1.Characteristic volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath of coal workers' pneumoconiosis patients by thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Yazhen HE ; Chunguang DING ; Junyun WANG ; Yuzhen FENG ; Fangda PENG ; Gaisheng LIU ; Fan YANG ; Chunmin ZHANG ; Rui GAO ; Qingyu MENG ; Zhijun WU ; Jingguang FAN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):571-577
Background Coal workers' pneumoconiosis is a serious occupational disease in China. Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can serve as the "breath fingerprint" of internal pathological processes, which provides a theoretical basis for exhaled VOCs to be used as potential non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Objective To screen out the characteristic VOCs and important characteristic VOCs of exhaled air in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and to explore the potential of these VOCs as biomarkers for early non-invasive diagnosis of the disease. Methods In this study, 27 VOCs in the exhaled breath of 22 patients with stage I coal workers' pneumoconiosis, 77 workers exposed to dust, and 92 healthy controls were quantitatively detected by thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Substances with P<0.05 in univariate analysis and variable importance projection (VIP) >1 in supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model were selected as the characteristic VOCs for early diagnosis of coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Age was included in the LASSO regression model as a covariate to screen out important characteristic VOCs, and the diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Spearman correlation was further used to explore the correlation between important characteristic VOCs and clinical lung function indicators. Results Through univariate analysis and OPLS-DA modeling, 8 VOCs were selected, including 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, n-hexane, methylcyclopentane, n-heptane, methylcyclohexane, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, and 2-hexanone, in exhaled breath of patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis. The concentrations of 4 VOCs, including 3-methylpentane, n-hexane, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, and 2-hexanone, showed a decreasing trend with the increase of dust exposure years. By LASSO regression, the important characteristic VOCs of the coal workers' pneumoconiosis group and the dust exposure group were n-hexane, methylcyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone, and the important characteristic VOCs of the coal workers' pneumoconiosis group and the healthy group were 2-methyl-pentane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone. The ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of n-hexane, methylcyclohexane, and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were 0.969, 0.909, and 0.956, respectively, and the AUC of combined diagnosis was 0.988 and its Youden index was 0.961, suggesting that these results can serve as a valuable reference for further research on early diagnosis. The Correlation analysis found that there was a positive correlation between n-hexane and lung function indicators in the important characteristic VOCs, indicating that it could indirectly reflect the obstruction of lung function ventilation, further proving that important characteristic VOCs have the potential to monitor lung function decline. Conclusion Three important characteristic VOCs selected in this study have the potential to be used as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and are worthy of further study and verification.
2.Proximal and distal ends of thoracodosal artery and vein as recipient vessels for immediate breast reconstructions using deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in four cases
Xiuxiu CHEN ; Huangfu WU ; Lan MU ; Wuping ZHENG ; Junbo PAN ; Guisheng HE ; Tao SONG ; Yazhen ZHANG ; Hengyu CHEN ; Jinghui HUANG ; Yilian XU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(5):507-513
Objective:Explore the feasibility and advantages of using proximal and distal ends of thoracodosal artery and vein as recipient vessels in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap immediate breast reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent breast reconstruction surgery using the proximal and distal ends of the thoracodorsal vein as recipient vessels at the Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from March 2022 to June 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative examinations included thoracoabdominal angiography and color Doppler ultrasonic localization of the main trunk and perforators of the inferior epigastric vessels. The procedure began with mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, followed by the isolation of bilateral perforators and the main trunk of the abdominal flap. The main trunks of the bilateral inferior epigastric arteries were then transected, and their vascular pedicles exposed and anastomosed respectively to the proximal and distal ends of the thoracodorsal artery and vein. Both arteries and veins were joined end-to-end. The flap after trimming and reconstruction was then implanted into the cavity left after mastectomy through the incision. Breast positioning was performed with the patient in a knee-bent and hip-flexed position. After adjusting the shape of the reconstructed breast. The donor site was closed, the umbilicus was reconstructed, drainage tubes were placed, and the breast incision was closed. Postoperative follow-up monitored complications associated with the flap and patient satisfaction with the breast reconstruction, utilizing a self-assessment method.Results:Four female patients were included, aged (46.0±6.5) years, ranging from 37 to 52 years. All four patients had bilateral vascular pedicles in the donor area, with three patients having thoracodorsal vessels at the distal and proximal ends as recipient vessels, and one patient having anterior serratus branch of the thoracodorsal vessels at the distal and proximal ends. All drainage tubes were removed within 7 to 10 days after surgery. Patients were discharged. Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 15 months, averaging 6 months. The patients recovered well postoperatively, with no flap-related complications occurring. All four patients were satisfied with the result of the reconstruction.Conclusion:The simultaneous application of the proximal and distal ends of the thoracodorsal artery and vein can ensure the safety of flap survival while reducing damage to the ribs and intercostal muscles, achieving better aesthetic result.
