1.The Invariant Neural Representation of Neurons in Pigeon’s Ventrolateral Mesopallium to Stereoscopic Shadow Shapes
Xiao-Ke NIU ; Meng-Bo ZHANG ; Yan-Yan PENG ; Yong-Hao HAN ; Qing-Yu WANG ; Yi-Xin DENG ; Zhi-Hui LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2614-2626
ObjectiveIn nature, objects cast shadows due to illumination, forming the basis for stereoscopic perception. Birds need to adapt to changes in lighting (meaning they can recognize stereoscopic shapes even when shadows look different) to accurately perceive different three-dimensional forms. However, how neurons in the key visual brain area in birds handle these lighting changes remains largely unreported. In this study, pigeons (Columba livia) were used as subjects to investigate how neurons in pigeon’s ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL) represent stereoscopic shapes consistently, regardless of changes in lighting. MethodsVisual cognitive training combined with neuronal recording was employed. Pigeons were first trained to discriminate different stereoscopic shapes (concave/convex). We then tested whether and how light luminance angle and surface appearance of the stereoscopic shapes affect their recognition accuracy, and further verify whether the results rely on specify luminance color. Simultaneously, neuronal firing activity of neurons was recorded with multiple electrode array implanted from the MVL during the presentation of difference shapes. The response was finally analyzed how selectively they responded to different stereoscopic shapes and whether their selectivity was affected by the changes of luminance condition (like lighting angle) or surface look. Support vector machine (SVM) models were trained on neuronal population responses recorded under one condition (light luminance angle of 45°) and used to decode responses under other conditions (light luminance angle of 135°, 225°, 315°) to verify the invariance of responses to different luminance conditions. ResultsBehavioral results from 6 pigeons consistently showed that the pigeons could reliably identify the core 3D shape (over 80% accuracy), and this ability wasn’t affected by changes in light angle or surface appearance. Statistical analysis of 88 recorded neurons from 6 pigeons revealed that 83% (73/88) showed strong selectivity for specific 3D shapes (selectivity index>0.3), and responses to convex shapes were consistently stronger than to concave shapes. These shape-selective responses remained stable across changes in light angle and surface appearance. Neural patterns were consistent under both blue and orange lighting. The decoding accuracy achieves above 70%, suggesting stable responses under different conditions (e.g., different lighting angles or surface appearance). ConclusionNeurons in the pigeon MVL maintain a consistent neural encoding pattern for different stereoscopic shapes, unaffected by illumination or surface appearance. This ensures stable object recognition by pigeons in changing visual environments. Our findings provide new physiological evidence for understanding how birds achieve stable perception (“invariant neural representations”) while coping with variations in the visual field.
2.Study on the potential allergen and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions induced by combined using of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on metabolomics and bioinformatics
Yu-long CHEN ; You ZHAI ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Wei-xia LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Kun LI ; Jin-fa TANG ; Ming-liang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):382-394
Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and
3.Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on the correlation between biochemical indexes and metabolomics characteristics
Ming-liang ZHANG ; Yu-long CHEN ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Wei-xia LI ; Jin-fa TANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):2098-2107
Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection (RDN) and penicillin G injection (PG) by detecting the correlation between serum biochemical indexes and plasma metabonomic characteristics, in order to reduce the risk of adverse reactions caused by the combination of RDN and PG. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). The changes of biochemical indexes in serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was determined that RDN combined with PG could cause pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) activated by complement pathway. Further investigation was carried out at different time intervals (1.5, 2, 3.5, 4, 6, and 8 h PG+RDN). It was found that sequential administration within 3.5 h could cause significant PARs. However, PARs were significantly reduced after administration interval of more than 4 h. LC-MS was used for plasma metabolomics analysis, and the levels of serum biochemical indicators and plasma metabolic profile characteristics were compared in parallel. 22 differential metabolites showed similar or opposite trends to biochemical indicators before and after 3.5 h. And enriched to 10 PARs-related pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. In conclusion, there is a risk "time interval window" phenomenon in the adverse drug reactions caused by the sequential use of RDN and PG, and the interval medication after the "time interval window" can significantly reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
4.Advances in the Application of Near-infrared Imaging to the Assessment of Speech Processing Function in Cochlear Implant Recipients
Xiao LANG ; Zhen FU ; Chuanxin NIU ; Qing XIE ; HaKyung KIM
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2024;32(3):279-283
To date,measuring the neural activity of speech processing in adults and children after cochlear implantation has been a great challenge because conventional neuroimaging techniques are limited by the magnetic properties of cochlear implants.Functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS)is a non-invasive imaging technique for neuroimaging the brain compatible with implanted devices and unaffected by electrical artifacts.fNIRS is suitable for measuring the neural activity of speech processing in adult and pediatric cochlear implant recipients and can better identify and interpret cortical responses.The purpose of this paper is to summarize the use of fNIRS as a tool to measure the neural activation level of speech processing in cochlear implant recipients for different types of speech stimuli,and thus to provide a clinical and objective basis for the assessment of auditory speech rehabilitation and the development of rehabilitation programs for implant recipients.
