1.Optimizing extraction of microbial DNA from urine: Advancing urinary microbiome research in bladder cancer
Chuang-Ming ZHENG ; Ho Won KANG ; Seongmin MOON ; Young Joon BYUN ; Won Tae KIM ; Yung Hyun CHOI ; Sung-Kwon MOON ; Xuan-Mei PIAO ; Seok Joong YUN
Investigative and Clinical Urology 2025;66(3):272-280
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate and optimize microbial DNA extraction methods from urine, a non-invasive sample source, to enhance DNA quality, purity, and reliability for urinary microbiome research and biomarker discovery in bladder cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 302 individuals (258 with genitourinary cancers and 44 with benign urologic diseases) participated in this study. Urine samples were collected via sterile catheterization, resulting in 445 vials for microbial analysis. DNA extraction was performed using three protocols: the standard protocol (SP), water dilution protocol (WDP), and chelation-assisted protocol (CAP). DNA quality (concentration, purity, and contamination levels) was assessed using NanoDrop spectrophotometry.Microbial analysis was conducted on 138 samples (108 cancerous and 30 benign) using 16S rRNA sequencing. Prior to sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform, Victor 3 fluorometry was used for validation.
Results:
WDP outperformed other methods, achieving significantly higher 260/280 and 260/230 ratios, indicating superior DNA purity and reduced contamination, while maintaining reliable DNA yields. CAP was excluded due to poor performance across all metrics. Microbial abundance was significantly higher in WDP-extracted samples (p<0.0001), whereas SP demonstrated higher alpha diversity indices (p<0.01), likely due to improved detection of low-abundance taxa. Beta diversity analysis showed no significant compositional differences between SP and WDP (p=1.0), supporting the reliability of WDP for microbiome research.
Conclusions
WDP is a highly effective and reliable method for microbial DNA extraction from urine, ensuring high-quality and reproducible results. Future research should address sample variability and crystal precipitation to further refine microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutics.
2.Research progress on the relationship between the photobiomodulation and amblyopia
Shuxian HU ; Mei LIU ; Jingjing DONG ; Yang YANG ; Li LIU ; Xuan MA ; Liyun GUO
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1431-1435
Amblyopia is a common visual development disorder and is the main cause of monocular vision impairment in children and adults. Photobiomodulation(PBM), a non-invasive treatment method, has gradually gained attention in the field of ophthalmology. This paper begins with the macroscopic manifestation of light on the animal model of amblyopia. Additionally, it discusses the pathological changes of the amblyopic retina and the human eye's central nervous system, as well as the influence and mechanism of PBM on the visual perception and processing system and its chemical effect on the visual system through dopamine and melatonin. It examines its mechanism of action, current clinical application status, and future development direction in order to provide new ideas and theoretical foundation for amblyopia treatment.
3.Clinical phenotype and gene variation analysis of MED25 gene mutation induced Basel-Vanagaite-Smirin-Yosef syndrome
Guangjin LUO ; Xuan ZHANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Lihua WANG ; Jing ZHAO ; Xiao DING ; Jun CHEN ; Lijiang WANG ; Aiyun YUAN ; Mei HOU
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(1):47-53
Objective:To investigate the clinical phenotype and genetic variation of Basel-Vanagaite-Smirin-Yosef syndrome (BVSYS), and to enhance clinicians′ knowledge of the disease.Methods:The clinical data of a child with BVSYS admitted to the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University in February 2023 were collected. Whole genome sequencing was used to analyze the pathogenic genes of the child, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the suspected mutation sites of the family members. The clinical phenotype and genetic variation characteristics were analyzed, and the clinical characteristics of BVSYS were summarized in combination with relevant literature.Results:The patient, a female aged 3 years and 1 month, presented with global developmental delay, speech disorder, distinctive facial features, esotropia, epilepsy, hypotonia and atrial septal defect. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral ventriculomegaly with abnormal signal intensity in the posterior bodies of both lateral ventricles and thinning of the corpus callosum. The whole genome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense mutation c.518 (exon5) T>C (p.IIe173Thr) in the MED25 gene of the child, and Sanger sequencing confirmed that her parents and elder brother carried the aforementioned heterozygous mutation, which was classified as a likely pathogenic mutation according to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. A total of 22 cases from 6 literature sources were retrieved, with no reported cases in China so far. Conclusions:BVSYS is clinically rare. For patients presenting with unexplained global developmental delay or intellectual disability combined with craniofacial, neurological, cardiac, and eye abnormalities, targeted genetic testing can facilitate a definite diagnosis.
4.Implementation of surveillance,prevention and control of healthcare-asso-ciated infection in maternal and child healthcare institutions:A nation-wide investigation report
Shuo LI ; Xi YAO ; Hui-Xue JIA ; Wei-Guang LI ; Xun HUANG ; Shu-Mei SUN ; Xi CHENG ; Qing-Lan MENG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Jing-Ping ZHANG ; Ya-Wei XING ; Qing-Qing JIANG ; Lian-Xuan WU ; Bing-Li ZHANG ; Xiao-Jing LIU ; Liu-Yi LI
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(3):323-329
Objective To investigate the implementation of surveillance,prevention and control measures for healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in maternal and child healthcare(MCH)institutions,and provide policy evi-dence for optimizing HAI prevention and control in MCH institutions.Methods Stratified sampling was conducted among the MCH institutions at provincial,municipal and county levels in 8 provinces/autonomous regions.A uni-fied questionnaire was designed and the online survey was conducted through"Questionnaire Star".Results The data from 123 MCH institutions were included in the analysis.90.24%of the MCH institutions carried out compre-hensive surveillance on HAI.The ratios of MCH institutions which implemented targeted surveillance on HAI in neonatal intensive care unit(NICU),surgical site infection,multidrug-resistant organisms(MDROs)and HAI in intensive care units(non-NICU excluded)were 89.66%,85.96%,80.77%,and 74.19%,respectively.51.22%MCH institutions adopted information surveillance system on HAI cases.94.31%MCH institutions carried out surveillance on hand hygiene compliance.Over 90%MCH institutions carried out surveillance on environment hy-giene in high-risk departments.71.54%MCH institutions conducted centralized cleaning,disinfection,sterilization and supply for reusable medical instruments in the central sterile supply department(CSSD).Over 90%MCH insti-tutions established three-level pre-examination triage systems.86.18%set up transitional wards.MCH institutions generally adopted a management model with established effective communication,full appointment visits,and sepa-rate visits for special medical groups,such as registered pregnant women,high-risk newborns,healthcare groups,and long-term rehabilitation patients.However,the ratio of institutions conducting on-line follow-up visits was less than 50%.Conclusion MCH institutions have generally carried out comprehensive and targeted surveillance on HAI.Information surveillance need to be facilitated.Hand hygiene and environmental hygiene surveillance has been popularized to a certain extent at all levels of MCH institutions.The cleaning,disinfection,sterilization,and supply processes of reusable medical devices in a few MCH institutions are not standardized.Special medical populations get effective management.On-line healthcare is to be further promoted.
5.Osteopontin activates the PI3K/AKT pathway by upregulating LGALS3BP in promotion of hepatoma cell migration
Linlin DENG ; Riwen AN ; Fangxin ZHAO ; Ting LIN ; Cuihua LIU ; Mei HONG ; Jianqiang WU ; Xuan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2024;34(2):9-15
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of osteopontin(OPN)in hepatoma cell migration through galectin-3 binding protein(LGALS3BP).Methods Human hepatoma cell lines SMMC-7721,SMMC-P(stably transfected with empty eukaryotic expression vectors),and SMMC-OPN(stably transfected with the OPN gene)were cultured.mRNA expression levels of OPN and LGALS3BP were measured by RT-qPCR.Western blot assays were used to analyze the relative protein expression of OPN and LGALS3BP and PI3K/AKT pathway.Wound healing assays were performed to explore the cell migration ability.After transfection with LGALS3BP-targeting small interfering RNA(si-LGALS3BP)or negative control small RNA(si-NC)into SMMC-OPN cells,cell migration and relative expression of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins were assessed.Results Compared with SMMC-7721 and SMMC-P,the migratory ability of SMMC-OPN cells was significantly reinforced,and expression of LGALS3BP was obviously upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels.Moreover,relative expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT proteins was significantly increased.Wound healing assays showed that the si-LGALS3BP obviously suppressed the migratory ability of SMMC-OPN cells.Furthermore,relative expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT proteins in SMMC-OPN cells was significantly decreased after transfection of si-LGALS3BP.Conclusions OPN activates the PI3K/AKT pathway by upregulating LGALS3BP expression to promote hepatoma cell migration.
6.Event-related potentials developmental characteristics of picture recognition memory in children aged 6-12
Chaoqun WANG ; Xuan DONG ; Jie ZHU ; Qinfen ZHANG ; Haitian MEI ; Rui WANG ; Shiyan JI
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2024;33(1):39-44
Objective:To explore the developmental characteristics of event-related potential(ERP) in cognitive function of recognition memory in children aged 6-12.Methods:A total of 130 normal children were divided into seven age groups (6 ( n=20), 7 ( n=17), 8 ( n=23), 9 ( n=24), 10 ( n=19), 11 ( n=15), and 12 years old ( n=12)) to perform a picture study-recognition task and record the reaction time, accuracy, and ERP components of all participants. SPSS 22.0 software was used for data analysis. Single factor analysis of variance and trend of variance were used to compare the response time and accuracy of 7 groups of children during the recognition stage. Pearson correlation analysis was used to study the correlation between the amplitude of the central midline N2 component and age. Paired t-test was used to examine the old/new effects of the amplitude of midfrontal N2 and midparietal P3 waves. Results:(1) The differences of recognition ability ( F(6, 123)=2.476, P<0.05), old picture reaction time ( F(6, 123)=6.461, P<0.001), and new picture reaction time ( F(6, 123)=4.163, P<0.001) among 7 age groups of children were statistically significant. Recognition ability of children aged 6 (0.61±0.24) was lower than those of 8-12 years old children((0.76±0.27), (0.76±0.10), (0.73±0.11), (0.75±0.10), (0.70±0.17) respectively)(all P<0.05). The reaction time of the old picture showed no difference among the children aged 6-9 (all P>0.05), and the reaction time of old picture of children aged 12 was shorter than those of 6-10 years old children (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the reaction time of new pictures among the children aged 6-10 (all P>0.05), and which in children aged 12 was shorter than those in 6-10 years old children(all P<0.01). (2) Age was positively correlated with the amplitude of the N2 component in the central region under the new ( r=0.488, P<0.001) and old picture( r=0.452, P<0.001) conditions. (3)At 6 years old, children showed old/new effects on the mid-frontal electrodes. At 7 years old, there were no old/new effects in either the mid-frontal or mid-parietal regions. From 8 to 9 years old, old/new effects appeared in the mid-parietal lobe. At 10 years old, old/new effects were present in both the mid-frontal and mid-parietal regions. At 11 years old, the mid-parietal lobe showed old/new effects. Finally, at 12 years old, negative old/new effects could be observed in both the mid-frontal and mid-parietal regions. Conclusion:There are three periods of changes in the behavior of picture recognition memory in school-age children. At ages 6-7, the accuracy rate is relatively low; at ages 8-9, it improves; and between ages 10-12, the accuracy rate stabilizes while also enabling faster judgments.Children's recognition memory retrieval process is more complex than their behavioral performance. Children have different tendencies toward strategies, but strategic transitions in recognition processing are not always beneficial for performance.
7.Functional study of glycosyltransferase genes CtUGT25 in the flavone biosynthesis pathway of Carthamus tinctorius L.