3.Mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell derived exosomes in promoting apoptosis of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis
Linkun BAI ; Yazhen SU ; Minghui ZHANG ; Qianru LIU ; Chengqiang ZHANG ; Liyun ZHANG ; Gailian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2024;28(11):819-828
Objective:To investigate the effect of hUCMSC-exos on the expression levels of HDAC in different isotypes of RA FLSs, and to elucidate the possible mechanism of hUCMSC-exos on the apoptosis of RA FLSs by regulating HDAC.Methods:hUCMSC and hUCMSC-Exos were isolated and identified. RT-qPCR was used to detect the changes in HDAC mRNA expression levels in FLSs after hUCMSC-Exos intervention, and the most affected HDAC types were identified. Western blot was used to detect the levels of FLS HDAC1 protein and the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 (Ser 536) in the blank control group, hUCMSC group, hUCMSC-Exos group, Trichostatin A (TSA) group and HDAC1 Inhibitor (Pyroxamide) group. To investigate the effects of hUCMSC-Exos on HDAC expression and NF-κB activity in FLSs. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of hUCMSC-Exos on the apoptosis of FLSs. ELISA was used to detect the effects of hUCMSC-Exos on the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 by FLSs. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect the apoptosis level and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion level of RA FLSs in the blank control group, NF-κB Inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, hUCMSC-Exos group and PDTC+hUCMSC-Exos co-intervention group. Whether inhibition of NF-κB affects the regulatory effect of hUCMSC-Exos on RA FLSs was further explored. All experimental data conforming to the normal distribution were compared by one-way ANOVA. LSD- t test was used for pin-group comparison, and independent sample t test was used for two-sample comparison. Results:Cultured primary hUCMSC were adherently grown spindle-shaped cells, and hUCMSC-Exos were saucer-shaped membranous vesicles, both of which met the identification criteria. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the expression level of HDCA1 mRNA [(0.932±0.091), t=2.19, P<0.001] and protein [(0.204±0.012), t=8.28, P<0.001] in RA FLSs, and the inhibitory effect was stronger than that of hUCMSC ( t=1.09, P=0.009) and HDAC1 ( t=11.29, P=0.013) Inhibitor. hUCMSC-Exos increased the apoptosis rate of RA FLSs [(48.68±0.84)%, t=12.33, P<0.001]. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the secretion levels of TNF-α [(29.6±1.0)pg/ml, t=10.78, P<0.001], IL-6 [(20.1±0.7)pg/ml, t=7.96, P<0.001], IL-1β [(9.28±0.23)pg/ml, t=6.14, P<0.001] and IL-8 [(108.0±3.8)pg/ml, t=1.21, P<0.001] in the supernatant of RA FLSs. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the expression level of p-NF-κB-p65/NF-κB-p65 in RA FLSs(0.351±0.024, t=17.67, P<0.001), and its inhibitory effect was stronger than that of hUCMSC (0.515±0.064, t=8.07, P=0.009) and HDAC1 inhibitor(0.411±0.033, t=2.44, P=0.04). After use of NF-κB inhibitors, hUCMSC-Exos weakened the promotion of apoptosis of RA FLSs [(29.0±0.5)%, t=10.63, P<0.001] and weakened the inhibitory effect of IL-8 secretion in the supernatant of RA FLSs [(125.5±3.2)pg/ml, t=2.63, P=0.002]. Conclusion:hUCMSC-Exos can mimic maternal cells to effectively inhibit the aberrant expression of HDAC1 in RA FLSs. hUCMSC-Exos may affect the apoptosis of RA FLSs and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the HDAC1/NF-κB pathway.
