1.Ca2+ Release From The Endoplasmic Reticulum Mediates Electric Field Guided Cell Migration of Dictyostelium discoideum
Yi-Fan WANG ; Shu-Qin YUAN ; Run-Chi GAO ; San-Jun ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1252-1263
ObjectiveAs a second messenger in intracellular signal transduction, Ca2+ plays an important role in cell migration. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracellular Ca2+ influx can promote electric field-guided cell migration, known as electrotaxis. However, the effect of intracellular Ca2+ flow on electrotaxis is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigate the effect of Ca2+ flux on the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. MethodsThe electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum was investigated by applying a direct current (DC) electric field. Cell migration was recorded using a real-time imaging system. Calcium channel inhibitors, the extracellular Ca2+ chelator EGTA, Ca2+-free DB buffer, and caffeine were applied to investigate the impact of intra- and extracellular Ca2+ flow on electrotaxis. The involvement of G proteins and ERK2 in directed cell migration mediated by endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release was explored using mutants. ResultsDictyostelium discoideum migrated toward the cathode in the electric field in a voltage-dependent manner. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration of the cells was significantly increased in the electric field. Inhibition of both extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release suppressed cell electrotaxis migration. Inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release induced by caffeine significantly impaired the electrotaxis of Dictyostelium discoideum. Deletion of Gα2, Gβ, Gγ, and Erk2 notably reduced the electrotaxis of the cells. Enhancing Ca2+ release mediated by caffeine restored the electrotaxis of the Gα2-, Gβ -, and Erk2- mutant cells partially or completely, but did not restore electrotaxis in the Gγ- mutant cells. ConclusionCa2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum regulates electrotaxis migration in Dictyostelium discoideum and is involved in the regulation of cell electrotaxis by G proteins and ERK2.
2.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
3.Application of arterial spin labeling techniques in autism spectrum disorder with or without global developmental delay
Yanyong SHEN ; Xin ZHAO ; Chi QIN ; Meiying CHENG ; Hongrui REN ; Yongbing SUN ; Xiaoxue ZHANG ; Changhao WANG ; Xiao'an ZHANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(3):443-446
Objective To measure and compare the cerebral blood flow(CBF)of children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD),global developmental delay(GDD),and ASD with GDD groups via arterial spin labeling(ASL)technique,and to evaluate the diag-nostic value of CBF values.Methods ASL images of ASD,GDD,and ASD with GDD groups of children were firstly acquired,and the CBF values of frontal lobe,temporal lobe,parietal lobe,occipital lobe,striatum and thalamus region of interest(ROI)were fur-ther measured,respectively.One-way analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the differences in CBF values among these three groups,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the efficacy of CBF values in distinguishing ASD with GDD from without GDD.Results ASD with GDD had significantly lower CBF values in the left and right frontal lobes than those with ASD or GDD alone,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The CBF values in the left and right frontal lobes effectively distinguished ASD with GDD from without GDD[area under the curve(AUC)>0.7].Conclusion ASL technique can noninvasively assess CBF in children with or without GDD,helping to understand the pathophysiology of ASD with GDD and improving diagnostic accuracy.
4.Relationship between responsive caregiving for infants and young children and parenting confidence among caregivers
Panting LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Qin HONG ; Xia CHI ; Meiling TONG ; Jun QIAN
Chinese Journal of Child Health Care 2024;32(2):133-137
【Objective】 To investigate the current state of infant responsive caregiving and to analyze its correlation with caregiver parenting confidence, in order to provide theoretical basis for improving the level of responsive care for infants and young children. 【Methods】 A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 to select 1 028 infants and young children under 3 years old who underwent health examinations in the Department of Child Healthcare. Participants completed a general data questionnaire, the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale, and the Infant Responsive Caregiving Scale. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the related influencing factors of infant responsive care and to analyze the relationship between caregiver parenting confidence and responsive caregiving. 【Results】 The level of responsive caregiving was found to be associated with various factors such as infant age(χ2=21.196), mode of pregnancy(Z=-2.072), history of pregnancy protection during pregnancy(Z=-4.713), history of pregnancy complications (Z=-4.504), gestational week at birth(χ2=41.358), small for term infants(Z=-3.497), neonatal intracranial hemorrhage(Z=-5.425), neonatal hyperbilirubinemia(Z=-2.184), maternal education level(χ2=9.419), family income(χ2=11.211) as well as type of family (χ2=15.360)(P < 0.05). Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between parenting confidence and responsive caregiving(r=0.421,P<0.001). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis revealed that caregiver parenting confidence had a significant positive effect on the level of responsive caregiving (B=0.623, P<0.05), even after controlling for the effect of demographic factors. 【Conclusion】 The level of infant responsive caregiving is influenced by caregiver parenting confidence, and increasing caregiver parenting confidence can effectively improve the quality of responsive caregiving for infants and young children.
