1.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
2.The Diversity of Filamentous Morphologies and Magnetic Sensitivity Modulated by Diverse MagR Expression in Bacteria
Ya-Fei CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiu-Juan ZHOU ; Meng-Ke WEI ; Tian-Tian CAI ; Pei-Qi HE ; Jun-Feng WANG ; Can XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1439-1456
Objective Magnetoreception, the remarkable ability of diverse animals to sense and utilize the geomagnetic field for orientation and navigation, remains a molecularly unresolved mystery in sensory biology. The putative magnetoreceptor (MagR, previously known as IscA1) is a highly conserved iron-sulfur protein implicated in both magnetoreception and iron metabolism; however, the functional diversity among its cross-species homologs remains poorly understood. Cellular morphology is a key genetically determined trait that can be altered through genetic or environmental modifications—a process known as cell morphology engineering. Constructing engineered cells with specific morphological features and magnetic sensitivity to achieve remote, non-invasive magnetic modulation represents a crucial goal in this field with significant application potential. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the effects of MagR heterologous expression on bacterial morphology and magnetic sensing capabilities, screen for MagR-based magnetically sensitive morphology engineering pathways, and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods We systematically screened 28 MagR homologous genes from diverse prokaryotic and animal taxa to evaluate their expression and corresponding phenotypic effects in Escherichia coli (E. coli). To compare the differential magnetic responses among bacteria expressing various recombinant MagR proteins, we utilized high-throughput automated bright-field microscopic imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterizations of iron and iron-sulfur cluster binding were performed using Ferrozine colorimetric assays, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Additionally, 100 mT static magnetic field (SMF) exposure experiments were conducted to assess magnetically tunable phenotypes, while the intrinsic magnetic properties of purified MagR proteins were directly measured using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer. Results Our results demonstrated that the heterologous expression of MagR homologs induced varying degrees of bacterial filamentation. From this comprehensive screen, two distinct morphological patterns were identified: hydra (Hydra vulgaris) MagR (hyMagR) promoted uniform cell elongation and filamentation, exhibiting robust magnetic sensitivity manifested as significantly enhanced filamentation under the 100 mT SMF. In contrast, pigeon (Columba livia) MagR (clMagR) induced only low-frequency, extreme filamentation (sporadically exceeding 80 μm) with a relatively weaker magnetic morphological response. Mechanistically, our data unambiguously proved that these phenotypic differences are primarily driven by distinct iron redox preferences rather than total cellular iron accumulation. Specifically, hyMagR preferentially binds ferrous iron (Fe2+), whereas clMagR favors ferric iron (Fe3+) and forms more stable iron-sulfur clusters. Intriguingly, although SQUID magnetometry showed that purified clMagR exhibited approximately five-fold higher mass magnetic susceptibility than hyMagR, its cellular magnetic response was weaker. We hypothesize that the Fe2+-preferred intracellular environment associated with hyMagR overexpression primes the cell for enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the Fenton reaction. Exposure to an SMF synergizes with this primed redox state, triggering the bacterial SOS response and upregulating cell division inhibitors to efficiently induce uniform filamentation. Conclusion Our findings identify the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox state as a critical determinant of MagR-mediated morphological remodeling and magnetic responsiveness. This discovery suggests a potential strategy for engineering magnetically responsive cellular systems for synthetic biology applications, and provides a plausible framework, which potentially combines intrinsic protein magnetism with redox-state modulation, for further investigating the evolutionary mechanisms of MagR-mediated magnetoreception.
3.Construction and Application of a Real-World Cohort of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Based on a Multimodal Large-Scale Traditional Chinese Medicine Big Data Platform
Zhichao WANG ; Xianmei ZHOU ; Fanchao FENG ; Mengqi WANG ; Xin WANG ; Bin KANG ; Xiaofan YU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Lei XIAO ; Juan LI ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Jia LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):961-965
This paper introduces a real-world cohort research model for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Dominant Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment Data Platform. Firstly, data cleaning is performed by standardizing diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and imaging, intelligently extracting unstructured information, and cleaning and constructing a standardized database. Secondly, for cohort establishment, CAP patients across the province are screened in accordance with CAP diagnostic criteria to build a high-quality disease-specific cohort. Lastly, in terms of protocol design, the characteristics of TCM research and the CAP disease profile are considered to determine appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, estimate sample size, define interventions, outcomes and economic evaluations, providing a reference for real-world TCM research on CAP.
4.Construction and Application of a Real-World Cohort of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Based on a Multimodal Large-Scale Traditional Chinese Medicine Big Data Platform
Zhichao WANG ; Xianmei ZHOU ; Fanchao FENG ; Mengqi WANG ; Xin WANG ; Bin KANG ; Xiaofan YU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Lei XIAO ; Juan LI ; Zhichao ZHANG ; Ye MA ; Yeqing JI ; Xin TONG ; Zhuoyue WU ; Jia LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):961-965
This paper introduces a real-world cohort research model for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Dominant Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment Data Platform. Firstly, data cleaning is performed by standardizing diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and imaging, intelligently extracting unstructured information, and cleaning and constructing a standardized database. Secondly, for cohort establishment, CAP patients across the province are screened in accordance with CAP diagnostic criteria to build a high-quality disease-specific cohort. Lastly, in terms of protocol design, the characteristics of TCM research and the CAP disease profile are considered to determine appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria, estimate sample size, define interventions, outcomes and economic evaluations, providing a reference for real-world TCM research on CAP.
5.Research progress on typical work-related diseases
Xuemei TAN ; Yingying FENG ; Tangfei GUAN ; Yuqin YAO ; Xin SUN ; Juan LIAO ; Yajia LAN ; Qin ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(1):108-115
Work serves as a critical means of obtaining resources, facilitating personal growth, realizing self-worth, and engaging in social interactions. However, work-related diseases pose significant threats to workers’ health and productivity, and impose considerable economic burdens. This article categorized work-related diseases into six major types, including musculoskeletal disorders, mental and behavioral disorders, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, digestive system diseases, reproductive system diseases, and non-specific respiratory diseases, and summarized their risk factors, assessment methods, policy regulation, and prevention and control measures. Current research in this field predominantly relies on cross-sectional studies, which present limitations in causal inference and potential risks of bias. Future studies should expand sample sizes, optimize research designs, and establish multidimensional evaluation systems to comprehensively assess the health and economic impacts of work-related diseases. It is recommended to enhance the translation of research findings into practice, thereby providing a scientific basis for the occupational health protection system and promoting the well-being and sustainable development of the working population.
6.Effects of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang on FXR,NF-κB and Serum Inflammatory Factors in IBS-D Rats
Qiuxiang WANG ; Liuying LI ; Yang YANG ; Juan WANG ; Ruike WU ; Peimin FENG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1709-1720
Objective To explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang's intervention on irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D),the effects of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang on farnesol receptor(FXR),nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and inflammatory factors in IBS-D model rats were observed.Methods Healthy SD rats were randomly divided into blank group(Control group),model group(Model group),low-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang(TXYF-L group,4.977 g/kg),middle-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang(TXYF-M group,9.954 g/kg),and high-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang(TXYF-H group,19.908 g/kg),Pivium bromide group(PWXA group,0.018 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the IBS-D rat models of liver depression and spleen deficiency were established by chronic restraint stress and senna intragastric administration.After the model was successfully established,the intervention was continued for 14 days according to the corresponding group treatment method.The general situation,diarrhea rate,fecal moisture content,water injection when abdominal wall retraction reflex reaches 3 scores,sugar water preference rate and serum D-xylose level were observed.The morphological and structural changes of rat colon were observed by HE staining.The expression of FXR gene in colon tissue was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,the expression of FXR protein and NF-κB protein in colon tissue was detected by protein Western blot,and the levels of serum IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA.Results After the treatment of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang,the weight of each dosage group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang increased,the fecal water content decreased,the sugar water preference rate increased,the water injection volume increased when the rats reached the third grade of abdominal retraction reflex score,the serum D-xylose content increased and the food intake increased.HE staining showed that villous or finger-like structures appeared in the mucosal epithelium of model group,and inflammatory cells infiltrated in the upper mucosa.After treatment,the mucosal epithelium in TXYF-M group was smooth,villous or finger-like structures disappeared,and the infiltration degree of inflammatory cells decreased.Compared with the model group,the expression of FXR mRNA and FXR protein in the colon tissue of rats in the high-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang increased significantly,while the concentration of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α in serum and the expression of NF-κB protein in the colon tissue of rats in the high-dose group of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang decreased.Conclusion The mechanism of Tong-Xie-Yao-Fang in treating low-grade inflammation of IBS-D intestinal mucosa may be related to activating the expression of FXR in colon,inhibiting the expression of NF-κB in colon tissue,and then reducing the concentration of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α in serum.
7.Association between dynamic indexes of maternal progesterone in the first trimester of pregnancy and fetal head circumference growth and development
Hui NIU ; Juan XIN ; Jinlu LIANG ; Jiayuan FENG ; Sijing ZHU ; Xiaoxue LI ; Yin YANG ; Liu FANG ; Mengfei SUN ; Ziyi CHEN ; Wenfang YANG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):871-879
Objective To explore the association between dynamic indexes of maternal progesterone in early pregnancy and the average level and growth rate of fetal head circumference(HC)in mid-and late pregnancy.Methods This study adopted a retrospective cohort design and included 255 singleton pregnant women in the maternal and infant cohort of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2015 to December 2024.The progesterone levels of their early venous blood were detected and divided into two groups of progesterone trajectories,namely,fluctuating type and increasing type,by morphology.The dynamic indicators of progesterone in early pregnancy were constructed:cumulative dynamic deviation index in the first trimester(CDDI-P1T),gestational age at progesterone peak(GA-PP),and maximal relative progesterone decline in the first trimester(MRD-P1T).The average head circumference level and linear growth rate of the fetuses in the middle and late pregnancy were calculated.Generalized linear regression(GLM)was used to analyze the linear association between progesterone dynamic indicators and head circumference development.The key gestational weeks of progesterone affecting fetal head development were explored by linear regression of gestational weeks.Ordinary least squares(OLS)regression and restricted cubic spline(RCS)plots were used to draw the nonlinear association between progesterone dynamic indicators and head circumference.Results Among the 255 pregnant women included,92.5%of the progesterone trajectories in early pregnancy were fluctuating,and 7.5%were increasing.The growth rates of the increasing progesterone trajectory group were higher in the second and third trimesters than in the fluctuating group,but the differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05).GLM analysis showed that for every 1 unit increase in CDDI-P1T,the head circumference in the middle and late pregnancy increased significantly by 1.574 cm and 1.193 cm(Z=3.714,2.885,P<0.01).The delay of GA-PP was negatively correlated with the head circumference in the middle pregnancy(β=-0.190 cm,95%CI:-0.339--0.041,P=0.010)but positively correlated with the head circumference growth rate in the late pregnancy(β=0.022 cm/week,95%CI:0.003-0.041,P=0.025).A 10%decrease in the decline of CDDI-P1T increased the head circumference in the middle pregnancy by 0.200 cm(95%CI:0.016-0.384,P=0.033),and a 100%decrease in the decline increased the head circumference growth rate in the late pregnancy by 0.201 cm/week(95%CI:0.002-0.399,P=0.048).The analysis of the key time window showed that for every 20 nmol/L increase in progesterone during 9.5-13 weeks of pregnancy,the mid-term head circumference increased by 0.035-0.166 cm(Z=2.452-3.517,allP<0.05),and the late-term head circumference increased by 0.767 cm during 9-13 weeks of pregnancy(Z=2.452-3.517,all P<0.05).When progesterone increased during 9.5-10.5 weeks of pregnancy,the growth rate of mid-term head circumference increased by 0.013-0.023 cm/week(Z=2.074-2.243,all P<0.01).When progesterone increased during 8.5-10.5 weeks of pregnancy,the growth rate of late-term head circumference increased by 0.010-0.026 cm/week(Z=2.061-3.137,all P<0.05).Conclusion Progesterone dynamic index is a new sensitive tool for evaluating fetal head circumference development.There is a stage-specific window period for progesterone regulation.9.5-13 weeks of pregnancy is the critical period for progesterone to affect head circumference growth,and 9.5-10.5 weeks of pregnancy is the core window for regulating the growth rate of head circumference.Therefore,it is necessary to combine progesterone dynamic index and time window for individualized intervention to promote the transformation of prenatal care from pregnancy maintenance to eugenics intervention.
8.Effect of different intensity neuromuscular training on muscle strength and knee joint function of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Juan WANG ; Qing ZHANG ; Changlin ZHOU ; Changyun CHEN ; Feng DAI ; Xianghong SUN ; Ting ZOU ; Jian WANG ; Junkai GAO ; Weidong XU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(9):1083-1091
Objective To compare the effect of different intensity of neuromuscular training(NMT)on muscle strength and knee joint function of patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction(ACLR).Methods From January,2023 to January,2024,60 ACLR patients in Changhai Hospital were selected,and they received the same intensity of NMT from one to eight weeks after surgery.Eight weeks after surgery,they were randomly divided into low intensity group(n=30)and high intensity group(n=30),and then they received different inten-sities of NMT from nine to 16 weeks after surgery,each training session lasted one hour,with three sessions per week,totaly 48 sessions.The Lysholm score,knee flexor and extensor muscle strength and muscle endurance-were compared at eight weeks and 16 weeks after surgery.Results After group training,the Lysholm score significantly increased in both groups(|t|>13.739,P<0.001),and was higher in the high intensity group than in the low intensity group(t=-2.574,P<0.05);in the high intensity group,the relative peak torque and endurance of the extensor and flexor muscles improved at angular velocities of 60°/s,120°/s and 180 °/s(|t|>2.320,P<0.05);in the low intensity group,the flexor peak torque improved at all the three angular velocities(t>2.177,P<0.05),the extensor peak torque improved at angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s(|t|>1.715,P<0.05),and the extensor endurance improved at angular velocity of 60°/s(t=-2.293,P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the relative peak torque and endurance of the extensor and flexor muscles at all the three angular velocities(P>0.05).Conclusion Both high and low intensity NMT could improve the muscle strength,muscle endurance and knee joint func-tion.Maybe,high intensity is superior to low intensity.Further verification is still needed.
9.Survey of genetic diversity of select tick species in Inner Mongolia
Meng-yu CUI ; Si SU ; Lan MU ; Rui-juan GAO ; Qi-qi GUO ; Hong REN ; Li-li BAO ; Jing-feng YU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):171-177
The aim of this study was to understand the internal genetic diversity and population history dynamics of ticks in Inner Mongolia,to provide data for designing effective vector control programs and revealing ticks'transmission mechanisms.From 2022 to 2023,the manual collection method was used to collect samples in Inner Mongolia.The 16S rDNA and COI gene sequences of ticks were used to identify Hyalomma marginatum,Haemaphysalis concinna,and Argas persicus,and analyze the sequence characteristics and genetic diversity within the populations.Base composition analysis indicated that the average A+T content of the 16S rDNA gene and CO I gene in the three ticks was significantly higher than that of C+G.Moreover,22 haplotypes of the COI gene and 12 haplotypes of the 16S rDNA sequence were identified in Hyalomma marginatum.Eleven haplotypes were identified according to the COI gene,and nine haplotypes were identified according to the16S rDNA sequence of Haemaphysalis concinna.Two haplotypes were identified on the basis of the COI gene,and six haplotypes were identified on the basis of the 16S rDNA sequence of Ar gas persicus.The minimum 16S rDNA haplotype diversity was 0.264 for Ar gas persicus and 0.579 for the other two species.The nucleotide diversity of the three tick species was less than 0.05.Tajima's val-ue and Fu's Fs value of the neutrality test were negative.Base saturation substitution analysis indicated that neither of the two genes in the three tick species reached saturation.The phylogenetic tree revealed that Hyalomma marginatum,Haema physalis concinna,and Ar gas persicus in Inner Mongolia independently aggregated into branches.In conclusion,the base content of Hyalomma marginatum,Haemaphysalis concinna,and Argas persicus genes in Inner Mongolia was consist-ent with the characteristics of insect mitochondrial DNA content.Furthermore,the three tick populations showed rapid evolu-tionary population expansion,and the phylogeny of three tick species showed independent aggregation into clades,with no pop-ulation isolation.
10.The effectiveness of applying different tip positions of midline catheters:a Meta-analysis
Wanting SHENG ; Rui WANG ; Yuxiao ZHAO ; Pengfei QI ; Silong GAO ; Juan FENG ; Bohan LÜ ; Qun NIU ; Gang WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(8):990-997
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of different tip positions applied to midline catheters(MC)and provide evidence-based evidence for venous catheter tip positioning in clinical practice.Methods Computerized searches of PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane Library,CINAHL,CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP,and CBM for studies on the effectiveness of applying MC with different tip positions were performed from the time of database construction to July 2024.Meta-analysis was performed using Rev Man 5.3 software after 2 investigators independently screened the studies,extracted the information and evaluated the quality of the included studies.Results A total of 9 studies with 2 302 hospitalized patients were included.The quality evaluation results of the included studies are all B-level.Meta-analysis showed that when the tip of the MC was located in the subclavian vein compared with the tip of the MC in the axillary vein,the rate of total catheter-related complications,phlebitis,blood leakage,infiltration,catheter occlusion,catheter dislocation,and catheter-associated thrombosis were lower,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).When the tip of the MC was located in the subclavian vein compared with the tip of the MC in the axillary vein,the catheter retention time was longer,with a statistically significant difference(P=0.007).The descriptive analysis showed a lower rate of extubation due to complications when the tip of the MC was located in the subclavian vein compared with when the tip was located in the axillary vein(P<0.05).Conclusion When the tip of the MC is located in the subclavian vein compared to when it is located in the axillary vein,the incidence of total catheter-related complications,phlebitis,blood leakage,infiltration,catheter occlusion,catheter dislocation,catheter-associated thrombosis,and the rate of catheter extractions due to complications were lower,and the catheter was left in place for a longer period of time.Due to the limitations of the quantity and quality of the included studies,more large-sample,high-quality studies are needed to further validate the effectiveness of different tip positions of MC.

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