1.Effect of The Hydrophilic Amino Acids on Self-assembly Behavior of Short Bola-like Peptides
Xin-Xin GAO ; Yu HAN ; Yi-Lin ZHOU ; Xi-Ya CHEN ; Yu-Rong ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1290-1301
ObjectiveBola-like short peptides exhibit novel self-assembly properties due to the formation of peptide dimers via hydrogen bonding interactions between their C-terminals. In this configuration, hydrophilic amino acids are distributed at both terminals, making these peptides behave similarly to Bola peptides. The electrostatic repulsive interactions arising from the hydrophilic amino acids at each terminal can be neutralized, thereby greatly promoting the lateral association of β-sheets. Consequently, assemblies with significantly larger widths are typically the dominant nanostructures for Bola-like peptides. To investigate the effect of hydrophilic amino acids on the self-assembly behavior of Bola-like peptides, the peptides Ac-RI3-CONH2 and Ac-HI3-CONH2 were designed and synthesized using the Bola-like peptide Ac-KI3-CONH2 as a template. Their self-assembly behavior was systematically examined. MethodsAtomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the morphology and size of the assemblies. The secondary structures of the assemblies were analyzed using circular dichroism (CD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to obtain detailed structural information at a short-length scale. Based on these experimental results, the effects of hydrophilic amino acids on the self-assembly behavior of Bola-like short peptides were systematically analyzed, and the underlying formation mechanism was explored. ResultsThe aggregation process primarily involved three steps. First, peptide dimers were formed through hydrogen bonding interactions between their C-terminals. Within these dimers, the hydrophilic amino acids K, R, and H were positioned at both terminals, enabling the peptides to self-assemble in a manner similar to Bola peptides. Next, β-sheets were formed via hydrogen bonding interactions along the peptide backbone. Finally, self-assemblies were generated through the lateral association of β-sheets. The results demonstrated that both Ac-KI3-CONH2 and Ac-RI3-CONH2 could self-assemble into double-layer nanotubes with diameters of approximately 200 nm. These nanotubes were formed by the edge fusion of helical ribbons, which initially emerged from twisted ribbons. Notably, the primary assemblies of these peptides exhibited opposite chirality: nanofibers formed by Ac-KI3-CONH2 displayed left-handed chirality, whereas those formed by Ac-RI3-CONH2 exhibited right-handed chirality. This reversal in torsional direction was primarily attributed to the different abilities of K and R to form hydrogen bonds with water. In contrast, Ac-HI3-CONH2 formed narrower twisted ribbons with a significantly reduced width of approximately 30 nm, which was attributed to the strong steric hindrance caused by the imidazole rings. The multilayer height of these ribbons was mainly due to the unique structure of the imidazole rings, which can function as both hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, thereby promoting aggregate growth in the vertical direction. ConclusionThe final morphology of the self-assemblies resulted from a delicate balance of various non-covalent interactions. By altering the types of hydrophilic amino acid residues in Bola-like short peptides, the relative strength of non-covalent interactions that drive assembly formation can be effectively regulated, allowing precise control over the morphology and chirality of the assemblies. This study provides a simple and effective approach for constructing diverse self-assemblies and lays a theoretical foundation for the development of functional biomaterials.
2.Association of habitual reading and writing postures with common diseases and comorbidities among children and adolescents in Ningxia
WEI Rong, LUO Haiyan, MA Ning, ZHAO Yu, YANG Yi, CHEN Yaogeng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):723-727
Objective:
To investigate the association between habitual reading/writing postures and the co-occurrence of common health conditions (overweight/obesity, visual impairment, hypertension, and scoliosis) and comorbidities among children and adolescents, in order to provide data support for the joint prevention of common diseases and comorbidities among children and adolescents.
Methods:
From September 2021 to June 2022, a multi-stage cluster random sampling method was used to select a total of 4 577 children and adolescents from 16 primary and secondary schools in Ningxia: Jinfeng District of Yinchuan City, Shapotou District of Zhongwei City, Yanchi County of Wuzhong City, and Pingluo County of Shizuishan City. A weighted complex sampling design was used to investigate the association of habitual reading and writing postures with common comorbidities in children and adolescents.
