1.Advances in 3D printed hydroxyapatite-collagen scaffolds in bone regeneration
Ziyang CHENG ; Xiaoyan HAN ; Keming MAO ; Laikui LIU ; Weiwei LIANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(1):75-80
Bone tissue engineering(BTE)is expected to be used as an autologous bone graft substitute for bone defects,and in the se-lection of BTE scaffold materials,collagen(Col)and hydroxyapatite(HA)have attracted attention due to their unique biomimetic ad-vantages.Collagen/hydroxyapatite(CHA)composite scaffolds made by combining the two have been shown to have excellent biocompat-ibility and bone-enhancing potential in various in vitro,in vivo,and clinical studies.With the development of three-dimensional(3D)printing technology in the field of tissue engineering,bone scaffolds constructed using 3D printing methods have been shown to possess superior clinical potential.This review describes new advances in 3D printed CHA composite scaffolds and introduces the application of 3D printed CHA scaffolds in oral and maxillofacial bone regenerative repair.
2.Repurposing drugs for the human dopamine transporter through WHALES descriptors-based virtual screening and bioactivity evaluation.
Ding LUO ; Zhou SHA ; Junli MAO ; Jialing LIU ; Yue ZHOU ; Haibo WU ; Weiwei XUE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):101368-101368
Computational approaches, encompassing both physics-based and machine learning (ML) methodologies, have gained substantial traction in drug repurposing efforts targeting specific therapeutic entities. The human dopamine (DA) transporter (hDAT) is the primary therapeutic target of numerous psychiatric medications. However, traditional hDAT-targeting drugs, which interact with the primary binding site, encounter significant limitations, including addictive potential and stimulant effects. In this study, we propose an integrated workflow combining virtual screening based on weighted holistic atom localization and entity shape (WHALES) descriptors with in vitro experimental validation to repurpose novel hDAT-targeting drugs. Initially, WHALES descriptors facilitated a similarity search, employing four benztropine-like atypical inhibitors known to bind hDAT's allosteric site as templates. Consequently, from a compound library of 4,921 marketed and clinically tested drugs, we identified 27 candidate atypical inhibitors. Subsequently, ADMETlab was employed to predict the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of these candidates, while induced-fit docking (IFD) was performed to estimate their binding affinities. Six compounds were selected for in vitro assessments of neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitory activities. Among these, three exhibited significant inhibitory potency, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.753 μM, 0.542 μM, and 1.210 μM, respectively. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and end-point binding free energy analyses were conducted to elucidate and confirm the inhibitory mechanisms of the repurposed drugs against hDAT in its inward-open conformation. In conclusion, our study not only identifies promising active compounds as potential atypical inhibitors for novel therapeutic drug development targeting hDAT but also validates the effectiveness of our integrated computational and experimental workflow for drug repurposing.
3.Therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of low-intensity focused ultrasound on knee arthrofibrosis in rats
Qiuyu TANG ; Lin MAO ; Dingqun BAI ; Weiwei YI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(11):1208-1216
Objective To assess the therapeutic efficacy of low-intensity focused ultrasound(LIFU)on knee arthrofibrosis in rats and explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods Fifteen male SD rats(8 weeks old,weighing 250~300 g)were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,and an ultrasound treatment group,with 5 animals in each group.Rat model of knee joint stiffness was established in the model and ultrasound treatment group.The rats in the ultrasound group received LIFU intervention(frequency:1 MHz,power:1.5 W,20 min per session,5 times/week)for 4 weeks.The knee ranges of motion(ROM,flexion and extension)were measured in all 3 groups at 0,14 and 28 d after intervention.Histological analysis was conducted for the morphological changes in the posterior capsular area of the knee.After the synovial fibroblasts were primary isolated from rat knee joints,the cells were divided into blank control,LIFU,TGF-β(10 ng/mL),and TGF-β+LIFU groups.Changes in fibrosis-related indicators and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway were assessed in each group.Results