1.TGF-β1-engineered Biomimetic Platelet Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke
Li-Qi CHEN ; Tian-Fang KANG ; Guo-Jun HUANG ; Ting YIN ; Ai-Qing MA ; Lin-Tao CAI ; Hong PAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):697-710
ObjectivePost-ischemic acute inflammation and the subsequent persistent dysregulation of the immune microenvironment represent major pathological drivers that aggravate neuronal injury and severely restrict functional recovery following ischemic stroke. Although current reperfusion therapies partially restore blood flow, they fail to effectively modulate the secondary inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress, which remain critical barriers to neurological restoration. To address this challenge, this study aimed to engineer and systematically evaluate a biomimetic nanosystem composed of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-loaded platelet membrane-camouflaged lipid nanoparticles (PLP). This nanosystem was designed to achieve dual lesion-targeted delivery and immune microenvironment remodeling. By verifying its spatiotemporal accumulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and neuroprotective efficacy, we sought to establish an integrated therapeutic strategy that simultaneously enables lesion targeting, immune regulation, and functional recovery after ischemic injury. MethodsThe physicochemical properties of PLP, including hydrodynamic particle size, zeta potential, structural stability, and morphology, were characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The preservation of platelet membrane-derived adhesion and immunoregulatory proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE through comparative analysis of protein band profiles between PLP and native platelet membranes. The in vitro biological activities of PLP were evaluated using two complementary cellular models. LPS-induced M1-polarized RAW264.7 macrophages were employed to assess inflammatory modulation, while oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced BV2 microglial cells and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were utilized to investigate neuroinflammatory regulation and neuronal protection. For in vivo validation, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The spatiotemporal biodistribution and lesion-targeting capability of the PLP were monitored through live fluorescence imaging. Therapeutic efficacy was comprehensively evaluated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence analysis, body weight monitoring, and neurological severity score (NSS) assessment. ResultsPLP nanoparticles displayed a uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale particle size distribution, and stable negative surface charge, indicating favorable colloidal stability and circulation potential. SDS-PAGE results confirmed the effective retention of key platelet membrane proteins associated with endothelial adhesion, immune evasion, and inflammatory regulation, demonstrating the successful biomimetic construction. Optimal therapeutic concentrations were determined in OGD/R-induced BV2 cells, where PLP exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity.In vitro experiments demonstrated that PLP significantly inhibited the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis under ischemia-reperfusion conditions. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that PLP rapidly accumulated in the ischemic brain hemisphere and maintained prolonged retention for up to 7 d, suggesting enhanced lesion-specific targeting and sustained drug release. Compared with control group, PLP treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume, attenuated reactive astrogliosis, improved weight recovery, and accelerated neurological functional restoration, as reflected by significantly improved NSS scores. ConclusionThis study establishes a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates platelet membrane-mediated active targeting with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties of TGF-β1. The PLP system enables rapid lesion homing and long-term retention while synergistically regulating the post-stroke inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing pro-inflammatory immune activation, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and limiting excessive astrocyte reactivity. Importantly, this study proposes a conceptually therapeutic paradigm that combines targeted delivery with immune microenvironment remodeling to achieve comprehensive neurovascular protection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence supporting the translational potential of biomimetic nanotherapeutics as next-generation precision interventions for ischemic stroke.
