1.Neuroelectromagnetic Activities Across Temporal Scales
Zhuo-Qun SHEN ; Xiao-Fei XU ; Yan-Qing WANG ; Jing-Xin LI ; Lan TIAN ; Wei GUO ; Jing-Jing XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1541-1560
Although global brain science research has progressed rapidly in recent decades, several fundamental questions in neuroscience remain unresolved. In particular, the physical mechanism underlying neural signal transmission remains controversial, and the carriers responsible for neural information storage and retrieval have not yet been fully clarified. These unresolved issues motivate us to re-examine the processes of neural information generation, transmission, integration, storage, and retrieval from multiple perspectives. A key observation is that neural electromagnetic activities are closely associated with time. Their duration, temporal structure, and dynamic evolution play crucial roles in neural information processing. In this work, we analyze neural electromagnetic activities from the perspective of temporal scales (referred to here as the “time course”). By reviewing and integrating findings from previous studies, we examine the characteristic time requirements and dynamic features of neural processes occurring at different stages of information processing. These stages include neural signal generation, signal transmission along axons, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation and retrieval. Based on this temporal analysis, we outline a framework describing neural electromagnetic activities across a wide range of time scales, spanning from microseconds to minutes, hours, or even longer periods associated with long-term memory, which suggests that neural information processing involves multiple physical processes operating at different time levels. Rapid electromagnetic events may occur on microsecond scales, whereas electrophysiological phenomena such as action potentials typically last on the order of milliseconds. Longer time scales are associated with synaptic plasticity and memory-related processes. From this perspective, we propose that the physical carrier of neural information may be transient electromagnetic pulses with durations on the microsecond scale. In this framework, action potentials can be interpreted as the macroscopic electrophysiological manifestation of underlying electromagnetic processes triggered by ionic currents across neuronal membranes. Rather than being the fundamental neural signal itself, the action potential may represent a measurable membrane-level response associated with the successful activation of these electromagnetic events. Moreover, we discuss a possible mechanism for long-term memory storage. Considering the apparent temporal contradiction between the millisecond-scale excitation of neurons and the long-term persistence of memories, we believe that long-term memory information may be stored within neural network topologies formed by electrical synapse coupling. Such structures, referred to as electrically coupled memory networks (ECMNs), may enable neurons within the same network to respond rapidly and synchronously to stimuli, thereby facilitating efficient memory retrieval. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of considering the temporal organization of neural electromagnetic activities when interpreting neural signaling mechanisms. It may provide new insights into the physical nature of neural information carriers and the mechanisms of memory storage and retrieval. Furthermore, highlighting the potential role of electromagnetic interactions in neural activity may contribute to the development of new theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in neuroscience. Such perspectives may also offer valuable references for future research on neural coding, brain function mechanisms, and neuromodulation technologies.
2.Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategy of "Macrocirculation-Microcirculation" Uncoupling in Sepsis:from the Perspective of "Deep Heat,Deep Syncope"
Xinyi XU ; Yuyang LAN ; Xinyue WANG ; Ying GAO ; Ziqi SHAN ; Xiaokun YANG ; Lu XIAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1403-1408
By reviewing modern research and integrating clinical practice, this paper interprets the correlation between "deep heat, deep syncope" and the "macrocirculation-microcirculation" uncoupling in sepsis, alongside its clinical applications in sepsis prevention and treatment. It is considered that "deep heat" corresponds to peripheral vasodilation and the hypermetabolic state at the macrocirculation level, whereas "deep syncope" manifests as hypoperfusion and impaired oxygen utilization at the microcirculation level. These two states interact detrimentally, forming the core contradiction of macrocirculation-microcirculation uncoupling in sepsis. Based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) connotations of "deep heat, deep syncope" and modern medical research, this paper elucidates the systemic pathological evolution of sepsis from the inflammatory cascade to impaired oxygen utilization. Accordingly, the following therapeutic principles are proposed. In the early stage, it is suggested to clear heat and drain fire to vent the constrained yang. In the progressive stage, the focus is put on unblocking the lower jiao (焦) and expelling stasis to dredge the vessels and collaterals. In the recovery stage, the method of regulating and harmonizing yin and yang can be used to smooth the flow of qi and blood.
