1.The Impairment Attention Capture by Topological Change in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hui-Lin XU ; Huan-Jun XI ; Tao DUAN ; Jing LI ; Dan-Dan LI ; Kai WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):223-232
ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.
2.Construction of evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):438-442
Objective:
To construct a scientific and perfect evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities, so as to provide reference tools for colleges and universities to effectively respond to infectious disease.
Methods:
The initial framework of the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was constructed by using literature analysis method. Experts familiar with infectious disease prevention and control or school health work were selected to conduct two rounds( n =16,18) of Delphi expert consultation for determining the evaluation index system. Analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the index weights and combined weights. About 198 prevention and control personnel were conveniently selected from 3 universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to comprehensively evaluate the evaluation indicators by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.
Results:
After two rounds of Delphi consultation questionnaire, the effective recovery rates were 80.0% and 90.0%, the expert authority levels were 0.89 and 0.86, the expert harmony coefficients for Kendall W were 0.166 and 0.310, and the variation coefficient of each index was <0.25. Finally, the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability of colleges and universities included 4 first level indicators, 14 second level indicators and 75 third level indicators. The weights of prevention and monitoring and early warning, organizational system guarantee, emergency management, rehabilitation and summary were 0.176, 0.476, 0.268 and 0.080, respectively. The top 3 weights of the secondary indexes were 0.623 for infectious disease surveillance and early warning, 0.595 for loss assessment and 0.370 for emergency response. The score of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was 79.148, suggesting a high level.
Conclusion
The established evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities is scientific and reasonable, which is conducive to provide tool reference for the evaluation of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities.
3.Effects of Kidney-Tonifying and Blood-Activating Acupuncture on Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and SIRT1/PGC-1α Axis in Hippocampal Tissue of SAMP8 Mice
Dan REN ; Ting ZHANG ; Jiangxi XU ; Hong ZHU ; Ruomeng LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1378-1385
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanisms of kidney-tonifying and blood-activating acupuncture for Alzheimer's disease. MethodsMale SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into a model group, acupuncture group, non-acupoint group, and donepezi group, with 10 mice in each group, and 10 SAMR1 mice as normal group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Xuehai (SP 10), Shenshu (BL 23), and Geshu (BL 17). Xuehai (SP 10), Shenshu (BL 23), and Geshu (BL 17) were stimulated on the left side first and then on the right side alternately, once a day. The non-acupoint group received acupuncture at fixed bilateral non-meridian, non-acupoint points under the ribs, once a day. The model and normal groups underwent equivalent handling and restraint stress without acupuncture. The donepezi group received 1 mg/kg donepezil via gastric gavage daily. All groups were treated for 4 weeks. After treatment, Morris water maze tests (to record orientation sailing latency, number of traverses through the platform quadrant) and open field (to record distance travelled) were used to evaluate learning and memory abilities; hippocampal neuronal damage was analyzed via HE and Nissl staining; mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using assay kits; Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to detect silencing information regulator 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), and mRNA expression levels. ResultsCompared with the normal group, mice in the model group and non-acupoint group showed elevated orientation sailing latency and relative multiplicity of ROS in hippocampal tissues, and reduced number of traverses through the platform quadrant, distance of movement in the open-field experiment, number of Nissl-staining-positive cells in the hippocampal tissues, mitochondrial membrane potential, and protein levels and mRNA expression of SIRT1, PGC-1α (P<0.01); HE staining showed that the hippocampal tissues of the mice was loosely arranged, with reduced number of neurons and vacuolar degeneration; Nissl staining showed that pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal region were not neatly arranged, and the number of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm was less and the staining was lighter. Compared with the model group, mice in the acupuncture group and donepezil group had lower orientation sailing latency and relative multiplicity of ROS in the hippocampal tissue, higher number of traverses through the platform quadrant, distance of movement in the open-field experiment, number of Nissl-stained positive cells in the hippocampal tissue, mitochondrial membrane potential, and protein levels and mRNA expression of SIRT1 and PGC-1α (P<0.01), and HE staining and Nissl staining showed significant improvement in hippocampal histopathological damage. Compared with the donepezil group, the orientation sailing latency shortened in the acupuncture group of mice (P<0.01). ConclusionKidney-tonifying and blood-activating acupuncture method can alleviate the SIRT1/PGC-1α signalling pathway in the hippocampal tissue and improve the mitochondrial function, thus alleviating the neuronal damage, which is one of the possible mechanisms for its treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
4.EGCG Promotes Aβ Clearance of Microglia Through Blockage of the HDAC6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signalling Axis Followed by Autophagy Activation
Yu LIN ; Kaiwen HUANG ; Honghai HONG ; Dan ZHU ; Yousheng MO ; Dongli LI ; Shuhuan FANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(3):486-497
