1.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
2.Epidemiological investigation and analysis of a local dengue fever cluster outbreak in Qingpu District of Shanghai
Changpo LIN ; Wei WANG ; Zhangrui XU ; Yadong MA ; Zhicheng ZHANG ; Xueqin YU ; Chengcheng WANG ; Haoxuan WANG ; Yanli DAI ; Huanyu WU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):206-209
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of a local dengue fever cluster outbreak in Qingpu District of Shanghai in 2024, and to provide a reference for subsequent dengue fever prevention and control. MethodsSeven confirmed local dengue fever cases reported through the National Notifiable Infectious Diseases Surveillance System in Qingpu District of Shanghai in 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to conduct investigation and analysis from the aspects of onset, medical treatment and reporting, clinical symptoms, travel and contact history within 15 days before onset, and activity trajectories. ResultsA total of 7 cases were identified in this outbreak. None of the cases had a travel history to dengue-endemic areas within 15 days prior to onset, while all had shared exposure environments and mosquito bite histories, indicating a local clustered transmission pattern. The main clinical manifestations included fever (100.00%) and myalgia (42.86%). All 7 cases were positive for dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) by nucleic acid testing. Genetic sequencing showed that the virus strains belonged to the Cosmopolitan genotype and were most closely related to the epidemic DENV strains circulating in southern China in recent years. ConclusionThis outbreak might be a local secondary infection caused by the short-term stay of dengue fever-infected individuals, and the possible source of importation was dengue fever endemic areas in southern China.
3.Effects of SPBC1604.04 Gene Deletion on Mitotic Cell Dynamics in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Jia-Ni XU ; Jia-Yi HE ; Lang-Lin ZHENG ; Shu-Rong HE ; Shuai MA ; Xiang DING ; Yi-Ling HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1471-1484
ObjectiveMitochondria are not only the central organelles responsible for cellular energy metabolism but also play essential roles in regulating cell cycle progression and cytoskeletal dynamics. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that mitochondrial homeostasis is closely associated with mitotic progression and cytokinesis. Schizosaccharomyces pombe serves as a classical and well-established model organism. Because its cell cycle regulatory mechanisms are highly conserved throughout evolution, its genetic background is clearly defined, and experimental manipulation is efficient and convenient, it has been extensively applied in studies of cell growth, division, and reproductive mechanisms. The SPBC1604.04 gene encodes a previously uncharacterized mitochondrial carrier protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This gene is located on chromosome II and spans 1 018 base pairs in length. It encodes a protein consisting of 238 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of approximately 31.03 ku. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that this protein is responsible for the transport of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) into mitochondria. However, the effects of SPBC1604.04 gene deletion on mitotic cell dynamics under different temperature conditions have not been fully elucidated. MethodsThe SPBC1604.04 deletion strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe was used as the experimental model. Fluorescent protein markers were constructed in the deletion background to label mitochondria, microtubules, actin, myosin, the nuclear envelope, and chromosomes. Live-cell imaging was performed using a TCS-SP8 laser scanning confocal microscope under normal temperature conditions (25℃) and heat stress conditions (37℃). Time-lapse microscopy was applied to dynamically monitor mitochondrial morphology and distribution, spindle assembly and elongation, chromosome segregation, as well as the formation and constriction of the actomyosin ring during cytokinesis. ImageJ software was used for quantitative measurements, including microtubule length during mitosis, spindle length at different mitotic stages, mitochondrial fluorescence intensity as an indicator of mitochondrial content, actomyosin ring length, nuclear envelope area, and chromosome segregation timing. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare phenotypic differences between the wild-type and SPBC1604.04 deletion strains at both temperature conditions. Through these analyses, we systematically investigated the impact of SPBC1604.04 deletion on mitotic cell dynamics in fission yeast under both normal physiological conditions and temperature stress. ResultsAt 25℃, compared with wild-type cells, the SPBC1604.04Δ strain exhibited a pronounced tendency toward mitochondrial fragmentation, accompanied by abnormal mitochondrial content and a significant reduction in mitochondrial fluorescence intensity. These observations suggest impaired mitochondrial homeostasis under normal growth conditions. In addition, the constriction time of actomyosin ring during cytokinesis was markedly prolonged, indicating that deletion of SPBC1604.04 affects the dynamics of the contractile machinery. However, no obvious defects were observed in spindle assembly, spindle elongation, or chromosome segregation. Under heat stress at 37℃, mitochondrial morphology in the SPBC1604.04Δ strain showed a tendency to recover toward a continuous tubular network structure. Mitochondrial content was restored, fluorescence intensity increased, and the constriction time of the actomyosin ring returned to levels comparable to those of wild-type cells. These results indicate that the mitotic defects observed at normal temperature are partially or fully alleviated under heat stress conditions. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that deletion of the SPBC1604.04 gene leads to abnormal mitochondrial content in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The mitochondrial carrier protein SPBC1604.04 participates in regulating actomyosin ring constriction during mitosis but does not appear to be directly involved in the regulation of spindle dynamics or chromosome segregation. Our findings provide key experimental evidence for understanding the functional link between the SPBC1604.04 gene, mitochondrial homeostasis, and mitotic regulation.
