1.Acute Inflammatory Pain Induces Sex-different Brain Alpha Activity in Anesthetized Rats Through Optically Pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography
Meng-Meng MIAO ; Yu-Xuan REN ; Wen-Wei WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PAN ; Xiang-Hong LIN ; Hui-Dan LIN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):244-257
ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.
2.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.
3. Mechanism of levosimendan in treating hypoxic pulmonary hypertension based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Xiao-Dan ZHANG ; Yu-Liang XIE ; Meng-Dan GAO ; Ao-Xue YUAN ; Han-Fei LI ; Tian-Tian ZHU ; Xiao-Dan ZHANG ; Yu-Liang XIE ; Meng-Dan GAO ; Ao-Xue YUAN ; Han-Fei LI ; Tian-Tian ZHU ; Xiao-Dan ZHANG ; Yu-Liang XIE ; Meng-Dan GAO ; Ao-Xue YUAN ; Han-Fei LI ; Tian-Tian ZHU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):565-573
Aim To explore the efficacy of levosimendan on hypoxia pulmonary hypertension through animal experiments, and to further explore the potential mechanism of action using network pharmacological methods and molecular docking technique. Methods The rat model of hypoxia pulmonary hypertension was constructed to detect right heart systolic pressure and right heart remodeling index. HE , Masson, and VG staining were core targets were screened out. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID database. Molecular docking of the core targets was performed with the AutoDock software. Results The results of animal experiments showed that levosimendan had obvious therapeutic effect on hypoxia pulmonary hypertension. The network pharmacology results showed that SRC, HSP90AA1, MAPK1, PIK3R1, AKT1, HRAS, MAPK14, LCK, EGFR and ESR1 used to analyze the changes of rat lung histopathology. Search the Swiss Target Prediction, DrugBank Online, BatMan, Targetnet, SEA, and PharmMapper databases were used to screen for drug targets. Disease targets were retrieved from the GeneCards, OMIM databases. The "drug-target-disease" network was constructed after identification of the two intersection targets. The protein interaction network was constructed and the were the key targets to play a therapeutic role. Molecular docking showed good docking of levosimendan with all the top five core targets with degree values. Conclusions Levosimendan may exert a therapeutic effect on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension through multiple targets.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Bletillae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Dan ZHAO ; Tao ZHOU ; Chaolei LUO ; Dewei GAN ; Lingling LIU ; Chuanzhi KANG ; Zhikun WU ; Xu LI ; Yan FU ; Guoqiong CAO ; Yongping ZHANG ; Chenghong XIAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):77-88
In order to provide basic information for the utilization and development of famous classical formulas containing Bletillae Rhizoma, this article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, harvesting and processing of Bletillae Rhizoma by reviewing the ancient materia medica, prescription books, medical books and modern literature. The research results showed that Baiji(白及) was the main name, some scholars took Baiji(白芨) as its main name, and there were many other names such as Baiji(白给), Baigen(白根), Baiji(白苙). The mainstream source of Bletillae Rhizoma was the tubers of Bletilla striata, and drying, large, white, solid, root-free and skin removed completely were the good quality standards. With the promotion of wild to cultivated medicinal materials, there were certain differences between their traits, and the quality evaluation indexes should be adjusted accordingly. The origin of records in the past dynasties was widely distributed, with Guizhou and Sichuan having high production and good quality in modern times. The harvesting period is mostly in spring and autumn, and harvested in autumn was better. The processing and processing technology is relatively simple, and it was used fresh or powdered in past dynasties, while it is mainly sliced for raw use in modern times. Based on the results, it is suggested that the tubers of Bletilla striata of Orchidaceae should be used in the famous classical formulas, and it should be uniformly written as Baiji(白及). And if the original formula indicates the requirement of processing, it should be operated according to the requirement, if the requirement of processing is not indicated, it can be used in raw form as medicine.
5.Relationship between executive function and social adjustment in children with developmental dyslexia
YIN Feifei, XIAO Xinyu, ZHANG Han, ZUO Pengxiang,LI Dan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(6):835-839
Objective:
To explore the characteristics of executive function of developmental dyslexic children and the relationship with social adaptability, in order to provide a scientific basis for promoting healthy development of developmental dyslexic children.