5.Effects of a 15-days complete fast on dual cognitive control functioning—Evidence from an ERPs
Chao WANG ; Haibo QIN ; Ziqing CAO ; Liping TIAN ; Yuan JIANG ; Zhongquan DAI ; Lizhong CHI ; Bin WU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(4):209-215,221
Objective In the future,during the landing and exploration of near-Earth planets(e.g.,Mars,Jupiter,etc.),astronauts may take the initiative to start fasting to reduce the amount of load;and it is even more likely that astronauts will take the initiative to fast in the process of manned deep-space exploration in the future,or they may enter a dormant low-metabolism state to save the amount of load to enable the spaceship to fly for a longer period,and to locate in a deeper and farther position.The ability of an individual to maintain cognitive ability and respond appropriately over a period in a long-term fasting state is important for survival.Therefore,the present study focused on investigating the effects of 15 days of complete fasting on dual cognitive control function and its neural mechanisms.Methods Twenty-four healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the fasting experiment.Behavioral and electroencephalographic data from the AX-CPT Task were collected with event-related potentials(ERP)to assess the effects of 15 days of complete fasting on dual cognitive control in 16 volunteers.Results(1)Behavioral outcomes had significant main effects on response time[F(1,15)=99.41,P?0.001,η2p=0.87]and error rate[F(1,15)=7.75,P=0.014,η2p=0.34],and BX trials were significantly lower than AY trials for both response time and error rate.(2)EEG results were significant for a cue type main effect on P3b[F(1,15)=16.43,P=0.001,η2p=0.52],with cue B inducing a more positive wave amplitude than cue A,and a cue type main effect on CNV[F(1,15)=10.72,P=0.005,η2p=0.42],with cue A evoking a more negative amplitude than cue B,and a significant main effect of trial type on N2[F(1,15)=6.90,P=0.019,η2p=0.32],with BX trials inducing more negative wave amplitudes than AY trials.All these results suggest that volunteers tend to use proactive control processing.Conclusion The 15-days complete fasting experiment did not significantly affect the dual cognitive control function of the volunteers,suggesting that the volunteers also had sufficient cognitive resources to perform cognitive control during the 15-days complete fasting state.This helps to understand further the relationship between long-term fasting and the processing mode of dual cognitive control and provides theoretical support and reference basis for the survival and work of astronauts actively fasting during the future near-Earth planet landing or even deep space exploration.
6.Reduced expression of semaphorin 3A in osteoclasts causes lymphatic expansion in a Gorham-Stout disease(GSD)mouse model
ZHANG DONGFANG ; XU HAO ; QIN CHI ; CAI KANGMING ; ZHANG JING ; XIA XINQIU ; BI JINGWEN ; ZHANG LI ; XING LIANPING ; LIANG QIANQIAN ; WANG WENSHENG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2024;25(1):38-50,中插1-中插8
Gorham-Stout disease(GSD)is a sporadic chronic disease characterized by progressive bone dissolution,absorption,and disappearance along with lymphatic vessel infiltration in bone-marrow cavities.Although the osteolytic mechanism of GSD has been widely studied,the cause of lymphatic hyperplasia in GSD is rarely investigated.In this study,by comparing the RNA expression profile of osteoclasts(OCs)with that of OC precursors(OCPs)by RNA sequencing,we identified a new factor,semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),which is an osteoprotective factor involved in the lymphatic expansion of GSD.Compared to OCPs,OCs enhanced the growth,migration,and tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells(LECs),in which the expression of Sema3A is low compared to that in OCPs.In the presence of recombinant Sema3A,the growth,migration,and tube formation of LECs were inhibited,further confirming the inhibitory effect of Sema3A on LECs in vitro.Using an LEC-induced GSD mouse model,the effect of Sema3A was examined by injecting lentivirus-expressing Sema3A into the tibiae in vivo.We found that the overexpression of Sema3A in tibiae suppressed the expansion of LECs and alleviated bone loss,whereas the injection of lentivirus expressing Sema3A short hairpin RNA(shRNA)into the tibiae caused GSD-like phenotypes.Histological staining further demonstrated that OCs decreased and osteocalcin increased after Sema3A lentiviral treatment,compared with the control.Based on the above results,we propose that reduced Sema3A in OCs is one of the mechanisms contributing to the pathogeneses of GSD and that expressing Sema3A represents a new approach for the treatment of GSD.
7.Clinical effects of Qingke Pingchuan Granule on acute exacerbation of COPD
Dongsheng LI ; Yirong QIN ; Man QIAO ; Hang CHI ; Qingmin CUI ; Xiaoqiu LI
Tianjin Medical Journal 2024;52(8):854-857
Objective To study the effect of Qingke Pingchuan Granule on the clinical efficacy in patients with phlegm-heat obstructing lung syndrome(AECOPD).Methods A total of 80 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(syndrome of phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung)hospitalized in the respiratory department of our hospital were selected and divided into the conventional group and the combinational group,with 40 cases in each group.The CAT score,TCM syndrome score,serum IL-6,CRP,lung function FEV1%pred,and FEV1/FVC were retrospectively observed before treatment,at the end of the second week of treatment,and at the follow-up after 1 month of treatment in the two groups.Results The total effective rate was significantly better in the combinational group than that of the conventional group(92.5%vs.75.0%,P<0.05).At the end of the second week of treatment,the CAT score,each single syndrome score,serum IL-6 and CRP levels were all improved than those before treatment in the two groups(P<0.05),and the improvement degree was better in the combined group than that of the conventional group(P<0.05).The severity of airflow limitation and respiratory failure were significantly improved compared with those before treatment in both groups.At the follow-up after 1 month of treatment,the recovery rate of scores of each single syndrome score and CAT score were significantly lower in the combined group than those in the routine group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in adverse drug reactions between the two groups(12.5%and 2.5%,P>0.05).Conclusion Qingke Pingchuan Granule can effectively relieve the symptoms and improve lung function and the quality of life of AECOPD patients.
8.Association between auditory processing and problem behaviors in preschool children:the mediating role of executive function
Huan-Xi LIN ; Pan-Ting LIU ; Yu-Ying SUN ; Xin-Yue YU ; Jun QIAN ; Xia CHI ; Qin HONG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(2):174-180
Objective To investigate the association between auditory processing and problem behaviors in preschool children,as well as the mediating role of executive function.Methods A total of 2 342 preschool children were selected from 7 kindergartens in Nanjing,China from June to August 2021.They were evaluated using Preschool Auditory Processing Assessment Scale,Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire,and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning-Preschool version.Children with different demographic features were compared in the scores and the abnormality rates of auditory processing,problem behaviors,and executive function.The influencing factors of the total scores of auditory processing,problem behaviors,and executive function were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis.Whether executive function was a mediating factor between auditory processing and executive function was examined.Results Sex and grade were the main influencing factors for the total score of auditory processing(P<0.05),and sex,grade,parental education level,and family economic status were the main influencing factors for the total scores of problem behaviors and executive function(P<0.05).The auditory processing score(rs= 0.458,P<0.05)and problem behavior score(rs=0.185,P<0.05)were significantly positively correlated with the executive function score,and the auditory processing score was significantly positively correlated with the problem behavior score(rs=0.423,P<0.05).Executive function played a partial mediating role between auditory processing and problem behaviors,and the mediating effect accounted for 33.44% of the total effect.Conclusions Auditory processing can directly affect the problem behaviors of preschool children and indirectly affect problem behaviors through executive function.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):174-180]
9.A novel nomogram-based model to predict the postoperative overall survival in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer
Siwen WANG ; Kangjing XU ; Xuejin GAO ; Tingting GAO ; Guangming SUN ; Yaqin XIAO ; Haoyang WANG ; Chenghao ZENG ; Deshuai SONG ; Yupeng ZHANG ; Lingli HUANG ; Bo LIAN ; Jianjiao CHEN ; Dong GUO ; Zhenyi JIA ; Yong WANG ; Fangyou GONG ; Junde ZHOU ; Zhigang XUE ; Zhida CHEN ; Gang LI ; Mengbin LI ; Wei ZHAO ; Yanbing ZHOU ; Huanlong QIN ; Xiaoting WU ; Kunhua WANG ; Qiang CHI ; Jianchun YU ; Yun TANG ; Guoli LI ; Li ZHANG ; Xinying WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2024;32(3):138-149
Objective:We aimed to develop a novel visualized model based on nomogram to predict postoperative overall survival.Methods:This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study, including participants with histologically confirmed gastric and colorectal cancer who underwent radical surgery from 11 medical centers in China from August 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. Baseline characteristics, histopathological data and nutritional status, as assessed using Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) score and the scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment, were collected. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Cox regression were used to identify variables to be included in the predictive model. Internal and external validations were performed.Results:There were 681 and 127 patients in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. A total of 188 deaths were observed over a median follow-up period of 59 (range: 58 to 60) months. Two independent predictors of NRS 2002 and Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage were identified and incorporated into the prediction nomogram model together with the factor of age. The model's concordance index for 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival was 0.696, 0.724, and 0.738 in the training cohort and 0.801, 0.812, and 0.793 in the validation cohort, respectively.Conclusions:In this study, a new nomogram prediction model based on NRS 2002 score was developed and validated for predicting the overall postoperative survival of patients with gastric colorectal cancer. This model has good differentiation, calibration and clinical practicability in predicting the long-term survival rate of patients with gastrointestinal cancer after radical surgery.
10.Status and influencing factors of post-traumatic growth of parents of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Ke ZHANG ; Xumei WANG ; Shan SU ; Yajun YI ; Yaxing ZENG ; Qin YANG ; Wei CHI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(21):2884-2889
Objective:To analyze the status quo and influencing factors of post-traumatic growth of parents of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) .Methods:The convenient sampling method was used to select parents of children with T1DM who were admitted to the diabetes care consultation clinic of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from March 2022 to March 2023 as the research objects. The parents of children were investigated by general information questionnaire, Posttramnatic Growth Inventory, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire and Perceived Social Support Scale.Results:A total of 200 questionnaires were sent out in this study, and 187 were effectively collected, with an effective recovery rate of 93.5% (187/200). The total score of Posttramnatic Growth Inventory for parents of T1DM children was (60.28±18.37). The positive coping score in Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire was (22.40±6.94) and the negative coping score was (8.94±4.58). The total score of Perceived Social Support Scale was (57.39±14.57). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that HbA1c, monthly family income, educational level, positive coping strategies and perceived social support were the influencing factors for the post-traumatic growth of parents of T1DM children, explaining 33.8% of the variation in post-traumatic growth of parents of T1DM children.Conclusions:The post-traumatic growth of parents of T1DM children is at a moderate level. Medical staff should pay more attention to parents of children with poor blood sugar control, low educational level and low monthly family income, guide them from the perspective of positive psychology, encourage parents to adopt positive and effective coping strategies and emphasize the importance of social support, so as to improve the level of post-traumatic growth of parents of children with T1DM.

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