1.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
2.The Potential and Challenges of Temporal Interference Stimulation in Chronic Pain Management
Hao-Qing DUAN ; Yu-Qi GOU ; Ya-Wen LI ; Li HU ; Xue-Jing LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):369-387
Chronic pain is a complex condition shaped by long-standing alterations in both physiological and psychological processes. Rather than representing a simple continuation of acute nociceptive signaling, chronic pain is increasingly understood as the outcome of progressive dysregulation within distributed neural systems that govern sensation, affect, motivation, and cognitive control. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies indicate that this state is accompanied by extensive plastic changes in deep brain structures and large-scale networks. Beyond well-described central sensitization processes, chronic pain is characterized by disrupted oscillatory rhythms and altered connectivity within large-scale brain networks, including thalamo-cortical circuits and prefrontal-limbic-reward networks. These findings support a conceptual shift from viewing chronic pain as a focal, lesion-driven phenomenon toward recognizing it as a disorder of distributed network pathology. Pharmacological treatments remain central to clinical practice, yet their long-term efficacy is often limited and frequently accompanied by substantial side effects. The ongoing concerns about opioid-related risks and the inadequate therapeutic response in a subset of patients highlight the need for safe, non-pharmacological approaches that can address not only pain but also comorbid disturbances in mood, sleep, and social functioning. Neuromodulation provides a promising path toward mechanism-based and non-pharmacological management of chronic pain by employing physical or chemical stimulation to alter the excitability and synchrony of specific neural populations within central, peripheral, and autonomic systems. While invasive deep brain stimulation demonstrates that targeting deep brain structures can be effective, its clinical application is restricted by surgical risks and cost, highlighting the importance of non-invasive techniques capable of reaching deep targets. Current non-invasive approaches, such as transcranial electric stimulation, are constrained by limited penetration depth and insufficient spatial precision. These limitations hinder reliable engagement of deep regions implicated in pain, including the thalamus and nucleus accumbens, and tend to produce broad, non-specific modulation of cross-network oscillatory activity. Temporal interference (TI) stimulation has emerged as a means of overcoming these obstacles. By delivering interacting high-frequency currents that generate a low-frequency envelope within the head, TI enables focal stimulation of deep targets while minimizing superficial current delivery. Recent multiscale modeling and animal studies indicate that TI exploits the nonlinear rectification properties of neuronal membranes in response to high-frequency carriers, as well as their phase-locked responses to low-frequency envelopes, to generate “peak-focused” electric fields in deep regions under relatively low superficial current loads. Moreover, TI appears to exhibit potential advantages in terms of cell-type selectivity and rhythm-specific engagement, including differential responses across neuronal subtypes and distinct coupling to θ-, β-, and γ-band oscillations. These features suggest a promising avenue for correcting abnormal rhythms and network dynamics that contribute to chronic pain. This review summarizes current knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and recent advances in TI research. It examines functional disturbances across key pain-related regions and networks, outlines the principles and technical characteristics of TI, and discusses potential deep-brain targets and stimulation strategies relevant to chronic pain. Evidence to date indicates that TI, with its non-invasiveness, tolerability, and capacity for precise deep brain modulation, holds great promise for the management of treatment-resistant chronic pain and may evolve into a new generation of precise and efficient non-pharmacological analgesic strategies.
