1.Current Research Status of Digital Technology in the Rehabilitation of Rare Neurological and Muscular Diseases
Yixuan GUO ; Yi GAO ; Yiyang YAO ; Zhuoyue QIN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jiaqi JING ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):122-131
To review the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at home and abroad on digital intelligence (DI)-driven rehabilitation in patients of neuromuscular disease, compare the effects of DI-driven rehabilitation with traditional rehabilitation, summarize the special needs and challenges faced by patients in rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases, and provide evidence for the development and quality improvement of rehabilitation for rare neuromuscular diseases. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases for literature on neuromuscular diseases, rare diseases, digital and intelligent technologies, and rehabilitation published from the inception of the databases to June 2024. Basic and research-related information from the retrieved literature was extracted and analyzed. A total of 43 RCTs in English from 14 countries were included. The most studied diseases were Parkinson′s disease and multiple sclerosis. The application of DI-driven technologies in rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases was still limited. The commonly used technologies were virtual reality (VR) games, intelligent treadmill assistance, gait training robots, hybrid assistive limb (HAL), wearable sensors and tele-rehabilitation (TR) systems. These technologies were applied in patients′ homes or rehabilitation service centers. The VR games significantly improved both static/dynamic balance functions and cognitive functions. The intelligent treadmill assistance significantly enhanced gait speed and stride length. The gait training robots significantly improved balance, gait speed and stride length of patients. The wearable exoskeletons significantly enhanced walking ability. DI-driven rehabilitation measures have great value and potential in the field of neuromuscular disease rehabilitation. Their advantages and characteristics can meet the diverse needs of rare disease patients. In the future, a hierarchical and collaborative rehabilitation service system should be established to meet the urgent needs of the rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases. Combining the advantages of digitization and intelligence will provide standardized, scientific, convenient and affordable rehabilitation services to patients.
2.The Application of Digital Intelligence Technology in the Management of Non-Hospitalized Patients with Rare Diseases
Yiyang YAO ; Yi GAO ; Yixuan GUO ; Zhuoyue QIN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jiaqi JING ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):46-53
To provide references to and give suggestions to the development and optimiza-tion of Digital Intelligence (DI) technology in management of non-hospitalized patients by systematical review the application of digital technology in non-hospital settings. We designed the search strategy and used the words " rare diseases"" patient management"" non-hospitalized management"" community management"" digital intelligence"" big data"" telemedicine" as MESH terms or free words. We searched the database of PubMed, Science-Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from the beginning of the database to July 2024 and used computer retrieval to get the literatures on the application of DI technology in the management of patients with rare diseases in non-hospital setting. We extracted the information of the first author, country or region, publication time, research participants, DI technology application, and application effect for summary analysis. A total of 13 articles were included in this study, which were from 8 countries or regions. We found that DI technologies used were in the following forms: Internet information platform, wearable devices, telemedicine management platform and electronic database. The DI technology was used by the patients with rare diseases, patient caregivers and professional medical staffs. The application of all the forms above in different populations had good effect. The Internet information platform helped patients and their caregivers learn more about the disease and improved their self-management ability. The wearable device helped monitor the health status of patients in real time and predict the risk of emergent events. The telemedicine management platform facilitated to optimize the allocation of medical resources and strengthen doctor-patient communication. The electronic health database promoted the interconnection of data inside and outside the hospital and improved the accuracy of decision-making through data sharing. The application of DI technology in the management of patients with rare diseases in non-hospitalized settings has shown positive results. In the future, it is necessary to correct the shortcomings and to deal with the challenges in terms of accuracy, readiness, applicability, and privacy protection. Besides, the DI can be integrated into the tri-level management system of patients known as the "patient-community-hospital". It is advisable to take the advantages of digital intelligence technology to improve the efficiency and quality of management of patients in non-hospitalized settings.
