1.Jujuboside A Improves Cognitive Function in Rat Model of VCI via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Zixuan HUANG ; Shuo YANG ; Jiaqi ZHOU ; Gengchao ZHANG ; Qiuyun YOU ; Aihua TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):107-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of jujuboside A (JuA) on the learning and memory abilities and histopathological changes in the rat model of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and explore the potential mechanisms by which JuA treats VCI. MethodsA total of 50 male SPF-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham operation group (n=10), a blank control group (n=10), and a modeling group (n=30). The rats in the modeling group underwent bilateral carotid artery ligation (2-VO) for the modeling of VCI. After stabilization, the VCI rats were randomized into model, JuA (20 mg·kg-¹), and donepezil (0.45 mg·kg-¹) groups. After 4 weeks of gavage, the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests were conducted to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of rats. Nissl staining was employed to evaluate the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) in the hippocampal tissue. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β, p-CREB, Bcl-2, PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt in the hippocampal tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group, the model group exhibited declines in the learning and memory abilities (P<0.01), neuronal damage and decreased neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region (P<0.01), up-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β (P<0.01), and down-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, CREB, and Bcl-2, as well as the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, p-CREB, and Bcl-2 (P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, both the JuA and donepezil groups demonstrated improvements in the learning and memory abilities (P<0.05, P<0.01), with reduced neuronal damage and increased neurons (P<0.05, P<0.01). In addition, the two groups showed down-regulation in the mRNA level of GSK-3β (P<0.01) and up-regulation in the mRNA levels of PI3K, Akt, CREB, and Bcl-2 and the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, p-CREB, and Bcl-2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the blank control and sham operation groups in terms of the learning and memory abilities, neuron count, and mRNA and protein levels of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway-related factors. ConclusionJuA can ameliorate the cognitive impairment in the rat model of VCI by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, reducing the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, and alleviating the hippocampal neuronal damage.
2.Calcitriol reverses sepsis-induced immunosuppression via VDR/Ca2+/pyroptosis signaling pathway
Shenglan SHANG ; Shuo ZOU ; Yuqi WEI ; Mengchen YU ; Fan ZHOU ; Yan ZHAO ; Airong YU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2232-2237
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of calcitriol on sepsis-induced immunosuppression and its potential mechanism. METHODS A sepsis-induced immunosuppression mice model was established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The 7-day survival rate, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β were determined in sham operation group, CLP group and calcitriol group (1 μg/kg); the morphological changes of lung tissue in mice were observed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance macrophage models (representing sepsis-induced immunosuppression) were established using mice macrophage cell line RAW264.7 cells. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatants as well as mRNA expressions of IL-1β, nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), IL-18 and caspase-1 were assessed in culture medium group, LPS group, LPS tolerance group, and calcitriol (5 μmol/L) group. The following parameters were measured: propidium iodide (PI)-positive cell ratio, caspase-1 activity, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and Ca2+ levels. RESULTS Compared with CLP group, 7-day survival rate and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were increased significantly in calcitriol group (P<0.05). Additionally, pulmonary tissue damage was markedly attenuated in calcitriol group. Compared with LPS tolerance group, the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell supernatants, mRNA expressions of IL- 1β, NLRP3, IL-18 and caspase-1, PI-positive cell ratio, caspase-1 activity, LDH release, and Ca2+ levels were all increased significantly in calcitriol group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Calcitriol can reverse sepsis-induced immunosuppression, and the mechanism of action may be E-mail:yarfwy@163.com achieved by the binding of calcitriol to vitamin D receptor,which promotes the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby driving the NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis pathway.
3.Qualitative study on the cognition and behavior of nurses in blood purification centers regarding the quality of death in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Jinghua XIA ; Wenbo ZHU ; Yue ZHOU ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yan QIN ; Yuxia GUAN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(20):2766-2770
Objective:To explore the cognition and behavior of nurses in blood purification centers on the quality of death of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:The descriptive phenomenological research method was adopted. From August to October 2022, a total of 14 nurses from blood purification centers in three hospitals, namely Beijing Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing Hospital and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital were selected as interview subjects by the purposive sampling method. Semi-structured in-depth interview method was used to collect data, and Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to analyze data.Results:The cognition and behavior of nurses in the blood purification center towards the quality of death of maintenance hemodialysis patients were analyzed into four themes, namely factors affecting the quality of death of patients, convenient conditions for nurses to carry out quality of death improvement work, proactive measures taken by nurses to improve the quality of death and obstacles in the process of improving the quality of death of patients.Conclusions:The nurses in the blood purification centers have special characteristics in their feelings about the death of patients with maintenance hemodialysis, and they have certain cognition and judgment about the quality of death of patients. Managers need to pay attention to the relevant needs and suggestions of the nurses in the blood purification centers and provide help and guidance, so as to continuously improve the quality of patient death and achieve the goal of optimal death of patients.
4.Preparation and identification of humanized monoclonal antibody against periostin
Xuejiao LI ; Hang ZHAO ; Shuo ZHANG ; Huiying KANG ; Yannan ZHOU ; Shuang JIA ; Xu LU ; Hongli ZHAO ; Yang HAI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(12):2628-2633
Objective:To prepare a humanized monoclonal antibody against periostin and establish a stable cell line.Meth-ods:Based on anti-periostin mouse monoclonal antibody developed by our laboratory,total RNA was extracted,and variable region sequences were obtained by RT-PCR amplification of VH and VL genes.The mouse antibody CDR region was transplanted into the human antibody framework receptor region,and the gene was subcloned into the expression vector PATX-GS2,and stably transfected into CHO cells.Monoclonal cell lines were obtained by MSX pressure screening and limited dilution.Results:VH and VL genes were amplified by RT-PCR,and the sequence of the light and heavy chain variable region were determined.Antibody humanization were successfully stablished by CDR transplantation method a murine antibody to a human framework,and a eukaryotic expression plasmid was constructed,which was transfected into CHO cells for expression,and human anti-periostin antibody was successfully obtained.ELISA and Western blot results showed that the humanized antibody had good anti-periostin activities and binding affinity.Conclu-sion:In this study,anti-periostin humanized monoclonal antibody has been successfully prepared,which can specifically bind to peri-ostin proteins in vivo and have biological activity,providing scientific data for the precise treatment of retinal fibrosis,tissue and organ fibrosis,and malignant tumors.
5.Biomechanical Evaluation of 2 Endoscopic Spine Surgery Methods for Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Finite Element Study
Yang ZOU ; Shuo JI ; Hui Wen YANG ; Tao MA ; Yue Kun FANG ; Zhi Cheng WANG ; Miao Miao LIU ; Ping Hui ZHOU ; Zheng Qi BAO ; Chang Chun ZHANG ; Yu Chen YE
Neurospine 2024;21(1):273-285
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines.
Methods:
Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud.
Results:
In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model.
Conclusion
In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.
6.Multifactorial analysis and risk prediction model of poor abdominal incision healing in elderly women
Han ZHANG ; Bo ZHANG ; Shuo ZHANG ; Jinbowen YAN ; Qingwei MENG ; Qiubo LYU ; Xunyuan TUO ; Dan ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(11):1438-1444
Objective:To investigate the factors influencing the occurrence of poor surgical incision healing after gynecologic open surgery in elderly patients, and to construct a risk prediction model.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect perioperative data from 255 elderly patients(age ≥60 years at the time of surgery)who underwent gynecologic open abdominal surgery in Beijing Hospital from September 2021 to September 2023, and the patients were divided into 204 cases of the well-healed group and 51 cases of the poorly healed group according to the healing of their abdominal incision conditions, and all the included samples were randomly split into the training set of 179 cases and the validation set of 76 cases according to a ratio of 7∶3.Risk factors for poor incision healing were screened using univariate analysis and multifactorial Logistic regression analysis, and a column-line diagram model was constructed.The predictive value of the model was examined using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve, the internal validation of the model was performed using the Bootstrap method, the clinical application value of the model was evaluated by plotting the calibration curve, and the predictive performance of the model was compared by calculating the net reclassification index(NRI)and the integrated discriminant improvement index(IDI).Results:The results of univariate analysis showed that age, body mass index(BMI), preoperative abdominal wall thickness, intraoperative bleeding, preoperative albumin, postoperative minimum albumin, ascites, nature of the disease, and perioperative albumin supplementation were correlated with abdominal incision healing(all P<0.05).Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis showed that perioperative albumin supplementation( OR=0.07, 95% CI: 0.01-0.44, P=0.008), age( OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.12-1.52, P<0.001), preoperative abdominal wall thickness( OR=5.75, 95% CI: 2.81-15.74, P<0.001), and postoperative minimum albumin( OR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.97, P=0.017)were the influencing factors of abdominal incision healing.Plotting the ROC curves of the column-line graphical model showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for the training set and the internal validation set were 0.982(95% CI: 0.967-0.997)and 0.961(95% CI: 0.906-1.000), respectively.The model was validated using the Bootstrap self-sampling method, and the calibration curve showed that the model predicted well with good calibration, and NRI and IDI indicated that the predictive value of the four combined was higher than that of a single index for poor incision healing. Conclusions:The prediction model established in this study(including 4 indicators of age, preoperative abdominal wall thickness, perioperative albumin supplementation, and postoperative minimum albumin)has been statistically tested and internally validated to predict the risk of poorly healed abdominal incisions in elderly women in the perioperative period, facilitating timely clinical adjustment of treatment for high-risk patients.
7.Role of p-AKT-mTOR-P70S6K signaling pathway in radiation therapy for polyploid cervical cancer cells
Li ZHOU ; Ying YAN ; Fanjie MENG ; Song ZHAO ; Shuo LIU ; Lingyan SUN ; Huiying YU
Cancer Research and Clinic 2024;36(8):569-575
Objective:To investigate the role of p-AKT-mTOR-P70S6K signaling pathway in radiation therapy for polyploid cervical cancer cells.Methods:Human cervical cancer HeLa cell lines were selected and HeLa cells were radiated under 7 Gy of 6 MV X-ray. The morphological changes of the cells were observed with an inverted microscope on day 5 after radiation induction. All cells were divided into the 7 Gy group (7 Gy X-ray radiation but not transfected polyploidy HeLa cells) and the control group (the non-radiation-induced and not transfected HeLa cells). In addition, the plasmid carrying pcDNA3 negative control sequence and the plasmid carrying pcDNA3-TT-AKT sequence were transfected into HeLa cells, respectively, which were induced by 7 Gy X-ray radiation after 48 h of transfection, and then they were recorded as the pcDNA3 + 7 Gy group and the pcDNA3-TT-AKT + 7 Gy group. Cell proliferation ability was detected by using CCK-8 assay, cell cycle was detected by using flow cytometry, cell apoptosis was detected by using mitochondrial membrane potential assay, the relative expression levels of cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy related proteins were tested by using Western blot.Results:Most of the normal HeLa cells in the 7 Gy group died on day 5 after radiation induction, and only a few surviving cells increased in size with multiple nuclei. The results of Western blot showed that the relative expression levels of p-AKT, p-mTOR and p-P70S6K in HeLa cells of the 7 Gy group were lower than those of the control group (all P < 0.05). CCK-8 assay showed that the absorbance ( A) values were 0.45±0.06, 0.65±0.06 after 48 h of culture and 0.75±0.05, 1.05±0.02 after 72 h of culture, respectively in the pcDNA3 + 7 Gy group and the pcDNA3-TT-AKT + 7 Gy group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05), and the A values in the pcDNA3-TT-AKT + 7 Gy group were all higher than those in the pcDNA3 +7 Gy group. Flow cytometry results showed that the proportion of cells was (29.2±3.6)%, (26.7±1.7)% in G 0/G 1 phase and (29.6±1.6)%, (30.3±0.6)% in G 2/M phase, respectively in the pcDNA3 + 7 Gy group and the pcDNA3-TT-AKT + 7 Gy group, and the differences were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05); the proportion of cells in S phase was (10.2±0.9)% and (14.6±1.5)%, respectively in the pcDNA3 + 7 Gy group and the pcDNA3-TT-AKT + 7 Gy group, and the differences were statistically significant ( t = 2.86, P = 0.043). Mitochondrial membrane potential assay showed that the green fluorescence proportion was (23.1±2.5)% and (14.3±1.9)%, respectively in the pcDNA3 + 7 Gy group and the pcDNA3-TT-AKT + 7 Gy group, and the different was statistically significant ( t = 4.82, P = 0.009). Western blot results showed that the relative expression level of p-cdc25c (Ser216) in the pcDNA3-TT-AKT+7 Gy group was higher than that in the pcDNA3+7 Gy group ( P < 0.001); and the relative expression levels of Bak and LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the pcDNA3-TT-AKT+7Gy group were lower than those in the pcDNA3 +7 Gy group, respectively (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:The p-AKT-mTOR-P70S6K signaling pathway may be involved in the regulation of radiation-induced polyploidy HeLa cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell apoptosis.
8.Modeling of medical equipment requirements for helicopter evacuation and rescue team based on AnyLogic
Shuo TANG ; Mi LI ; Li HE ; Bang-Fu ZHOU ; Liang ZHOU ; Nan XIAO ; Zhi-Gang ZHANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(5):28-33
Objective To provide references for reasonable equipping of airborne medical equipment oriented to different tasks by constructing a medical equipment requirement model for the helicopter evacuation and rescue team.Methods Relevant basic data were collected and organized on time for routine and emergency medical treatment and elementary medical equipment requirements for types of medical treatment.AnyLogic multi-agent modeling was used to established a medical equipment requirement model for the helicopter evacuation and rescue team,with the casualty,equipment and medical personnel as the agent modules and the logical relationship-based access rules between the agents.An example was taken with a Z-8 helicopter transformed into an ambulance platform to transport the rescue team and casualties,in which a variety of evacuation tasks with multi combinations of light and serious casualties were simulated and the model developed was used to record and analyze the data on waiting time for medical treatment,completion rate,personnel utilization rate and equipment requirement during 100 times of simulation flight.Results The model developed could provide generalized medical equipment allocation programs for the helicopter evacuation and rescue team to complete a variety of evacuation tasks in terms of electronic device,treatment equipment,auxiliary instrument and medical consumables.Conclusion The model developed facilitates rational allocation of medical equipment for the helicopter evacuation and rescue team.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(5):28-33]
9.Biomechanical Evaluation of 2 Endoscopic Spine Surgery Methods for Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Finite Element Study
Yang ZOU ; Shuo JI ; Hui Wen YANG ; Tao MA ; Yue Kun FANG ; Zhi Cheng WANG ; Miao Miao LIU ; Ping Hui ZHOU ; Zheng Qi BAO ; Chang Chun ZHANG ; Yu Chen YE
Neurospine 2024;21(1):273-285
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines.
Methods:
Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud.
Results:
In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model.
Conclusion
In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.
10.Biomechanical Evaluation of 2 Endoscopic Spine Surgery Methods for Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Finite Element Study
Yang ZOU ; Shuo JI ; Hui Wen YANG ; Tao MA ; Yue Kun FANG ; Zhi Cheng WANG ; Miao Miao LIU ; Ping Hui ZHOU ; Zheng Qi BAO ; Chang Chun ZHANG ; Yu Chen YE
Neurospine 2024;21(1):273-285
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines.
Methods:
Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud.
Results:
In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model.
Conclusion
In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

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