1.Linear and nonlinear electroencephalography characteristics during the ictal period of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(4):327-331
Objective Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder(RBD) is a common sleep disorder in the elderly, and this study aims to investigate the activity of cerebral cortex based on the changes in electroencephalography (EEG) power spectrum and the difference in approximate entropy during the ictal period of RBD. Methods A total of 35 patients with idiopathic RBD who received video polysomnography monitoring were enrolled as RBD group, and 25 normal volunteers matched for age were enrolled as control group.REM EEG results with fewer artifacts was selected for both groups, and the RBD group had an increase in mandibular electromyographic activity or dream-enacting behaviors. The leads containing artifacts were excluded, and finally O1 (or O2 alternative) leads with relatively little interference were selected. After pretreatment, Fourier transform was performed for EEG data from both groups to calculate the absolute power and relative power ratio of EEG in five different frequency bands, i.e., δ (0.5-3 Hz), θ (4-7 Hz), α (8-13 Hz), β (14-30 Hz), and γ (30-35 Hz). The normal distribution of power values in each frequency band was tested for both groups, and the t-test was used for comparison. Approximate entropy was calculated for EEG in both two groups, and the t-test was used for comparison. Results The θ band was the dominant frequency band of REM EEG in both the control group and the RBD group. Compared with the control group, the RBD group had a significant increase in the absolute power of fast-wave activity on REM α band and significant reductions in δ/α and θ/α relative power ratios. There was a significant difference in EEG ApEn value between the control group and the RBD group (P<0.05), and the RBD group had a higher ApEn value during REM sleep than the NC group, with a significant difference in EEG ApEn value during the phase of dream-enacting behaviors. Conclusion In the RBD group, there are significant increases in the absolute power and nonlinear approximate entropy of fast-wave activity on REM α band during the ictal period of REM, which reflects the hyperactive functional changes of cerebral cortex during the ictal period of RBD, and the involvement of cerebral cortex in RBD neural pathway disorders is an important supplement to the current theory. Moderate inhibition of cerebral cortex hyperactivity is of great significance for the treatment of RBD.
2.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
3.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
4.Study on the apoptosis-inducing effect of esculetin on acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells via regulating the AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway
Weihua SONG ; Fuying CHU ; Wei XIE ; Jinliang CHEN ; Ping ZHAO ; Hong QIU ; Jian TAO ; Xiang CHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):36-41
OBJECTIVE To investigate the apoptosis-inducing effect of esculetin (Esc) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) HL-60 cells by regulating the protein kinase B (AKT)/S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2)/MutT homolog 1 (MTH1) pathway. METHODS AML HL-60 cells were randomly divided into control group (routine culture), Esc low-concentration group (L-Esc group, 25 μmol/L Esc), Esc medium-concentration group (M-Esc group, 50 μmol/L Esc), Esc high-concentration group (H-Esc group, 100 μmol/L Esc), and high-concentration of Esc+ SC79 (AKT agonist) group (100 μmol/L Esc+5 μmol/L SC79). Cell proliferation in each group was detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells was measured by using the CM-H2DCFDA fluorescent probe. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins [B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3], AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway-related proteins (p-AKT, AKT, SKP2, MTH1), along with the upstream and downstream proteins of AKT phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (P21) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (P27). RESULTS Compared with control group, the cell viability, colony number, and the phosphorylation levels of AKT and PI3K proteins as well as protein expressions of SKP2, MTH1 and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while ROS level, apoptosis rate, and the expression levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, P21 and P27 proteins were significantly increased (P<0.05). Moreover, the effects of Esc exhibited concentration-dependence (P<0.05). Compared with H-Esc group, above indexes of high-concentration of Esc+ SC79 group were reversed significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Esc may promote massive ROS production and induce activation of apoptosis in HL-60 cells by inhibiting the AKT/SKP2/MTH1 pathway, thus inhibiting the proliferation of HL-60 cells.
