1.Effect of transcranial magneto-acousto-electrical stimulation on the plasticity of the prefrontal cortex network in mice
Shuai ZHANG ; Zichun LI ; Yihao XU ; Xiaofeng XIE ; Zhongsheng GUO ; Qingyang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(6):1108-1117
BACKGROUND:Transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation is a novel non-invasive neural regulation technique that utilizes the induced electric field generated by the coupling effect of ultrasound and static magnetic field to regulate the discharge activity of the nervous system.However,the mechanism by which it affects synaptic plasticity in the brain is still not enough. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation intensity on synaptic plasticity of the prefrontal cortex neural network in mice. METHODS:(1)Animal experiment:Twenty-four C57 mice were equally and randomly divided into four groups:the control group receiving pseudo-stimulation,the 6.35 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,6.35 W/cm2,the 17.36 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,17.36 W/cm2,and the 56.25 W/cm2 stimulation group receiving coupled stimulation of 0.3 T,56.25 W/cm2.The local field potential signals and behavioral correctness were recorded during the execution of T-maze in mice.(2)Modeling and simulation experiments:A neural network model of the prefrontal cortex in mice stimulated by transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation was constructed to compare the structural connectivity characteristics of the neural network under different stimulation intensities. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation could effectively shorten the behavior learning time,improve the working memory ability of mice(P<0.05),and continue to stimulate the frontal lobe of mice after learning behavior.There was no significant difference in the accuracy of the T-maze behavioral experiment among the experimental groups(P>0.1).Analysis of local field potential signals in the frontal lobe of mice revealed that transcranial magneto-acoustic-electrical stimulation promoted energy enhancement of β and γ rhythms.As the stimulation intensity increased,there was an asynchronous decrease in β and γ rhythms.Through β-γ phase amplitude coupling,it was found that stimuli could enhance the neural network's ability to adapt to new information and task requirements.Modeling and simulation experiments found that stimulation could enhance the discharge level of the neural network,increase the long-term synaptic weight level,and decrease the short-term synaptic weight level only when the stimulation intensity was high.To conclude,there is a complex nonlinear relationship between different stimulus intensities and the functional structure of neural networks.This neural regulation technique may provide new possibilities for the treatment of related neurological diseases such as synaptic dysfunction and neural network abnormalities.
2.Primary prostatic signet ring cell carcinoma:a report of 6 cases and literature review
Xiaofeng WANG ; Chengbiao CHU ; Xun WANG ; Tingzheng WANG ; Feifei ZHANG ; Wei CHEN ; Linfeng XU ; Qing ZHANG ; Hongqian GUO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):290-295
Objective: To explore the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of primary prostatic signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC), so as to provide reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 6 patients with primary prostatic SRCC treated in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital during Nov.2020 and Sep.2024.The clinical manifestations, imaging features, treatment methods, histological characteristics and prognosis were summarized. Results: The average age of the patients was (72.00±4.28) years.Varying degrees of dysuria occurred in 4 patients. All patients underwent multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) examination before surgery, and the results indicated typical prostate cancer.Preoperative biopsies showed high-grade (Gleason 8-10) prostate acinar adenocarcinoma.Postoperative pathological diagnoses were mixed types of prostate acinar adenocarcinoma and SRCC, and no metastasis was found in the pelvic lymph nodes.All patients were followed up for 1 to 46 months after surgery and are currently alive.Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy only was performed in 3 cases; apalutamide and leuprolide/triptorelin was administered after surgery in 2 cases; bicalutamide + goserelin was administered after surgery in 1 case, who developed bladder metastasis of prostate cancer 24 months later, and the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration decreased to a safe level (<0.2 ng/mL) after the use of darolutamide with radiotherapy.No recurrence or metastasis was found in the remaining patients. Conclusion: Primary prostatic SRCC is a rare and highly aggressive malignant tumor of the prostate.The diagnosis depends on pathological examinations due to lack of specific imaging features and clinical manifestations.The prognosis is poor, and there is currently no standardized treatment.The combined use of surgery, hormonotherapy and radiotherapy can help improve the survival rate of patients.