Results:
The prevalence rates of common diseases among children and adolescents in Ningxia were as follows: overweight/obesity was 22.87%, visual impairment was 62.52%, scoliosis was 2.30%, and hypertension was 1.30%. The prevalence of multimorbidity (co-occurrence of ≥2 conditions) among Ningxia children and adolescents was 15.95%. Multivariate unconditional Logistic regression analysis showed that frequent/always collapsing waist and sitting forward with head lowered increased the risk of common comorbidities in children and adolescents ( OR =1.90, P <0.05). Compared with the corresponding reference group, male children and adolescents aged 9 to 12 years and boys had relatively lower risks of overweight/obesity ( OR =0.71, 0.70); the risk of poor vision among children and adolescents aged 9 to 12 years, male, and urban was relatively low ( OR =0.59, 0.60, 0.73)( P < 0.05 ). Children and adolescents who often/always sat leaning to the left or right were at higher risk of poor vision ( OR =1.78); urban children and adolescents had a higher risk of developing scoliosis ( OR =3.71); children and adolescents aged 9 to 12 had a relatively low risk of developing hypertension ( OR =0.09), and children and adolescents who often/always bent their backs and sat forward on their knees had a higher risk of hypertension ( OR =5.03)( P <0.05).
Conclusions
Ningxia has a high incidence of common diseases and multiple diseases among children and adolescents, frequent or always collapsing waist and sitting forward with head lowered is associated with common comorbidities in children and adolescents in Ningxia. Proper postural measures for reading and writing should be carried out as soon as possible to encourage children and adolescents to develop good reading and writing habits for effectively preventing and controlling the occurrence of common diseases.
3.Influence of Acupuncture for Regulating the Mind and Replenishing Qi Combined with Butylphthalide Soft Capsules on Sleep Parameters and Neurological Function in Patients with Sleep Disorders after Stroke
Tan ZHANG ; Fang-yue ZENG ; Chen-rong HUANG ; Jia-yi ZHU ; Qiang ZHANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(20):3238-3246
Objective:To observe the influence of acupuncture for regulating the mind and replenishing qi combined with butylphthalide soft capsules on sleep parameters and neurological function in patients with sleep disorders after stroke.Methods:From May 2022 to September 2024,a total of 85 patients with sleep disorders after stroke who were admitted to our hospital were prospectively included,and they were divided into control group(received treatment with butylphthalein soft capsules,42 cases)and study group(received treatment with acupuncture for regulating the mind and replenishing qi combined with butylphthalide soft capsules,43 cases)by the double chromosphere method.Sleep parameters,sleep quality score[pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI),insomnia severity index(ISI)],related functional scale score[modified edinburgh scandinavian stroke scale(MMSSS),hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS),Fugl-Meyer assessment scale(FMA),montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)]and related serum indicators[hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),5-hydroxy tryptamine(5-HT),gama-aminobutyric acid(GABA)]were compared between the two groups.Result:The total sleep time,sleep efficiency,FMA score,MoCA score,5-HT and GABA indicators in the study group after treatment were higher than those in the control group,the number of awakenings,sleep latency,PSQI score,ISI score,MESSS score,HADS score,hs-CRP and TNF-α indicators were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture for regulating the mind and replenishing qi combined with butylphthalide soft capsules can effectively improve the sleep quality of patients with sleep disorders after stroke,regulate the neurological functions,reduce inflammatory factors levels,and improve the motor and cognitive function.
4.Reform and practice of the teaching mode in the course of "maternal, child, and adolescent health"
Ling ZHANG ; Honghui RONG ; Chuanfen ZHENG ; Fengju LI ; Dali YI ; Ji'an CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(3):337-341
In response to the current problems in the traditional methods used for teaching the course of "maternal, child, and adolescent health", including the monotony of teaching modes, poor learning outcomes, limited use of information technology-based teaching, and the need for improved faculty professionalism, this study explored the reform and practice of teaching modes for this course. Teaching reform centered on a task-driven pre-class learning guide, supported by the development of a resource platform. This platform was used to assign pre-class and post-class tasks. An information technology-based platform facilitated teaching implementation during class. Systematical analysis and evaluation were performed on the teaching process and implementation effects. By continuously optimizing course design, adjusting teaching strategies, and improving the autonomy and learning efficiency of students, the system can be used to improve teaching effectiveness and quality. This system provides a reference for information technology-based teaching reform in similar courses.
5.Investigation of the ability to diagnose, treat and manage kidney disease in Shanghai community health service centers
Rong YANG ; Hua JIN ; Hongmei HUAN ; Jin HOU ; Ling SHI ; Chuntao YI ; Chen CHEN ; Hengru NI ; Dehua YU
Chinese Journal of General Practitioners 2025;24(6):700-706
Objective:To investigate the ability to diagnose, treat and manage kidney disease in Shanghai community health service centers.Methods:This was a cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire survey was conducted in November 2023 among 248 Shanghai community health service centers and 2 140 general practitioners in Shanghai. The main topics of the institutional research were the kidney disease-related inspection items that medical institutions could carry out, the kidney disease diagnosis and treatment drugs, the kidney disease grass-roots management training, the opening of kidney disease clinics and the establishment of kidney disease standard diagnosis and treatment records. The main topics of the survey of general practitioners were general information, standardized diagnosis and management measures of kidney disease, knowledge based on the diagnosis and treatment guidelines of chronic kidney disease, and difficulties in standardized management of kidney disease.Results:Among the laboratory examination items in Shanghai community health service centers, the rates of routine urine (99.60%, 247 centers), renal function (95.16%, 236 centers) and urinary microalbumin (89.11%, 229 centers) were high. Among the imaging examinations, B-ultrasound of urinary system had the highest rate (92.34%, 229 centers). The preparation rate of kidney disease drugs varied widely among the centers, and the preparation rate of Chinese drugs such as Jinshuibao, nephritis Kangfu tablet and Shenshuaining was more than 90%. Sixty-six (26.61%) community health service centers had established kidney disease clinics. The overall accuracy rate of community general practitioners was 63.81% (13 656/21 400), of which the accuracy rate for diagnosis and screening method, referral indication and emergency dialysis indication was more than 85%, but the accuracy rate for drug treatment and careful medication was low at 28.93% (1 238/4 280) and 33.22% (711/2 140), respectively. There was a willingness for Community general practitioners to provide all aspects of life guidance for patients with kidney disease, but for patients with end-stage renal disease replacement therapy, there was a preference for this to be provided by the appropriate specialist.Conclusions:The community health service centers in Shanghai has already had the basic conditions for the management of kidney disease in terms of basic examination and testing equipment, drugs, etc. The community general practitioners have a certain knowledge of kidney disease, and the drug treatment needs to be strengthened.