3.Clinical Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Cold Dampness Obstruction Syndrome
Yanyu CHEN ; Yanqi LI ; Longxiao LIU ; Liubo ZHANG ; Tianyi LAN ; Nan ZHANG ; Cheng XIAO ; Yuan XU ; Qingwen TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):140-146
ObjectiveTo study the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the patients with cold dampness obstruction syndrome. MethodsThe RA patients treated in the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rheumatology of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2022 to June 2024 were selected. The demographic information, clinical data, laboratory test results, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom information were collected for syndrome differentiation, on the basis of which the characteristics and influencing factors of cold dampness obstruction syndrome were analyzed. ResultsA total of 258 RA patients were selected in this study, including 88 (34.1%) patients with cold dampness obstruction syndrome, 53 (20.5%) patients with dampness and heat obstruction syndrome, 31 (12.0%) patients with wind dampness obstruction syndrome, 29 (11.2%) patients with liver-kidney deficiency syndrome, 19 (7.4%) patients with Qi-blood deficiency syndrome, 14 (5.4%) patients with phlegm-stasis obstruction syndrome, 15 (5.8%) patients with stasis obstructing collateral syndrome and 9 (3.5%) patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome. The patients were assigned into two groups of cold dampness obstruction syndrome and other syndromes. The group of cold dampness obstruction syndrome had lower joint fever, 28-tender joint count (TJC28), and 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28)-C-reactive protein (CRP) and higher central sensitization, cold feeling of joints, fear of wind and cold, cold limbs, and abdominal distention than the group of other syndromes (P<0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that central sensitization (OR 5.749, 95%CI 2.116-15.616, P<0.001) and DAS28-CRP (OR 0.600, 95% CI 0.418-0.862, P=0.006) were the independent factors influencing cold dampness obstruction syndrome in RA. ConclusionCold dampness obstruction syndrome is a common syndrome in RA patients. It is associated with central sensitization, cold feeling of joints, abdominal distension and may be a clinical syndrome associated with central sensitization.
4.Total triterpenoids from Hovenia dulcis increase sensitivity of A549/DDP to cisplatin by inducing Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis
Xiao-lan KUANG ; Dong-ning SHEN ; Ting FU ; Fan WU ; Jian-zhan YANG ; Jin-lang ZHONG ; Bo LIU ; Fang-fang XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2128-2134
Aim To elucidate the underlying mecha-nism by which total triterpenoids extracted from Hove-nia dulcis(H-TP)enhance the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin.Methods The ARE-Nrf2 lu-ciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate the impact of H-TP on Nrf2 expression.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1,Nrf2-GPX4 signaling pathway,apoptosis-related proteins of Bcl-2 and Bax.Further validation of its effects on Nrf2 was conducted by using Nrf2 activator/inhibitor.Results H-TP could enhance the sensitivi-ty of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2,inhibiting the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signating pathway in A549/DDP cells,and inducing ferroptosis.Conclusion H-TP enhances the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by inducing the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway.
5.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
6.Total triterpenoids from Hovenia dulcis increase sensitivity of A549/DDP to cisplatin by inducing Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis
Xiao-lan KUANG ; Dong-ning SHEN ; Ting FU ; Fan WU ; Jian-zhan YANG ; Jin-lang ZHONG ; Bo LIU ; Fang-fang XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2128-2134
Aim To elucidate the underlying mecha-nism by which total triterpenoids extracted from Hove-nia dulcis(H-TP)enhance the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin.Methods The ARE-Nrf2 lu-ciferase reporter assay was applied to investigate the impact of H-TP on Nrf2 expression.Western blot was used to detect the protein levels of Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1,Nrf2-GPX4 signaling pathway,apoptosis-related proteins of Bcl-2 and Bax.Further validation of its effects on Nrf2 was conducted by using Nrf2 activator/inhibitor.Results H-TP could enhance the sensitivi-ty of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Bcl-2,inhibiting the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signating pathway in A549/DDP cells,and inducing ferroptosis.Conclusion H-TP enhances the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to cisplatin by inducing the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway.
7.Regulation of white adipose tissue in mice by immunization with recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin with c-di-AMP adjuvant
Meng-juan DONG ; Yu-xiao CHANG ; Huan-huan NING ; Yan-zhi LU ; Jian KANG ; Ming-ze XU ; Ting DAI ; Jia-ling LI ; Le-ran HAO ; Lin-na ZHANG ; Yin-lan BAI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):370-375
This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.