3.Finite element analysis of osteoporosis in proximal femur after cannulated screw fixation for femoral neck fracture
Xiaofeng XUE ; Yongkang WEI ; Xiaohong QIAO ; Yuyong DU ; Jianjun NIU ; Lixin REN ; Huifeng YANG ; Zhimin ZHANG ; Yuan GUO ; Weiyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(6):862-867
BACKGROUND:After the internal fixation of cannulated screws in femoral neck fractures,because the affected limb is often unable to bear weight in the short term and the implants with high stiffness have a stress shielding effect on the fracture end,it is easy to cause osteoporosis of the affected limb and changes in the biomechanical distribution of the proximal femur,the incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head is high after surgery.At present,few studies have been conducted on the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis at the proximal end of the femur occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws. OBJECTIVE:Using finite element analysis,to investigate the biomechanical effects of osteoporosis occurring after femoral neck fracture surgery on femoral neck fracture treated with cannulated screws and explore the role of biomechanical factors in osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:Based on the obtained CT scan data of the femur in a patient with a femoral neck fracture,a proximal femoral model for internal fixation for femoral neck fracture was established by Mimics 19.0,3-Matic,UG 11.0,Hypermesh 14.0,and Abaqus software.One finite element model of the proximal femur without osteoporosis and three finite element models of the proximal femur with osteoporosis were analyzed using Abaqus software.The stress,contact pressure,displacement peak and cloud map under different components of the four models were measured and analyzed,and the internal stress changes and distribution of the femoral head were compared and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The stresses and contact pressures of the femoral head and lower anterior cannulated screws varied more with the degree of osteoporosis.The peak displacement of the four models increased slowly with the degree of osteoporosis.By one-way analysis of variance,there was no significant effect of the degree of osteoporosis on the peak stress,contact pressure,and displacement of the different components.The internal stress distribution of the femoral head changed with the degree of osteoporosis.Changes in the biomechanical environment of the proximal femur have an important impact on osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
4.Antibiotic-loaded bone cement in treatment of calf compartment syndrome caused by diabetic foot necrotizing fasciitis
Peng XU ; Mingyu XUE ; Yongjun RUI ; Fanyu BU ; Xiaofeng GUO ; Yikai XIE
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(17):2637-2641
BACKGROUND:At present,the treatment methods for necrotizing fasciitis mostly use negative pressure sealing suction after thorough debridement.This method requires repeated debridement to completely remove necrotic infected tissue,causing serious physical and economic burdens to patients. OBJECTIVE:To introduce a rare clinical case of calf compartment syndrome caused by diabetic foot necrotizing fasciitis,and summarize the clinical experience of using antibiotic-loaded bone cement for treatment and comprehensive management. METHODS:A total of 6 patients with calf compartment syndrome caused by diabetic necrotizing fasciitis admitted to Wuxi 9th Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from August 2017 to August 2020 were selected,including 5 males and 1 female with an average age of 54 years.During the perioperative period,the patients'general condition was evaluated and systemic nutritional support treatment was given.In the first stage,all patients received complete debridement to control infection,antibiotic-loaded bone cement packing,and negative pressure sealed drainage.In the second stage,bone cement was removed and wound repair was performed.The wound healing,as well as the occurrence of redness,swelling,and exudation was observed during the follow-up. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The wounds of four patients were fresh after twice antibiotic-loaded bone cement packing,and the membrane formation was good,and one patient was good after three times of antibiotic-loaded bone cement packing,and the wounds of all five patients healed well after the second stage of skin grafting.Due to the difficulty in maintaining intraoperative blood pressure and infection in all four compartments of the lower leg,a patient underwent emergency knee amputation.Meanwhile,the stump wound was placed with antibiotic-loaded bone cement.The wound was closed directly after the secondary bone cement was removed,and the wound healed in the first stage.(2)The six patients were followed up for 6-24 months after discharge.At the last follow-up,all six patients had good wound healing and no symptoms such as redness,swelling,and exudation.The quality of life of the patients was significantly improved,and all of them were satisfied with the curative effect.(3)The occurrence of calf compartment syndrome should be vigilant when diabetic foot necrotizing fasciitis is highly suspected.Early diagnosis and timely incision decompression are of great importance.Besides,the application of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in the treatment of calf compartment syndrome caused by diabetic necrotizing fasciitis has a good short-term effect.
