1.Research and Application of Scalp Surface Laplacian Technique
Rui-Xin LUO ; Si-Ying GUO ; Xin-Yi LI ; Yu-He ZHAO ; Chun-Hou ZHENG ; Min-Peng XU ; Dong MING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):425-438
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive, high temporal-resolution technique for monitoring brain activity. However, affected by the volume conduction effect, EEG has a low spatial resolution and is difficult to locate brain neuronal activity precisely. The surface Laplacian (SL) technique obtains the Laplacian EEG (LEEG) by estimating the second-order spatial derivative of the scalp potential. LEEG can reflect the radial current activity under the scalp, with positive values indicating current flow from the brain to the scalp (“source”) and negative values indicating current flow from the scalp to the brain (“sink”). It attenuates signals from volume conduction, effectively improving the spatial resolution of EEG, and is expected to contribute to breakthroughs in neural engineering. This paper provides a systematic overview of the principles and development of SL technology. Currently, there are two implementation paths for SL technology: current source density algorithms (CSD) and concentric ring electrodes (CRE). CSD performs the Laplace transform of the EEG signals acquired by conventional disc electrodes to indirectly estimate the LEEG. It can be mainly classified into local methods, global methods, and realistic Laplacian methods. The global method is the most commonly used approach in CSD, which can achieve more accurate estimation compared with the local method, and it does not require additional imaging equipment compared with the realistic Laplacian method. CRE employs new concentric ring electrodes instead of the traditional disc electrodes, and measures the LEEG directly by differential acquisition of the multi-ring signals. Depending on the structure, it can be divided into bipolar CRE, quasi-bipolar CRE, tripolar CRE, and multi-pole CRE. The tripolar CRE is widely used due to its optimal detection performance. While ensuring the quality of signal acquisition, the complexity of its preamplifier is relatively acceptable. Here, this paper introduces the study of the SL technique in resting rhythms, visual-related potentials, movement-related potentials, and sensorimotor rhythms. These studies demonstrate that SL technology can improve signal quality and enhance signal characteristics, confirming its potential applications in neuroscientific research, disease diagnosis, visual pathway detection, and brain-computer interfaces. CSD is frequently utilized in applications such as neuroscientific research and disease detection, where high-precision estimation of LEEG is required. And CRE tends to be used in brain-computer interfaces, that have stringent requirements for real-time data processing. Finally, this paper summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of SL technology and envisages its future development. SL technology boasts advantages such as reference independence, high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, enhanced source connectivity analysis, and noise suppression. However, it also has shortcomings that can be further improved. Theoretically, simulation experiments should be conducted to investigate the theoretical characteristics of SL technology. For CSD methods, the algorithm needs to be optimized to improve the precision of LEEG estimation, reduce dependence on the number of channels, and decrease computational complexity and time consumption. For CRE methods, the electrodes need to be designed with appropriate structures and sizes, and the low-noise, high common-mode rejection ratio preamplifier should be developed. We hope that this paper can promote the in-depth research and wide application of SL technology.
2.Genetic analysis of cases from a family with reduced B antigen expression in ABO blood group system
Taimei ZHOU ; Yingchun YANG ; Zihao ZHAO ; Weizhen XU ; Zishan JIAN ; Tongping YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(5):717-722
Objective: To classify the ABO blood group phenotypes of 5 cases from a family, and to explore the molecular mechanism for reduced B antigen expression in ABO blood group system. Methods: Serological identification of the ABO blood group was performed using microcolumn gel assay and saline tube method. The soluble antigens in saliva were detected by the agglutination inhibition assay. The full-length sequences and upstream promoter regions of ABO gene were sequenced for genotyping using PacBio SMRT sequencing technology. Results: The results of serological tests indicated the expression of B antigen decreased in 3 out of 5 blood samples. A mixed-field agglutination was observed with anti-B antibody. B antigen was not detected in all 5 saliva samples. The ABO genotype for all samples were ABO
B.01/ABO
O.01.02, and a novel mutation c. 28+5875C>T within the DNA-binding region of RUNX1 in +5.8-kb site were found in the B allele for 3 samples with reduced expression of B antigen. Conclusion: Results of serological and genetic analyses classify the 3 cases with reduced B antigen expression as B
phenotype. The novel mutation c. 28+5875C>T of RUNX1 could be the key reason for reduced B antigen expression in 3 cases with B
phenotype.