Shu-yi QI ; Lu-nuan WANG ; Bei-xuan HE ; Yue GAO ; Mei-li GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1854-1863
UDP glycosyltransferase (UGT) is a terminal modifying enzyme for the formation of flavonoid glycosides. In this study, we obtained two glycosyltransferase genes,
8.Chinese Medical Master XUAN Guo-Wei's Experience in Treating Skin Diseases by Using Skin-Related Chinese Medicinals
Jia-Jue WANG ; Ling-Feng XIE ; Hong-Yi LI ; Xiu-Mei MO ; Da-Can CHEN ; Guo-Wei XUAN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2532-2537
In accordance with the theory of'treating the skin diseases with the skin',skin-related Chinese medicinals are usually used for the treatment of skin diseases,which reflects the thinking mode of holistic syndrome differentiation and classification according to the manifestations in traditional Chinese medicine.With ying-yang theory as the principle of differentiation and treatment of diseases and based on the core pathogenesis of'yin-yang imbalance causing the manifestations of the skin'for the skin diseases,Chinese medical master XU AN Guo-Wei has used skin-related Chinese medicinals in the treatment of skin diseases and has given full play to their unique advantage by following the theory of'treating the skin diseases with the skin'and'balanced regulation of yin and yang'.In the clinical practice,allergic skin diseases were usually treated with Cicadae Periostracum plus Dictamni Cortex for dispelling wind and relieving itching,hypopigmentation related skin diseases were usually treated with Sojae Semen Nigrum skin plus Dictamni Cortex for dispelling wind and tonifying kidney,autoimmune skin diseases were usually treated with Moutan Cortex plus Lycii Cortex for nourishing yin,clearing heat and activating blood,and skin diseases associated with abnormal sebum secretion were usually treated with Mori Cortex plus Lycii Cortex for purging lung and nourishing kidney.Skin-related Chinese medicinals have the actions of expelling wind and promoting eruption of papules,tonifying kidney and nourishing yin.The medication method of'treating the skin diseases with the skin'will provide reference for the treatment of skin diseases.
9.Impact of brain drain on organizational cohesion in northeastern public health institutions:Based on moderated mediation model tests
Qun-Kai WANG ; Nan MENG ; Qun-Hong WU ; Ke-Xin WANG ; Mei-Ye LI ; Rui-Qian ZHUGE ; Yu-Xuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(6):56-63
Objective:The purpose of this study is to explore in depth the mechanism of the impact of brain drain on organizational cohesion,with a view to cracking the vicious circle problem caused by brain drain in the northeast region and eliminating the unfavorable factors affecting the core cohesion of public health institutions.Methods:A combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling was used to survey11 912 valid questionnaires,and the data were systematically analyzed using descriptive statistics,regression analysis,and moderated mediated effects analysis.Results:Brain drain has a significant negative effect on organizational cohesion(β=-1.29,P<0.001);and role overload partially mediates between the two,with a significant mediating effect(effect value=-0.56,95%CI=-0.67~-0.46),and the indirect effect accounts for 43.4%of the total effect;and monthly income significantly moderates the effect of brain drain on organizational cohesion through role overload(β=1.00,P<0.001).Conclusion:It is recommended to alleviate the sense of role overload among public health personnel by adjusting the level of salary and benefits,and to reduce the negative impact of brain drain by adopting long-term incentive mechanisms and other strategies,thus enhancing organizational cohesion and providing theoretical and practical guidance for relevant institutions.
10.Clinical analysis of nano-carbon used in single port laparo-scopic transanal total mesorectal resection for the treatment of low rectal cancer
Guo-Ting ZHU ; Xuan ZHOU ; Kai-Mei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(4):298-301
Objective:To explore the application effect of nano-carbon in single port laparo-scopic transanal total mesorectal resection in the treatment of low rectal cancer.Methods:A total of 96 patients underwent single-port laparoscopic transanal mesorectal resection were selected and randomly divided into observation group(preoperative nano-carbon suspension injection)and control group,48 cases in each group based on the random number table method.After the operation,the number of lymph nodes dissected was recorded,and the number of dark-stained lymph nodes was detected,and pathological examination was performed to confirm the metastasis of each lymph node.Results:The average number of lymph nodes detected in the observation group(18.46±3.52 vs 10.63±1.95)was significantly higher than that in the control group,and the difference was statis-tically significant(P<0.05).The rate of lymph node metastasis detected in the observation group(12.19%)was higher than that in the control group(9.41%),but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The metastasis rate of black-stained lymph nodes(88/611,14.40%)was significantly higher than that of non-stained lymph nodes(20/275,6.18%)and the control group(48/510,9.41%),and the difference was statistically significant(x2=9.007,6.495,P=0.003,0.011).Conclusion:Preoperative application of nano-activated carbon suspension injec-tion can increase the number of lymph nodes and the detection rate of lymph node metastasis in pa-tients undergoing single-port laparoscopic transanal mesorectal resection,which can ensure the ac-curacy of pathological staging.It can be used in clinical rectal cancer.The treatment is of guiding sig-nificance.

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