1.Dynamic Interactions Between Hemispheres Reveal a Compensatory Pathway for Motor Recovery in Moderate-to-Severe Subcortical Stroke
Huaxin FAN ; Hewei WANG ; Zhengxu LIAN ; Qiurong YU ; Xinran WU ; Nanyu KUANG ; Benjamin BECKER ; Jianfeng FENG ; Mingxia FAN ; Lili SONG ; Limin SUN ; Jie ZHANG ; Craig S. ANDERSON
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):97-114
Background:
and Purpose Therapeutic target selection in noninvasive brain stimulation for poststroke motor recovery typically relies on the interhemispheric inhibition model, which is effective for mildly affected patients but offers limited benefits for severely affected individuals. The mechanisms governing recovery from moderate-to-severe stroke remain poorly understood, which hinders the development of targeted interventions.
Methods:
We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with unilateral subcortical stroke and moderate-to-severe upper limb deficits, both pre- and postintervention, along with data from healthy controls. We developed a novel dynamic lag analysis method for identifying recovery-related homotopic sensorimotor regions with altered interhemispheric interactions. To further uncover the global reorganization pathway, we developed dynamic lateralization approaches to detect large-scale functional connectivity (FC) alterations associated with the identified regions in transient lateralization states.
Results:
Dynamic time-lag analysis revealed significantly reduced synchronized states in the homotopic dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) post-intervention compared with pre-intervention, which correlated with motor recovery. Further dynamic lateralization analysis revealed a prolonged segregation state in patients, characterized by weakened interhemispheric and strengthened intrahemispheric interactions. In this state, patients showed decreased FC in the ipsilesional PMd and increased FC in the contralesional PMd with bilateral subcortical networks. These recoveryrelated alterations were absent in the traditional static analysis.
Conclusions
Dynamic analyses targeting interhemispheric interactions are valuable for understanding neural reorganization after stroke. The diminished interactions between the homotopic PMd indicate a compensatory mechanism. Importantly, a state-dependent compensatory pathway was identified, wherein the contralesional PMd assumes the functions of the ipsilesional PMd through enhanced interactions with subcortical structures, potentially guiding more effective interventions.
2.Evolution, Applications, and Perspectives of Technologies for Genetically Engineered Mouse Generation
Jianfeng WU ; Zhiqiang SHAO ; Ying HE ; Suqin WU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(5):759-770
Genetically engineered mice are important tools for elucidating gene function and disease mechanisms and for advancing drug development. With the growing demand in biomedical research for complex genetic modifications, rapid model generation, and high-throughput functional analysis, technologies for generating genetically engineered mice continue to evolve. This review systematically summarizes the evolution and applications of these technologies, with a focus on conventional approaches, including early transgenic technologies and embryonic stem cell (ESC)-based homologous recombination for gene targeting, as well as the use of random mutagenesis approaches, such as N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) mutagenesis and transposon insertion, in forward genetic screening. It further discusses the principles and characteristics of programmable nucleases, including zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and CRISPR/Cas systems, as well as their applications in generating genetically engineered mice. With advances in genome editing, Cas9-derived systems, base editing, prime editing, and RNA editing further improve editing precision, expand the repertoire of genetic modifications and precise regulatory approaches, and provide additional options for generating genetically engineered mice. This review also compares the advantages, limitations, and suitability of different technologies for specific applications and summarizes quality-control strategies addressing practical issues that may affect model reliability, including off-target effects, mosaicism, genetic background, and genetic stability. Finally, future directions in technologies for generating genetically engineered mice are discussed to inform the generation and application of related models.
3.Construction and identification of conditional HLF knockout mice with islet β cells
Menglong Hou ; Xinyu Xinyu ; Jianfeng Wu ; Qichao Liao ; Jie Ma ; Lei Zhou ; Yixing Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(8):1432-1439
Objective:
To explore the mechanism of action of hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) in diabetes mellitus and to construct a conditional animal model of mice with islet β ⁃cell⁃specific HLF gene knockout.
Methods:
At the cellular level , the effects of HLF inhibition or overexpression on the proliferation of MIN6 cells was verified by the CCK⁃8 assay. The effects of HLF inhibition or overexpression were detected at the mRNA level and protein level by Cre + / - mice (C57BL/6J) to obtain offspring mice. The genotypes of the mice were identified by the PCR method.The differences in the expression levels of the HLF gene at the mRNA and protein levels in islet β ⁃cell knockout mice (HLFflox/flox Cre + / - ) and control mice (HLFflox/flox ) were detected by RT⁃qPCR technology and Western blot technology to verify the knockout effect. At the same time , the islet tissues of the mice in two groups were taken to make paraffin sections and analyzed by hematoxylin⁃eosin (HE) staining.
