1.Hygiene status of public items in typical public places in Shanghai from 2010 to 2024
Fengchan HAN ; Shaofeng SUI ; Yewen SHI ; Ling TONG ; Mingjing XU ; Xianliang WANG ; Tian CHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):311-316
Background Public places are important areas for daily human activities. Frequent contact with public items promotes their role as vehicles for microbial spread, creating a substantial risk for the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms. Objective To understand the hygiene status and influencing factors of public items in typical public places in Shanghai from 2010 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing the hygiene management of public items. Methods Based on the monitoring data of public items in public places in Shanghai from 2010 to 2024, the hygiene status was evaluated in three stages: 2010–2019, 2020–2022, and 2023–2024. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the impact of factors such as monitoring stages, public place types, and public item categories on the hygiene status. Results The public items in
2.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
3.Mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei Prescription in Intervening in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Rats Based on ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Di WU ; Mengyao SHI ; Lu ZHANG ; Tong LIU ; Jiabing TONG ; Cheng YANG ; Zegeng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):78-87
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Shenqi Wenfei prescription (SQWF) on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodsA rat model of COPD with lung Qi deficiency was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) combined with cigarette smoke. Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose SQWF groups (2.835, 5.67, 11.34 g·kg-1), and a Yupingfeng group (1.35 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 29 after modeling and continued for 2 weeks. The general condition of the rats was observed, and the lung function in each group was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung tissue. The proportion of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured. Apoptosis in lung tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The release level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in BALF was detected by a microplate assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in lung tissue were detected using fluorescent probes. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in BALF were measured by biochemical methods. Ultrastructural changes in lung cells were observed via transmission electron microscopy. Double immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in lung tissue. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), Caspase-1 p20, gasdermin D (GSDMD), GSDMD N-terminal active fragment (GSDMD-N), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-18 in lung tissue. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed lassitude, fatigue, tachypnea, and audible phlegm sounds, and lung function significantly declined (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were obvious. The level of inflammatory cells in BALF increased significantly (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA in BALF increased significantly (P0.01), while GSH and SOD activities decreased significantly (P0.01). Lung tissue cells showed irregular morphology, swollen mitochondria, disrupted cell membranes, and abundant vesicles, i.e., pyroptotic bodies. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue were significantly elevated (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also increased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, each medication group showed alleviation of qi deficiency symptoms and improved lung function (P0.01). Pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cell infiltration were reduced. Inflammatory cell levels decreased (P0.05). The number of TUNEL-positive cells decreased significantly (P0.01). Levels of LDH, ROS, and MDA decreased significantly (P0.05), while GSH and SOD activities significantly increased (P0.01). Morphological and structural damage in lung tissue was improved to varying degrees. Protein levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, Caspase-1 p20, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P0.01), and serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels also decreased significantly (P0.05). ConclusionSQWF can improve lung function and alleviate inflammatory responses in COPD rats. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway and inhibiting pyroptosis.
4.Three-dimensional Electrical Impedance Tomography for Monitoring Gastric Hemorrhage
Zi-Han ZHAO ; Bo SUN ; Jing-Shi HUANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Yang WU ; Nan LI ; Jia-Feng YAO ; Tong ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1062-1075
ObjectiveGastric hemorrhage is one of the most common and life-threatening emergencies of the upper digestive tract. Early identification and continuous monitoring are essential for reducing rebleeding rates and mortality, particularly within the critical early hours after onset. Although endoscopy and radiological imaging can accurately localize bleeding sites, these approaches are invasive, resource-intensive, and unsuitable for continuous bedside monitoring. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT), as a noninvasive and radiation-free functional imaging technique, offers real-time visualization of conductivity distribution and has the potential for detecting intragastric bleeding based on the electrical contrast between blood and surrounding gastric tissues. In this study, a three-dimensional gastric EIT (3D-gEIT) framework is proposed to achieve noninvasive, real-time, and dynamic monitoring of gastric hemorrhage, with emphasis on spatial localization and quantitative volume assessment. MethodsA three-dimensional upper-abdominal simulation model incorporating the stomach, gastric wall, gastric contents, and surrounding tissues was established. Three electrode configurations, namely the dual layer ring, the four layer staggered ring, and the opposed dual plane array, were designed and systematically compared to evaluate their influence on depth sensitivity and spatial resolution. Based on the Tikhonov-Noser hybrid regularization scheme, a region-clustering constraint was introduced to develop the TK-Noser-RCC algorithm. This approach aggregates spatially adjacent elements with similar conductivity variations, thereby enhancing structural continuity and suppressing isolated noise artifacts. To validate the proposed framework, an upper-abdominal physical phantom was constructed using agar to simulate background tissue conductivity. Hemispherical high-conductivity inclusions with volumes ranging from 10 ml to 50 ml were attached to the inner gastric wall to mimic localized bleeding under different gastric filling states. Boundary voltages were acquired under a 120 kHz excitation current and reconstructed using the TK-Noser-RCC algorithm. Furthermore, an in vivo animal experiment was performed using a porcine model with adult-scale abdominal dimensions. A total of 100 ml of autologous blood was injected incrementally into the stomach to simulate progressive gastric hemorrhage, and time-difference EIT reconstruction was conducted at each injection stage to assess the dynamic system response under physiological conditions. ResultsSimulation results demonstrated that the opposed dual-plane electrode array achieved superior depth sensitivity distribution and spatial resolution. For a 40 ml hemorrhage model, the average ICC and SSIM improved by 55.9% and 38.8% compared with the dual-layer ring configuration, and by 64.0% and 39.5% compared with the four-layer staggered configuration. The proposed region-clustering constraint significantly enhanced reconstruction stability. Under added Gaussian noise of 40 dB and 30 dB, ICC values remained approximately 0.85, indicating effective artifact suppression and preservation of boundary integrity. In physical phantom experiments, reconstructed hemorrhage volumes increased approximately linearly with the preset hemispherical volumes, and the reconstructed high-conductivity regions closely matched the actual bleeding locations. Both empty-stomach and full-stomach conditions were evaluated, demonstrating that the opposed dual-plane configuration maintained stable imaging performance across varying gastric contents. In the animal experiment, reconstructed low-impedance regions expanded progressively with increasing injected blood volume. The spatial localization of the hemorrhage remained stable throughout the procedure, and no significant artifacts were observed. Quantitative analysis showed that reconstructed volume and average conductivity variation exhibited an approximately linear growth trend with injected blood volume, confirming the sensitivity of the system to dynamic intragastric conductivity changes. ConclusionThe proposed 3D-gEIT framework enables quantitative reconstruction of gastric hemorrhage volume and spatial distribution with improved depth sensitivity, structural continuity, and noise robustness compared with conventional EIT approaches. By integrating optimized electrode configuration and a region-clustering-constrained reconstruction algorithm, the system provides stable dynamic monitoring under both controlled phantom conditions and in vivo physiological environments. This method offers a noninvasive, real-time, and low-cost imaging strategy for early diagnosis, postoperative monitoring, and bedside surveillance of gastric bleeding.
5.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
6.A New Perspective on Mental Health Assessment in Laboratory Animals: Stress Response Monitoring Based on Hair Characteristics
Hongman LI ; Yutong CHEN ; Yingpei SHI ; Yijing WANG ; Yan PAN ; Tong XU ; Yi ZHOU ; Qiyue DENG ; Xue LIU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):553-563
The mental health management of laboratory animals is a critical factor in ensuring the reliability of scientific research data. However, due to the subtle nature of mental state alterations and the limitations of current assessment methods, the mental health of laboratory animals is often overlooked by researchers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore a new, objective, simple, and practical method for evaluating mental health. Stress, as a primary factor inducing alterations in the mental state of animals, can influence experimental results across multiple research fields through the neuroendocrine-immune network. This paper first elucidates the necessity of mental health management in laboratory animals from three perspectives: factors contributing to stress, neural mechanisms of stress, and research areas affected by stress. It highlights that excluding animals with abnormal mental states before experiments can enhance the efficiency and reproducibility of biomedical studies. Second, this paper briefly summarizes existing methods for assessing the health of laboratory animals, pointing out that approaches such as behavioral tests and metabolomics have many limitations in evaluating stress responses. Existing methods struggle to meet the demand for simple, objective, and non-invasive assessment methods in animal management. Therefore, this paper focuses on hair, a biological sample with the advantages of cumulative information and non-invasive collection, and systematically describes the theoretical basis and technological advances in using hair characteristics as indicators of stress responses from three perspectives: hair traits, the levels of substances in hair, and artificial intelligence (AI). It proposes and supports an innovative technical pathway that combines hair traits with AI-based image analysis, with the aim of offering an improved solution for non-invasive and objective stress assessment, while providing theoretical support for improving the health management system of laboratory animals.
7.Impact of high intensity interval training on mental health and sleep quality in female college students with normal weight obesity
LIANG Beibei,WU Tong,XU Yun,SHI Hengfeng
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1116-1120
Objective:
To investigate the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on mental health and sleep quality in female college students with normal weight obesity, so as to provide a reference for promoting their physical and mental health.
Methods:
From September to November 2024, 42 female college students who met the criteria for normal weight obesity were recruited from Anqing Medical College and randomly assigned to an HIIT group ( n =21) or a control group ( n =21) using a random number table. The HIIT group completed an 8 week intervention (3 sessions/week) at 75%-90% of maximum heart rate (HR max ), whereas the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Before and after the intervention, body composition was measured, and anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Statistical analysis included t-test, two way mixed analysis of variance, simple effect analysis, Wilcoxon signed rank test,Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson product moment correlation analysis, and Fisher s Z-transformation test.
Results:
Before the intervention, there were no statistically significant differences between the HIIT group and the control group in body composition indicators (body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, visceral fat level, visceral fat area, and waist circumference), psychological indicators (anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms), and sleep quality problems among female college students (all P >0.05). After the intervention, the above indicators in the HIIT group[(58.53±1.05)kg,(21.93±0.36)kg/m 2,(28.15±0.48)%,(7.31±0.43),( 78.54± 4.28)cm 2,(75.91± 1.26 )cm,2(1,3) scores,2(1,4) score,(6.15±1.58)score] all decreased ( F/Z =3.95,12.76,23.65,43.97,19.06,22.04,-3.35, -4.01 ,20.52,all P <0.05), and were all lower than those in the control group ( F/U =4.45, 6.82 , 52.34 ,28.46,34.25,13.49, 344.0 ,327.0,31.62,all P <0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in the above indicators in the control group before and after the intervention (all P >0.05).Before the intervention, the total score of sleep quality problems in the HIIT group of female college students was positively correlated with the depression symptom score ( r =0.54, P < 0.05 ), while the correlation in the control group was not statistically significant ( r =-0.10, P >0.05). After the intervention, the correlation was strengthened in the HIIT group ( r =0.81, P <0.05), and the strength of the association was greater than that in the control group ( Z =3.50, P <0.05).
Conclusion
HIIT may improve sleep quality and mental health in female college students with normal weight obesity.
8.Analysis of associated factors of two pertussis cluster outbreaks in primary schools of Yangzhong City in 2025
LI Taiyue, TONG Haiyuan, SHI Xiaohua, HUO Xiang, CHEN Qiang, QIN Si, ZHOU Yin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1184-1188
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, associated factors, and vaccine effectiveness of two pertussis cluster outbreaks in two primary schools in Yangzhong City in 2025, so as to provide evidence for school based epidemic prevention and control.
Methods:
From August 26 to 30, 2025, a pertussis questionnaire was administered to the epidemic affected classes of two primary schools (school A and school B) in Yangzhong City. A descriptive epidemiological retrospective analysis was used to characterize the pertussis cluster outbreaks in Yangzhong City from March to July 2025. A 1∶5 matched case control study (79 cases, 395 controls) was performed. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors, and the clinical symptom incidence rates, types of pertussis containing vaccines, and timeliness of vaccination were compared between groups using Fisher s exact test.
Results:
From March to July 2025, a total of 79 pertussis cases were reported in the two schools, with attack rates of 1.33% and 1.01%, respectively. Cases were predominantly aged 7-8 years (85.37% in school A, 73.68% in school B), and the main clinical manifestation was productive cough (63.29%). The pneumonia incidence rate among hospitalized cases ( 57.14 %) was higher than that among nonhospitalized cases(4.17%)(Fisher s exact test, P <0.01). The interval from the last dose to onset was concentrated at 6 to <7 years (44 cases). Logistic regression showed that children exposed to secondhand smoke in daily life ( OR = 3.86 ), those whose desk mates or front/back desk mates took leave due to cough ( OR =4.67), and those whose dining table mates or front/back table mates took leave due to cough ( OR =3.67) had significantly higher risks of pertussis (all P <0.05). A high proportion of both the case group and the control group received the acellular DTaP vaccine (97.47% and 96.96%, respectively),while a low proportion received the pentavalent vaccine (1.27% and 3.04%, respectively). Additionally, one case received only three doses of the acellular DTaP vaccine.The difference in vaccine type distribution between the two groups was not statistically significant (Fisher s exact test, P =0.31).
Conclusions
The outbreaks represent breakthrough infections under high vaccine coverage. Close contact and secondhand smoke exposure are the main risk factors. A booster immunization strategy with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine should be implemented for school aged children.
9.Efficacy of intermittent theta burst stimulation therapy in treating persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia and its relationship with changes in peripheral blood inflammatory markers
Sisi CHEN ; Shuyan TONG ; Zhu TONG ; Wanlong LI ; Hanqing SHI ; Lei YAO ; Chao ZHOU ; Xiangrong ZHANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):295-302
BackgroundNegative symptoms of schizophrenia impose a substantial burden on society, and the current antipsychotic drugs have limited efficacy in treating these symptoms. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), as a novel neuromodulation technique, shows potential therapeutic promise. However, the evidence for its efficacy in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia and its relationship with associated immuno-inflammatory changes remain to be further elucidated. ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of iTBS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) on persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and to analyze its relationship with changes in peripheral blood inflammatory markers, so as to provide references for the clinical application of iTBS in treating persistent negative symptoms and to offer clues for further research into its potential biological mechanisms. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted. A total of 60 patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized at Xuzhou Oriental Peopple's Hospital from February 20, 2024 to May 10, 2025 were consecutively enrolled. All patients met the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) and fulfilled the criteria for persistent negative symptoms. Participants were randomly assigned into the study group and the control group, with 30 patients in each group. The two groups respectively received 20 sessions of either active iTBS or sham stimulation over a 4-week period. Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at the baseline, the end of treatment, and 3 months after treatment. Peripheral blood inflammatory markers were measured at the baseline and at the end of treatment, including white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also calculated. A linear mixed model was used to compare PANSS scores between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to examine the association between reductions in inflammatory markers at the end of treatment and reductions in PANSS negative symptom subscale scores, with body mass index (BMI) and chlorpromazine-equivalent dose as covariates. Results①The time-group interaction effect for the PANSS negative symptom subscale score was statistically significant (F=5.410, P<0.01). At the end of treatment and 3 months after treatment, the study group had significantly lower scores on the PANSS negative symptom subscale than the control group (P<0.01). ② At the end of treatment, group differences in reduction scores for neutrophil count, NLR, and PLR were significant (Z=-2.262, -2.048, -2.070, P<0.05). However, after FDR correction, the between-group differences in reductions in peripheral blood inflammatory markers were no longer statistically significant (P>0.05). ③ After adjusting for BMI and chlorpromazine equivalents, the reduction in PANSS negative symptom subscale scores was positively correlated with the reduction in neutrophil count in the study group (rs=0.382, P=0.045). ConclusioniTBS targeting the L-DLPFC may be beneficial in improving persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and its clinical efficacy may be associated with changes in neutrophil count. [Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (number, 82371510); Social Development Project of Jiangsu Province (number, BE2023668). www.chictr.org.cn number, ChiCTR2500101060]
10.Effects and Regulation of Glycosylation Modifications on G Protein-coupled Receptor Function
Fang-Ming WU ; Sheng-Long LING ; Pan SHI ; Yu SUN ; Chang-Lin TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2352-2364
Glycosylation constitutes a critical, highly intricate, and diverse co- and post-translational modification characterized by the covalent attachment of sugar moieties to proteins, lipids, or small RNAs. Complex glycans are ubiquitously present across nearly all living organisms. Despite their prevalence, our comprehension of glycan diversity remains limited, likely due to the inherent challenges associated with elucidating their structural complexity. Among post-translational modifications, protein glycosylation is notably prevalent, involving the enzymatic transfer of oligosaccharides to specific amino acid residues by glycosyltransferases. This modification plays a pivotal role in modulating protein function, including participation in various biological and biochemical recognition processes. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), encoded by approximately one thousand genes, share a conserved architecture comprising seven transmembrane helices interconnected by three intracellular and three extracellular loops. Representing the largest family of human membrane proteins, GPCRs regulate a vast array of physiological and pathological processes, thereby constituting the most extensive class of therapeutic targets. In mammalian systems, the majority of GPCRs undergo glycosylation predominantly at their extracellular N-terminus or extracellular loops, primarily through N-linked and O-linked glycosylation. These covalent carbohydrate modifications exert profound effects on multiple facets of GPCR biology, including endoplasmic reticulum folding and quality control, membrane trafficking and surface expression, receptor internalization and recycling or degradation, ligand binding and signal transduction, biased signaling, and receptor dimerization. Notably, glycosylation can exert both positive and negative regulatory influences on these processes. Dysregulation of GPCR glycosylation has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, underscoring its physiological and pathological significance. Aberrant glycosylation patterns may lead to dysfunctional receptor signaling, thereby contributing to disease progression. Consequently, elucidating the precise roles of glycosylation in GPCR function not only enhances fundamental understanding of receptor biology but also facilitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting glycosylation pathways or specific GPCR glycoforms. Although the functional consequences of glycosylation have been investigated for several decades, delineating their exact structural underpinnings has remained challenging due to the intrinsic flexibility and heterogeneity of carbohydrate structures. Recent advances in structural biology, particularly single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography, have catalyzed a paradigm shift in our understanding of GPCR glycosylation. The integration of these sophisticated structural techniques with biochemical approaches has redefined glycosylation as a complex structural element integral to receptor function. These developments provide a molecular framework for comprehending how glycans influence receptor pharmacology and open new avenues for the rational design of glyco-engineered biologics and allosteric modulators targeting specific extracellular motifs. This mini-review concentrates on glycosylation within the GPCR superfamily, summarizing the impact of glycosylation modifications on receptor function and regulatory mechanisms, recent progress in the structural biology of GPCR glycosylation, and prospective directions for future research in this field.


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