5.Inhibitory Effect of Metformin and Arsenic Trioxide on KG1a Cell Proliferation
Meng LIU ; Shu-Min GUI ; Ming-Ming FENG ; Hui LIU ; Xiao-Hui SI ; Xin-Qing NIU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):66-70
Objective:To investigate the effect of metformin and arsenic trioxide on KG1a cells proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia and its possible mechanism.Methods:CCK-8 method was used to detect the killing effect of metformin,arsenic trioxide and combined application on KG1a cells.Annexin V-FITC/P1 Dual Stain Flow Cytometry was used to detect the effect of combined application on apoptosis of KG1 a cells.Western blot was used to detect the expression of intracellular apoptosis-,autophagy-related protein.Results:Metformin and arsenic trioxide alone or in combination could inhibit the proliferation of KG1 a cells and induce apoptosis of KG1 a cells,and the proliferation inhibition rate and apoptosis rate in the combined drug group were higher than those in the drug group alone(P<0.05).The combination of drugs induced upregulation of Caspase 8 protein and P62 protein expression and was higher than that in the drug group alone(P<0.05).Conclusion:Metformin can synergize with arsenic trioxide to kill KG1a cells,and its mechanism of action may be related to inducing apoptosis and enhancing autophagy.
6.Comparison of Clinical Characteristics of JAK2,CALR and Tri-Negative Driving Mutant Type in Patients with Essential Thrombocythemia
Yu-Meng LI ; Er-Peng YANG ; Zi-Qing WANG ; De-Hao WANG ; Ji-Cong NIU ; Yu-Jin LI ; Jing MING ; Ming-Qian SUN ; Zhuo CHEN ; Wei-Yi LIU ; Yan LYU ; Xiao-Mei HU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(1):197-201
Objective:To investigate the relationship between mutated genes and clinical features in patients with essential thrombocythemia(ET).Methods:The clinical data of 69 patients with ET from October 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.According to driver mutation type,patients were divided into JAK2 group,CALR group and triple-negative group.The sex,age,cardiovascular risk factors,thrombosis,splenomegaly,routine blood test and coagulation status of patients in three groups were analyzed.Results:Among 69 ET patients,46 cases were associated with JAK2 mutation,14 cases with CALR mutation,8 cases with triple-negative mutation,and one with MPL gene mutation.There were no significant differences in age and sex among the three groups(P>0.05).The highest thrombotic rate was 26.09%(12/46)in JAK2 group,then 12.5%(1/8)in triple-negative group,while no thrombotic events occurred in CALR group.The incidence of splenomegaly was the highest in JAK2 group(34.78%),while no splenomegaly occurred in triple-negative group.The white blood cell(WBC)count in JAK2 group was(9.00±4.86)× 109/L,which was significantly higher than(6.03±2.32)× 109/L in CALR group(P<0.05).The hemoglobin(Hb)and hematocrit(HCT)in JAK2 group were(148.42±18.79)g/L and(0.44±0.06)%,respectively,which were both significantly higher than(131.00±15.17)g/L and(0.39±0.05)%in triple-negative group(P<0.05).The platelet(PLT)in JAK2 group was(584.17±175.77)× 109/L,which was significantly lower than(703.07±225.60)× 109/L in CALR group(P<0.05).The fibrinogen(Fg)in JAK2 and triple-negative group were(2.64±0.69)g/L and(3.05±0.77)g/L,respectively,which were both significantly higher than(2.24±0.47)g/L in CALR group(P<0.05,P<0.01).The activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT)in triple-negative group was(28.61±1.99)s,which was significantly decreased compared with(31.45±3.35)s in CALR group(P<0.05).Conclusions:There are differences in blood cell count and coagulation status among ET patients with different driver gene mutations.Among ET patients,JAK2 mutation is most common.Compared with CALR group,the thrombotic rate,WBC and Fg significantly increase in JAK2 group,while PLT decrease.Compared with triple-negative group,the incidence of splenomegaly and HCT significantly increase.Compared with CALR group,Fg significantly increases but APTT decreases in triple-negative group.
