1.Research on pulmonary nodule recognition algorithm based on micro-variation amplification
Zirui ZHANG ; Zichen JIAO ; Xiaoming SHI ; Tao WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(03):339-344
Objective To develop an innovative recognition algorithm that aids physicians in the identification of pulmonary nodules. Methods Patients with pulmonary nodules who underwent thoracoscopic surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School in December 2023, were enrolled in the study. Chest surface exploration data were collected at a rate of 60 frames per second and a resolution of 1 920×1 080. Frame images were saved at regular intervals for subsequent block processing. An algorithm database for lung nodule recognition was developed using the collected data. Results A total of 16 patients were enrolled, including 9 males and 7 females, with an average age of (54.9±14.9) years. In the optimized multi-topology convolutional network model, the test results demonstrated an accuracy rate of 94.39% for recognition tasks. Furthermore, the integration of micro-variation amplification technology into the convolutional network model enhanced the accuracy of lung nodule identification to 96.90%. A comprehensive evaluation of the performance of these two models yielded an overall recognition accuracy of 95.59%. Based on these findings, we conclude that the proposed network model is well-suited for the task of lung nodule recognition, with the convolutional network incorporating micro-variation amplification technology exhibiting superior accuracy. Conclusion Compared to traditional methods, our proposed technique significantly enhances the accuracy of lung nodule identification and localization, aiding surgeons in locating lung nodules during thoracoscopic surgery.
2.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
3.Efficacy of pelvic floor optimization training of Yun-type aided with myoelectric biofeedback in the treatment of mild to moderate female stress urinary incontinence
Xiaoxiang WAN ; Wei JIAO ; Chaoliang SHI ; Jiawei WANG ; Jialing YAO ; Yangyun WANG ; Xilong WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(5):390-394
Objective: To explore the efficacy of pelvic floor optimization training of Yun-type with the aid of myoelectric biofeedback in the treatment of mild to moderate female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Female SUI patients treated in our hospital during Jan.and Oct.2024 were included as the research subjects.They were randomly divided into the control group (n=47) and observation group (n=48) by random number method.The control group received conventional Yun-type pelvic floor optimization training,while the observation group received Yun-type pelvic floor optimization training assisted with myoelectric biofeedback.The total treatment course lasted for 12 weeks.The clinical efficacy,as well as the changes in international consultation on incontinence questionnaire for symptoms and impact (ICI-Q-SF),incontinence quality of life (I-QoL),female sexual function index (FSFI),and pelvic floor electromyographic values before and after treatment were compared. Results: The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.6%,which was significantly higher than that of the control group (79.2%,P<0.05).After 12 weeks of treatment,the ICI-Q-SF [(6.12±1.11) vs. (6.97±1.24)],I-QoL [(85.05±4.51) vs. (82.14±4.60)],and FSFI [(30.01±4.10) vs. (26.32±3.32)] scores of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.05).After 12 weeks of treatment,the myoelectric values of the pelvic floor muscles of the observation group at the pre-rest stage,fast muscle (type Ⅱ muscle) stage,slow muscle (type Ⅰ muscle) stage,endurance test stage,and post-rest stage were significantly improved compared with those before treatment and were greatly enhanced compared with those of the control group (P<0.05).No serious adverse reactions occurred in either groups during treatment and follow-up. Conclusion: The Yun-type pelvic floor optimization training assisted with myoelectric biofeedback can precisely enhance the therapeutic effects of the conventional Yun-type pelvic floor optimization training,and significantly improve the female sexual function index.It is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
4.Analysis of The Characteristics of Brain Functional Activity in Gross Motor Tasks in Children With Autism Based on Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Technology
Wen-Hao ZONG ; Qi LIANG ; Shi-Yu YANG ; Feng-Jiao WANG ; Meng-Zhao WEI ; Hong LEI ; Gui-Jun DONG ; Ke-Feng LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2146-2162
ObjectiveBased on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated the brain activity characteristics of gross motor tasks in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and motor dysfunctions (MDs) to provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the mechanism of MDs in children with ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 children with ASD accompanied by MDs were recruited into the ASD group and 40 children with typically developing (TD) into the TD group. The fNIRS device was used to collect the information of blood oxygen changes in the cortical motor-related brain regions during single-handed bag throwing and tiptoe walking, and the differences in brain activation and functional connectivity between the two groups of children were analyzed from the perspective of brain activation and functional connectivity. ResultsCompared to the TD group, in the object manipulative motor task (one-handed bag throwing), the ASD group showed significantly reduced activation in both left sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and right secondary visual cortex (V2) (P<0.05), whereas the right pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC&SMA) had significantly higher activation (P<0.01) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, there was a significant decrease in the strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and V2. In the body stability motor task (tiptoe walking), the ASD group had significantly higher activation in motor-related brain regions such as the DLPFC, SMC, and PMC&SMA (P<0.05) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, the ASD group had lower strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with PMC&SMA and V2. ConclusionChildren with ASD exhibit abnormal brain functional activity characteristics specific to different gross motor tasks in object manipulative and body stability, reflecting insufficient or excessive compensatory activation of local brain regions and impaired cross-regions integration, which may be a potential reason for the poorer gross motor performance of children with ASD, and meanwhile provides data support for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of MDs in the context of ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective.
5.Expression of serum GDF11 and TSP1 in diabetic retinopathy and their relationship with microvascular injury
Fan YANG ; Ying XU ; Wenjian SHI ; Wenye JIAO ; Dongmei WANG ; Erjun LI
International Eye Science 2025;25(9):1495-1499
AIM: To investigate the expression of serum growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11)and thrombospondin 1(TSP1)in patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR), and discuss their relationship with microvascular injury.METHODS: Totally 102 DR patients were served as DR group and assigned into non proliferative DR group(NPDR group)and proliferative DR group(PDR group)based on the severity of DR lesions. Meantime, 100 patients with simple diabetes were served as control group. Serum indicators of microvascular injury including vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), endothelial cells(ECs), endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs), and levels of GDF11 and TSP1 were measured in each group. Pearson method was used to discuss the correlation between GDF11, TSP1 and microvascular injury indicators. Logistic regression was used to discuss the factors that affected the occurrence of DR. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the evaluation value of serum GDF11 and TSP1 for the DR conditions.RESULTS: For the control group, DR group had lower EPCs and GDF11, and higher VEGF, ECs, and TSP1 levels(all P<0.05). The PDR group had lower GDF11 and higher TSP1 than the NPDR group(all P<0.05). Serum GDF11 was negatively related to VEGF and ECs(r=-0.486, -0.511, all P<0.001), and positively related to EPCs(r=0.475, P<0.001). TSP1 was positively related to VEGF and ECs(r=0.579, 0.594, all P<0.001), and negatively related to EPCs(r=-0.505, P<0.001). Moreover, GDF11 and TSP1 were negatively correlated(r=-0.443, P<0.001). The course of T2DM, VEGF, and TSP1 were risk factors for DR, while GDF11 was a protective factor(all P<0.05). The AUC of GDF11, TSP1, and combined diagnosis for PDR conditions was 0.819, 0.822, and 0.915, respectively. The combined diagnosis was better than single diagnosis(Zcombination-GDF11=2.070, P=0.039, Zcombination-TSP1=2.274, P=0.023).CONCLUSION: GDF11 and TSP1 are closely associated with microvascular injury in DR patients and are related to the progression of DR disease, and the combined detection of their serum levels is of clinical value in the assessment of DR disease.
6.Biallelic variants in RBM42 cause a multisystem disorder with neurological, facial, cardiac, and musculoskeletal involvement.
