1.Acute Inflammatory Pain Induces Sex-different Brain Alpha Activity in Anesthetized Rats Through Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography
Meng-Meng MIAO ; Yu-Xuan REN ; Wen-Wei WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Xiang-Hong LIN ; Hui-Dan LIN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):244-257
ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.
2.Exploration and Practice of Artificial Intelligence Empowering Case-based Teaching in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Ying-Lu HU ; Yi-Chen LIN ; Jun-Ming GUO ; Xiao-Dan MENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2173-2184
In recent years, the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education has created new opportunities for teaching Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, while also offering innovative solutions to the pedagogical challenges associated with protein structure and function. Focusing on the case of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutations in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), this study integrates AI into case-based learning (CBL) to develop an AI-CBL hybrid teaching model. This model features an intelligent case-generation system that dynamically constructs ALK mutation scenarios using real-world clinical data, closely linking molecular biology concepts with clinical applications. It incorporates AI-powered protein structure prediction tools to accurately visualize the three-dimensional structures of both wild-type and mutant ALK proteins, dynamically simulating functional abnormalities resulting from conformational changes. Additionally, a virtual simulation platform replicates the ALK gene detection workflow, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical skills. As a result, a multidimensional teaching system is established—driven by clinical cases and integrating molecular structural analysis with experimental validation. Teaching outcomes indicate that the three-dimensional visualization, dynamic interactivity, and intelligent analytical capabilities provided by AI significantly enhance students’ understanding of molecular mechanisms, classroom engagement, and capacity for innovative research. This model establishes a coherent training pathway linking “fundamental theory-scientific research thinking-clinical practice”, offering an effective approach to addressing teaching challenges and advancing the intelligent transformation of medical education.
3.Trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in cancer registration areas of Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020
ZHU Qiang ; DAI Dan ; MENG Qinglian ; LÜ ; Yili ; DOU Lianjie ; DOU Tingting ; WANG Huadong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(10):991-996
Objective:
To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in cancer registration areas of Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020, so as to provide the basis for formulating prevention and control measures.
Methods:
The incidence and mortality data of esophageal cancer in Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020 was collected through the Cancer Registry in Anhui Province. The crude incidence and crude mortality were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized rate was standardized using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000. The trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer were analyzed using the average annual percent change (APPC), stratified by genders, urban/rural areas, and ages.
Results:
In Anhui Province, the rank of esophageal cancer incidence dropped from the third in 2014 to the sixth in 2020. Concurrently, the crude incidence and Chinese population-standardized incidence declined from 28.74/100 000 and 20.74/100 000 to 19.23/100 000 and 10.59/100 000, respectively (AAPC=-5.846%, -9.658%, both P<0.05). The mortality rank remained stable at the fourth in 2014 and 2020, while the crude mortality and Chinese population-standardized mortality decreased from 19.96/100 000 and 14.09/100 000 to 16.00/100 000 and 8.41/100 000, respectively (AAPC=-3.542%, -7.784%, both P<0.05). The Chinese population-standardized incidence (AAPC=-9.682%, -9.188%, -6.175% and -12.575%, all P<0.05) and Chinese population-standardized mortality (AAPC=-7.734%. -7.447%. -5.366% and -10.209%, all P<0.05) showed declining trends in males, females, urban, and rural areas, respectively. From 2014 to 2020 in Anhui Province, the crude incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer generally increased with age. However, significant declining trends were observed in crude incidence (AAPC=-12.779%, -11.701%, -11.955% and -5.751%, all P<0.05) and crude mortality (AAPC=-12.255%, -11.120%, -10.985% and -5.751%, all P<0.05) for the age groups of 40-<50, 50-<60, 60-<70, 70-<80 years. A significant declining trend in crude incidence was also seen in the ≥80 years group (APPC=-6.334%, P<0.05), but the trend in crude mortality was no statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion
In registration areas of Anhui Province, the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer exhibited a declining trend from 2014 to 2020, calling for focused attention on the middle-aged and elderly population and enhanced health behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol control.
4.Impact of early nasogastric tube removal on functional recovery after total gastrectomy
Ran HU ; Zhi ZHENG ; Yuhao ZHAI ; Lihong ZHAO ; Dan XUE ; Chenchen SONG ; Jun ZHANG ; Meng SUN
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(8):542-547
Objective:To investigate the impact of early removal of nasogastric tubes on functional recovery after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients, to provide scientific evidence for enhanced recovery after surgery strategies in gastric cancer.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 102 gastric cancer patients who underwent total gastrectomy at Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated with the Capital Medical University from March 2018 to July 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether the gastric tube was removed within 24 hours post-operation: the early removal group (within 24 hours, 55 patients) and the non-early removal group (beyond 24 hours, 47 patients). The recovery outcomes, including time to first flatus, time to fluid intake, length of hospital stay, and the incidence of postoperative complications, were compared between the two groups. Non-normally distributed data were expressed as M( Q1, Q3) and compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Categorical data were expressed as frequencies or percentages and compared using the chi-square test or Fisher′s exact test. To minimize the impact of potential confounders, multivariable linear regression and logistic regression analyses adjusted for propensity scores were further employed to compare quantitative and qualitative data between the groups. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. Results:The exhaust time, water intake time, and hospital stay in the early removal group were 3.0(2.0, 3.5) days, 4.0(3.0, 5.0) days, and 7.0(7.0, 8.0) days, respectively, while those in the non-early removal group were 4.0(3.0, 5.0) days, 6.0(5.0, 7.0) days, and 8.0(7.5, 11.0) days, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups ( P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (5.45% vs 17.02%, P=0.060). Propensity score-adjusted regression analysis suggested that early tube removal might reduce the risk of postoperative complications ( P=0.042). Conclusion:Early removal of nasogastric tubes can significantly accelerate functional recovery after total gastrectomy for gastric cancer patients and may reduce the risk of postoperative complications, providing important clinical guidance for enhanced recovery after surgery management in gastric cancer.
5.Impact of dexmedetomidine on malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer cells through immune regulation mechanism mediated by cGAS-STING pathway
Yuanyuan MENG ; Yan LIU ; Jun LI ; Min ZHOU ; Jingjing WANG ; Dan LONG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(5):945-951,960
Objective:To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine(DEX)on the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer(GC)cells through the immune regulation mechanism mediated by cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon gene(cGAS-STING)pathway.Methods:GC cell line MGC-803 was randomly divided into Control group(blank medium treatment),DEX low concentration group(DEX-L group,1 ng/ml),DEX medium concentration group(DEX-M group,10 ng/ml),DEX high concentra-tion group(DEX-H group,100 ng/ml)and DEX high concentration+cGAS inhibitor RU.521 group(DEX-H+RU.521 group,100 ng/ml DEX+1.0 μmol/L RU.521).Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method.Cell scratch test was used to detect the migration ability of cells in each group.Transwell test was used to detect the invasive ability of cells in each group.The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.The levels of IL-2,interferon gamma(IFN-γ)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in cells were detected by ELISA.Real time-fluorescent quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was applied to detect the expression levels of cGAS,STING and interferon typeⅠ(IFN-Ⅰ)mRNA.Western blot was used to detect the expressions of cGAS,STING,Bax,CyclinD1,matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9),N-cadherin,Vimentin,E-cadherin,Caspase3,Caspase8 and their shear type and phosphorylation level of TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1)and interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3).Results:Compared with Control group,the cell migration rate,number of cell invasions,TNF-α level,CyclinD1,MMP9,N-cadherin,Vimentin protein expressions in MGC-803 cells in DEX-M and DEX-H groups were decreased obviously(P<0.05),the growth inhibition rate(48 h,72 h),apoptosis rate,IL-2,IFN-γ,Bax,E-cadherin,Cleaved Caspase3,Cleaved Caspase8 protein expression levels,cGAS,STING,IFN-Ⅰ mRNA levels and protein expression levels and phosphorylation levels of TBK1 and IRF3 were increased obviously(P<0.05).RU.521 weakened the inhibitory effects of DEX on the proliferation,migration and invasion of GC cells and the ability to induce apoptosis,and alleviated the improvement on immune function.Conclusion:DEX may inhibit the proliferation,migration and invasion of GC cells and induce apoptosis of GC cells by acti-vating cGAS-STING pathway mediated immune regulation.
6.Cognition and training needs of emergency response teamwork skills among nursing undergraduates: a qualitative study
Dan WEI ; Xinjuan WU ; Xiaojie WANG ; Jie CHEN ; Dongying ZHANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Jialu ZHANG ; Di SHI ; Hongbo LUO ; Hongyan LI ; Wei WANG ; Xiaoying LIANG ; Tianyi WANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Haixin BO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(33):4520-4525
Objective:To gain a deep understanding of the current cognition and training needs of nursing undergraduates regarding their emergency response teamwork skills, and to provide reference for the development of courses on emergency response teamwork among nursing undergraduates.Methods:From September to October 2023, purposive sampling was used to select 15 senior nursing undergraduates from Peking Union Medical College, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Beijing City University as subjects for semi-structured interviews. Colazizzi 7-step analysis method was used to summarize and extract themes.Results:Three themes were extracted, including insufficient cognition and skill in emergency response, lack of emergency response teamwork cultivation, and the need for systematic and comprehensive training courses.Conclusions:Universities, hospitals, and other training institutions should work together to develop a systematic emergency response teamwork training course for nursing undergraduates, to cultivate the skills of nursing undergraduates and reserve talents for high-quality emergency response nursing teams.
7.Development of a GeXP assay for simultaneous differentiation of the H7 subtype and five NA subtypes of avian influenza viruses
Si-Si LUO ; Zhi-Xun XIE ; Meng LI ; Dan LI ; Li-Ji XIE ; Sheng WANG ; Min-Xiu ZHANG ; Jiao-Ling HUANG ; Zhi-Qin XIE ; Ting-Ting ZENG ; Yan-Fang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(7):670-677
Cases of human infection with H7 subtype avian influenza virus(AIV)combined with five NA subtypes(N2,N3,N4,N7,and N9)have been reported.This study was aimed at establishing a method for simultaneous detection and dif-ferential diagnosis of H7 and five NA subtypes of AIV.Seven pairs of specific primers were designed according to the conserved sequences of the HA gene of H7 subtype AIV,the NA gene of five NA AIV subtypes,and the M gene of all AIV subtypes.A high-throughput GeXP typing method was established for simultaneous detection of the H7 subtype and the five NA subtypes of AIV by using GeXP multiple gene expression and capillary electrophoresis analysis technology.The specificity and sensitivity of the method were determined,and clinical samples were tested.The specificity results indicated that this method was able to simultaneously detect seven target genes in a single tube;each pair of specific primers was able to detect the corresponding AIV subtype,and the universal detection primers were able to detect all subtypes of AIV,with no cross-reaction with other common avian disease pathogens.Sensitivity results demonstrated that this method was able to simultaneously detect seven target genes with a threshold detection limit was 100 copies/μL.The detection results for 150 clinical samples were consistent with those of viral isolation and identification.The high-throughput GeXP method for simultaneous differential diagnosis of the H7 subtype and five subtypes of AIV established in this study has advantages of high specificity,high sensitivity,rapidity,and simplicity,thus providing a new detection method for the effective prevention and control of AIV.
8.Immune effect of H9N2 subtype AIV NP protein by prokaryotic expression
Xiaofeng LI ; Zhixun XIE ; Zhihua RUAN ; Meng LI ; Dan LI ; Minxiu ZHANG ; Zhiqin XIE ; Sisi LUO ; You WEI ; Liji XIE ; Tingting ZENG ; Yanfang ZHANG ; Jiaoling HUANG ; Sheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(6):1113-1119
The aim of this study is to investigate the immune effect of H9 subtype avian influenza virus(AIV)NP protein on mice and lay the foundation for the development of avian influenza vi-rus(AIV)vaccine.The H9N2 virus NP gene amplification product was cloned into the pET-32a expression vector,and the protein expression was verified by SDS-PAGE and Western blot,and the immune effect was evaluated by measuring the secretion of supernatant multicytokines in mouse splenocytes culture.The results showed that the total length of the coding region sequence of NP gene was 1 497 bp,NP recombinant proteins exist in both soluble and insoluble protein forms,and the specific bands were visible in Western blot.After immunizing mice,serum produces IgG-bind-ing antibodies with antibody titers of 1∶40 000.Compared with the control group,IL-2,IL-5 and IL-13 were significantly increased(P<0.001),and the secretion of IL-6 was significantly increased compared with the control group.IL-4 and IL-12 p70 secretions were elevated compared with con-trols,but there was no significant difference.Compared with the control group,the secretions of IL-1β,IL-18,GM-CMF,TNF-α and IFN-γ were inhibited,but the difference was not significant(P>0.05).The results showed that NP recombinant protein is a good immunogen,laying a foundation for in-depth research on influenza vaccine.
9.Effect of Selinexor on Proliferation and Apoptosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Kasumi-1 Cells
Lu-Hui LIN ; Sun-Qiao GAO ; Xu-Qiao MEI ; Da-Yi LIN ; Yi-Feng CHEN ; Su-Dan LIN ; Li-Hong ZHUANG ; Cong-Meng LIN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(4):1085-1090
Objective:To investigate the effects of selinexor,a inhibitor of nuclear export protein 1(XPO1)on the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells in acute myeloid leukemia(AML).Methods:MTS method was used to detect the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of selinexor on the proliferation of Kasumi-1 cells at different time points.The apoptosis rate and cell cycle changes after treatment with different concentration of selinexor were detected by flow cytometry.Results:Selinexor inhibited the growth of Kasumi-1 cells at different time points in a concentration-dependent manner(r24 h=0.7592,r48 h=0.9456,and r72 h=0.9425).Selinexor inhibited Kasumi-1 cells growth in a time-dependent manner(r=0.9057 in 2.5 μmol/L group,r=0.9897 in 5 μmol/L group and r=0.9994 in 10 μmol/L group).Selinexor could induce apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner(r=0.9732),and the apoptosis of Kasumi-1 cells was more obvious with the increase of drug concentration.The proportion of G0/G1 phase was significantly increased and the proportion of S phase was significantly decreased after the treatment of Kasumi-1 cells by selinexor.With the increase of drug concentration,the proportion of Kasumi-1 cells cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase was increased and the cell synthesis was decreased.Conclusion:Selinexor can promote the death of tumor cells by inhibiting Kasumi-1 cells proliferation,inducing apoptosis and blocking cell cycle.
10.Intervention strategies for reducing sedentary behavior among older adults:a scoping review
Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Xuejing LI ; Dan YANG ; Meiqi MENG ; Yufang HAO
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(8):1012-1020
Objective A scoping review was performed to identify the effectiveness,characteristics,and behavior change techniques of intervention strategies for reducing sedentary behavior among older adults.Methods This study was guided by the scope review methodology framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley.A comprehensive search of databases was conducted in PubMed,Embase,PsycINFO,Cochrane Library,CINAHL,and Sedentary Behavior Research Database to collect the literature on intervention strategies for reducing sedentary behavior among older adults.The search period was from the establishment of the databases to September 20,2022.The study selection and data extraction were performed independently by 2 reviewers.The resulting data were analyzed and arranged using the descriptive analysis and the social network analysis.Results A total of 31 separate studies published between 2011 and 2022 were included in this study.Most intervention strategies were developed based on the Social Cognitive Theory.Almost all sedentary behavior intervention strategies targeted the psychological and behavioral levels of the individual.The main contents of the intervention strategies included goals and plans,feedback and monitoring,natural consequences,social support,repetition and substitution.In the social network analysis,the behavior change techniques that ranked high in degree centrality included goal-setting(behavior),self-monitoring of behavior,action planning,information about health consequences,and feedback on behavior.These intervention strategies could reduce sedentary time from 23 to 151 min/day.Conclusion Domestic nursing researchers should pay attention to sedentary behavior in older adults,and develop intervention strategies for reducing sedentary behavior in local contexts based on the effectiveness,characteristics,and behavior change techniques of the existing sedentary behavior intervention strategies.


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