1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Analysis of undernutrition and associated factors among left behind and nonleftbehind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program areas in central and western China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):327-331
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among left behind and non left behind primary and secondary school students in the Nutrition Improvement Program for Rural Compulsory Education Students (NIPRCES) areas of central and western China, so as to provide evidence for improving the nutritional status of children and adolescents.
Methods:
A survey was conducted among 123 782 students selected by random cluster sampling method in grades 3-9 from NIPRCES in central (Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, and Hainan) and western (Gansu, Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Xinjiang, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Yunnan, Qinghai, and Chongqing) China in 2023. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were used to assess nutritional and dietary status. The prevalence of undernutrition was compared between left behind and non left behind students by Chi square test, and associated factors were analyzed by three level Logistic mixed effects model.
Results:
The prevalence of undernutrition was 8.5% (4 326) in left behind students and 8.1% (5 905) in non left behind students. Three level Logistic mixed effect model analysis showed that whether left behind or non left behind, the undernutrition rates of primary and secondary students in western regions were higher than those of students in central regions [ OR (95% CI )=1.72(1.57-1.87),2.25(2.07- 2.43 )]; the undernutrition risk was lower for those whose fathers had a cultural level of high school or above [ OR (95% CI )=0.69(0.62-0.77),0.90(0.82-0.98)] or junior high school [ OR (95% CI )=0.72(0.66-0.79),0.92(0.85-0.99)] compared to those with primary school or below; picky eating or selective eating increased the risk of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=2.36(2.07-2.68),2.28(2.04-2.55)], and primary and secondary school students without nutritional content in health education classes had higher rates of undernutrition [ OR (95% CI )=1.12(1.03-1.23),1.09(1.01-1.17)](all P <0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of undernutrition is slightly higher in left behind primary and secondary students than in non left behind primary and secondary students in central and western NIPRCES areas, with variations across different characteristics.
3.Advances in platelet-associated membrane delivery systems
Ting PAN ; Li CHEN ; Chunyan YAO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):277-284
Progress in biomimetic membrane systems has enabled the extensive application of cell membranes in constructing nano-drug delivery systems. These biological membranes endowed the delivery systems with advantages, including superior biocompatibility, precision targeting capabilities, and long circulation. Platelet membranes, owing to their distinctive biological properties, have emerged as exceptional natural materials for nano-drug delivery systems and have continuously promoted the development of the delivery systems in the field of disease treatment. This review comprehensively summarizes the biological characteristics and molecular basis of platelet-associated membranes, various coated systems and methods, and systematically summarizes the research progress of platelet-related membrane delivery systems in the treatment of tumors, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and thrombotic diseases. It also analyzes the application challenges in the biomedical field and looks forward to the future development direction.
4.Influencing Factors of Depression in Patients with Postoperative Ovarian Cancer
Jialiang YAO ; Long ZHANG ; Jianhui TIAN ; Ze LIU ; Yun YANG ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Minghua LI ; Wang YAO ; Wenfei SHI ; Xinyi LU ; Pan YU ; Enchao CONG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(5):349-359
Objective To explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer and to analyze its influencing factors from multiple dimensions, including clinical characteristics, psychological factors, and laboratory indicators. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, which enrolled 235 postoperative patients with ovarian cancer. Depressive status was assessed using the patient health questionnaire, and the demographic, pathological, and medical record data of the patients were collected using the generalized anxiety disorder scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire core 30, and ECOG performance status score. Peripheral blood tumor marker (CA125), routine blood test, lymphocyte subsets, and serum cytokine levels were measured. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer was 39.15% (92/235). Univariate analysis showed that ECOG score ≥ 2 points, pain, anxiety, poor sleep quality, low quality of life, low life satisfaction, tumor recurrence, six or more cycles of chemotherapy, as well as higher levels of CA125, NLR, and NAR, and lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with depression (all P<0.05). Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety (OR=1.975, 95%CI: 1.231-3.170), sleep efficiency (OR=4.181, 95%CI: 1.211-14.43), sleep latency (OR=34.806, 95%CI: 4.258-284.542), ECOG performance status score, cognitive function (OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.868-0.97), and life satisfaction were independent risk factors for depression (all P<0.05). Laboratory indicators were not independent influencing factors in the multivariate Logistic regression model. Conclusion Depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer is influenced by physiological, psychological, and social factors. Clinical management should focus on patients with anxiety, sleep disorders, poor physical condition, and low life satisfaction, and a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy centered on psychological intervention and taking into account symptom management and social support should be implemented.
5.Mechanistic investigation of FOXO4 in Celastrus orbiculatus extract-mediated inhibition of aerobic glycolysis in the therapy of gastric precancerous lesions
Ziwei PAN ; Junsong WEN ; Xuedan YAO ; Yanqing LIU ; Yaodong ZHU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):462-469
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of forkhead box protein O4 (FOXO4) expression on gastric precancerous lesions (GPL), and to clarify its mechanism in mediating the therapeutic effect of Celastrus orbiculatus extract (COE) on GPL by regulating aerobic glycolysis. MethodsReferring to the previously established combined modeling protocol in our research group, a rat model of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) was constructed through the following procedures: rats were given free access to 170 μg/mL N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) solution for ad libitum drinking, fed with a diet supplemented with 0.03% ranitidine hydrochloride, and treated with a cycling regimen of “2-day feeding followed by 1-day fasting”. Specifically, on the afternoon of each fasting day, the rats received intragastric administration of 2% sodium salicylate at a dose of 10 mL/kg body weight. FOXO4-silenced and overexpression model rats were constructed by tail vein injection of plasmids. The rats were randomly divided into control, model, COE, overexpression negative control (OE-NC), FOXO4 overexpression (OE-FOXO4), OE-FOXO4+COE, silencing negative control (shNC), FOXO4 silencing (shFOXO4) and shFOXO4+COE groups. Gastric mucosal histopathological changes were observed in each group. Lactic acid content in gastric mucosal tissues was detected by colorimetry. The expression levels of FOXO4, HK2, PKM2, LDHA and GLUT1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and their mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR.Results Compared with the control group, the COE, OE-FOXO4 and OE-FOXO4+COE groups exhibited significantly improved gastric mucosal lesions, reduced lactic acid levels, weakened expression of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins (PKM2, HK2, LDHA, GLUT1), and enhanced FOXO4 expression. The OE-FOXO4+COE group showed the lowest lactic acid level and more pronounced changes in related protein expression compared with the COE and OE-FOXO4 groups. In contrast, the shFOXO4 and shFOXO4+COE groups displayed increased lactic acid levels, enhanced expression of aerobic glycolysis-related proteins, and reduced FOXO4 expression compared with the model group.ConclusionFOXO4 expression is involved in the inhibitory effect of COE on GPL, possibly by regulating the aerobic glycolysis process.
6.Knockdown TMEM16B reduces brain edema and protects the blood-brain barrier after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Jingbin ZHANG ; Qian LIU ; Ziyan PAN ; Tianxi YAO ; Jiangwen YIN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):644-652
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of transmembrane protein 16B (TMEM16B) on brain edema and blood-brain barrier after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. MethodsTMEM16B overexpression and knockdown was performed by adeno-associated virus (AAV), and then adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Rats were randomly divided into Sham group, MCAO group, AAV no-load group, TMEM16B overexpression group and TMEM16B knockdown group. Modified neurological severity scores, adhesive removal test and cylinder test were used to evaluate neurologic function. The ultrastructure of ischemic brain tissue was observed by transmission electron microscope. Brain water content was reflected by dry wet weight ratio of brain tissue. The expressions of TMEM16B, aquaporin4 (AQP4), Claudin5 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) were investigated by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the AAV no-load group, the sensory and motor functions of rats in TMEM16B overexpression group were significantly impaired. Mitochondria were swollen; mitochondrial cristae and tight junctions disappeared. The brain water content was higher in overexpression group. The expression of TMEM16B and AQP4 increased while the expression of Claudin5 and ZO-1 decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with the AAV no-load group, the rats in TMEM16B knockdown group showed some recovery in motor function. The mitochondrial cristae and structure were clear, and the basement membrane was partially blurred. The brain water content was lower in knockdown group. The protein levels of TMEM16B and AQP4 were lower while the levels of Claudin5 and ZO-1 were higher in TMEM16B knockdown group than in AAV no-load group (all P<0.05). ConclusionAn increase in TMEM16B expression aggravates brain edema and blood-brain barrier damage in rats after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, while a decrease in TMEM16B expression alleviates brain edema and protects the blood-brain barrier.
7.Erratum: Author Correction: Targeting of AUF1 to vascular endothelial cells as a novel anti-aging therapy.
Jian HE ; Ya-Feng JIANG ; Liu LIANG ; Du-Jin WANG ; Wen-Xin WEI ; Pan-Pan JI ; Yao-Chan HUANG ; Hui SONG ; Xiao-Ling LU ; Yong-Xiang ZHAO
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(9):834-834
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2017.08.005.].
8.A Comparative Analysis of Subtyping Methodologies on Cross-sectional sMRI Data.
Shirui ZHANG ; Baitong ZHANG ; Kun ZHAO ; Zhuangzhuang LI ; Pan WANG ; Dawei WANG ; Chengyuan SONG ; Jie LU ; Zengqiang ZHANG ; Hongxiang YAO ; Tong HAN ; Chunshui YU ; Bo ZHOU ; Ying HAN ; Xi ZHANG ; Pindong CHEN ; Yong LIU
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(9):1689-1695
9.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of cemental tear.
Ye LIANG ; Hongrui LIU ; Chengjia XIE ; Yang YU ; Jinlong SHAO ; Chunxu LV ; Wenyan KANG ; Fuhua YAN ; Yaping PAN ; Faming CHEN ; Yan XU ; Zuomin WANG ; Yao SUN ; Ang LI ; Lili CHEN ; Qingxian LUAN ; Chuanjiang ZHAO ; Zhengguo CAO ; Yi LIU ; Jiang SUN ; Zhongchen SONG ; Lei ZHAO ; Li LIN ; Peihui DING ; Weilian SUN ; Jun WANG ; Jiang LIN ; Guangxun ZHU ; Qi ZHANG ; Lijun LUO ; Jiayin DENG ; Yihuai PAN ; Jin ZHAO ; Aimei SONG ; Hongmei GUO ; Jin ZHANG ; Pingping CUI ; Song GE ; Rui ZHANG ; Xiuyun REN ; Shengbin HUANG ; Xi WEI ; Lihong QIU ; Jing DENG ; Keqing PAN ; Dandan MA ; Hongyu ZHAO ; Dong CHEN ; Liangjun ZHONG ; Gang DING ; Wu CHEN ; Quanchen XU ; Xiaoyu SUN ; Lingqian DU ; Ling LI ; Yijia WANG ; Xiaoyuan LI ; Qiang CHEN ; Hui WANG ; Zheng ZHANG ; Mengmeng LIU ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Xuedong ZHOU ; Shaohua GE
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):61-61
Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans
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Dental Cementum/injuries*
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Consensus
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Diagnosis, Differential
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Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
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Tooth Fractures/therapy*
10.ARID1A IDR targets EWS-FLI1 condensates and finetunes chromatin remodeling.
Jingdong XUE ; Siang LV ; Ming YU ; Yixuan PAN ; Ningzhe LI ; Xiang XU ; Qi ZHANG ; Mengyuan PENG ; Fang LIU ; Xuxu SUN ; Yimin LAO ; Yanhua YAO ; Juan SONG ; Jun WU ; Bing LI
Protein & Cell 2025;16(1):64-71


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