3.Neuroplasticity Mechanisms of Exercise-induced Brain Protection
Li-Juan HOU ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Wei CHEN ; Ke LI ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Yin-Hao WANG ; Zi-Zheng YANG ; Tian-He WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1435-1452
Neuroscience is a significant frontier discipline within the natural sciences and has become an important interdisciplinary frontier scientific field. Brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body, and its structural and functional analysis is considered the “ultimate frontier” of human self-awareness and exploration of nature. Driven by the strategic layout of “China Brain Project”, Chinese scientists have conducted systematic research focusing on “understanding the brain, simulating the brain, and protecting the brain”. They have made breakthrough progress in areas such as the principles of brain cognition, mechanisms and interventions for brain diseases, brain-like computation, and applications of brain-machine intelligence technology, aiming to enhance brain health through biomedical technology and improve the quality of human life. Due to limited understanding and comprehension of neuroscience, there are still many important unresolved issues in the field of neuroscience, resulting in a lack of effective measures to prevent and protect brain health. Therefore, in addition to actively developing new generation drugs, exploring non pharmacological treatment strategies with better health benefits and higher safety is particularly important. Epidemiological data shows that, exercise is not only an indispensable part of daily life but also an important non-pharmacological approach for protecting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, forming an emerging research field known as motor neuroscience. Basic research in motor neuroscience primarily focuses on analyzing the dynamic coding mechanisms of neural circuits involved in motor control, breakthroughs in motor neuroscience research depend on the construction of dynamic monitoring systems across temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, high spatiotemporal resolution detection of movement processes and movement-induced changes in brain structure and neural activity signals is an important technical foundation for conducting motor neuroscience research and has developed a set of tools based on traditional neuroscience methods combined with novel motor behavior decoding technologies, providing an innovative technical platform for motor neuroscience research. The protective effect of exercise in neurodegenerative diseases provides broad application prospects for its clinical translation. Applied research in motor neuroscience centers on deciphering the regulatory networks of neuroprotective molecules mediated by exercise. From the perspectives of exercise promoting neurogenesis and regeneration, enhancing synaptic plasticity, modulating neuronal functional activity, and remodeling the molecular homeostasis of the neuronal microenvironment, it aims to improve cognitive function and reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This has also advanced research into the molecular regulatory networks mediating exercise-induced neuroprotection and facilitated the clinical application and promotion of exercise rehabilitation strategies. Multidimensional analysis of exercise-regulated neural plasticity is the theoretical basis for elucidating the brain-protective mechanisms mediated by exercise and developing intervention strategies for neurological diseases. Thus,real-time analysis of different neural signals during active exercise is needed to study the health effects of exercise throughout the entire life cycle and enhance lifelong sports awareness. Therefore, this article will systematically summarize the innovative technological developments in motor neuroscience research, review the mechanisms of neural plasticity that exercise utilizes to protect the brain, and explore the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of major neurodegenerative diseases. This aims to provide new ideas for future theoretical innovations and clinical applications in the field of exercise-induced brain protection.