4.Proximal and distal ends of thoracodosal artery and vein as recipient vessels for immediate breast reconstructions using deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in four cases
Xiuxiu CHEN ; Huangfu WU ; Lan MU ; Wuping ZHENG ; Junbo PAN ; Guisheng HE ; Tao SONG ; Yazhen ZHANG ; Hengyu CHEN ; Jinghui HUANG ; Yilian XU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2024;40(5):507-513
Objective:Explore the feasibility and advantages of using proximal and distal ends of thoracodosal artery and vein as recipient vessels in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap immediate breast reconstruction.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent breast reconstruction surgery using the proximal and distal ends of the thoracodorsal vein as recipient vessels at the Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from March 2022 to June 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative examinations included thoracoabdominal angiography and color Doppler ultrasonic localization of the main trunk and perforators of the inferior epigastric vessels. The procedure began with mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection, followed by the isolation of bilateral perforators and the main trunk of the abdominal flap. The main trunks of the bilateral inferior epigastric arteries were then transected, and their vascular pedicles exposed and anastomosed respectively to the proximal and distal ends of the thoracodorsal artery and vein. Both arteries and veins were joined end-to-end. The flap after trimming and reconstruction was then implanted into the cavity left after mastectomy through the incision. Breast positioning was performed with the patient in a knee-bent and hip-flexed position. After adjusting the shape of the reconstructed breast. The donor site was closed, the umbilicus was reconstructed, drainage tubes were placed, and the breast incision was closed. Postoperative follow-up monitored complications associated with the flap and patient satisfaction with the breast reconstruction, utilizing a self-assessment method.Results:Four female patients were included, aged (46.0±6.5) years, ranging from 37 to 52 years. All four patients had bilateral vascular pedicles in the donor area, with three patients having thoracodorsal vessels at the distal and proximal ends as recipient vessels, and one patient having anterior serratus branch of the thoracodorsal vessels at the distal and proximal ends. All drainage tubes were removed within 7 to 10 days after surgery. Patients were discharged. Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 15 months, averaging 6 months. The patients recovered well postoperatively, with no flap-related complications occurring. All four patients were satisfied with the result of the reconstruction.Conclusion:The simultaneous application of the proximal and distal ends of the thoracodorsal artery and vein can ensure the safety of flap survival while reducing damage to the ribs and intercostal muscles, achieving better aesthetic result.
5.Analysis of Suitable Processing Time of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata Processed with Amomi Fructus and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Xing LEI ; Xiaoping WANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Fengqin LI ; Yazhen GAO ; Weijie WEN ; Yangyang XU ; Yanhan GUAN ; Ming YANG ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(4):134-143
ObjectiveTo investigate the relative content changes of differential metabolites and reducing sugars during the processing process of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (RRP) processed with Amomi Fructus (AF) and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), and to lay the foundation for revealing the processing principle of this characteristic variety. MethodThe samples of the 0-54 h processing process of RRP processed with AF and CRP were taken as the research object, and their secondary metabolites were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A)-acetonitrile (B) was used as the mobile phase for gradient elution (0-1 min, 1%-3%B; 1-10 min, 3%-9%B; 10-15 min, 9%-12%B; 15-22 min, 12%-18%B; 22-31 min, 18%-24%B; 31-35 min, 24%-100%B; 35-36 min, 100%-5%B; 36-40 min, 5%-1%B; 40-45 min, 1%B), column temperature was 40 ℃, injection volume was 3 μL, flow rate was 0.3 mL·min-1. Electrospray ionization (ESI) was used to scan and collect MS data in the negative ion mode, the scanning range was m/z 50-1 250. Data analysis was carried out using PeakView 1.2 software, and the chemical composition of RRP processed with AF and CRP was identified by combining the literature information and chemical composition databases. The MS data were normalized by MarkerView 1.2, and then the multivariate statistical analysis was applied to screen the differential metabolites, and the changes of the relative contents of the differential metabolites with different processing times was analyzed, finally, correlation analysis was performed between the differential metabolites, the change of the reducing sugar content was combined to determine the most suitable processing time of RRP processed with AF and CRP. ResultA total of 121 compounds were identified from RRP processed with AF and CRP at different processing times, and 12 differential metabolites were screened out by multivariate statistical analysis, including catalpol, hesperidin, isoacteoside, acteoside, narirutin, echinacoside, isomartynoside, decaffeoylacteoside, 6-O-E-feruloylajugol, dihydroxy-7-O-neohesperidin, jionoside D, and rehmapicroside. With the prolongation of processing time, the relative contents of these 12 differential metabolites and reducing sugars changed slightly at 52-54 h. ConclusionUPLC-Q-TOF-MS can comprehensively and accurately identify the chemical constituents of RRP processed with AF and CRP at different processing times, and the suitable processing time of 52-54 h is determined according to the content changes of different metabolites and reducing sugars, which provides a basis for revealing the scientific connotation of the processing principle of this variety.