Yiyao CHEN ; Bingxin YANG ; Xiaoyu Merlin ZHANG ; Songchang CHEN ; Minhui WANG ; Liya HU ; Nina PAN ; Shuyuan LI ; Weihui SHI ; Zhenhua YANG ; Li WANG ; Yajing TAN ; Jian WANG ; Yanlin WANG ; Qinghe XING ; Zhonghua MA ; Jinsong LI ; He-Feng HUANG ; Jinglan ZHANG ; Chenming XU
Protein & Cell 2024;15(1):52-68
Here, we report a previously unrecognized syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder associated with biallelic loss-of-function variants in the RBM42 gene. The patient is a 2-year-old female with severe central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities, hypotonia, hearing loss, congenital heart defects, and dysmorphic facial features. Familial whole-exome sequencing (WES) reveals that the patient has two compound heterozygous variants, c.304C>T (p.R102*) and c.1312G>A (p.A438T), in the RBM42 gene which encodes an integral component of splicing complex in the RNA-binding motif protein family. The p.A438T variant is in the RRM domain which impairs RBM42 protein stability in vivo. Additionally, p.A438T disrupts the interaction of RBM42 with hnRNP K, which is the causative gene for Au-Kline syndrome with overlapping disease characteristics seen in the index patient. The human R102* or A438T mutant protein failed to fully rescue the growth defects of RBM42 ortholog knockout ΔFgRbp1 in Fusarium while it was rescued by the wild-type (WT) human RBM42. A mouse model carrying Rbm42 compound heterozygous variants, c.280C>T (p.Q94*) and c.1306_1308delinsACA (p.A436T), demonstrated gross fetal developmental defects and most of the double mutant animals died by E13.5. RNA-seq data confirmed that Rbm42 was involved in neurological and myocardial functions with an essential role in alternative splicing (AS). Overall, we present clinical, genetic, and functional data to demonstrate that defects in RBM42 constitute the underlying etiology of a new neurodevelopmental disease which links the dysregulation of global AS to abnormal embryonic development.
Female
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Animals
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Mice
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Humans
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Child, Preschool
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Intellectual Disability/genetics*
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Heart Defects, Congenital/genetics*
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Facies
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Cleft Palate
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Muscle Hypotonia
7.Improvement of Core Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder Mice by 8-Week Aerobic Exercise
Niu LIU ; Ya-Qi XUE ; Shi-Jiao WANG ; Zhi-Ping ZHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(9):2168-2181
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of 8-week aerobic exercise on the improvement of core behaviors of male and female autistic mice induced by valproic acid (VPA). MethodsExperimental mice were randomly divided into the control group (CTL), VPA-induced autism group (VPA) and VPA+aerobic exercise group (VEX), with 10 mice in each group. The pregnant mice were injected with VPA intraperitoneally at E12.5, and their offspring were used as autistic mice. Pups were weaned 28 d after birth and began an 8-week aerobic exercise intervention. The day after exercise, mice were tested in behavioral experiments to detect exploratory behavior, social skills, repetitive stereotypic behavior, cognitive ability and mood. The mice were tested for social skills, repetitive stereotyped behaviors, cognitive and learning memory abilities, exploratory behaviors, and emotions by behavioral assays on the following day after the exercise. ResultsBoth male and female mice in the CTL group showed a significant decrease in the total distance and percentage of time spent in the interaction zone in the 4th socialization compared to the 1st socialization (P<0.01); the total distance and percentage of time spent in the interaction zone in the 5th socialization was significantly increased compared to the 4th socialization (P<0.01); in VPA group, both male and female mice showed no significant change in the total distance and percentage of time spent in the interaction zone in the 4th and 5th socialization; in the VEX group, the total distance and percentage of time spent in the interaction zone by male mice in the 4th socialization was significantly decreased compared to the 1st socialization (P<0.01, P<0.05); and in the VEX group the total distance and percentage of time spent in the social interaction zone by both male and female mice in the 5th socialization was significantly increased compared to the 4th socialization (P<0.01, P<0.05). The results of the first phase of three-box socialization experiment showed that male and female mice in the CTL group spent more time socializing with their social partners than in contact with the empty cages (P<0.01); there was no difference in the time spent by male and female mice in the VPA group in socializing with their social partners and the empty cages; and male and female mice in the VEX group spent a longer time socializing with their social partners(P<0.01). The results of the second phase of three-box test showed that male and female mice in the CTL group showed a significant tendency to socialize with new social partners (P<0.01), whereas no significant changes were observed in the