1.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
2.Value of dual-source CT in prognosis evaluation after anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction
Yan WEI ; Rong DAI ; Gaofeng ZOU ; Haihui XING
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):427-432
Objective To explore the clinical application value of dual-source CT (DSCT) in imaging evaluation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction. Methods A total of 93 patients with ACL injury confirmed in our hospital between December 2023 and December 2024 were enrolled as the research subjects. All patients underwent arthroscopic single-bundle anatomical reconstruction of ACL, as well as DSCT and multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) examinations at 1 month after surgery. ACL scan parameters, bone tunnel aperture center, and radiation dose parameters (CT dose index volume, dose-length product, effective dose) under DSCT and MSCT were compared. At 3 months after surgery, according to postoperative curative effect by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scoring method, patients were divided into favorable outcome group (IKDC ≥ 70 points, n = 69) and unfavorable outcome group (IKDC < 70 points, n = 24). The two groups were compared for bone tunnel angles [angle between femoral tunnel and joint line (γ angle), angle between femoral tunnel and femoral shaft (θ angle), angle between tibial tunnel and tibial shaft (α angle), angle between tibial tunnel and joint line (β angle)]. The predictive value of bone tunnel angles under DSCT in poor prognosis of patients after ACL reconstruction was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic curves. Results The intraclass correlation coefficients for image quality of ACL length, ACL angle, long diameter of femoral attachment point, long diameter of tibial attachment point, Fx, Fy, Tx, Ty, γ angle, θ angle, α angle, and β angle were 0.812, 0.835, 0.823, 0.834, 0.836, 0.847, 0.841, 0.834, 0.835, and 0.864, respectively. The long diameters of femoral attachment point and tibial attachment point under DSCT were shorter than those under MSCT (P < 0.05), Tx and Ty were lower than those under MSCT (P < 0.05), CT dose index volume, dose-length product, and effective dose were lower than those under MSCT (P < 0.05). The γ angle and θ angle in the favorable outcome group were lower than those in the unfavorable outcome group (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that after ACL reconstruction, the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of γ angle, θ angle, and their combination under DSCT for predicting poor prognosis were 0.711, 0.712, and 0.783, respectively, with sensitivities of 76.81%, 79.71%, and 92.75% as well as specificities of 70.83%, 75.00%, and 62.50%, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion DSCT can evaluate the poor prognosis of patients after ACL reconstruction through ACL scan parameters, bone tunnel aperture center, γ angle, and θ angle, which also can effectively reduce radiation dose.
3.Research advances in clinical subtypes of Alzheimer's disease based on clinical manifestations and pathological features
Juan ZHOU ; Deyang ZENG ; Xiaochang LIU ; Yan ZENG ; Zhaolan HUANG ; Xue YANG ; Xing WANG ; Wei TAN
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(4):476-481
Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a neurodegenerative disease with highly heterogeneous pathological and clinical manifesta-tions,and it is the most common cause of dementia.This heterogeneity poses challenges for diagnosis,treatment,and evaluating novel pharmacological efficacy.This review summarizes the latest progress in the major clinical subtypes of AD based on clinical manifesta-tions,genetic,and pathological features.Early-onset and late-onset AD clinical subtypes may share the same symptoms but differ in etiology,age of onset,mode of presentation,disease progression,and associated comorbidities.Typical and atypical AD differ signifi-cantly in clinical manifestations,pathological features,and diagnostic criteria.Research on AD subtypes based on imaging and omics data has also made considerable progress.This review also outlines the molecular pathological heterogeneity of AD.A deep understand-ing of these heterogeneities is crucial for diagnosis,the formulation of pharmacological treatment strategies,and clinical management.
4.Identification of Endogenous and Exogenous Testosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone in Beef by Gas Chromatography Combustion Isotope Mass Spectrometry
Bo ZHAO ; Huan-Huan CHEN ; Wei CAI ; Hai LU ; Jie JIANG ; Teng XING ; Yan GAO ; Li LIN ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(7):1167-1176
Accurate identification of endogenous and exogenous substances in food,particularly in competition supplies,is crucial for ensuring food safety and fair competition,as well as for protecting the legitimate rights and professional reputations of athletes.Testosterone(T)and dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA)are important steroid hormones that can stimulate protein synthesis,increase the number and volume of muscle cells,and promote muscle growth and recovery.Both are often illegally used in the animal husbandry industry to promote animal growth and improve meat quality.However,current research in this area remains limited,and identification technologies require further investigation.This study focused on the techniques for identifying endogenous and exogenous hormones including T and DHEA in beef.A Soxhlet extraction method was established,reducing the pretreatment cycle to 110 min while achieving high extraction efficiency,with recovery rates of 102.5%for T and 91.9%for DHEA,respectively.Based on this,a gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry(GC-C-IRMS)method was developed for analyzing carbon isotopes in T and DHEA,eliminating the need for derivatization.By adding reference materials to the extract,simultaneous measurement of reference materials and target analytes was achieved.The measurement of caffeine reference material,T and DHEA was completed within 40 min,with a measurement repeatability of 0.02‰.Theδ13C values of T and DHEA in standard substances,which may serve as exogenous additives,were determined using elemental analysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry(EA-IRMS).The results indicated an average δ13C value of-29.44‰±0.81‰(k=1)for 10 T standards and-30.86‰±0.87‰(k=1)for 14 kinds of DHEA standards.This approach effectively distinguished between endogenous sources and exogenous addition of these two hormones in beef,thereby providing vital technical support for the assurance and supervision of food safety.
5.Creation and Exploration of the"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"Disci-pline Construction Model for Forensic Medicine in the New Era
Zhi-Wen WEI ; Hong-Xing WANG ; Jun-Hong SUN ; Hao-Liang FAN ; Hong-Liang SU ; Le-Le WANG ; Wen-Ting HE ; Zhe CHEN ; Jie ZHANG ; Xiang-Jie GUO ; Ji LI ; Geng-Qian ZHANG ; Xin-Hua LIANG ; Jiang-Wei YAN ; Qiang-Qiang ZHANG ; Cai-Rong GAO ; Ying-Yuan WANG ; Hong-Wei WANG ; Jun XIE ; Bo-Feng ZHU ; Ke-Ming YUN
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):25-29
Forensic medicine has been designated as a first-level discipline,presenting new opportunities and challenges for the development of forensic medicine.Since the 1980s,the establishment of foren-sic medicine discipline and the cultivation of high-level forensic talents have become hot topics in the development of forensic medicine in China.Since the 13th Five-Year Plan,the forensic team of Shanxi Medical University has been aiming at the forefront,proposing the development goals of"Five First-class"and the discipline development path"Six Major Achievements".It has selected benchmark disci-plines,identified gaps in disciplinary development,unified thoughts,formulated completion timelines,concentrated superior resources,assigned tasks to individuals,and created an"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"forensic medicine discipline construction model with the characteristics of the new era.The construction model of forensic medicine has achieved good results in the goals,discipline frame-work,scientific research,talent cultivation,discipline team and platform construction,forming a rela-tively complete discipline construction and management system,and accumulating valuable experience for the construction of first-level discipline and high-level talent cultivation of forensic medicine.
6.Targeting IRG1 in tumor-associated macrophages for cancer therapy.
Shuang LIU ; Lin-Xing WEI ; Qian YU ; Zhi-Wei GUO ; Chang-You ZHAN ; Lei-Lei CHEN ; Yan LI ; Dan YE
Protein & Cell 2025;16(6):478-483
7.Supramolecular prodrug inspiried by the Rhizoma Coptidis - Fructus Mume herbal pair alleviated inflammatory diseases by inhibiting pyroptosis.
Wenhui QIAN ; Bei ZHANG ; Ming GAO ; Yuting WANG ; Jiachen SHEN ; Dongbing LIANG ; Chao WANG ; Wei WEI ; Xing PAN ; Qiuying YAN ; Dongdong SUN ; Dong ZHU ; Haibo CHENG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101056-101056
Sustained inflammatory responses are closely related to various severe diseases, and inhibiting the excessive activation of inflammasomes and pyroptosis has significant implications for clinical treatment. Natural products have garnered considerable concern for the treatment of inflammation. Huanglian-Wumei decoction (HLWMD) is a classic prescription used for treating inflammatory diseases, but the necessity of their combination and the exact underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism have not yet been elucidated. Inspired by the supramolecular self-assembly strategy and natural drug compatibility theory, we successfully obtained berberine (BBR)-chlorogenic acid (CGA) supramolecular (BCS), which is an herbal pair from HLWMD. Using a series of characterization methods, we confirmed the self-assembly mechanism of BCS. BBR and CGA were self-assembled and stacked into amphiphilic spherical supramolecules in a 2:1 molar ratio, driven by electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and π-π stacking; the hydrophilic fragments of CGA were outside, and the hydrophobic fragments of BBR were inside. This stacking pattern significantly improved the anti-inflammatory performance of BCS compared with that of single free molecules. Compared with free molecules, BCS significantly attenuated the release of multiple inflammatory mediators and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pyroptosis. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of intracellular nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 phosphorylation and the noncanonical pyroptosis signalling pathway mediated by caspase-11.
8.Research progress on indirect energy measurement in guiding energy and nutritional application in nutritional support therapy for critically ill patients.
Yinqiang FAN ; Jun YAN ; Ning WEI ; Jianping YANG ; Hongmei PAN ; Yiming SHAO ; Jun SHI ; Xiuming XI
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(8):794-796
Nutritional support therapy is one of the extremely important treatment methods for patients in the intensive care unit. Timely and effective nutritional support regimens can improve patients' immune function, reduce complications, and optimize clinical outcomes. Energy expenditure is influenced by multiple factors, including patients' baseline characteristics (such as physical condition, gender, age) and dynamic changes in indicators (such as body temperature, nutritional support regimens, and therapeutic interventions). The currently recognized "gold standard" for accurately assessing energy metabolism in clinical practice is the indirect calorimetry system, also known as the metabolic cart. This device monitors carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption in real time and uses specific algorithms to estimate the metabolic proportions of the three major nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) in energy expenditure. An appropriate nutrient ratio helps maintain the balance between supply and demand in the body's nutritional metabolism. In the management of critically ill patients, the application of the metabolic cart enables personalized nutritional therapy, avoiding over- or under-supply of energy and optimizing the use of medical resources. Furthermore, with real-time, quantitative data support from the energy metabolism monitoring system, clinicians can develop more precise nutritional intervention strategies, thereby improving patient prognosis. This article provides a systematic review of the technical features of the metabolic cart and its application value in various critical care scenarios, aiming to offer a reference for indirect calorimetry in clinical practice.
Humans
;
Critical Illness/therapy*
;
Nutritional Support
;
Energy Metabolism
;
Calorimetry, Indirect
9.Re-Exploration for Dietary Iodine Intake in Chinese Adults using the Obligatory Iodine Loss Hypothesis.
Xiao Bing LIU ; Jun WANG ; Ya Jie LI ; Hong Xing TAN ; De Qian MAO ; Yan Yan LIU ; Wei Dong LI ; Wei YU ; Jun An YAN ; Jian Hua PIAO ; Chong Zheng GUO ; Xiao Li LIU ; Xiao Guang YANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):952-960
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to reexplore minimum iodine excretion and to build a dietary iodine recommendation for Chinese adults using the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis.
METHODS:
Data from 171 Chinese adults (19-21 years old) were collected and analyzed based on three balance studies in Shenzhen, Yinchuan, and Changzhi. The single exponential equation was accordingly used to simulate the trajectory of 24 h urinary iodine excretion as the low iodine experimental diets offered (iodine intake: 11-26 μg/day) and to further deduce the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for iodine, including estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI).
RESULTS:
The minimum iodine excretion was estimated as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day in three balance studies, respectively. Moreover, it was further suggested as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day for iodine EAR, and 80, 81, and 71 μg/day for iodine RNI or expressed as 1.42, 1.41, and 1.20 μg/(day·kg) of body weight.
CONCLUSION
The iodine DRIs for Chinese adults were established based on the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis, which provides scientific support for the amendment of nutrient requirements.
Humans
;
Iodine/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Female
;
China
;
Young Adult
;
Diet
;
Adult
;
Nutritional Requirements
;
East Asian People
10.Sirtuin 3 Attenuates Acute Lung Injury by Decreasing Ferroptosis and Inflammation through Inhibiting Aerobic Glycolysis.
Ke Wei QIN ; Qing Qing JI ; Wei Jun LUO ; Wen Qian LI ; Bing Bing HAO ; Hai Yan ZHENG ; Chao Feng HAN ; Jian LOU ; Li Ming ZHAO ; Xing Ying HE
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1161-1167

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