1.Neuroelectromagnetic Activities Across Temporal Scales
Zhuo-Qun SHEN ; Xiao-Fei XU ; Yan-Qing WANG ; Jing-Xin LI ; Lan TIAN ; Wei GUO ; Jing-Jing XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1541-1560
Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.
2.Progress on Epidemiological Studies for the Relationship Between Plasma Glucose Indicators and Breast Cancer Risk
Dandan TANG ; Yu JIANG ; Wanwan LIU ; Zhuoyin LI ; Qiuming SHEN ; Qun XU ; Yongbing XIANG
China Cancer 2025;34(1):67-72
Hyperglycemia is a primary biological characteristic of diabetes.It is well known that three key indicators are commonly used in clinical practice to measure plasma glucose levels,such as 2-hour postload glucose(2hPG),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c).However,the association between these indicators and breast cancer incidence remains unclear.This paper systematically reviews the relationship between plasma glucose levels and breast cancer based on the above three indicators,to provide a reference for the formulation of effective plasma glucose management strategies for the primary prevention of breast cancer.
3.CFAP300 loss-of-function variant causes primary ciliary dyskinesia and male infertility via disrupting sperm flagellar assembly and acrosome formation.
Hua-Yan YIN ; Yu-Qi ZHOU ; Qun-Shan SHEN ; Zi-Wen CHEN ; Jie-Ru LI ; Huan WU ; Yun-Xia CAO ; Rui GUO ; Bing SONG
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):743-750
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by impaired motility of cilia and flagella. Mutations in cilia- and flagella-associated protein 300 ( CFAP300 ) are associated with human PCD and male infertility; however, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. In a consanguineous Chinese family, we identified a homozygous CFAP300 loss-of-function variant (c.304delC) in a proband presenting with classical PCD symptoms and severe sperm abnormalities, including dynein arm deficiency and acrosomal malformation, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Histological analysis revealed multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella in CFAP300 -mutant individual, whereas immunofluorescence demonstrated markedly reduced CFAP300 expression in the spermatozoa of the proband. Furthermore, tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics showed that the CFAP300 mutation reduced key spermatogenesis proteins (e.g., sperm flagellar 2 [SPEF2], solute carrier family 25 member 31 [SLC25A31], and A-kinase anchoring protein 3 [AKAP3]) and mitochondrial ATP synthesis factors (e.g., SLC25A31, cation channel sperm-associated 3 [CATSPER3]). It also triggered abnormal increases in autophagy-related proteins and signaling mediator phosphorylation. These molecular alterations are likely to contribute to progressive deterioration of sperm ultrastructure and function. Notably, successful pregnancy was achieved via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using the proband's sperm. Overall, this study expands the known CFAP300 mutational spectrum and offers novel mechanistic insights into its role in spermatogenesis.
Humans
;
Male
;
Infertility, Male/pathology*
;
Acrosome/pathology*
;
Sperm Tail/pathology*
;
Pedigree
;
Spermatozoa
;
Adult
;
Loss of Function Mutation
;
Ciliary Motility Disorders/genetics*
;
Spermatogenesis/genetics*
;
Female
4.Analysis of components migrating to blood and metabolites of Polygonum cuspidatum in rats with acute gouty arthritis
Caiyi KE ; Meng SHEN ; Li JI ; Xuechun WANG ; Yuqing ZHU ; Xi CHEN ; Chengweiqi WANG ; Qun MA
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1581-1586
OBJECTIVE To analyze the components migrating to blood and metabolites of Polygonum cuspidatum in rats with acute gouty arthritis(AGA).METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group and P.cuspidatum group(10 g/kg,by raw material),with 6 rats in each group.Except for blank group,AGA model was induced in the remaining groups by injecting potassium oxonate and sodium urate;meanwhile,they were administered corresponding drug solutions or water intragastrically,once a day,for 10 consecutive days.The histopathological morphology of the knee joint tissues in rats was observed;rat serum samples were collected,and the components migrating to blood and metabolites of P.cuspidatum were analyzed by using UPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS.RESULTS Following the intervention with P.cuspidatum,the histopathological morphology of the knee joint synovial tissue in AGA rats showed significant improvement,with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and hyperplasia,and the preservation of the honeycomb-like structure integrity.In both positive and negative ion modes,a total of 67 chemical components were detected in the serum of rats from P.cuspidatum group,including 25 prototype components and 42 metabolites.The involved compound types encompassed stilbenes,anthraquinones,naphthols,and flavonoids,among others.The metabolic reactions identified included methylation,acetylation,sulfation,and glucuronidation.Notably,compounds such as polydatin,resveratrol and emodin were capable of entering the bloodstream in their prototype forms and undergoing in vivo metabolism.CONCLUSIONS Compounds such as polydatin,resveratrol and emodin are likely to be the active components responsible for the anti-AGA effects of P.cuspidatum.
