1.Controllability Analysis of Structural Brain Networks in Young Smokers
Jing-Jing DING ; Fang DONG ; Hong-De WANG ; Kai YUAN ; Yong-Xin CHENG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA ; Ting XUE ; Da-Hua YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):182-193
ObjectiveThe controllability changes of structural brain network were explored based on the control and brain network theory in young smokers, this may reveal that the controllability indicators can serve as a powerful factor to predict the sleep status in young smokers. MethodsFifty young smokers and 51 healthy controls from Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology were enrolled. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to construct structural brain network based on fractional anisotropy (FA) weight matrix. According to the control and brain network theory, the average controllability and the modal controllability were calculated. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences between the groups and Pearson correlation analysis to examine the correlation between significant average controllability and modal controllability with Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) in young smokers. The nodes with the controllability score in the top 10% were selected as the super-controllers. Finally, we used BP neural network to predict the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in young smokers. ResultsThe average controllability of dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, lenticular nucleus putamen, and lenticular nucleus pallidum, and the modal controllability of orbital inferior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, gyrus rectus, and posterior cingulate gyrus in the young smokers’ group, were all significantly different from those of the healthy controls group (P<0.05). The average controllability of the right supplementary motor area (SMA.R) in the young smokers group was positively correlated with FTND (r=0.393 0, P=0.004 8), while modal controllability was negatively correlated with FTND (r=-0.330 1, P=0.019 2). ConclusionThe controllability of structural brain network in young smokers is abnormal. which may serve as an indicator to predict sleep condition. It may provide the imaging evidence for evaluating the cognitive function impairment in young smokers.
2.A comparative study on pregnancy characteristics and preterm birth risks between assisted reproductive technology and natural conceived couples
Qiu-ping WAN ; Xin CUI ; Xiao-ming YANG ; Nai-si QIAN ; Shan JIN ; Xiao-ting CHU ; Chun-fang WANG ; Hui-ting YU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):617-628
Objective To investigate the differences in demographic characteristics,reproductive health status,and the distribution of pregnancy-related diseases between couples conceived via assisted reproductive technology(ART)and naturally conceived couples,and to analyze the impact of ART treatment on the incidence of preterm birth(PTB)in singleton and twin and multiple pregnancies.Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the maternal and infant cohort data of Jing'an District from 2013 to 2020.Based on the conception method,the subjects were categorized into two groups:the ART group and the natural conception group.Chi-square test was applied to compare baseline characteristics and disease distributions differences between the two groups,and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between ART and the PTB risks.A causal mediation model was used to evaluate the mediating effect of twin and multiple pregnancy in the relationship between ART and PTB.Results A total of 117 717 parturients were included,6 265 in the ART group and 111 452 in the natural conception group.Compared with the natural conception group,couples in the ART group were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of reproductive system diseases.The incidences of diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy in ART parturient were 13.76%and 9.99%,respectively,which were significantly higher than 7.88%and 4.75%in the natural conception group(both P<0.001).The overall PTB rate in the ART group was 14.81%,higher than 5.35%in the natural conceptions group(P<0.001).The PTB rate in ART for singleton pregnancies in the ART group was 6.40%,higher than 4.83%in the natural conception group(P<0.001),while the PTB rate in ART for twin and multiple pregnancies in the ART group was 53.97%,lower than 60.42%in the natural conception group(P<0.05).Mediation analysis showed that 97.99%of the effect of ART on PTB was mediated by twin and multiple pregnancy,with ART increasing the PTB risk by 3.44 times through multiple pregnancy.Conclusion The overall PTB rate of ART recipients is higher than that of natural recipients,but ART does not increase the PTB risk in singleton and twin and multiple pregnancies.Twin and multiple pregnancy is the key mediating factor contributing to PTB in ART-conceived recipients.Compared with naturally conceived couples,ART conception couples own more advanced maternal age,and have higher risks of suffering gestational diabetes,gestational hypertension,and PTB.
3.A review on research trends of American ginseng: A bibliometric analysis
Ping YU ; Haiyan WANG ; Xin WANG ; Jie ZHOU ; Lei FANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;3(4):297-305
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.), a widely used herbal medicine and dietary supplement, has attracted increasing attention from both academia and industry in recent years. To better understand the research frontiers and hotspots, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of American ginseng studies indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1985 to 2024, using CiteSpace and VOSviewer. A total of 1169 publications were identified, with a marked increase in output since 2011. Hotspot analysis revealed growing interest in pharmacological effects, ginsenoside analysis, polysaccharide studies, and quality control. Furthermore, we assessed future research trends, suggesting that quality control and the modulation of gut microbiota will remain central topics. This study provides a clearer understanding of the evolving research landscape on American ginseng and offers guidance for future investigations.
