1.Association of Genetically Predicted Obesity and Stool Frequency: Evidence From an Observational and Mendelian Randomization Study
Ke HAN ; Xiangyao WANG ; Shimin CHEN ; Xiaotong NIU ; Yan WANG ; Jingyuan XIANG ; Nan RU ; Miao LIU ; Ningli CHAI ; Enqiang LINGHU
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(2):267-275
Background/Aims:
Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency.
Methods:
Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations.
Results:
For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association.
Conclusions
Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.
2.Association of Genetically Predicted Obesity and Stool Frequency: Evidence From an Observational and Mendelian Randomization Study
Ke HAN ; Xiangyao WANG ; Shimin CHEN ; Xiaotong NIU ; Yan WANG ; Jingyuan XIANG ; Nan RU ; Miao LIU ; Ningli CHAI ; Enqiang LINGHU
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(2):267-275
Background/Aims:
Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency.
Methods:
Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations.
Results:
For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association.
Conclusions
Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.
3.Association of Genetically Predicted Obesity and Stool Frequency: Evidence From an Observational and Mendelian Randomization Study
Ke HAN ; Xiangyao WANG ; Shimin CHEN ; Xiaotong NIU ; Yan WANG ; Jingyuan XIANG ; Nan RU ; Miao LIU ; Ningli CHAI ; Enqiang LINGHU
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(2):267-275
Background/Aims:
Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency.
Methods:
Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations.
Results:
For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association.
Conclusions
Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.
4.Role of artificial intelligence in medical image analysis.
Lu WANG ; Shimin ZHANG ; Nan XU ; Qianqian HE ; Yuming ZHU ; Zhihui CHANG ; Yanan WU ; Huihan WANG ; Shouliang QI ; Lina ZHANG ; Yu SHI ; Xiujuan QU ; Xin ZHOU ; Jiangdian SONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2879-2894
With the emergence of deep learning techniques based on convolutional neural networks, artificial intelligence (AI) has driven transformative developments in the field of medical image analysis. Recently, large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT have also started to achieve distinction in this domain. Increasing research shows the undeniable role of AI in reshaping various aspects of medical image analysis, including processes such as image enhancement, segmentation, detection in image preprocessing, and postprocessing related to medical diagnosis and prognosis in clinical settings. However, despite the significant progress in AI research, studies investigating the recent advances in AI technology in the aforementioned aspects, the changes in research hotspot trajectories, and the performance of studies in addressing key clinical challenges in this field are limited. This article provides an overview of recent advances in AI for medical image analysis and discusses the methodological profiles, advantages, disadvantages, and future trends of AI technologies.
Artificial Intelligence
;
Humans
;
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods*
;
Neural Networks, Computer
;
Deep Learning
;
Diagnostic Imaging/methods*
5.Anteromedial cortical support reduction in treatment of trochanteric femur fractures: a ten-year reappraisal.
Sunjun HU ; Shouchao DU ; Shimin CHANG ; Wei MAO ; Zhenhai WANG ; Kewei TIAN ; Tao LIU ; Yunfeng RUI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(12):1501-1509
OBJECTIVE:
This review summarized the first 10-year progresses and controversies in the concept of anteromedial cortical support reduction, to provide references for further study and clinical applications.
METHODS:
Relevant domestic and foreign literature on cortical support reduction was extensively reviewed to summarize the definition of positive, neutral, and negative support, anteromedial cortices at the inferior corner, intraoperative technical tips for fracture reduction, radiographic assessment at different periods, comparison between positive versus neutral and medial versus anterior support, and the clinical efficacy of Chang reduction quality criteria (CRQC) and postoperative stability score.
RESULTS:
Anteromedial cortical support reduction was only focused on the cortex of anteromedial inferior corner, with no concern the status of lateral wall or lesser trochanter. Anteromedial cortex was seldom involved by fracture comminution, it was thicker, denser, and stronger, and was the key for mechanical buttress of the head-neck fragment to share compression load. Positive, neutral, and negative support were also called "extramedullary, anatomic, and intramedullary reduction", respectively. There was hardly seen parallel cortical apposition, but characterized by some kinds of head-neck rotation, for example 10°-15° flexed rotation for positive cortical contact and support. Due to intraoperative compression and postoperative impaction, the status of cortical support may be changed at different time of radiographic examination. The positive medial cortex support was more reliable with less reduction loss than its neutral counterpart, and the anterior cortex contact was more predictive than the medial cortex for final results. As incorporation the bearing of cortex apposition and using a 4-point score, CRQC demonstrated more efficacy and was gradually accepted and applied in the evaluation of trochanteric fracture reduction quality. Postoperative stability score (8 points) provided a assessment tool for early weight-bearing in safety to prevent mechanical failure.