2.The change of EPA1-ROS-NLRP1 signaling in CUMS-induced depression model mice
Shuxiang TIAN ; Mengqing LIU ; Han YANG ; Mingguang NIU ; Yanyan YIN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):836-844
ObjectiveTo investigate the expression changes of the Endophilin A1 (EPA1)-reactive oxygen species (ROS)-NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1) signaling pathway in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression model mice. Methods50 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and CUMS model group(n=25). The model mice received 42 days of CUMS stress exposure, after which behavioral changes were assessed through monitoring body weight, sucrose preference test, forced swim test, tail suspension test, open field test, and elevated plus-maze test. Hematoxylin-Eosin and Nissl staining were used to observe neuronal damage in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions. Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) assay kit was used to detect Ca²⁺ levels in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence was used to detect colocalization of EPA1 and NLRP1 as well as ROS changes in the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial structure in hippocampal neurons. The expression levels of calcium-activated neutral protease 1 (Calpain-1), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 (NOX2), NLRP1 inflammasome, downstream inflammatory proteins, and synapse-associated proteins in the hippocampus of mice was detected by using Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, mice in the CUMS model group exhibited depressive-like behavior and hippocampal neuronal damage. The levels of NLRP1 and EPA1 significantly increased in the hippocampus, and both were co-expressed in the cytoplasm and membrane of hippocampal neurons in the CUMS group mice(P<0.01). Ca²⁺ concentration was elevated(P<0.01), and the protein levels of Calpain 1 and NOX2 were upregulated(P<0.01). The average fluorescence intensity of ROS significantly increased, accompanied by structural damage to neuronal mitochondria(P<0.01). The levels of NLRP1 and its downstream inflammatory proteins significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of synapse-associated proteins significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionEPA1 exhibits abnormal expression changes in CUMS-induced depression model mice, which may be closely associated with ROS generation, NLRP1 inflammasome activation, and the regulation of synaptic protein expression.
3.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
4.Epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness and detection of influenza viruses in Xiaogan City, Hubei Province, 2020‒2024
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):522-526
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases and the distribution patterns of influenza virus types in Xiaogan City from 2020 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for local influenza prevention and control. MethodsData on ILI surveillance reported by two national sentinel hospitals in Xiaogan City and influenza virus detection data reported by the network laboratory of Xiaogan Center for Disease Control and Prevention during 2020‒2024 were collected. All data were stratified and statistically analyzed by time, age and gender. Inter-group differences were compared using the chi-square (χ²) test, and statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 27.0 software. ResultsA total of 781 528 outpatient and emergency cases were reported by two sentinel hospitals in Xiaogan City from 2020 to 2024, among which 34 078 were ILI cases, with an ILI proportion (ILI%) of 4.36%. The highest proportion of ILI cases was observed in the 0‒<5 years age group, accounting for 28.62% (9 754/34 078). A total of 11 000 surveillance samples were tested, and 1 515 were positive for influenza virus, with an overall positive rate of 13.77%. Among the positive samples, 724 (47.79%) were influenza A (H3N2) subtype, 232 (15.31%) were influenza A (H1N1) subtype, 554 (36.57%) were influenza B (Victoria lineage), and 5 (0.33%) were mixed infections. A statistically significant difference was found in the seasonal distribution of influenza virus positivity rate (χ²=9 120.63, P<0.001). Epidemic peaks mainly occurred in winter and spring, with positivity rates ranging from 42.22% to 76.62%, while summer epidemic peaks were observed only in 2021 and 2022 (positivity rate was 21.48% and 43.03%, respectively). A statistically significant difference was also observed in influenza virus positivity rate among different age groups (χ²=846.61, P<0.001), with the highest influenza positive rate in the 5‒<15 years age group. No statistically significant difference was found in gender distribution (χ²=2.43, P=0.650). ConclusionThe influenza epidemic season in Xiaogan City is mainly in winter and spring, with occasional summer peaks. Prevention and control efforts should focus on children and adolescents aged 5 to <15 years, and targeted measures should be adopted in key settings such as schools. It is necessary to continuously strengthen influenza surveillance to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies.