3.Pedigree Analysis and Molecular Mechanism Study of Hereditary Glanzmann Thrombasthenia Caused by Compound Heterozygous Mutation of the ITGA2B Gene
Xiaomei LU ; Dongyan FU ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Lidong ZHAO ; Lei WANG ; Jia YANG ; Jie LIU ; Jiawei ZHENG ; Linhua YANG ; Gang WANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2024;45(4):370-377
Objective:The phenotype and genotype of a pedigree with Glanzmann thrombasthenia caused by compound heterozygous mutation in the ITGA2B gene and its molecular pathogenesis were explored.Methods:The platelet aggregation rate of the proband and his family was detected by using a platelet aggregation test with adenosine diphosphate, collagen, epinephrine, arachidonic acid, and ristocetin. The expression levels of CD41 (αⅡb), CD61 (β3), and CD42b (GPⅠb) on the platelet surface was detected by flow cytometry. Gene sequencing technology was used for the genetic identification of the family. RT-PCR was used in the detection of mRNA splicing, and qRT-PCR was used in detecting the relative mRNA level of the ITGA2B gene. Bioinformatics analysis was used to evaluate the pathogenicity of mutation sites and their effects on protein structure and function. The expressions of total αⅡb and β3 in platelets were analyzed by Western blot.Results:Except ristocetin, the other four inducers could not induce platelet aggregation in the proband. Flow cytometry showed that the expression levels of αⅡb and β3 were only 0.25% and 9.76%, respectively, on the platelet surface of the proband, whereas GPⅠb expression was relatively normal. The expression levels of glycoproteins in the other family members were almost normal. c.480C>G and c.2929C>T mutations were detected in the proband through gene sequencing. The c.480C>G mutation was inherited from his mother, and the c.2929C>T mutation was inherited from his father. The RT-PCR and sequencing results showed that the c.480C>G mutation caused mRNA splicing in the proband and his mother, resulting in the deletion of 99 bases in c.476G-574A (p.S160-S192). qRT-PCR showed that the c.2929C>T variant reduced the mRNA level of the ITGA2B gene in the proband and his father. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the c.480C>G mutation might form a binding sequence with hnRNP A1 protein and generate the 5′SS splice site. The three-dimensional structural model of the αⅡb subunit showed that the β-propeller domain of the p.S160-S192 deletion lost two β-strands and one α-helix in blade 2. The c.2929C>T nonsense mutation caused premature translation termination and produced a truncated protein with the deletion of p.R977-E1039, including the cytoplasmic domain, transmembrane domain, and a β chain of the extracellular Calf-2 domain. The total αⅡb expression of the proband was absent, and the relative expression of β3 was 11.36% of the normal level.Conclusion:The compound heterozygous mutation c.480C>G in exon 4 and c.2929C>T in exon 28 of the ITGA2B gene probably underlies Glanzmann thrombasthenia in this pedigree.
4.Neonatal pseudo-Bartter syndrome caused by maternal hyperemesis gravidarum: analysis of a twins
Junchen FANG ; Lili FAN ; Yaofang XIA ; Xin CHEN ; Yudong ZHANG ; Li MA
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2023;26(11):946-949
Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations, treatment and outcome of neonatal pseudo-Bartter syndrome caused by maternal hyperemesis gravidarum.Methods:This retrospective study collected the clinical data of a set of premature twins with pseudo-Bartter syndrome who were admitted to Hebei Children's Hospital in September 2022. Clinical features of the cases were summarized with descriptive analysis.Results:The twins born with a gestational age of 30 +3 weeks required tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to premature birth and respiratory distress. They were transferred to our hospital 2 h after birth. The mother suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum and even had severe vomiting complicated by hypokalemia 3 d before delivery. The blood gas analysis of the twins at 2 h after birth showed severe metabolic alkalosis, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia and hyperlactatemia. Hyperglycemia appeared at 6 h after birth, and scleredema neonatorum at 24 h after birth. No significant abnormalities were found in the tandem mass spectrometer analysis of blood or urine samples. Whole-exome sequencing showed no abnormalities in the genes related to the phenotype. The twins were diagnosed with neonatal pseudo-Bartter syndrome. After symptomatic and supportive treatment, metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte disorders in the twins were completely resolved 4 d after birth. They were cured and discharged 51 d after birth without recurrence. Follow-up revealed no abnormalities in the physical or neurological development of the twins at 11 months after birth. Conclusions:Maternal hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to neonatal pseudo-Bartter syndrome, characterized by severe metabolic disorders as well as respiratory and circulatory dysfunction at the early stage after birth. Timely diagnosis and treatment are conducive to good prognosis in the affected neonates.