4.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
5.Bioequivalence study of compound lidocaine cream in healthy Chinese subjects
Meng-Qi CHANG ; Yu-Qi SUN ; Qiu-Jin XU ; Xi-Xi QIAN ; Ying-Chun ZHAO ; Yan CAO ; Liu WANG ; Cheng ZHANG ; Dong-Liang YU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1321-1326
Objective To study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the test formulation of compound lidocaine cream and reference formulation of lidocaine and prilocaine cream in Chinese healthy subjects and to evaluate whether there is bioequivalence between the two formulations.Methods A single-center,single-dose,randomized,open-label,two-period,two-sequence,crossover design was used.This study included 40 healthy subjects,and in each period,test formulation or reference formulation 60 g was applied to the skin in front of both thighs(200 cm2 each side,a total of 400 cm2)under fasting conditions,and the drug was left on for at least 5 h after application.The concentrations of lidocaine and prilocaine in plasma were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method.Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using WinNonlin 8.0 software to evaluate the bioequivalence of the two formulations.Results After the application of the test formulation compound lidocaine cream and the reference formulation lidocaine and prilocaine cream on both thighs of the subjects,the pharmacokinetic parameters of lidocaine in plasma were as follows:Cmax were(167.27±91.33)and(156.13±66.86)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(1 651.78±685.09)and(1 636.69±617.23)ng·mL-1·h,AUC0-∞ were(1 669.85±684.65)and(1 654.37±618.30)ng·mL-1·h,the adjusted geometric mean ratios were 104.49%,101.88%and 101.89%,respectively,with 90%confidence intervals of 98.18%-111.20%,97.80%-106.13%and 97.87%-106.07%,all within the range of 80.00%-125.00%.The pharmacokinetic parameters of prilocaine in plasma were as follows:Cmax were(95.66±48.84)and(87.52±39.16)ng·mL-1,AUC0-t were(790.86±263.99)and(774.14±256.42)ng·mL-1·h,AUC0_m were(807.27±264.67)and(792.84±254.06)ng·mL-1 h,the adjusted geometric mean ratios were 107.34%,103.55%and 102.98%,respectively with 90%confidence intervals of 101.69%-113.31%,99.94%-107.30%and 99.65%-106.43%,all within the range of 80.00%-125.00%.Conclusion The test formulation compound lidocaine cream and the reference formulation lidocaine and prilocaine cream are bioequivalent.
6.Trends and factors associated with overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin from 2019 to 2023
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(8):1176-1180
Objective:
To understand trends and related factors influencing overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin, so as to provide a basis for formulating overweight and obesity prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
In September of each year from 2019 to 2023, a survey was conducted among 197 707 primary and secondary school students in 16 districts of Tianjin through a stratified random cluster sampling method. Physical examination was carried out in accordance with the Technical Standard for Physical examination for Student, and overweight and obesity survey was carried out. Basic information, smoking, drinking, diet, physical exercise, and sleep status were collected through questionnaire surveys.
Results:
The detection rates of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin from 2019 to 2023 were 39.07%, 43.33%, 41.54%, 43.92%, and 40.24%, respectively,showing an increasing trend(χ2trend=7.96,P<0.01). The detection rates of overweight increased in both vocational high schools and suburban counties (χ2trends=9.08, 47.18, P<0.01). The detection rates of obesity increased among both male and female students, in primary and vocational high schools and suburban counties (χ2trends=108.34, 15.99, 7.32, 10.95, 14.75, P<0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, drinking, unhealthful diet, and lack of proper physical exercise had a higher risk of obesity among primary and secondary school students (OR=1.26, 1.13, 1.08, 1.21, P<0.05). Stratified analysis showed that the risk of obesity was higher among boys with unhealthful and moderate lifestyle habits, as well as primary school students with unhealthful lifestyle habits (OR=1.15, 1.11, 1.27, P<0.05). Boys, girls and primary school students with unhealthful lifestyle habits, girls and ordinary high school students with moderate lifestyle habits had higher risk of being overweight (OR=1.14, 1.32, 1.21, 1.18, 1.40, P<0.05).
Conclusions
The detection rates of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Tianjin shows an increasing trend. Comprehensive lifestyle should be implemented to better prevent and control the risk of overweight and obesity.
