1.Exploring the Clinical Application of Sparrow-Pecking Needling Method Based on the Manipulation Technique
Jing LIU ; Weimei ZENG ; Chao YANG ; Guanqun WANG ; Jiping ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1731-1736
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			By systematically sorting out the theoretical origin, manipulation key points, and clinical applications of sparrow-pecking needling, it is believed that sparrow-pecking needling method involves performing small-amplitude, high-frequency lifting and thrusting of the needle tip in the original position, with heavy thrusting and light lifting, starting slowly and then becoming rapid, thus forming a characteristic needling sensation that spreads to the surroundings in a wavelike manner. The sparrow-pecking needling plays a role in stimulating the conduction of channel qi and regulating the circulation of qi and blood. Additionally, this paper summarized the clinical applications of sparrow-pecking needling in five aspects, regulating mind, regulating channel sinews, regulating zang-fu organs, regulating ying-wei (nutrient and defense qi), and regulating yang qi, so as to provide references for inheriting and expanding the theory and clinical application of sparrow-pecking needling. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Junctophilin-2 MORN-Helix Domain: Structural Basis for Membrane Binding and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-associated Mutations
Jing-Xin WANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Wei LIU ; Wen-Qing ZHANG ; Jian-Chao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2103-2116
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveJunctophilin-2 (JPH2) is an essential structural protein that maintains junctional membrane complexes (JMCs) in cardiomyocytes by tethering the plasma membrane to the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby facilitating excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling. Mutations in JPH2 have been associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), but the molecular mechanisms governing its membrane-binding properties and the functional relevance of its membrane occupation and recognition nexus (MORN) repeat motifs remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the structural basis of JPH2 membrane association and its implications for HCM pathogenesis. MethodsA recombinant N-terminal fragment of mouse JPH2 (residues1-440), encompassing the MORN repeats and an adjacent helical region, was purified under near-physiological buffer conditions.X-ray crystallography was employed to determine the structure of the JPH2 MORN-Helix domain. Sequence conservation analysis across species and junctophilin isoforms was performed to assess the evolutionary conservation of key structural features. Functional membrane-binding assays were conducted using liposome co-sedimentation and cell-based localization studies in COS7 and HeLa cells. In addition, site-directed mutagenesis targeting positively charged residues and known HCM-associated mutations, including R347C, was used to evaluate their effects on membrane interaction and subcellular localization. ResultsThe crystal structure of the mouse JPH2 MORN-Helix domain was resolved at 2.6 Å, revealing a compact, elongated architecture consisting of multiple tandem MORN motifs arranged in a curved configuration, forming a continuous hydrophobic core stabilized by alternating aromatic residues. A C-terminal α-helix further reinforced structural integrity. Conservation analysis identified the inner groove of the MORN array as a highly conserved surface, suggesting its role as a protein-binding interface. A flexible linker segment enriched in positively charged residues, located adjacent to the MORN motifs, was found to mediate direct electrostatic interactions with negatively charged phospholipid membranes. Functional assays demonstrated that mutation of these basic residues impaired membrane association, while the HCM-linked R347C mutation completely abolished membrane localization in cellular assays, despite preserving the overall MORN-Helix fold in structural modeling. ConclusionThis study provides structural insight into the membrane-binding mechanism of the cardiomyocyte-specific protein JPH2, highlighting the dual roles of its MORN-Helix domain in membrane anchoring and protein interactions. The findings clarify the structural basis for membrane targeting via a positively charged linker and demonstrate that disruption of this interaction—such as that caused by the R347C mutation—likely contributes to HCM pathogenesis. These results not only enhance current understanding of JPH2 function in cardiac E-C coupling but also offer a structural framework for future investigations into the assembly and regulation of JMCs in both physiological and disease contexts. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on the mechanism of myopia-related factors secreted by human scleral fibroblasts
Rongrong CHAO ; Zhixiang DING ; Jing FAN ; Liu ZHENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):198-205
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 AIM: To investigate the effects of insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)on the secretion of transforming growth factor β2(TGF-β2), matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)in human scleral fibroblasts(HSF)and their mechanism.METHODS: The cells were cultured with IGF-1 and PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002, respectively. CCK-8 method was used to detect cell viability and determine the optimal concentration and time of drug action. Cell migration activity was observed by cell scratch method. To determine the effects of IGF-1 on HSF cells and the regulatory role of PI3K/AKT pathway, HSF cells were divided into control group(without drugs), IGF-1(80 μg/L)group, IGF-1+LY294002(80 μg/L+5 mmol/L)group, and LY294002(5 mmol/L)group, and were cultured for 24 h; the protein expression levels of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT were detected by Western blot; the fluorescence expression of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α was detected by cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS: The results of CCK-8 showed that the cell viability of the 80 μg/L IGF-1 group cultured with different concentrations of IGF-1 was the highest(all P<0.05), and the cell viability of the 80 μg/L IGF-1 group at 24 h was the highest under different culture times. Therefore, the concentration of IGF-1 was selected as 80 μg/L for 24 h. The viability of cells cultured with different concentrations of LY294002 gradually decreased from 6 h(all P<0.05). According to the IC50 value, therefore, the concentration of LY294002 was selected as 5 mmol/L for 24 h. The cell scratch results showed that compared with the control group, the cell mobility of 40 μg/L and 80 μg/L IGF-1 groups was increased(all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, cell mobility in the 2.5 and 5 mmol/L LY294002 groups was decreased(all P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the protein expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT in the IGF-1 group were increased, while those in the LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the IGF-1 group, the expression levels of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT in the IGF-1+LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). The results of cell immunofluorescence showed that compared with the control group, the fluorescence expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in the IGF-1 group were increased, while those in the LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the IGF-1 group, the fluorescence expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in the IGF-1+LY294002 group were significantly decreased(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: IGF-1 promoted the proliferation and migration of human HSF. IGF-1 may up-regulate the expression of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in HSF through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and participate in the occurrence and development of myopia. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Role of Innate Trained Immunity in Diseases
Chuang CHENG ; Yue-Qing WANG ; Xiao-Qin MU ; Xi ZHENG ; Jing HE ; Jun WANG ; Chao TAN ; Xiao-Wen LIU ; Li-Li ZOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):119-132
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			The innate immune system can be boosted in response to subsequent triggers by pre-exposure to microbes or microbial products, known as “trained immunity”. Compared to classical immune memory, innate trained immunity has several different features. Firstly, the molecules involved in trained immunity differ from those involved in classical immune memory. Innate trained immunity mainly involves innate immune cells (e.g., myeloid immune cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells) and their effector molecules (e.g., pattern recognition receptor (PRR), various cytokines), as well as some kinds of non-immune cells (e.g., microglial cells). Secondly, the increased responsiveness to secondary stimuli during innate trained immunity is not specific to a particular pathogen, but influences epigenetic reprogramming in the cell through signaling pathways, leading to the sustained changes in genes transcriptional process, which ultimately affects cellular physiology without permanent genetic changes (e.g., mutations or recombination). Finally, innate trained immunity relies on an altered functional state of innate immune cells that could persist for weeks to months after initial stimulus removal. An appropriate inducer could induce trained immunity in innate lymphocytes, such as exogenous stimulants (including vaccines) and endogenous stimulants, which was firstly discovered in bone marrow derived immune cells. However, mature bone marrow derived immune cells are short-lived cells, that may not be able to transmit memory phenotypes to their offspring and provide long-term protection. Therefore, trained immunity is more likely to be relied on long-lived cells, such as epithelial stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and non-immune cells such as fibroblasts. Epigenetic reprogramming is one of the key molecular mechanisms that induces trained immunity, including DNA modifications, non-coding RNAs, histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. In addition to epigenetic reprogramming, different cellular metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of innate trained immunity, including aerobic glycolysis, glutamine catabolism, cholesterol metabolism and fatty acid synthesis, through a series of intracellular cascade responses triggered by the recognition of PRR specific ligands. In the view of evolutionary, trained immunity is beneficial in enhancing protection against secondary infections with an induction in the evolutionary protective process against infections. Therefore, innate trained immunity plays an important role in therapy against diseases such as tumors and infections, which has signature therapeutic effects in these diseases. In organ transplantation, trained immunity has been associated with acute rejection, which prolongs the survival of allografts. However, trained immunity is not always protective but pathological in some cases, and dysregulated trained immunity contributes to the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Trained immunity provides a novel form of immune memory, but when inappropriately activated, may lead to an attack on tissues, causing autoinflammation. In autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, trained immunity may lead to enhance inflammation and tissue lesion in diseased regions. In Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, trained immunity may lead to over-activation of microglial cells, triggering neuroinflammation even nerve injury. This paper summarizes the basis and mechanisms of innate trained immunity, including the different cell types involved, the impacts on diseases and the effects as a therapeutic strategy to provide novel ideas for different diseases. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Treatment Strategy of Fire Acupuncture by Repeated Shallow Needling Method for Refractory Facial Paralysis Based on the Pathogenesis of "Channel Sinews Deficiency and Stasis"
Bing HONG ; Chao YANG ; Zijing WANG ; Jing LIU ; Shuo DU ; Wenhui WANG ; Jiping ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):741-745
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			It is regarded that the disease location of refractory facial paralysis is in the channel sinews of the face, with its primary pathogenesis characterized by a combination of deficiency and stasis of the channel sinews. The integration of repeated shallow needling method and fire acupuncture can first remove stagnation within the channel sinews, and second utilize the warming effect of fire to reinforce yang, stimulate meridian qi, and nourish the channel sinews. This approach balances both supplementation and drainage manipulation, aligning with the underlying pathogenesis of deficiency and stasis combination. In clinical practice, diagnostic methods should be applied flexibly to accurately identify the affected channel sinews. The severity of facial symptoms, the size and mobility of the paralyzed facial muscles, as well as the depth and size of the reactive points identified through palpation, should be considered when determining the extent of the condition. By adjusting the appropriate level of stimulation, the fire acupuncture with repeated shallow needling method could effectively improve facial muscle morphology and function, promoting recovery from the disease. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the outbreak of healthcare-associated infection with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Peng-Chao FAN ; He LIU ; Jing-Chong BA ; Wen-Zhi LIU
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(2):182-188
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)technology in the investigation of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii(CRAB).Methods Pathogenic detection by mNGS and conventional pathogen culture were performed on 5 patients in the intensive care unit(ICU)of a hospital from June 8 to 22,2023 from whom CRAB were detected.Microbial sampling was carried out in potentially contaminated environment.Bacterial culture,identification,and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were conducted.Comprehensive control measures were taken,and the effect was evaluated.Results The time required for reporting results by mNGS was shorter than the culture time([3.92± 1.05]days vs[6.24±0.25]days,P<0.001).CRAB was isolated from the specimens of 5 patients.mNGS de-tected OXA-23 resistance genes from all patients.After comprehensive assessment by experts,4 patients were HAI and 1 patient was due to specimen contamination.According to the definition from Guidelines for HAI outbreak control,this event was considered an outbreak of HAI.The monitoring results of environmental hygiene showed that the detection rate of CRAB in the environment during the outbreak was 51.30%(59/115),mainly from the hands of health care workers and the surface of ventilators.After implementing multidisciplinary infection control measures,clinicians'hand hygiene compliance rate and implementation rate of ventilator disinfection increased from 40.83%(49/120)and 33.33%(16/48)to 82.61%(95/115)and 83.33%(30/36),respectively.The prognosis of patients was good,and no new case emerged during subsequent monitoring.The outbreak of HAI in this hospital has been effectively controlled.Conclusion mNGS is characterized by high precision,less time consumption,and high accuracy,and can be applied to the prevention and control of HAI outbreak and the study of antimicrobial-re-sistant genomes.It is of great significance for the anti-infection treatment of patients with multidrug-resistant orga-nism infection as well as the formulation of HAI prevention and control measures.Continuous improving disinfec-tion effectiveness and hand hygiene compliance is important for preventing and controlling CRAB infection.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Effects of hypoxia on preeclampsia by regulating Src/Siglec-6/SHP2 signaling pathway in trophoblast cells
Jing GAO ; Min XU ; Chao ZHANG ; Ran ZHANG ; Xueqin LIU ; Chunhui XIAO ; Xueyan SHEN
Immunological Journal 2024;40(5):433-439
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			This study was designed to investigate the effect of hypoxia on preeclampsia(PE)by modulating the Src/Siglec-6/SHP2 signaling pathway in the cytoplasm of trophoblast cells.Mouse model of PE was established in normal control and Siglec-6 knockdown mice by L-NAME administration,with aims of studying the changes in vascular diameter of spiral arteries in vivo and examining the expression levels of Siglec-6,p-Src,p-Shp2 and p-ERK1/2 proteins in mouse uterine vascular tissues.While,the effect of Src/Siglec-6/SHP2 on the invasive proliferation of trophoblast cells was explored by culturing human chorionic trophoblast cells HTR-8/SVneo with hypoxia in vitro.In vivo experimental assays showed that the diameter of spiral arteries was reduced in the Siglec-6 knockdown group of mice,and the expression levels of Siglec-6,p-Src,p-SHP2 and p-ERK1/2 proteins were significantly reduced.In vitro hypoxic HTR-8/SVneo cell model results revealed that Siglec-6 overexpression could promote trophoblast cell invasion and proliferation by regulating p-Src,p-SHP2,p-ERK1/2,MMP2,P53 and P21.While,suppression of Src and SHP2 eliminated Siglec-6 overexpression-mediated Siglec-6,p-Src,p-SHP2 and p-ERK1/2 expression,and inhibited the ability of Siglec-6 overexpression to mediate trophoblast invasion and proliferation.Taken together,Siglec-6 plays an important role in preeclampsia,and can alleviate preeclampsia by promoting trophoblast invasion and proliferation through the Src/SHP2 signalling pathway.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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