4.Multivariate Analysis on Predictive Factors of Malignant Risk for Follicular Thyroid Neoplasms With a Maximum Diameter≤4 cm
Xin LI ; Xiangyun YAO ; Fang MEI ; Bo YU ; Jiuping HUANG ; Shibing SONG
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(3):129-134
Objective To investigate predictive factors of malignant risk for follicular thyroid neoplasms(FTN)with a maximum diameter≤4 cm,providing evidence for preoperative diagnosis and individualized treatment for FTN patients.Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of FTN patients with a maximum tumor diameter≤4 cm treated at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2023.Based on postoperative pathological diagnosis,the patients were divided into follicular thyroid carcinoma(FTC)group and follicular thyroid adenoma(FTA)group.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore predictive factors of malignant risk of FTN.Results A total of 870 patients were included,comprising of 745 patients(85.6%)in the FTA group and125 patients(14.4%)in the FTC group.The univariate analysis showed thatage,gender,BMI,comorbidity of Hashimoto's thyroiditis,number and location of nodules,the maximum diameter of nodules,internal structure of nodules,and internal blood flow signals had no significant differences(P>0.05),while nodule echogenicity,margins,halo,taller-than-wide shape,and calcification had significant differences(P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that irregular margins(OR=3.061,95%CI:1.653-5.667,P=0.000),uneven thickness of the halo(OR=5.868,95%CI:1.258-27.377,P=0.024),and peripheral rim calcification(OR=4.364,95%CI:1.329-14.333,P=0.015)were predictive factors of malignant risk for FTC.Conclusions Ultrasound features have certain value for evaluating benign or malignant nature of FTN.Careful assessment of nodule margins,halo,and calcification can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of small FTN.
5.Effects of key molecules in m6A methylation modification on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Zhi-rong CHENG ; Min YAO ; Xue-yun LI ; Chao-jie CHAI ; Pin-xiang DANG ; Si-yu WANG ; Fang-lin ZHANG ; Xin LYU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):150-157
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)and methyltransferase methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3),key molecules in N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification,on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV).Recombinant lentiviruses were generated by packaging the FTO and green fluorescent protein into lentiviral vectors.Neuro2a cells,a mouse neuroblastoma cell line,were infected with the lentivirus,and stable FTO-expressing cell lines were obtained through puromycin selection.Successful overexpression of FTO was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy,real-time quantitative PCR,and western blot analysis.When Neuro2a cells overexpressing FTO were infected with JEV,the overexpression of FTO decreased JEV replication in the cells,and increased the expression of interferon(IFN)and related molecules.Additionally,treatment of JEV-infected Neuro2a cells with the METTL3-specific inhibitor STM2457 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in JEV replication and viral protein expression.These findings suggested that lowering m6A methylation levels inhibits JEV replication,thus shedding light on the regulatory role of methylation modification in JEV replication.
6.Determination of 9 synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette oil by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry
Chunyan XIN ; Yu FANG ; Shaohua FANG ; Ziyuan YANG ; Qianqian GUO ; Sicui JIANG
Chinese Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;40(2):207-212
Objective This study established a qualitative and quantitative detection method for 9 new synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette oil using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry.Methods E-cigarette oil was extracted with methanol,concentrated by nitrogen blowing under a water bath at 60℃,and separated using an Acquity UPLC? HSS T3(100 mm×2.1 mm,1.8 μm)column.Gradient elution was performed with ammonium acetate buffer solution(20 mmol/L)containing 0.1%formic acid and acetonitrile as the mobile phase.Detection was carried out in the positive ion mode of the HESI ion source using DDA(FullScan+dd-MS2)mode.Quantification was performed using the external standard method based on precise precursor ion peak areas,while qualitative analysis relied on retention times and characteristic fragment ions.Results The results showed that the standard curves of all 9 synthetic cannabinoids in blank e-cigarette oil matrix exhibited good linearity with R2 values>0.999.The limits of detection ranged from 0.0001 to 0.01 μg/g,and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.0003 to 0.03 μg/g.Recovery rates at low,medium,and high spiking levels in blank e-cigarette oil matrix ranged from 75.7%to 115%,with relative deviations<8.5%.Conclusion This method features a short instrument detection time of only 10 min,relatively simple operation,low detection limits,high accuracy,and good precision,making it applicable for rapid screening and quantitative analysis of synthetic cannabinoids in e-cigarette oil.