5.The effect of Bushen Huoxue prescription on proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells by regulating circ_0036763/miR-583 axis
Canrong LIANG ; Junjie HE ; Xueyuan ZHU ; Haojian FENG ; Weijun GUO ; Dongling CAI ; Chenghua ZHU ; Xiaofeng CHEN
Journal of Chinese Physician 2024;26(1):63-69
Objective:To explore the possible effects of Bushen Huoxue Formula (the kidney tonifying and blood activating prescription) on the proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells by regulating the circ_0036763/miR-583 axis.Methods:Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of circ0036763 and miR-583 in normal and intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) nucleus pulposus cells; IDD nucleus pulposus cells were divided into pcDNA group, pcDNA circ_0036763 group, pcDNA circ_0036763+ mimic NC group, and pcDNA circ_0036763+ miR-583 mimic group. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of circ_0036763 and miR-583 in nucleus pulposus cells in each group, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) was used to detect cell proliferation (A value), and Western blot was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), collagen Ⅰ, and collagen Ⅱ proteins in nucleus pulposus cells, The dual luciferase assay reported experimental validation of the targeting relationship between circ_0036763 and miR-583. 27 mice were divided into sham surgery group, IDD group, and kidney tonifying and blood activating formula group. IDD models were established in all groups except for the sham surgery group. After successful modeling, the sham surgery group and IDD group were given physiological saline by gavage, while the kidney tonifying and blood activating formula group was given 1.5 g/ml of kidney tonifying and blood activating formula by gavage for 3 consecutive weeks. QRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of circ0036763 and miR-583 in the nucleus pulposus cells of mice in each group, MTT was used to detect cell proliferation, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of PCNA, collagen Ⅰ, and collagen Ⅱ proteins.Results:The expression level of circ_0036763 in IDD nucleus pulposus cells decreased, while the expression level of miR-583 increased (all P<0.05); Overexpression of circ_0036763 can promote proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells (all P<0.05); Circ_0036763 targets miR-583 and upregulates miR-583 reversible overexpression. Circ_0036763 enhances the proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis ability of IDD nucleus pulposus cells. Compared with the sham surgery group, the IDD group showed an increase in collagen Ⅰ protein expression and miR-583 expression levels (all P<0.05), while the cell A value, PCNA and collagen Ⅱ protein expression, and circ_0036763 expression levels decreased (all P<0.05); Compared with the IDD group, the Kidney Tonifying and Blood Activating Formula group showed a decrease in collagen Ⅰ protein expression and miR-583 expression levels (all P<0.05), while the cell A value, PCNA and collagen Ⅱ protein expression, and circ_0036763 expression levels increased (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The kidney tonifying and blood activating formula (Bushen Huoxue) may induce proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis of nucleus pulposus cells by regulating the circ_0036763/miR-583 axis.
6.Effective Components and Antiarrhythmic Mechanisms of Wenxin Granules Based on CMC/UPLC-Q-TOF/MS
Lu YU ; Shule QIAN ; Haizhen GUO ; Yuke ZHAO ; Xiaofeng LI ; Wuxun DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(19):124-132
ObjectiveTo employ the effective components and antiarrhythmic mechanism of Wenxin Granules (WXKL) by cell membrane chromatography (CMC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), combined with network pharmacology. MethodIn this study, the CMC/UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technique was employed to identify the components in WXKL that could specifically bind to myocardial cell membranes. By utilizing databases such as SwissTarget Prediction and GeneCards, the targets of WXKL's effective components and arrhythmia-related targets were mined. Cytoscape software was used to construct a "component-target-disease" network. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out, and molecular docking of key components and targets was performed. Finally, further verification was conducted through in vivo experiment of rats. ResultA total of 39 effective components were identified in WXKL. These included 13 components derived from Panax notoginseng, 15 components from Codonopsis pilosula, seven components from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, one component from Succinum, one component from Polygonatum odoratum, one component shared by both P. odoratum and C. pilosula, and one component shared by both Panax notoginseng and C. pilosula. Network pharmacology predicted that WXKL had 16 core antiarrhythmic targets and 79 related pathways, mainly involving adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG), calcium signal, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), interleukin (IL)-17, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways. The results of in vivo experiment of rats showed that WXKL significantly improved the expression of β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR), cAMP, TNF-α, and calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1C (CACNA1C). ConclusionWXKL can exert its antiarrhythmic effects through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. This study provides a scientific basis for explaining the potential pharmacodynamic substance foundation and mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine in treating arrhythmia.
7.Clinical and genetic analysis of a patient with HUPRA syndrome due to missense variants of SARS2 gene and literature review
Juan HUANG ; Qiuyu LI ; Wei JI ; Xiaofeng GUO ; Xiaohong HU
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2024;52(2):172-179
Objective:To explore the clinical manifestations and genotype of an infant with hyperuricemia, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure in infancy, and alkalosis syndrome (HUPRAS).Methods:Clinical data of the patient were collected. Peripheral blood samples from the patient and his parents were acquainted for whole exome sequencing. The filtrated variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the variants was predicted by bioinformatic tools.Results:The patient is a male infant of 6 months old, carrying two missense variants in the SARS2 allele: a paternal inherited c.1205G>A (p. Arg402His) and a maternal inherited c.680G>A (p. Arg227Gln). The two variants were in extremely low population frequencies. The pathogenetic prediction tools categorized them as deleterious. Arg402 and Arg227 were highly conserved in evolution. The variants led to changes in the hydrogen bonds and hydrophobicity of seryl-tRNA synthetase encoded by SARS2.Conclusions:c.1205G>A (p. Arg402His) and c.680G>A (p. Arg227Gln) are the possible causative variants of the HUPRA syndrome.
8.Endovascular therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion with early neurological deterioration: a retrospective case series study
Yongtao GUO ; Xiaofeng ZHU ; Mingchao LI
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2024;32(7):487-494
Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and safety of endovascular therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion with early neurological deterioration (END).Methods:Patients with AIS due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion with END underwent endovascular therapy under the multimodal imaging guidance in the Department of Neurology, Huai'an First Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from June 2019 to April 2023 were collected retrospectively. The modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grading was used to evaluate the vascular recanalization, and grade 2b or 3 was defined as successful recanalization. At 90 days after onset, the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the functional outcome, and 0-2 was defined as a good outcome. The patients with onset to femoral artery puncture time ≤24 hours and >24 hours were compared.Results:A total of 19 patients were enrolled, including 13 males, aged 61.16±11.75 years. The median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 4 (interquartile range, 2-5), and the median NIHSS score at END was 13 (interquartile range, 10-20). Twelve patients (63.2%) received intravenous thrombolysis before END. Median baseline Alberta Stroke Project Early CT Score (ASPECTS) was 8 (interquartile range, 7-9); 18 patients (94.7%) achieved successful recanalization, and 2 (10.5%) experienced symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). At 90 days after onset, the mRS scores: 0-2 in 12 cases (63.2%), 3 in 4 cases (21.1%), 5 in 1 case (5.2%), and 6 (death) in 2 cases (10.5%). There were 10 patients (52.6%) in the group with onset time to femoral artery puncture ≤24 hours, and 9 patients (47.4%) in the group with onset time >24 hours. There was significant difference between the two groups only in the ASPECTS ( P=0.035), but there were no significant differences in the postprocedural recanalization rate, sICH incidence rate, and good outcome rate at 90 days. Conclusion:Endovascular therapy under the guidance of multimodal imaging is safe and feasible for AIS patients with END due to anterior circulation occlusion.
9.Effect of tail suspension simulated weightlessness on DNA methylation profiles in liver and colon of mice
Yan LU ; Mingzhou GUO ; Huikai LI ; Qianqian CHEN ; Xiaofeng QIU ; Enqiang LINGHU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(1):47-51
Objective This study uses whole-genome methylation capture sequencing technology to screen differential sites and regions of gene methylation in mouse liver and colon under simulated weightlessness conditions to reveal the specific impact of weightlessness on gene methylation.Methods Six 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into the tail suspension group and the control group,with 3 in each.The 3 mice in the tail suspension group recieved tail suspension for simulated weightlessness for 42 days.After the experiment,DNA was extracted from liver and colon tissue and analyzed using genome-wide methylation capture sequencing technology.Results DNA analysis of liver tissue showed that a total of 7 517 differentially methylated sites and 997 differentially methylated regions were found,involving 4 892 genes.DNA analysis of colon tissue revealed 70 340 differentially methylated sites and 12 004 differentially methylated regions,affecting 12 877 genes.GO and KEGG path analysis revealed that these differentially methylated genes were mainly involved in protein binding,cell adhesion,cell activation,and various metabolic pathways.Conclusion This study successfully identified differential methylation sites and regions in mouse liver and colon under simulated weightlessness conditions through high-throughput sequencing technology.These findings help to further understand the impact of long-term space residence on biological gene methylation.It provides new research ideas for the prevention and early treatment of space flight-related diseases.
10.Research progress of microgravity effect on liver and colon
Yan LU ; Mingzhou GUO ; Huikai LI ; Qianqian CHEN ; Xiaofeng QIU ; Enqiang LINGHU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2024;35(4):268-272
With the increasing maturity and progress of China's space technology,astronauts can stay longer in the space station and complete more complex space experiments and tasks.In the Microgravity(MG)environment of space,the digestive system of astronauts is inevitably affected,especially the liver and colon,and there are many physiological and pathological changes.MG can affect liver metabolic function,cell proliferation and differentiation,oxidative stress response and inflammatory factor levels.MG can disrupt the intestinal barrier of the colon,intestinal flora and microecology,intestinal immunity,and the gut-liver axis.However,the existing studies on the effects of MG on liver and colon are not completely clear,and there is a lack of reliable diagnostic indicators for the pathological changes of both.Therefore,in order to explore the damage mechanism of MG on liver and colon and ensure the digestive system health of astronauts,this paper reviews the research progress on the effects of MG on liver and colon.

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