5.Current situation of mother-infant-dyads at their first visit to breastfeeding counseling clinic
Lingxia PANG ; Yaofang HU ; Ying LU ; Jing DONG ; Min ZHANG ; Xia CHI ; Jun QIAN
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2021;24(7):510-517
Objective:To analyze the current situation of the mothers and infants at their first visit to the breastfeeding counseling clinic, and provide a reference for promoting breastfeeding in infancy.Methods:Clinical data of 581 mother-infant-dyads visiting the breastfeeding counseling clinic of Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were collected and analyzed retrospectively, including the general information of the dyads, and the subjective and actual reasons for visits. According to the age of infants coming to the clinics, they are divided into the younger group (60 d and below, n=316), middle-aged group (61-120 d, n=178), and older group (121 d and above, n=87). Differences in exclusive breastfeeding rate and reasons for visits between different groups were analyzed by analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test, Chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test. Results:The age of the 581 infants at the first visit were mainly at 30-34, 41-45 and 90-94 d, which accounted for 9.3%( n=54), 25.3%( n=147), and 9.0%( n=52), respectively. The total exclusive breastfeeding rate was 71.8%( n=417) at visit, and there were significant differences among the younger, middle-aged and older group [67.7%(214/316), 79.8%(142/178), 70.1%(61/87), χ 2=14.294, P=0.006), and between the younger and middle-aged group in the pairwise comparison. The most common subjective reason for visiting was slow weight gain ( n=249, 42.9%), followed by worrying about insufficient milk ( n=142, 24.4%) and feeding difficulties ( n=132, 22.7%). Whereas the top three practical reasons for visiting included infant's inability to latch on or sucking ( n=165, 28.4%), lack of breastfeeding knowledge ( n=149, 25.6%) and inappropriate maternal feeding skills ( n=140, 24.1%). The younger group faced more problems regarding latching on or sucking [39.6%(125/316] and mother's feeding skills[25.9%(82/316)], while the lack of breastfeeding knowledge mainly occurred in the older group[48.3%(42/87)]. The coincidence rates between the subjective and actual reasons for slow weight gain, worrying of insufficient milk, and feeding difficulties were only 1.2%( n=3), 6.3%( n=11), and 21.2%( n=28). Conclusions:Breastfeeding- related problems exist in infants of different ages below one year old. There is a big knowledge gap between the subjective reasons for medical visits and the actual problems that interfere with breastfeeding. Therefore, individualized breastfeeding guidance for infants of different ages is recommended in children's health clinics.
6.Factors influencing clinical efficacy and outcomes of adult primary immune thrombocytopenia
Yu CHEN ; Meifang WANG ; Jianfang CHEN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Gang WANG ; Zefeng AN ; Shuting CHANG ; Linhua YANG
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2018;17(10):794-797
Objective To examine the influencing factors related to clinical efficacy and outcomes of adult primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).Methods The clinical data of 161 cases of ITP admitted in the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from June 2013 to March 2017 were collected.The influencing factors related to clinical efficacy and prognosis of adult ITP patients were analyzed.Results There were 60 males and 101 females with a M/F ratio of 0.59∶1 and a median age of 45 years (18-84 years).There were 109 newly diagnosed ITP cases,14 persistent ITP cases and 38 chronic ITP cases in this series.Seventy nine patients received intravenous immunoglobulin g (IVIg) treatment and 82 patients received high dose-dexamethasone treatment.There were no significant differences in clinical efficacy [91.13%(72/79) vs.87.80%(72/82),x2=0.181,P=0.914] and relapse rate [36.11%(26/72) vs.30.55%(22/72),x2=0.189,P=0.910] between IVIg and high dose-dexamethosone groups.Multivariate regression analysis showed that bleeding score ≥2 was the independent risk factor for the lower clinical efficacy (RR=1.415,95%CI:1.008-1.986,P<0.05).Patients were followed up for a median of 9.0 months (0.5-55.0 months),48 patients relapsed with a relapse rate of 33.33% and a median relapse time of 1.8 months (0.5-24.0 months).Conclusions IVIg and high dose-dexamethasone have the similar clinical efficacy and relapse rate for treatment of adult ITP.The patients with the bleeding score ≥2 are more likely to get lower remission rate.