4.Therapeutic Mechanisms of Xiebai San on Lung Heat-induced Cough and Asthma via Modulating Lung-Brain Axis Metabolism Based on Spatial Metabolomics
Yue XU ; Fuzhi MA ; Yeerjiang AYIMAN ; Lin ZHU ; Qingce ZANG ; Zhijie MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):41-48
ObjectiveBased on whole-animal mass spectrometry imaging technology, spatial metabolomics was used to characterize in situ the metabolic alteration patterns in the lungs and brain of a rat model of lung heat-induced cough and asthma, as well as after treatment with Xiebai San. MethodsNine Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (physiological saline), a model group (physiological saline), and a Xiebai San group (9 g·kg-1), with three rats in each group. The model group and the Xiebai San group were both induced using lipopolysaccharide-ovalbumin (LPS-OVA) to establish an asthma rat model. After treatment with Xiebai San, the animals were euthanized on day 21 and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen to preserve morphology. Whole-animal tissue sections were prepared using a cryomicrotome, and imaging was performed using the Air-flow-assisted Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (AFADESI-MSI) platform. Based on the corresponding optical images, ion data of metabolites from the lung and brain tissues of each group were extracted. Differential metabolites were analyzed using SIMCA and GraphPad Prism 9.0 software. Metabolites were identified using the HMDB (
5.Therapeutic Mechanisms of Xiebai San on Lung Heat-induced Cough and Asthma via Modulating Lung-Brain Axis Metabolism Based on Spatial Metabolomics
Yue XU ; Fuzhi MA ; Yeerjiang AYIMAN ; Lin ZHU ; Qingce ZANG ; Zhijie MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):41-48
ObjectiveBased on whole-animal mass spectrometry imaging technology, spatial metabolomics was used to characterize in situ the metabolic alteration patterns in the lungs and brain of a rat model of lung heat-induced cough and asthma, as well as after treatment with Xiebai San. MethodsNine Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group (physiological saline), a model group (physiological saline), and a Xiebai San group (9 g·kg-1), with three rats in each group. The model group and the Xiebai San group were both induced using lipopolysaccharide-ovalbumin (LPS-OVA) to establish an asthma rat model. After treatment with Xiebai San, the animals were euthanized on day 21 and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen to preserve morphology. Whole-animal tissue sections were prepared using a cryomicrotome, and imaging was performed using the Air-flow-assisted Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging (AFADESI-MSI) platform. Based on the corresponding optical images, ion data of metabolites from the lung and brain tissues of each group were extracted. Differential metabolites were analyzed using SIMCA and GraphPad Prism 9.0 software. Metabolites were identified using the HMDB (
6.Construction of an Evaluation System for Traditional Chinese Medicine Appropriate Technologies Based on Evidence-Based Medicine
Jixing WANG ; Zhiyi ZHOU ; Sisi LIN ; Dieyu MA ; Zhizhen ZHOU ; Conghua JI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):355-359
Based on the theory of evidence-based medicine (EBM), this paper systematically constructed a multi-dimensional evaluation framework for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) appropriate technologies, encompassing three core dimensions including evidence, practitioner, and patient. For the current practical challenges in the promotion of TCM technologies such as lack of high-quality evidence, inconsistent operational standards, and varying patient acceptance, the paper proposed the integration of published literature evidence and real-world research data to construct a scientific and applicable evaluation pathway. Regarding the evidence dimension, it emphasizes syste-matic assessment of effectiveness, safety, and economic efficiency, introducing methods like the target trial emulation framework to enhance evidence quality; for the practitioner dimension, it suggests developing multi-aspects competency evaluation tools based on educational background, training assessment, and clinical outcomes; for the patient dimension, it recommends designing patient acceptance assessment tools by considering factors such as technical characte-ristics, expected efficacy, patient-practitioner interaction, and the availability of alternative treatments. The purpose of the above measures is to provide methodological support for the standardized popularization and precision application of TCM appropriate technologies.
7.Diagnostic and prognostic value of differential expression of Cyclin D1 and p53 in eyelid tumors
Minli MA ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Hongyan SONG ; Fang LIN ; Qi MA
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):511-517
AIM: To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of differential expression of Cyclin D1 and p53 in eyelid tumors.METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent surgical resection for eyelid tumors at our hospital between March 2018 and March 2023. Participants were categorized into benign and malignant groups based on tumor characteristics. Clinical data were collected. Genetic data for eyelid tumors were obtained from the GEO database, and differential gene analysis, including volcano plot visualization and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, was performed using the Sangerbox 3.0 platform. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of Cyclin D1, p53, and BAX in tissue samples. Correlations with clinical features were analyzed using Spearman analysis, and prognostic factors were identified via Logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: This study included 69 patients with eyelid tumors(78 eyes), categorized into a benign group(37 patients, 41 eyes)and a malignant group(32 patients, 37 eyes)based on tumor characteristics. There were significant differences between the two groups in histological subtype, TNM staging, vascular invasion, differentiation status, and local infiltration(all P<0.05). Among benign tumors: pigmented nevi in 11 eyes(27%), hemangiomas in 9 eyes(22%), squamous cell papillomas in 5 eyes(12%), epidermoid cysts in 5 eyes(12%), seborrheic keratoses in 4 eyes(10%), neurofibromas in 3 eyes(7%), and both calcifying epithelioma and xanthelasma in 2 eyes each(5%); among malignant tumors: basal cell carcinoma in 18 eyes(49%), meibomian gland carcinoma in 8 eyes(22%), squamous cell carcinoma in 5 eyes(14%), sebaceous gland carcinoma in 4 eyes(11%), lymphoma and malignant melanoma each in 1 eye(3%). At the follow-up cutoff date of March 2025, the 2-year survival rate in the benign group(95%)was significantly higher than that in the malignant group(78%; P<0.05). Bioinformatics analysis identified 4 103 differentially expressed genes, including Cyclin D1, p53, and BAX, which were predominantly involved in pathways such as the p53 signaling pathway and calcium-related signaling. Spearman analysis revealed that local invasion(rs=0.71, P<0.05)and TNM stage(rs=0.73, P<0.05)correlated with Cyclin D1 expression; local invasion(rs=0.76, P<0.05)and histological subtype(rs=0.65, P<0.05)correlated with p53 expression. Logistic regression results indicated that Cyclin D1, p53, TNM staging, and local invasion were prognostic risk factors. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the combined detection of these four indicators had the highest predictive value for prognosis(AUC=0.83).CONCLUSION: High expression of cyclin D1 and p53 serves as molecular markers for distinguishing benign from malignant eyelid tumors and assessing prognosis. Combined detection of these markers with TNM staging and local invasion demonstrates high predictive value for prognosis.
8.Mechanisms of Dihuang Yinzi in Treating Advanced Parkinson's Disease Based on Gut Microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation Axis
Renzhi MA ; Yasi LIN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Hongmei ZHU ; Jiayuan LI ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Wenxin FAN ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):11-21
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Dihuang Yinzi (DY) on motor dysfunction in rats with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and to investigate the mechanisms by which DY improves advanced PD symptoms through the "gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-inflammation-neuroprotection pathway". MethodsAn advanced PD rat model was induced by rotenone. Rats were divided into a normal group, model group, positive drug group (levodopa, 50 mg·kg-1), and DY low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.2, 10.4, 20.8 g·kg-1). After 7 days of administration, motor function was evaluated using the open-field, pole-climbing, and inclined plate tests. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in the substantia nigra and colon, and immunohistochemistry was performed to detect α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Levodopa, homovanillic acid (HVA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing, and gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the content of SCFAs in colonic contents. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased movement speed and distance in the open-field test, prolonged pole-climbing time, and reduced retention angle on the inclined plate (P<0.01), accompanied by increased α-Syn expression (P<0.01) and decreased TH expression (P<0.01) in the brain. Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups improved motor dysfunction in advanced PD rats to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated pathological damage in the brain and colon. High-dose DY significantly reduced α-Syn aggregation in the substantia nigra (P<0.01) and increased TH expression (P<0.01). ELISA and Western blot results showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum (P<0.01), increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum (P<0.01), and significantly reduced expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the colon (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all DY dose groups increased the levels of DA, 5-HT, DOPAC, Levodopa, and HVA in the striatum to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the high-dose DY group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the colon and striatum were reduced (P<0.01), while the expression of ZO-1 (P<0.05) and occludin in the intestine was increased. The 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that the relative abundances of Actinobacteriota, Enterobacteriaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased in the model group, whereas the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, class Clostridia, Lachnospiraceae, and Akkermansia muciniphila were decreased. These changes were effectively reversed after high-dose DY intervention. GC analysis showed that the content of SCFAs in the colonic contents of rats in the model group was decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while after high-dose DY intervention, the levels of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and butyrate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDY may exert therapeutic effects in advanced PD by regulating the gut microbiota-SCFAs-inflammation pathway.