3.The Potential and Challenges of Temporal Interference Stimulation in Chronic Pain Management
Hao-Qing DUAN ; Yu-Qi GOU ; Ya-Wen LI ; Li HU ; Xue-Jing LÜ
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):369-387
Chronic pain is a complex condition shaped by long-standing alterations in both physiological and psychological processes. Rather than representing a simple continuation of acute nociceptive signaling, chronic pain is increasingly understood as the outcome of progressive dysregulation within distributed neural systems that govern sensation, affect, motivation, and cognitive control. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies indicate that this state is accompanied by extensive plastic changes in deep brain structures and large-scale networks. Beyond well-described central sensitization processes, chronic pain is characterized by disrupted oscillatory rhythms and altered connectivity within large-scale brain networks, including thalamo-cortical circuits and prefrontal-limbic-reward networks. These findings support a conceptual shift from viewing chronic pain as a focal, lesion-driven phenomenon toward recognizing it as a disorder of distributed network pathology. Pharmacological treatments remain central to clinical practice, yet their long-term efficacy is often limited and frequently accompanied by substantial side effects. The ongoing concerns about opioid-related risks and the inadequate therapeutic response in a subset of patients highlight the need for safe, non-pharmacological approaches that can address not only pain but also comorbid disturbances in mood, sleep, and social functioning. Neuromodulation provides a promising path toward mechanism-based and non-pharmacological management of chronic pain by employing physical or chemical stimulation to alter the excitability and synchrony of specific neural populations within central, peripheral, and autonomic systems. While invasive deep brain stimulation demonstrates that targeting deep brain structures can be effective, its clinical application is restricted by surgical risks and cost, highlighting the importance of non-invasive techniques capable of reaching deep targets. Current non-invasive approaches, such as transcranial electric stimulation, are constrained by limited penetration depth and insufficient spatial precision. These limitations hinder reliable engagement of deep regions implicated in pain, including the thalamus and nucleus accumbens, and tend to produce broad, non-specific modulation of cross-network oscillatory activity. Temporal interference (TI) stimulation has emerged as a means of overcoming these obstacles. By delivering interacting high-frequency currents that generate a low-frequency envelope within the head, TI enables focal stimulation of deep targets while minimizing superficial current delivery. Recent multiscale modeling and animal studies indicate that TI exploits the nonlinear rectification properties of neuronal membranes in response to high-frequency carriers, as well as their phase-locked responses to low-frequency envelopes, to generate “peak-focused” electric fields in deep regions under relatively low superficial current loads. Moreover, TI appears to exhibit potential advantages in terms of cell-type selectivity and rhythm-specific engagement, including differential responses across neuronal subtypes and distinct coupling to θ-, β-, and γ-band oscillations. These features suggest a promising avenue for correcting abnormal rhythms and network dynamics that contribute to chronic pain. This review summarizes current knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain and recent advances in TI research. It examines functional disturbances across key pain-related regions and networks, outlines the principles and technical characteristics of TI, and discusses potential deep-brain targets and stimulation strategies relevant to chronic pain. Evidence to date indicates that TI, with its non-invasiveness, tolerability, and capacity for precise deep brain modulation, holds great promise for the management of treatment-resistant chronic pain and may evolve into a new generation of precise and efficient non-pharmacological analgesic strategies.
4.A preliminary study on a method for detecting accelerator isocenter deviation using an optical surface monitoring system
Jianqi HU ; Shun ZHOU ; Jiangyan LUO ; Zihong LU ; Junyu LI ; Wen WANG ; Hao WU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):263-271
Objective To detect the isocenter of a medical linear accelerator using an optical surface monitoring system (OSMS) combined with a self-made 3D-printed phantom, and compare with the conventional front pointer measurement method. Methods A phantom that could be fixed to the front pointer of the accelerator was fabricated using 3D printing technology. The front pointer method and OSMS were used to detect the rotation isocenter deviations of the accelerator. During the experiments, the collimator, gantry, and couch linear displacement readings were recorded at different angles. We also recorded the measurement time of different surveyors. Results Compared to the front pointer measurement method, the OSMS method showed lower standard deviations. The reductions in standard deviations showed statistical significance in the Lat direction for the collimator rotation isocenter as well as in the Lat and Vrt directions for the gantry rotation isocenter. The mean deviation of Mag values for the collimator rotation isocenter using the OSMS method was 0.50 mm, which was larger than the 0.42 mm using the front pointer method. However, the standard deviation was 0.06 using the OSMS method, which was smaller than the 0.18 using the front pointer method. The mean deviation and standard deviation of Sag values for the gantry rotation isocenter using the OSMS method were 1.03 mm and 0.12, respectively, which were both larger than 0.47 mm and 0.06 using the front pointer method. For the couch rotation isocenter, the mean deviation and standard deviation using the OSMS method were 0.32 mm and 0.04, respectively, which were both smaller than the 0.55 mm and 0.20 using the front pointer method. All surveyors spent less time in isocenter measurements using the OSMS method compared to the front pointer method. Conclusion Compared with the front pointer method, the OSMS method significantly reduces the standard deviation among surveyors, effectively reduces the influence of the angle deviation of the accelerator on the measurement results, reduces detection time, improves detection efficiency, and provides a powerful practical basis for the application of OSMS in detecting the mechanical accuracy of the linear accelerator.