mice of VPA group; aerobic exercise significantly ameliorated this deficit in male and female mice with autism. Compared with the CTL group, VPA-induced significant decreases were observed in the total distance freely moved in the central area of the open field, the time and percentage of time spent in the open arm of cross maze, and the distance and time spent in the white box in both male and female autistic mice (P<0.01); a significant increase in the number of bead burials and time spent in self-grooming (P<0.01); a significant decrease in the cognitive index (P<0.01); a significantly longer latency to find the platform, and significantly decreased the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant and the number of times they traversed the platform (P<0.01). Compared with the VPA group, after 8 weeks of aerobic intervention, male and female mice in the VEX group showed a significant increase in total distance, open-arm dwell time, and percentage of free movement in the central area of the empty field (P<0. 05), and a trend toward a decrease in the dwell time of females in the white box was not significant, the number of beads burying and the time of self-combing were significantly lower(P<0.01, P<0.05); and a significant increase in cognitive index (P<0.05), a significantly shorter time to find the platform, and significantly increased percentage of time spent in the target quadrant and the number of times they traversed the platform (P<0.01), showing excellent learning memory. ConclusionAutistic mice severely suffer from social and cognitive impairments, repetitive stereotyped behaviors, decreased activity level, and the exhibition of anxiety. 8 weeks of aerobic exercise can improve the social and cognitive abilities, alleviate the stereotyped repetitive behaviors, increase the activity level, and positively regulate the anxiety in autistic mice. It is hypothesized that aerobic exercise has an important role in motor rehabilitation of autism, in order to provide a theoretical basis for clinical research.
8.Effect of Qishao Huoxue Prescription on Hemorheological Parameters and Serum Levels of Inflammatory Mediators in Lumbar Disc Herniation Due to Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis
Guojun WANG ; Shimin ZHANG ; Jiao JIN ; Ning LIU ; Hai LIN ; Fudong SHI ; Chun CHEN ; Yadi FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):159-166
ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effects of Qishao Huoxue prescription on patients with lumbar disc herniation due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis and the effects of this prescription on hemorheological parameters and serum levels of inflammatory mediators. MethodA total of 86 patients with lumbar disc herniation due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis treated in the Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2023 to February 2024 were selected and assigned according to the random number table into observation and control groups (n=43). Patients in both groups received lumbar traction treatment. In addition, the observation group was orally treated with Qishao Huoxue prescription and the control group with celebrex for 3 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disabilitiy index (ODI) score, 12-item Short-Form Survey (SF-12) score, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, hemorheological parameters [whole blood high shear viscosity, middle shear viscosity, low shear viscosity, plasma viscosity (PV), and fibrinogen (FIB)], and the serum levels of inflammatory mediators [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)] were determined before and after treatment. In addition, the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were observed and compared between the two groups. ResultAfter treatment, both groups showed declined VAS, ODI, and TCM symptom scores (P<0.05), increased SF-12 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores (P<0.05). After treatment, the whole blood high shear viscosity, middle shear viscosity, low shear viscosity, PV, and FIB decreased in the observation group (P<0.05), while they did not show significant variations in the control group. After treatment, both groups of patients showed reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and an elevation in the TGF-β1 level (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed decreases in VAS, ODI, TCM symptom scores and main symptom scores (P<0.05), no significant differences in the secondary symptom scores, increased PCS and MCS scores (P<0.05). The observation group outperformed the control group in terms of recovering whole blood high shear viscosity, middle shear viscosity, low shear viscosity, PV, FIB, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and TGF-β1 (P<0.05). The total response rate in the observation group was 97.5% (40/41), which was higher than that (88.1%, 37/42) in the control group (P<0.05). No serious adverse reaction was observed in the two groups during the observation period. One case in the observation group showed subcutaneous bruising on the lower limbs, which gradually disappeared after withdrawal. ConclusionQishao Huoxue prescription demonstrated definite effect in treating lumbar disc herniation due to qi stagnation and blood stasis by recovering hemorheological parameters and inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators in the serum without inducing adverse reactions. It is worth applying in clinical practice.