5.Study the effect of rhGM-CSF combined with bifidobacterium treating on stomatitis after chemotherapy
Qinghua LAN ; Qingfang ZENG ; Wei XIAO ; Tao ZHAN ; Jianming ZHONG ; Liujin QIU
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(23):50-53
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)combined with bifidobacterium in the treatment of oral mucositis after chemotherapy.Methods A total of 60 post-chemotherapy patients with oral mucositis admitted to Ganzhou Cancer Hospital of Jiangxi Province from January 2023 to December 2024 were selected as subjects,the patients were divided into observation group(n=30)and control group(n=30)by using a randomized digital table method.The control group received rhGM-CSF mouthwash treatment,while the observation group was additionally administered bifidobacterium-lactobacillus triple live capsules orally.Clinical efficacy,symptom scores,inflammatory factor levels,oral microbiota indicators,and treatment safety were evaluated after 2 weeks of treatment.Results After treatment,the total effective rate in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group(P<0.05).Post-treatment evaluations showed that patients in observation group exhibited lower scores for edema,congestion,and ulceration,along with reduced pain visual analog scores and decreased levels of inflammatory markers including Toll-like receptor 4,lectin-3,and interleukin-8,the difference were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the oral microecological flora of patients in observation group,including lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacterium,were higher than that of control group,while porphyromonas gingivalis and fusetella were lower than that of control group,the difference were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The clinical effect of rhGM-CSF combined with bifidobacterium in the treatment of oral mucositis after chemotherapy was significant,which could reduce various symptoms of patients,inhibit inflammatory factors,improve oral microecology,and have good safety.
6.Recent Advances in Electrochemical Sensors for Detection of Disinfection By-Products in Drinking Water
Tian TAO ; Qiu-Ju LI ; Shun MAO
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):176-186
Disinfection by-product(DBPs)are contaminants generated during drinking water treatment processes.Despite their low concentration level,these compounds exhibit high toxicity,posing threaten to both environmental safety and human health.Traditional DBPs analysis methods rely on chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques,which are limited by complex and time-consuming pretreatment processes,as well as expensive and non-portable instrumentation.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop sensitive,fast,simple and low-cost in-situ detection technique and analysis instruments for DBPs.Electrochemical sensors,as a beneficial complement to the standard DBPs detection method,are expected to achieve on-site in-situ detection and remote real-time monitoring.This article provided a concise overview of regulatory indicators and standardized detection methods for DBPs,followed by an in-depth discussion of recent advancements in electrochemical detection of DBPs,focusing on two key aspects,recognition probes and analytical techniques.Finally,the current challenges and potential research directions in the field of electrochemical sensors for DBPs were summarized.
7.One-pot Synthesis of Sulfhydryl-protected Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters and Its Application in Detection of Tetracycline
Xi-Liang YANG ; Ya-Ya KUANG ; Zi-Tao LI ; Qiu-E CAO ; Chuan-Hua ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1486-1495
Water-soluble silver nanoclusters(DHLA-AgNCs)with red fluorescence emission were synthesized using silver nitrate(AgNO3)as silver source,dihydrolipoic acid(DHLA)as ligand and sodium borohydride(NaBH4)as reducing agent by one-pot method.Based on the selective quenching of DHLA-AgNCs by tetracycline(TC),a rapid and selective fluorescence analysis method for detection of TC was constructed by monitoring the fluorescence intensity change at 650 nm.Under the optimal detection conditions,the fluorescence quenching efficiency of DHLA-AgNCs showed good linear relationship with concentration of TC within the range of 10.0-120.0 μmol/L,and the limit of detection(LOD)was 0.39 μmol/L.This method was successfully applied to detection of TC in milk samples,with spiked recoveries ranging from 99.5%to 102.5%,and relative standard deviations(RSDs)less than 5%.This method had the advantages of simplicity,rapidity,strong specificity and low cost,and thus provided a simple and feasible strategy for selective detection of TC.
8.Guided by National Strategic Needs,Striving to Build a First-Class Forensic Medicine Discipline—The Construction Plan for Forensic Medicine at Southern Medical University
Dong-Fang QIAO ; Ping-Ming QIU ; Qi WANG ; Yun-Chun TAI ; Dong-Ri LI ; Jing-Tao XU ; Qi-Zhi LUO ; En-Ping HUANG ; Bo-Feng ZHU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(1):15-19
The 2024 National Education Work Conference pointed out that at the current juncture of the critical period for achieving the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan,the implementation of the Education Powerhouse Construction Plan Outline should be taken as the main line of work,and building first-class disciplines is an crucial task for a higher education powerhouse.In 2022,forensic medicine was officially listed as a first-level discipline under the medical category,presenting an un-precedented historical opportunity for the development of forensic medicine.The forensic medicine dis-cipline of Southern Medical University comprehensively improves the quality of talent cultivation and facilitates the construction of first-class disciplines as its main direction.It aims to initiate and imple-ment a high-level faculty team building plan featuring"combining recruitment and cultivation,inter-disciplinary integration";make vigorous efforts to establish a first-level doctoral program,refine advan-tageous second-level disciplines and research directions;and establish an innovative research platform from a high starting point with deep integration.The discipline adheres to moral cultivation and the Five Domains of Education simultaneous development,to build a high-quality talent joint training model.Guided by the construction of the national legal system and industry needs,the discipline will enhance social service capabilities.The forensic medicine construction in our university will continue to contribute to the rule of law in China and educational power.
9.Expression and clinical significance of serum miR-144-3p and miR-126-3p in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Chaojun YAN ; Guangwei SUN ; Changlong HU ; Tao QIU ; Meng WANG ; Yongzhong FAN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(10):1064-1068
Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of serum microRNA-144-3p(miR-144-3p)and microRNA-126-3p(miR-126-3p)in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH).Methods From February 2022 to April 2023,120 ICH patients who underwent treatment at our hospital were recruited as the ICH group.They were separated into a good prognosis group and a poor prognosis group based on the modified Rankin Scale(mRS)score After 6 months treatment Additionally,110 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination at our hospital were included as the control group.Clinical data of patients were collected and analyzed.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)indicators.Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was applied to detect the expression levels of serum miR-144-3p and miR-126-3p.Pearson method was applied to analyze the correlation between serum miR-144-3p,miR-126-3p,TNF-α,and VEGF levels in ICH patients.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of ICH patients.ROC curve was applied to analyze the predictive value of serum miR-144-3p and miR-126-3p for the prognosis of ICH patients.Results In the control group,the serum miR-144-3p was 1.02±0.02,the TNF-α was(19.15±6.79)pg/ml,the VEGF level was(1.05±0.18)ng/ml,and the serum miR-126-3p level was 1.04±0.05.The values in the ICH group were 2.12±0.23,(48.32±8.43)pg/ml,(6.56±1.49)ng/ml,and(0.53±0.12),respectively.There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).Pearson analysis results showed that serum miR-144-3p was positively correlated with TNF-α and VEGF levels in ICH patients(r=0.496,0.542,P<0.05),while serum miR-126-3p was negatively correlated with TNF-α and VEGF levels(r=-0.493,-0.526,P<0.05).There were significant differences in the serum levels of miR-144-3p,miR-126-3p,TNF-α,VEGF,and NIHSS score between different prognostic groups(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that serum miR-144-3p,miR-126-3p,TNF-α,and VEGF were all factors affecting the poor prognosis of ICH patients(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum miR-144-3p,miR-126-3p,and combined prediction of prognosis in ICH patients was 0.851,0.886,and 0.952,respectively,the combined prediction of the two was more valuable(Zcombination-miR-144-3p=3.371,Zcombination-miR-126-3p=2.791,P<0.05).Conclusion The expression of miR-144-3p in the serum of ICH patients increases,while the expression of miR-126-3p decreases.The two may serve as biological markers for predicting the prognosis of ICH patients,and the combination of the two is more valuable in predicting the prognosis of ICH patients.
10.Research progress of bisphenol A involved in the occurrence and development of polycystic ovary syndrome
Xi NING ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Kongjia WU ; Yakun PU ; Zhuo WANG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Chaohong QIU ; Tao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(2):207-211
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental chemical that is widely exposed in human daily life. It has attracted much attention because of its estrogenic effect. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine metabolic disease in women of reproductive age. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of genetic, environmental and endocrine disorders. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that BPA plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PCOS. BPA promotes the development of PCOS by interfering with insulin sensitivity, immune response and changing ovarian structure and function. In addition, BPA exposure levels are associated with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and decreased ovarian reserve in PCOS patients. This review summarizes the effects of BPA on PCOS in terms of ovarian function, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response, so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical intervention and prevention of BPA in the development of PCOS.

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