7.Mutations of ASXL1 gene in myelodysplastic syndromes
Haixia LIU ; Hongwei WANG ; Yanhong TAN ; Xiuhua CHEN ; Fanggang REN ; Jianmei CHANG ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Feng XUE ; Juan LI ; Zhifang XU
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2017;26(9):513-518
Objective To investigate the mutations of epigenetic regulation factor ASXL1 gene in myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).Methods Mutation analysis of ASXL1 gene in 53 de novo MDS patients and 20 healthy persons was performed by using polymerase chain reaction(PCR)followed by sequence analysis at DNA level.The clinical and laboratory characteristics were compared in MDS patients with ASXL1 gene mutation and ASXL1 wild type.ASXL1 mutation in mRNA level was detected by using reverse transcription PCR(RT-PCR)followed by sequence analysis.Results ASXL1 gene mutations were observed in 9 cases(16.9%)of 53 MDS patients.6 mutation types were detected,including 4 frameshift mutations types(2 cases with p.Glu635ArgfsX15,3 cases with p.Gly646TrpfsX12,1 case with p.Ala640GlyfsX14 and 1 case with p.Gly790TrpfsX10)and 2 nonsense mutation types(1 case with p.Gln1063X and 1 case with p.Gln695X).All the mutations were heterozygous,and p.Gly790TrpfsX10 and p.Gln695X were new mutation types.In addition,a single nucletide polymorphism(SNP)p.Gly652Ser was also detected in 4 cases with MDS.5 cases of p.G652S SNP and 1 case of p.Leu1173Leu SNP were detected in 20 healthy people.Frameshift mutation(p.Gly646TrpfsX12)could be detected at mRNA level by using RT-PCR.Differences were not observed in red blood cell counts,white blood cell counts,platelet counts,hemoglobin levels,reticulocyte,neutrophil granulocyte,the peripheral blood lymphocytes percentage,T-cell subsets in the peripheral blood,the proportion of primitive cell in the marrow and MDS types between the patients with ASXL1 gene mutation and ASXL1 wild type patients(P >0.05).Conclusion There is a high frequency of ASXL1 gene mutation in MDS patients,which can be detected at mRNA level.
8.Analysis of clinical characteristics of an emerging infection during induction chemotherapy in elderly patients with acute leukemia
Nannan ZHANG ; Ruijuan ZHANG ; Linhua YANG ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Yulu TIAN ; Meifang WANG ; Chunxia DONG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2017;36(12):1340-1344
Objective To analyze the clinical features and risk factors for an emerging infection during the first induction chemotherapy in elderly patients with acute leukemia.Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 79 elderly patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia was performed in Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2014 to May 2016.Results The 70 cases among 79 elderly patients with acute leukemia were suffered from infection with infection incidence rate of 88.6% (70/79)during first induction chemotherapy.The infection-related fatality rate was 8.6 % (6/70).Being clear about sites of infection accounted for 90.0 % (63/70),and the top three infection sites were the lungs,gastrointestinal tract and the bloodstream.113 pathogenic strains were detected,including gram-negative bacilli accounting for 42.5 % (48/113),Gram-positive cocci for 30.1% (34/113),fungi for 24.8% (28/113),the virus for 2.7% (3/113).Based on clinically and confirmatively diagnosis,the invasive fungal diseases mostly as Candida accounted for 30.4 % (24/79),mixed infections accounted for 34.3% (24/70).Univariate analysis showed agranulocytosis and AML were risk factors for infection.Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that agranulocytosis was a risk factor for infection (OR=12.010,95%CI:2.346-107.973,P=0.000).The infection does not affect a complete remission rate of acute leukemia (x2 =0.001,P=0.983).Conclusions For newly diagnosed elderly acute leukemia patients,an emerging infection during the first induction chemotherapy is characterized by a high incidence,high fungal infection rate,most common site in lung,Gram-negative bacteria as most common pathogen,and an increased infection rate by agranulocytosis.The infection does not affect the remission rate of acute leukemia.
9. Effect of TSC2 gene expression downregulation by lentivirus induced RNA interference on U937 cell line and its mechanism
Zhifang XU ; Haixia LIU ; Yanhong TAN ; Xiuhua CHEN ; Fanggang REN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jianmei CHANG ; Na ZHANG ; Jinjun HU ; Hongwei WANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2017;38(7):612-617
Objective:
To investigate the effect of biology and mTOR pathway activity of down-regulated TSC2 gene expression on U937 leukemia cells.
Methods:
Gene expression was down-regulated by lentivirus induced RNA interference on TSC2 high expressed U937 cell line; the proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation were detected by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry; the gene expression level and protein kinase activity were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.
Results:
Down-regulated expression of TSC2 gene promoted U937 cell proliferation and colony formation ability (
10.Sensitivity of alternative spliceosomes of L-type PML-RARα fusion gene to ATO
Feng XUE ; Yanhong TAN ; Fanggang REN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Xiuhua CHEN ; Zhifang XU ; Jianmei CHANG ; Jing XU ; Feng GAO ; Juan LI ; Bin YIN ; Haixia LIU ; Hongwei WANG
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2017;38(6):554-556

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