5.Prognostic Value of Plasma Fibrinogen Levels in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Bing ZHANG ; Lin LIN ; Jian-Min JI ; Yu WU ; Qun SHEN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(1):114-120
Objective:To assess the prognostic significance of plasma fibrinogen(FIB)levels in patients of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL).Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 203 newly diagnosed with DLBCL patients who met the study requirements from November 2016 to May 2024.Based on the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis of plasma FIB levels during diagnosis,the critical value of FIB was determined,and patients were divided into high FIB and low FIB groups.The clinical characteristics and relevant laboratory indicators of two groups were compared.The impact of plasma FIB levels on overall survival(OS)were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis.The differences in FIB and other laboratory indicators under different disease states were compared.Results:According to the ROC curve,the optimal cut-off value of FIB was 3.49 g/L.Compared with the high FIB group(>3.49 g/L),the low FIB group(≤3.49 g/L)had a significant decrease in neutrophil count(ANC)(P=0.001)and platelet count(PLT)(P=0.027),and a significant increase in prealbumin(PA)(P=0.001).A high FIB level was associated with decreased OS(P=0.005).Univariate analysis results showed that FIB had an impact on survival of patients(HR=2.031,95%CI:1.221-3.375,P=0.006).Multivariate analysis showed that higher FIB level was an independent adverse prognostic factor affecting patients survival(HR=2.684,95%CI;1.478-4.875,P=0.001).Compared with patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent DLBCL,patients with complete remission showed a significant decrease in FIB(PND<0.001,PR=0.001)and ANC(PND<0.001,PR=0.021),as well as an increase in albumin(ALB)(PND<0.001,PR=0.018)and PA(PND<0.001,PR<0.001).Conclusion:Elevated FIB is a poor prognostic factor for DLBCL patients.The plasma FIB level is correlated with laboratory indicators such as ANC,PLT,PA,and disease status in DLBCL patients.Dynamic monitoring can assist in the early detection of changes in the condition.
6.Progress on Epidemiological Studies for the Relationship Between Plasma Glucose Indicators and Breast Cancer Risk
Dandan TANG ; Yu JIANG ; Wanwan LIU ; Zhuoyin LI ; Qiuming SHEN ; Qun XU ; Yongbing XIANG
China Cancer 2025;34(1):67-72
Hyperglycemia is a primary biological characteristic of diabetes.It is well known that three key indicators are commonly used in clinical practice to measure plasma glucose levels,such as 2-hour postload glucose(2hPG),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c).However,the association between these indicators and breast cancer incidence remains unclear.This paper systematically reviews the relationship between plasma glucose levels and breast cancer based on the above three indicators,to provide a reference for the formulation of effective plasma glucose management strategies for the primary prevention of breast cancer.
7.Digenic variants of CHD7 and WDR11 in a patient with Kallmann syndrome
Weijia YU ; Yanping DU ; Wenjing TANG ; Minmin CHEN ; Xiaoqing WU ; Xuemei ZHANG ; Liu SHEN ; Qun CHENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):945-952
Objective:To analyze the clinical features and genetic sequencing results of a patient with Kallmann syndrome(KS) carrying digenic mutations who initially presented with osteoporosis, and to enhance awareness of this disease phenotype.Methods:Clinical data were collected, and peripheral blood DNA was extracted for whole-exome sequencing. Relevant literature was reviewed to summarize phenotypes associated with digenic/oligogenic variants involving CHD7.Results:The patient exhibited back pain, delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics, and hyposmia. Laboratory tests revealed reduced sex hormones and gonadotropin levels, while pituitary imaging was unremarkable. Bone mineral density imaging confirmed osteoporosis, and thoracolumbar X-rays showed multiple vertebral compression fractures. Genetic analysis identified a heterozygous splice-site mutation in CHD7(c.2698-1G>T) and a heterozygous missense mutation in WDR11(c.439G>A: p.D147N). According to ACMG criteria, the CHD7 mutation was classified as pathogenic, while the WDR11 variant was defined as a variant of uncertain significance(VUS). Literature review indicated that 40% of KS patients with digenic/oligogenic variants involving CHD7 presented with hearing or ocular abnormalities.Conclusion:This study reports a novel CHD7 mutation and a previously undescribed digenic combination of CHD7 and WDR11 variants in a KS patient. CHD7 variants may be implicated in auditory or ocular involvement in KS cases with digenic/oligogenic inheritances. KS patients may also manifest skeletal abnormalities in addition to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Tailored management of sex hormones and osteoporosis therapies across life stages is essential for optimizing bone health in KS.
8.Expert consensus on infection prevention and control of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in medical institutions
Tianxiang GE ; Yangyang JIA ; Chunhui LI ; Jianrong HUANG ; Xiujuan MENG ; Xiaodong GAO ; Jingping ZHANG ; Fu QIAO ; Lijuan XIONG ; Hui LIANG ; Wei LI ; Haiyan LOU ; Wenjuan WU ; Tianxin XIANG ; Jiansen CHEN ; Biao ZHU ; Kaijin XU ; Zhihui ZHOU ; Hongliu CAI ; Meihong YU ; Yan ZHANG ; Yanwan SHANGGUAN ; Haiting FENG ; Hangping YAO ; Lei GUO ; Tieer GAN ; Weihong ZHANG ; Jimin SUN ; Ye LU ; Qun LU ; Meng CAI ; Jin SHEN ; Yunsong YU ; Anhua WU ; Liu-yi LI ; Tingting QU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2025;24(4):437-450
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD)is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions,with certain infectivity and iatrogenic transmission risks.With the rapid progress and application of new dia-gnostic biomarkers and detection methods,as well as the construction and improvement of surveillance and reporting systems,the detection of CJD in patients domestically and internationally has shown an increasing trend year by year.Due to its long incubation period and heterogeneity of early symptoms,early identification and diagnosis of the disease is difficult,increasing the risk of transmission within medical institutions.Currently,there is a lack of con-sensus on the infection prevention and control of CJD.In order to timely identify and diagnose CJD as well as effec-tively block its transmission in medical institutions,this consensus summarizes 15 clinical concerns and formulates 24 specific recommendations based on the latest domestic and international research findings and clinical evidence,as well as combines with clinical practice,aiming to standardize healthcare-associated infection prevention and control measures for CJD and reduce its transmission risk in medical institutions.
9.The systemic inflammatory response index as a risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among individuals with coronary artery disease: evidence from the cohort study of NHANES 1999-2018.
Dao-Shen LIU ; Dan LIU ; Hai-Xu SONG ; Jing LI ; Miao-Han QIU ; Chao-Qun MA ; Xue-Fei MU ; Shang-Xun ZHOU ; Yi-Xuan DUAN ; Yu-Ying LI ; Yi LI ; Ya-Ling HAN
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(7):668-677
BACKGROUND:
The association of systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) with prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) patients has never been investigated in a large sample with long-term follow-up. This study aimed to explore the association of SIRI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a nationally representative sample of CAD patients from United States.
METHODS:
A total of 3386 participants with CAD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 were included in this study. Cox proportional hazards model, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were performed to investigate the association of SIRI with all-cause and cause-specific mortality. Piece-wise linear regression and sensitivity analyses were also performed.
