1.The Mechanisms of Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors in Exercise Central Fatigue
Lu-Lu GUAN ; Bo-Te QI ; Du-Shuo FENG ; Jing-Wang TAN ; Meng CAO ; Yu ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1321-1336
Exercise fatigue is a complex physiological and psychological phenomenon that includes peripheral fatigue in the muscles and central fatigue in the brain. Peripheral fatigue refers to the loss of force caused at the distal end of the neuromuscular junction, whereas central fatigue involves decreased motor output from the primary motor cortex, which is associated with modulations at anatomical sites proximal to nerves that innervate skeletal muscle. The central regulatory failure reflects a progressive decline in the central nervous system’s capacity to recruit motor units during sustained physical activity. Emerging evidence highlights the critical involvement of central neurochemical regulation in fatigue development, particularly through neurotransmitter-mediated modulation. Alterations in neurotransmitter release and receptor activity could influence excitatory and inhibitory signal pathways, thus modulating the perception of fatigue and exercise performance. Increased serotonin (5-HT) could increase perception of effort and lethargy, reduce motor drive to continue exercising, and contribute to exercise fatigue. Decreased dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NE) neurotransmission can negatively impact arousal, mood, motivation, and reward mechanisms and impair exercise performance. Furthermore, the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems interact with each other; a low 5-HT/DA ratio enhances motor motivation and improves performance, and a high 5-HT/DA ratio heightens fatigue perception and leads to decreased performance. The expression and activity of neurotransmitter receptors would be changed during prolonged exercise to fatigue, affecting the transmission of nerve signals. Prolonged high-intensity exercise causes excess 5-HT to overflow from the synaptic cleft to the axonal initial segment and activates the 5-HT1A receptor, thereby inhibiting the action potential of motor neurons and affecting the recruitment of motor units. During exercise to fatigue, the DA secretion is decreased, which blocks the binding of DA to D1 receptor in the caudate putamen and inhibits the activation of the direct pathway of the basal ganglia to suppress movement, meanwhile the binding of DA to D2 receptor is restrained in the caudate putamen, which activates the indirect pathway of the basal ganglia to influence motivation. Furthermore, other neurotransmitters and their receptors, such as adenosine (ADO), glutamic acid (Glu), and γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) also play important roles in regulating neurotransmitter balance and fatigue. The occurrence of central fatigue is not the result of the action of a single neurotransmitter system, but a comprehensive manifestation of the interaction between multiple neurotransmitters. This review explores the important role of neurotransmitters and their receptors in central motor fatigue, reveals the dynamic changes of different neurotransmitters such as 5-HT, DA, NE, and ADO during exercise, and summarizes the mechanisms by which these neurotransmitters and their receptors regulate fatigue perception and exercise performance through complex interactions. Besides, this study presents pharmacological evidence that drugs such as agonists, antagonists, and reuptake inhibitors could affect exercise performance by regulating the metabolic changes of neurotransmitters. Recently, emerging interventions such as dietary bioactive components intake and transcranial electrical stimulation may provide new ideas and strategies for the prevention and alleviation of exercise fatigue by regulating neurotransmitter levels and receptor activity. Overall, this work offers new theoretical insights into the understanding of exercise central fatigue, and future research should further investigate the relationship between neurotransmitters and their receptors and exercise fatigue.
2.Flow-diverter devices for the treatment of anterior cerebral artery aneurysms:analysis of its safety and efficacy
Wulin MA ; Mengsi AN ; Shuo LIU ; Sheng GUAN ; Xinbin GUO
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(7):711-716
Objective To investigate the safety and efficacy of flow-directed devices(flow diverter,FD)in the treatment of intracranial anterior cerebral artery aneurysms(ACAA).Methods The clinical data of 21 patients with ACAA,who were admitted to the Department of Neurointerventional Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University of China to receive FD treatment between February 2019 and August 2022,were retrospectively analyzed.After the treatment,O'Kelly Marotta(OKM)grading criteria was used to determine the degree of occlusion of the aneurysm,and the modified Rankin Scale(mRS)score was adopted to assess the clinical prognosis(0-2 points being defined as a good prognosis,and 3-5 points being defined as a poor prognosis).Results A total of 24 FD stents were implanted in 24 patients(24 aneurysms in total),and the technical success rate of stent implantation was 100%.During the perioperative period,complications occurred in 2 patients(8.3%),including hemorrhagic event(n=l)and ischemic event(n=l).The mRS score in all the 24 patients was ≤2 points.Follow-up imaging examination showed that OKM grade B was seen in 2 patients(8.3%),grade C in 6 patients(25%),and grade D(complete healing)in 16 patients(66.7%).Conclusion For the treatment of ACAA,the FD stent implantation is a safe and effective method.During the postoperative and the long-term follow-up period,neither serious ischemic or hemorrhagic complications nor neurological complications are observed.
3.Small molecule deoxynyboquinone triggers alkylation and ubiquitination of Keap1 at Cys489 on Kelch domain for Nrf2 activation and inflammatory therapy
Linghu KE-GANG ; Zhang TIAN ; Zhang GUANG-TAO ; Lv PENG ; Zhang WEN-JUN ; Zhao GUAN-DING ; Xiong SHI-HANG ; Ma QIU-SHUO ; Zhao MING-MING ; Chen MEIWAN ; Hu YUAN-JIA ; Zhang CHANG-SHENG ; Yu HUA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(3):401-415
Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1)alkylation plays a central role in anti-inflammatory therapy.However,activators of Nrf2 through alkylation of Keap1-Kelch domain have not been identified.Deoxynyboquinone(DNQ)is a natural small molecule discovered from marine actinomycetes.The current study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of DNQ via alkylation of Keap1.DNQ exhibited signif-icant anti-inflammatory properties both in vitro and in vivo.The pharmacophore responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of DNQ was determined to be the α,β-unsaturated amides moieties by a chemical reaction between DNQ and N-acetylcysteine.DNQ exerted anti-inflammatory effects through activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway.Keap1 was demonstrated to be the direct target of DNQ and bound with DNQ through conjugate addition reaction involving alkylation.The specific alkylation site of DNQ on Keap1 for Nrf2 activation was elucidated with a synthesized probe in conjunction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.DNQ triggered the ubiquitination and subsequent degra-dation of Keap1 by alkylation of the cysteine residue 489(Cys489)on Keap1-Kelch domain,ultimately enabling the activation of Nrf2.Our findings revealed that DNQ exhibited potent anti-inflammatory capacity through α,β-unsaturated amides moieties active group which specifically activated Nrf2 signal pathway via alkylation/ubiquitination of Keap1-Kelch domain,suggesting the potential values of targeting Cys489 on Keap1-Kelch domain by DNQ-like small molecules in inflammatory therapies.
4.Qualitative study on the cognition and behavior of nurses in blood purification centers regarding the quality of death in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Jinghua XIA ; Wenbo ZHU ; Yue ZHOU ; Shuo ZHANG ; Yan QIN ; Yuxia GUAN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(20):2766-2770
Objective:To explore the cognition and behavior of nurses in blood purification centers on the quality of death of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.Methods:The descriptive phenomenological research method was adopted. From August to October 2022, a total of 14 nurses from blood purification centers in three hospitals, namely Beijing Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing Hospital and Beijing Chaoyang Hospital were selected as interview subjects by the purposive sampling method. Semi-structured in-depth interview method was used to collect data, and Colaizzi 7-step analysis method was used to analyze data.Results:The cognition and behavior of nurses in the blood purification center towards the quality of death of maintenance hemodialysis patients were analyzed into four themes, namely factors affecting the quality of death of patients, convenient conditions for nurses to carry out quality of death improvement work, proactive measures taken by nurses to improve the quality of death and obstacles in the process of improving the quality of death of patients.Conclusions:The nurses in the blood purification centers have special characteristics in their feelings about the death of patients with maintenance hemodialysis, and they have certain cognition and judgment about the quality of death of patients. Managers need to pay attention to the relevant needs and suggestions of the nurses in the blood purification centers and provide help and guidance, so as to continuously improve the quality of patient death and achieve the goal of optimal death of patients.
5.Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome (version 2024)
Junyu WANG ; Hai JIN ; Danfeng ZHANG ; Rutong YU ; Mingkun YU ; Yijie MA ; Yue MA ; Ning WANG ; Chunhong WANG ; Chunhui WANG ; Qing WANG ; Xinyu WANG ; Xinjun WANG ; Hengli TIAN ; Xinhua TIAN ; Yijun BAO ; Hua FENG ; Wa DA ; Liquan LYU ; Haijun REN ; Jinfang LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Chunhui LIU ; Junwen GUAN ; Rongcai JIANG ; Yiming LI ; Lihong LI ; Zhenxing LI ; Jinglian LI ; Jun YANG ; Chaohua YANG ; Xiao BU ; Xuehai WU ; Li BIE ; Binghui QIU ; Yongming ZHANG ; Qingjiu ZHANG ; Bo ZHANG ; Xiangtong ZHANG ; Rongbin CHEN ; Chao LIN ; Hu JIN ; Weiming ZHENG ; Mingliang ZHAO ; Liang ZHAO ; Rong HU ; Jixin DUAN ; Jiemin YAO ; Hechun XIA ; Ye GU ; Tao QIAN ; Suokai QIAN ; Tao XU ; Guoyi GAO ; Xiaoping TANG ; Qibing HUANG ; Rong FU ; Jun KANG ; Guobiao LIANG ; Kaiwei HAN ; Zhenmin HAN ; Shuo HAN ; Jun PU ; Lijun HENG ; Junji WEI ; Lijun HOU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2024;40(5):385-396
Traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome (TSOFS) is a symptom complex caused by nerve entrapment in the supraorbital fissure after skull base trauma. If the compressed cranial nerve in the supraorbital fissure is not decompressed surgically, ptosis, diplopia and eye movement disorder may exist for a long time and seriously affect the patients′ quality of life. Since its overall incidence is not high, it is not familiarized with the majority of neurosurgeons and some TSOFS may be complicated with skull base vascular injury. If the supraorbital fissure surgery is performed without treatment of vascular injury, it may cause massive hemorrhage, and disability and even life-threatening in severe cases. At present, there is no consensus or guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS that can be referred to both domestically and internationally. To improve the understanding of TSOFS among clinical physicians and establish standardized diagnosis and treatment plans, the Skull Base Trauma Group of the Neurorepair Professional Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Neurosurgery Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Neurotrauma Group of the Traumatology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Trauma organized relevant experts to formulate Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic supraorbital fissure syndrome ( version 2024) based on evidence of evidence-based medicine and clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment. This consensus puts forward 12 recommendations on the diagnosis, classification, treatment, efficacy evaluation and follow-up of TSOFS, aiming to provide references for neurosurgeons from hospitals of all levels to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of TSOFS.
6.A study on the satisfaction of the rural elderly people in Dafeng district, Yancheng city with contracted family doctor services
Shuo XU ; Zhaohui QIN ; Yue GU ; Xueling GUAN ; Wenhao HUANG ; Liang SHEN
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(5):623-628
Objective:To investigate the satisfaction levels of the rural elderly in Dafeng district of Yancheng, Jiangsu province with the contracted family doctor services, and to identify the factors that influence their satisfaction.The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for improving the quality of the contracted family doctor services offered to the rural elderly population.Methods:The study utilized the stratified cluster sampling method to select elderly individuals aged 60 years and above from Dafeng district, Yancheng city for a questionnaire survey.Specifically, the study focused on elderly individuals who had participated in contracted family doctor services for more than six months.The survey aimed to gather information on the elderly population's general situation, as well as their understanding, utilization, and satisfaction with contracted family doctor services.The satisfaction of contracted family doctor services was analyzed using the chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression to identify the influencing factors.Results:The study surveyed 385 elderly individuals from rural areas who had contracted family doctor services.The results showed that 88.3%(340/385)of respondents were satisfied with the services they received.Additionally, 99.2%(382/385)of those surveyed were aware of the contracted family doctor services, and 81.8%(315/385)had received basic medical services from their signed-up doctors.The results of a multifactor analysis that examined the factors influencing the overall satisfaction of elderly patients with their contracted family doctor services revealed several significant factors.Specifically, being female( OR=2.557, 95% CI: 1.122-5.830, P=0.026)and unmarried( OR=7.355, 95% CI: 1.850-29.237, P=0.005), supporting the contracted family doctor services system( OR=18.442, 95% CI: 1.732-195.973, P=0.016), believing that the contracted medical institutions had excellent hardware facilities( OR=9.918, 95% CI: 2.313-42.526, P=0.002)and providing high-quality health services for the elderly( OR=8.723, 95% CI: 1.556-48.908, P=0.014), as well as experiencing improved health status after signing the contract( OR=5.006, 95% CI: 1.764-14.201, P=0.002)were all significant factors influencing their satisfaction.These findings suggest that these factors are important considerations for improving the satisfaction of elderly patients with their contracted family doctor services. Conclusions:The contracted family doctor services provided in Dafeng district, Yancheng city have been well received by the rural elderly population.Factors such as gender, marital status, attitude towards the contracted family doctor services system, improvements in health status after contracting the service, quality of the hardware facilities at the contracted medical institution, and availability of health services specifically tailored for the elderly all play a role in determining the level of satisfaction among the contracted elderly population.To better serve the elderly population, it is crucial that we prioritize their needs.This can be achieved by improving the level of "suitable aging" in the contracted services and enhancing the satisfaction of family doctors who provide these services.
7.Application of meridian and acupoint diagnosis of three yin meridians of foot in the treatment for gynecological diseases with acupuncture and moxibustion.
Guan-Qun WANG ; Jia-Jia ZHANG ; Shi-Hao DU ; Xiao-Long XIE ; Shuo DU ; Guan-Xiong HAN ; Bi-Hui PENG ; Chang XU ; Ji-Ping ZHAO
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2023;43(5):565-568
With three representative types of gynecological diseases (dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, polycystic ovary syndrome) as examples, the application methods of meridian and acupoint diagnosis for gynecological diseases treated with acupuncture and moxibustion are discussed. During clinical diagnosis and treatment, it is recommended to examine the patient's leg segment along the three yin meridians of foot, aiming to explore the positive reactions of the meridians and acupoints (color, shape, skin temperature, sensory abnormalities, etc.). Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at this positive reaction place can improve the clinical efficacy. Meridian and acupoint diagnosis could provide basis for meridian syndrome differentiation, thus guiding the selection of acupoint prescriptions; it is also helpful to clarify the deficiency, excess, cold and heat of the disease nature, thus guiding the selection of acupuncture and moxibustion methods. In addition, it is an auxiliary method to estimate the prognosis and outcome of the disease.
Female
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Humans
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Moxibustion
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Meridians
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Acupuncture Points
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Acupuncture Therapy
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Foot
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Genital Diseases, Female/therapy*
8.A Tobit regression model study on the demand for care services and care expenses of older adults
Zhaohui QIN ; Zefang GAO ; Shuo LU ; Xueling GUAN ; Liang SHEN ; Wenhao HUANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2023;42(10):1233-1238
Objective:In order to develop an appropriate care service system and care security system for the elderly in urban communities, it is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs and utilization of care services, as well as the cost of care and the factors that influence it.This will provide a theoretical basis for developing effective countermeasures.Methods:A stratified random cluster sampling method was utilized to conduct a questionnaire survey on individuals aged 60 and above in the Xuzhou urban community.The survey aimed to gain insight into the needs, utilization, and expenditure of care services for the elderly.To analyze the factors influencing care expenditure, a single factor χ2 test and Tobit regression model were employed. Results:In our survey of 1 623 elderly individuals, it was found that 32.4%(526 people)had been bedridden for more than one day in the past year and were unable to care for themselves.Of the elderly who are bedridden, 393 individuals(74.7%)have received care services from professional institutions, with a focus on medical care(312 people, 79.4%)and rehabilitation care(95 people, 24.2%).In terms of financial expenditures, 91.7% of respondents(1 489 people)reported spending zero yuan in the past year, while 6.0%(96 people)spent between 1 and 4 999 yuan.Only 1.0%(17 people)reported spending between 5 000 and 9 999 yuan, and 1.3%(21 people)spent 10 000 yuan or more.The findings from the univariate analysis revealed that various factors, including marriage, age, medical expenses, and life satisfaction had a significant impact on the care expenses of the elderly(all P<0.05).Furthermore, the Tobit regression model demonstrated that certain variables were particularly influential in determining care expenses.Specifically, elderly individuals with higher monthly income(Me=3.114), advanced age(Me=3.458), knowledge of care insurance(Me=7.647), disability(Me=10.998), no spouse(Me=14.387), and dementia(Me=20.473)had significantly higher care expenses. Conclusions:The survey conducted in Xuzhou suggests that the demand for care services is high, yet the utilization rate remains low, leading to a significant burden of care costs.To address these challenges, we must prioritize the care needs of disabled, mentally retarded, and advanced-age elderly individuals.We should also focus on enhancing medical and rehabilitation care services, improving the overall quality of elderly care, and promoting the development of a comprehensive elderly care service system and care security system that caters to the specific needs and financial constraints of the elderly population.
9.Relationship between abnormal imaging findings of adipose tissue around primary colon cancer and prognosis
Xuefeng SUN ; Zhen GUAN ; Shuo YAN ; Xiaoting LI ; Yingshi SUN
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2023;57(8):904-911
Objective:To explore the relationship between the abnormal adipose tissue around the primary tumor of colon cancer and the prognosis.Methods:From January 2015 to December 2017, 448 patients with colon cancer in Peking University Cancer Hospital were retrospectively and consecutively collected. The scores were assigned to the severity, horizontal and vertical ranges of peritumoral adipose tissue (PAT) abnormalities, and the cumulative scores were calculated to establish the PAT grades from 1 to 3. We defined a score of 0 or 1 as PAT grade 1, a score of 2 as PAT grade 2, a score of 3 as PAT grade 3. The patients were followed up, and the overall survival (OS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier curve, log-rank test and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate its impact on prognosis, and the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.Results:Among the 448 patients, patients with PAT grade 1, 2, and 3 accounted for 70.1% (314/448), 18.1% (81/448), and 11.8% (53/448), respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that patients with PAT grade 1 had the best OS, patients with grade 3 had the worst OS, and patients with grade 2 were in between, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=27.38, P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences between the grades in pairs ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in MFS between different PAT grades (χ 2=2.85, P=0.240). The results of Cox regression analysis showed that PAT grade was an independent factor affecting the OS. Compared with PAT grade 1, the risk of death in patients with PAT grade 2 and 3 was significantly increased (HR 2.563, 95%CI 1.181-5.561; HR 2.269, 95%CI 1.005-5.121; P=0.034). PAT grade was not an independent factor of MFS ( P=0.253). Conclusion:The PAT grade established based on the degree and scope of abnormal PAT in colon cancer is an independent factor for poor prognosis of colon cancer.
10.Acupuncture for prevention of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial.
Ting-Ting SONG ; Xiang-Hong JING ; Wei GUO ; Guan-Xiong HAN ; Shuo DU ; Ji-Ping ZHAO
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2023;43(2):123-127
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for prevention of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis.
METHODS:
A total of 105 patients with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into an observation group (53 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (52 cases, 4 cases dropped off). The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Yintang (GV 24+), Yingxiang (LI 20), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Fengchi (GB 20), Feishu (BL 13), etc. 4 weeks before the seizure period, once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The patients in the control group were not given any intervention before the seizure period. Emergency drugs can be given appropriately during the seizure period in both groups. After seizure period, the seizure rate was recorded in the two groups; before treatment and on week 1, 2, 4, 6 of seizure period after treatment, the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score and total nasal symptom score (TNSS) were observed in the two groups; the rescue medication score (RMS) was recorded on week 1-6 of seizure period in the two groups.
RESULTS:
The seizure rate of the observation group was 84.0% (42/50), which was lower than 100.0% (48/48) in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of RQLQ and TNSS at each time point of seizure period were decreased compared with before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01), which were lower than the control group (P<0.01). The RMS score at each time point of seizure period in the observation group was lower than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture can reduce the incidence of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis, relieve the symptoms, improve the quality of life and reduce the use of emergency drugs.
Humans
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Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal
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Rhinitis, Allergic/therapy*
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Quality of Life
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Acupuncture Therapy
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Acupuncture Points
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Treatment Outcome
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Seizures

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