5.Whole-process nutritional management and medical resource utilization in hospitalized elderly patients with multimorbidity
Jiaxin YU ; Yiling LI ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Huan ZHU ; Wen HU ; Zhiyong RAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):76-80
Objective To describe the clinical characteristics and nutritional management status of hospitalized elderly patients with multimorbidity in a tertiary hospital's geriatric center in 2024, and to analyze the correlation between nutritional status and hospitalization outcomes, thereby providing a basis for optimizing nutritional management pathways for this population. Methods A retrospective study was conducted, including 2 937 elderly patients with multimorbidity. Data on general information, clinical indicators, nutritional risk screening and assessment, nutritional therapy, and costs were collected for descriptive analysis. The relationship between nutritional status (based on BMI and serum albumin levels) and hospitalization outcomes was explored. Results The average age of the patients was (77.45±10.70) years, with 57.17% being male. The average number of chronic diseases diagnosed was (11.56±5.08) per patient, and 26.01% were critically ill. The nutritional risk screening rate was 80.40%, with a screening positivity rate of 33.44%. The nutritional assessment rate was 31.63%, and the malnutrition prevalence was 23.08%. The low BMI group had the longest median hospital stay [15 (9.75, 22) days] and the highest hospitalization costs [15 057.2 (8 980.48, 28 160.46) CNY]. Serum albumin levels were negatively correlated with hospital stay duration (rs=-0.276, P< 0.01) and hospitalization costs (rs=-0.276, P<0.01). Conclusion Hospitalized elderly patients with multimorbidity are characterized by multiple comorbidities and high healthcare resource consumption. While the nutritional risk screening rate is relatively high, there remains room for improvement in nutritional assessment and therapy. It is necessary to strengthen standardized management throughout the entire process. Nutritional status is a significant variable affecting hospital stay duration and costs, with poorer nutritional status significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization and higher costs, suggesting that it may be an important factor influencing hospitalization outcomes.
6.A preliminary study on a method for detecting accelerator isocenter deviation using an optical surface monitoring system
Jianqi HU ; Shun ZHOU ; Jiangyan LUO ; Zihong LU ; Junyu LI ; Wen WANG ; Hao WU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):263-271
Objective To detect the isocenter of a medical linear accelerator using an optical surface monitoring system (OSMS) combined with a self-made 3D-printed phantom, and compare with the conventional front pointer measurement method. Methods A phantom that could be fixed to the front pointer of the accelerator was fabricated using 3D printing technology. The front pointer method and OSMS were used to detect the rotation isocenter deviations of the accelerator. During the experiments, the collimator, gantry, and couch linear displacement readings were recorded at different angles. We also recorded the measurement time of different surveyors. Results Compared to the front pointer measurement method, the OSMS method showed lower standard deviations. The reductions in standard deviations showed statistical significance in the Lat direction for the collimator rotation isocenter as well as in the Lat and Vrt directions for the gantry rotation isocenter. The mean deviation of Mag values for the collimator rotation isocenter using the OSMS method was 0.50 mm, which was larger than the 0.42 mm using the front pointer method. However, the standard deviation was 0.06 using the OSMS method, which was smaller than the 0.18 using the front pointer method. The mean deviation and standard deviation of Sag values for the gantry rotation isocenter using the OSMS method were 1.03 mm and 0.12, respectively, which were both larger than 0.47 mm and 0.06 using the front pointer method. For the couch rotation isocenter, the mean deviation and standard deviation using the OSMS method were 0.32 mm and 0.04, respectively, which were both smaller than the 0.55 mm and 0.20 using the front pointer method. All surveyors spent less time in isocenter measurements using the OSMS method compared to the front pointer method. Conclusion Compared with the front pointer method, the OSMS method significantly reduces the standard deviation among surveyors, effectively reduces the influence of the angle deviation of the accelerator on the measurement results, reduces detection time, improves detection efficiency, and provides a powerful practical basis for the application of OSMS in detecting the mechanical accuracy of the linear accelerator.