5.Epidemiological characteristics of imported dengue fever cases in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025
Yan MENG ; Yang YANG ; Xiao-xing YANG ; Jun-yong YANG ; Ruo-yi DU ; Li-na TIAN ; Ruo-xi LI ; Gui-yin LIN ; Xiao-li RUAN ; Jian-jun ZHANG ; Zhen-jiang XIN ; Li-li TIAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):180-186
Objective We reviewed and analyzed the epidemiological data of 83 imported dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025, to delineate their epidemiological characteristics and guide the dengue fever prevention and control strategy in the future. Methods Data on dengue fever cases in Fengtai District from 2007 to 2025 were collected to identify the epidemic factors and characteristics using descriptive epidemiological method. Results All 83 dengue fever cases reported in this region over the past two decades have been imported from abroad or other domestic areas, with Southeast Asian countries being identified as the primary source of imported infections, accounting for 42 cases (50.60%), followed by 15 cases (18.07%) from Chinese provinces other than Beijing. The remaining import sources included 13 cases from South Asia,8 from African countries, and each from Oceania, South America, and Europe. Disease onset was found concentrated between May and November. The sex ratio (male-to-female) is 1.59:1. The age of onset ranged from 14 to 61 years old, with a median age of 36. The largest proportion of cases was observed among cadres and office workers (31 cases, 37.35%), followed by businessmen (13 cases, 15.67%), and householders or the unemployed (10 cases,12.05%). Travel visit was identified as the primary reason for their exposure history. Conclusions All dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai from 2007 to 2025 were imported, with an increasing trend of imported cases in Beijing originating from other Chinese provinces. It is essential to strengthen health education for foreign travelers and returning residents, enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment training for medical personnel, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and reduce mosquito density through active patriotic health campaigns.
6.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
7.Thoughts and Explorations on the Cultivation of Top Innovative Talents in Nursing With Chinese Characteristics in the New Era
Xiaofeng XIE ; Fengying ZHANG ; Yi YIN ; Jinbo CUI ; Jianhua LI ; Jiazhuang XU ; Xiaolin HU ; Yali TIAN ; Wen ZHOU ; Xuantao WU ; Shuanjiu LI ; Ka LI
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):881-886
The cultivation of top innovative nursing talents with Chinese characteristics in the new era lends critical support to the accomplishment of the strategic goal of the Healthy China Initiative.Herein,we reviewed the historical development of nursing science in China,clarified the conceptual framework of nursing science with Chinese characteristics in the new era,and identified the essential qualities and competencies required for top innovative nursing talents.Furthermore,we analyzed the mission and challenges in cultivating these nursing talents,and put forward new approaches,including formulating new ethics and political education theories specific to nursing science with Chinese characteristics,establishing a cross-disciplinary educational model of Nursing+X,and creating a new nursing talent cultivation ecosystem adapted to the era of human-machine symbiosis.This study provides theoretical insights into the cultivation of top innovative nursing talents who align their development well with national strategic needs,embody patriotism,and possess a strong sense of contemporary responsibility.
8.METTL3 regulates ferroptosis and malignant progression of cervical cancer cells through mediating TRPM7 methylation
Miao FU ; Peng LIU ; Wen TIAN ; Sha WANG ; Xiaomei YIN ; Hao LIU ; Donghai WANG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(10):1318-1325
Objective Methyltransferase 3(METTL3)mediated N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation modifica-tion of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 7(TRPM7)regulates ferroptosis and malig-nant progression in cervical cancer(CESC).Methods Totally 40 patients with cervical cancer were collected.Cer-vical cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues(≥3 cm from the edge of the tumor tissue)were sampled at opera-tion and then divided into experimental group and control group,respectively.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the differences in TRPM7 mRNA and protein expression between the two groups.TRPM7-interfering cell lines were constructed to investigate the effects of TRPM7 on CESC cells.Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EdU)assay and flow cytometry,respectively.Transwell chamber assays were employed to evaluate cell invasion and migration capabilities.The levels of ferroptosis in CESC cells were measured using kits for reactive oxygen species(ROS),malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH),and Fe2+.Bioinformatics tools were utilized to predict methyltransferases associated with TRPM7.The interaction between METTL3 and TRPM7 was examined through RNA immunoprecipitation(RIP)and methylated RNA immunoprecip-itation quantitative PCR(Me-RIP qPCR).The effect of METTL3 on the stability of TRPM7 expression was assessed using actinomycin D assay.Results TRPM7 was highly expressed in CESC tissue and cells.Knockdown of TRPM7 significantly inhibited cell proliferation,promoted cell apoptosis,suppressed cell migration and invasion capabilities,and enhanced ferroptosis levels(P<0.05).Bioinformatics predictions suggested that METTL3 might act as a methyltransferase for TRPM7.Interference with METTL3 gene expression significantly reduced TRPM7 pro-tein levels,decreased TRPM7 m6A modification levels,and impaired TRPM7 gene stability(P<0.05).Conclusions METTL3 regulates CESC proliferation,apoptosis,migration,invasion,and ferroptosis by m6A meth-ylation modification of the TRPM7 gene.
9.Analysis of factors influencing prolonged length of hospital stay after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and construction of its prediction model
Zhaorong WU ; Qian WANG ; Qin YIN ; Tian TIAN ; Han SONG ; Jiangqiang XIAO ; Wen LI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(4):418-424
Objective To investigate the risk factors influencing the prolonged length of hospital stay after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)in patients with ruptured esophagogastric variceal bleeding(EGVB)and to construct a risk prediction model.Methods The clinical data of 215 patients with EGVB,who received TIPS at a certain grade ⅢA hospital in Nanjing of China from January 1,2020 to January 30,2023,were retrospectively analyzed.According to whether the postoperative hospitalization stay was prolonged or not,the patients were divided into prolonged group(n=67)and normal group(n=148).Multivariate logistic regression analysis was sued to analyze the independent risk factors for prolonged postoperative hospitalization stay,and the risk factors were used as predictors for constructing the nomogram model.Results Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that history of splenectomy,early TIPS performance,NRS 2002 Nutritional Risk Screening Score ≥3 points,and Barthel index score≤40 points were the independent risk factors for prolonged postoperative hospitalization stay in patients with cirrhotic EGVB after receiving TIPS(P<0.05).The area under receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve of the model constructed on the basis of independent risk factors was 0.743,which was higher than that of early TIPS performance,history of splenectomy,NRS 2002 score,and Barthel index score.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test obtained P=0.723,indicating that this model had a good fit degree.Conclusion The prediction model established in this study can be used for cirrhotic EGVB patients to predict the risk of prolonged postoperative hospitalization stay,and this model has good discrimination and calibration,besides,it can bring some clinical benefits to patients.
10.TACE combined with CBCT-guided MWA simultaneous treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma:analysis of clinical efficacy and safety
Bin YU ; Yu YIN ; Jun YANG ; Pengchen TIAN ; Lin XU ; Jia'an DING ; Xiaoyun MIAO ; Caifang NI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(12):1321-1327
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of simultaneous treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)with transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with cone-beam computed tomography-guided(CBCT-guided)microwave ablation(MWA).Methods The clinical data of 69 patients with small HCC(72 lesions in total),who underwent TACE combined with CBCT-guided MWA simultaneous treatment from March 2018 to December 2022 at First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University hospital,were retrospectively analyzed.Follow-up check was performed at 1,3,6,and 12 months after treatment.The mRECIST criteria was used to evaluate the tumor response.The objective response rate(ORR),disease control rate(DCR),progression-free survival(PFS),local tumor progression(LTP),and adverse reactions were analyzed.Results The initial complete remission(CR)rate,ORR and DCR of TACE combined with CBCT-guided MWA simultaneous treatment for small HCC was 94.2%(65/69),100%and 100%respectively.44.9%(31/69)of patients experienced tumor progression,and 20.3%(14/69)of patients experienced local tumor progression.Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the maximum tumor diameter(≥2 cm and<3 cm)was the main risk factor for PFS(HR=4.498,P<0.001).No serious adverse events occurred during the study.Conclusion TACE combined with CBCT-guided MWA simultaneous treatment for small HCC is clinically effect and safe,and this therapy is particularly suitable for the treatment of lesions where the use of traditional image-guided methods is limited.


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