8.Comparison of the toxicity and safety of protein derivatives from novel fusion strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Hao-qi XU ; Jiang-tao DONG ; Jie ZHANG ; Fang WU ; Su LIANG ; Xiao-ling LIU ; Lan-ru GAO ; Ju WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Jiang-dong WU ; Le ZHANG ; Xi-ling DENG ; Wan-jiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(4):376-384
The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and safety of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion strain protein derivatives,referred to as B/R strain active proteins.In cellular experiments,RAW264.7 cells were treated with each vaccine preparation,and apoptosis rates were measured.In subsequent animal experiments,C57BL/6 mice were immunized via subcutaneous injection,and their survival and body weight changes were monitored and recorded at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks.The lungs and spleens were harvested to calculate organ coefficients,and pathological examinations were conducted.At the eighth week of immunization,the mice were infected with high concentrations of BCG,and pathological changes in the lungs and spleens were observed 4 weeks post-infection.The apoptosis rate at 6 hours was significantly higher in the experimental group than the PBS group(P<0.05).At 12 and 24 hours,the apoptosis rate in the experimental group remained higher than that in the PBS group,although this difference was not statistically significant.After immunization,mice in all four groups exhibited normal growth patterns,as indicated by stable body weight changes.At 4 and 12 weeks post-immunization,the lung coefficients in the protein group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at the same time points.Additionally,the lung coefficients in the BCG group were significantly elevated across all time periods(P<0.05).The spleen coefficients in the protein and BCG groups were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks,whereas the ICD B/R group showed higher spleen coefficients than the PBS group only at week 8(P<0.05).Pathological examination revealed normal lung and spleen tissues in the PBS group.However,during the 2-8 weeks immunization period,lung and spleen tissues in all experimental groups exhibited varying degrees of damage,which gradually diminished by 12-16 weeks.Notably,no tuberculosis nodules were observed in any experimental group.After infection with high concentrations of BCG,no overt pathological changes were observed on the surfaces of the lungs and spleens in any group.Microscopic examination revealed less severe pathological changes in the lungs and spleens of mice in the experimental groups than the PBS group.Furthermore,no statistically significant differences were observed between the protein group and the BCG group.Our findings suggested that the B/R strain active proteins'toxicity and safety profiles were comparable to those of BCG,and showed immunoprotective effects.This study provides an experimental foundation for the development of a novel tuberculosis vaccine.
9.Construction of A Mouse Model of Liver Cancer Resistant to PD-1 Monoclonal Antibody and Analysis of Its Metabolic Changes
Xin-ru NIU ; Xia WANG ; Zhi-ting SHU ; Zi-lan XU ; Xiao-li QIU ; Wei DAI ; Liang-qian ZHANG ; Xiang-liang DENG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(12):1931-1941,1954
Objective:To establish a mouse model of liver cancer resistant to PD-1 monoclonal antibody and analyze the changes in its metabolomics to explore the potential mechanism of drug resistance.Methods:BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control and treatment groups after being loaded with tumor,and a normal group was additionally set up.The normal and control groups were injected with saline,and the treatment group was injected with PD-1 monoclonal antibody,after which the mice in the treatment group were screened for drug resistant and response groups.Observed the drug-resistant situation,body mass,tumor growth and survival rate of mice in each group,calculate the spleen index.The pathological features of tumor tissues were observed by HE staining method.Serum metabolites were detected by non-targeted metabolomics.Finally,a bivariate Pearson correlation analysis was conducted between the differential serum metabolites and tumor size.Results:The tumor-bearing mouse model with PD-1 monoclonal antibody resistance was successfully established,and the drug resistance rate of the mice was 50%.Compared with the normal and response groups,mice in the resistant group showed an increase in body weight,a significant increase in tumor volume,a decrease in survival rate,and a significant increase in splenic index.There was less lymphocyte infiltration in the tumor tissue.Metabolomics analysis showed that the serum levels of glutamic acid and aspartic acid increased and malic acid decreased in the resistant mice compared with the response group,and these changes were closely related to the arginine biosynthesis pathway.Conclusions:The tumor-bearing mouse model with PD-1 monoclonal antibody resistance was successfully established.The changes in its peripheral serum metabolomics mainly involve arginine metabolism and the related changes of aspartate,malate and glutamate.
10.Establishment and application of ultra-fast real-time PCR for Brucella detection
Zhen-na XU ; Zhi-peng WU ; Wei-bin HONG ; Zhi-shen GUAN ; Qi-ming LIN ; Zuan-lan MO ; Yi-fei YE ; Hai-yan XIE ; Min LI ; Yan-qiu ZHU ; Xiao-jun LI ; Xian-peng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):278-283
This study was aimed at establishing a method of ultra-fast quantitative PCR for Brucella detection.We used an exogenous recombinant plasmid as the internal reference and targeted the T4SS secretion system,an important Brucella viru-lence factor,to design specific primers and probes.The sensitivity,specificity,and repeatability of this method were evaluated,and a standard curve was constructed.The coincidence rate of detection findings with this method versus quantitative PCR was determined.This method markedly decreased the detection time to only 10 minutes.The standard curve demonstrated a good linear relationship(Y=-3.410 7x+38.357,R2=0.998 5)with a low minimum detection limit of 10 copies/μL.The method exhibited good specificity and did not specifically amplify several common clinical bacteria other than Brucella.The de-tection of three concentrations of positive plasmids yielded coefficients of variation(CVs)of 0.20%to 0.91%,thus demonstra-ting the method's excellent repeatability.Furthermore,140 clinical samples were analyzed concurrently with the fluorescence PCR method,which yielded a 100%compliance rate and consistent results.Our findings indicated that the Brucella ultra-fast quantitative PCR was ultrafast;had high sensitivity,high specificity,and good specificity;and can be used for the clinical de-tection of Brucella and emergency investigation of epidemics.Therefore,this method is valuable for the early diagnosis of Bru-cella.

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