6.Epidemiological characteristics and related factors of multimorbidity of common diseases among children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in Guangdong Province
Meng LI ; Shaojun SHEN ; Qiuxia CHEN ; Rong LIU ; Xiao YANG ; Chengshu YANG ; Yi XING ; Yabin QU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(3):277-285
Objective:To investigate the multimorbidity of myopia and obesity, as well as myopia and malnutrition, among children and adolescents aged 7-18 in Guangdong Province and analyze their epidemiological characteristics and related factors.Methods:A stratified random cluster sampling method was used to select 274 939 children and adolescents aged 7-18 from 21 cities in Guangdong Province in 2023. Physical examination information such as height, weight, distance vision, and diopter, as well as questionnaire survey information on dietary behavior, physical activity, screen behavior, sleep time, etc., were collected to analyze the current status and trends of multimorbidity between myopia and obesity, myopia and malnutrition. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of multimorbidity.Results:The multimorbidity rates of myopia and obesity, myopia and malnutrition in children and adolescents aged 7-18 in Guangdong Province in 2023 were 4.43% and 6.40%, respectively. The multimorbidity rates for males were 5.44% and 6.88%, respectively, which were higher than those for females, about 3.31% and 5.88% (both P<0.001). The multimorbidity rates of urban students were 5.03% and 6.73%, respectively, which were higher than those of county students at 4.03% and 6.18% (both P<0.001). The multimorbidity rates of myopia and obesity, myopia and malnutrition increased with the increase of academic stage (all P<0.001). The multimorbidity rates of myopia and obesity, as well as myopia and malnutrition, fluctuated with age, with the first decrease occurring at the age of 12. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared to children and adolescents aged 7-18 who had daily after-school tutoring <2 hours, daily screen time <2 hours, did not consume sugary drinks every day, sleep time that could meet health requirements daily, and exercised≥60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-physical activity ≥60 minutes for at least 3 days per week, those who had daily after-school tutoring ≥2 hours ( OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26), daily screen time ≥2 hours ( OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.16), consumed sugary drinks every day ( OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.11-1.30), daily sleep time that could not meet the health requirements ( OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.09-1.23), and no exercise per week ( OR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18) had a higher risk of multimorbidity of myopia and obesity. Compared to children and adolescents who exercised≥60 minutes of moderate-to vigorous-physical activity ≥60 minutes for at least 3 days per week, those who exercised <3 days per week ( OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.17-1.34) had a higher risk of multimorbidity of myopia and malnutrition. Conclusion:The multimorbidity rates of myopia and obesity, as well as myopia and malnutrition, in children and adolescents aged 7-18 in Guangdong Province are relatively low and fluctuate with age. Physical activity, screen time, consumption of sugary drinks, and sleep time may be associated with these multimorbidities.
7.Effect of HSYA on LCN2-induced iron death of HT22 cells and its mechanism based on SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway
Meng-wei RONG ; Cun-yan DAN ; Tian-qing XIA ; Yi YANG ; Xiu LOU ; Chen-xiang JI ; Bao-guo XIAO ; Cun-gen MA ; Li-juan SONG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2097-2105
Aim To explore the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on lipocalin 2(LCN2)-induced fer-roptosis in HT22 cells and the related mechanism.Methods Thirty male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlu-sion/reperfusion(MCAO/R)model by the suture method.The rats were randomly divided into the Sham group,the MCAO/R group,and the MCAO/R+HSYA group.The infarct area was measured by TTC staining,and the degree of neurological deficit was evaluated by the Z-Longa scoring method.The expressions of LCN2 and 24P3R in brain tissues were detected by Western blot.LCN2 protein was added to HT-22 cells,and the cells were divided into the normal group,the LCN2 group,and the LCN2+HSYA group.The optimal con-centration of LCN2-induced neuronal ferroptosis was screened by LDH assay and Western blot,and the ex-pression levels of ferritin,FPN1,GPX4,SLC7A11,COX2,and 24P3R were detected.LCN2 was knocked down by siRNA transfection,and the expressions of GPX4 and ferritin were detected.The contents of glu-tathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),GPX4,and Fe2+were determined by colorimetry,and the expres-sion of GPX4 was detected by immunofluorescence.The binding force between HSYA and LCN2 was ana-lyzed by molecular docking technology.Results Ani-mal experiments showed that HSYA could reduce the cerebral infarction area and decrease the neurological function score of MCAO/R rats.Compared with the sham group,the levels of LCN2 and 24P3R increased in the MCAO/R group,while HSYA inhibited their ex-pressions.Cell experiments showed that the optimal concentration of LCN2 to induce ferroptosis in HT22 cells was 2 μmol·L-1.After knocking down LCN2 by siRNA transfection,compared with the LCN2 group,the expression levels of GPX4 and ferritin in the siLCN2 group increased significantly.Compared with the nor-mal group,the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH in the LCN2 group decreased signifi-cantly,while the concentration of Fe2+,and the expres-sions of MDA,COX2,and 24P3R increased.HSYA could increase the expressions of SLC7A11,GPX4,FPN1,ferritin,and GSH,reduce the contents of Fe2+and MDA,and inhibit the expressions of COX2 and 24P3R.Molecular docking showed that the binding en-ergy between HSYA and LCN2 was-8.0 kJ·mol-1.Conclusion HSYA can inhibit LCN2-induced ferrop-tosis in HT22 cells through the SLC7A11/GPX4 signa-ling pathway.
8.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
9.Mechanism of action of Qingjie Huagong decoction reducing inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis based on PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiao-dong ZHU ; Min-chao FENG ; Kun-rong LIU ; Ying BAN ; Pan SU ; Chuan-feng XUAN ; Xiao-yi HUANG ; De-wen LI ; Xi-ping TANG ; Guo-zhong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):978-984
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qingjie Huagong decoction in modulating PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory response of acute pancreatitis(AP)mice.Methods Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into Blank group,Model group,Ustekin group,and Qingjie Hua-gong decoction group,with six mice in each group.The AP model was prepared by using rain frogin.Serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α lev-els were detected by ELISA;the pancreatic pathology was detected by HE staining;the expressions of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNAs were de-tected by immunohistochemistry,Western blot,and RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the blank group,the model group showed obvious pathological damage to the pancreas,with significantly higher serum α-AMS,PN-LP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels(P<0.01),and significantly higher levels of PI3K,AKT,and NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA expression(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both the Qingjie Huagong decoction group and the ustekin group improved the histopathological changes in the pancreas of AP mice,decreased the serum α-AMS,PNLP,IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8,IL-18,and TNF-α levels,and down-reg-ulated the expression levels of pancreatic PI3K,AKT,NF-κB-related proteins and mRNA(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Qingjie Huagong decoction may inhibit the inflammatory response and protect pancreat-ic tissues by regulating the expression of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Clinical efficacy of vericiguat in combination with"Quadruple Therapy"for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction in real-world settings
Lin CHEN ; Baochuan WU ; Shaojun WU ; Yi WANG ; Yibei FU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Rong GU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(9):1379-1386
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of vericiguat combined with the new"Quadruple Therapy"for treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)and to explore its impact on left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)in patients with different baseline characteristics.Methods A total of 87 patients with chronic heart failure treated with vericiguat at the Department of Cardiology,Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from June 2022 to March 2024,were consecutively enrolled as the observation group.These patients were matched at 1:1 by age,sex,and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)with 87 patients who received the standard quadruple therapy without vericiguat as the control group.Propensity score matching was used to further balance confounding factors,resulting in 64 patients in each group for final analysis.Changes in echocardiographic parameters,liver and kidney function,electrolyte levels,and blood pressure were analyzed at baseline and during the 6-month follow-up to assess the efficacy and safety of vericiguat.The primary efficacy endpoint was the occurrence of LVRR.Subgroup analyses were conducted based on baseline characteristics such as age and sex.Interaction analysis was utilized to evaluate the heterogeneity of vericiguat's efficacy.Results After 6 months of treatment,the vericiguat group showed significant improvements in cardiac structure and function compared to the control group.The left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly reduced[-0.43(-1.00,-0.10)mm vs.-0.22(-0.53,0.02)mm,P=0.002],and the LVEF was significantly increased[8.45%(1.40%,16.50%)vs.2.75%(0,11.00%),P=0.002].The percentage of patients in the vericiguat group who achieved LVRR was significantly larger than in the control group(46.4%vs.27.4%,P=0.011).Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the combination of vericiguat was an independent predictor of LVRR(Model 2:OR=2.54,95%CI:1.29~5.01,P=0.007).The reverse remodeling effect remained consistent across different subgroups and was not significantly influenced by specific baseline characteristics(Pinteraction>0.05).Vericiguat did not affect blood pressure,liver and kidney function,or electrolyte levels,achieving satisfactory safety,despite its significantly higher incidence of gastrointestinal reactions(16.1%vs.5.7%,P<0.001).Conclusion The addition of vericiguat to the quadruple therapy significantly improves cardiac function and promotes left ventricular reverse remodeling in HFrEF patients while maintaining a favorable safety profile.


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