ObjectiveTo clarify whether epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is involved in the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and autophagy induction by microglia, so as to explore the potential mechanisms of EGCG in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsSix-month-old APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into model and EGCG groups, with some additional wild type (WT) mice as the control group, each group consisting of 15 mice. The EGCG group received continuous gavage administration[5 mg/(kg·d)] for 8 weeks, followed by the open field test and Y-maze to assess the learning and memory abilities of the mice. Thioflavin-S staining was used to evaluate the content and distribution of amyloid β-protein (Aβ)in the brain parenchyma of the mice, and immunofluorescence was employed to detect the expression levels of Aβ1-42, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) in the hippocampal tissue of the mice. Additionally, N9 mouse microglial cells were induced with 20 µmol/L Aβ1-42, and the cell viability was measured after treatment with different concentrations of EGCG (5 µmol/L, 10 µmol/L, 20 µmol/L). Western blotting was used to detect the levels of Aβ1-42, low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1), receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), amyloid precursor protein (APP), insulin degrading enzyme (IDE), neprilysin (NEP), microtubule associated protein 1 hydrogen chain 3(LC3)-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, phosphatidylinositol 3-hydroxy kinase(PI3K), p-PI3K, protein kinase B (AKT), p-AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, and histone deacetylase 6(HDAC6). Finally, through the co-culture of microglial cells and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, cell viability and Caspase-3 levels were measured to verify the protective effect of EGCG-mediated Aβ clearance on neurons. ResultsEGCG increased the activity time and frequency of APP/PS1 mice in the central area of the open field (P<0.05), and enhanced the percentage of alternation in the Y-maze test (P<0.01); EGCG reduced Aβ deposition in the hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 mice and increased the number of microglia; in vitro experiments showed that EGCG improved the survival rate of Aβ-induced N9 cells (P<0.01), upregulated RAGE activity (P<0.05), and promoted the internalization and phagocytosis of Aβ (P<0.01). ECGC activated microglial autophagy by downregulating the level of HDAC6 (P<0.05), inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, mTOR (P<0.001), and increasing the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I ratio (P<0.001); EGCG improved the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells (P<0.05) and reduced the activity of Caspase-3 (P<0.01) by clearing Aβ1-42 through microglia, and had a protective effect on neurons. ConclusionEGCG activates microglial autophagy to clear Aβ by targeting and inhibiting the HDAC6-PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis.
5.Effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation combined with sertraline on cognitive function in patients with depressive disorder
Dan LI ; Zhong XIA ; Wenli ZHU ; Dandan LIANG ; Wenwen MIAO ; Chuanfu SONG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):204-210
BackgroundCognitive function is closely related to an individual's quality of life and social functioning, with approximately 20%~35% of patients with depressive disorder experiencing some degree of cognitive impairment even after clinical symptom remission. Existing evidence suggests that tACS can improve specific cognitive domains, such as memory function, while its effects on other cognitive dimensions, such as executive functioning, attention, and information processing speed, remain unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the effects of tACS on the multidimensional cognitive functions and emotional problems of patients with depressive disorder, thus to provide references for the treatment of depressive disorder. MethodsForty-nine patients with depressive disorder who were hospitalized in the Fourth People's Hospital of Wuhu from November 2022 to October 2024 and met the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), were selected as study participants. Subjects were randomly divided into study group (n=23) and control group (n=26) based on Microsoft Excel. Both groups received sertraline treatment. The initial dose was 50 mg/day, which gradually titrated upward based on individual variability, drug tolerance, and therapeutic response, with a maintenance dose ranging from 100 to 200 mg/day. In addition, the study group underwent tACS therapy for 4 weeks, with 5 sessions per week, each lasting 20 minutes. The control group received sham stimulation, in which the stimulus was interrupted after the first 30 seconds. At baseline, the 4th week, and the 12th week of treatment, patients were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item (HAMD-17), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). ResultsRepeated measures analysis of variance indicated that both the time effect and the time×group interaction effect for HAMD-17 scores were statistically significant between the two groups (F=260.437, 25.309, P<0.01). At week 12 of treatment, the HAMD-17 score in the study group was lower than that in the control group (t=4.236, P<0.01). For HAMA scores, the time effect, group effect, and time×group interaction effect were all statistically significant between the two groups (F=248.082, 4.506, 9.500, P<0.05 or 0.01). At weeks 4 and 12, study group reported lower HAMA scores compared with control group (t=4.580, 2.608, P<0.05 or 0.01). Regarding the MCCB scores for attention/vigilance, verbal learning, and overall composite, the time effect, group effect, and time×group interaction effect were all statistically significant between the two groups (F=70.331, 27.882, 51.679, 5.560, 10.948, 7.860, 8.490, 3.874, 5.025, P<0.05 or 0.01). After intervention, the study group showed significantly higher MCCB scores for attention/vigilance, verbal learning, and overall composite at both week 4 (t=-2.149, -3.530, -2.740, P<0.05) and week 12 (t=-3.534, -3.576, -3.838, P<0.01) when compared to the control group. ConclusionThe combined tACS and sertraline therapy may demonstrate superior efficacy to pharmacotherapy alone in the short term for improving attention/vigilance, verbal learning, overall cognitive function, and anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders. Based on the 12-week outcomes, the combined tACS and sertraline therapy not only sustaine its previously observed advantages in improving cognitive domains and anxiety symptoms, but also demonstrate potentially superior efficacy over monotherapy in alleviating depressive symptoms. [Fund by Clinical Medical Research Transformation Special Project of Anhui Province (number, 202204295107020065)]
6.Comparison of Therapeutic Effect of Different Preparation Processes of Baihe Dihuangtang on Depressed Mice Based on Q-Marker
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Jiahui PENG ; Dan LI ; Shengjun MA ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):159-167
ObjectiveBased on modern analytical techniques and a depressed mouse model established by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), to evaluate the quality marker(Q-Marker) and pharmacodynamic difference of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by different processes. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish the characteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang, and determine the content of Q-Marker in the samples prepared by ancient and modern processes. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(3 mg·kg-1), low and high dose groups of ancient process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), and low and high dose groups of modern process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, CUMS was used to induce depression in mice from the other groups for 28 d. After successful modeling, administration groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage every day, and the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Change in body mass of mice was recorded, tail suspension test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. ResultsCharacteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes were established, the similarity between the two was 0.951, and 8 characteristic peaks were recognized with the reference peak of regaloside A. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the Q-Marker content was similar in Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by ancient and modern processes. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test, reduced total movement distance in the open field test, and elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the behavioral indicators of mice in the Baihe Dihuangtang treatment group were significantly improved in terms of tail suspension time and open field exercise, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes both had antidepressant effects, and the difference between the two was not statistically significant in improving depressive symptoms. ConclusionQ-Marker of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by modern and ancient methods are equivalent in content, and the pharmacological effects are consistent, indicating that dried Lilii Bulbus can replace fresh products in the preparation of Baihe Dihuangtang. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs of Baihe Dihuangtang and a reference for its rational application and clinical use.
7.Comparison of Therapeutic Effect of Different Preparation Processes of Baihe Dihuangtang on Depressed Mice Based on Q-Marker
Yan LIU ; Jiameng LIU ; Jiahui PENG ; Dan LI ; Shengjun MA ; Jingfan YANG ; Yu FU ; Guangwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):159-167
ObjectiveBased on modern analytical techniques and a depressed mouse model established by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), to evaluate the quality marker(Q-Marker) and pharmacodynamic difference of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by different processes. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish the characteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang, and determine the content of Q-Marker in the samples prepared by ancient and modern processes. Seventy C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(3 mg·kg-1), low and high dose groups of ancient process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), and low and high dose groups of modern process(6.5, 26 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Except for the normal group, CUMS was used to induce depression in mice from the other groups for 28 d. After successful modeling, administration groups were given the corresponding drugs by gavage every day, and the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of pure water by gavage for 21 consecutive days. Change in body mass of mice was recorded, tail suspension test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in serum. ResultsCharacteristic profiles of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes were established, the similarity between the two was 0.951, and 8 characteristic peaks were recognized with the reference peak of regaloside A. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the Q-Marker content was similar in Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by ancient and modern processes. The results of pharmacodynamics showed that, compared with the normal group, the model group showed increased immobility time in the tail suspension test, reduced total movement distance in the open field test, and elevated IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the serum(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the behavioral indicators of mice in the Baihe Dihuangtang treatment group were significantly improved in terms of tail suspension time and open field exercise, and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by the two processes both had antidepressant effects, and the difference between the two was not statistically significant in improving depressive symptoms. ConclusionQ-Marker of Baihe Dihuangtang prepared by modern and ancient methods are equivalent in content, and the pharmacological effects are consistent, indicating that dried Lilii Bulbus can replace fresh products in the preparation of Baihe Dihuangtang. This study provides a scientific basis for the development of new drugs of Baihe Dihuangtang and a reference for its rational application and clinical use.
8.Analysis of 68 samples with HIV-2 specific bands in western blot tests
Dan ZHU ; Yanlin ZHANG ; Shanshan LI ; Ling DU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):152-156
Objective To analyze the causes of HIV-2 specific bands in the Western blot (WB) tests and to understand previous HIV-2 infection status in this city. Methods A total of 68 samples with HIV-2 specific bands in WB were analyzed using two confirmatory reagents. The test results were further analyzed in combination with epidemiological data, nucleic acid testing and gene sequencing. Results When tested with MP reagent, 66 samples (97.06%) were found to be positive for HIV-2 antibody, while the other two were negative or undetermined for HIV-2 antibody. When tested with MIKROGEN reagent, 67 samples (98.53%) were found to be positive for HIV-1 antibody, and one sample was negative for HIV-1 antibody. Further HIV-1 nucleic acid testing was conducted on these samples, and all 68 samples tested positive for HIV-1 RNA, with the results all exceeding 5,000 copies/ml. After BLAST comparison, it was found that the homology similarity of 68 samples to the HIV-1 reference strain sequence was >90%, but there was no similarity with the HIV-2 reference strain sequence. Conclusion The results of the serological test, nucleic acid test and gene sequencing of the 68 samples all have indicated HIV-1 infection. Combined with the epidemiological data, it can be concluded that the double reaction of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies in WB tests of these 68 samples is very likely to be a non-specific cross-reaction rather than HIV-2 infection. This study indicates that no HIV-2 infection cases have been found in Chengdu so far.
9.Factors affecting emotional intelligence among postgraduates
YANG Ting ; LIAO Mingxian ; ZHU Xinyu ; LI Dan ; YANG Juanhua ; CHENG Yuanfen ; CAO Yu
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(10):897-900
Objective:
To investigate the current status and influencing factors of emotional intelligence among postgraduates, so as to provide the evidence for promoting the mental health of postgraduates.
Methods:
The postgraduates from higher education institutions in Guizhou Province were selected using stratified cluster sampling method from November to December 2023. Demographic information such as gender, college, professional discipline and monthly family income were collected using questionnaire surveys. Stress perception was investigated using the Chinese version of the Stress Perception Scale. Emotional intelligence was investigated using the Chinese version of the Emotional Intelligence Scale. The influencing factors for emotional intelligence were analyzed using a multiple linear regression model.
Results:
Totally 728 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 94.42%. There were 262 males (35.99%) and 466 females (64.01%). The mean score of emotional intelligence was (77.98±15.71) points, the mean score of emotional assessment was (20.57±4.50) points, the mean score of emotional regulation was (18.63±5.22) points, the mean score of emotional using was (18.90±4.87) points, and the mean score of emotional recognition was (19.89±4.73) points. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that professional discipline (economics and law, β'=0.108), monthly family income (3 000-5 000 yuan, β'=0.091; >5 000 yuan, β'=0.086) and stress perception (β'=-0.515) were associated with emotional intelligence among postgraduates.
Conclusion
The emotional intelligence among postgraduates was influenced by professional discipline, monthly family income and stress perception.
10.Establishment and evaluation methods of a novel animal model of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome-related depression
Dan SU ; Jian LI ; Gen-hua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Liang-liang LIAO ; Zhi-fu AI ; Hui-zhen LI ; Ya-li LIU ; Yong-gui SONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1680-1690
Through a compound induction method, combined with neurobehavioral, macroscopic characterization and objective pathological evaluation indicators, a murine depression model of liver depression transforming into fire syndrome was constructed and confirmed. The model was constructed using a combination of sleep deprivation, light exposure, and alternate-day food deprivation. Evaluation was conducted at three levels: face validity, constructs validity, and predictive validity. The establishment of the liver depression transforming into fire syndrome depression model was further validated through the counterproof of traditional Chinese medicine formulas. In terms of face validity, compared to the control group, mice in the model group exhibited typical depressive symptoms in neurobehavioral assessments; the general observation of the model group mice reveals disheveled and lackluster fur, along with delayed and easily agitated responses. Additionally, there is a substantial increase in water consumption. In the sleep phase detection of mouse, the model group showed a significant increase in the proportion of time spent in the wake phase during sleep, accompanied by a significant decrease in the proportions of time spent in both non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep phases. There are significant differences in physiological indicators such as average blood flow velocity, blood flow rate, tongue, urine, and claw color (r values) in the internal carotid artery. Structural validity demonstrated that levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and


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