1.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases.
2.Environmental contamination status of norovirus outbreaks in schools and nurseries in Linhai City
ZHENG Jianjun, WANG Xi,HONG Danyang, LI Yaling, XU Qiumeng, ZHANG Huili, HAN Qian, LU Da, ZHENG Qiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):601-603
Objective:
To investigate the environmental contamination of norovirus in nurseries and primary/secondary schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control measures.
Methods:
A total of 483 external environmental samples were collected from 34 cluster outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools in Linhai City from 2021 to 2024. Pathogen detection was conducted using a rapid nucleic acid extraction kit and realtime fluorescence RT-PCR, and the results were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fishers exact test.
Results:
Among the collected external environmental samples, the total positive rate of surface contamination was 13.66%. The positive rates in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools were 12.20% and 15.82%, respectively. In kindergartens, the five surfaces with the highest detection rates were desks/chairs (23.33%), toilet stool troughs (20.69%), urinal troughs (12.00%), washbasins/sinks (11.11%), and toilet mops (9.38%). In primary/secondary schools, the top five were toilet stool troughs (38.30%), urinal troughs (23.53%), toilet door handles (13.04%), toilet mops (12.50%), and drinking cups (11.11%). The difference in positive detection rates among different external environments in primary/secondary schools was statistically significant (Fishers exact probability test, P<0.01). The positive detection rate in sanitary toilets was higher than that in classroom environments (χ2=17.38), while the positive detection rate in classroom environments of kindergartens was higher than that in primary/secondary schools (χ2=5.42)(P<0.05).
Conclusions
Norovirus exhibits a high contamination rate in nurseries and schools, particularly in restroom areas. Strengthening sanitation and disinfection in highrisk environments, and improving hygiene awareness among children and staff, are essential for the effective prevent and control of norovirus.
3.A new method for flow cytometry-based detection of ABO antigen expression levels
Yuyu ZHANG ; Xi LIU ; Junhua XIE ; Bin CAO ; Jiewei ZHENG ; Xinyi ZHU ; Zhongying WANG ; Dong XIANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):665-672
Objective: To design and establish a new method for flow cytometry-based detection of commonly observed highly expressed antigens on red blood cells, and to further evaluate the differences and distribution characteristics of antigen expression levels between ABO blood type homozygotes and heterozygotes in healthy individuals. Methods: Residual blood samples after donor blood type identification by Shanghai Blood Center in April 2024 were collected. Among them, samples of 19 homozygous and 19 heterozygous individuals of type A and type B were selected. Then the expression level of ABO antigen on red blood cells were detected using the new method established in this study and the traditional aldehyde fixed red blood cell method. Both methods were tested independently three times and the results were compared. Results: The mean values of the three detection results of the new method was (×10
/RBC): AA homozygous 3.3±0.5, AO heterozygous 2.8±0.3, BB homozygous 3.6±0.3, BO heterozygous 3.1±2.8. The mean values of the three detection results of the aldehyde fixation method were AA homozygous 5.9±0.9, AO heterozygous 5.0±1.4, BB homozygous 3.8±0.6, and BO heterozygous 3.3±0.4. The average antigen distribution of each genotype followed a normal distribution. Comparing the average antigen expression levels of homozygotes and heterozygotes, both methods showed that A/B homozygotes had higher antigen levels than heterozygotes, with AA being 1.17 to 1.18 times that of AO and BB being 1.15 to 1.16 times that of BO. Comparing the inter batch differences in the three test results of two methods, the new method showed no significant difference in the three test results for four genotypes (P>0.05). The aldehyde fixation method showed significant differences in the test results for all three genotypes (P<0.01) except for BB homozygotes (P>0.05). The reliability and reproducibility of the new method were better than those of the traditional aldehyde fixation method. Conclusion: The antigen expression level of ABO homozygotes is higher than that of heterozygotes, and the difference in antigen level between type A homozygotes and heterozygotes is slightly higher than that of type B. The new method is superior to traditional aldolization fixation methods.
4.Consensus statement on research and application of Chinese herbal medicine derived extracellular vesicles-like particles (2023 edition).
Qing ZHAO ; Tong WANG ; Hongbin WANG ; Peng CAO ; Chengyu JIANG ; Hongzhi QIAO ; Lihua PENG ; Xingdong LIN ; Yunyao JIANG ; Honglei JIN ; Huantian ZHANG ; Shengpeng WANG ; Yang WANG ; Ying WANG ; Xi CHEN ; Junbing FAN ; Bo LI ; Geng LI ; Bifeng LIU ; Zhiyang LI ; Suhua QI ; Mingzhen ZHANG ; Jianjian ZHENG ; Jiuyao ZHOU ; Lei ZHENG ; Kewei ZHAO
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2024;16(1):3-12
To promote the development of extracellular vesicles of herbal medicine especially the establishment of standardization, led by the National Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, research experts in the field of herbal medicine and extracellular vesicles were invited nationwide with the support of the Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, Professional Committee on Extracellular Vesicle Research and Application, Chinese Society of Research Hospitals and the Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Herbal Vesicles. Based on the collation of relevant literature, we have adopted the Delphi method, the consensus meeting method combined with the nominal group method to form a discussion draft of "Consensus statement on research and application of Chinese herbal medicine derived extracellular vesicles-like particles (2023)". The first draft was discussed in online and offline meetings on October 12, 14, November 2, 2022 and April and May 2023 on the current status of research, nomenclature, isolation methods, quality standards and research applications of extracellular vesicles of Chinese herbal medicines, and 13 consensus opinions were finally formed. At the Third Academic Conference on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, held on May 26, 2023, Kewei Zhao, convenor of the consensus, presented and read the consensus to the experts of the Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles. The consensus highlights the characteristics and advantages of Chinese medicine, inherits the essence, and keeps the righteousness and innovation, aiming to provide a reference for colleagues engaged in research and application of Chinese herbal vesicles at home and abroad, decode the mystery behind Chinese herbal vesicles together, establish a safe, effective and controllable accurate Chinese herbal vesicle prevention and treatment system, and build a bridge for Chinese medicine to the world.
5.Application progress of swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in ophthalmology
Xi WANG ; Xiaoying HUANG ; Yan ZHOU ; Zheng ZHENG
International Eye Science 2024;24(2):255-259
Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography(SS-OCTA)is a new vascular imaging technique that was recently proposed. It has the advantages of being non-invasive, quick, high-resolution, and automated vascular stratification imaging. It is extremely helpful in the early diagnosis of ophthalmology-related diseases, as well as in the evaluation of treatment effectiveness and the tracking of disease progression. Based on the foundation of OCTA, SS-OCTA utilizes a fast-tuning laser with a wavelength of 1 050 nm for deeper penetration and non-invasive depth-resolved imaging of the retinal and choroidal microvascular systems, deepening the understanding of the characteristics of a wide range of ophthalmic diseases(fundus lesions, glaucoma, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.). The structures of the anterior segment of the eye can also be studied using SS-OCTA, including changes in the depth and density of corneal neovascularization as well as changes in iris neovascularization before and after therapy. This approach provides a novel tool for ophthalmic clinical practice. The development of the clinical use of SS-OCTA technology in ophthalmology is reviewed in this article.