In the animal experiments,LIFU intervention for 14 d resulted in significantly improved flexion-extension ROM in knee joints when compared with the rats in the model group(P<0.05),and the improvement was more obvious at 28 d after intervention(P<0.05).After 28 d of LIFU intervention,the fibrosis of the posterior capsule of the knee joint was notably improved in the ultrasound group than the model group,and the expression levels of fibrosis-related indicators(α-SMA,TGF-β)were decreased(P<0.05).In the cellular experiments,the TGF-β group exhibited remarkable up-regulation of fibrosis-related molecules(α-SMA,COL1A1,COL3A1)at both protein and mRNA levels(P<0.05),and activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway when compared to the blank control group.While LIFU intervention inhibited the expression of TGF-β-induced upregulation of fibrotic indicators(α-SMA,COL1A1,COL3A1)and the activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway(P<0.05).Conclusion LIFU can effectively improve knee arthrofibrosis in rats,which potentially through the inhibition of fibroblast activation and modulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
4.Repurposing drugs for the human dopamine transporter through WHALES descriptors-based virtual screening and bioactivity evaluation
Ding LUO ; Zhou SHA ; Junli MAO ; Jialing LIU ; Yue ZHOU ; Haibo WU ; Weiwei XUE
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1916-1925
Computational approaches,encompassing both physics-based and machine learning(ML)methodolo-gies,have gained substantial traction in drug repurposing efforts targeting specific therapeutic entities.The human dopamine(DA)transporter(hDAT)is the primary therapeutic target of numerous psychi-atric medications.However,traditional hDAT-targeting drugs,which interact with the primary binding site,encounter significant limitations,including addictive potential and stimulant effects.In this study,we propose an integrated workflow combining virtual screening based on weighted holistic atom localization and entity shape(WHALES)descriptors with in vitro experimental validation to repurpose novel hDAT-targeting drugs.Initially,WHALES descriptors facilitated a similarity search,employing four benztropine-like atypical inhibitors known to bind hDAT's allosteric site as templates.Consequently,from a compound library of 4,921 marketed and clinically tested drugs,we identified 27 candidate atypical inhibitors.Subsequently,ADMETlab was employed to predict the pharmacokinetic and toxi-cological properties of these candidates,while induced-fit docking(IFD)was performed to estimate their binding affinities.Six compounds were selected for in vitro assessments of neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitory activities.Among these,three exhibited significant inhibitory potency,with half maximal inhibitory concentration(IC50)values of 0.753 μM,0.542 μM,and 1.210 μM,respectively.Finally,molecular dynamics(MD)simulations and end-point binding free energy analyses were con-ducted to elucidate and confirm the inhibitory mechanisms of the repurposed drugs against hDAT in its inward-open conformation.In conclusion,our study not only identifies promising active compounds as potential atypical inhibitors for novel therapeutic drug development targeting hDAT but also validates the effectiveness of our integrated computational and experimental workflow for drug repurposing.
5.Research progress on bidirectional regulation of animal cognitive behavior by microbial-gut-brain axis
Yuqiang WANG ; Xuxin LU ; Cuie DENG ; Yingxian MAO ; Weiwei ZHANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(5):527-534
Cognitive impairment is one of the manifestations of nervous system injury,which is mainly closely related to neurodegeneration,and the incidence rate is increasing year by year,which has seriously affected the health level of the population.The gut microbiota plays an important role in the health of the body and participates in the regulation of the cognitive behavior of body.The microbiome-gut-brain axis acts as a bridge connecting gut microbiota and the nervous system,and plays a regulatory role between gut microbiota and the nervous system.Therefore,this review summarizes the latest progress in the effects of gut microbiota and nervous system on the cognitive ability of body through the bidirectional regulation of neurotransmitters,gut microbiota derivatives,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,autophagy and their crosstalk through the microbial-intestinal-brain axis,and providing a reference for the clinical research of targeted transplantation of gut microbiota for preventing and treating cognitive disorders.