6.Historical Evolution and Modern Research Progress of Processing of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma
Yazhen GAO ; Junbo ZOU ; Ming YANG ; Fengqin LI ; Xing LEI ; Weijie WEN ; Haizhen LIU ; Hao LU ; Yan ZHANG ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(4):212-220
By reviewing the relevant literature of ancient herbal works and modern codices, this paper sorted out the historical evolution and developmental venation of processing of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. On this basis, the modern research of processed products of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma was used as the breakthrough point to analyze the literature in terms of processing technology, chemical composition changes and changes in pharmacological effects before and after processing. According to the research status of processing of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, some existing problems were analyzed in this paper, such as not many ancient processing methods used in modern time, lack of standardized research on processing technology. And saponins, polysaccharides, amino acids, flavonoids and other chemical components in Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma may change to different degrees before and after processing, which was the main reason for the difference of efficacy before and after processing. However, the current research on the pharmacological effects of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma mainly focuses on raw products, resulting in a lack of in-depth research on the transformation mechanism of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in processing difference, and the scientific connotation of "Shengxiao Shubu" has not been clearly elaborated, which is not conducive to the standardized clinical use of drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to further analyze the material basis of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and its processed products, and to explore the change rule of chemical components before and after processing and its correlation with pharmacodynamic activity, so as to clarify the processing mechanism for providing scientific basis for its standardized processing, quality control and clinical rational use.
7.Mechanisms of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) in treating diabetic nephropathy complicated with depression based on network pharmacology
LEI Xing ; CHEN Qingyao ; WANG Xiaoping ; XU Jie ; GAO Yazhen ; LIN Qiaohong ; YE Zuwen ; ZHANG Jieyan ; SI Qin ; WANG Fang
Digital Chinese Medicine 2022;5(2):178-188
Objective To predict the molecular mechanism of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN) complicated with depression based on network pharmacology. Methods The components of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) were identified from the Integrated Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP), Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and relevant literature. The component targets were detected by combining the SwissTargetPrediction and PubChem databases. Disease targets were collected from the Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DisGeNET, and Ensembl databases with “diabetic nephropathy” and “depression” as keywords. The disease-component targets were mapped using Venny 2.1.0 to obtain potential targets. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database and Cytoscape 3.7.2. The co-expression genes of the key targets were collected based on the COXPRESdb 7.3. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed for potential targets using R language. Target-component docking was verified and evaluated using Discovery Studio 4.5. Results According to the databases and literature reports, Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) contained 65 active components, and had 155 related targets for the treatment of DN complicated with depression. PPI screening showed that the key targets included serine/threonine protein kinase 1 (AKT1), signal transducer and activator transcription 3 (STAT3), interleukin 6 (IL-6), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), etc. GO enrichment analysis mainly involved biological processes, such as lipid metabolism, protein secretion regulation, cell homeostasis, and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis included the role of the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complements, insulin resistance (IR), neurotrophin signal path, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, relaxin signaling pathway, epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), etc. Molecular docking showed that the target had high affinity for stachyose, manninotriose, verbascose, nigerose, etc. Conclusion Based on network parmacology, this study preliminarily predict the effects of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) in treating DN complicated with depression by regulating inflammation, glucose metabolism, nution nerve, etc.