Methods:
From June to September 2023, 85 students in the developmental dyslexia group, 85 students in the biological agematched group and 85 students in the reading levelmatched group were selected from the third to sixth grades of two elementary school in a region of Xinjiang by cluster random sampling method. Their executive function was assessed by the Stroop procedure, the 2-back procedure and the numerical conversion procedure, respectively, and their social adaptive ability was assessed by the Social Adaptation Scale for Children and Adolescents. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the differences in executive function and social adjustment among the three groups, and Pearsons correlation was used to analyze the relationship between executive function and social adjustment in developmental dyslexic children.
Results:
Children in the developmental dyslexia group had lower correctness on the Stroop colorword task (0.72±0.21), the 2-back task (0.32±0.13), the digitswitching task (0.54±0.16) and the total score of social adjustment (165.39±31.36) than children in the biological agematched (0.80±0.19,0.38±0.11,0.61±0.15,181.71±31.85) and reading levelmatched group (0.79±0.17,0.35±0.07,0.58±0.15,175.71±27.48) (F=4.54,5.05,4.97,6.31,P<0.01). The inhibition (Stroop colorword task correct rate) and conversion subcomponent (digitswitching task correct rate) of the executive function of children in the developmental dyslexia group were both positively correlated with their social adaptive ability (r=0.34,0.43), and the refreshing subcomponent of the executive function (2-back task correct rate) was negatively correlated with their social adaptive ability (r=-0.27) (P<0.05).
Conclusions
Children with developmental dyslexia have executive function deficits and social maladjustment, and their executive function is related to social adjustment. Measures should be taken to improve the executive function of developmental dyslexic children and to improve their social adaptation.
6.Effect of spleen on the ability of hepatic macrophages to activate hepatic stellate cells in the progression of liver fibrosis
Shaoying ZHANG ; Dan WAN ; Xi DENG ; Xiao LIANG ; Fanfan LIANG ; Chongyu ZHANG ; Jiazhen ZHU ; Yang ZHAO ; Zongfang LI
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(4):575-581
Objective To investigate the effect of spleen on hepatic macrophages mediated activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)in mice with liver fibrosis.Methods Eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups.Mice in Group A and Group B were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 to establish liver fibrosis mouse model,while those in Group C were injected with corn oil as normal control.Four weeks later,mice with liver fibrosis received splenectomy(Spx)or sham operation(Sham),respectively.After continuous injection for 2 weeks,liver homogenates(L-Homo)were prepared and liver cells were isolated from the three groups.Expressions of IL-1β,IL-13,TGF-β,TNF-α,PDGF-β and VEGF in the liver homogenates of the three groups were detected by Luminex multifactor analysis.The expressions of these cytokines in liver macrophages(L-Mψ)and other non-parenchymal cells of Sham and Spx mice were analyzed by Real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)and flow cytometry.Macrophage cell line RAW264.7 or bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDMs)were treated with liver homogenates from the Sham and Spx groups.Then the differently treated RAW264.7 cells were analyzed for mRNA expressions of cytokines and glutamine metabolism-related molecules by RT-qPCR,or transwell co-cultured with hepatic stellate cell line JS1.After co-culture,the survival and extracellular matrix expression of JS1 cells were analyzed.For comparison,Student's t test(between two groups)or one-way analysis of variance(among multiple groups)were used.Results Compared with normal control group,the concentrations of IL-1β,IL-13,TGF-β and TNF-α in the L-Homo of model group were significantly increased and showed higher levels in Sham group than in Spx group.Moreover,the hepatic macrophages were indicated as the major source of these cytokines.Consistently,macrophages treated with liver homogenate of Sham mice had increased expressions of IL-1β,TGF-β and TNF-α and glutaminase(GLS).After co-culture with macrophages treated with liver homogenate of Sham group rather than Spx group,JS1 expressed higher expressions of α-SMA and collagens.Conclusion The spleen is involved in regulating the secretion of cytokines by hepatic macrophages and enhancing their ability to activate hepatic stellate cells.