Results:
HLF gene inhibition or overex⁃pression had no significant effect on the proliferation of MIN6 cells. When the HLF gene was inhibited in MIN6 cells , the mRNA expression level decreased by 74% compared with the control group , and the protein expression level decreased by 60% compared with the control group. After overexpressing the HLF gene , the mRNA expres⁃sion level was 2. 13 times compared with that of the control group , and the protein expression level was 1. 8 times compared with that of the control group. The mRNA expression level of the HLF gene in the knockout mice de⁃creased by 89% compared with the control group , and the protein expression level decreased by 65% compared with the control group. The results of HE staining showed that there was no significant difference in the cell mor⁃phology in the islet tissues between the knockout mice and the control mice. Inhibiting HLF increased the glycogen content in MIN6 cells by approximately 20% .
Conclusion
The HLF gene knockout mice are successfully con⁃structed , providing an animal model for studying the role of HLF in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.
4.Research progress on visual crowding effect and its intervention strategies in oculopathy
Weilun JIAO ; Jianfeng WU ; Lihan WANG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(7):566-570
The visual crowding effect refers to the phenomenon that the observers' ability to identify the target object significantly decreases when it is flanked by surrounding objects.A variety of ophthalmic diseases,including amblyopia,strabismus,glaucoma,macular degeneration and nystagmus,involve structural or functional abnormalities in different parts of the visual system.These abnormalities will exacerbate the visual crowding effect,thereby impairing the ability in multi-line visual identification,reading and other daily visual activities of patients.Since intervention on visual crowding can im-prove patients' ability to process complex visual information,optimize the use of residual vision and improve prognosis,it is of great clinical value to develop targeted intervention methods.This article systematically reviews the characteristics of visual crowding in patients with oculopathy and its impact on functional vision,and summarizes the current intervention strategies,in order to provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for future clinical practice.
5.Structure principle of delivery system of water and air of medical fiber endoscope and the maintenance for its common fault
Jianfeng LIU ; Zezhao YAN ; Kuo LIAO ; Shaodong HUANG ; Yi WU
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(3):164-167
Medical fiber endoscope is one kind of medical device that utilizes fiber technique to realize visual detection for internal organs or cavities.In clinical applications,medical fiber endoscope not only need to complete fiber optic imaging but also need possess the functions of delivering water and air,and operating device.Therefore,its routine management and maintenance for fault is more and more payed attention by the staffs of using medical fiber endoscope in department.The system of delivering water and air is a key structure for some of medical fiber endoscopes,which has higher maintenance matters and frequency of maintaining fault.Based on the above reasons,this research analyzed the working principle of medical fiber endoscopes,and summarized the ideas and methods of repairing common faults through focused on the structural composition of delivering system of water and air of medical fiber endoscopes,so as to improve the management level for this type of medical device.
6.Research progress on visual crowding effect and its intervention strategies in oculopathy
Weilun JIAO ; Jianfeng WU ; Lihan WANG
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(7):566-570
The visual crowding effect refers to the phenomenon that the observers' ability to identify the target object significantly decreases when it is flanked by surrounding objects.A variety of ophthalmic diseases,including amblyopia,strabismus,glaucoma,macular degeneration and nystagmus,involve structural or functional abnormalities in different parts of the visual system.These abnormalities will exacerbate the visual crowding effect,thereby impairing the ability in multi-line visual identification,reading and other daily visual activities of patients.Since intervention on visual crowding can im-prove patients' ability to process complex visual information,optimize the use of residual vision and improve prognosis,it is of great clinical value to develop targeted intervention methods.This article systematically reviews the characteristics of visual crowding in patients with oculopathy and its impact on functional vision,and summarizes the current intervention strategies,in order to provide theoretical basis and practical guidance for future clinical practice.