9.Acupuncture with Manipulation for Lumbar Disc Herniation in Remission of 50 Cases:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Chun CHEN ; Jiao JIN ; Jingxuan MO ; Hai LIN ; Fudong SHI ; Guojun WANG ; Guannan WU ; Shimin ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):1026-1032
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture with manipulation for lumbar disc herniation in remission period. MethodsOne hundred and four patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 52 cases in each group. Treatment group applied acupuncture with manipulation of pointing, pulling, and shaking. Acupoints were selected as lumbar Jiaji (EX-B2, bilateral), Ashi point, Shenshu (BL 23, bilateral), Huantiao (GB 30, bilateral), Weizhong (BL 40, opposite side of the affected area), Chengshan (BL 57, opposite side of the affected area). The control group applied lumbar traction plus acupoint ultrasonic pulse penetration therapy (acupoints selection same as the treatment group); 20 minutes each time, 3 times a week, a total of 3 weeks for both groups. The primary outcome was the improvement rate of lumbar disc herniation symptoms and signs, which was calculated at 1 week of treatment, 3 weeks of treatment, 1 month follow-up, and 3 months follow-up, respectively; the secondary outcome were the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores (including ODI total scores, sitting scores and standing scores), which were evaluated before treatment, 1 week of treatment, 3 weeks of treatment, 1 month follow-up, and 3 months follow-up; clinical effectiveness was assessed at 3 months follow-up; and the occurrence of adverse events in the participants, as well as blood routine, urine routine, stool routine, and electrocardiograms before and after the treatment were recorded to evaluate safety. ResultsTwo patients from each group fell out, and 50 patients of each group were included in the outcome analysis ultimately. The scores of lumbar disc herniation symptoms and signs improved more in the treatment group than in the control group at 1 week of treatment, 3 weeks of treatment, 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-up (P<0.01). The JOA scores of participants in both groups at 1 week of treatment, 3 weeks of treatment, 1 month follow-up and 3 months follow-up were higher than those before treatment in the same group, and the VAS scores, ODI total scores, ODI sitting scores and standing scores were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group (P<0.05), and the JOA scores of patients in the treatment group were higher than those of the control group at all time points, and the VAS scores, ODI total scores, ODI sitting scores and standing score were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). At the 3 months follow-up, the excellent rate of the treatment group was 70.00% (35/50) better than that of the control group, which was 50.00% (25/50) (P<0.05). There were no abnormalities in blood, urine, stool routines and electrocardiograms before and after treatment in both groups, and no adverse events occurred. ConclusionAcupuncture with manipulation of pointing, pulling, and shaking for treating patients with lumbar disc herniation in remission has a better safety on pain relief and improving quality of life, and the effectiveness is better than lumbar traction plus acupoint ultrasonic pulse penetration therapy.
10.Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Communication Strategies for Vaccination Decision-Making Facilitation
Yuwei ZHANG ; Yuzhuo XIE ; Yazhou WANG ; Jiajun SHI ; Jingzhi WANG ; Jiaqi GUO ; Baijun TENG ; Mingli JIAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):66-69
In recent years,public hesitancy to vaccinate has come to the fore and can hinder the advancement of immunization programs.It is important to increase public confidence in vaccines and to rationally and effectively promote the immunization behavior of the population.Based on behavioral economics theory,it combines the anchoring effect,loss aversion,two-systems theory,and the herd effect to explore the irrational factors and decision-making preferences behind the public's vaccination decisions,and then proposes discourse strategies for effective boosting to increase the public's confidence in vaccination.

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