6.Research progress on bidirectional regulation of animal cognitive behavior by microbial-gut-brain axis
Yuqiang WANG ; Xuxin LU ; Cuie DENG ; Yingxian MAO ; Weiwei ZHANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(5):527-534
Cognitive impairment is one of the manifestations of nervous system injury,which is mainly closely related to neurodegeneration,and the incidence rate is increasing year by year,which has seriously affected the health level of the population.The gut microbiota plays an important role in the health of the body and participates in the regulation of the cognitive behavior of body.The microbiome-gut-brain axis acts as a bridge connecting gut microbiota and the nervous system,and plays a regulatory role between gut microbiota and the nervous system.Therefore,this review summarizes the latest progress in the effects of gut microbiota and nervous system on the cognitive ability of body through the bidirectional regulation of neurotransmitters,gut microbiota derivatives,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,autophagy and their crosstalk through the microbial-intestinal-brain axis,and providing a reference for the clinical research of targeted transplantation of gut microbiota for preventing and treating cognitive disorders.
7.Advances in 3D printed hydroxyapatite-collagen scaffolds in bone regeneration
Ziyang CHENG ; Xiaoyan HAN ; Keming MAO ; Laikui LIU ; Weiwei LIANG
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(1):75-80
Bone tissue engineering(BTE)is expected to be used as an autologous bone graft substitute for bone defects,and in the se-lection of BTE scaffold materials,collagen(Col)and hydroxyapatite(HA)have attracted attention due to their unique biomimetic ad-vantages.Collagen/hydroxyapatite(CHA)composite scaffolds made by combining the two have been shown to have excellent biocompat-ibility and bone-enhancing potential in various in vitro,in vivo,and clinical studies.With the development of three-dimensional(3D)printing technology in the field of tissue engineering,bone scaffolds constructed using 3D printing methods have been shown to possess superior clinical potential.This review describes new advances in 3D printed CHA composite scaffolds and introduces the application of 3D printed CHA scaffolds in oral and maxillofacial bone regenerative repair.
8.Trends in the distribution of Oncomelania hupensis in forestlands in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023
Qi MAO ; Caiying SUN ; Anqi LI ; Weiwei LU ; Xihong LÜ ; Xuehui LU ; Yanjun JIN ; Qing YU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(2):165-168
Objective To investigate the changes in distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snails in forestlands in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of O. hupensis snail surveillance programs. Methods The reports on O. hupensis snail surveillance in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023 were collected, and the snail surveillance data in forestlands were extracted. The trends in the proportion of areas with snails in forestlands in total areas with snails, occurrence of frames with living snails and density of living snails were evaluated using a Joinpoint regression model in Songjiang District from 2009 to 2023, and the annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Results A total of 40 sites with snails were found in forestlands in 14 administrative villages of 4 townships, Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023. A total of 39 065 frames were surveyed for snails in settings covering an area of 609 600 m2, and there were 6 084 frames with snails, covering 151 250 m2 snail habitats. A total of 22 210 snails were captured, with the highest density of 260.00 snails/0.1 m2, and 6 262 snails were dissected, with no Schistosoma japonicum infection identified in snails. The proportion of areas with snails in forestlands in total areas with snails appeared a tendency towards a rise in forestlands in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality from 2009 to 2023 (APC = AAPC = 24.9%, P > 0.05); however, there were no turning points in the trend curve, with the highest proportion seen in 2009 (53.81%), the lowest in 2011 and 2023 (both 0) and a mean proportion of 24.81%. The occurrence of frames with living snails appeared a tendency towards a rise from 2009 to 2023 (APC = AAPC = 41.5%, P > 0.05); however, there were no turning points in the trend curve, with the highest occurrence in 2009 (53.81%), the lowest in 2011 and 2013 (both 0), and the mean occurrence of 15.57%. In addition, the density of living snails appeared a tendency towards a rise from 2009 to 2023 (APC = AAPC = 55.0%, P > 0.05); however, there were no turning points in the trend curve, with the highest density in 2023 (0.96 snails/0.1 m2), the lowest in 2011 and 2013 (both 0), and a mean density of 0.57 snails/0.1 m2. Conclusions The difficulty in O. hupensis snail control and risk of imported snails appeared a tendency towards a rise in forestlands in Songjiang District, Shanghai Municipality over years from 2009 to 2023. Supervision and assessment prior to seedling transplantation and intensified surveillance post-transplantation are recommended to reduce the risk of O. hupensis snail importation and spread.
9.Surveillance and trend analysis of snails in Songjiang District of Shanghai from 2007 to 2023
Qi MAO ; Caiying SUN ; Anqi LI ; Weiwei LU ; Xihong LYU ; Xuehui LU ; Yanjun JIN ; Qing YU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(5):444-447
ObjectiveTo analyze the monitoring results and trends of Oncomelania in Songjiang District of Shanghai from 2007 to 2023, and to provide reference for future monitoring work. MethodsThe data of snail monitoring in Songjiang District from 2007 to 2023 were collected, including the location of snail spots, the number of survey frames, the area with snails, the number of frames with snails, the total number of snails, etc. The density of living snails and the occurrence rate of living snail frames were calculated. ResultsFrom 2007 to 2023, a total of 158 snail spots were found in 22 administrative villages in 4 towns in Songjiang District, including 131 emerging snail habitats (82.91%) and 27 reemerging snail habitats (17.09%). The total snail area was 175 980 m2, the number of snail frames was 10 061, and 33 302 snails were captured. The highest density was 260/0.11 m2, and 15 662 snails were dissected. No positive snails were found. The average density of living snails was 0.60/0.11 m2 and the average occurrence rate of living snail frames was 17.99%. The snail areas in different areas were Yexie Town 126 000 m2 (71.60%), Maogang Town 26 470 m2 (15.04%), Xinbang Town 17 040 m2 (9.68%), and Shihudang Town 6 470 m2 (3.68%). The average density of living snails in different areas was 0.89/0.11 m2 in Yexie Town, 0.65/0.11 m2 in Maogang Town, 0.26/0.11 m2 in Shihudang Town and 0.24/0.11 m2 in Xinbang Town. The snail areas of different snail habitats were as follows: woodland 151 250 m2(85.95%), river 13 810 m2(7.85%), ditch 6 910 m2(3.93%), farmland 4 010 m2(2.28%). The average density of living snails in different snail habitats: ditch 1.01/0.11 m2, beach 0.86/0.11 m2, woodland 0.57/0.11 m2, river 0.40/0.11 m2. The occurrence rate of living snail frames in different regions and different snail environment types showed a downward trend and the difference was statistically significant. ConclusionAlthough the snail monitoring indicators such as snail area, average living snail density and average living snail frame occurrence rate in Songjiang District are still at its historically low level, the average living snail density and average living snail frame occurrence rate are still high compared with other regions or the national average. We should focus on the upper reaches and tributaries of the Huangpu River, especially the key areas of seedling transplantation, and strengthen monitoring and supervision to reduce the risk of snail input.
10.Evaluation of arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament repair separately for chronic lateral ankle instability in conjunction with subtalar instability
Weiwei MAO ; Junjie TANG ; Yong ZHANG ; Wei LI ; Ying ZHU ; Ying WANG ; Jianchao GUI ; Jianzhong QIN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2024;62(6):565-571
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of simultaneous arthroscopic repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) for treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI) in conjunction with subtalar instability (STI).Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 15 patients with ankle arthroscopic in the Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2019 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 11 male cases and 4 female cases, aged (28.6±1.5) years (range: 19 to 39 years). All the patients were evaluated by manual inversion stress X-ray and MRI before operation. Arthroscopically observing and then repairing the ATFL and CFL separately after further diagnostic confirmation. One year after operation, MRI was performed, and pain visual analogue score(VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AH) and Karlsson ankle functional scale(KAFS) were evaluated. Data were compared using paired sample t test. Results:The follow-up period was (23.6±2.3) months (range: 12 to 30 months). At last follow-up,the VAS decreased from 6.1±1.4 preoperatively to 1.4±1.2( t=9.482, P<0.01).The AOFAS-AH improved from 50.5±11.7 preoperatively to 94.2±6.1( t=-13.132, P<0.01), and the KAFS improved from preoperatively 44.3±10.8 to 90.8±6.4 ( t=-12.510, P<0.01). There was no complication such as recurred instability or joint stiffness. Conclusions:Arthroscopically repairing the ATFL and CFL separately can effectively restore the stability of the ankle and subtalar joint with small trauma. Patients can recover quickly after surgery. It provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of CLAI combined with STI.

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