7.Establishment and application of a luciferase immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus
Qi CHEN ; Jin-zhe MA ; Li-tai XU ; Xin-yue LI ; Yu-ting FANG ; Cheng-song WAN
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(3):290-296
The purpose of this study was to establish a luciferase immunosorbent assay(LISA)using the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus(CCHFV)glycoprotein C(Gc),a specific antigen,for the detection of CCHFV IgG antibodies.Three antigenic fragments based on CCHFV glycoprotein C were designed,and three recombinant plasmids were constructed by liga-tion with the NanoLuc luciferase(NLuc)expression vector pNLF1-N through molecular cloning.The accuracy of the sequences in the recombinant plasmids was confirmed through sequencing.The recombinant plasmids were transfected into eukaryotic cells to obtain fusion proteins containing specific antigens and luciferase,and the expression of the fusion proteins was verified by western blotting,thereby facilitating the establishment of the CCHFV-LISA detection technique.The assay's sensitivity,specificity,and stability were evaluated and compared with those of a commercial CCHFV IgG antibody test kit.Three recom-binant antigen fragments of CCHFV Gc—NLuc-Gc-Full,NLuc-Gc-C1,and NLuc-Gc-C2—were expressed,with molecular weights of 80.1 kDa,62.8 kDa,and 53.9 kDa,respectively.The optimal fragment for CCHFV detection was NLuc-Gc-C2.The sensitivity of the CCHFV-LISA was 90.9%,and the specificity was 100%;the findings were highly concordant with those for the commercial CCHFV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.Repeatability tests indicated no statistically significant differ-ences in inter-and intra-assay variability within the same batch.The LISA was highly specific,sensitive,and user-friendly in detecting IgG antibodies against the CCHFV.Therefore,this method may facilitate serological diagnosis and epidemiological studies in endemic regions,and provide essential technical support for disease surveillance and early warning.
8.Effect of donepezil combined with hypoxia on CYP3A4 and its safety-evaluation
Xiao-xia HAN ; Yue-xin LI ; Wei TENG ; Fang WANG ; Hai-ying HONG ; Ze-shuai YI ; Ying SONG ; Yu-yan ZHOU ; Bao-xin LI ; Pan FAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2354-2361
Aim To investigate the regulatory mecha-nisms of donepezil on the expression and enzymatic ac-tivity of cytochrome P450 3A4(CYP3A4),elucidate the synergistic impact of hypoxia on CYP3A4 function,and reveal its potential association with drug-induced cardiotoxicity,particularly QT interval prolongation.Methods Western blot,co-immunoprecipitation,and gene knockdown techniques were employed to evaluate the effects of donepezil and hypoxia on CYP3A4 pro-tein expression.CYP3A4 enzymatic activity was as-sessed using an in vitro incubation system with rat liver microsomes combined with high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC),and the half-maximal inhib-itory concentration(IC50)was determined.Results Donepezil(10 μmol·L-1)and hypoxia reduced CYP3A4 protein expression to 31.75%and 45.90%of the control levels,respectively.Both interventions activated the gp78-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome path-way,significantly increasing CYP3A4 ubiquitination levels by 2.1-fold compared to the control group,thereby promoting proteasomal degradation.Donepezil inhibited CYP3A4 enzyme activity with an IC50 of 83.4μmol·L-1,and hypoxia synergistically enhanced this inhibitory effect,reducing the IC50 to 20.79 μmol·L-1.Conclusion Donepezil downregulates CYP3A4 function through dual mechanisms involving ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation and direct enzymatic inhibition.Hypoxia potentiates this effect,leading to impaired metabolism of CYP3A4 substrate drugs,ele-vated plasma drug concentrations(1.6-2.3-fold in-crease compared to normal metabolic conditions),and an increased risk of QT interval prolongation and other forms of cardiotoxicity.
