Neuroscience is a significant frontier discipline within the natural sciences and has become an important interdisciplinary frontier scientific field. Brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body, and its structural and functional analysis is considered the “ultimate frontier” of human self-awareness and exploration of nature. Driven by the strategic layout of “China Brain Project”, Chinese scientists have conducted systematic research focusing on “understanding the brain, simulating the brain, and protecting the brain”. They have made breakthrough progress in areas such as the principles of brain cognition, mechanisms and interventions for brain diseases, brain-like computation, and applications of brain-machine intelligence technology, aiming to enhance brain health through biomedical technology and improve the quality of human life. Due to limited understanding and comprehension of neuroscience, there are still many important unresolved issues in the field of neuroscience, resulting in a lack of effective measures to prevent and protect brain health. Therefore, in addition to actively developing new generation drugs, exploring non pharmacological treatment strategies with better health benefits and higher safety is particularly important. Epidemiological data shows that, exercise is not only an indispensable part of daily life but also an important non-pharmacological approach for protecting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, forming an emerging research field known as motor neuroscience. Basic research in motor neuroscience primarily focuses on analyzing the dynamic coding mechanisms of neural circuits involved in motor control, breakthroughs in motor neuroscience research depend on the construction of dynamic monitoring systems across temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, high spatiotemporal resolution detection of movement processes and movement-induced changes in brain structure and neural activity signals is an important technical foundation for conducting motor neuroscience research and has developed a set of tools based on traditional neuroscience methods combined with novel motor behavior decoding technologies, providing an innovative technical platform for motor neuroscience research. The protective effect of exercise in neurodegenerative diseases provides broad application prospects for its clinical translation. Applied research in motor neuroscience centers on deciphering the regulatory networks of neuroprotective molecules mediated by exercise. From the perspectives of exercise promoting neurogenesis and regeneration, enhancing synaptic plasticity, modulating neuronal functional activity, and remodeling the molecular homeostasis of the neuronal microenvironment, it aims to improve cognitive function and reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This has also advanced research into the molecular regulatory networks mediating exercise-induced neuroprotection and facilitated the clinical application and promotion of exercise rehabilitation strategies. Multidimensional analysis of exercise-regulated neural plasticity is the theoretical basis for elucidating the brain-protective mechanisms mediated by exercise and developing intervention strategies for neurological diseases. Thus,real-time analysis of different neural signals during active exercise is needed to study the health effects of exercise throughout the entire life cycle and enhance lifelong sports awareness. Therefore, this article will systematically summarize the innovative technological developments in motor neuroscience research, review the mechanisms of neural plasticity that exercise utilizes to protect the brain, and explore the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of major neurodegenerative diseases. This aims to provide new ideas for future theoretical innovations and clinical applications in the field of exercise-induced brain protection.

BACKGROUND:Cognitive impairment is the most common complication after stroke,and its severity is closely related to the patient's prognosis.The prognosis of patients can be significantly improved if the severity of their cognitive impairment is recognized and targeted early.OBJECTIVE:To initially explore potential biomarkers affecting the progression of post-stroke cognitive impairment,thereby providing a richer and unique reference for the study of their pathophysiological mechanisms.METHODS:Using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,non-targeted metabolomics analysis was conducted on serum samples from patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment to identify differential metabolites between the two groups.To further validate the diagnostic efficacy of the differential metabolites,the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate their accuracy and sensitivity in distinguishing disease severity.In addition,pathway analysis was conducted on the differential metabolites.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were significant differences in metabolic profiles between patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment,and 9 differential metabolites were screened by the receiver operating characteristic curve.(2)Differential metabolite pathway analysis revealed that the metabolic pathways affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment included tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism,biotin metabolism,retinol metabolism,aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis,lysine degradation,protein digestion and uptake,pyrimidine metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,ABC transporter proteins,amino acid biosynthesis,and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism.To conclude,9 potential biomarkers affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment have been identified,involving 12 metabolic pathways including tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism and retinol metabolism.