7.Expression changes of RNA m6A regulators in mouse cerebellum affected by hypobaric hypoxia stimulation
Lingfeng XIAO ; Chunhui MA ; Shunli ZHAO ; Qing LI ; Chunying LIU ; Yamei NIU ; Weimin TONG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(5):452-457
Objective:To investigate the role of RNA m6A methylation in mediating cerebellar dysplasia through analyzing the phenotypes of the mouse cerebella and the expression of several key m6A regulators upon hypobaric hypoxia treatment.Methods:Five-day old C57/BL6 mice were exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 9 days. The status of mouse cerebellar development was analyzed by comparing the body weights, brain weights and histological features. Immunostaining of cell-type-specific markers was performed to analyze the cerebellar morphology. Real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of key m6A regulators in the mouse cerebella.Results:Compared with the control, the body weights, brain weights and cerebellar volumes of hypobaric hypoxic mice were significantly reduced ( P<0.01). The expression of specific markers in different cells, including NeuN (mature neuron), Calbindin-D28K (Purkinje cell) and GFAP (astrocyte), was decreased in hypobaric hypoxic mouse cerebella ( P<0.01), accompanied with disorganized cellular structure. The expression of methyltransferase METTL3 was significantly down-regulated in the cerebella of hypobaric hypoxic mice ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Hypobaric hypoxia stimulation causes mouse cerebellar dysplasia, with structural abnormalities in mature granular neurons, Purkinje cells and astrocytes. Expression of METTL3 is decreased in hypobaric hypoxic mice cerebellum compared with that of normobaric normoxic mice, suggesting that its mediated RNA m6A methylation may play an important role in hypobaric hypoxia-induced mouse cerebellar dysplasia.
8.Comparison of distribution of eight components from Liangxue Tuizi Mixture between normal and Henoch-Schonlein purpura rats.
Li-Ling SI ; Lu NIU ; Xiao-Yan WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Ming-Liang ZHANG ; Shuang XU ; Xian-Qing REN ; Jin-Fa TANG ; Wei-Xia LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2023;48(21):5915-5931
This study used UPLC-TQ-MS technology to replicate a Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP) model in rats by administering warm drugs by gavage and injecting ovalbumin with Freund's complete adjuvant emulsion. The distribution differences and characteristics of eight major components(ferulic acid, caffeic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, benzoyl oxypaeoniflorin, tracheloside, loganin, and paeoniflorin) in rat liver, lung, heart, spleen, and kidney tissues were determined after oral administration of the Liangxue Tuizi Mixture at a dose of 42 g·kg~(-1) in both normal physiological and HSP states at 0.5, 1, 2, 6, and 12 hours. The results showed that the distribution patterns of the eight components of Liangxue Tuizi Mixture in the tissues of normal and HSP model rats were different. The main component, paeoniflorin, in Moutan Cortex and Paeoniae Radix Alba had higher content in all tissues. The eight components were predominantly distributed in the liver, lung, and kidney tissues, followed by spleen and heart tissues.
Rats
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Animals
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IgA Vasculitis/drug therapy*
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Monoterpenes
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Administration, Oral
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Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
9.Analysis of influencing factors and clinical value of anterior peritoneal reflection for patients with rectal cancer.