7.A preliminary study on a method for detecting accelerator isocenter deviation using an optical surface monitoring system
Jianqi HU ; Shun ZHOU ; Jiangyan LUO ; Zihong LU ; Junyu LI ; Wen WANG ; Hao WU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(2):263-271
Objective To detect the isocenter of a medical linear accelerator using an optical surface monitoring system (OSMS) combined with a self-made 3D-printed phantom, and compare with the conventional front pointer measurement method. Methods A phantom that could be fixed to the front pointer of the accelerator was fabricated using 3D printing technology. The front pointer method and OSMS were used to detect the rotation isocenter deviations of the accelerator. During the experiments, the collimator, gantry, and couch linear displacement readings were recorded at different angles. We also recorded the measurement time of different surveyors. Results Compared to the front pointer measurement method, the OSMS method showed lower standard deviations. The reductions in standard deviations showed statistical significance in the Lat direction for the collimator rotation isocenter as well as in the Lat and Vrt directions for the gantry rotation isocenter. The mean deviation of Mag values for the collimator rotation isocenter using the OSMS method was 0.50 mm, which was larger than the 0.42 mm using the front pointer method. However, the standard deviation was 0.06 using the OSMS method, which was smaller than the 0.18 using the front pointer method. The mean deviation and standard deviation of Sag values for the gantry rotation isocenter using the OSMS method were 1.03 mm and 0.12, respectively, which were both larger than 0.47 mm and 0.06 using the front pointer method. For the couch rotation isocenter, the mean deviation and standard deviation using the OSMS method were 0.32 mm and 0.04, respectively, which were both smaller than the 0.55 mm and 0.20 using the front pointer method. All surveyors spent less time in isocenter measurements using the OSMS method compared to the front pointer method. Conclusion Compared with the front pointer method, the OSMS method significantly reduces the standard deviation among surveyors, effectively reduces the influence of the angle deviation of the accelerator on the measurement results, reduces detection time, improves detection efficiency, and provides a powerful practical basis for the application of OSMS in detecting the mechanical accuracy of the linear accelerator.
8.The Epigenetic Regulation of Decitabine Resistance in TP53-Mutated Myelodysplastic Syndromes:Integrated Analysis Based on RNA-seq and Methylomics
Lan ZHANG ; Yu-Ye REN ; Wei CHEN ; Wen-Ya HU ; Chen-Xi ZHAO ; Li-Ping SU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1681-1687
Objective:To investigate the effects of TP53 genetic status(wild-type/mutated/null)on the drug resistance of decitabine(DAC)in myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS)and identify key resistance-associated genes.Methods:Two myeloid cell lines with distinct TP53 status(M-07e:wild-type;SKM-1:mutated;)were treated with gradient DAC concentrations(0-10 μmol/L)for 0-72 h.Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay.RNA-Seq transcriptomics,and methylation profiling were integrated to analyze differentially expressed genes.Results:Decitabine(DAC)treatment induced time-and dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability in CCK-8 assays,with SKM-1 cells exhibiting the highest resistance(IC50=5 μmol/L vs M-07e=0.5 μmol/L,P<0.01).Transcriptomic analysis revealed 662 upregulated and 452 downregulated genes in DAC-treated M-07e cells,while SKM-1 cells showed 515 upregulated and 73 downregulated genes.By proteomic profiling,117 upregulated and 136 downregulated proteins were identified in M-07e cells,while 91 upregulated and 46 downregulated proteins were identified in SKM-1 cells following DAC exposure.Through integrated analysis of upregulated genes and proteins expression profiles,181 candidate genes were screened out,while methylation studies identified 884 hypomethylated genes with high-sensitivity loci and CpG density.Notably,31 genes overlapped between these datasets,and functional annotation indicated these drug-resistance-associated genes are primarily involved in positive regulation of cell differentiation,negative regulation of binding processes,and negative regulation of cellular component organization.Conclusion:TP53 mutations drive DAC resistance via epigenetic reprogramming.Targeting these genes may improve outcomes in TP53-mutated MDS.