7.Dosimetric study of radiotherapy synchronized with 3D printing-based tumor treating fields for glioblastoma
Zhongwei LI ; Xuwei LU ; Di WU ; Jianfeng TAN ; Zaijie HUANG ; Pei YANG ; Yujuan ZHOU ; Hong LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(6):712-718
Objective To investigate the dosimetric effects of tumor treating fields(TTFields)patches on different radiotherapy modes for glioblastoma(GBM)patients who wear TTFields patches during radiotherapy,thereby providing dosimetric guidance for determining the appropriate radiotherapy mode.Methods With the TTFields data from GBM patients,artifact-free radiotherapy CT images were obtained utilizing 3D-printed TPU TTFields patches(3D-Print-TTFields)and anthropomorphic phantoms,and then a TTFields-synchronized radiotherapy image model was constructed.Furthermore,the treatment planning system was used to construct a dosimetric calculation model for TTFields-synchronized radiotherapy by simulating and fitting the ray attenuation rate of TTFields patches measured by accelerators.Using these models,3 kinds of radiotherapy plans were simulated and developed.Specifically,P1 simulated the conventional radiotherapy mode;P2 simulated the TTFields-combined radiotherapy mode(TTF-Com-RT),in which patients underwent radiotherapy using the P1 plan while wearing TTFields patches;and P3 simulated the TTFields-synchronized radiotherapy(TTF-Syn-RT)mode where the TTFields patches were worn throughout the entire radiotherapy process.The paired t-test was used to analyze dosimetric parameters such as target dose(D95),average scalp dose(D-skin),conformity index(CI)and homogeneity index(HI)in 3 plans(P1,P2,and P3),as well as the D95 and D-skin parameters for intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT)and volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)techniques in the P3 plan.Results The D95 simulated by P2 decreased by 1.35%as compared with P1(P<0.05),and the D95 simulated by P3 was 1.31%higher than that in P2(P<0.05).Compared with P1,P2 and P3 increased the D-skin by 12.56%and 14.30%,respectively(P<0.05),and the D-skin simulated by P3 increased by 1.55%as compared with P2(P<0.05).However,there were trivial differences in D95 between P3 and P1,CI and HI among all plans,D95 and D-skin between IMRT and VMAT techniques in P3 plan(P>0.05).Conclusion Based on GBM patient data,CT simulation images obtained from 3D-Print-TTFields combined with anthropomorphic phantom are artifact-free and meet radiotherapy requirements.The target and scalp dose differences between TTF-Com-RT and TTF-Syn-RT are less than 2%,and the dosimetric difference of TTF-Syn-RT using IMRT/VMAT techniques is insignificant.Therefore,clinicians can choose radiotherapy modes and techniques according to actual needs.
8.Mechanistic study of targeting melanoma with STING pathway deficiencies via PIKfyve inhibitor
Xiaoyu YANG ; Rui HUANG ; Yijia WU ; Zhe ZHANG ; Yan FANG ; Jianfeng SHEN
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(9):1126-1137
Objective·To explore the antitumor effects and potential mechanisms of combining phosphoinositide 3-kinase,FYVE-type zinc finger containing(PIKfyve)inhibitor YM201636 with the stimulator of interferon genes(STING)agonist diABZI in STING pathway-deficient melanoma.Methods·The mRNA and protein expression levels of STING in human cancer cell lines were obtained from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia(CCLE)and UniProt databases.Based on median expression values,melanoma cell lines with high STING mRNA but low protein expression were identified.Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting were performed to validate STING mRNA and protein expression in human melanoma cells.The murine melanoma cell line YUMM1.7,characterized by low STING protein expression,was selected through Western blotting.The ability of YM201636 to restore STING protein expression in YUMM1.7 cells was evaluated.STING agonist diABZI was then applied in combination with YM201636 to analyze the synergistic tumor cell-killing effect through CCK-8 assay.Western blotting was used to detect the phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1)and interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3),and qRT-PCR was used to evaluate type Ⅰ interferon expression.A mouse melanoma model was established and treated with YM201636,diABZI,or their combination.Tumor volume was measured,and treatment efficacy was assessed.RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence staining were performed to analyze immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment.Results·Database analyses,qRT-PCR,and Western blotting confirmed that some human melanoma cell lines exhibited high STING mRNA expression but low STING protein levels.YM201636 significantly increased STING protein expression in YUMM1.7 cells(P<0.001).Combined treatment with YM201636 and diABZI significantly enhanced phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3(P<0.05),indicating effective activation of the STING signaling pathway.This combination also promoted the expression of type Ⅰ interferons(P<0.001)and enhanced tumor cell killing in vitro.In vivo,the combination therapy markedly suppressed melanoma growth compared to monotherapy.Immune profiling of the tumor microenvironment revealed significantly increased infiltration of CD4? T cells and CD8? T cells in the combination treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusion·The PIKfyve inhibitor YM201636 could restore STING protein expression in STING-deficient melanoma and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the STING agonist diABZI,offering a promising therapeutic strategy for tumors with defective STING signaling.
