1.Neuroelectromagnetic Activities Across Temporal Scales
Zhuo-Qun SHEN ; Xiao-Fei XU ; Yan-Qing WANG ; Jing-Xin LI ; Lan TIAN ; Wei GUO ; Jing-Jing XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1541-1560
Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.
2.Analysis on the disease burden trend and attributable risk factors of common gynecological cancers in China from 1990 to 2021
Xiao-hui ZHOU ; Yi-xin ZOU ; Zhuo-ying LI ; Yu-xuan XIAO ; Dan-dan TANG ; Yu-xin ZHOU ; Pei-wen LU ; Qun XU ; Yong-bing XIANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):783-793
Objective To describe and analyze the current status,changing trend and influencing factors of the disease burden of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer in China from 1990 to 2021.Methods Data on incidence,mortality,disability-adjusted life year(DALY),and other indicators for cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer were collected from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease database.Joinpoint regression models were used to analyze time trends,and age-period-cohort(APC)models assessed their impact on incidence and mortality.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the sociodemographic index(SDI)and the cancer indicators.Finally,the attributable risk factors for the disease burden were analyzed.Results From 1990 to 2021,age-standardized incidence rates of cervical and endometrial cancers in China significantly increased,while ovarian cancer showed no significant change.Age-standardized mortality,DALY,and years of life lost due to premature death(YLL)decreased significantly.The disease burden was heavier in middle-aged and older groups.APC model indicated an increase in cervical cancer incidence and a decrease in mortality over time.Furthermore,the incidence risks of cervical and endometrial cancers were elevated in successive birth cohorts,whereas a lower risk was observed for ovarian cancer.Correlation analysis showed significant associations between cancer incidence and mortality with SDI.Obesity has significantly contributed to the disease burden of common gynecologic cancers in China.Conclusion Mortality rates of cervical,endometrial and ovarian cancer have declined,while the incidence of cervical and endometrial cancers has significantly increased.The trends in incidence and mortality are influenced by age,period and cohort effects.Future efforts should focus on controlling risk factors like obesity to reduce the disease burden.
3.Research progress in animal models of neurogenic bladder following spinal cord injury
Yan ZHANG ; Xiaoyi WANG ; Yue ZHUO ; Chuning TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaojing LUO ; Lubo XIAO ; Shuan HU ; Jiali PENG ; Hong ZHANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(9):1329-1339
Neurogenic bladder(NB)is one of the most challenging urinary system disorders,with spinal cord injury(SCI)being an important etiological factor.Animal models provide crucial tools for investigating the pathogenesis,therapeutic strategies,and novel drug screening for NB subsequent to SCI.We reviewed and synthesized recent literature on NB animal models after SCI from both domestic and international sources.This review summarizes and analyzes research advancements using these models in terms of animal species,SCI segments,modeling techniques,and evaluation indicators,with the aim of offering insights and guidance for future experimental research based on animal models of NB following SCI.
4.Survival characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome with U2AF1-mutation and the clinical efficacy of arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription
Chaochang ZHANG ; Chi LIU ; Dexiu WANG ; Zhuo CHEN ; Yan LYU ; Haiyan XIAO ; Weiyi LIU ; Yonggang XU ; Xiupeng YANG ; Rou MA ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1211-1221
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)with U2 small nuclear RNA cofactor 1(U2AF1)mutation in different age groups,as well as the efficacy and prognosis of an arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)compound prescription(Qinghuang Capsules combined with Bushen Yijing Formula).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with MDS who were hospitalized in the Hematology Department Ward of Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and received arsenic-containing TCM compound treatment from November 30,2020,to September 30,2023.Stratified by age,the U2AF1 mutation and wild-type groups aged<65 years and≥65 years were compared in terms of sex,TCM syndrome,World Health Organization classification,MDS Revised International Prognostic Score System(IPSS-R)score,blood routine indicators,serum lactate dehydrogenase content,nephroblastoma 1(WT1)expression level,bone marrow puncture and biopsy indicators,and chromosomal prognostic grades,et al.Furthermore,the efficacy of arsenic-containing TCM compound were compared in the U2AF1 mutation and wild-type groups among different age groups,as well as the influence of age on the survival prognosis of MDS patients with U2AF1 mutation.Results A total of 201 patients with MDS were included.104 patients were under 65 years old,among whom 20 had U2AF1 mutation,and 84 had wild-type.Ninety-seven patients were aged 65 years or older,among whom 19 patients had the U2AF1 mutation and 78 had the wild-type.Among patients aged<65 years,the U2AF1 mutation group had a higher proportion of male patients and very low-risk/low-risk patients with an IPSS-R score≤3(P<0.05),a lower mean corpuscular volume(MCV)(P<0.05),and a relatively higher proportion of peripheral blood cell line 1 reduction than the wild-type group(P<0.05).Among patients aged≥65 years,the MCV in the U2AF1 mutation group was lower(P<0.05),and the expression level of the bone marrow WT1 gene and the proportion of patients with reticular fiber grade 4 were relatively higher than in the wild-type group(P<0.05).The total effective rate of the arsenic-containing TCM compound for patients with U2AF1 mutation was 61.5%(24/39),and the total response rate was 30.8%(12/39).The total effective rate for the wild-type patients was 67.9%(110/162),and the total response rate was 29.6%(48/162).No significant difference was observed in the total effective and response rates.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of 39 patients with U2AF1 mutation revealed that the median overall survival(mOS)of patients older than 65 years had not been reached.The 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 93.8%,84.4%,and 84.4%,respectively.The mOS of the patients aged≥65 years was 35 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:7.559-62.441),and the 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 66.2%,58.9%,and 29.4%,respectively.The mOS of patients in the aged≥65 years group was significantly lower than that in the aged<65 years group(P<0.05),and no significant difference was observed in median progression-free survival between the two groups.Conclusion The U2AF1 mutation is closely associated with the clinical characteristics of MDS.However,age and the presence of U2AF1 mutation have no significant effect on the total effective and response rates of arsenic-containing TCM compound.Age is a significant factor influencing the prognosis of patients with MDS with U2AF1 mutation.Patients aged 65 years or older have a shorter survival time than those younger than 65 years.
5.Tissue and immune pathology in young-rat models of coxsackievirus B3-infection in relation to virus concentration
Zhuo ZHANG ; Xuewu LIU ; Xiangchi CHEN ; Sa XIAO ; Liu YANG ; Dejian JIANG ; Dongdong PENG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(7):1032-1042
Objective Using different concentrations of Coxsackievirus B3(CVB3)to infect young SD rats.To investigate the distribution of coxsackievirus B3(CVB3)in rat tissues and the immune response and inflammatory factors,to clarify the immunopathological mechanism of viral infection and provide an experimental basis for drug screening and efficacy evaluation.Methods Young SD rats(7 days old)were injected intraperitoneally with different doses of CVB3(TCID50=10-3.34/100 μL)and the proportions of lymphocyte subsets(CD4+,CD8+)in whole blood at days 4 and 8 were detected by flow cytometry.The CVB3 loads in the heart,liver,spleen,brain,kidney,and gastrointestinal tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction,TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and histomorphologic changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results Different doses of CVB3 caused different degrees of diarrhea and decreased body mass in young rats.CVB3 was mainly distributed in the stomach,small intestine,large intestine,and stools,with the highest load in the large intestine and stools.The stock solution group(TCID50=10-3.34/100 μL)increased the proportion of CD8+T cells in the whole blood in young rats and decreased the CD4+/CD8+ratio(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the nomal group high TNF-α and low IFN-γ expression were observed in the large intestine of young rats in the concentrate group(P<0.05,P<0.01),and submucosal edema and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the large intestine(cecum and rectum).There were no significant differences in the proportion of lymphocyte subsets,TNF-α and IFN-γ levels,and morphological changes in whole blood of young rats in the group 10-1,10-2,and 10-3(P>0.05).Conclusions Different doses of CVB3 can induce infections in young SD rats.CVB3(TCID50=10-3.34/100 μL)causes pathological changes in the large intestine(cecum and rectum)in young rats,and high virus replication can increase levels of inflammatory factors and cause an imbalance of immune cells.CVB3 may have a unique pathogenic mechanism in young rats,providing a theoretical basis for developing evaluation strategies for drugs against CVB3 virus infections.
6.Pharmaceutical considerations on novel pharmaceutical preparations in China encourage generic drug catalogue(first to third batches)
Xiao-fei SI ; Gui-xia SUN ; Bao-mei ZHANG ; Tian-xing DAI ; Yan-xiu GE ; Dian-zhuo JIANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):143-148
To meet the domestic clinical demand timely,the national health commission has released three batches of encourage generic drug catalogues,which plays a good guiding role in improving the supply level and accessibility of generic drugs.Based on literature investigation,the typical cases of novel pharmaceutical preparations were analyzed,and the pharmaceutical considerations were put forward in terms formulation,manufacturing process and quality control,aimed to provide scientific reference for research and development of such drugs.
7.Isolation,identification,and biological characterization of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli from a South China tiger
Jing-ru XU ; Zhi-hao ZHU ; Yu-qi LI ; Si-si FAN ; Ya-li KANG ; Yu-bin ZHUO ; Ling-shan HUANG ; Shu-qi QIU ; XUE-YUXI ; Xiao-ping WU ; Yu-ting LIAO ; Wei-ye LIN ; Xiao-ziyi XIAO ; Xue-jin LI ; Teng-teng CHEN ; Xi-pan LIN ; Kai-xiong LIN ; Ke-wei FAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(6):567-573
This study was aimed at identifying the pathogenic bacteria responsible for the death of a young tiger at the Fujian Meihua Mountain South China Tiger Breeding Research Institute.Tissue samples from the lungs,liver,and intestines of the deceased tiger were collected,and the bacteria were cultured inasterile environment.The bacterial strains were characterized according to their morphological and molecular biological properties,including assessment of virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes,mouse lethality tests,and antibiotic susceptibility evaluations.A predominant bacterial strain isolated from the liver of the deceased tiger was identified as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC)strain Tiger22513F.Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that the Tiger22513F strain exhibited close genetic similarity to the reference strain ETEC(MF919609.1),with 99.9%nucleotide similarity,and resided on the same evolutionary branch.The Tiger22513F strain contained 11 antibiotic resistance genes(tetA,sul1,sul3,cmlA,floR,blaTEM,blaSHV,blaCMY-2,qnrA,qnrS,and qnrD)along with five virulence genes(VT1,fyuA,tsh,iucD,and ST).Mouse lethality tests indicated significant pathogenicity toward mice,affecting primarily the lungs,liver,and intestines.Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated that this strain exhibited resistance to various classes of beta-lactam antibiotics,as well as quinolones and aminoglycosides.This investigation successfully isolated a multi-drug resistant enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain with pronounced pathogenicity from the liver of a deceased tiger;thus providing valuable scientific insights for clinical diagnosis,as well as prevention and control measures,against ETEC infections in South China tigers.
8.Research progress in animal models of neurogenic bladder following spinal cord injury
Yan ZHANG ; Xiaoyi WANG ; Yue ZHUO ; Chuning TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaojing LUO ; Lubo XIAO ; Shuan HU ; Jiali PENG ; Hong ZHANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(9):1329-1339
Neurogenic bladder(NB)is one of the most challenging urinary system disorders,with spinal cord injury(SCI)being an important etiological factor.Animal models provide crucial tools for investigating the pathogenesis,therapeutic strategies,and novel drug screening for NB subsequent to SCI.We reviewed and synthesized recent literature on NB animal models after SCI from both domestic and international sources.This review summarizes and analyzes research advancements using these models in terms of animal species,SCI segments,modeling techniques,and evaluation indicators,with the aim of offering insights and guidance for future experimental research based on animal models of NB following SCI.
9.Survival characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome with U2AF1-mutation and the clinical efficacy of arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription
Chaochang ZHANG ; Chi LIU ; Dexiu WANG ; Zhuo CHEN ; Yan LYU ; Haiyan XIAO ; Weiyi LIU ; Yonggang XU ; Xiupeng YANG ; Rou MA ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(9):1211-1221
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics of myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)with U2 small nuclear RNA cofactor 1(U2AF1)mutation in different age groups,as well as the efficacy and prognosis of an arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)compound prescription(Qinghuang Capsules combined with Bushen Yijing Formula).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with MDS who were hospitalized in the Hematology Department Ward of Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and received arsenic-containing TCM compound treatment from November 30,2020,to September 30,2023.Stratified by age,the U2AF1 mutation and wild-type groups aged<65 years and≥65 years were compared in terms of sex,TCM syndrome,World Health Organization classification,MDS Revised International Prognostic Score System(IPSS-R)score,blood routine indicators,serum lactate dehydrogenase content,nephroblastoma 1(WT1)expression level,bone marrow puncture and biopsy indicators,and chromosomal prognostic grades,et al.Furthermore,the efficacy of arsenic-containing TCM compound were compared in the U2AF1 mutation and wild-type groups among different age groups,as well as the influence of age on the survival prognosis of MDS patients with U2AF1 mutation.Results A total of 201 patients with MDS were included.104 patients were under 65 years old,among whom 20 had U2AF1 mutation,and 84 had wild-type.Ninety-seven patients were aged 65 years or older,among whom 19 patients had the U2AF1 mutation and 78 had the wild-type.Among patients aged<65 years,the U2AF1 mutation group had a higher proportion of male patients and very low-risk/low-risk patients with an IPSS-R score≤3(P<0.05),a lower mean corpuscular volume(MCV)(P<0.05),and a relatively higher proportion of peripheral blood cell line 1 reduction than the wild-type group(P<0.05).Among patients aged≥65 years,the MCV in the U2AF1 mutation group was lower(P<0.05),and the expression level of the bone marrow WT1 gene and the proportion of patients with reticular fiber grade 4 were relatively higher than in the wild-type group(P<0.05).The total effective rate of the arsenic-containing TCM compound for patients with U2AF1 mutation was 61.5%(24/39),and the total response rate was 30.8%(12/39).The total effective rate for the wild-type patients was 67.9%(110/162),and the total response rate was 29.6%(48/162).No significant difference was observed in the total effective and response rates.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of 39 patients with U2AF1 mutation revealed that the median overall survival(mOS)of patients older than 65 years had not been reached.The 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 93.8%,84.4%,and 84.4%,respectively.The mOS of the patients aged≥65 years was 35 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:7.559-62.441),and the 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 66.2%,58.9%,and 29.4%,respectively.The mOS of patients in the aged≥65 years group was significantly lower than that in the aged<65 years group(P<0.05),and no significant difference was observed in median progression-free survival between the two groups.Conclusion The U2AF1 mutation is closely associated with the clinical characteristics of MDS.However,age and the presence of U2AF1 mutation have no significant effect on the total effective and response rates of arsenic-containing TCM compound.Age is a significant factor influencing the prognosis of patients with MDS with U2AF1 mutation.Patients aged 65 years or older have a shorter survival time than those younger than 65 years.
10.Epidemiological analysis of bloodstream isolates in hematology departments across Guangdong, 2020-2024
Yexin LIN ; Ximing CHEN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jiong WANG ; Wenwen LIANG ; Qinhong XIE ; Hualiang CHEN ; Qiuxue DENG ; Xu YANG ; Ningjing LIU ; Yijing WANG ; Mingxin LI ; Yangjin CHEN ; Yating ZHAO ; Nanhao HE ; Jiakang CHEN ; Shunian XIAO ; Chao ZHUO
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(6):521-529
Objective:To investigate the pathogen distribution, temporal trends in the rates of antimicrobial resistance, and susceptibility of bloodstream isolates and comparatively explore the epidemiological characteristics of bloodstream infections in hematology departments across 56 healthcare facilities in Guangdong Province from 2020 to 2024.Methods:A multicenter analysis was conducted to evaluate the constituent ratio of different pathogens isolated from clinical isolate data from bloodstream specimens in hematology, respiratory, and intensive care unit (ICU) departments across 56 healthcare facilities in Guangdong Province (2020-2024), and antimicrobial resistance trends in pathogens with high-detection rate over 5 years were assessed. Carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative organisms (CRO) were randomly sampled for carbapenemase gene detection and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility tests with novel antimicrobial agents.Results:From 2020 to 2024, a total of 8 968, 6 440, and 25 511 bloodstream isolates were identified in the hematology, respiratory, and ICU departments, respectively, across 56 participating facilities in Guangdong Province, with significant differences in the pathogen constituent ratio among departments ( P<0.001). Notably, the hematology department demonstrated a predominance of Escherichia coli (24.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.7%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (15.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (5.1%). In the resistance analysis, the rates of meropenem resistance of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia increased from 6.7% and 5.8% (2020) to 14.0% and 15.8% (2024), respectively. Conversely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited a declining trend in the rate of meropenem resistance (6.2% to 1.9%) and imipenem (10.2% to 6.1%) during the same period. Acinetobacter baumannii demonstrated a biphasic resistance pattern to common antimicrobial agents, characterized by an initial decline, followed by a rebound. In this study, the susceptibility rates to conventional antimicrobial agents were significantly higher in Staphylococcus aureus versus coagulase-negative Staphylococci, with no glycopeptide- or linezolid-resistant strains detected. Notably, the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium increased from 0 in 2020 to 23.1% in 2024. CRO carbapenemase phenotypes through active surveillance revealed that 80% Escherichia coli isolates were carrying blaNDM, 90% Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were carrying blaKPC, 10% Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were carrying blaVIM, and 100% Acinetobacter baumannii were carrying blaOXA-23. The results of the antimicrobial susceptibility test in CRO revealed that carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CRECO) demonstrated a 0 resistance rate to tigecycline, polymyxin B, and aztreonam/avibactam, whereas carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibited a 0 resistance rate to aztreonam/avibactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, and imipenem/relebactam. Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited a 95.0% susceptibility rate to amikacin and polymyxin B, with a 45.0% resistance rate to ceftazidime/avibactam. In contrast, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii demonstrated complete susceptibility (100.0%) to sulbactam/durlobactam (MIC90=2 μg/ml), whereas eravacycline showed MIC50 and MIC90 values of 1 and 2 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion:The pathogen constituent ratio of bloodstream isolates differed significantly among hematology, respiratory, and ICU departments. Notably, although CRO exhibited an escalating prevalence, it sustained high susceptibility to novel antimicrobial agents.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail