1.Application of visual perception training in ophthalmic clinical practice
Yang GU ; Qionglei ZHONG ; Han REN
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):473-476
Vision is the primary perceptual mode through which humans and higher animals acquire external information. Visual perception encompasses various aspects of visual processing and has been widely applied in ophthalmic clinical practice. Based on the principle of neural plasticity, visual perception training relies on the visual signal processing mechanism. After receiving external visual signals, the retina transmits them via the optic nerve to the brain, where the cerebral cortex decodes, extracts, and processes the information. By stimulating specific visual information, visual perception training activates visual processing pathways, strengthens synaptic connections among neurons within these pathways, and ultimately enhances the cerebral cortex's ability to integrate and process information, thereby improving patients' visual function and experience. This article explores the application of visual perception training in conditions such as amblyopia, myopia, presbyopia, strabismus, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and optic pathway lesions, discussing its value in improving visual function. It provides theoretical references for the intervention and treatment of related diseases. Visual perception training has been widely applied in various ophthalmic diseases with confirmed clinical efficacy, and it may play a broader role in neurologically related systemic diseases, demonstrating certain clinical application value.
2.Strategies of HIV-1 Vaccines Based on mRNA Platforms
Pei LIU ; Zhong-Yue FANG ; Xin-Xin CHEN ; Shao-Wei LI ; Ying GU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):826-839
Since its emergence in the 1980s, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused a global pandemic, posing a severe threat to human life and health as well as social development. Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively curbs HIV transmission and antiretroviral therapy (ART) significantly extends the lifespan of patients, vaccines remain a pivotal tool for blocking transmission and ending the pandemic. The high genetic variability of HIV-1, the glycan shield of its envelope glycoproteins, and the long-term persistence of latent reservoirs have repeatedly led to bottlenecks in traditional vaccine strategies. In recent years, mRNA technology has offered a novel approach to addressing these challenges, leveraging advantages such as sequence programmability, short production cycles, native conformational expression of antigens, and self-adjuvant effects. In recent years, mRNA vaccine technology has emerged as a transformative solution to longstanding vaccinology challenges, characterized by its sequence programmability, rapid production cycles, native conformational antigen expression, and intrinsic self-adjuvanting properties. Unlike traditional platforms reliant on pathogen culture or recombinant proteins, mRNA vaccines can be expeditiously designed and updated based solely on viral genomic sequences. Lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA facilitates endogenous antigen expression and presentation, simultaneously eliciting potent humoral and cellular immune responses. Within this landscape, self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) further extends in vivo antigen expression to enhance the persistence of immune responses. Moreover, the LNP delivery system not only protects mRNA from degradation and mediates endosomal escape but also synergizes with mRNA to optimize immune activation via self-adjuvant effects. Importantly, mRNA platforms circumvent the pre-existing immunity associated with viral vectors and the genomic integration risks of DNA vaccines, positioning them as a cornerstone for global pandemic preparedness. This review systematically delineates recent advances in mRNA technology for HIV-1 vaccine development, focusing on four pivotal research frontiers. First, mRNA innovations building upon the RV144 trial optimize antigens through codon modification and multivalent designs to induce more durable and broad-spectrum immunity. Second, particulate mRNA vaccine strategies, utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs) and ferritin nanoparticles, achieve in situ antigen self-assembly, significantly enhancing B cell activation and reducing infection risks in non-human primate models. Third, germline-targeting mRNA vaccines address the low-affinity barrier of broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAp) precursors, efficiently activating rare precursor B cells and promoting affinity maturation. Fourth, therapeutic mRNA vaccines offer unique advantages for an HIV functional cure; combining immunogens with mRNA-encoded adjuvants potentiates cellular immunity, while LNP-mediated “shock-and-kill” strategies specifically activate latent reservoirs to guide immune clearance. Comparative analyses with traditional platforms reveal that mRNA technology redefines antigen production and presentation, simulating chronic infection through sustained expression and enabling dual-pathway presentation via endogenous synthesis. Furthermore, we explore the mechanistic innovations of mRNA vaccines in inducing bNAps: sustained in vivo production prolongs the activation window for precursor B cells and maintains germinal center (GC) reactions; endogenously expressed antigens adopt native conformations to expose conserved epitopes; and self-adjuvanting effects modulate the functions of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and follicular helper T cells (Tfh), driving somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation. We also address critical clinical translation challenges, including immune durability, adaptability to special populations, and large-scale LNP manufacturing, while proposing targeted optimization strategies. In conclusion, this review establishes a theoretical framework for utilizing mRNA technology to overcome HIV-1 immune escape, transitioning from a descriptive paradigm to a problem-solving-based synthesis of evidence. By integrating preclinical and early clinical data, we bridge the gap between basic design and translational verification. mRNA technology is poised to become a central pillar inHIV-1 prevention and therapy, providing a robust toolset to achieve the global goal of ending the AIDS pandemic and offering a blueprint for vaccine development against other recalcitrant infectious diseases.
3.Morphological and physiological responses to shading caused by dense planting or light quality modulation in shade-tolerant plant Anoectochilus roxburghii.
Xiao-Lei GUO ; Li-Chun ZHOU ; Ming-Jie LI ; Zhong-Yi ZHANG ; Li GU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2648-2657
The balance between growth and defense in response to nearby or canopy shading in heliotropic plants has been deeply understood. However, the adaptive traits developed by shade-tolerant plants through long-term evolution remain unclear. In this study, the typical shade-tolerant medicinal plant Anoectochilus roxburghii was used as the experimental material.(1) Different planting densities were set, including 8 cm(row spacing) × 8 cm(plant spacing), 6 cm × 6 cm, 4 cm × 4 cm, and 2 cm × 2 cm, to monitor the individual plant responses to nearby shading.(2) Different light environments, including blue light∶red light=3∶2(B3R2), blue light∶red light∶far-red light=3∶2∶1(B3R2FR1), blue light∶red light∶far-red light=3∶2∶2(B3R2FR2), and blue light∶red light∶far-red light=3∶2∶4(B3R2FR4), were set to monitor the morphological and physiological changes in plants in response to actual shading conditions. The results showed that:(1) Moderate increases in planting density helped optimize morphological traits such as stem diameter and leaf area. This not only slightly increased biomass but also significantly improved SOD activity in both leaves and stems, as well as lignin content in stems, thereby enhancing the plant's defense capabilities.(2) Increasing the far-red light in the light environment negatively regulated the plant height of A. roxburghii, which was contrary to the typical shade-avoidance response observed in heliotropic plants. However, it significantly enhanced SOD and POD activity in both stems and leaves, as well as lignin content in stems. Furthermore, it reduced the incidence and disease index of stalk rot, effectively defending against biotic stress. Therefore, the shade-tolerant plant A. roxburghii has specific adaptive strategies for shading conditions. Reasonable dense planting or light environment modulation can synergistically improve yield, medicinal quality, and resistance of A. roxburghii. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for optimizing the regional deployment and cultivation strategies of ecological planting for Chinese medicinal materials.
Orchidaceae/genetics*
;
Light
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Plant Leaves/physiology*
;
Sunlight
;
Adaptation, Physiological/radiation effects*
;
Plant Proteins/genetics*
4.Effect Mechanism and Law of Sterilization by 60Co-γ Ray Irradiation on Chemical Composition of Chinese Materia Medica: A Review
Tingting ZHU ; Jian RANG ; Rangyanpo LUO ; Rui GU ; Yue YANG ; Si LU ; Shihong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):306-314
60Co-γ ray irradiation has the unique advantages of high efficiency, strong penetration, operation at room temperature and no residue, which has been widely used in the sterilization of Chinese medicinal materials, decoction pieces, Chinese patent medicine. However, the irradiation effect may cause changes in the content of chemical components in Chinese materia medica or the emergence of new radiolysis products, leading to reduced efficacy and uncontrollable safety risks. This paper reviewed the relevant literature at home and abroad, summarized the effect of irradiation sterilization on various types of chemical compositions of Chinese medicinal materials and their preparations, and analyzed and explored the rule of change. The results showed that the content changes of various chemical components in Chinese materia medica after 60Co-γ ray irradiation sterilization varied. The contents of most flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and quinones decreased after irradiation, and the degree of decrease increased with the elevated irradiation dose. The contents of lignans, alkaloids, isoflavones and some terpenoids did not change significantly before and after irradiation, while the content changes of triterpenoid saponins, dihydroflavonols, chalcones, sugars and glycosides after irradiation were not yet uniform. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the compositional changes of irradiated Chinese medicines, strengthen the research on the standards of irradiated Chinese medicines, and standardize the irradiation and sterilization of Chinese medicines in order to promote the healthy and rational application of irradiated Chinese medicines.
5.Clinical analysis of clavicle anatomical plate in the treatment of AllmanⅡC type of clavicle fracture.
Jian-Zhong GE ; Jin-Rui GU ; Peng XU ; Zhi-Ling ZHANG ; Kai WANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(7):711-715
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of clavicular anatomical plate in the treatment of clavicular Allmanic fracture.
METHODS:
Between January 2016 and December 2022, 27 patients with Allman ⅡC distal clavicle fractures were treated with clavicular anatomical plate. There were 19 males and 8 females, aged from 16 to 69 years old, with an average of (39.74±12.71) years old. There were 15 patients on the left side and 12 patients on the right side. There were 15 patients with single clavicle fracture and 12 patients complicated with other parts of the body or organ injury. The broken ends of the fractures were fixed with clavicular anatomical plate, including common compression clavicular anatomical plate in 19 patients and locking clavicular anatomical plate in 8 patients. The operation time and hospitalization days were recorded. Visual analogue scales (VAS) were utilized to assess subjective pain levels both preoperatively and 3 days postoperatively. Postoperatively, patients were monitored at intervals of 1 to 3 months until X-ray films confirmed fracture healing. In accordance with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating system, evaluations were conducted on postoperative pain alleviation, functional recovery, range of motion in forward flexion, strength in forward flexion, and patient satisfaction.
RESULTS:
All patients were followed up for a period ranging from 12 to 18 months with an average of (14.70±1.61) months, and all clavicular fractures achieved successful union. The wounds of 24 patients healed in one stage, and 3 patients developed bleeding and exudation, they were cured after dressing change. There were no complications such as infection, plate and screw fracture, vascular and nerve injury. The operation time was(67.56±11.01) min. Significant differences were observed in pain relief, functional improvement, range of motion for forward flexion, strength of forward flexion, patient satisfaction, and overall scores at preoperative, 3 months postoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up(P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
The utilization of clavicular anatomical plates for the management of Allman typeⅡC fractures can provide early and stable fixation without compromising the acromioclavicular joint, thereby enabling patients to commence early mobilization and ensuring optimal fracture healing.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Clavicle/surgery*
;
Adult
;
Bone Plates
;
Middle Aged
;
Fractures, Bone/physiopathology*
;
Adolescent
;
Aged
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Young Adult
6.Analysis of Hormone Levels in Patients with Hematological Diseases Before and After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Tansplantation.
Fen LI ; Yu-Jin LI ; Jie ZHAO ; Zhi-Xiang LU ; Xiao-Li GAO ; Hai-Tao HE ; Xue-Zhong GU ; Feng-Yu CHEN ; Hui-Yuan LI ; Qi SA ; Lin ZHANG ; Peng HU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1443-1452
OBJECTIVE:
By analyzing the hormone secretion of the adenohypophysis, thyroid glands, gonads, and adrenal cortex in patients with hematological diseases before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), this study aims to preliminarily explore the effect of HSCT on patients' hormone secretion and glandular damage.
METHODS:
The baseline data of 209 hematological disease patients who underwent HSCT in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2023, as well as the data on the levels of hormones secreted by the adenohypophysis, thyroid glands, gonads and adrenal cortex before and after HSCT were collected, and the changes in hormone levels before and after transplantation were analyzed.
RESULTS:
After allogeneic HSCT, the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and estradiol (E2) decreased, while the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH) increased. The T3 level of patients with decreased TSH after transplantation was lower than that of those with increased TSH after transplantation. In female patients, the levels of prolactin (PRL), progesterone (Prog), and testosterone (Testo) decreased after HSCT. Testo and PRL decreased when there was a donor-recipient sex mismatch, and the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol (COR) decreased when the HLA matching was haploidentical. The levels of T3, FT3, and PRL decreased after autologous HSCT. In allogeneic HSCT patients, the levels of TSH, T4, T3, FT3, and ACTH in the group with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were significantly lower than those in the group without GVHD. Logistic regression analysis showed the changes in hormone levels after transplantation were not correlated with factors such as the patient's sex, age, or whether the blood types of the donor and the recipient are the same.
CONCLUSION
HSCT can affect the endocrine function of patients with hematological diseases, mainly affecting target glandular organs such as the thyroid, gonads, and adrenal glands, while the secretory function of the adenohypophysis is less affected.
Humans
;
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
;
Female
;
Male
;
Hematologic Diseases/blood*
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood*
;
Triiodothyronine/blood*
;
Luteinizing Hormone/blood*
;
Thyroid Gland/metabolism*
;
Estradiol/blood*
;
Thyrotropin/blood*
;
Gonads/metabolism*
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood*
;
Hormones/metabolism*
;
Adrenal Cortex/metabolism*
;
Prolactin
7.Erratum: Author correction to "SHP2 inhibition triggers anti-tumor immunity and synergizes with PD-1 blockade" Acta Pharm Sin B 9 (2019) 304-315.
Mingxia ZHAO ; Wenjie GUO ; Yuanyuan WU ; Chenxi YANG ; Liang ZHONG ; Guoliang DENG ; Yuyu ZHU ; Wen LIU ; Yanhong GU ; Yin LU ; Lingdong KONG ; Xiangbao MENG ; Qiang XU ; Yang SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2810-2812
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.08.009.].
8.Prevotella nigrescens exacerbates periodontal inflammation and impairs cognitive function in mice.
Qi CHEN ; Tiantian XIA ; Yongqiang ZHOU ; Mingyang CHANG ; Nan HU ; Yanmei YANG ; Zhong LI ; Yue GAO ; Bin GU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):453-460
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of periodontitis induced by Prevotella nigrescens (Pn) combined with ligation on cognitive functions in mice.
METHODS:
Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, ligation group, and ligation + Pn treatment (P+Pn) group. Experimental periodontitis was induced by silk ligation of the first molars followed by topical application of Pn for 6 weeks. After modeling, alveolar bone resorption was assessed using micro-CT and histological analysis. Learning and memory abilities of the mice were evaluated using open field test (OFT), novel object recognition test (NORT), and Morris water maze test (MWM). Seven weeks after the start of modeling, the mice were sacrificed for examining histopathological changes in the hippocampus using HE and Nissl staining.
RESULTS:
After 6 weeks of molar ligation, micro-CT revealed horizontal alveolar bone resorption and furcation exposure in the mice, and histological analysis showed apical migration of the junctional epithelium, epithelial ridge hyperplasia, and lymphocyte infiltration, and these changes were obviously worsened in P+Pn group. Alveolar bone height decreased significantly in both ligation groups compared to the control group. Cognitive tests showed that the mice in both of the ligation groups traveled shorter distances in OFT, showed reduced novel object preference in NORT, and exhibited longer escape latencies in MWM, and the mice in P+Pn group had significantly poorer performances in the tests. Histologically, obvious neuronal cytoplasmic degeneration, necrosis, nuclear pyknosis, vacuolation, and reduced Nissl bodies and viable neurons were observed in the hippocampal regions of the mice in the two ligation groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Pn infection aggravates alveolar bone destruction, accelerates necrosis and causes morphological abnormalities of neuronal cells in the hippocampus to reduce cognitive functions of mice with periodontitis.
Animals
;
Periodontitis/microbiology*
;
Mice
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Cognition
;
Alveolar Bone Loss
;
Hippocampus/pathology*
;
Male
;
Inflammation
;
Maze Learning
9.Osthole ameliorates chronic pruritus in 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis by inhibiting IL-31 production.
Shuang HE ; Xiaoling LIANG ; Weixiong CHEN ; Yangji NIMA ; Yi LI ; Zihui GU ; Siyue LAI ; Fei ZHONG ; Caixiong QIU ; Yuying MO ; Jiajun TANG ; Guanyi WU
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(2):368-379
OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic potential of osthole for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on its ability to alleviate chronic pruritus (CP) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
METHODS:
In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of osthole in both a 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) stimulated huma immortalized epidermal (HaCaT) cells. The anti-itch effect of osthole was specifically assessed in the AD mouse model. Using methods such as hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot (WB), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence staining.
RESULTS:
Osthole improved skin damage and clinical dermatitis scores, reduced scratching bouts, and decreased epidermal thickness AD-like mice. It also reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-31 and IL-31 receptor A (IL-31 RA) in both skin tissues and HaCaT cells. Furthermore, Osthole suppressed the protein expression levels of phosphor-p65 (p-p65) and phosphor-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-Bα (p-IκBα). Meanwhile, it increased the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and PPARγ in HaCaT cells.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicated that osthole effectively inhibited CP in AD by activating PPARα, PPARγ, repressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the expression of IL-31 and IL-31 RA.
10.Study on the efficacy and safety of Metformin hydrochloride enteric-coated capsules in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yiming WU ; Jian ZHANG ; Nan GU ; Qijuan DONG ; Ruiyun LIU ; Hong ZHANG ; Haixia LIU ; Yongcai ZHAO ; Lin CHENG ; Lianshan PU ; Fang BIAN ; Gang HE ; Quanmin LI ; Wei DU ; Zhaoling WANG ; Wei XU ; Liyong ZHONG ; Xiaohui GUO
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(3):210-214
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of enteric-coated metformin hydrochloride capsules(Junlida?)in patients with T2DM and poor glycemic control under lifestyle interventions.Methods In this study,419 patients with T2DM were recruited from 15 research centers from July 2020 to March 2022,and randomly divided into observation(Obs)group(n=209)and control group(Con,n=210)using a multicenter,randomized,double-blind,non-inferiority trial design.Patients in the Obs group were treated with enteric-coated Metformin hydrochloride capsules(Junlida?),and patients in the Con group were treated with Metformin hydrochloride tablets(Glucophage?).The optimal effective dose of 2 g/d was achieved within 4 weeks,and the reasonable dose was maintained until the end of treatment.The treatment period was 24 weeks.HbA1c and its compliance rate,FPG,and body weight were compared between the two groups in full analysis set(FAS)and protocol set(PPS).Safety and adverse events(AE)were evaluated in safety set(SS).Results A total of 414 participants were randomized(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group).414 cases in FAS population(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group),and 328 cases in PPS population(164 cases in Obs group and 164 cases in Con group),and 414 cases in SS population(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group).After treatment,HbA1c,FPG and body weight were lower in both groups(P<0.05)in FAS and PPS.HbA1c compliance rate was not significantly different between the two groups in FAS and PPS(P>0.05).The results of non-inferiority test showed that the lower limit was>-0.4%in both FAS(-0.154,95%CI-0.384~0.069)and PPS(-0.139,95%CI-0.390~0.112),and the Obs group reached non-inferiority end point.The achievement rate,compliance rate,safety index and incidence of AE were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusions Junlida? demonstrated non-inferiority to Glucophage? in glycemic control and can be safely and effectively used in patients with diabetes.

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