9.Fucoidan Provokes Ferroptosis via Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma 143B Cells
Qiao LIN ; Qi-Qi WANG ; Xin-Yi BAO ; Yu-Ting WANG ; Lu-Bing ZHANG ; Yi-Ning FAN ; Jian FANG ; Yun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(9):1298-1309
Fucoidan(FUC)is a natural seaweed-derived drug.Previously,our experiments have shown that FUC can significantly inhibit the cell viability of human osteosarcoma 143B cells and induce cell death,but the mechanism remains unclear.Ferroptosis,a novel form of cell death,has emerged as an important target for tumor therapy.This study aims to investigate whether FUC induces ferroptosis of 143B cells and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.CCK-8 and LDH assays result showed that FUC(10,100,400 μg/mL)significantly reduced cell viability of 143B cells and induced cell death.Calce-in-AM staining,FeRhoNox-1 staining,and C11 BODIPY 581/591 staining indicated that FUC obviously increased the levels of labile iron pool(LIP),Fe2+,and lipid reactive oxygen species(Lip ROS)in 143B cells.Chemical colorimetric analysis revealed that FUC markedly decreased intracellular Glutathi-one(GSH)contents.Real-time quantitative PCR showed that FUC dramatically reduced the mRNA lev-els of ferroptosis-related factors solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),while increasing the mRNA levels of prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2)and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4).Western blotting analysis demonstrated that FUC significantly reduced the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4,and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AktSer473/Akt,and p-AktThr308/Akt,but increased the protein level of ACSL4.Immunofluorescence staining showed that FUC obviously inhibited the nuclear translocation of p-AktSer473.The ferroptosis in-hibitor ferrostatin-1(Fer-1)and iron chelator deferoxamine(DFO)remarkably suppressed cell death in-duced by FUC in 143B cells.Additionally,the PI3K/Akt pathway activator 740Y-P significantly inhibi-ted FUC-induced iron overload and lipid peroxidation in 143B cells,and restored the protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4.In conclusion,FUC can induce ferroptosis of 143B cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of osteosarcoma.
10.A comparative study on pregnancy characteristics and preterm birth risks between assisted reproductive technology and natural conceived couples
Qiu-ping WAN ; Xin CUI ; Xiao-ming YANG ; Nai-si QIAN ; Shan JIN ; Xiao-ting CHU ; Chun-fang WANG ; Hui-ting YU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(5):617-628
Objective To investigate the differences in demographic characteristics,reproductive health status,and the distribution of pregnancy-related diseases between couples conceived via assisted reproductive technology(ART)and naturally conceived couples,and to analyze the impact of ART treatment on the incidence of preterm birth(PTB)in singleton and twin and multiple pregnancies.Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the maternal and infant cohort data of Jing'an District from 2013 to 2020.Based on the conception method,the subjects were categorized into two groups:the ART group and the natural conception group.Chi-square test was applied to compare baseline characteristics and disease distributions differences between the two groups,and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between ART and the PTB risks.A causal mediation model was used to evaluate the mediating effect of twin and multiple pregnancy in the relationship between ART and PTB.Results A total of 117 717 parturients were included,6 265 in the ART group and 111 452 in the natural conception group.Compared with the natural conception group,couples in the ART group were significantly older and had a higher prevalence of reproductive system diseases.The incidences of diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy in ART parturient were 13.76%and 9.99%,respectively,which were significantly higher than 7.88%and 4.75%in the natural conception group(both P<0.001).The overall PTB rate in the ART group was 14.81%,higher than 5.35%in the natural conceptions group(P<0.001).The PTB rate in ART for singleton pregnancies in the ART group was 6.40%,higher than 4.83%in the natural conception group(P<0.001),while the PTB rate in ART for twin and multiple pregnancies in the ART group was 53.97%,lower than 60.42%in the natural conception group(P<0.05).Mediation analysis showed that 97.99%of the effect of ART on PTB was mediated by twin and multiple pregnancy,with ART increasing the PTB risk by 3.44 times through multiple pregnancy.Conclusion The overall PTB rate of ART recipients is higher than that of natural recipients,but ART does not increase the PTB risk in singleton and twin and multiple pregnancies.Twin and multiple pregnancy is the key mediating factor contributing to PTB in ART-conceived recipients.Compared with naturally conceived couples,ART conception couples own more advanced maternal age,and have higher risks of suffering gestational diabetes,gestational hypertension,and PTB.

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