7.National bloodstream infection bacterial resistance surveillance report (2022) : Gram-negative bacteria
Zhiying LIU ; Yunbo CHEN ; Jinru JI ; Chaoqun YING ; Qing YANG ; Haishen KONG ; Haifeng MAO ; Hui DING ; Pengpeng TIAN ; Jiangqin SONG ; Yongyun LIU ; Jiliang WANG ; Yan JIN ; Yuanyuan DAI ; Yizheng ZHOU ; Yan GENG ; Fenghong CHEN ; Lu WANG ; Yanyan LI ; Dan LIU ; Peng ZHANG ; Junmin CAO ; Xiaoyan LI ; Dijing SONG ; Xinhua QIANG ; Yanhong LI ; Qiuying ZHANG ; Guolin LIAO ; Ying HUANG ; Baohua ZHANG ; Liang GUO ; Aiyun LI ; Haiquan KANG ; Donghong HUANG ; Sijin MAN ; Zhuo LI ; Youdong YIN ; Kunpeng LIANG ; Haixin DONG ; Donghua LIU ; Hongyun XU ; Yinqiao DONG ; Rong XU ; Lin ZHENG ; Shuyan HU ; Jian LI ; Qiang LIU ; Liang LUAN ; Jilu SHEN ; Lixia ZHANG ; Bo QUAN ; Xiaoping YAN ; Xiaoyan QI ; Dengyan QIAO ; Weiping LIU ; Xiusan XIA ; Ling MENG ; Jinhua LIANG ; Ping SHEN ; Yonghong XIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases 2024;17(1):42-57
Objective:To report the results of national surveillance on the distribution and antimicrobial resistance profile of clinical Gram-negative bacteria isolates from bloodstream infections in China in 2022.Methods:The clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacteria from blood cultures in member hospitals of national bloodstream infection Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System(BRICS)were collected during January 2022 to December 2022. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were conducted by agar dilution or broth dilution methods recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI). WHONET 5.6 and SPSS 25.0 software were used to analyze the data.Results:During the study period,9 035 strains of Gram-negative bacteria were collected from 51 hospitals,of which 7 895(87.4%)were Enterobacteriaceae and 1 140(12.6%)were non-fermenting bacteria. The top 5 bacterial species were Escherichia coli( n=4 510,49.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae( n=2 340,25.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa( n=534,5.9%), Acinetobacter baumannii complex( n=405,4.5%)and Enterobacter cloacae( n=327,3.6%). The ESBLs-producing rates in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus spp. were 47.1%(2 095/4 452),21.0%(427/2 033)and 41.1%(58/141),respectively. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli(CREC)and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)were 1.3%(58/4 510)and 13.1%(307/2 340);62.1%(36/58)and 9.8%(30/307)of CREC and CRKP were resistant to ceftazidime/avibactam combination,respectively. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)complex was 59.5%(241/405),while less than 5% of Acinetobacter baumannii complex was resistant to tigecycline and polymyxin B. The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CRPA)was 18.4%(98/534). There were differences in the composition ratio of Gram-negative bacteria in bloodstream infections and the prevalence of main Gram-negative bacteria resistance among different regions,with statistically significant differences in the prevalence of CRKP and CRPA( χ2=20.489 and 20.252, P<0.001). The prevalence of CREC,CRKP,CRPA,CRAB,ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were higher in provinicial hospitals than those in municipal hospitals( χ2=11.953,81.183,10.404,5.915,12.415 and 6.459, P<0.01 or <0.05),while the prevalence of CRPA was higher in economically developed regions(per capita GDP ≥ 92 059 Yuan)than that in economically less-developed regions(per capita GDP <92 059 Yuan)( χ2=6.240, P=0.012). Conclusions:The proportion of Gram-negative bacteria in bloodstream infections shows an increasing trend,and Escherichia coli is ranked in the top,while the trend of CRKP decreases continuously with time. Decreasing trends are noted in ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Low prevalence of carbapenem resistance in Escherichia coli and high prevalence in CRAB complex have been observed. The composition ratio and antibacterial spectrum of bloodstream infections in different regions of China are slightly different,and the proportion of main drug resistant bacteria in provincial hospitals is higher than those in municipal hospitals.
8.Formulation and modification of high-fat meals in food impact studies
Qian-Qian JIANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Xiao-Na XIANG ; Jun HUANG ; Bo JIANG ; Dan-Dan YANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(2):273-275
The food effect(FE)on drug absorption is an important part of clinical pharmacological studies of new drugs.The caloric ratios for each component of a high-fat meal are specified in the"Technical Guidelines for Food Bioavailability and Postprandial Bioequivalence Studies"approved by the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)and the"Technical Guidelines for Food Effect Studies in New Drug Development"approved by the National Medical Products Administration.However,the recipes for high-fat meals vary among clinical research centers,showing their advantages and disadvantages.Thus,we present a modified version of high-fat meal recipes with easy-to-quantify calories,which is a combination of Western and Chinese flavors,easy to prepare,and meets Chinese tastes.The center satisfaction surveys showed that our modified version of the high-fat meal recipe greatly improved subject satisfaction and compliance,thus better safeguarding the quality of the trial.