8.A case report of pancreatic metastasis from prostate cancer
Zhengyu ZHOU ; Yimu ZHANG ; Yazhen HONG ; Jiyan BAI ; Dong YANG ; Pengcheng ZHAO ; Chaohong HE
Chinese Journal of Urology 2021;42(4):304-305
The most common metastatic site of prostate cancer is the bone, followed by the lung, bladder, liver, and adrenal gland. We report on a rare case of pancreatic metastasis from prostate cancer. A 52-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital with epigastric pain for 20 days. PET-CT showed malignant lesions in the prostate and pancreas, and prostate and pancreas puncture biopsies were performed, respectively. The patient was diagnosed as prostate cancer with pancreatic metastasis according to the pathological findings. After undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and docetaxel chemotherapy for 6 cycles, reexamination revealed that the pancreatic metastases had disappeared.
9.Prognostic significance of DEK-NUP214 fusion gene in patients with acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Mengge GAO ; Qiang FU ; Yazhen QIN ; Yingjun CHANG ; Yu WANG ; Chenhua YAN ; Lanping XU ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Xiaojun HUANG ; Xiaosu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2021;60(10):868-874
Objective:To investigate the dynamic change and clinical impact of DEK-NUP214 fusion gene in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).Methods:Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) and multicolor flow cytometry (FCM) were used to detect DEK-NUP214 gene expression and leukemia-associated immunophenotype (LAIP) in 15 newly diagnosed patients with positive DEK-NUP214 and receiving allo-HSCT from September 2012 to September 2017 at Peking University People′s Hospital. The clinical outcome was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The impact of DEK-NUP214 expression was analyzed by log-rank test.Results:The subjects were followed-up with a median period of 657 (62-2 212) days. The median DEK-NUP214 expression level at diagnosis was 488% (274%-1 692%). Thirteen patients achieved complete remission before allo-HSCT. Thirteen patients had a residual DEK-NUP214 expression of 0.38% (0.029%-738.9%) before allo-HSCT. After allo-HSCT, DEK-NUP214 expression in 9/13 patients remained positive, which dropped by around 500 folds (5.7-5 663.0 folds) within a month post-transplant. Five patients died and 2 patients relapsed. The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse in patients with positive DEK-NUP214 before transplant was 17.5%±11.3% and the 3-year overall survival was 60.5%±13.8%. After allo-HSCT, DEK-NUP214-negative patients had a better outcome.Conclusion:Quantitative monitor of DEK-NUP214 fusion gene could be a sensitive indicator of MRD status after allo-HSCT.
10.Investigation on urological nurses' knowledge, attitude and behavior about early activities in patients undergoing radical cystectomy
Huimin HUANG ; Fang ZHANG ; Yazhen LIU ; Qixuan YANG ; Haiyan SHEN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2020;26(17):2305-2310
Objective:To explore urological nurses' knowledge, attitude and behavior about early activities in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and the influencing factors, and provide a reference for early activities to be successfully carried out in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.Methods:Totally 240 urological nurses from 10 hospitals in Guangdong Province were selected using convenient sampling and investigated with the general information questionnaire and the urological nurse's knowledge, attitude and behavior about early activities in patients undergoing radical cystectomy questionnaire between October and December 2018. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors.Results:The urological nurses' knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores about early activities of patients undergoing radical cystectomy were (3.42±1.23) , (30.40±3.18) and (10.65±2.20) . Multiple linear regression showed that job title was the influencing factor of urological nurses' knowledge towards early activities in patients undergoing radical cystectomy ( P<0.05) ; working years in urology department, job title and whether they received early activity-related training were the influencing factors of urological nurses' attitude towards early activities in patients undergoing radical cystectomy ( P<0.05) ; whether their department carried out accelerated rehabilitation surgery and whether they received early activity-related training were the influencing factors of urological nurses' behavior about early activities in patients undergoing radical cystectomy ( P< 0.05) . Conclusions:Nurses have a good attitude towards early activities of patients undergoing radical cystectomy, but their knowledge reserves and behaviors are not satisfying. It is necessary to strengthen the training of nurses on the knowledge of early activities, formulate an early activity plan based on multi-disciplinary cooperation, and promote the proper and effective implementation of early activities in clinical practice.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail