1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.A Method for Position Correction of Ultrasonic Arrays Used in High-resolution Photoacoustic Tomography
Yang TANG ; Zhan-Jun ZHANG ; Xing HUANG ; Kuan PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):767-778
ObjectivePhotoacoustic tomography (PAT) holds significant potential for high-resolution deep-tissue imaging. In preclinical research, custom-designed concave arc-shaped ultrasound transducer arrays are often used to maximize the detection aperture. However, manufacturing limitations and assembly tolerances frequently cause the actual physical positions of array elements to deviate from their theoretical design. Additionally, concave arrays are typically covered with an acoustic lens, which introduces a mismatch in the speed of sound between the coupling medium and the lens material. The combination of these geometric and acoustic-phase errors leads to severe image artifacts, reduced contrast, and degraded resolution. This study proposes a systematic two-step calibration strategy to address these issues and substantially improve image quality. MethodsFirst, a high-intensity isotropic photoacoustic point source was constructed using a multi-mode optical fiber coated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to acquire high signal-to-noise ratio calibration data. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) was employed to accurately determine the time of arrival (ToA) of photoacoustic signals. Subsequently, a geometric calibration algorithm based on nonlinear least-squares (NLS) estimation was developed. This algorithm iteratively solves for the true spatial coordinates of each array element by minimizing the residual between theoretical and measured acoustic path lengths. To further address sound-speed inhomogeneity caused by the acoustic lens, a phase compensation algorithm based on bilinear interpolation was proposed. This algorithm computes a pixel-specific phase delay map across the imaging region and performs point-by-point signal correction during delay-and-sum (DAS) reconstruction. The proposed methods were validated using a custom 96-channel concave arc-shaped array (center frequency: 12 MHz) through both phantom imaging and in vivo mouse tumor models. ResultsPhantom experiments showed that at an imaging depth of14 mm, the reconstruction position deviation of the point source in the uncalibrated system reached up to 1 mm. After applying the combined calibration, the lateral resolution (full width at half maximum, FWHM) at the focal point of the arc array reached 95 μm—representing a 85% reduction compared to the uncalibrated state and a 79% reduction compared to geometric calibration alone without phase compensation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the calibrated system clearly resolved the microvascular network of subcutaneous tumors in mice. Photoacoustic signals were strictly confined within tumor boundaries delineated by ultrasound imaging (USI), eliminating the vascular spillover artifacts commonly observed in uncalibrated images. Furthermore, after intravenous injection of indocyanine green (ICG), the system successfully detected weak photoacoustic signals at a depth of 5 mm, performing significantly better than the uncalibrated system. ConclusionThe proposed calibration method, which integrates nonlinear least-squares estimation with phase compensation, significantly improves image fidelity and spatial resolution consistency across a wide field of view by correcting systemic geometric errors and acoustic phase aberrations. This approach demonstrates high robustness and provides a reliable technical foundation for the clinical translation of photoacoustic probes with non-standard geometries.
3.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
4.Epidemiological characteristics of imported dengue fever cases in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025
Yan MENG ; Yang YANG ; Xiao-xing YANG ; Jun-yong YANG ; Ruo-yi DU ; Li-na TIAN ; Ruo-xi LI ; Gui-yin LIN ; Xiao-li RUAN ; Jian-jun ZHANG ; Zhen-jiang XIN ; Li-li TIAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(3):180-186
Objective We reviewed and analyzed the epidemiological data of 83 imported dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai District, Beijing, from 2007 to 2025, to delineate their epidemiological characteristics and guide the dengue fever prevention and control strategy in the future. Methods Data on dengue fever cases in Fengtai District from 2007 to 2025 were collected to identify the epidemic factors and characteristics using descriptive epidemiological method. Results All 83 dengue fever cases reported in this region over the past two decades have been imported from abroad or other domestic areas, with Southeast Asian countries being identified as the primary source of imported infections, accounting for 42 cases (50.60%), followed by 15 cases (18.07%) from Chinese provinces other than Beijing. The remaining import sources included 13 cases from South Asia,8 from African countries, and each from Oceania, South America, and Europe. Disease onset was found concentrated between May and November. The sex ratio (male-to-female) is 1.59:1. The age of onset ranged from 14 to 61 years old, with a median age of 36. The largest proportion of cases was observed among cadres and office workers (31 cases, 37.35%), followed by businessmen (13 cases, 15.67%), and householders or the unemployed (10 cases,12.05%). Travel visit was identified as the primary reason for their exposure history. Conclusions All dengue fever cases reported in Fengtai from 2007 to 2025 were imported, with an increasing trend of imported cases in Beijing originating from other Chinese provinces. It is essential to strengthen health education for foreign travelers and returning residents, enhance clinical diagnosis and treatment training for medical personnel, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and reduce mosquito density through active patriotic health campaigns.
5.Chinese expert consensus on the clinical application of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (2025 edition)
Chentian SHEN ; Yushen GU ; Hui TAN ; Anren KUANG ; Sijin LI ; Yaming LI ; Jing WANG ; Ningyi JIANG ; Jian TAN ; Zhuoying WANG ; Shaoyan LIU ; Xiaoyi LI ; Jugao FANG ; Dingcun LUO ; Youben FAN ; Hui WANG ; Yuetao WANG ; Xuemei WANG ; Feng WANG ; Wei FU ; Feng SHI ; Xuegong LIU ; Zhongwei LÜ ; Yan XING ; Lin LI ; Hui YANG ; Jun XIN ; Yifan ZHANG ; Yue CHEN ; Yansong LIN ; Wei OUYANG ; Shuzhan YAO ; Changjiu ZHAO ; Xinming ZHAO ; Zairong GAO ; Dingde HUANG ; Qiang WEN ; Xingmin HAN ; Cen LOU ; Weibing MIAO ; Wei FAN ; Quanyong LUO ; Hongcheng SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):932-944
The recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) can be used for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) preparation before 131I therapy, and follow-up. Since its approval by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, rhTSH has been clinically used in European countries, the United States, and other countries for nearly 30 years. In April 2024, China’s first independently developed rhTSH agent was approved. Based on clinical experience and evidence from domestic and international studies, an expert consensus on the application of rhTSH has been developed following thorough consultations among experts. The consensus offers evidence-based recommendations to guide the appropriate use of rhTSH in clinical practice.
6.In Situ Analysis of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Distribution Characteristics in Water-Sediment System Using Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films Probe
Qi-Si CAI ; Xing-Ying LI ; Fang ZHANG ; Jun-Wei YANG ; Si-Si LIU ; Chang-Er CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):300-310,后插1-后插9
The water-sediment interface is an important zone for the migration and transformation of chemical substances,but traditional sampling methods make in situ sampling challenging,thus it is difficult to capture information on environmental processes at the micro-scale.In this study,diffusive gradients in thin films(DGT)probe technique was used as in situ tool to detect 18 kinds of typical per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances(PFAS)in the water-sediment system,elucidating their vertical distribution characteristics and patterns.The results showed that different PFAS exhibited distinct variation patterns with depth in water and sediment.Short-chain PFAS exhibited greater mobility,while the migration of long-chain PFAS was restricted in sediment and pore water due to their strong hydrophobicity and adsorption capacity,resulting in relatively small concentration changes in the sediment column.The PFAS concentrations measured by DGT ranged from 11.2 μg/L to 1305 μg/L.For long-chain PFAS,the concentrations measured by DGT were higher than those obtained from direct measurement of water and pore water,while the opposite results were obtained for short-chain PFAS.The DGT results indicated that although long-chain PFAS exhibited strong adsorption to sediment particles,the adsorbed PFAS were still bioavailable.DGT probe technique,with its advantages of in situ sampling and high spatial resolution,provides deep insights into the complex environmental processes occurring at the microscale in the water-sediment systems.DGT offers important technical support and scientific evidence for assessing the adsorption-desorption behavior,bioavailability,and ecological risks of these emerging pollutants in aquatic environment.
7.Integrated Optical and Magnetic Navigation for Simplified Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Novel Approach
Xing-Chen YAO ; Jun-Peng LIU ; Xin-Ru DU ; Li GUAN ; Yong HAI ; Jincai YANG ; Aixing PAN
Neurospine 2025;22(1):297-307
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the clinical benefits of the integrated optical and magnetic surgical navigation system in assisting transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent TELD for LDH at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2022 to December 2023. Patients treated with the integrated optical and magnetic surgical navigation system were defined as the navigation-guided TELD (Ng-TELD) group (30 cases), while those treated with the conventional x-ray fluoroscopy method were defined as the control group (31 cases). Record and compare baseline characteristics, surgical parameters, efficacy indicators, and adverse events between the 2 patient groups.
Results:
The average follow-up duration for the 61 patients was 11.8 months. Postoperatively, both groups exhibited significant relief from back and leg pain, which continued to improve over time. At the final follow-up, patients’ lumbar function and quality of life had significantly improved compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.05). The Ng-TELD group had significantly shorter total operation time (58.43 ± 12.37 minutes vs. 83.23 ± 25.90 minutes), catheter placement time (5.83 ± 1.09 minutes vs. 15.94 ± 3.00 minutes), decompression time (47.17 ± 11.98 minutes vs. 67.29 ± 24.23 minutes), and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopies (3.20 ± 1.45 vs. 16.58 ± 4.25) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of efficacy evaluation indicators and hospital stay. At the final follow-up, the excellent and good rate of surgical outcomes assessed by the MacNab criteria was 98.4%, and the overall adverse event rate was 8.2%, with no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the integrated optical and magnetic surgical navigation system can reduce the complexity of TELD, shorten operation time, and minimize radiation exposure for the surgeon, highlighting its promising clinical potential.
8.Re-Exploration for Dietary Iodine Intake in Chinese Adults using the Obligatory Iodine Loss Hypothesis.
Xiao Bing LIU ; Jun WANG ; Ya Jie LI ; Hong Xing TAN ; De Qian MAO ; Yan Yan LIU ; Wei Dong LI ; Wei YU ; Jun An YAN ; Jian Hua PIAO ; Chong Zheng GUO ; Xiao Li LIU ; Xiao Guang YANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):952-960
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to reexplore minimum iodine excretion and to build a dietary iodine recommendation for Chinese adults using the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis.
METHODS:
Data from 171 Chinese adults (19-21 years old) were collected and analyzed based on three balance studies in Shenzhen, Yinchuan, and Changzhi. The single exponential equation was accordingly used to simulate the trajectory of 24 h urinary iodine excretion as the low iodine experimental diets offered (iodine intake: 11-26 μg/day) and to further deduce the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) for iodine, including estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended nutrient intake (RNI).
RESULTS:
The minimum iodine excretion was estimated as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day in three balance studies, respectively. Moreover, it was further suggested as 57, 58, and 51 μg/day for iodine EAR, and 80, 81, and 71 μg/day for iodine RNI or expressed as 1.42, 1.41, and 1.20 μg/(day·kg) of body weight.
CONCLUSION
The iodine DRIs for Chinese adults were established based on the obligatory iodine loss hypothesis, which provides scientific support for the amendment of nutrient requirements.
Humans
;
Iodine/administration & dosage*
;
Male
;
Female
;
China
;
Young Adult
;
Diet
;
Adult
;
Nutritional Requirements
;
East Asian People
9.EIF5A2 promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition in intrahepatic chol-angiocarcinoma cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Shao-hua YANG ; Yong-ping XU ; Zhuo-yu ZHAO ; Shi-bo ZHANG ; Xing-bao FANG ; Zhou-jun LIAO
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(10):757-762
Objective:To investigate the the differential expression of EIF5A2 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell lines RBE,HCCC9810,and HUCCT1,and its effects on HCCC9810 cell migration and invasion,epithelial mesenchymal transition,and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Methods:The differential expression of EIF5A2 in RBE,HCCC9810,and HUCCT1 cell lines was detected using WB method.The HCCC9810 cell line,with the highest expression of EIF5A2,was selected for this experiment.The expression of EIF5A2 in HCCC9810 cell line was silenced by transient transfection of small interfering RNA.The best silencing effect of small interfering RNA was screened by WB.Scratch assay and Tran-swell migration invasion assay were used to detect the effect of silencing EIF5A2 on the migration and invasion ability of HCCC9810 cells.WB was used to detect the effect of silencing EIF5A2 on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and epithelial mesenchymal transition in HCCC9810 cells.Results:The WB results showed that EIF5A2 had the highest expression in the HCCC9810 cell line,and siRNA1 had the best silencing effect on EIF5A2 in the HCCC9810 cell line.Scratch assay and Transwell migration invasion assay results showed that silencing EIF5A2 in the HCCC9810 cell line resulted in a decrease in cell invasion and metastasis ability(P<0.05).At the same time,the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin expression increased(P<0.05)and the stromal cell marker N-cadherin expression decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:EIF5A2 may promote epi-thelial mesenchymal transition and enhance the migration and invasion ability of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
10.Clinical Analysis of 83 Cases of Asymptomatic Atrioventricular Block in Preg-nancy
Haofeng ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Dong YANG ; Dawei ZHANG ; Xing SU
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;41(3):252-258
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and maternal-fetal outcomes of asymptomatic pregnant women with atrioventricular block(AVB).Methods:Clinical data were collected from 83 pregnant women with AVB treated at Beijing Anzhen Hospital,Capital Medical University,from January 2010 to December 2020.Pa-tients were classified into first-degree,second-degree Type I,second-degree Type Ⅱ and third-degree AVB based on the severity of atrioventricular conduction block.All patients were followed up by telephone,and a retro-spective analysis was conducted on their general information,clinical characteristics,and maternal-fetal out-comes.Results:Among the 83 patients,11 cases(13.3%)had first-degree AVB,28 cases(33.7%)had sec-ond-degree Type I AVB,9 cases(10.8%)had second-degree Type II AVB,and 35 cases(42.2%)had third-de-gree AVB.Most patients were primiparas(61 cases,73.5%)and had singleton pregnancies(80 cases,96.4%).AVB was diagnosed before pregnancy in 40 cases(48.2%)and during pregnancy in 43 cases(51.8%).A total of 32 patients received pacemaker therapy before pregnancy(3.6%),before delivery(26.5%),or after delivery(3.6%).Most patients had good cardiac function,with only 3 patients having gradeⅢcardiac function before de-livery,showing no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).Of the 83 patients,62 cases underwent cesarean section to terminate the pregnancy,with 17 cases(27.4%)due to AVB and 34 cases(54.8%)due to obstetric factors.Among the 86 newborns,8 cases(9.6%)were preterm,7 cases(8.4%)had low birth weight,and 1cases(1.2%)had congenital heart disease.Conclusions:Most pregnant women with AVB have good cardiac function and can achieve favorable maternal-fetal outcomes under multidisciplinary team management.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail