1.The Invariant Neural Representation of Neurons in Pigeon’s Ventrolateral Mesopallium to Stereoscopic Shadow Shapes
Xiao-Ke NIU ; Meng-Bo ZHANG ; Yan-Yan PENG ; Yong-Hao HAN ; Qing-Yu WANG ; Yi-Xin DENG ; Zhi-Hui LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2614-2626
ObjectiveIn nature, objects cast shadows due to illumination, forming the basis for stereoscopic perception. Birds need to adapt to changes in lighting (meaning they can recognize stereoscopic shapes even when shadows look different) to accurately perceive different three-dimensional forms. However, how neurons in the key visual brain area in birds handle these lighting changes remains largely unreported. In this study, pigeons (Columba livia) were used as subjects to investigate how neurons in pigeon’s ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL) represent stereoscopic shapes consistently, regardless of changes in lighting. MethodsVisual cognitive training combined with neuronal recording was employed. Pigeons were first trained to discriminate different stereoscopic shapes (concave/convex). We then tested whether and how light luminance angle and surface appearance of the stereoscopic shapes affect their recognition accuracy, and further verify whether the results rely on specify luminance color. Simultaneously, neuronal firing activity of neurons was recorded with multiple electrode array implanted from the MVL during the presentation of difference shapes. The response was finally analyzed how selectively they responded to different stereoscopic shapes and whether their selectivity was affected by the changes of luminance condition (like lighting angle) or surface look. Support vector machine (SVM) models were trained on neuronal population responses recorded under one condition (light luminance angle of 45°) and used to decode responses under other conditions (light luminance angle of 135°, 225°, 315°) to verify the invariance of responses to different luminance conditions. ResultsBehavioral results from 6 pigeons consistently showed that the pigeons could reliably identify the core 3D shape (over 80% accuracy), and this ability wasn’t affected by changes in light angle or surface appearance. Statistical analysis of 88 recorded neurons from 6 pigeons revealed that 83% (73/88) showed strong selectivity for specific 3D shapes (selectivity index>0.3), and responses to convex shapes were consistently stronger than to concave shapes. These shape-selective responses remained stable across changes in light angle and surface appearance. Neural patterns were consistent under both blue and orange lighting. The decoding accuracy achieves above 70%, suggesting stable responses under different conditions (e.g., different lighting angles or surface appearance). ConclusionNeurons in the pigeon MVL maintain a consistent neural encoding pattern for different stereoscopic shapes, unaffected by illumination or surface appearance. This ensures stable object recognition by pigeons in changing visual environments. Our findings provide new physiological evidence for understanding how birds achieve stable perception (“invariant neural representations”) while coping with variations in the visual field.
2.Full genome analysis of G4P23porcine rotavirus and its pathogenicity in suckling mice and piglets
Hui DENG ; Ran TAO ; Nan HAN ; Jianxin WANG ; Xuefan SU ; Chen WANG ; Xi CHENG ; Xianyu BIAN ; Jiapeng SONG ; Xuejiao ZHU ; Xuehan ZHANG ; Hongbo XIAO ; Jinzhu ZHOU ; Bin LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(9):902-909
To perform the phylogenetic characterization of an isolated porcine rotavirus(PoRV)and investigate its pathogenicity in suckling mice and piglets.A G4P[23]genotype PoRV strain JSJR2023 was successfully isolated from the diarrheic piglet feces through propagation in MA104 cells.The viral proliferation kinetics were analyzed using TCID50 assays,followed by complete genome sequencing through Sanger sequencing platforms.Comprehensive genotyping and phylogenetic reconstruction were conducted using MEGA7.0 with maximum likelihood algorithms.Pathogenicity was assessed in the following animal models:5-day-old C57BL/6 mice and 3-day-old piglets.Multidimensional evaluation included clinical monitoring(diarrhea scoring,growth parameters),virological detection,and histopathological analysis of intestinal tissues.The virus strain JSJR2023 could replicate efficiently in MA104 cells,achieving peak titers of 107.5 TCID50/mL.Whole genome genotype analysis showed that the strain belonged to G4-P[23]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1.Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the VP3 and NSP4 genes of JSJR2023 strain were most closedrelated to human species rotaviruses,suggesting genetic reassortment between human and porcine RV strains.The animal experiments in suckling mice showed that the JSJR2023 strain infection caused diarrhea symptoms,intestinal edema and congestion,and shedding of intestinal villus epithelial cells.The pathogenicity experiments in piglets showed that compared with the control group,the challenged group of pig-lets had severe diarrhea symptoms,accompanied by reduced appetite and listlessness.Post-mortem examination revealed that the intes-tines were significantly thinner,congested,and filled with yellow watery contents.The challenged piglets showed typical pathological changes such as thinning of the intestinal wall and shortening and shedding of intestinal villi.In conclusion,this study successfully iso-lated a human-porcine recombinant G4P[23]PoRV strain and established the infection models in suckling mice and piglets,providing important tools for investigating the pathogenic mechanism of PoRV,evaluating vaccines and developing antiviral drug.
3.Risk factors associated with hemodynamic instability in carotid artery stenting:a systematic review and meta-analysis
La-ting ZHANG ; Xiao-qing WANG ; Lin HAN ; Xin-hui LIANG ; Yao JIA ; Li-juan GAO ; Xue JIANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):201-214
Objective To investigate the risk factors of hemodynamic instability after carotid artery stenting by meta-analysis.Methods Ten databases were searched:PubMed,ProQuest,ScienceDirect,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China Knowledge Network,Wanfang Data,VIP Information Database,and China Biomedical Database.The search date was from inception until 2 February 2024,and meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16.0 statistical software.Results A total of 27 studies with 4199 subjects and 22 influencing factors were included.The studies showed a 37.4%(95%CI 30.3%-44.8%)incidence of haemodynamic instability after carotid stenting,Meta-analysis determined that age>60 years(P<0.001),hypertension(P<0.001),calcified plaque(P<0.001),stenosis>70%(P=0.008),eccentric plaque(P=0.002),distance from the largest stenosis to the carotid bifurcation≤ 10 mm(P<0.001),stenosis involvement of the balloon or bifurcation(P<0.001),balloon post-dilation(P=0.003),open-loop stenting(P<0.001),dilated balloon diameter≥5 mm(P=0.002),repeat balloon dilation(P=0.011)and balloon dilation pressure≥8 atm(P<0.001)are risk factors for intraoperative and postoperative haemodynamic instability in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting surgery.Statin use was a protective factor(P<0.001).Conclusions Medical staff working in the clinic should assess the patient's condition preoperatively,identify risk factors that may lead to haemodynamic instability,and avoid unnecessary intraoperative stimulation of patients who are already in a high-risk state.Reduce postoperative clinical complications in patients with carotid artery stenosis and improve patient recovery.
4.Full genome analysis of G4P23porcine rotavirus and its pathogenicity in suckling mice and piglets
Hui DENG ; Ran TAO ; Nan HAN ; Jianxin WANG ; Xuefan SU ; Chen WANG ; Xi CHENG ; Xianyu BIAN ; Jiapeng SONG ; Xuejiao ZHU ; Xuehan ZHANG ; Hongbo XIAO ; Jinzhu ZHOU ; Bin LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(9):902-909
To perform the phylogenetic characterization of an isolated porcine rotavirus(PoRV)and investigate its pathogenicity in suckling mice and piglets.A G4P[23]genotype PoRV strain JSJR2023 was successfully isolated from the diarrheic piglet feces through propagation in MA104 cells.The viral proliferation kinetics were analyzed using TCID50 assays,followed by complete genome sequencing through Sanger sequencing platforms.Comprehensive genotyping and phylogenetic reconstruction were conducted using MEGA7.0 with maximum likelihood algorithms.Pathogenicity was assessed in the following animal models:5-day-old C57BL/6 mice and 3-day-old piglets.Multidimensional evaluation included clinical monitoring(diarrhea scoring,growth parameters),virological detection,and histopathological analysis of intestinal tissues.The virus strain JSJR2023 could replicate efficiently in MA104 cells,achieving peak titers of 107.5 TCID50/mL.Whole genome genotype analysis showed that the strain belonged to G4-P[23]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1.Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the VP3 and NSP4 genes of JSJR2023 strain were most closedrelated to human species rotaviruses,suggesting genetic reassortment between human and porcine RV strains.The animal experiments in suckling mice showed that the JSJR2023 strain infection caused diarrhea symptoms,intestinal edema and congestion,and shedding of intestinal villus epithelial cells.The pathogenicity experiments in piglets showed that compared with the control group,the challenged group of pig-lets had severe diarrhea symptoms,accompanied by reduced appetite and listlessness.Post-mortem examination revealed that the intes-tines were significantly thinner,congested,and filled with yellow watery contents.The challenged piglets showed typical pathological changes such as thinning of the intestinal wall and shortening and shedding of intestinal villi.In conclusion,this study successfully iso-lated a human-porcine recombinant G4P[23]PoRV strain and established the infection models in suckling mice and piglets,providing important tools for investigating the pathogenic mechanism of PoRV,evaluating vaccines and developing antiviral drug.
5.Risk factors associated with hemodynamic instability in carotid artery stenting:a systematic review and meta-analysis
La-ting ZHANG ; Xiao-qing WANG ; Lin HAN ; Xin-hui LIANG ; Yao JIA ; Li-juan GAO ; Xue JIANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):201-214
Objective To investigate the risk factors of hemodynamic instability after carotid artery stenting by meta-analysis.Methods Ten databases were searched:PubMed,ProQuest,ScienceDirect,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China Knowledge Network,Wanfang Data,VIP Information Database,and China Biomedical Database.The search date was from inception until 2 February 2024,and meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16.0 statistical software.Results A total of 27 studies with 4199 subjects and 22 influencing factors were included.The studies showed a 37.4%(95%CI 30.3%-44.8%)incidence of haemodynamic instability after carotid stenting,Meta-analysis determined that age>60 years(P<0.001),hypertension(P<0.001),calcified plaque(P<0.001),stenosis>70%(P=0.008),eccentric plaque(P=0.002),distance from the largest stenosis to the carotid bifurcation≤ 10 mm(P<0.001),stenosis involvement of the balloon or bifurcation(P<0.001),balloon post-dilation(P=0.003),open-loop stenting(P<0.001),dilated balloon diameter≥5 mm(P=0.002),repeat balloon dilation(P=0.011)and balloon dilation pressure≥8 atm(P<0.001)are risk factors for intraoperative and postoperative haemodynamic instability in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting surgery.Statin use was a protective factor(P<0.001).Conclusions Medical staff working in the clinic should assess the patient's condition preoperatively,identify risk factors that may lead to haemodynamic instability,and avoid unnecessary intraoperative stimulation of patients who are already in a high-risk state.Reduce postoperative clinical complications in patients with carotid artery stenosis and improve patient recovery.
6.Analysis of potential prognostic value of HAMP gene in gastric adenocar-cinoma and correlation with immune infiltration
Ni TANG ; Qian ZOU ; Han-jing ZHANG ; Huan-hui LIU ; Xiao-jie MA
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2025;28(7):505-510
Objective:To explore the potential prognostic value of the HAMP(hepcidin)gene in gastric adenocarci-noma and its correlation with immune infiltration in gastric cancer.Methods:This study systematically analyzed the ex-pression characteristics of the HAMP gene using bioinformatics approaches based on mRNA data from 448 gastric ad-enocarcinoma tissues and non-tumor tissues in the TCGA database.Firstly,the cBioPortal platform was employed to analyze the genetic variation features of the HAMP gene,and the LinkedOmics database was used to evaluate the corre-lation between its methylation status and expression levels.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank test was per-formed to assess the relationship between HAMP expression levels and patient prognosis.Furthermore,by integrating TIMER2.0 and TISIDB databases,we systematically evaluated the correlation between HAMP expression and immune-related genes as well as immune cell infiltration.Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA)was conducted to investigate HAMP-associated signaling pathway characteristics.Finally,STRING and Gepia databases were utilized to construct a protein-protein interaction network of HAMP and identify core interacting genes,comprehensively evaluating the role of HAMP in immune infiltration in gastric adenocarcinoma.Results:The expression level of HAMP was significantly higher in gastric adenocarcinoma tissues compared to normal tissues(P<0.01),and its elevated expression was strongly associ-ated with poor patient prognosis,manifested by significantly shorter overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),and post-progression survival(PPS)(all P<0.05).Genomic analysis revealed that HAMP mutations in gastric cancer were predominantly amplification-type,and its methylation level showed a positive correlation with mRNA expression(r=0.14,P<0.001).Immunological analysis demonstrated that high HAMP expression was significantly correlated with multiple key immune checkpoint molecules(PD-1:rho=0.274;PD-L1:rho=0.211;CTLA-4:rho=0.199,all P<0.001)and immune cell infiltration(dendritic cells:r=0.548;macrophages:r=0.414;neutrophils:r=0.374,all P<0.001).Pathway enrichment analy-sis indicated that the high HAMP expression group was significantly enriched in immune-related pathways including anti-gen presentation and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.Furthermore,protein-protein interaction network analysis identified core interacting genes such as TREM2 and TYROBP,suggesting that HAMP may participate in tumor immune regulation through specific molecular networks.Conclusion:HAMP is highly expressed in gastric cancer,and its high expression significantly reduces the survival time of gastric adenocarcinoma patients,demonstrating prognostic value.HAMP ex-pression is positively correlated with most immune-related genes in STAD and significantly associated with the abun-dance of multiple immune cell infiltration levels,serving as an independent prognostic factor related to immune infiltration.
7.Diagnostic Value of Conventional CT Combined with Enhanced CT Scan in Bone Metastases
Feng WANG ; Gui-liu CHEN ; Wei-sheng PENG ; Na DENG ; Xiao-bing HAN ; Hui-liang CAI ; Qiu-xiang CHEN
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(20):3337-3344
Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of conventional computed tomography(CT)combined with enhanced CT scan in bone metastases.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study,84 suspected bone metastases patients admitted to our hospital from January 2022 to August 2024 were selected,All patients underwent conventional CT and enhanced CT scan and pathological examination,Using pathological examination results as the"gold standard"for diagnosis.The imaging manifestations of bone metastases using conventional CT combined with enhanced CT scan examination were observed;The detection rate and bone metastases types of conventional CT and enhanced CT scan were analyzed;The bone metastases location in different types of malignant tumors were analyzed;The detection results of bone metastases between conventional CT and enhanced CT scan were compared;the diagnostic efficacy of conventional CT and enhanced CT scan alone and in combination for bone metastases were analyzed by Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results:The detection rate of osteogenic,osteolytic,cystic and mixed bone metastases by conventional CT combined with enhanced CT scan was supered to that of conventional CT and enhanced CT scan alone(P<0.05).Bone metastases from lung cancer,breast cancer and other tumors mainly occur in the spine,limbs and ribs,while esophageal cancer,gastric cancer,liver cancer,prostate cancer,thyroid cancer,renal cancer,and nasopharyngeal cancer had relatively fewer bone metastases.The positive detection cases of bone metastases used conventional CT combined with enhanced CT scan were supered to those used conventional CT and enhanced CT scan alone.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of conventional CT combined with enhanced CT scan for the diagnosis of bone metastases were 94.00%,94.11%and 94.04%,respectively,and the positive/negative predictive values were 95.91%and 91.42%,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of conventional CT scan were 84.00%,78.78%and 80.95%,respectively,and the positive/negative predictive values were 85.71%and 74.28%,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of enhanced CT were 89.79%,85.71%and 88.09%,respectively.and the positive and negative predictive values were 89.79%and 85.71%,respectively.The diagnostic efficacy of conventional CT combined with enhanced CT scan for bone metastases was significantly better than that of conventional CT and enhanced CT scan alone.Conclusions:Conventional CT combined with enhanced CT scan can significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency of bone metastases,and provide an important basis for clinical treatment.
8.The Effect of Serum Ferritin before Transplantation on Implanta-tion in MDS and AML Patients after Unrelated Cord Blood Trans-plantation
Dan-Dan HAN ; Hui-Ru WANG ; Xiao-Ju WAN ; Juan LI ; Hui-Lan LIU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1797-1802
Objective:To analyze the effect of high serum ferritin(SF)before transplantation on erythrocyte,granulocyte and platelet implantation in unrelated cord blood transplantation(UCBT)patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)and acute myeloid leukemia(AML).Methods:The medical records of 60 patients with MDS and AML who underwent UCBT in the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively collected.According to the SF level before transplantation,they were divided into high SF group(SF ≥ 1 000 μg/L,n=20)and non-high SF group(SF<1 000 μg/L,n=40).The red blood cell(RBC)infusion volume before transplantation,implantation time of RBC,granulocyte and platelet,implantation risk and prognosis were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Results:There was no correlation between the level of SF before transplantation and RBC infusion.After transplantation,the median implantation time of RBC in the high SF group was 28.5(14-149)d,which was longer than 21(10-83)d in the non-high SF group(P<0.05).The median time of granulocyte engraftment in the high SF group was 16.5(12-63)d,while that in the non-high SF group was 16(12-49)d,with no statistical difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The median platelet engraftment time in the high SF group was 45(12-206)d,while that in the non-high SF group was 35.5(14-149)d,with no statistical difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Kaplan-Meier cumulative implantation probability analysis showed that the rate of erythroid implantation in the non-high SF group was higher than that in the high SF group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in the rates of granulocyte and platelet implantation between the two groups(P>0.05).The 1-year overall survival rates of the non-high SF group and high SF group were 95%and 90%,respectively,with no statistical difference between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:SF levels before cord blood transplantation in MDS and AML patients have an impact on post transplant erythroid implantation.Detecting and intervening of iron load in patients before transplant may be beneficial for improving implantation and prognosis.
9.A randomized controlled trial of weight management based on mobile health techno-logy among overweight or obese pregnant women
Ping LI ; Haixue WANG ; Xiao GAO ; Yajing HAN ; Hui WANG ; Haijun WANG ; Yingying MU
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(3):465-472
Objective:To evaluate the effect of lifestyle interventions based on mobile health technolo-gy on gestational weight gain among overweight or obese pregnant women,to explore the influencing fac-tors of the intervention effect,and to provide scientific evidence for weight management during pregnan-cy.Methods:The randomized controlled trial(RCT)design was used.From April 2024 to August 2024,200 singleton overweight or obese pregnant women aged 18-40 years in early pregnancy were re-cruited and stratified block-randomized according to body mass index(BMI)categories,age,and parity.The control group received routine prenatal care,while the intervention group received lifestyle interven-tions based on mobile health technology,which included biweekly face-to-face or telephone sessions;weekly recording of dietary behavior goals with personalized feedback on WeChat public account;6 000 steps per day and 150 minutes of brisk walking per week;and weekly weight recording with personalized feedback.Based on the intention-to-treat principle,generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze the effects on weight gain and weight gain rate up to 24-28 gestational weeks,gestational diabetes melli-tus(GDM),and dietary and physical activity behaviors.Additionally,subgroup analysis and interaction analysis were conducted to explore whether intervention effects on weight gain varied by different maternal characteristics.Results:The mean age of the women in the intervention and control groups was(30.49±3.99)years and(29.83±3.95)years,respectively,with gestational weeks at enrollment being(11.35±1.61)weeks and(11.26±1.52)weeks.No statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the two groups(P>0.05).In the study,10 and 12 participants were lost to the follow-up in the intervention and control groups,respectively,with 178 women comple-ting the midterm follow-up.At the midterm follow-up(24-28 weeks),the weight gain in the interven-tion and control groups was(5.00±3.72)kg and(6.57±4.28)kg,respectively.After adjusting for age,parity,gravidity,region,pre-pregnancy BMI categories,and socioeconomic status,the between-group difference was-1.63 kg(95%CI:-2.80 to-0.46;P=0.007).The adjusted between-group difference in weight gain rate was-0.07 kg/week(95%CI:-0.11 to-0.02;P=0.005).Com-pared with the control group,the intervention group had lower fasting blood glucose at the oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT)by 0.19 mmol/L(95%CI:0.04 to0.33;P=0.013).No significant difference was observed in GDM incidence between the two groups.Among different subgroups based on characteris-tics,such as age,region,socioeconomic status,and parity,there was no statistically significant dif-ference in the effect on weight gain.Conclusion:The lifestyle interventions based on mobile health tech-nology effectively controlled weight gain up to 24-28 gestational weeks among overweight or obese women and improved fasting blood glucose level.This has significant public health implications for impro-ving the health of overweight or obese pregnant women in China.
10.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

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