1.Acute Inflammatory Pain Induces Sex-different Brain Alpha Activity in Anesthetized Rats Through Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography
Meng-Meng MIAO ; Yu-Xuan REN ; Wen-Wei WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Xiang-Hong LIN ; Hui-Dan LIN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):244-257
ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.
2.Development of a risk prediction score scale for late-onset sepsis in very low birth weight infants
Qianwen XIA ; Dan LI ; Lili YAO ; Yi GONG ; Mengfan QIU ; Fan WAN ; Yaoyao DONG ; Ruolin REN ; Yalan DOU ; Lin YUAN ; Xiaojing HU
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2025;32(3):161-169
Objective:To analyze the predictive factors associated with late-onset sepsis(LOS) in very low birth weight infants,and to develop a risk prediction score scale applicable to these infants three days postnatal.This will provide valuable insights for early diagnosis and timely intervention.Methods:Very low birth weight infants admitted to the Children's Hospital of Fudan University from January 1,2022,to June 30,2024,were selected as research subjects.These infants were categorized into two groups:the LOS group and the non-LOS group,based on whether they developed LOS.LASSO regression analysis,alongside univariate and multivariate regression analyses,was employed to identify predictive factors for LOS in this population.A Logistic model was constructed using the optimal combination of predictive variables,and a risk assessment scale was subsequently developed.The prediction performance of the model was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-square test and the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results:A total of 444 cases of very low birth weight infants were included,of which 185 had LOS and 259 did not.After screening the variables,seven independent factors were included into the model:birth weight,gestational age,tracheal intubation,abnormal skin color,abdominal distension,elevated C-reactive protein levels,and right hand perfusion index.A predictive scoring scale was developed based on the regression coefficients of each variable,with corresponding risk scores assigned as follows:1,4,3,2,1,1,and 2; a score of ≥3.5 indicated high-risk groups.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results demonstrated that χ2 = 7.602( P = 0.473).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.792 ( P<0.001),with a sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 71.0%. Conclusion:The risk score scale developed in this study exhibits significant predictive capability,providing valuable insights for clinical medical personnel to assess the risk of LOS in very low birth weight infants during the early postnatal period.
3.Research on the diffusion mode and influence mechanism of the outpatient coordination policy of employees'basic medical insurance:Event history analysis based on 228 prefecture-level cities in China
Dan-ni XIAO ; Wen-bo REN ; Lin-lin HU
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(8):53-62
Implementing the reform of outpatient mutual-aid is a crucial measure to improve China's medical security system.Based on the policy diffusion theory,we took 228 prefecture-level cities across the country as the research objects and used the event history method to analyze the diffusion mode and influencing factors of the general outpatient pooling policy for employees'basic medical insurance,and divided into three types:the type of reducing the stock of Medical Savings Accounts(MSA),the welfare increment type I and type II for separate analysis.We found that the diffusion of the general outpatient pooling policy presented an"S"-shaped curve over time,and was mainly horizontally diffused in space,with a neighboring effect and a regional demonstration effect.The type of reducing the stock of MSA policy diffuses horizontally;the welfare increment type I is mainly horizontal diffusion,supplemented by vertical diffusion;the welfare increment type II is not affected by the pressure from higher-level governments,and mainly adopts the horizontal diffusion mode.In terms of the influencing factors of policy diffusion,the diffusion of the general outpatient pooling policy was affected by multiple factors such as policy issues,legitimacy,and government capacity.The diffusion of the type of reducing the stock of MSA policy was not affected by the pressure from higher-level governments,but was influenced by policy issues and government capacity.The diffusion of the welfare increment type I policy was most affected by policy issues,and the welfare increment type II was most affected by government capacity.
4.Quality Evaluation on Huatan Pingchuan Tablets Based on National Drug Sampling and Testing
Dan LI ; Xianling YANG ; Hongyu ZHAI ; Yuhua SHEN ; Qiaosen REN ; Jing HAN ; Zhenbin FENG ; Jialiang ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):39-46
Objective Based on the sampling test of national drugs,the quality of Huatan Pingchuan tablets was systematically evaluated,and the quality problems were analyzed to provide references and suggestions for the quality control of this variety and to improve its quality standard.Methods A total of 157 batches of samples were tested according to the statutory standard,and based on the testing results and prescription characteristics,microscopic identification and comprehensive analysis of its quality using thin-layer chromatography,high-performance liquid chromatography,and other methods were subsequently established or improved for the exploratory research.Results The established thin-layer chromatography identification for Radix Scutellariae,as well as the content determination methods for Radix Scutellariae,Syringae Cortex,and promethazine hydrochloride,are easy to operate and have good durability and specificity and can be applied to the quality control and evaluation of Huatan Pingchuan tablets.Conclusions The overall quality of the tablets is average;some enterprises should strengthen the quality control of raw medicinal materials(decoction pieces);individual enterprises have significant differences in the quality of samples from different batches,so they need to pay attention to the quality of raw materials and the stability of production processes;the inspection items of the current standards cannot fully reflect the key quality attributes of drugs,and standards improvement work needs to be carried out.
5.Engineering yeast for high-efficiency isoliquiritigenin production via synthetic biology approaches
Yan YIN ; Shucan LIU ; Ting LI ; Ying HUANG ; Xianan ZHANG ; Guangxi REN ; Wei GAO ; Xinghong GUO ; Dan JIANG ; Chunsheng LIU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(4):356-365
Background: Isoliquiritigenin, a key pharmacologically active compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, can be further modified into various high-value 5-deoxyflavones, demonstrating significant potential for pharmaceutical development. Currently, the supply of isoliquiritigenin primarily depends on plant extraction. However, heterologous synthesis using microbial cell factories presents a promising alternative, offering a solution to resource limitations caused by the dwindling availability of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Objective: This study aimed to employ heterologous synthesis in yeast strains for the stable and high-efficiency production of isoliquiritigenin. Methods: First, a stable chassis strain for isoliquiritigenin production was constructed by integrating optimized biosynthetic pathway enzyme genes. A type IV noncatalytic chalcone isomerase-like protein and a synthetic protein scaffold system were employed to enhance the metabolic channeling of key pathway enzymes. Subsequently, yeast metabolism was fine-tuned to balance precursor supply, and cofactor engineering strategies were implemented to increase nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) availability, thereby ensuring the catalytic efficiency of the key enzyme chalcone reductase. Results: The engineered strain Y21-2 achieved a 24.4-fold increase in isoliquiritigenin titer compared to the original strain. Additionally, the proportion of the by-product naringenin chalcone was reduced by 67.8%, marking the first instance in which the ratio of C-5 hydroxylated by-products was minimized to 10.4% during the microbial synthesis of 5-deoxyflavones. Conclusion: This work provides a valuable reference for the efficient and sustainable production of isoliquiritigenin, laying a solid foundation for further pathway optimization and the biotechnological synthesis of other high-value natural 5-deoxyflavones.
6.Expert consensus on preventive and management of exposure keratopathy
Yongxia REN ; Zhihui WANG ; Dan SHEN ; Pingy-ing HUO ; Xiaowen BAI ; Mengdi WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(14):1705-1708
Objective To compile the"expert consensus on preventive and management of exposure keratopathy"(hereinafter referred to as"consensus"),aiming to standardize and promote the prevention of exposure keratopathy(EK)in medical institutions at different levels.Methods The evidence-based methods were used to retrieve,evaluate and summarize evidence in this field according to the level of evidence,and relevant recommendations and research conclusions were extracted,and the first draft of consensus was formed.After 2 rounds of Delphi expert letters and expert meetings,combined with evidence and expert opinions,the consensus content is written,adjusted and modified,and recommendations were made.Results 58 experts were invited to participate in the consultation.The expert positive coefficient was 100%;the expert judgment basis of the 2 rounds were 0.940 and 0.936;the degree of familiarity of the 2 rounds were 0.779 and 0.797;the coefficient of authority of the 2 rounds were 0.859 and 0.866.The Kendall W coefficients of the 2 rounds of inquiry were 0.099 and 0.117,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The consensus includes 5 aspects of EK:risk factors,assessments,protection measures,symptom management and training and management.Conclusion The consensus was based on the existing evidence and clinical practical requirements and recommendations of experts in the field.Consensus can provide guidance for clinical nursing staff in prevention,nursing and management of EK effectively.
7.Acquisition of the standard for intubation and maintenance of nasointestinal tube in adult patients among 1 350 nurses:a cross-sectional study
Haiyan SHI ; Zhongyan HAN ; Xiao MA ; Yu DING ; Dan NIE ; Lijuan ZHANG ; Shanshan YANG ; Aixia REN ; Yanlan MA
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(13):1617-1623
Objective To investigate the acquisition of the"standard for intubation and maintenance of nasointestinal tube in adult patients"of Chinese Nursing Association,and its influencing factors,so as to provide a basis for targeted training programs.Methods A multi-centered,cross-sectional study was performed in 31 provinces from September to November 2023,and nurses from different departments which use nasointestinal tubes like intensive care units,gastroenterology,neurology,geriatrics were included by a convenient sampling method.The tool was a self-designed questionnaire based on the group standard and the survey was conducted.Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of nurses'knowledge of nasointestinal tubes intubation and maintenance.Results 1 350 valid questionnaires were collected.Only 61.63%of the respondents knew about the publishing of the standard.The score of knowledge of tube intubation and maintenance was(61.09±13.56).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed the influencing factors of the score of knowledge of intubation and maintenance were as follows:education level,professional title,job position,intubation experience within half a year,and corresponding achievements(P<0.05).Conclusion The acqui-sition level of nurses for the standard calls for continuous promotion.Nursing managers should establish targeted training programs based on the related influencing factors,so as to advance the implementation of the group standard.
8.Expert consensus on the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock for the precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma
Kai YANG ; Moyi SUN ; Longjiang LI ; Zhangui TANG ; Wei GUO ; Guoxin REN ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Hong TANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Zhijun SUN ; Qing XI ; Chunjie LI ; Xin HUANG ; Heming WU ; Wei SHANG ; Jian MENG ; Jichen LI ; Hong MA ; Guiquan ZHU ; Yi LI ; Yaoxu LI ; Haitao HE ; Fugui ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Dan ZHAO ; Deping SUN ; Xiaoqiang LV ; Dan CHEN ; Fujun ZHANG ; Rui CHEN ; Yadong LI ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Xiaojuan FU ; Li XIANG ; Shouyi LI ; Shilin YIN
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):149-156
Recent studies have shown that the physiological homeostasis of oral mucosal cells is regulated by the circadian clock.Dis-ruption or dysfunction of the circadian clock is closely associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Research based on the circadian clock offers a novel perspective on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for OSCC.However,there is current-ly limited research on this topic,and people generally have insufficient understanding and recognition of the circadian clock.Given the complexity and challenges of circadian clock which is the fourth dimension of medical research,we organize relevant experts based on summarizing the current research results of circadian clock in the pathogenesis and precision diagnosis and treatment of OSCC,combining the scientific principles of the circadian clock's role and their long-term research experience,then summarizes and recommends the con-sensus opinions for the research of circadian clock in the pathogenesis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of human OSCC,with the hope of providing guidance for the basic research and clinical application of circadian clock or circadian rhythm in the pathogene-sis mechanism and precision diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma.
9.Effect of Shixiang plaster on promoting wound healing of diabetic foot ulcer
Lu GAN ; Yu LENG ; Dan YUAN ; Liping JIN ; Yonghong JIANG ; Mengyun XIAO ; Xiuya REN ; Wei XIE
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(10):1466-1471
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of Shixiang plaster on promoting the wound healing of diabetic foot ulcer.METHODS Totally 50 male SPF grade SD rats were prepared to establish the diabetic models by feeding with high glucose and high fat forage and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin,the rats models that were es-tablished successfully were randomly divided into the model group,the Shixiang plaster group and the Kangfuxin solution group.The models of diabetic ulcers were established.The Shixiang plaster group was treated with exter-nal Shixiang plaster,the Kangfuxin solution group was given external Kangfuxin solution,and the model group was treated with coverage with sterile gauze.The wound healing status of the rats was observed,the wound tis-sues were collected for bacterial culture and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining after drug administration for 14 and 28 days,respectively.The expression levels of nuclear factor-red cell-2-related factor 2(Nrf-2),heme oxygenase-1(HO-1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)were detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC),the expression levels of Nrf-2 and HO-1 were detected with the use of Western Blot,and the levels of serum malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)and reactive oxygen species(ROS)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).RESULTS After the drug administration for 14 and 28 days,the wound healing rates of the Shixiang plaster group were(62.15±3.82)%and(81.68±3.83)%,respectively,higher than(47.14±2.80)%and(69.96±6.49)%of the Kangfuxin solu-tion group and(29.14±9.52)%and(57.91±6.63)%of the model group,and there were significant differences(F=21.716,12.626,P=0.002,0.007).The bacterial colony counts of the Shixiang plaster group were less than those of the Kangfuxin solution group and the model group after the drug administration for 14 and 28 days(P<0.05).The result of HE staining showed that the Shixiang plaster group had a better wound healing.The result of IHC indicated that the expression levels of Nrf-2,HO-1 and VEGF of the Kangfuxin solution group and the Shix-iang plaster group were up-regulated after the drug administration for 28 days,while the expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were down-regulated.The expression levels of Nrf-2 and HO-1 proteins of the Shixiang plaster group were higher than those of the Kangfuxin solution group and the model group after the drug administration for 14 and 28 days,the levels of serum MDA and ROS of the Shixiang plaster group were lower than those of the Kangfuxin solution group and the model group,and the serum SOD level of the Shixiang plaster group was higher than that of the model group(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS Shixiang plaster can effectively promote the wound heal-ing of the rats with diabetic foot ulcers and reduce the bacterial colony counts of wound surfaces.The mechanism may be associated with the alleviation of oxidative stress injury by mediating the Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathways,promotion of angiogenesis and inhibition of excessive inflammatory reactions.
10.An animal model of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis established by perforation of the articular disc
Zerou ZHANG ; Dan JIN ; Bingshuai JING ; Rui REN ; Mian ZHANG ; Fuwei LIU ; Yunpeng LI
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(3):328-335
Objective:This study aims to establish an animal model that accurately replicates the clinical symptoms and pathologi-cal changes of late-stage human TMJOA,with the goal of providing a standardized and reliable animal experimental method for sub-sequent research on the disease.Methods:Forty-eight male New Zealand rabbits aged 4 to 6 months were randomly divided into a model group and a sham group.The animals in the model group underwent bilateral temporomandibular joint disc perforation surgery,while the animals in the sham group underwent a sham surgery.The modeling effects were assessed at 4,8,and 12 weeks post-surgery using nociceptive behavior assessments,passive mouth opening measurements,histological analysis(HE,Safranin O-fast green staining),immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence staining,and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Results:Animals in the model group exhibited distinct TMJOA symptoms,including joint pain and restricted mouth opening.Histologically,typical osteo-arthritis changes were evident.The Mankin osteoarthritis score was significantly higher(P<O.05).Conclusion:The TMJ disc perfo-ration model resmbled the same clinical manifestations and pathological changes seen in human TMJOA.

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