6.The relationship between mean daily step counts and pulmonary complications after thoracoscopic lobectomy in elderly patients: A propensity score matching study
Xin LI ; Zhe WANG ; Hui YUAN ; Bin GUAN ; Zheng GUAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(01):99-104
Objective To investigate the relationship between preoperative mean daily step counts and pulmonary complications after thoracoscopic lobectomy in elderly patients. Methods From 2018 to 2021, the elderly patients with pulmonary complications after thoracoscopic lobectomy were included. A 1∶1 propensity score matching was performed with patients without pulmonary complications. The clinical data were compared between the two groups. Results Totally, 100 elderly patients with pulmonary complications were enrolled, including 78 males and 22 females, aged 66.4±4.5 years. And 100 patients without pulmonary complications were matched, including 71 males and 29 females aged 66.2±5.0 years. There was no significant difference in the preoperative data between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared to the patients with pulmonary complications, the ICU stay was shorter (8.1±4.4 h vs. 12.9±7.5 h, P<0.001), the first out-of-bed activity time was earlier (8.8±4.5 h vs. 11.2±6.1 h, P=0.002), and the tube incubation time was shorter (19.3±9.2 h vs. 22.5±9.4 h, P=0.015) in the patients wihout pulmonary complications. There was no statistical difference in other perioperative data between the two groups (P>0.05). The mean daily step counts in the pulmonary complications group were significantly less than that in the non-pulmonary complications group (4 745.5±2 190.9 steps vs. 6 821.1± 2 542.0 steps, P<0.001). The daily step counts showed an upward trend for three consecutive days in the two groups, but the difference was not significant. Conclusion The decline of preoperative mean daily step counts is related to pulmonary complications after thoracoscopic lobectomy in elderly patients. Recording daily step counts can promote preoperative active exercise training for hospitalized patients.
7.Differential characteristics of motor development levels, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility processing in preschool children
ZHENG Quanliang, WANG Tingzhao, SHI Bing, CHI Aiping, NING Ke
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(2):258-262
Objective:
To explore the neural processing differences in inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility associated with motor development levels in preschool children, so as to provide a basis for motor learning and cognitive development in preschool children.
Methods:
From March 20 to 31 in 2023, a total of 84 preschool children aged 4-6 were recruited from two kindergartens in Xi an City. The MOBAK-KG Motor Development Assessment Scale was used to assess the children s motor development levels. The Go/no go task paradigm was employed to test inhibitory control ability, and the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS) task paradigm was utilized to evaluate cognitive flexibility. Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to monitor the preschool children s prefrontal cortex oxygenation dynamics during inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility tasks. Malab software and Homer 2 plugins were used to calculate prefrontal oxygenated hemoglobin concentration of preschool children during the tasks.
Results:
The high motor skills group exhibited significantly higher task accuracy during inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility tasks [0.95(0.92, 0.97),(0.54±0.12)] compared to the low motor skill group[0.93(0.85, 0.97),(0.45±0.13)] ( Z/t =-2.09, 3.14 , P <0.05). During the inhibitory control task, the high motor skill group [0.24(0.10,0.41), 0.34(0.16,0.62), 0.30(0.07, 0.52 ), 0.26(0.09, 0.53), 0.15(0.01, 0.43), 0.34(0.10, 0.67)mol/L] showed significantly higher oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations in the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (L-DLPFC, R-DLPFC), left and right pars triangular Broca s areas ( L- PTBA, R-PTBA), and left and right frontopolar areas (L-FPA, R-FPA) compared to the low motor skill group [0.04( -0.13 , 0.15), 0.00(-0.12, 0.11), -0.01(-0.17, 0.14), 0.04(-0.14, 0.16), -0.01(-0.16, 0.12), -0.03(-0.21, 0.15) mol/L ] ( Z=-4.83, -5.57, -4.77, -4.10, -3.45, -5.74, P <0.01). During the cognitive flexibility task, the high motor skill group[0.21(0.03, 0.36), 0.28(0.15, 0.45), 0.15(0.05, 0.30), 0.20(0.05, 0.37), 0.04(-0.17, 0.26), 0.14(-0.08, 0.40) mol/L ] exhibited significantly higher oxygenated hemoglobin concentrations in the L-DLPFC, R-DLPFC, L-PTBA, R-PTBA, L- FPA, R-FPA brain regions compared to the low motor skill group [0.02(-0.20, 0.23), 0.02(-0.12, 0.21), 0.00(-0.22, 0.16 ), 0.00(-0.16, 0.15), -0.05(-0.25, 0.06), 0.01(-0.23, 0.20)mol/L] ( Z=-3.63, -4.45, -3.58, -3.75, -2.18, -1.98 , P <0.05).