9.Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3641c inhibits macrophage type Ⅰ interferon responses and promotes intracellular survival in macrophages
Wen JIN ; Min GENG ; Su-jie HU ; Xin-yang ZHANG ; Wen-qin LI ; Cheng-kun ZHENG ; Xin-an JIAO ; Xiang CHEN ; Zheng-zhong XU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):385-391
This study was aimed at investigating the immunoregulatory function of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3641c gene in modulating host type Ⅰ interferon responses.The shuttle plasmid pMV261 was used to construct Rv3641c overexpression recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis,and the biological characteristics of the recombinant bacteria were analyzed to explore the effect of Rv3641c on the growth curve,colony morphology and stress resistance of Mycobacterium.Subsequently,RAW264.7 cells were infected with Rv3641c overexpressing Mycobacterium smegmatis,and the transcriptional expression of genes related to the inhibition of type I inter-feron pathway was determined by RT-PCR.The expression level of IFN-βprotein was determined by ELISA,and the intracellular sur-vival level was determined.As a result,the recombinant rMS::pMV261-Rv3641c was successfully constructed.The results of biologi-cal characteristics analysis showed that Rv3641c did not affect the growth of mycobacteria,but significantly changed the colony mor-phology of mycobacteria and improved its resistance to H2O2.The results of recombinant bacteria infection experiments showed that Rv3641c significantly down-regulated the transcription levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand downstream ISGs genes CXCL10,IFIT2 and IL-1β in host cells,and Rv3641c significantly down-regulated the transcription levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand downstream ISGs genes CXCL10,IFIT2 and IL-1βin host cells.The results of intracellular colonization experiments showed that the intracellular mycobacte-ria in the overexpression recombinant bacteria infection group were significantly higher than those in the empty vector group,indicat-ing that Rv3641c could promote the intracellular surviv al of mycobacteria.In summary,the Rv3641c gene of M.tuberculosis can inhibit the host type I interferon response and promote the intracellular survival of M.tuberculosis,which provides a new idea for further explor-ing the immune escape function of M.tuberculosis and the discovery of new targets for anti-tuberculosis drugs.
10.Prevalence and molecular characterization of Shiga toxin-producing Esch-erichia coli in domestic goats in the Chengkou District of Chongqing
Jing-jing PENG ; Bin HU ; Xi YANG ; Yi LI ; Hai HUANG ; Wen-shuang LIU ; Yu MENG ; Li-jun WANG ; Yan-wen XIONG ; Yi YUAN ; Pei-bin HOU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(5):529-536
This study investigated the infection status,drug resistance,and molecular characteristics of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC)in domestic goats in Chengkou county,Chongqing.In August 2023,283 fecal samples were collected from households in Chengkou county.After enrichment with EC broth and inoculation onto selective media,samples that tested positive for stx1/stx2 were selected for further isolation.The positive strains were investigated with antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing.According to the whole genomic sequences,the stx subtypes,serotypes,multi-locus sequence types,virulence genes,drug resistance genes,and phylogenetic relationships of the STEC strains were analyzed.Forty-six strains of STEC were isolated from 283 goat fecal samples,thus resulting in a detection rate of 16.25%.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 12 O∶H serotypes,among which O76∶H19 and O8∶H7 predominated,each represented by 9 strains.Five STEC strains were identified as serotype O157∶H7.The 46 STEC strains were categorized into 11 sequence types(STs),among which ST675 and ST196 predominated,each represented by nine strains,accounting for a 19.57%proportion.The strains were categorized into 7 stx subtypes,among which stx1c(26/46,56.52%),followed by stx2k(9/46,19.57%)predominated.All nine Stx2k-STEC strains were identified as serotype O8∶H7 and sequence type ST196.In antimicrobial susceptibility testing,2 STEC strains were resistant to ampicillin,one strain was resistant to ampicillin/sulbactam,one strain was resistant to cefazolin,and one strain was resistant to cefoxitin.Nine Stx2k-STEC strains were found to carry the beta-lactam resistance gene blaEC-18.Antimicrobial sensitivity tests revealed that the nine Stx2k-STEC strains were sensitive to all 15 tested antibiotics.Moreover,phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 9 Stx2k-STEC strains were remarkably similar but showed high genetic diversity with respect to that of the Stx2k-STEC strains isolated from other regions in China.Goatsare an important animal reservoir for STEC in theChengkou district of Chongqing,and novel sequence type Stx2k-STEC strains distinct from those found in other regions of China were identified in this region.


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