1.Potential biological mechanisms underlying spaceflight-induced depression symptoms in astronauts.
Zejun LI ; Jin LIU ; Bangshan LIU ; Mi WANG ; Yumeng JU ; Yan ZHANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(8):1355-1362
Long-term spaceflight exposes astronauts to multiple extreme environmental factors, such as cosmic radiation, microgravity, social isolation, and circadian rhythm disruption, that markedly increase the risk of depressive symptoms, posing a direct threat to mental health and mission safety. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain complex and incompletely understood. The potential mechanisms of spaceflight-induced depressive symptoms involve multiple domains, including alterations in brain structure and function, dysregulation of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, neuroendocrine system imbalance, and gut microbiota disturbances. Collectively, these changes may constitute the biological foundation of depressive in astronauts during spaceflight. Space-related stressors may increase the risk of depressive symptoms through several pathways: impairing hippocampal neuroplasticity, suppressing dopaminergic and serotonergic system function, reducing neurotrophic factor expression, triggering oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and disrupting gut microbiota homeostasis. Future research should integrate advanced technologies such as brain-computer interfaces to develop individualized monitoring and intervention strategies, enabling real-time detection and effective prevention of depressive symptoms to safeguard astronauts' psychological well-being and mission safety.
Space Flight
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Humans
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Astronauts/psychology*
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Depression/physiopathology*
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome
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Weightlessness/adverse effects*
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Oxidative Stress
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Brain/physiopathology*
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Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System
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Neuronal Plasticity
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Pituitary-Adrenal System
2.Prospects and technical challenges of non-invasive brain-computer interfaces in manned space missions.
Yumeng JU ; Jiajun LIU ; Zejun LI ; Yiming LIU ; Hairuo HE ; Jin LIU ; Bangshan LIU ; Mi WANG ; Yan ZHANG
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2025;50(8):1363-1370
During long-duration manned space missions, the complex and extreme space environment exerts significant impacts on astronauts' physiological, psychological, and cognitive functions, thereby posing direct risks to mission safety and operational efficiency. As a key bridge between the brain and external devices, brain-computer interface (BCI) technology enables precise acquisition and interpretation of neural signals, offering a novel paradigm for human-machine collaboration in manned spaceflight. Non-invasive BCI technology shows broad application prospects across astronaut selection, mission training, in-orbit task execution, and post-mission rehabilitation. During mission preparation, multimodal signal assessment and neurofeedback training based on BCI can effectively enhance cognitive performance and psychological resilience. During mission execution, BCI can provide real-time monitoring of physiological and psychological states and enable intention-based device control, thereby improving operational efficiency and safety. In the post-mission rehabilitation phase, non-invasive BCI combined with neuromodulation may improve emotional and cognitive functions, support motor and cognitive recovery, and contribute to long-term health management. However, the application of BCI in space still faces challenges, including insufficient signal robustness, limited system adaptability, and suboptimal data processing efficiency. Looking forward, integrating multimodal physiological sensors with deep learning algorithms to achieve accurate monitoring and individualized intervention, and combining BCI with virtual reality and robotics to develop intelligent human-machine collaboration models, will provide more efficient support for space missions.
Brain-Computer Interfaces
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Humans
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Space Flight
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Astronauts/psychology*
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Neurofeedback
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Cognition
;
Electroencephalography
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Man-Machine Systems
3.Potential mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of periodontitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Jinmeng SUN ; Ying ZHANG ; Zejun ZHENG ; Xiaoling DING ; Minmin SUN ; Gang DING
West China Journal of Stomatology 2024;42(2):181-191
Objective To explore the mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of periodontitis based on network phar-macology and molecular docking technology.Methods Potential targets of ginseng and periodontitis were obtained through various databases.The intersection targets of ginseng and periodontitis were obtained by using VENNY,the pro-tein-protein interaction network relationship diagram was formed on the STRING platform,the core target diagram was formed by Cytoscape software,and the ginseng-active ingredient-target network diagram was constructed.The selected targets were screened for gene ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway en-richment analysis.The core targets of ginseng's active in-gredients in treating periodontitis were analyzed by mo-lecular docking technique.Results The 22 ginseng's active ingredients,591 potential targets of ginseng's ac-tive ingredients,2 249 periodontitis gene targets,and 145 ginseng-periodontitis intersection targets were analyzed.Ginseng had strong binding activity on core targets such as vas-cular endothelial growth factor A and epidermal growth factor receptor,as well as hypoxia induced-factor 1(HIF-1)sig-naling pathway and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B(PI3K-Akt)signaling pathway.Conclusion Gin-seng and its active components can regulate several signaling pathways such as HIF-1 and PI3K-Akt,thereby indicating that ginseng may play a role in treating periodontitis through multiple pathways.
4.Evaluation of the outcomes of cochlear implant in children with auditory neuropathy
Cuncun REN ; Ying LIN ; Xiaoqin FAN ; Pengfei LIANG ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Zejun GAO ; Dingjun ZHA
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;59(5):432-438
Objective:To investigate the auditory and speech abilities of children with congenital auditory neuropathy (AN) after cochlear implant (CI), and to analyze the role of genetic testing in predicting the postoperative outcomes of CI in AN patients.Methods:Fourteen children diagnosed with AN by audiological battery test and underwent CI surgery in Xijing Hospital of the Air Force Medical University from 2002 to 2021 were included in this study (9 males and 5 females), with an implantation age of (3.1±1.7) years (mean±standard deviation, the same as follows). The preoperative audiological results and deafness gene results were analyzed. Another 52 children with ordinary sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) were selected as the control group (30 males and 22 females), with an implantation age of (2.2±0.9) years. The demographic factors such as age and gender were matched with those of the AN group. The modified Category Auditory Performance (CAP-Ⅱ) and Speech Intelligence Rate (SIR) were used to evaluate the development of postoperative auditory and speech abilities in two groups. The Mandarin Speech Test System was used to test the speech recognition rate of monosyllabic and disyllabic words and sentences. Matlab 2022 software was used to analyze the data.Results:The results of gene in 14 children with AN showed that 6 cases had OTOF gene mutations, 2 cases (siblings) were confirmed to have TNN gene mutations through whole exome sequencing, and the remaining 6 cases were not find any clear pathogenic gene mutations. All subjects underwent CI surgery with electrodes implanted into the cochlea smoothly, and there were no postoperative complications. After surgery, all AN children had improved auditory and speech abilities, but only 64% (9/14) of AN children with CI had auditory ability scores comparable to the control group of SNHL children (including 2 children with TNN gene mutations), and 36% (5/14) of AN children had lower scores than the control group of SNHL children.The average speech recognition rate of two children with TNN gene mutations was 86.5%, and of two children with OTOF gene mutations was 83.2%. Conclusions:AN children achieved varying degrees of auditory and speech abilities after CI, but the postoperative effects varied greatly. Some children achieved similar results as ordinary SNHL children, but there were still some children whose effects were worse than those of ordinary SNHL children. The postoperative efficacy of CI in two children with AN caused by TNN pathogenic genes were comparable to that of ordinary SNHL in children. Genetic testing had certain reference value for predicting the postoperative effect of CI in AN children.
5.Application of the decentralized & digitalized clinical trial model in cardiovascular clinical research
Zejun YANG ; Manlin ZHAO ; Xiaodong PENG ; Jingrui ZHANG ; Sitong LI ; Cong YUAN ; Liu HE ; Changsheng MA
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2024;32(10):829-834
As a new clinical trial mode,decentralized & digitalized clinical trial(DCT)is based on digital health equipment and uses internet and artificial intelligence technologies to complete the screening,registration,randomization,intervention,evaluation and follow-up of subjects,which is helpful to improve efficiency and reduce trial costs.The DCT mode has been applied to evaluate the treatment and management effects of cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrilla-tion,heart failure,coronary heart disease,and hypertension,showing broad development prospects and application space.This article will provide a brief introduction to representative DCT in the global cardiovascular disease field,and look for-ward to the application prospects of this model,providing reference and guidance for accelerating the development of cardio-vascular DCT in China.
6.Research progress on toxicokinetics and toxicology of chlorfenapyr
Hongxin ZHANG ; Zejun MA ; Yu GONG ; Na MENG ; Hao XIAO ; Liang LIU ; Baopu LYU ; Hengbo GAO ; Yingping TIAN
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2024;31(3):380-384
Chlorfenapyr,an emerging synthetic pesticide,has been linked to a growing number of poisoning incidents,attributed to heightened human exposure as its application becomes more widespread.However,the toxicokinetics and toxicology of chlorfenapyr remain incompletely understood.Research since the 1990s,including animal experiments,has illuminated the absorption,distribution,excretion,and metabolism of chlorfenapyr.Toxicological investigations have revealed that the primary toxicity of chlorfenapyr is the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.Chlorfenapyr exposure in humans and other animals can lead to various toxic effects,including neurotoxicity,cardiotoxicity,skeletal muscle toxicity,genotoxicity,reproductive and developmental toxicity,renal toxicity,splenic toxicity,and hematotoxicity.This article presents a comprehensive review of the toxicokinetics and toxicology of chlorfenapyr,integrating data from animal experiments,human cell line studies,clinical reports,and human autopsy.Its objective is to raise clinical awareness regarding chlorfenapyr poisoning and offer valuable references for its treatment and management.
7.Analysis of factors affecting refracture after percutaneous vertebral kyphoplasty in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Xinghua JI ; Jinzheng WEI ; Yuchen DUAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Qingqing LIU ; Zejun XING
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(11):1445-1450
Objective:To explore risk factors for refracture after percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP)in elderly patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCF)and provide clinical guidance.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from elderly patients with OVCF who underwent PKP surgery at the Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, between January 2017 and December 2022.All patients were followed up for a minimum of one-year post-surgery.The elderly patients were categorized into a refracture group(59 cases)and a non-refracture group(200 cases)based on post-surgery refracture occurrence.Univariate analysis was initially conducted on the collected data, followed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis on statistically significant indicators to identify risk factors for refracture in elderly patients with OVCF following PKP.Results:The results of the univariate analysis indicated that there was no statistically significant difference in gender, history of diabetes mellitus, history of smoking, history of hormone medication, and body mass index(BMI)between the refracture group and the non-refracture group of elderly patients.However, the refracture group was found to be older than the non-refracture group( t=9.085, P=0.003).Additionally, there were no significant differences in preoperative indicators such as preoperative calcium, preoperative phosphorus, and site of first fracture(all P>0.05).The time from first fracture to surgery being greater than 14 days was more common in the refracture group compared to the non-refracture group( χ2=20.409, P=0.001), and the number of vertebrae fractured for the first time was higher in the re-fracture group( t=6.189, P=0.017).Cement injection method, amount of cement injected, and distribution of cement did not show significant differences between the two groups(all P>0.05).However, there were statistically significant variations in the proportion of postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment( χ2=13.431, P=0.001)and bone mineral density( χ2=13.431, P=0.001)between the refracture and non-refracture groups.Furthermore, multifactorial Logistic regression analysis revealed that increasing age( OR=1.061, 95% CI: 1.021-1.103, P=0.003), time from first fracture to surgery exceeding 14 days( OR=5.026, 95% CI: 1.968-12.835, P=0.001), lack of anti-osteoporosis treatment( OR=3.493, 95% CI: 1.239-9.846, P=0.018), and decreased bone mineral density( OR=10.682, 95% CI: 2.707-42.151, P=0.001)were identified as influential factors in the occurrence of secondary vertebral compression fracture after surgery. Conclusions:The independent risk factors for refracture after PKP in elderly patients with OVCF include increasing age, time from first fracture to surgery greater than 14 days, lack of anti-osteoporosis treatment, and decreased bone mineral density.In clinical practice, targeted interventions can be implemented for prevention and effective management based on these risk factors to enhance the prognosis of elderly patients with OVCF.
8.Temporal and spatial stability of the EM/PM molecular subtypes in adult diffuse glioma.
Jing FENG ; Zheng ZHAO ; Yanfei WEI ; Zhaoshi BAO ; Wei ZHANG ; Fan WU ; Guanzhang LI ; Zhiyan SUN ; Yanli TAN ; Jiuyi LI ; Yunqiu ZHANG ; Zejun DUAN ; Xueling QI ; Kai YU ; Zhengmin CONG ; Junjie YANG ; Yaxin WANG ; Yingyu SUN ; Fuchou TANG ; Xiaodong SU ; Chuan FANG ; Tao JIANG ; Xiaolong FAN
Frontiers of Medicine 2023;17(2):240-262
Detailed characterizations of genomic alterations have not identified subtype-specific vulnerabilities in adult gliomas. Mapping gliomas into developmental programs may uncover new vulnerabilities that are not strictly related to genomic alterations. After identifying conserved gene modules co-expressed with EGFR or PDGFRA (EM or PM), we recently proposed an EM/PM classification scheme for adult gliomas in a histological subtype- and grade-independent manner. By using cohorts of bulk samples, paired primary and recurrent samples, multi-region samples from the same glioma, single-cell RNA-seq samples, and clinical samples, we here demonstrate the temporal and spatial stability of the EM and PM subtypes. The EM and PM subtypes, which progress in a subtype-specific mode, are robustly maintained in paired longitudinal samples. Elevated activities of cell proliferation, genomic instability and microenvironment, rather than subtype switching, mark recurrent gliomas. Within individual gliomas, the EM/PM subtype was preserved across regions and single cells. Malignant cells in the EM and PM gliomas were correlated to neural stem cell and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell compartment, respectively. Thus, while genetic makeup may change during progression and/or within different tumor areas, adult gliomas evolve within a neurodevelopmental framework of the EM and PM molecular subtypes. The dysregulated developmental pathways embedded in these molecular subtypes may contain subtype-specific vulnerabilities.
Humans
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Brain Neoplasms/pathology*
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Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/metabolism*
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Glioma/pathology*
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Neural Stem Cells/pathology*
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Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells/pathology*
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Tumor Microenvironment
9.Clinical analysis of 21 cases of IgG4-related diseases
ZHANG Qi ; NAN Xinrong ; YAN Xingquan ; ZHANG Zejun ; ZHAO Jiaxiong ; REN Xiaoyan
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2022;30(4):258-265
Objective:
To summarize the clinical manifestations of IgG4-related diseases in the head and neck, explore treatment methods.
Methods :
The clinical data of 21 patients diagnosed with IgG4-related diseases were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical data and the results of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive therapy were studied retrospectively.
Results:
All patients had swollen sclerotic masses, and CT showed irregular high-density masses with uniform enhancement in the enlarged glands. Some patients had mucosal thickening and mass-like changes in theoral cavity, nose, sinuses, throat and other tissues, and most of the patients had cervical lymphadenopathy and elevated serum IgG4 levels (≥ 1.35 g/L). Histopathological examination of affected exosine glands and affected mucosa and lymph nodes in all patients showed infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and IgG4+ plasma cells. In 21 patients, the mass in the affected glands and mucosa (including head, neck and other tissues) disappeared, and the clinical symptoms were relieved after the application of glucocorticoids. However, with a reduction in glucocorticoids, the mass recurred or even worsened.
Conclusion
For patients with a single mass in the submandibular gland, parotid gland and other salivary glands, as well as lymph node enlargement, CT is the first choice to identify the nature of gland neoplasms. Combined with pathological examination, related auxiliary examination and peripheral blood examination are also needed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Glucocorticoid therapy is used to achieve a good prognosis, and long-term follow-up and timely adjustment of medication regimens are required.
10.Refractive status of children and adolescents in Gaoxin District of Chengdu
Chinese Journal of School Health 2022;43(10):1565-1569
Objective:
To investigate the refractive status of children and adolescents aged 4-18 years in Chengdu, and to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of refractive parameters.
Methods:
A cross sectional survey was conducted among 82 024 children and adolescents aged 4-18 years in Gaoxin District of Chengdu from August to September 2021. The prevalence of screening myopia, low vision rate, high myopia rate, refractive status and axial development were analyzed.
Results:
The prevalence of screening myopia in students aged 4-18 years was 40.42%(33 158/82 024). Low myopia was 24.51%(20 108/82 024), moderate myopia was 13.05%(10 703/82 024) and high myopia was 2.86%(2 347/82 024). The prevalence of screening myopia was 1.81% (233/12 848) in kindergarten, 34.44%(17 095/49 644) in primary school, 79.73%(9 738/12 214) in junior high school and 83.25% (6 092/7 318) in senior high school. The rate of visual impairment increased by year from the age of 4, and the rate of myopia increased most rapidly from 6 to 15 years old, the prevalenct of high myopia was compared between adjacent age groups: there were statistical differences between 9-15 years old were more likely to be nearsighted than boys( P <0.035 7). Significant differences in screening myopia between 5- and 7-17 year old groups,and in boys and girls.The median total diopter was 0.40 D at the age of 4 and developed to -2.90 D at the age of 18 . The diopter of girls aged 8-15 years was higher than that of boys, and there was statistical significance( Z=-2.53, -4.09, -5.67, -8.64, -5.56, -4.97, -2.52, -2.14, P <0.05). The axial length gradually increased with age, with the mean value of (22.31±0.59) mm at 4 years old and (24.91±1.00) mm at 18 years old. The mean corneal curvature did not change with age (43.19±1.47)D.
Conclusion
6-15 years old is a especially critical period for myopia development. More efforts need to be taken to decrease the prevalence of myopia before 6 years old. Prevention of the development of high myopia should start before the age of 10. The prevalence of myopia in girls is higher than that in boys, more prevention and control of myopia should focus on girls.


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