Endotoxins are common exogenous pyrogens. Excessive endotoxins in medical devices and injections can lead to serious consequences such as sepsis, septic shock, and even death. Therefore, endotoxin detection plays a crucial role in medical, pharmaceutical, and food sectors. The wide application of Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) has led to a sharp decline in the number of horseshoe crabs. Moreover, the LAL assay has limitations such as interbatch variations and difficulty in quantification. The recombinant factor C (rFC) assay is stable between batches, highly sensitive, and capable of quantitation, and thus it can be used as an alternative for the LAL assay. However, the high cost and complex procedures involved in producing recombinant factor C have limited the widespread application of this method. In order to simplify the preparation and reduce the production cost of recombinant factor C, this study focuses on the production of recombinant factor C based on the baculovirus expression system. Multiple measures such as a high-yield and anti-apoptotic vector qBac-IIIG, the optimal signal peptide, and the optimized codon were used to reach the goal of endotoxin detection with cell supernatant. This method simplifies the steps of protein purification. The sensitivity of the supernatant reached 0.05 EU/mL in a 1-L fermentation system, and 500 000 detecting reactions can be supported per liter of fermentation broth. This study increases the yield and activity of recombinant factor C, simplifies the procedures of protein purification, and reduces the cost, laying a foundation for the promotion and application of recombinant factor C in endotoxin detection.
Animals ; Recombinant Proteins/genetics* ; Horseshoe Crabs/chemistry* ; Baculoviridae/metabolism* ; Endotoxins/analysis* ; Protein C/biosynthesis* ; Genetic Vectors/genetics* ; Arthropod Proteins/genetics* ; Enzyme Precursors ; Serine Endopeptidases

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels and intracranial or extracranial atherosclerosis in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).Methods:A total of 407 patients with CSVD admitted to Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between July 2021 and September 2023 were enrolled in the study. Carotid duplex ultrasound was used to measure the internal diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT), vascular wall thickness, plaque property score, stenosis index, and stenosis ratio of the bilateral common carotid arteries, internal carotid arteries, external carotid arteries, and vertebral arteries. Magnetic resonance angiography was used to assess the degree of stenosis in intracranial arteries. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the serum IGF-1 levels (low level group:≤5.21 ng/ml, medium level group:>5.21 ng/ml and ≤10.73 ng/ml, high level group:>10.73 ng/ml and ≤24.26 ng/ml, extremely high level group:>24.26 ng/ml). The IMT of the common carotid artery, carotid plaques, diameters of various cervical vascular lumens, carotid artery diameter stenosis, and intracranial artery stenosis in 4 groups of the patients were compared. The relationship between IGF-1 and intracranial and extracranial atherosclerosis was analyzed by univariate Logistic regression analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results:There were inter group differences among the 4 groups in internal carotid artery diameter [low level group 5.45 (0.50) mm vs medium level group 5.32 (0.55) mm vs high level group 5.30 (0.55) mm vs extremely high level group 5.30 (0.50) mm; H=8.210, P=0.042]. The carotid IMT [low level group 0.80 (0.05) mm vs medium level group 0.80 (0.05) mm vs high level group 0.83 (0.03) mm vs extremely high level group 0.83 (0.09) mm; H=8.107, P=0.044], the proportion of carotid artery vascular wall thickening [low level group 52.9%(54/102) vs medium level group 48.0%(49/102) vs high level group 68.3%(69/101) vs extremely high level group 60.8%(62/102); χ2=9.889, P=0.020], the carotid artery plaque property score [low level group 1 (2) vs medium level group 2 (2) vs high level group 2 (2) vs extremely high level group 2 (2); H=8.913, P=0.030] and the proportion of anterior cerebral artery stenosis [low level group 2.9%(3/102) vs medium level group 2.0%(2/102) vs high level group 4.0%(4/101) vs extremely high level group 10.8%(11/102); χ2=10.473, P=0.014] had inter group differences among the 4 groups, and the differences were statistically significant. Univariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that carotid artery vascular wall thickening ( OR=1.197, 95% CI 1.003-1.429, P=0.046), anterior cerebral artery stenosis ( OR=1.814, 95% CI 1.148-2.867, P=0.011), and basilar artery stenosis ( OR=1.530, 95% CI 1.084-2.159, P=0.015) were correlated with IGF-1 levels. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, gender, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and C-reactive protein, IGF-1 was positively correlated with the carotid artery vascular wall thickening ( OR=1.311, 95% CI 1.014-1.696, P=0.039); after adjusting for age, IGF-1 was positively correlated with the anterior cerebral artery stenosis ( OR=2.130, 95% CI 1.201-3.776, P=0.010); after adjusting for gender, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and cholesterol levels, IGF-1 was positively correlated with basilar artery stenosis ( OR=1.688, 95% CI 1.063-2.681, P=0.027). Conclusions:There is an association between IGF-1 levels and intracranial and extracranial atherosclerosis in patients with CSVD. IGF-1 may play a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis in CSVD.