Hua Qing ZHANG ; Shi Tian WANG ; Zhen SUN ; Guo Le LIN ; Bin WU ; Bei Zhan NIU ; Jun Yang LU ; Lai XU ; Yi XIAO
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2023;61(9):791-797
Objectives: To investigate the factors influencing the height of anterior peritoneal reflection (APR) for patients with rectal cancer, and to analyze the relationship between the APR and the lateral lymph node metastasis. Methods: Clinical data of 432 patients with tumor located within and below APR were retrospectively collected from the rectal cancer database at the Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August 2020 to September 2022. Ninty-eight non-rectal cancer patients were also enrolled as a control group. There were 308 males and 124 females in the tumor group, aged (M(IQR)) 62 (16) years (range: 24 to 85 years) and 53 males and 45 females in the control group, aged 60 (22) years (range: 27 to 87 years). The APR height, pelvis, and tumor-related parameters were measured by MRI. A multifactor linear regression model was established to analyze the dependent correlation factors of APR height. These factors of the two groups were matched by propensity score matching and their APR heights were compared after matching. An ordinal Logistic regression model was established to explore the relationship between APR-related parameters and radiographic lateral lymph node metastasis. Results: The APR height of the tumor group was (98.7±14.4) mm (range: 43.3 to 154.0 mm) and the control group was (95.1±12.7) mm (range: 68.0 to 137.9 mm). Multivariable linear regression revealed that the greater the weight (B=0.519, 95%CI: 0.399 to 0.640, P<0.01), the anterior pelvic depth (B=0.109, 95%CI: 0.005 to 0.213, P=0.039) and the smaller the bi-ischial diameter (B=-0.172, 95%CI:-0.294 to -0.049, P=0.006), the higher the APR height. The tumor group had a higher APR height than the control group after propensity score matching ((98.3±14.2) mm vs. (95.1±12.7) mm, t=-1.992, P=0.047). Ordinal Logistic regression indicated that the longer segment of the tumor invade the nonperitoneal rectum was an independent influencing factor of radiographic lateral lymph node metastasis (OR=1.016, 95%CI: 1.002 to 1.030, P=0.021), while the distance between the anal verge and the tumor was not (OR=0.986, 95%CI: 0.972 to 1.000, P=0.058). Conclusions: The higher the weight, the deeper and narrower the pelvis, the higher the APR height. There is a certain relationship between APR and lateral lymph node metastasis on imaging.
10.Double-column Die-punch fractures of distal radius treated with butterfly plate fixation via Henry approach.
Hai-Bo XIA ; Jun LAN ; Li-Qing JIANG ; Hua-Fei YANG ; Xiao-Hui NIU
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2023;36(4):376-380
OBJECTIVE:
To explore clinical effect of open reduction and internal fixation with Henry's approach butterfly plate in treating double-column Die-punch fractures of distal radius.
METHODS:
From January 2018 to June 2021, 26 patients with double-column Die-column distal radius were treated with open reduction and internal fixation through Henry's surgical approach and using distal radius volar column plate(butterfly plate), including 14 males and 12 females, aged from 20 to 75 years old with an average age of (44.2±3.4) years old. Postopertaive complications were observed, Gartland-Werley score at 12 months after opertaion was used to evaluate wrist joint function.
RESULTS:
All 26 patients were followed up from 10 to 18 months with an average of(13.4±0.8) months. All fractures were obtained fracture union, the time ranged from 8.5 to 15.8 weeks with an average of (11.4±0.5) weeks. All incisions healed at stageⅠwithout infection, nerve injury and internal fixation failure occurred. Postoperative Gartland-Werley score at 12 months was (3.65±0.36), and 16 patients got excellent result, 8 good and 2 moderate.
CONCLUSION
Open reduction and internal fixation with butterfly plate for the treatment of double-column Die-punch fractures of the distal radius through volar Henry approach could obtain satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Adult
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Aged
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Animals
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Young Adult
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Bone Plates
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Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
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Radius/surgery*
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Radius Fractures/surgery*
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Range of Motion, Articular
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Treatment Outcome
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Wrist Joint

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