9.Bioequivalence study of pitavastatin calcium dispersible tablets in healthy Chinese volunteers
Wei ZHANG ; Chun-Miao PAN ; Xiao-Dan WANG ; Yin HU ; Rong SHAO ; Bo JIANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(10):1497-1501
Objective To compare the bioavailability and bioequivalence of pivastatin calcium dispersive tablets in healthy Chinese subjects.Methods A single dose of pitavastatin calcium(2 mg)was orally administered to the test preparation or reference preparation under fasting and postprandial conditions,respectively.The plasma concentrations of pitavastatin calcium were measured at different time points before and after administration by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS).The bioequivalence of the two formulations was evaluated.Results Subjects received pitavastatin calcium test preparation and reference preparation in fasting condition,the Cmax were(47.79±23.99)and(46.03±21.82)ng·L-1;AUC0_,were(96.56±42.64)and(97.96±35.40)ng·h·L-1;AUC0_∞ were(102.09±43.01)and(103.46±35.62)ng·h·L-1,respectively.The 90%confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratios of Cmax,AUC0_t and AUC0-∞ of pitavastin-calcium test formulation and reference formulation were 96.28%-111.16%,94.46%-101.19%and 94.77%-101.31%,respectively.Subjects received pitavastatin calcium test preparation and reference preparation in fasting condition,the Cmax were(27.32±10.68)and(28.58±11.39)ng·L-1;AUC0_t were(82.76±27.58)and(84.06±29.12)ng·h·L-1;AUC0_∞ were(87.88±26.93)and(89.29±29.18)ng·h·L-1,respectively.The 90%confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratios of Cmax,AUC0_t and AUC0_∞ of the test formulation and the reference formulation of pitavastatin calcium were 87.39%-102.10%,94.62%-101.34%and 94.88%-101.47%,respectively.All of them were within the bioequivalence range of 80.00%to 125.00%.Conclusion Two pivastatin calcium dispersion tablets were bioequivalent and safe in healthy Chinese adult subjects.
10.Clinical trial of rituximab and leflunomide in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Jia-Hui GUO ; Jun-Jie ZOU ; Yang-Yang WANG ; Jin-Long ZHANG ; Dan-Dan PANG ; Xiao-Yan XU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1547-1550
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of rituximab injection combined with leflunomide tablets in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).Methods The SLE patients were divided into control and treatment groups according to cohort method.The control group received leflunomide with 50 mg·d-1 after meal in the first 3 days of treatment and was adjusted to 20 mg·d-1 thereafter.On the basis of control group,the treatment group was combined with rituximab,375 mg·m-2 was given intravenously every 2 weeks in the first 3 times of treatment,and adjusted to once every 4 weeks from the 4th dose.Two groups were treated for 24 weeks.The clinical efficacy,systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index(SLEDAI)scores,serological indicators,24-hour urinary protein and adverse drug reactions were compared between two groups.Results The treatment and control groups were enrolled 74 cases and 72 cases,respectively.After treatment,the total effective rates of treatment and control groups were 91.89%(68 cases/74 cases)and 79.17%(57 cases/72 cases)with significant difference(P<0.05).After treatment,the SLEDAI scores of treatment and control groups were(7.21±1.67)and(9.03±1.35)points;the levels of anti-Smith/ribonucleoprotein antibodies were(81.43±18.25)and(59.38±14.61)U·mL-1;the levels of immunoglobulin G were(12.04±2.15)and(17.28±2.64)g·L-1;the levels of interleukin-10 were(33.39±7.13)and(39.87±9.02)pg·mL-1;24-hour urinary protein quantification were(1.46±0.32)and(2.67±0.54)g·24 h-1;all the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The drug adverse reactions of two groups were liver and kidney function injury and digestive tract reactions.The total incidences of drug adverse reactions in the treatment and control groups were 13.51%and 5.56%without significant difference(P>0.05).Conclusion Rituximab injection combined with leflunomide tablets has a definitive clinical efficacy in the treatment of SLE patients,which can significantly reduce disease activity and inflammatory reactions,improve immune function,without increasing the incidence of drug adverse reactions.


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