7.Correlation between the varicella incidence and temperature in Minhang District, Shanghai
Xia ZHAO ; Linjuan DONG ; Yibin ZHOU ; Zhaowen ZHANG ; Jinsong CUI ; Jialei FAN ; Chenxi XU ; Dunjia WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(8):753-759
ObjectiveTo explore the exposure-lag-response relationship between temperature and risk of varicella incidence,and to provide a scientific evidence for early warning and precise prevention and control of varicella epidemic. MethodsDaily varicella cases and daily meteorological data were collected in Minhang District, Shanghai from 2010 to 2022. A distributed lag nonlinear model was used to determine the exposure-lag-response relationship between temperature and risk of varicella incidence. Furthermore, effect of temperature on the incidence risk was determined across different age groups. ResultsIn 2010‒2022, the total number of notified varicella cases was 26 207 in Minhang District, with the highest incidence in the group aged 3‒14 years (50.35%). The seasonal pattern of daily varicella cases showed a double peak. The large peak was found in November and December, followed by a smaller peak in May and June. Moreover, the distributed lag nonlinear model showed a unimodal curve in the relationship between temperature and varicella incidence. The RR value reached its maximum peak of 1.90 (95%CI: 1.25‒2.87) at 7 ℃. A reverse U-shape was found in the lag-response curves between temperature and varicella incidence. Furthermore, the effect of temperature on the varicella incidence showed a unimodal pattern in the varicella cases aged 3‒14 years. The RR value reached its peak at 11 ℃ (RR=2.89, 95%CI: 1.33‒6.24). In contrast, the effect of temperature on the varicella incidence in the cases aged 15 years and above showed a unimodal pattern, with RR value reaching the peak at 5 ℃ (RR=2.14, 95%CI: 1.33‒3.44). ConclusionThe unimodal curve is found in the relationship between temperature and varicella incidence. Low temperature is associated with increased risk of varicella incidence. Children aged 3‒14 years are more susceptible to the effect of temperature on the varicella incidence.
8.Association of health risk behaviors with obesity and depressive symptoms in middle school students
SUN Zhiying, ZHANG Xianwei, YUAN Wen, DONG Yanhui, XU Ke, ZHAO Saisai, CHEN Lu, LIU Zhonghui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(10):1505-1510
Objective:
To investigate the tendency of obesity and depressive symptoms in middle school students in Tianjin, so as to provide a reference for exploring the clustering patterns of health risk behaviors and their effects on obesity and depressive symptoms.
Methods:
A stratified cluster sampling method was used to investigate the obesity, depressive symptoms and health risk behaviors of middle school students from 16 counties of Tianjin from 2019 to 2023. The latent classes analysis was used to classify health risk behaviors. The χ 2 test and Logistic regression were used to analyze the effects of different categories on obesity and depression symptoms.
Results:
The obesity detection rate of middle school students in Tianjin from 2019 to 2023 first increased ( 20.90% in 2019, 23.35% in 2020) and then decreased and gradually stabilized (2021-2023:22.20%-22.69%), and the detection rate of depressive symptoms showed a decreasing trend (from 21.65% to 14.92%). The detection rate of comorbidity of obesity and depressive symptoms first increased (4.62% in 2019, 4.66% in 2020) and then gradually decreased to 3.43% in 2023, and the rate was higher in boys than in girls and higher in urban areas than in suburban areas. Latent category analysis classified health risk behaviors into four categories: lack of exercise group, poor behaviors such as sleep group, poor diet group and healthy group. After adjusting for demographic characteristics,the results of Logistic regression analysis showed that the co-occurrence risk of obesity and depression symptoms among the top three groups of middle school students were 1.35( OR=1.35, 95%CI =1.15-1.58), 4.20( OR=4.20, 95%CI =3.50-5.04), and 1.84( OR=1.84, 95%CI =1.40-2.38)times, compared to the healthy group ( P <0.05).
Conclusions
From 2019 to 2023, the comorbidity rate of obesity and depression among middle school students in Tianjin increased first and then decreased gradually. Interventions should be made in the aspects of exercise, diet, sleep and other behaviors.
