1.Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of the Primary Somatosensory Cortex Evokes Hand Tactile Perception: The Effect of Sonication Duration
Xu-Xu CHEN ; Huan-Jun XI ; Zhen LIANG ; Bo WANG ; Xu-Dong ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1942-1952
ObjectiveTranscranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) has emerged as a promising noninvasive neuromodulation technique capable of modulating neural activity with high spatial specificity. However, whether tFUS stimulation of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) can reliably evoke conscious tactile perception without external peripheral sensory input remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined the feasibility of inducing hand-related tactile perception through targeted S1 stimulation and further investigated how sonication duration (SD), a key temporal parameter, influences the consistency of this perceptual response. The findings may provide empirical evidence for optimizing tFUS parameters in human somatosensory modulation. MethodsForty-eight healthy adults participated in the study and were assigned to two experiments. Experiment 1 included 24 participants and was designed to preliminarily examine whether S1-targeted tFUS could evoke hand-related tactile sensations. This experiment comprised two sub-experiments, Experiment 1a and Experiment 1b, with 12 participants in each. Specifically, Experiment 1a used a randomized active stimulation protocol targeting the bilateral S1 to assess the initial feasibility of inducing contralateral tactile perception, whereas Experiment 1b employed an alternating hemispheric design incorporating both active and sham stimulation to verify the specificity of the tFUS-induced sensations. Experiment 2 enrolled another 24 participants and used a real-sham dual-probe design to control for spatial tactile cues that might arise from probe-scalp contact. Five SD levels, including 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1 000 ms, were systematically tested to evaluate how stimulation duration influenced the behavioral response. The primary behavioral outcome was the perceptual consistency rate, quantified according to the accuracy of contralateral tactile localization. ResultsIn Experiment 1, 91.7% of participants reported reliable hand-related tactile sensations during active tFUS stimulation, including numbness, tingling, or similar sensory experiences. Contralateral localization accuracy under active stimulation was significantly higher than the0.50 chance level (P<0.05). In contrast, localization performance under sham stimulation did not differ from chance, suggesting that the observed tactile responses were mainly induced by active S1-targeted tFUS stimulation rather than nonspecific stimulation cues. In Experiment 2, perceptual consistency rates significantly exceeded the chance level under the 400 and 1 000 ms SD conditions(P<0.05), whereas no significant effect was observed at 200, 600, or 800 ms. Pairwise comparisons further showed that the 400 and 1 000 ms conditions produced significantly higher perceptual consistency rates than the 200 ms condition (P<0.05). ConclusiontFUS stimulation of S1 can elicit distinct hand-related tactile sensations without peripheral sensory input, demonstrating the feasibility of using targeted cortical ultrasound stimulation to induce conscious somatosensory perception. The reliability of this perceptual effect was modulated by sonication duration, indicating that temporal stimulation parameters play an important role in shaping both the occurrence and consistency of behavioral responses. Among the tested conditions, 400 ms appeared to provide a favorable temporal window for generating stable tactile perception, whereas excessively short stimulation may be insufficient to produce consistent responses. These findings highlight the sensitivity of somatosensory networks to ultrasonic modulation and provide useful parameter guidance for the application of tFUS in noninvasive sensory enhancement and cortical functional mapping.
2.MiR-330-5p targets OY-TES-1 to inhibit the migration of glioblastoma
Guo LIANG ; Zhen-kai ZHAO ; Zhao-yue ZENG ; Qing-mei ZHANG ; Wei-xia NONG ; Xiao-xun XIE ; Xi-sheng LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(2):98-103
Objective To explore the targeted regulatory relationship of miR-330-5p on OY-TES-1 in glioblastoma and the effect of miR-330-5p/OY-TES-1 axis on the migration ability of glioblastoma.Methods Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze the expression level of miR-330-5p in patients with glioblastoma and its influence on prognosis and survival of patients.The glioblastoma cells U251 were divided into miR-330-5p minics group,minics-NC group,and miR-330-5p+OY-TES-1 overexpression group(miR-330-5p minics+pcDNA3.1-OY-TES-1).The effect of miR-330-5p on the activity of OY-TES-1 3'UTR region was detected by double luciferase reporter gene experiment.The expression of OY-TES-1 mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR.The effect of miR-330-5p/OY-TES-1 axis on the migration ability of glioblastoma cells was detected by Transwell migration assay.Results The expression of miR-330-5p in glioblastoma tissue was significantly lower than those in non-tumor brain tissue and low-grade glioma tissue(P<0.05).The survival time of glioblastoma patients with high expression of miR-330-5p was significantly longer than that of patients with low expression of miR-330-5p(P<0.05).After overexpression of miR-330-5p,the activity of OY-TES-1 3'UTR region was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with minics-NC group,the expression levels of OY-TES-1 mRNA of U251 and U87MG cells in miR-330-5p minics group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with minics-NC group,the numbers of migrating cells in miR-330-5p minics group and miR-330-5p+OY-TES-1 overexpression group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with miR-330-5p minics group,the number of migrating cells in miR-330-5p+OY-TES-1 overexpression group was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion MiR-330-5p targets OY-TES-1 to inhibit the migration of glioblastoma.
3.The Xenomitochondrion Provides Extensive Supply for Mitochondrial Transplantation
Zhen YANG ; Wen-Peng LI ; Tian NIU ; Hui-Wen XUE ; Si-Xi ZHAO ; Xing-Bo ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(2):273-283
Mitochondria are organelles in eukaryotic cells that play a crucial role in cellular energy me-tabolism,oxidative stress,heat production,and signal transduction.Mitochondrial transplantation(MT)is currently one of the most advanced techniques for treating mitochondrial dysfunction and anti-aging re-search.This study aimed to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of xenogeneic MT by transplanting mitochondria from yak(Bos grunniens),domestic cattle(Bos taurus),and horse(Equus caballus)into mice(Mus musculus).The results demonstrated that mitochondria from yak,domestic cattle,and horse could be successfully transplanted into mice and maintained in various tissues and organs of the mice for at least 14 days,as confirmed by confocal imaging,digital PCR,and DNA sequencing.MT mice exhibi-ted positive biological effects,including increased ATP content and mitochondrial DNA copy number(P<0.05),with the maximum effect observed on day 7,which was sustained until day 14.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels in MT mice significantly increased at 2 hours post-injection(P<0.05),then grad-ually decreased towards baseline levels by day 7 and day 14(P>0.05).These findings support the effec-tiveness of xenogeneic MT and suggest that the effects can be maintained for up to 14 days.This study provides scientific evidence for future clinical applications.
4.Key technology and equipment development status of first-aid robotics
Zhen-bao WANG ; Zi-jian WANG ; Xin-xi XU ; Xin LIU ; Tao CHENG ; Pei-peng LIU ; Xiu-guo ZHAO ; Chen SU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(3):96-114
The development status of the key technologies of first-aid robotics was introduced in autonomous system,embo-died intelligence,digital twins,large artificial intelligence model and autonomous unmanned medical treatment.The present situation in first-aid robotics equipment was reviewed for first-aid diagnosis,treatment,assistance and transportation.The development trends of the key technology and equipment of first-aid robotics were analyzed.It was pointed out the involve-ment of big model-based embodied intelligence technology and digital twins technology in first aid might provide new pers-pectives for the application and advancement of specialized first-aid robotics.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):96-114]
5.Effect of Qishen Yixin Granules on microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction induced by Ang Ⅱ and high-fat diet in mice and its mechanism
Wen-fang JIN ; Zhen-ni ZHANG ; Tian-tian ZHU ; Hu-gang JIANG ; Xin-qiang WANG ; Chun-zhen REN ; Xi-ping XING ; Kai LIU ; Ying-dong LI ; Xin-ke ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1982-1990
Aim To clarify the mechanism by which Qishen Yixin Granules improved microcirculation vas-cular endothelial dysfunction(VED)in mice,through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate oxidative stress.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into six groups:blank group,model group,pos-itive drug group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Qishen Yixin Granules.The VED model was established by long-term infusion of Ang Ⅱ combined with a high-fat diet.Each treatment group received the corresponding drug intervention.After four weeks of drug intervention,cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Carstairs staining was used to ob-serve the formation of microthrombi in myocardial tis-sue.The micro vascular ischemia was evaluated by Hei-denhain staining.The ultrastructure of endothelial cells was observed by electron microscopy.The levels of EMPs,ROS,NO,ET-1,TF,TM,VWF,and TXA2 in serum were measured by ELISA.The expression levels of MDA,SOD,and GSH-Px in mouse heart tissue were determined by chemical methods.Cardiac microvascu-lar density and the expression of Nrf2,Keap1,and HO-1 proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stai-ning.The protein expressions of Keap1,cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Qishen Yixin Granules could effectively improve the cardiac function of mice,alleviate the damage of endothelial cells and endothelial function.They could up-regulate serum NO levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,while down-regulating the expression of ROS and vascular inflammatory injury factors such as ET-1,VWF,TXA2,TF,TM,and EMPs.Qishen Yixin Granules also increased the positive counts of CD34,Nrf2,and HO-1,as well as microvessel density.Fur-thermore,they inhibited the expression of MDA,Keap1,and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein in myocardial tis-sue,while increasing the expression of nuclear proteins HO-1 and Nrf2.Conclusions Qishen Yixin Granules may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby improving vascular endothelial damage and cardiac function in VED mice.
6.Key technology and equipment development status of first-aid robotics
Zhen-bao WANG ; Zi-jian WANG ; Xin-xi XU ; Xin LIU ; Tao CHENG ; Pei-peng LIU ; Xiu-guo ZHAO ; Chen SU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(3):96-114
The development status of the key technologies of first-aid robotics was introduced in autonomous system,embo-died intelligence,digital twins,large artificial intelligence model and autonomous unmanned medical treatment.The present situation in first-aid robotics equipment was reviewed for first-aid diagnosis,treatment,assistance and transportation.The development trends of the key technology and equipment of first-aid robotics were analyzed.It was pointed out the involve-ment of big model-based embodied intelligence technology and digital twins technology in first aid might provide new pers-pectives for the application and advancement of specialized first-aid robotics.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):96-114]
7.Effect of methane-rich saline on rat acne and its mechanism
Wenbo ZHANG ; Zhen LIU ; Aijun SUN ; Dongbao ZHAO ; Xi ZHANG
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(11):1433-1438
Objective To investigate the effect of methane-rich saline on rat acne and its mechanism.Methods Totally 60 SD rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups(n=15):normal group,acne model group,tretinoin treatment group,or methane-rich saline treatment group.Acne models were established by applying oleic acid once a day and injecting Propionibacterium acnes every other day.No treatment was applied to the normal and acne model groups.The tretinoin treatment group received topical application of tretinoin cream on the affected areas,while the methane-rich saline treatment group was administered with methane-rich saline via oral gavage.Wet/dry weight ratio and histological staining were used to detect the rat ear edema and morphological changes.Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling(TUNEL)was used to detect apoptosis,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the expression of inflammatory factors(interleukin[IL]-6,IL-8,tumor necrosis factor α[TNF-α],and IL-37),and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of superoxide dismutase(SOD),nuclear factor κB(NF-κB),and cysteine aspartic acid specific protease 3(caspase 3).Results After the treatment with methane-rich saline,the edema and acne were alleviated in rat ears.There were significant improvements in glandular hyperplasia,inflammatory cell infiltration,vascular dilation,hair follicle enlargement,and keratinization for the rats in the methane-rich treatment group.The effect of methane-rich saline was similar to that of tretinoin.The treatment of methane-rich saline could significantly reduce the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL-6,IL-8,and TNF-α,while could significantly increase the expression of anti-inflammatory factor IL-37 and the rate of apoptosis(all P<0.01).In addition,methane-rich saline treatment could upregulate the expression of SOD,caspase 3,and cleaved caspase 3,while could reduce the expression of NF-κB(all P<0.01).Conclusion The administration of methane-rich saline has a good therapeutic effect on rat acne,and it may be related to its anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and pro-apoptotic activities.
8.Fast Screening of 10 Kinds of Illegal Aphrodisiac Drugs in Foods by Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Xi ZENG ; Yu WANG ; Ying-Li CHEN ; Tian-Tian ZHAO ; Zhen-Lin XU ; Heng-Xin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):441-450,中插3-中插5
A matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF MS)method was developed for simultaneous analysis of 10 kinds of aphrodisiac drugs,including sildenafil,acetildenafil,nor-acetildenafil,homosildenafil,lodenafil carbonate,sildlenafil dimer impurity,vardenafil dimer,hydroxyacetildenafil,N-desmethylsildenafil and udenafil.By using different matrices(α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid(HCCA)and sinapic acid(SA)),the effects of solvents,amount of matrices,laser intensity and spotting methods on the peak strength and signal intensity of MALDI-TOF MS for the aphrodisiac drugs were investigated.As a result,SA was chosen as the matrix,and then dispersed in methanol-water(50∶50,V/V),and spotted by matrix firstly and sample secondly approach with the reflect linear positive mode and laser power of 60%.Under optimal conditions,the proposed MALDI-TOF MS method could obtain stable signal,high intensity and well-repeated mass spectrometric results.The results of method validation showed a linear range from 10 to 100 ng/mL,and the regression coefficients(r)were all above 0.985.The limits of detection(LOD)were 0.1-1.0 ng/mL,and the recoveries were in the range of 72.9%-109.9%for health wine,soft capsule and instant coffee samples,while the relative standard deviations(RSDs)ranged from 0.7%to 11.3%(n=3).The test results of 10 kinds of aphrodisiac drugs by MALDI-TOF MS were in accordance with the results of high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.This method exhibited high sensitivity,high accuracy,good anti-interference ability,low chemical solvents consumption and environmentally friendliness,and could be used to detect drugs without standards.The developed MALDI-TOF MS method could realize the non-target screening and detection of 10 kinds of illegally added aphrodisiac drugs in foods.
9.Analysis of Genetic Structure among Different Populations Based on 13 Auto-somal STR Loci in CODIS Core
Xi HE ; Zhen TANG ; Ming-Ying XIA ; Yi-Qi ZHAO ; Yu-Ran LUO ; Shi-Lin LI
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(3):228-236
Objective To investigate the genetic differences among different populations based on 13 autosomal STR loci in CODIS core.Methods Data of 13 autosomal STR loci(CSF1PO,FGA,THO1,TPOX,vWA,D3S1358,D5S818,D7S820,D8S1179,D13S317,D16S539,D18S51,D21S11)were collected from 95 populations in scientific journals between 1999 and 2021,soursed from the PubMed database,which had been published.Allele frequencies of loci were sorted out and forensic genetic parameters including gene differentiation coefficient(Gst),total heterozygosity(Ht),subpopula-tion heterozygosity(Hs)values,and Nei's DA genetic distance were calculated.Principal component analysis,phylogenetic tree,and multidimensional scale analysis were conducted to assess population ge-netic structure.Results A total of 265 alleles were detected at the 13 STR loci in these 95 popula-tions.The mean values of Gst,Ht,and Hs were 0.023 247,0.797 915 and 0.779 365.Population genetic analyses reflected significant differences among populations from Asia,Africa and Europe.In Asian populations,there was a certain degree of distinction between mainland and island populations;the Han population showed a certain degree of distinction with surrounding populations in mainland;while within the Han population,there were two distinct clusters formed by the northern Han and the south-ern Han.Conclusion The 13 autosomal STR loci in CODIS core demonstrate potential value for popu-lation identification across different groups,and may be used for the differentiation of ethnic groups,among different continental populations.
10.Development of intelligent equipment for rapid microbial detection of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces based on measurement technology for traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing.
Yang LIU ; Wu-Zhen QI ; Yu-Tong WU ; Shan-Xi ZHU ; Xiao-Jun ZHAO ; Qia-Tong XIE ; Yu-Feng GUO ; Jing ZHAO ; Nan LI ; Shi-Jun WANG ; Qi-Hui SUN ; Zhi-Sheng WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4610-4618
Microbial detection and control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are crucial for the quality control of TCM preparations. It is also a key area of research in the measurement technology and equipment development for TCM manufacturing. Guided by TCM manufacturing measurement methodologies, this study presented a design of a novel portable microbial detection device, using Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces as a demonstration. Immunomagnetic separation technology was employed for specific isolation and labeling of target microorganisms. Enzymatic signal amplification was utilized to convert weak biological signals into colorimetric signals, constructing an optical biosensor. A self-developed smartphone APP was further applied to analyze the colorimetric signals and quantify target concentrations. A portable and automated detection system based on Arduino microcontroller was developed to automatically perform target microbial separation/extraction, as well as mimetic enzyme labeling and catalytic reactions. The developed equipment specifically focuses on the rapid and quantitative microbial analysis of TCM active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates in TCM manufacturing, and final TCM products. Experimental results demonstrate that the equipment could detect Salmonella in samples within 2 h, with a detection limit as low as 5.1 × 10~3 CFU·mL~(-1). The equipment enables the rapid detection of microorganisms in TCM decoction pieces, providing a potential technical solution for on-site rapid screening of microbial contamination indicators in TCM. It has broad application prospects in measurement technology for TCM manufacturing and offers strong technical support for the modernization, industrialization, and intelligent development of TCM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis*
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Atractylodes/microbiology*
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Rhizome/microbiology*
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Biosensing Techniques/methods*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Colorimetry/instrumentation*
;
Quality Control

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