Conclusions
The motor development level in preschool children is closely related to inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. It is crucial to emphasize motor learning in early childhood to further promote holistic development of both mind and body.
8.Structure-activity Omics of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Case Study of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Qizhi Weitong Granules
Xiansheng MENG ; Ying ZHENG ; Ying MENG ; Bing QI ; Sicong LIU ; Xi LUO ; Xinpeng QIN ; Yongrui BAO ; Shuai WANG ; Tianjiao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(15):129-135
The complex chemical composition and limited research ideas of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have led to the unclear material basis and mechanism of the medicinal effects, which is a common problem hindering the modernization of TCM in China. The introduction of computer virtual technology has provided a new perspective for TCM research. In this study, we established the research method of structure-activity omics to study the relationships between the structures and effects of different compounds in TCM based on the chemical structures of TCM components and to analyze and predict the material basis and multitarget synergistic mechanism of TCM. Furthermore, a structure-activity omics study was carried out with the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Qizhi Weitong granules as an example. This study provides support for screening the pharmacodynamic components and analyzing the active ingredients of TCM and gives insights into the research on the material basis and mechanism of compound efficacy and the development of lead compounds of TCM, thus promoting the modern research and the innovative development of TCM.
9.Clinical application of magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiation therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer
Yaxin LIU ; Min LIU ; Renchuan ZHENG ; Xin XIN ; Feng YANG ; Xi FENG ; Jie LI ; Xianliang WANG ; Lintao LI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(4):371-377
At present, pancreatic cancer is a solid tumor with the worst prognosis. Compared with surgery and chemotherapy, radiotherapy plays an auxiliary role in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In recent years, significant advances have been achieved in radiotherapy technology, which have been gradually applied in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. In this article, the progress in radiation therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer was reviewed, especially the clinical application of magnetic resonance imaging-guided radiation therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, aiming to deepen the understand of the progress in radiation therapy for pancreatic cancer, and providing reference for improving the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients.
10.Tumor Therapy: Targeted Substances Metabolism Reprogramming Induces Tumor Ferroptosis
Jin-Ping ZHANG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Mo WANG ; Xin-Yue WANG ; Xiao-Qin MOU ; Xi ZHENG ; Chuang CHENG ; Jing HE ; Li-Li ZOU ; Xiao-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(7):1540-1550
There are huge differences between tumor cells and normal cells in material metabolism, and tumor cells mainly show increased anabolism, decreased catabolism, and imbalance in substance metabolism. These differences provide the necessary material basis for the growth and reproduction of tumor cells, and also provide important targets for the treatment of tumors. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death characterized by an imbalance of iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and lipid membrane antioxidant systems in cells, resulting in excessive accumulation of lipid peroxide, causing damage to lipid membrane structure and loss of function, and ultimately cell death. The regulation of ferroptosis involves a variety of metabolic pathways, including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and iron metabolism. In order for tumor cells to grow rapidly, their metabolic needs are more vigorous than those of normal cells. Tumor cells are metabolically reprogrammed to meet their rapidly proliferating material and energy needs. Metabolic reprogramming is mainly manifested in glycolysis and enhancement of pentose phosphate pathway, enhanced glutamine metabolism, increased nucleic acid synthesis, and iron metabolism tends to retain more intracellular iron. Metabolic reprogramming is accompanied by the production of reactive oxygen species and the activation of the antioxidant system. The state of high oxidative stress makes tumor cells more susceptible to redox imbalances, causing intracellular lipid peroxidation, which ultimately leads to ferroptosis. Therefore, in-depth study of the molecular mechanism and metabolic basis of ferroptosis is conducive to the development of new therapies to induce ferroptosis in cancer treatment. Ferroptosis, as a regulated form of cell death, can induce ferroptosis in tumor cells by pharmacologically or genetically targeting the metabolism of substances in tumor cells, which has great potential value in tumor treatment. This article summarizes the effects of cellular metabolism on ferroptosis in order to find new targets for tumor treatment and provide new ideas for clinical treatment.


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