RESULTS:
During a median follow-up of 7.7 years, 1454 all-cause mortality occurred. After adjusting for confounding factors, higher lnSIRI was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30) but not cancer mortality (HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.99-1.38). The associations of SIRI with all-cause and CVD mortality were detected as J-shaped with threshold values of 1.05935 and 1.122946 for SIRI, respectively. ROC curves showed that lnSIRI had robust predictive effect both in short and long terms.
CONCLUSIONS
SIRI was independently associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, and the dose-response relationship was J-shaped. SIRI might serve as a valid predictor for all-cause and CVD mortality both in the short and long terms.
10.Clinical characteristics and risk factors of delayed viral clearance in 562 Chikungunya fever patients in Shunde region, Guangdong Province, 2025
Zuning REN ; Guotao LYU ; Qun LIN ; Zhifeng HONG ; Shuichun WAN ; Feng KANG ; Yanling OUYANG ; Chunhua TU ; Guo RAO ; Hua LIANG ; Yawei LIU ; Yan ZHU ; Jie PENG ; Jie SHEN ; Hong LI
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(8):449-456
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of the Chikungunya fever outbreak in Shunde District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province in July 2025 and the risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance.Methods:A total of 562 patients with Chikungunya fever admitted to three designated hospitals in Shunde District from July 10 to 30, 2025 were enrolled. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings were collected. Patients were categorized into four age groups including minors (<18 years), young adults (18 to 39 years), middle-aged adults (40 to 64 years) and elderly adults (≥65 years). The differences of clinical characteristics among these age groups were analyzed. Intergroup comparisons were performed using chi-square test, one-way analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Pairwise comparisons between groups were conducted using the Bonferroni or Games-Howell or Dunn method. Binary logistic regression was employed to analyze risk factors associated with delayed viral RNA clearance (>7 days). Results:The mean age of the 562 enrolled Chikungunya fever patients was (44.8±21.3) years. Fever, arthralgia and rash were the three core symptoms, with incidence rates of 87.5% (492/562), 88.4%(497/562) and 69.6%(391/562), respectively. At discharge, only 54.1%(304/562) of patients achieved complete symptom resolution, while 26.5%(149/562) still had arthralgia and 36.1%(203/562) had residual rash. Significant differences were observed among age groups in the incidence of fever ( χ2=9.43, P=0.024), peak body temperature ( F=6.54, P<0.001), incidence of arthralgia ( χ2=26.89, P<0.001), duration of arthralgia ( F=12.68, P=0.001), incidence of rash ( χ2=68.99, P<0.001), rate of residual rash at discharge ( χ2=32.37, P<0.001), lymphocyte count ( F=12.94, P<0.001), platelet count ( F=14.95, P<0.001), and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) ( H=94.18, P<0.001). Further pairwise comparisons revealed that compared to the middle-aged and elderly groups, the minor group had a higher incidence of fever and a lower incidence of arthralgia, and the duration of arthralgia was shorter than the elderly group (all P<0.008 3). Compared with the other three groups, the elderly group had lower incidence and residual rate of rash, and lower platelet counts (all P<0.008 3), and higher levels of CRP (all P<0.05). The elderly group had lower lymphocyte counts compared to the minor and young adult groups (both P<0.05). Significant differences were found among age groups in the time to viral RNA clearance ( F=5.77, P=0.003) and length of hospital stay ( F=11.64, P<0.001), with the elderly group having significantly longer duration for both compared to the other three groups (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age (odds ratio ( OR)=1.049, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.015 to 1.083), longer duration of fever ( OR=1.529, 95% CI 1.086 to 2.155) and longer duration of arthralgia ( OR=1.927, 95% CI 1.318 to 2.817) were independent risk factors for delayed viral RNA clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Patients with Chikungunya fever in Shunde District primarily present with fever, arthralgia and rash. The incidence and characteristics of these three core symptoms show age-related variations. Elderly patients and those with longer durations of fever or arthralgia are more likely to experience delayed viral clearance.

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