1.An integrated optoelectronic fiber for simultaneous transmission of laser and electrical current and validation of tissue vaporization in ex vivo pig kidneys
Dongchong SUN ; Yutao ZHANG ; Likun GAI ; Chenglin ZHANG ; Yanna WANG ; Hao ZHANG ; Yalin SUN ; Yongmei WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):168-171
Objective To design and fabricate an integrated optoelectrical fiber to enable the simultaneous transmission of high-power laser and electrical current, thereby developing a novel tool for urological surgery.Methods A miniature metal sleeve was installed at the front end of a medical high-energy optical fiber, and corresponding conductive circuits were configured. The fiber was connected to a fiber thulium laser and a bipolar plasma generator simultaneously. Experiments of simulated vaporization were conducted on ex vivo porcine kidney tissues using thulium laser (50 W), plasma (100 W), and thulium laser + plasma (50 W+100 W), respectively. Tissue removal efficiency was calculated using the weighing method:tissue clearance rate (g/min)=[mass before vaporization (g) - mass after vaporization (g)]/vaporization time (min). Lateral tissue thermal damage was assessed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. One-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test were used for statistical analysis.Results The integrated optoelectrical fiber was successfully constructed, which could simultaneously and continuously transmit thulium laser and plasma electrocision current. The tissue clearance rate of the thulium laser+plasma group was significantly higher than that of the thulium laser group and plasma group [(0.49±0.13) g/min vs. (0.14±0.02) g/min vs. (0.11±0.04) g/min, P<0.001]. The average lateral thermal damage depth of the thulium laser + plasma group showed no statistically significant difference compared to the thulium laser group [(985.5±178.5) μm vs.(957.5±197.4) μm, P>0.05], but both were significantly higher than that of the simple plasma group [(499.6±78.0) μm] (P<0.001). Conclusion The thulium laser + plasma energy transmitted simultaneously by the integrated optoelectrical fiber can vaporize kidney tissue more efficiently without additional thermal damage.
2.Correlations between Cuproptosis and Neurodegenerative Diseases and Interventions with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Huimin ZHU ; Yixuan WANG ; Zitong ZHAO ; Zhijin WANG ; Cong GAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):312-321
Cuproptosis is a newly identified form of cell death triggered by copper ion dyshomeostasis, particularly characterized by the accumulation of copper in metabolic enzymes within the mitochondria. In recent years, this mechanism has garnered significant attention in the research on neurodegenerative diseases. As investigations into the pathogeneses of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease have advanced, the role of cuproptosis in these diseases has gradually been elucidated, establishing it as a breakthrough point for understanding disease progression. The current research primarily focuses on the associations between cuproptosis-related genes and neuronal damage, aiming to unravel the regulatory networks involved in the onset and development of these diseases. However, numerous questions remain regarding the specific regulatory mechanisms of cuproptosis and its relationship with the pathological changes in neurodegenerative diseases. Against this backdrop, this article systematically reviews the research progress in the molecular regulatory networks governing cuproptosis and roles of cuproptosis in various neurodegenerative diseases, with a particular emphasis on the intrinsic link between copper dyshomeostasis, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial metabolism. Furthermore, integrating theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with advancements in modern pharmacological research, this article explores the potential value of TCM in regulating copper metabolism and intervening in cuproptosis signaling pathways. This review aims to offer new perspectives for understanding the pathogeneses of neurodegenerative diseases and lay a theoretical foundation for developing novel prevention and treatment strategies based on the modulation of cuproptosis with TCM.