BACKGROUND:Cognitive impairment is the most common complication after stroke,and its severity is closely related to the patient's prognosis.The prognosis of patients can be significantly improved if the severity of their cognitive impairment is recognized and targeted early.OBJECTIVE:To initially explore potential biomarkers affecting the progression of post-stroke cognitive impairment,thereby providing a richer and unique reference for the study of their pathophysiological mechanisms.METHODS:Using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry,non-targeted metabolomics analysis was conducted on serum samples from patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment to identify differential metabolites between the two groups.To further validate the diagnostic efficacy of the differential metabolites,the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate their accuracy and sensitivity in distinguishing disease severity.In addition,pathway analysis was conducted on the differential metabolites.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There were significant differences in metabolic profiles between patients with mild and moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment,and 9 differential metabolites were screened by the receiver operating characteristic curve.(2)Differential metabolite pathway analysis revealed that the metabolic pathways affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment included tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism,biotin metabolism,retinol metabolism,aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis,lysine degradation,protein digestion and uptake,pyrimidine metabolism,cysteine and methionine metabolism,ABC transporter proteins,amino acid biosynthesis,and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism.To conclude,9 potential biomarkers affecting disease progression in patients with mild-to-moderate post-stroke cognitive impairment have been identified,involving 12 metabolic pathways including tryptophan metabolism,D-amino acid metabolism and retinol metabolism.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels and intracranial or extracranial atherosclerosis in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).Methods:A total of 407 patients with CSVD admitted to Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between July 2021 and September 2023 were enrolled in the study. Carotid duplex ultrasound was used to measure the internal diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT), vascular wall thickness, plaque property score, stenosis index, and stenosis ratio of the bilateral common carotid arteries, internal carotid arteries, external carotid arteries, and vertebral arteries. Magnetic resonance angiography was used to assess the degree of stenosis in intracranial arteries. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the serum IGF-1 levels (low level group:≤5.21 ng/ml, medium level group:>5.21 ng/ml and ≤10.73 ng/ml, high level group:>10.73 ng/ml and ≤24.26 ng/ml, extremely high level group:>24.26 ng/ml). The IMT of the common carotid artery, carotid plaques, diameters of various cervical vascular lumens, carotid artery diameter stenosis, and intracranial artery stenosis in 4 groups of the patients were compared. The relationship between IGF-1 and intracranial and extracranial atherosclerosis was analyzed by univariate Logistic regression analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results:There were inter group differences among the 4 groups in internal carotid artery diameter [low level group 5.45 (0.50) mm vs medium level group 5.32 (0.55) mm vs high level group 5.30 (0.55) mm vs extremely high level group 5.30 (0.50) mm; H=8.210, P=0.042]. The carotid IMT [low level group 0.80 (0.05) mm vs medium level group 0.80 (0.05) mm vs high level group 0.83 (0.03) mm vs extremely high level group 0.83 (0.09) mm; H=8.107, P=0.044], the proportion of carotid artery vascular wall thickening [low level group 52.9%(54/102) vs medium level group 48.0%(49/102) vs high level group 68.3%(69/101) vs extremely high level group 60.8%(62/102); χ2=9.889, P=0.020], the carotid artery plaque property score [low level group 1 (2) vs medium level group 2 (2) vs high level group 2 (2) vs extremely high level group 2 (2); H=8.913, P=0.030] and the proportion of anterior cerebral artery stenosis [low level group 2.9%(3/102) vs medium level group 2.0%(2/102) vs high level group 4.0%(4/101) vs extremely high level group 10.8%(11/102); χ2=10.473, P=0.014] had inter group differences among the 4 groups, and the differences were statistically significant. Univariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that carotid artery vascular wall thickening ( OR=1.197, 95% CI 1.003-1.429, P=0.046), anterior cerebral artery stenosis ( OR=1.814, 95% CI 1.148-2.867, P=0.011), and basilar artery stenosis ( OR=1.530, 95% CI 1.084-2.159, P=0.015) were correlated with IGF-1 levels. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for age, gender, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and C-reactive protein, IGF-1 was positively correlated with the carotid artery vascular wall thickening ( OR=1.311, 95% CI 1.014-1.696, P=0.039); after adjusting for age, IGF-1 was positively correlated with the anterior cerebral artery stenosis ( OR=2.130, 95% CI 1.201-3.776, P=0.010); after adjusting for gender, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and cholesterol levels, IGF-1 was positively correlated with basilar artery stenosis ( OR=1.688, 95% CI 1.063-2.681, P=0.027). Conclusions:There is an association between IGF-1 levels and intracranial and extracranial atherosclerosis in patients with CSVD. IGF-1 may play a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis in CSVD.

Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is a class of molecular chaperones essential for maintaining protein homeostasis in cells. Hsp70s also play important roles in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and infectious diseases, which makes them potential targets for the treatment of these diseases. It is necessary to develop small molecule inhibitors to validate this class of important therapeutic targets. In recent years, the discovery of small molecule inhibitors for Hsp70s has made remarkable progress, and Hsp70 inhibitors with different modalities have been reported. In this paper, Hsp70 and relevant diseases are briefly introduced, and the discovery of Hsp70 small molecule inhibitors with distinct modalities are summarized, providing reference for the further discovery and development of Hsp70 small molecule inhibitors.

Patients with severe trauma require an extremely timely treatment and transfusion plays an irreplaceable role in the emergency treatment of such patients. An increasing number of evidence-based medicinal evidences and clinical practices suggest that patients with severe traumatic bleeding benefit from early transfusion of low-titer group O whole blood or hemostatic resuscitation with red blood cells, plasma and platelet of a balanced ratio. However, the current domestic mode of blood supply cannot fully meet the requirements of timely and effective blood transfusion for emergency treatment of patients with severe trauma in clinical practice. In order to solve the key problems in blood supply and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma, Branch of Clinical Transfusion Medicine of Chinese Medical Association, Group for Trauma Emergency Care and Multiple Injuries of Trauma Branch of Chinese Medical Association, Young Scholar Group of Disaster Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association organized domestic experts of blood transfusion medicine and trauma treatment to jointly formulate Chinese expert consensus on blood support mode and blood transfusion strategies for emergency treatment of severe trauma patients ( version 2024). Based on the evidence-based medical evidence and Delphi method of expert consultation and voting, 10 recommendations were put forward from two aspects of blood support mode and transfusion strategies, aiming to provide a reference for transfusion resuscitation in the emergency treatment of severe trauma and further improve the success rate of treatment of patients with severe trauma.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province. METHODS: We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α ^3.7/αα (50.23%) and β ^IVS-II-654/β ^N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Hemoglobinopathies/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

AIM:To explore the effect of intravitreal injection FasL inhibitors on corneal apoptosis, Fas, FasL expression, Treg numbers in blood and lymph nodes and rejection index in rats after corneal transplantation.METHODS:A total of 24 SD rats(24 eyes)who received penetrating keratoplasty were randomly divided into two groups: PBS group received intravitreal injection of PBS(12 rats, 12 eyes)and FasL inhibitor group(12 rats, 12 eyes). Rejection index was recorded every week and blood samples and lymph node were collected at 1, 3 and 5wk after surgery to analyze the proportions of Treg. Corneal tissue was collected for detecting the expression of Fas and FasL and number of apoptosis.RESULTS: The expression of Fas, FasL in FasL inhibitor group decreased significantly compared with the PBS group(all P<0.05); Corneal cell apoptosis significantly decreased in FasL inhibitor group, and it was the lowest at 5wk after surgery; Treg numbers in blood and lymph nodes significantly increased in FasL inhibitor group at 3wk after surgery(all P<0.05); rejection index of corneal transplantation in the FasL inhibitor group was significantly lower than that of PBS group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Intravitreal injection of FasL inhibitors after corneal transplantation could reduce the apoptosis in all layers of cornea, increase the number of Tregs in blood and lymph nodes, and alleviate rejection.