9.Efficacy of different concentrations of ZKY001 eyedrops in the treatment of corneal epithelial defect after primary pterygium excision
Hua GAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jianjiang XU ; Liming TAO ; Yanling DONG ; Luxia CHEN ; Xiuming JIN ; Guigang LI ; Huping WU ; Ping ZHAO ; Wei CHEN ; Xiaoyi LI ; Weiyun SHI
International Eye Science 2024;24(12):1888-1894
AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of ZKY001 eye drops with different concentrations in the treatment of corneal epithelial defects(CED)after primary pterygium excision.METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial. From March 15, 2022 to November 14, 2022, patients with primary pterygium who had undergone surgery were recruited from 12 tertiary hospitals across China. Using block randomization, 178 patients(178 eyes)were randomly assigned to 3 groups in a 1:1:1 ratio: 0.002% ZKY001 group(n=59), 0.004% ZKY001 group(n=59), and placebo group(n=60, receiving ZKY001 sham eye drops). Subjects in each group received 1 drop of the study drug 4 times per day for 4 d. The percentage of CED area recovery from baseline, the first complete healing time of CED area, the number of first complete healing cases of CED, and changes in visual analogue scale(VAS)scores for eye discomfort including eye pain, foreign body sensation, tearing and photophobia were observed.RESULTS: In terms of improvement in CED, there were no statistically significant differences among the three groups including the first healing time of CED, the percentage improvement in CED area compared to baseline, and the percentage of first healing cases at different follow-up visits(all P>0.05). Numerically, the first healing time of CED was shorter in the test groups compared to the placebo group(67.87±21.688 h for the 0.002% ZKY001 group, 61.48±22.091 h for the 0.004% ZKY001 group, and 68.85±20.851 h for the placebo group). On D1 morning, the percentage improvement in CED area compared to baseline was maximally different from the placebo group, and the numerical difference advantage was maintained at subsequent follow-up visits. The number of first healing cases in the CED area at different follow-up visits was higher in the test groups than the placebo group. In terms of improvement in ocular discomfort, the total VAS scores were lower in the test groups compared to the placebo group, mainly due to reductions in foreign body sensation and pain scores. At D3, the 0.004% ZKY001 group showed statistically significant improvement in foreign body sensation(P<0.017). In terms of safety, the overall incidence of adverse events was low(9.0%)and similar among groups.CONCLUSION: The use of ZKY001 eyedrops after primary pterygium surgery can safely improve the CED repair, and alleviate postoperative symptoms caused by CED.
10.TSHR Variant Screening and Phenotype Analysis in 367 Chinese Patients With Congenital Hypothyroidism
Hai-Yang ZHANG ; Feng-Yao WU ; Xue-Song LI ; Ping-Hui TU ; Cao-Xu ZHANG ; Rui-Meng YANG ; Ren-Jie CUI ; Chen-Yang WU ; Ya FANG ; Liu YANG ; Huai-Dong SONG ; Shuang-Xia ZHAO
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2024;44(4):343-353
Background:
Genetic defects in the human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) gene can cause congenital hypothyroidism (CH). However, the biological functions and comprehensive genotype–phenotype relationships for most TSHR variants associated with CH remain unexplored. We aimed to identify TSHR variants in Chinese patients with CH, analyze the functions of the variants, and explore the relationships between TSHR genotypes and clinical phenotypes.
Methods:
In total, 367 patients with CH were recruited for TSHR variant screening using whole-exome sequencing. The effects of the variants were evaluated by in-silico programs such as SIFT and polyphen2. Furthermore, these variants were transfected into 293T cells to detect their Gs/cyclic AMP and Gq/11 signaling activity.
Results:
Among the 367 patients with CH, 17 TSHR variants, including three novel variants, were identified in 45 patients, and 18 patients carried biallelic TSHR variants. In vitro experiments showed that 10 variants were associated with Gs/cyclic AMP and Gq/11 signaling pathway impairment to varying degrees. Patients with TSHR biallelic variants had lower serum TSH levels and higher free triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels at diagnosis than those with DUOX2 biallelic variants.
Conclusions
We found a high frequency of TSHR variants in Chinese patients with CH (12.3%), and 4.9% of cases were caused by TSHR biallelic variants. Ten variants were identified as loss-of-function variants. The data suggest that the clinical phenotype of CH patients caused by TSHR biallelic variants is relatively mild. Our study expands the TSHR variant spectrum and provides further evidence for the elucidation of the genetic etiology of CH.


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