9.Effect of PTEN mRNA expression level in granulosa cells on follicular fluid hormone secretion in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Jianfeng YAO ; Peiya WU ; Liying CHEN ; Yanting WANG ; Youxia LING ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Wanzhen CHEN ; Ping TAO ; Rongfu HUANG ; Youzhu LI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(1):164-171
Objective:To detect the levels of sex hormones and insulin in follicular fluid(FF)and the expression level of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten(PTEN)in granulosa cells in the infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS),and to preliminarily explain the correlations between the insulin level and the expression level of PTEN mRNA.Methods:Seventy infertile patients were selected as the subjects and divided into PCOS group and control group(tubal obstruction or infertility due to male factors)according to infertility factors.All patients received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)treatment.FF and ovarian granulosa cells were collected on the day of ovulation.The expression levels of PTEN mRNA in ovarian granulosa cells of the patients in two groups were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method.The levels of sex hormone and insulin in FF were measured by electrochemiluminescence.The correlations of the PTEN mRNA expression level in ovarian granulosa cells and testosterone(T)in FF with the level of insulin in FF were analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis method.Results:There were no significant differences in age,infertility years,body mass index(BMI),basic sex hormone,total dose of gonadotropin(Gn)and days of ovulation induction in two groups(P>0.05).Compared with control group,the anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)and antral follicle counting(AFC)of the patients in PCOS group were significantly increased(P<0.05).The RT-qPCR results showed that the PTEN mRNA expression level in ovarian granulosa cells of the patients in the PCOS group was higher than that in control group(P<0.001).The electrochemiluminescence results showed that the levels of T and insulin in FF of the patients in PCOS group were higher than those in control group(P<0.05),whereas the estrogen and progesterone levels were lower than those in control group(P<0.05).The Spearman correlation analysis showed that that T level in FF was positively correlated with the insulin level of the patients in PCOS group(r=0.577,P<0.001),and the PTEN mRNA expression level in ovarian granulosa cells was positively correlated with the insulin levels in FF(r=0.616,P<0.001);in control group,there was no correlation between T level and insulin level in FF(r=0.266,P=0.123),and there was no correlation between the expression level of PTEN mRNA in granulosa cells and the insulin level in FF in control group(r=-0.214,P=0.216).Conclusion:The high expression of PTEN in granulosa cells of the infertile patients with PCOS may be related to the local hyperinsulin level in the ovary,and PTEN participates in the occurrence and development of PCOS.
10.Expert consensus on digital restoration of complete dentures.
Yue FENG ; Zhihong FENG ; Jing LI ; Jihua CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Xinquan JIANG ; Yongsheng ZHOU ; Yumei ZHANG ; Cui HUANG ; Baiping FU ; Yan WANG ; Hui CHENG ; Jianfeng MA ; Qingsong JIANG ; Hongbing LIAO ; Chufan MA ; Weicai LIU ; Guofeng WU ; Sheng YANG ; Zhe WU ; Shizhu BAI ; Ming FANG ; Yan DONG ; Jiang WU ; Lin NIU ; Ling ZHANG ; Fu WANG ; Lina NIU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):58-58
Digital technologies have become an integral part of complete denture restoration. With advancement in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), tools such as intraoral scanning, facial scanning, 3D printing, and numerical control machining are reshaping the workflow of complete denture restoration. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on clinical experience and manual techniques, digital technologies offer greater precision, predictability, and efficacy. They also streamline the process by reducing the number of patient visits and improving overall comfort. Despite these improvements, the clinical application of digital complete denture restoration still faces challenges that require further standardization. The major issues include appropriate case selection, establishing consistent digital workflows, and evaluating long-term outcomes. To address these challenges and provide clinical guidance for practitioners, this expert consensus outlines the principles, advantages, and limitations of digital complete denture technology. The aim of this review was to offer practical recommendations on indications, clinical procedures and precautions, evaluation metrics, and outcome assessment to support digital restoration of complete denture in clinical practice.
Humans
;
Denture, Complete
;
Computer-Aided Design
;
Denture Design/methods*
;
Consensus
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail