1.Isotemporal substitution analysis of 24 hour activity behaviors on fine motor development among preschool children
ZHANG Chu an, WEN Lei, FU Jinmei, ZHANG Zhiyu, ZHANG Shuna, WEN Xinghui, ZHAO Guanggao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):413-416
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between 24 hour activity behaviors and fine motor development in preschool children, and to simulate the effects of reallocating time among different activity behaviors on fine motor development using isotemporal substitution analysis.
Methods:
From March to July 2022, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to recruit 447 preschool children aged 3-6 years (254 boys and 193 girls) from Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province. The 24 hour activity behaviors in preschool children were measured using ActiGraph wGT3-BT accelerometers and subjective sleep reports. Fine motor development was assessed using the Gesell Developmental Schedules. A component linear regression model was employed to analyze the impact of 24 hour activity behaviors on the development of fine motor activities, and the potential effects of adjusting activity behaviors were simulated through an isochoric substitution model.
Results:
The daily durations of sedentary behavior (SB) was ( 572.92 ±102.96) min (accounting for 39.79% of 24 h), the duration of light physical activity (LPA) was (131.21± 38.11 ) min ( 9.11% ), the duration of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was (65.61±22.21) min (4.56%), and sleep duration was (670.65±57.58) min (46.82%). Sleep composition was positively associated with fine motor development ( β =2.74), while MVPA ( β =-0.84) and SB ( β =-1.93) compositions were negatively associated with fine motor development (all P <0.01). Isochoric substitution analysis showed that sleep had positive effects on the development of fine motor skills when replacing other activity behaviors (all P < 0.05), with the substitution effect for MVPA being the most significant and gradually increasing with the duration of substitution (60 min: β =28.66); sleep replacement of SB and LPA also showed positive effects (60 min: β =4.25, 2.00) (all P < 0.05). On the contrary, the substitution of sleep with MVPA showed negative effects (60 min: β =-7.86), and the substitution of LPA and SB with MVPA also showed negative effects (60 min: β =-5.65, -3.40) (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The overall composition of 24 hour activity behaviors is associated with fine motor development in preschool children, with sleep playing a crucial role. Ensuring adequate sleep and optimizing the structure of activity behaviors may effectively promote the development of fine motor skills in preschool children.
2.The Regulatory Effects and Mechanisms of Piezo1 Channel on Chondrocytes and Bone Metabolic Dysregulation in Osteoarthritis
Yan LI ; Tao LIU ; Yu-Biao GU ; Hui-Qing TIAN ; Lei ZHANG ; Bi-Hui BAI ; Zhi-Jun HE ; Wen CHEN ; Jin-Peng LI ; Fei LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):564-576
Osteoarthritis (OA), a highly prevalent degenerative joint disease worldwide, is defined by articular cartilage degradation, abnormal bone remodeling, and persistent chronic inflammation. It severely compromises patients’ quality of life, and currently, there is no radical cure. Abnormal mechanical stress is widely regarded as a core driver of OA pathogenesis, and the exploration of mechanical signal perception and transduction mechanisms has become crucial for deciphering OA’s pathophysiological processes. Piezo1, a key mechanosensitive cation channel belonging to the Piezo protein family, has recently gained significant attention due to its pivotal role in mediating cellular responses to mechanical stimuli in joint tissues. This review systematically examines Piezo1’s expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological functions in OA, with a particular focus on its dual roles in modulating chondrocyte homeostasis and bone metabolism disorders, while also delving into the underlying molecular signaling pathways and potential therapeutic implications. Piezo1, consisting of approximately 2 500 amino acids and forming a unique trimeric propeller-like structure, is widely expressed in chondrocytes, osteocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and synovial cells. It exhibits permeability to cations such as Ca2+, K+, and Na+, and directly responds to membrane tension changes induced by mechanical stimuli like fluid shear stress and mechanical overload. In OA patients and animal models, Piezo1 expression is significantly upregulated, especially in cartilage regions subjected to abnormal mechanical stress (e.g., human temporomandibular joint cartilage). This overexpression is closely associated with aggravated cartilage degeneration, increased chondrocyte apoptosis, accelerated cellular senescence, and intensified inflammatory responses. Mechanical overload and pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) are key inducers of Piezo1 upregulation: IL-1β activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance Piezo1 expression, forming a pathogenic positive feedback loop that inhibits chondrocyte autophagy, promotes apoptosis, and further accelerates joint degeneration. Mechanistically, Piezo1 mediates OA progression through multiple interconnected pathways. When activated by mechanical stress, Piezo1 triggers excessive Ca2+ influx, leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and mitochondrial dysfunction, which directly induce chondrocyte apoptosis. This process involves the activation of downstream signaling cascades such as cGAS-STING and YAP-MMP13/ADAMTS5. YAP, a transcriptional regulator, upregulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and aggrecanase (ADAMTS5), thereby accelerating cartilage matrix degradation. Additionally, Piezo1-driven Ca2+ overload promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulates senescence markers (p16 and p21), accelerating chondrocyte senescence via the p38MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Senescent chondrocytes secrete senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), further amplifying joint inflammation. In terms of bone metabolism, Piezo1 maintains joint homeostasis by promoting the differentiation of fibrocartilage stem cells into chondrocytes and balancing bone formation and resorption through regulating the FoxC1/YAP axis and RANKL/OPG ratio. Therapeutically, targeting Piezo1 shows promising potential. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Piezo1 inhibitors (e.g., GsMTx4) can reduce joint damage and alleviate pain in OA mice. Simultaneously, siRNA-mediated co-silencing of Piezo1 and TRPV4 (another mechanosensitive channel) decreases intracellular Ca2+ concentration, inhibits chondrocyte apoptosis, and promotes cartilage repair. Conditional knockout of Piezo1 using Gdf5-Cre transgenic mice alleviates cartilage degeneration in post-traumatic OA models by downregulating MMP13 and ADAMTS5 expression. Despite existing challenges, such as off-target effects of inhibitors, inefficient local drug delivery, and interindividual genetic variability, strategies like developing selective Piezo1 antagonists, optimizing targeted nanocarriers, and combining Piezo1-targeted therapy with physical therapy provide viable avenues for clinical translation. The authors propose that Piezo1 serves as a critical therapeutic target for OA, and future research should focus on deciphering its context-dependent regulatory networks, developing tissue-specific intervention strategies, and validating their efficacy and safety in clinical trials to address the unmet medical needs of OA patients.
3.Efficient Loading and Targeted Delivery of Plant Exosomes
Meng XU ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Chong-Bin LEI ; Yang-Zi ZHANG ; Hong-Tao TIAN ; Wen-Tao XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1597-1608
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by plant cells, characterized by a lipid bilayer structure. These vesicles carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and play essential roles in intercellular communication and physiological regulation in plants. Compared to animal-derived extracellular vesicles, PDEVs offer several advantages, such as a broad range of sources, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low production costs. Furthermore, PDEVs have demonstrated remarkable potential as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery, due to their ability to efficiently traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, making them promising candidates for drug delivery systems. This review systematically elaborates on the complex composition of PDEVs, which consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, the typical structural characteristics of their lipid bilayers ranging from 30 to 150 nm, and their versatile loading capabilities as drug carriers, efficiently encapsulating various types of therapeutic agents such as hydrophilic small molecules, hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. We systematically summarize the recent advancements in strategies for enhancing the loading efficiency of PDEVs, which include methods such as co-incubation, ultrasound-assisted loading, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycles, and microfluidic technology. These techniques are evaluated based on their underlying principles, suitable drug types, and their respective advantages. In addition to loading strategies, we focus on the engineered approaches to achieve targeted delivery using PDEVs, such as genetic engineering modifications, chemical ligand conjugation, membrane fusion technology, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. We discuss the mechanisms of these strategies in enhancing targeting efficiency, prolonging in vivo circulation time, and improving therapeutic efficacy. Further, this review highlights the application of PDEVs in various disease models, including tumor, skin inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential as multifunctional delivery platforms. The ability of PDEVs to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents and target specific tissues or cells opens up new avenues for the treatment of complex diseases, offering advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. However, despite the promising applications of PDEVs, several challenges remain in their development and clinical translation. These challenges include variability in source materials, standardization of preparation processes, quality control, scalability of production, and the need for clinical validation. To overcome these obstacles, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted design and multi-omics analysis is proposed as a way to facilitate the precise development of PDEVs. These emerging technologies hold the potential to further enhance the precision and effectiveness of plant-based drug delivery systems, ultimately advancing the field of precision medicine. In conclusion, the use of PDEVs as a platform for drug delivery represents a promising area of research with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of bioactive molecules, along with their inherent advantages in biocompatibility and versatility, makes them a valuable tool in the development of more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions. Continued research and innovation in this field will pave the way for the clinical implementation of PDEVs in the treatment of various diseases, offering new hope for more effective and sustainable therapeutic options.
4.A study on the application of predictive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation intraoperative support in high-risk liver transplant recipients
Zhiying LEI ; Xuyong SUN ; Yuanyuan MO ; Jianhui DONG ; Ning WEN ; Rong PENG ; Juhua ZENG ; Silin LI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):618-624
Objective To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of predictive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during liver transplantation in high-risk recipients. Methods A single-center retrospective study was conducted. A total of 35 liver transplant recipients who underwent predictive ECMO assistance during surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2021 to April 2025 were included. Baseline characteristics, ECMO application, ECMO operating parameters and hemodynamic conditions during ECMO operation were analyzed. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival curves were plotted. Results Veno-arterial ECMO in 35 recipients was established after induction of general anesthesia. The median ECMO operation time was 8.5 h, and the success rate of weaning from ECMO was 97%. The cardiac index (CI) during the non-liver period and the new liver period was higher than that before cannulation, and CI increased during the non-liver period and before weaning (all P<0.001). The mean invasive arterial pressure and central venous pressure remained stable. No ECMO-related complications occurred in the recipients. The average survival time was (25 ± 3) months. The main causes of death were severe pulmonary infection and multiple organ failure. Conclusions For liver transplant recipients with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction, hemodynamic disorders, or multiple organ failure risk factors, implementing predictive ECMO support during liver transplantation through active risk prediction is a safe and effective circulatory guarantee strategy.
5.Preparation of new hydrogels and their synergistic effects of immunochemotherapy
Wen-wen YAN ; Yan-long ZHANG ; Ming-hui CAO ; Zheng-han LIU ; Hong LEI ; Xiang-qian JIA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):479-487
In recent years, cancer treatment methods and means are becoming more and more diversified, and single treatment methods often have limited efficacy, while the synergistic effect of immunity combined with chemotherapy can inhibit tumor growth more effectively. Based on this, we constructed a sodium alginate hydrogel composite system loaded with chemotherapeutic agents and tumor vaccines (named SA-DOX-NA) with a view to the combined use of chemotherapeutic agents and tumor vaccines. Firstly, the tumor vaccine (named NA) degradable under acidic conditions was constructed by
6.Design, synthesis and anti-Alzheimer's disease activity evaluation of cinnamyl triazole compounds
Wen-ju LEI ; Zhong-di CAI ; Lin-jie TAN ; Mi-min LIU ; Li ZENG ; Ting SUN ; Hong YI ; Rui LIU ; Zhuo-rong LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):150-163
19 cinnamamide/ester-triazole compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) activity. Among them, compound
7.Analysis of phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels
Xinqi XU ; Ping WANG ; Tong LIU ; Lei WANG ; Xuansheng ZHU ; Huiwen ZHANG ; Lei SHI ; Wen GAO
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):875-885
AIM:To analyze the characteristics and correlation of phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels.METHODS:A total of 45 type 2 diabetic cataract patients(45 eyes)treated in our hospital from March 2023 to April 2024 were stratified into two groups based on glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels: group A: HbA1c <7%(n=18)and group B: 7%≤HbA1c<8.5%(n=27); a total of 94 age-matched age-related cataract patients(94 eyes)were enrolled as the control group(group C). All underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Anterior segment parameters, including corneal, lens and anterior chamber measurements, were recorded. Correlations between phacoemulsification parameters and anterior segment parameters were analyzed, and differences among groups were compared.RESULTS: In groups A and B, effective phacoemulsification time(EPT)negatively correlated with corneal endothelial cell density(CECD)(r=-0.315, P=0.035). Average phacoemulsification time(APT)positively correlated with the anterior corneal surface radius of curvature(Rm; r=0.402, P=0.006)and negatively correlated with the flat axis meridian curvature(K1), steep axis meridian curvature(K2), mean curvature(Km)of the anterior corneal surface, and lens density at 6 mm zones(PDZ3; all P<0.05). Average phacoemulsification energy(AVE)positively correlated with mean lens density(LD-mean), lens density at 2 mm zones(PDZ1), lens density at 4 mm zones(PDZ2), and PDZ3(all P<0.05), and negatively with pupil diameter(r=-0.385, P=0.009). In the group C, EPT showed a positive correlation with Pentacam nucleus staging(PNS)density grade, PDZ1, PDZ2, and PDZ3(all P<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between AVE and PNS classification(r=0.246, P=0.018). Conversely, AVE exhibited a negative correlation with CECD(r=-0.245, P=0.018). EPT in groups A and B was higher than that in the group C(P<0.05). Both EPT and APT in the group B were higher than those in the group A(P<0.05). In diabetic cataract patients, CECD, corneal density(CD), and posterior corneal surface height positively correlated with diabetes duration(P<0.05). Posterior corneal surface K1 and Rm positively correlated with 7%≤HbA1c<8.5%(P<0.05). Total corneal astigmatism negatively correlated with HbA1c, 2-hour post-breakfast blood glucose(2hPBG), and fasting insulin(FINS; P<0.05). CD and lens thickness(LT)positively correlated with FINS(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification parameters and blood glucose-related indices exhibited varying degrees of correlation with anterior segment parameters in cataract patients with different blood glucose levels. EPT in diabetic cataract patients was higher than that in age-related cataract patients, while EPT and APT in diabetic cataract patients with poor glycemic control were higher than those with good glycemic control.
8.Analysis of the nutritional status and influencing factors of Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents in Golmud City, Qinghai Province in 2022
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):651-656
Objective:
To investigate the nutritional status and influencing factors among Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in high-altitude regions, so as to provide evidence for early prevention and control of malnutrition in this population.
Methods:
From May to June 2022, a cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 1 019 Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from two primary and secondary schools in Golmud City. Physical examinations, dietary frequency questionnaires, and physical activity assessments were conducted. Nutritional status was classified as obesity, combined overweight/obesity, underweight, or central obesity according to national standards including Screening for Overweight and Obesity among School-age Children and Adolescents, Screening Standard for Malnutrition of School-age Children and Adolescents, Blue Book on Obesity Prevention and Control in China. Chi-square tests, t-test and Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with different nutritional statuses.
Results:
The detection rates of obesity, combined overweight/obesity, underweight, and central obesity were 8.0%, 18.1%, 5.2%, and 19.7%, respectively. The height of children and adolescents across all age groups was generally lower than the national standard values. Tibetan participants exhibited significantly lower height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ)(9-10, 13-17 years, Z =2.01, 2.78, 4.16, 3.38, 4.12, 3.63, 3.00) and BMI-for-age Z-scores (BAZ) compared to Mongolian participants ( Z =-2.95, -2.47, -2.31, -2.89, -2.14, -2.17)( P < 0.05 ). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that Mongolian children and adolescents had higher risks of obesity ( OR =2.20) and combined overweight/obesity ( OR = 2.18 ) ( P <0.05). Additionally, insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with an increased risk of central obesity ( OR =1.48, P <0.05), compared with children and adolescents who meet the standard of MVPA.
Conclusions
The rates of overweight and obesity among Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents in Golmud City are higher, influenced by multiple factors. Nutrition interventions and physical activity strategies tailored to ethnic characteristics should be implemented, with emphasis on promoting MVPA to improve nutritional outcomes in this population.
9.Identification of core genes of osteoarthritis by bioinformatics
Xuekun ZHU ; Heng LIU ; Hui FENG ; Yunlong GAO ; Lei WEN ; Xiaosong CAI ; Ben ZHAO ; Min ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):637-644
BACKGROUND:At present,osteoarthritis has become a major disease affecting the quality of life of the elderly,and the therapeutic effect is poor,often focusing on preventing the disease process,and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis is still not fully understood.Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to explore the main pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and related mechanisms of gene coding regulation. OBJECTIVE:To screen core differential genes with a major role in osteoarthritis by gene expression profiling. METHODS:Datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO):GSE114007,GSE117999,and GSE129147.Differential genes in the GSE114007 and GSE117999 data collections were screened using R software,performing differential genes to weighted gene co-expression network analysis.The module genes most relevant to osteoarthritis were selected to perform protein interaction analysis.Candidate core genes were selected using the cytocape software.The candidate core genes were subsequently subjected to least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and COX analysis to identify the core genes with a key role in osteoarthritis.The accuracy of the core genes was validated using an external dataset,GSE129147. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 477 differential genes were identified,265 differential genes associated with osteoarthritis were obtained by weighted gene co-expression network analysis,and 8 candidate core genes were identified.The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis finally yielded a differential gene ASPM with core value that was externally validated.(2)It is concluded that abnormal gene ASPM expression screened by bioinformatics plays a key central role in osteoarthritis.
10.Effects of Electroacupuncture at "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) on Nociceptive Sensitization and PKC/TRPV1 Pathway in the Trigeminal Ganglion of Chronic Migraine Model Rats
Yixiang ZENG ; Runze TU ; Shucong ZHAO ; Yang YANG ; Haojia WEN ; Zhuozhong HE ; Shengli ZHOU ; Lei TAN ; Ke HE ; Lei FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):283-289
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of electroacupuncture at Fengchi (GB 20), Waiguan (TE 5), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) in treating chronic migraine from the perspective of nociceptive sensitization. MethodsForty SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture + agonist group, and inhibitor group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats were injected intraperitoneally with nitroglycerin to establish a chronic migraine rat model. After successful modeling, the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at bilateral "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) for 30 minutes each session. The electroacupuncture + agonist group received the same electroacupuncture treatment and additional injection of protein kinase C (PKC) agonist Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (1.0 ng/μl, 25 μl) via the infraorbital foramen. The inhibitor group received PKC inhibitor Chelerythrine Chloride (1.0 ng/μl, 10 μl) via the infraorbital foramen. The blank group, model group, and inhibitor group underwent restraint for 30 minutes without other interventions. All groups were continuously intervened for 5 days. After the intervention, the nociceptive thresholds (mechanical and thermal pain) of the periorbital area and hind paw were measured. The expression levels of transient receptor potential vanillic acid subtype 1 (TRPV1), phosphorylated TRPV1 (p-TRPV1), PKC proteins, Trpv1, Pkc mRNA, and the average fluorescence intensity of transient receptor potential vanillic acid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and PKC in the trigeminal ganglion were detected using Western Blot, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence methods. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of the periorbital area and hind paw were reduced in the model group, and the protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, as well as the mRNA expression of Trpv1 and Pkc, and the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 and PKC in the trigeminal ganglion significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the electroacupuncture group exhibited increased mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in the periorbital and hind paw areas, and decreased protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, mRNA expression of Trpv1 and Pkc, and average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1. In the electroacupuncture + agonist group, the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 in the trigeminal ganglion decreased. The inhibitor group exhibited increased mechanical pain thresholds in the periorbital area and thermal pain thresholds in the hind paw, along with decreased protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, and the average fluorescence intensity of TRPV1 and PKC (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the electroacupuncture group, the electroacupuncture + agonist group showed an increase in the protein levels of TRPV1, PKC, p-TRPV1, and the mRNA expression of Trpv1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionElectroacupuncture at the "Fengchi" (GB 20), "Waiguan" (TE 5), and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) acupoints can increase the mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in chronic migraine rats and alleviate nociceptive sensitization. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PKC/TRPV1 pathway.


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