showed that the AUCs of the above 8 parameters for evaluating tumor treatment response of nCRT were 0.702, 0.655, 0.695, 0.769, 0.738, 0.807, 0.791, and 0.677, respectively. The AUC of the combined model of the three parameters with AUC>0.75 (λHU VP after nCRT, the change rate of NIC AP and NIC VP) was 0.869, with 80.0% sensitivity and 84.4% specificity. Conclusion:The quantitative parameters derived from spectral CT may provide new markers for evaluating the response to nCRT treatment in patients with LARC. The multi-parameter combined model can improve diagnostic efficacy.
8.An Exploration of Formula-Syndrome Differentiation in the Framework of Case-Based Reasoning
Wenjing YUAN ; Jinxi ZHAO ; Qinggang MENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1423-1427
Case-based reasoning is a method of reasoning from experience to solve current problems in the field of cognitive science, which has the advantages of easy acquisition of knowledge, simple operation steps, and the ability to improve the efficiency of reasoning with the growth of experience. Formula-syndrome differentiation is a method of differentiation and treatment based on the scope of the adapted disease, disease mechanism, therapeutic methods, and contraindications of the formula. Analysed from the perspectives of concept, applicable field, and implementation steps, it is believed that the concept of formula-syndrome differentiation belongs to the scope of case-based reasoning, the clinical diagnosis and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine belongs to the applicable field of case-based reasoning, and the steps of formula-syndrome differentiation are consistent with the process of case-based reasoning. Based on the characteristics of case-based reasoning, we analyse the advantages, limitations and problems to be noted in the process of formula-syndrome differentiation, and put forward four strategies to improve the ability of formula-syndrome differentiation, including accumulating experience on formulas and syndromes, cultivating the ability to grasp the main symptoms, accumulating a rule base to improve the ability to modify formulas according to the symptoms, and improving the ability to assess the effect of treatment plans and obtain corresponding feedback, with a view to promoting the clinical application of formula-syndrome differentiation.
9.Clinical and genetic analysis of patients of PCDH19 gene related epilepsy
Jun ZHANG ; Zhigang YANG ; Miao LIU ; Ying WANG ; Yuan WANG ; Guohong CHEN ; Yanli MA ; Wenqian ZHANG ; Wenjing BI ; Jie DENG ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(10):1120-1126
Objective:To investigate the clinical and gene variant characteristics of PCDH19 gene related epilepsy, and improve the ability of clinicians in early disease identification. Methods:The clinical data of 3 PCDH19 gene related epilepsy patients admitted to Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from October 2018 to August 2023 diagnosed by gene detection were reviewed and analyzed. Results:All the patients are female, and the onset age of seizure ranged in their infancy. Seizures in clusters and fever sensitivity were observed in all patients, and were very hard to control by single-drug treatment. Proband 1 was seizure-free after 2 kinds of anti-epileptic drug treatment, but with mild degree of intellectual disability. Proband 2 had refractory epilepsy with severe degree of intellectual disability. Proband 3 was seizure-free after 2 kinds of anti-epileptic drug treatment and without intellectual disability. In the first family, the proband carried heterozygous c.369C>G variant in the PCDH19 gene which was identified as de novo after parental validation. In the second family, the proband carried c.1652T>A variant inherited from her mother. In the third family, the proband carried c.278G>A variant inherited from her father. The 3 mutations had not been reported in the Human Gene Mutation Database. Conclusions:PCDH19 gene related epilepsy is one special kind of X-linked inherited epilepsy syndrome characterized by seizures in clusters and sensitivity to fever. And gene detection can help with early diagnosis and make rational clinical strategies in time. The variants c.369C>G, c.1652T>A and c.278G>A have enriched the gene variant spectrum of PCDH19.
10.Effect of different strategies on the placement of 5 brands cuffed pediatric tracheal tubes
Yanjun ZHANG ; Hongyin DU ; Sheng WANG ; Jinzhu LIU ; Zhihao YUAN ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Ye ZHANG ; Fei WANG ; Haifeng QIAO ; Zhifen WANG
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2024;31(1):53-57
Objective To investigate the design of cuffed pediatric tracheal tubes and compare the effects of different tracheal intubation depth placement strategies on the position of the tracheal tube tip and cuff of 5 tracheal tube brands.Methods A total of 180 children who were admitted to Tianjin Children's Hospital from October 2020 to December 2021,with endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia,aged 1-6 years,were enrolled.The length of the subglottic airway was measured by electronic bronchoscopy.Dimensional data from 5 cuffed pediatric tracheal tube brands were recorded,including the length of the tracheal tube cuff,the distance from the tip of the tracheal tube to the upper edge of the cuff,and the tip of the tracheal tube to the lower edge of the tube glottis marker line the distance.Calculation of the required cuffed endotracheal tube internal diameter(ID)for 180 pediatric patients was performed based on the Motoyama formula,the positions of tracheal tube tip and upper cuff border were calculated for each of the 180 tracheas using depth mark to based tracheal tube placement,placement of the tracheal tube tip at 2 cm above the carina,and mid-tracheal tube placement.Results There were differences in the dimensional data of the 5 cuffed pediatric tracheal tube brands.Depth mark-based tracheal tube placement resulted in the incidence rate of tube tip to carina placement less than 1 cm was 3.9%-67.8%,and the highest incidence of bronchial intubation is Ruijing,up to 17.8%.The tracheal tube tip was placed 2 cm above the carina,and no improper placement of the tracheal tube cuff and tube tip was found in all brands.Mid-tracheal tube placement led to 100%subglottic and supraglottic tracheal tube cuff positions,except Weili.Conclusions There are differences in design between different brands of cuffed pediatric tracheal tube,and some of the design deficiencies may lead to the risk of airway complications.The method used to guide the insertion depth and the brand of cuffed tracheal tubes can affect the tracheal tube position.Placement of the tracheal tube tip at 2 cm above the carina allowed safe tracheal tube placement in children aged 1-6 years.


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