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.Application of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score in end-stage liver disease
Rigan XIGU ; Ya SU ; Jing TONG ; Bingyuan WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):556-560
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is currently used to prioritize liver allocation for cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation in the world. With the application of MELD score in transplantation for patients with severe conditions, several models have been proposed to refine and improve MELD score. MELD score has also been used for the management of non-transplantation patients with chronic liver disease. This article briefly reviews the background of these models and believes that the original intention of MELD is to determine the priority of organ allocation for liver transplantation. The expanded application of MELD score beyond liver transplantation assessment should be performed with reference to clinical practice, and different MELD models should be selected rationally based on individual conditions, in order to help patients achieve optimal prognosis assessment, intervention measures, and benefits.
4.Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Supervision Evaluation and Supervisory Competence Scale
Hongrong ZOU ; Jun XU ; Jing WANG ; Ya ZHANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):279-284
BackgroundClinical supervision is a critical component in the training and professional development of psychological counselors. Scientifically evaluating the effectiveness of clinical supervision is essential, yet reliable and effective tools for such assessments are lacing in China. ObjectiveTo translate Supervision Evaluation and Supervision Competence (SE-SC) Scale into Chinese version and evaluate its reliability and validity in clinical supervision in China, so as to provide a tool for the evaluation of supervisory effectiveness. MethodsThe SE-SC scale was translated, back-translated and culturally adapted, followed by a pilot survey to develop the Chinese version of SE-SC scale. A total of 42 counselors engaged in clinical counseling and receiving supervision at a counseling center in Shanghai from July 2021 to February 2022 were selected as the study participants. Item analysis was conducted to assess item discrimination, with critical ratio method applied to determine which items retention. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to compare the structure of Chinese version with the original scale. Criterion-related validity and convergent validity were used to evaluate the validity of the scale, while Cronbach's α coefficient was used to assess its reliability. ResultsChinese version of SE-SC scale consisted of a total of 28 item, including six clusters. Registered supervisors scored significantly higher than internship supervisors on the total score and on clusters three, four, five and six (t=2.536, 2.747, 5.881, 3.718, 6.090, P<0.05). The total and cluster scores of the Chinese version of the SE-SC scale were positively correlated with self-rated supervision helpfulness and overall satisfaction (r=0.492~0.758, 0.412~0.815, P<0.01). The Cronbach's α coefficient for the overall scale was 0.975,with values for the six clusters were 0.938, 0.821, 0.962, 0.871, 0.884 and 0.823, respectively. ConclusionChinese version of SE-SC scale demonstrates good reliability and validity, and it can be considered as a promising assessment tool for evaluating the effectiveness of clinical supervision.
5.Development of a community toolkit for identifying and managing mild cognitive impairment among older adults
Junli CHEN ; Han ZHANG ; Zhixue SHI ; Ya LIU ; Yingzhe ZHAO ; Zhiwei DONG ; Lihong JI ; Haiyan LI ; Fangfang CHEN ; Chunping WANG ; Anning MA ; Qi JING
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(6):692-702
Objective To develop a toolkit suitable for assisting community health institutions in the early identification and inter-vention of mild cognitive impairment(MCI)among older adults.Methods A literature review was conducted to construct a draft of the identification and intervention toolkit.Tools with an expert approval rate above 70%were included after expert consultation.The final version of the toolkit was developed by integrating these tools with officially recommended tools in China.Results The expert consultation yielded an authority coefficient of 0.84.The finalized toolkit included the assessment tools of Mini-Mental State Examination,Montreal Cognitive Assessment,General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition,Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument and Clock Drawing Test,and 18 intervention measures in-cluding pharmacological treatment,cognitive training and psychological interventions,etc.Conclusion The MCI Identification-Intervention Toolkit may serve as a reference for guiding the identification and inter-vention of MCI among older adults for community health institutions.
6.Research and application of a new deep learning based strategy for platelet histogram review
Enming ZHANG ; Chao YANG ; Xianchun CHEN ; Yan LIN ; Taixue AN ; Haixia LI ; Yongjian HE ; Zhiwei LIU ; Limei FENG ; Wanying LIN ; Tie XIONG ; Kai QIU ; Ya GAO ; Lizhu HUANG ; Jing HE ; Chunyan WANG ; Dehua SUN ; Bo SITU ; Lei ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(9):1201-1206
Objective:To develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based platelet review strategy to identify abnormal platelet histograms with no significant difference between initial impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F results.Methods:This study included 5 119 routine blood analysis in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University and its Ganzhou branch from July 2023 and March 2024. Specimens exhibiting abnormal platelet histograms and an initial platelet count >40×10?/L underwent review using the fluorescent platelet count (PLT-F) channel. Consistency of the results was defined as a difference between impedance platelet count (PLT-I) and PLT-F less than ±20% of the PLT-F results. A deep learning model was developed using platelet and red blood cell histogram data from a training set of 3 807 specimens. The model′s diagnostic performance was evaluated on an independent external validation set ( n=805) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Changes in the number of reviewed samples and sample turnaround time were analyzed to assess its clinical utility. Results:The deep learning model based on platelet and red blood cell histograms achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.854 in the training set. At a cutoff value of 0.1, the sensitivity was 0.954 and specificity was 0.358. The model could reduce review by 16.80% (190/1 131). In the validation set, the AUC was 0.805, with a sensitivity of 0.955 and specificity of 0.307, corresponding to a reduction of 17.41% (47/270) in reviewed specimens.Conclusion:The platelet review prediction model developed based on deep learning technology can efficiently identify samples with consistent results before and after review, reducing unnecessary reviews and shortening specimen testing time, thereby improving the efficiency of platelet test.
7.Effects of remazolam on neuroelectrophysiological and cerebral oxygen monitoring in carotid endarterectomy
Fu-chao WANG ; Nuo-ya CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Shuang-shuang LIU ; Jian-hui MAO ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(6):521-525
Objective To observe the effects of general anesthesia with remazolam on electrophysiological monitoring indicators and cerebral oxygen saturation(ScO2)in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy(CEA).Methods Patients who underwent elective CEA from July 2022 to June 2024 in neurosurgery department of our hospital were randomly divided into the ramazolam group(R group)and the propofol group(P group).Patients in both groups were given propofol 1.5 to 2.0 mg/kg,cisatracurium 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg,and sufentanil 0.3 to 0.4 μg/kg for anesthesia induction.Anesthesia maintenance:patients in the R group received intravenous infusion of remifentanil 0.5 to 1.0 mg·kg-1·h-1,while patients in the P group received intravenous infusion of propofol 5.0 to 7.0 mg·kg-1·h-1.Both groups received intravenous infusion of remifentanil 0.1 to 0.2 μg·kg-1·min-1 for anesthesia maintenance.The operation time,carotid artery occlusion time,intraoperative infusion volume,remifentanil and norepinephrine dosage,and awakening time of patients in the two groups were recorded.The hemodynamic and cerebral oxygen indicators,amplitude and latency of evoked potentials before anesthesia(T0),after anesthesia(T1),5 minutes before blockade(T2),5 minutes after blockade(T3),5 minutes after unblocking(T4)and at the end of surgery(T5)of patients in the two groups were observed and compared,and the total incidence of postoperative complications was followed up and calculated.Results Compared with the P group,the dosage of intraoperative norepinephrine of patients in the R group was reduced(P<0.05),and the awakening time was shortened(P<0.05).At T2,the average arterial pressure(MAP)of patients in the R group was higher than that in the P group(P<0.05).At T3,the ScO2 of patients in the R group was significantly higher than that in the P group,and the percentages of prolonged latency and decreased amplitude of motor evoked potentials(MEP)were significantly lower than those in the P group(P<0.05),the percentage of decreased amplitude of lower limb somatosensory evoked potentials(SSEP)was lower than that in the P group(P<0.05);At T5,the MEP amplitude of patients in the R group was significantly increased compared to that at T2,while the MEP amplitude of patients in the P group was significantly decreased compared to that at T2,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion As a general anesthesia maintenance drug,remazolam can achieve satisfactory anesthesia effects for CEA,with more stable intraoperative hemodynamics,and less impact on ScO2 and evoked potential monitoring during carotid artery occlusion compared to propofol,resulting in higher safety.
8.Research of miR-508-3p involvement in ovarian cancer progression by regulating ZEB1
Yu-hong XU ; Shuai-ying ZHU ; Jiang-jing SHAN ; Wei-ping ZHENG ; Hui-ya ZHANG ; Yun-gen WANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):193-197
Objective To investigate the expression of microRNA-508-3p(miR-508-3p)in epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC)tissue,its impact on the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells,and its regulatory relationship with zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1(ZEB1).Methods The surgical resection of EOC cancer tissues and paired adjacent normal tissues were collected.SKOV3 cells were divided into the NC mimic group(transfected with NC mimic),miR-508-3p mimic group(transfected with miR-508-3p mimic),si-NC group(transfected with si-NC),si-ZEB1 group(transfected with si-ZEB1)and co-transfection group(co-transfected with si-ZEB1 and miR-508-3p mimic).The mRNA expression levels of miR-508-3p and ZEB1 in EOC cancer tissues,adjacent normal tissues and five groups of cells were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The Transwell assay was used to detect the cell migration and invasion abilities.Results The relative expression levels of miR-508-3p in EOC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were 0.77±0.36 and 1.07±0.40,the relative expression levels of ZEB1 mRNA in EOC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were 2.10±1.21 and 1.29±0.95,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01).The migration cell number of the NC mimic,miR-508-3p mimic,si-NC,si-ZEB1 and co-transfection groups was 633.00±32.49,319.20±19.89,650.40±25.85,375.00±17.25 and 129.40±17.10;the invasion cell number was 527.20±25.01,288.60±16.68,520.00±25.83,293.40±18.37 and 76.60±8.76;the relative expression levels of miR-508-3p were 1.05±0.37,3.94±1.21,1.01±0.21,1.26±0.34 and 3.40±0.41;the relative expression levels of ZEB1 mRNA were 1.00±0.04,0.58±0.05,1.00±0.08,0.54±0.07 and 0.29±0.03,respectively.The above indicators showed statistically significant differences between the miR-508-3p mimic group and the NC mimic group,between the si-NC group and the co-transfection group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion MiR-508-3p is lowly expressed in EOC cancer tissue,and it may inhibit the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by targeting ZEB1 expression.
9.Effects of remazolam on neuroelectrophysiological and cerebral oxygen monitoring in carotid endarterectomy
Fu-chao WANG ; Nuo-ya CHEN ; Yao WANG ; Shuang-shuang LIU ; Jian-hui MAO ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(6):521-525
Objective To observe the effects of general anesthesia with remazolam on electrophysiological monitoring indicators and cerebral oxygen saturation(ScO2)in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy(CEA).Methods Patients who underwent elective CEA from July 2022 to June 2024 in neurosurgery department of our hospital were randomly divided into the ramazolam group(R group)and the propofol group(P group).Patients in both groups were given propofol 1.5 to 2.0 mg/kg,cisatracurium 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg,and sufentanil 0.3 to 0.4 μg/kg for anesthesia induction.Anesthesia maintenance:patients in the R group received intravenous infusion of remifentanil 0.5 to 1.0 mg·kg-1·h-1,while patients in the P group received intravenous infusion of propofol 5.0 to 7.0 mg·kg-1·h-1.Both groups received intravenous infusion of remifentanil 0.1 to 0.2 μg·kg-1·min-1 for anesthesia maintenance.The operation time,carotid artery occlusion time,intraoperative infusion volume,remifentanil and norepinephrine dosage,and awakening time of patients in the two groups were recorded.The hemodynamic and cerebral oxygen indicators,amplitude and latency of evoked potentials before anesthesia(T0),after anesthesia(T1),5 minutes before blockade(T2),5 minutes after blockade(T3),5 minutes after unblocking(T4)and at the end of surgery(T5)of patients in the two groups were observed and compared,and the total incidence of postoperative complications was followed up and calculated.Results Compared with the P group,the dosage of intraoperative norepinephrine of patients in the R group was reduced(P<0.05),and the awakening time was shortened(P<0.05).At T2,the average arterial pressure(MAP)of patients in the R group was higher than that in the P group(P<0.05).At T3,the ScO2 of patients in the R group was significantly higher than that in the P group,and the percentages of prolonged latency and decreased amplitude of motor evoked potentials(MEP)were significantly lower than those in the P group(P<0.05),the percentage of decreased amplitude of lower limb somatosensory evoked potentials(SSEP)was lower than that in the P group(P<0.05);At T5,the MEP amplitude of patients in the R group was significantly increased compared to that at T2,while the MEP amplitude of patients in the P group was significantly decreased compared to that at T2,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion As a general anesthesia maintenance drug,remazolam can achieve satisfactory anesthesia effects for CEA,with more stable intraoperative hemodynamics,and less impact on ScO2 and evoked potential monitoring during carotid artery occlusion compared to propofol,resulting in higher safety.
10.Efficacy of acupuncture combined with intermittent catheterisation in the treatment of urinary retention after radical cervical cancer surgery:a single-arm retrospective study
Ya-lin YUE ; Jing ZHU ; Yi-sheng WANG ; Jing LI ; Yun WANG ; Qi CAO ; Zhi-ling ZHU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):694-700
Objective To analyse the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with intermittent catheterisation in treating postoperative urinary retention after radical surgery for cervical cancer,and provide reference for the clinical treatment of postoperative urinary retention.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the clinical data of patients who underwent radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital,Fudan University,from Sept 2019 to Dec 2021 and subsequently developed urinary retention.The patients were treated with a combination of acupuncture and intermittent catheterization.We observed residual urine volume,duration of acupuncture treatment,and urinary tract infection status to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the acupuncture combined with intermittent catheterization regimen.We examined the relationship between treatment duration and various factors such as age,pathological type,surgical-pathological staging,surgical method,pre-treatment catheter indwelling time,pre-treatment residual urine volume,presence or absence of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy,pre-existing urinary tract infection,and whether ureteral stenting was performed,in order to analyze the factors affecting the treatment duration.Results A total of 156 patients were reviewed.After treatment,132 cases had a post-treatment residual urine volume<100 mL,7 cases had a volume of 100-200 mL,and 15 cases had a volume>200 mL.Two cases still had great difficulty in urination after treatment,resulting in an overall effectiveness rate of 89.1%.No significant adverse events occurred in the patients.The treatment duration ranged from 2 to 17 days,with an average treatment time of 6.2 days.The treatment duration was a correlated with the preoperative indwelling catheter duration,residual urine volume and postoperative radiotherapy.Conclusion Acupuncture combined with intermittent catheterisation in treating urinary retention after radical surgery for cervical cancer has good efficacy,short treatment time and no obvious adverse effects,and can be an option for treating postoperative urinary retention.

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