3.Research of routine ultrasound examination combined with CTV angiography for lower extremity veins in assessing deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity after ischemic stroke
Tianying LIU ; Xin DUAN ; Gai ZHANG ; Wenli WANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(3):63-67
Objective:To analyze the effect of routine ultrasound examination combined with computed tomography venous(CTV)angiography for lower extremity veins in assessing deep vein thrombosis(DVT)of lower extremity after ischemic stroke.Methods:The clinical data of 132 patients with ischemic stroke,who admitted to XiDian Group Hospital from January 2020 to May 2023,were retrospectively analyzed.All selected patients were suspected as DVT in lower extremity,so they underwent digital subtraction angiography(DSA),routine ultrasound and CTV examination for lower extremity veins.The result of DSA examination was used as the gold standard.The diagnostic efficacy of routine ultrasound examination combined with CTV for the DVT of lower extremity after stroke was further analyzed.Results:The results of DSA examination confirmed that a total of 128 cases of 132 patients with suspected DVT were diagnosed as DVT in lower extremity.The routine ultrasound on lower extremity found out about 102 cases with DVT on lower extremity,and the consistency between the results of ultrasound diagnosis and the results of DSA diagnosis was general(Kappa=0.461,P=0.000).The CTV found out about 111 cases with DVT on lower extremity,and the consistency between the results of CTV diagnosis and the results of DSA diagnosis also was general(Kappa=0.605,P=0.000).The diagnostic result of the combination of routine ultrasound and CTV for DVT in lower extremity had better consistency with DSA result(Kappa=0.752,P=0.000).The diagnostic accuracy(93.33%),sensitivity(94.53%)and negative predictive value(73.08%)of ultrasound combined with CTV were significantly higher than those of single diagnosis,and the differences of them were statistically significant(x2=10.727,12.463,6.313,P<0.05).Conclusion:The diagnosis of the routine ultrasound examination combined with CTV for DVT of lower extremity after ischemic stroke can improve the accuracy and diagnostic efficacy of clinical diagnosis,which is contribute to the assessment of patients'disease conditions.
4.Label-free Fluorescence Probe Based on Primer Exchange Reaction for High Sensitivity Detection of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1
Yun-Hua WANG ; Le-Ru WANG ; Li-Gai YANG ; Jia-Zheng CHEN ; Yu-Run DU ; Jia-Hui HOU ; Xiang ZHAI ; Xu-Hua ZHAO ; Bao-Feng YU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):464-471
Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1(APE 1)is a multifunctional protein that plays important roles in DNA repair and regulation of gene expression.Because APE 1 is overexpressed in various cancers,it can serve as a cancer biomarker for aiding clinical diagnosis,guiding therapy,and monitoring prognosis.On this basis,a label-free fluorescent probe was designed based on the primer exchange reaction(PER)strategy for highly sensitive detection of APE 1 activity.In the absence of APE 1,the structure of catalytic hairpin(HP)was stable and could not form G-quadruplex.Therefore,the background fluorescence of this sensing system was very low due to the dissociation of thioflavin T(ThT).In the presence of APE 1,the apurinic/apyrimidinic(AP)site of HP was cleaved by APE 1 and a short nucleic acid fragment that acted as a primer to initiate PER was generated.After PER reaction,a large number of G-quadruplex were produced,which could specifically bind with ThT and resulted in significant increase of fluorescence signal.The combination of low background design of HP and PER amplification made this biosensor had high sensitivity with a detection limit(3σ)of 0.0008 U/mL.Furthermore,the primer sequence was directly generated by the cleavage of APE 1 without additional addition,which not only increased the specificity of the reaction,but also simplified the experiment procedure.Moreover,the use of label-free fluorescence signal reduced the cost of the experiment,and realized rapid detection of APE 1.Finally,this sensor was used to detect APE 1 in human serum samples with spiked recoveries of 91%-104%,proving great potential in study of biological enzyme.
5.Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy on the volumes of amygdala and hippocampal subfields in patients with major depressive disorder
Sirui WANG ; Gai KONG ; Hui LI ; Zhenying QIAN ; Huiru CUI ; Yingying TANG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):434-442
Objective·To investigate the longitudinal changes in amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes before and after transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)treatment in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD)and explore their correlation with the antidepressant and anxiolytic efficacy of TMS.Methods·A total of 58 patients diagnosed with MDD at Shanghai Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,were included in this study between January 2018 and August 2023.Clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale(MADRS),and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)at baseline and post-TMS treatment.Patients underwent a baseline magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan followed by TMS treatment targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)at a frequency of 10 Hz,totaling 20 sessions.A follow-up MRI scan was conducted on the same day the TMS treatment concluded.Amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes were segmented and calculated by using FreeSurfer v6.0.0 software.Longitudinal changes in the subfield volumes were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance.Controlling for age,sex,and intracranial volume,partial correlation analysis was conducted between subfield volumes and baseline clinical scores.The association between the rate of volume change in brain regions with significant volume changes and symptom improvement(reduction in HAMD,MADRS,and HAMA scores)was evaluated.Results·Following TMS treatment,a significant increase in the volume of the right amygdala central nucleus was observed(t=-2.441,P=0.018).While the volumes of bilateral hippocampal fimbria decreased,the volumes of most hippocampal subfield and the total hippocampus increased(P<0.05).No significant correlations were found between baseline amygdala or hippocampal subfield volumes and clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms.However,only in patients who responded effectively to TMS treatment,a positive correlation was found between the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail and reductions in anxiety symptoms(HAMA:r=0.334,P=0.044).Conclusion·High-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce volume increases in the right amygdala central nucleus and specific hippocampal subfields.Additionally,the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail is associated with anti-anxiety effects in TMS responders,suggesting that high-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce neuroplastic changes in the central nucleus of the right amygdala and key subfields of the hippocampus.
6.Effects of exercise load on cardiac function in different bodily positions evaluated with three-dimensional speckle tracking technology
Chongfa ZHONG ; Feng ZANG ; Xiaowen ZUO ; Yue WANG ; Yuqing GAI ; Zemin HUANG ; Bin WU ; Guangdan YU ; Chong XU
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(1):12-17
Objective:To investigate the effects of 10° head up tilt bed rest (HUT) on human cardiac function via 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE), and to study the difference in cardiac function under the submaximal exercise load between the horizontal position and 10° HUBR.Methods:Thirty young healthy volunteers were recruited as the subjects, who were randomly divided into an 10° HUT exercise group and horizontal exercise group with 15 subjects in each. Subjects in both groups were asked to ride the bicycle ergometer in the 10° HUBR position and supine position respectively. The load started with 50 W and was increased by 25 W every 3 min until it reached the maximum of 125 W. Before the exercise (resting state), 1 min after the load was increased each time, and 3 min after exercise (recovery period), the following indices were collected: ①basic cardiac function indices: heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), ②conventional cardiac ultrasound indices: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO), ③left ventricular strain indices: global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global area strain (GAS) measured by 3D-SET. The changes of these indices in the 2 groups of subjects under different exercise loads were observed.Results:The differences in the major effect of the basic heart indices (HR, SBP and DBP), conventional cardiac ultrasound indices (LVEF, SV and CO) and left ventricular strain indices (GLS, GCS and GAS) in response to the exercise load were statistically significant ( F=194.90, 113.66, 17.19, P=0.017, 0.018, 0.001). With the increase of the exercise load, the basic heart indices and conventional cardiac ultrasound indices kept rising, the left ventricular strain indices reached the minimum under a moderate exercise load (75 W), HR, SBP and CO were higher than those of the resting state ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Both LVEF under exercise loads of 75, 100, 125 W and during recovery, and SV under exercise loads of 100, 125 W and during recovery were significantly higher than those of the resting state ( P<0.05 or 0.01), while GLS and GCS under exercise loads of 50, 75, 125 W ( P<0.05 or 0.01), and GAS under exercise loads of 50, 75 W ( P<0.01) were significantly lower. There were statistically significant differences not only in GCS across the groups ( F=4.60, P=0.026) but also in DBP due to the interactions between the grouping and exercise loads ( F=3.13, P=0.031). DBP was higher than that of the resting state when the exercise load was 125 W in both groups. Conclusions:During submaximal exercise, myocardial contractility shows sustained enhancement with the increase of the exercise load. The results of GLS, GCS and GAS indicate that myocardial strain reaches its lowest value under a moderate exercise load, suggesting that moderate exercise can be used to evaluate cardiac function via 3D-SET. Under a simulated lunar gravity of 10° HUT, there is less deformation in the short axis direction of the myocardium, indicating that GCS can be used as a sensitive indicator to detect changes in cardiac function under different gravities.
7.Application of 3D printing technology in bone graft fusion surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Lei TANG ; Qi WANG ; Zhi-yong CHAI ; Jun WANG ; Jing-ying GAI ; Yi-feng LIU
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(8):702-706
Objective To explore the clinical effect of 3D-printed interbody fusion cage applied in anterior cervical decompression and bone graft fusion for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Methods A total of 100 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent anterior cervical fusion surgery in our hospital from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected as the research subjects,they were randomly divided into the 3D group and the control group according to the random number table method,with 50 cases in each group.Patients in the 3D group were implanted with a 3D-printed interbody fusion cage which was made of microporous metal materials,while patients in the control group were implanted with intervertebral fusion cage which was made of polyetheretherketone material.The surgery-related indicators,cervical imaging parameters,cervical spinal cord function,cervical axial function and surgical complications of patients between the two groups were compared.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time,intraoperative blood loss or length of hospital stay of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).The height of the cervical fusion segments and the Cobb angle of the fusion segments of patients in both groups at each time point after the operation were significantly increased compared with those before the operation(P<0.05).The height of the cervical fusion segments and the Cobb angle of the fusion segments of patients 1 month,3 months,and 6 months after the operation in the 3D group were all greater than those in the control group(P>0.05).The subjective symptom score and the total score of the Japanese orthopaedic association(JOA)of patients 6 months after the operation in the 3D group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The cervical axial function of patients 6 months after the operation in the 3D group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of surgical complications in the 3D group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The use of 3D-printed interbody fusion cage during the anterior cervical decompression and bone graft fusion for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients,achieve better cervical axial function,and have fewer complications.
8.Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy on the volumes of amygdala and hippocampal subfields in patients with major depressive disorder
Sirui WANG ; Gai KONG ; Hui LI ; Zhenying QIAN ; Huiru CUI ; Yingying TANG
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):434-442
Objective·To investigate the longitudinal changes in amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes before and after transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)treatment in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD)and explore their correlation with the antidepressant and anxiolytic efficacy of TMS.Methods·A total of 58 patients diagnosed with MDD at Shanghai Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,were included in this study between January 2018 and August 2023.Clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale(MADRS),and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)at baseline and post-TMS treatment.Patients underwent a baseline magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan followed by TMS treatment targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)at a frequency of 10 Hz,totaling 20 sessions.A follow-up MRI scan was conducted on the same day the TMS treatment concluded.Amygdala and hippocampal subfield volumes were segmented and calculated by using FreeSurfer v6.0.0 software.Longitudinal changes in the subfield volumes were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance.Controlling for age,sex,and intracranial volume,partial correlation analysis was conducted between subfield volumes and baseline clinical scores.The association between the rate of volume change in brain regions with significant volume changes and symptom improvement(reduction in HAMD,MADRS,and HAMA scores)was evaluated.Results·Following TMS treatment,a significant increase in the volume of the right amygdala central nucleus was observed(t=-2.441,P=0.018).While the volumes of bilateral hippocampal fimbria decreased,the volumes of most hippocampal subfield and the total hippocampus increased(P<0.05).No significant correlations were found between baseline amygdala or hippocampal subfield volumes and clinical depressive and anxiety symptoms.However,only in patients who responded effectively to TMS treatment,a positive correlation was found between the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail and reductions in anxiety symptoms(HAMA:r=0.334,P=0.044).Conclusion·High-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce volume increases in the right amygdala central nucleus and specific hippocampal subfields.Additionally,the volume change rate of the left hippocampal tail is associated with anti-anxiety effects in TMS responders,suggesting that high-frequency TMS targeting the left DLPFC may induce neuroplastic changes in the central nucleus of the right amygdala and key subfields of the hippocampus.
9.Exploring the scientific connotation of"spleen qi disperses essence"based on apolipoproteins
Tao WANG ; Gai GAO ; Qingqing SONG ; Yanyan SHEN ; Daiyu XU ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Jiangyan XU ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Zhishen XIE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(11):1501-1506
As one of the core theories of spleen governing transportation and transformation in the traditional Chinese medicine visceral manifestation theory,the modern biological basis of"spleen qi disperses essence"has not been fully elucidated.Lipids are one of the three major nutrients in the body,which are derived from exogenous absorption or endogenous transformation,and belong to the category of"grease"and"essence"substances in traditional Chinese medicine.Because of their hydrophobic nature,lipids require apolipoproteins to be transported in the bloodstream and used by the body;similarly,essence also needs spleen qi transformation to be distributed throughout the body and exert their nourishing effects,revealing a certain degree of inherent unity between the two.When the spleen qi functions properly,essence dispersal is orderly and lipid metabolism remains in homeostatic balance;if spleen deficient leads to impaired transportation,the essence will not be distributed,and the lipid turbidity will accumulate,causing disease.Classic strengthening spleen prescriptions such as Zexie Decoction,can reshape lipid homeostasis by regulating apolipoproteins.Based on apolipoprotein-mediated lipid metabolism,this paper explores the modern molecular biology basis of the theory of"spleen qi disperses essence,"which provides novel insights for enriching the modern research of traditional Chinese medicine visceral manifestation theory,and lays the foundation for clinical practice and theoretical innovation in the treatment of metabolic diseases from the spleen.
10.Effects of exercise load on cardiac function in different bodily positions evaluated with three-dimensional speckle tracking technology
Chongfa ZHONG ; Feng ZANG ; Xiaowen ZUO ; Yue WANG ; Yuqing GAI ; Zemin HUANG ; Bin WU ; Guangdan YU ; Chong XU
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(1):12-17
Objective:To investigate the effects of 10° head up tilt bed rest (HUT) on human cardiac function via 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE), and to study the difference in cardiac function under the submaximal exercise load between the horizontal position and 10° HUBR.Methods:Thirty young healthy volunteers were recruited as the subjects, who were randomly divided into an 10° HUT exercise group and horizontal exercise group with 15 subjects in each. Subjects in both groups were asked to ride the bicycle ergometer in the 10° HUBR position and supine position respectively. The load started with 50 W and was increased by 25 W every 3 min until it reached the maximum of 125 W. Before the exercise (resting state), 1 min after the load was increased each time, and 3 min after exercise (recovery period), the following indices were collected: ①basic cardiac function indices: heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), ②conventional cardiac ultrasound indices: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO), ③left ventricular strain indices: global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global area strain (GAS) measured by 3D-SET. The changes of these indices in the 2 groups of subjects under different exercise loads were observed.Results:The differences in the major effect of the basic heart indices (HR, SBP and DBP), conventional cardiac ultrasound indices (LVEF, SV and CO) and left ventricular strain indices (GLS, GCS and GAS) in response to the exercise load were statistically significant ( F=194.90, 113.66, 17.19, P=0.017, 0.018, 0.001). With the increase of the exercise load, the basic heart indices and conventional cardiac ultrasound indices kept rising, the left ventricular strain indices reached the minimum under a moderate exercise load (75 W), HR, SBP and CO were higher than those of the resting state ( P<0.05 or 0.01). Both LVEF under exercise loads of 75, 100, 125 W and during recovery, and SV under exercise loads of 100, 125 W and during recovery were significantly higher than those of the resting state ( P<0.05 or 0.01), while GLS and GCS under exercise loads of 50, 75, 125 W ( P<0.05 or 0.01), and GAS under exercise loads of 50, 75 W ( P<0.01) were significantly lower. There were statistically significant differences not only in GCS across the groups ( F=4.60, P=0.026) but also in DBP due to the interactions between the grouping and exercise loads ( F=3.13, P=0.031). DBP was higher than that of the resting state when the exercise load was 125 W in both groups. Conclusions:During submaximal exercise, myocardial contractility shows sustained enhancement with the increase of the exercise load. The results of GLS, GCS and GAS indicate that myocardial strain reaches its lowest value under a moderate exercise load, suggesting that moderate exercise can be used to evaluate cardiac function via 3D-SET. Under a simulated lunar gravity of 10° HUT, there is less deformation in the short axis direction of the myocardium, indicating that GCS can be used as a sensitive indicator to detect changes in cardiac function under different gravities.

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