9.Signal mining of adverse reactions associated with macrolide antibiotics in pediatric patients based on the FAERS database
Zhenpo ZHANG ; Jiaxin HE ; Jingping ZHENG ; Yuting WANG ; Lin MA ; Ling SU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(3):160-166
Objective To explore the adverse event signals of children using macrolide drugs (azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin), and provide reference for rational medicine use in clinical practice. Methods Data from children under 12 years old were extracted from the US FAERS database spanning from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2023. The adverse drug reaction (ADR) signal mining for three macrolide antibiotics was conducted using the Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) and Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) methods. Special emphasis was placed on analyzing and contrasting the differences in adverse events among the three drugs. Results A total of 1 615 reports for children under 12 years old were retrieved from the FAERS database, including 1 024 reports of azithromycin, 460 reports of clarithromycin, and 131 reports of erythromycin. Among azithromycin and erythromycin, there were more reports from boys than girls, while for clarithromycin, there were more reports from girls than boys. Oral administration was the most common route of administration for all three drugs. Regarding the outcome of adverse events reported, azithromycin and clarithromycin were primarily associated with other serious adverse events, whereas erythromycin was mainly associated with hospitalization and other serious adverse events. The number of adverse events reported decreased with increasing age, with a higher number of reports in the 0-3 age group. Using the ROR and BCPNN methods for signal detection, 86 signals were identified for azithromycin, 91 for clarithromycin, and 34 for erythromycin. These signals involved 22 System Organ Classes (SOCs), with azithromycin mainly concentrated in skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (n=21), clarithromycin in gastrointestinal disorders (n=15), and erythromycin in gastrointestinal disorders (n=8). Twenty-four signals of moderate to high risk were detected, with 13 for azithromycin, 9 for clarithromycin, and 2 for erythromycin. Conclusion The adverse events induced by the three drugs with different risks in different systems. When clinically treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children, the risk profiles of drugs in different systems should be considered, and personalized dosing should be implemented.
10.A qualitative study on the psychological connection between non-suicidal self injury and childhood trauma among vocational college students
YUAN Lin, YIN Ziyuan, SANG Xianke, MA Guoping
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):208-211
Objective:
To explore the psychological connection between non-suicidal self injury (NSSI) behavior and childhood trauma among vocational college students, thereby informing the optimization of mental health services.
Methods:
From June to July 2025, 18 students with NSSI behavior and childhood trauma were recruited from two vocational colleges in Heze City for semi structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi s seven step analysis method for coding and thematic extraction.
Results:
Four core themes and ten subthemes were identified. Childhood trauma drove NSSI behavior through four interrelated psychological pathways, containing a cognitive pathway for internalization of traumatic beliefs and self punishment, an emotional pathway for dysregulation of traumatic emotions and compensatory behaviors, a somatic behavioral pathway for somatization and reenactment of traumatic memories, and an interpersonal pathway for impaired trust and isolation based coping. These pathways intertwined and reinforced each other, forming a psychological network underlying NSSI behavior.
Conclusions
Childhood trauma serves as a core risk factor for NSSI, establishing NSSI behavior through "intertwined cognitive, emotional, somatic and interpersonal" pathways. Effective intervention should adopt an integrated approach incorporating cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, trauma recovery, and the social support reconstruction.


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