CONCLUSION
Anteromedial cortical support reduction is a key point for stability reconstruction in the treatment of trochanteric femur fractures. Evidence has definitely shown that non-negative (positive and neutral) is superior to negative (loss of cortical support). There is a tendency that positive cortex support is superior to neutral, but high quality study with large sample size is needed for a clear conclusion.
Humans
;
Femur/diagnostic imaging*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
Hip Fractures/diagnostic imaging*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods*
6.Comparison of two registration methods for constructing virtual craniodentofacial patients based on cone beam computed tomography images.
Jiahui YE ; Shimin WANG ; Zixuan WANG ; Yunsong LIU ; Yuchun SUN ; Hongqiang YE ; Yongsheng ZHOU
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(2):354-359
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the registration accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images while registering to virtual craniodentofacial patients based on soft tissue and the dentition registration method.
METHODS:
Virtual dentofacial patients out of 13 selected participants who needed CBCT scanning were established by impression with a registered-block impression (RBI) based on digital dental images, three-dimensional (3D) facial images and maxillofacial CBCT images. CBCT images were processed in the Mimics software program, establishing the craniofacial virtual patients based on CBCT images (CCTs). Registration between virtual patients from RBI and CCT, using the soft tissue in lower half face (STE) and dentition (DTN) as the reference area, respectively, forming two kinds of virtual craniofacial patients based on digital dental images, 3D facial images and skeletal images of CBCT (hiding the soft tissue and dental casts from CBCT). Three-dimensional deviation analysis was performed in the upper half face and lower half face of facial images from CBCT between two kinds of virtual craniodentofacial patients and compared with 3D facial images from RBI and recorded as root mean square error (RMSE). Paired-t test was used to compare the deviations of RMSEs between the upper and lower half of the face and the upper half of the face of facial images from CCT, respectively, between the two kinds of virtual craniodentofacial patients based on STE and DTN methods.
RESULTS:
Paired-t tests showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the upper and lower half faces of facial images from CCT between STE and DTN (P>0.05), but the deviation of RMSEs of the upper half face of facial images from CCT in STE was smaller than those in DTN [(1.696±0.420) mm vs. (1.752±0.424) mm, P < 0.01].
CONCLUSION
The registration accuracy of CBCT registered in virtual craniodentofacial patients using soft tissue as the reference area was higher.
Humans
;
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography/methods*
;
Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods*
;
Male
;
Face/anatomy & histology*
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods*
;
Young Adult
;
User-Computer Interface
7.Modulation of Ryanodine Receptors on Microglial Ramification, Migration, and Phagocytosis in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model.
Yulin OUYANG ; Zihao CHEN ; Qiang HUANG ; Hai ZHANG ; Haolin SONG ; Xinnian WANG ; Wenxiu DONG ; Yong TANG ; Najeebullah SHAH ; Shimin SHUAI ; Yang ZHAN
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(11):2063-2077
Microglial functions are linked to Ca2+ signaling, with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium stores playing a crucial role. Microglial abnormality is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but how ER Ca2+ receptors regulate microglial functions under physiological and AD conditions remains unclear. We found reduced ryanodine receptor 2 (Ryr2) expression in microglia from an AD mouse model. Modulation of RyR2 using S107, a RyR-Calstabin stabilizer, blunted spontaneous Ca2+ transients in controls and normalized Ca2+ transients in AD mice. S107 enhanced ATP-induced migration and phagocytosis while reducing ramification in control microglia; however, these effects were absent in AD microglia. Our findings indicate that RyR2 stabilization promotes an activation state shift in control microglia, a mechanism impaired in AD. These results highlight the role of ER Ca2+ receptors in both homeostatic and AD microglia, providing insights into microglial Ca2+ malfunctions in AD.
Animals
;
Microglia/pathology*
;
Alzheimer Disease/pathology*
;
Phagocytosis/drug effects*
;
Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel/metabolism*
;
Disease Models, Animal
;
Mice
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Mice, Transgenic
;
Calcium Signaling/physiology*
;
Calcium/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Male
;
Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism*
8.Impact of peritoneal vaginoplasty combined with radical hysterectomy on the quality of sexual life for patients with early-stage cervical cancer: trial protocol for a multi-center superiority randomized controlled trial
Shimin YANG ; Yan DING ; Huaifang LI ; Sufang WU ; Weiwei FENG ; Yudong WANG ; Xipeng WANG ; Keqin HUA
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(3):e23-
Background:
Radical hysterectomy (RH) is commonly used to treat early-stage cervical cancer in women of childbearing age and sexual dysfunction due to postoperative vaginal shortening is a major concern. The impact of intraoperative vaginoplasty on prognosis and quality of sexual life in patients with early-stage cervical cancer remains controversial and lacks high-level evidence. However, there are few reports on vaginoplasty after RH to lengthen vagina in patients. This prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial aims to explore the impact of peritoneal vaginoplasty with or without ovarian transposition after laparoscopic RH on sexual dysfunction in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.
Methods
Eligible patients will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive peritoneal vaginoplasty or not. The primary evaluation indicators are female sexual function index (FSFI) and male sexual satisfaction scale. The secondary evaluation indicators include EORTC QLQ-CX24, 2-year overall survival (OS), 5-year OS, 2-year progression-free survival (PFS), 5-year PFS and surgery-related complications. The trial will enroll 368 patients from 6 hospitals in China over a 3-year period and follow up for 5 years.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000040610SynopsisIt's a prospective, randomized controlled trial to explore the effect of peritoneal vaginoplasty with or without ovarian transposition following laparoscopic radical hysterectomy on sexual dysfunction in patients with cervical cancer. The trial will enroll 368 patients from 6 hospitals in China over a 3-year period and follow up for 5 years.
9.Impact of peritoneal vaginoplasty combined with radical hysterectomy on the quality of sexual life for patients with early-stage cervical cancer: trial protocol for a multi-center superiority randomized controlled trial
Shimin YANG ; Yan DING ; Huaifang LI ; Sufang WU ; Weiwei FENG ; Yudong WANG ; Xipeng WANG ; Keqin HUA
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(3):e23-
Background:
Radical hysterectomy (RH) is commonly used to treat early-stage cervical cancer in women of childbearing age and sexual dysfunction due to postoperative vaginal shortening is a major concern. The impact of intraoperative vaginoplasty on prognosis and quality of sexual life in patients with early-stage cervical cancer remains controversial and lacks high-level evidence. However, there are few reports on vaginoplasty after RH to lengthen vagina in patients. This prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial aims to explore the impact of peritoneal vaginoplasty with or without ovarian transposition after laparoscopic RH on sexual dysfunction in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.
Methods
Eligible patients will be randomly assigned (1:1) to receive peritoneal vaginoplasty or not. The primary evaluation indicators are female sexual function index (FSFI) and male sexual satisfaction scale. The secondary evaluation indicators include EORTC QLQ-CX24, 2-year overall survival (OS), 5-year OS, 2-year progression-free survival (PFS), 5-year PFS and surgery-related complications. The trial will enroll 368 patients from 6 hospitals in China over a 3-year period and follow up for 5 years.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000040610SynopsisIt's a prospective, randomized controlled trial to explore the effect of peritoneal vaginoplasty with or without ovarian transposition following laparoscopic radical hysterectomy on sexual dysfunction in patients with cervical cancer. The trial will enroll 368 patients from 6 hospitals in China over a 3-year period and follow up for 5 years.
10.Dynamic functional connectivity and effective connectivity of postcentral gyrus in patients with schizophrenia
Wenjuan LIU ; Weiliang YANG ; Shimin YE ; Huiming NIU ; Yiqiong JIN ; Gang LI ; Gangping WANG ; Ning HOU ; Jie LI
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(7):585-590
Objective:To explore the characteristics of brain dynamic activity in patients with schizophrenia by using functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI).Methods:Forty-three patients with schizophrenia and 31 normal controls were recruited and under fMRI scanning.The Positive and Negative Symptom Scale(PANS)was used to assess the severity of clinical symptoms.The DPABI software were used to compute dReHo and dFC.Granger causality analysis was used to calculate the effective connectivity between the significant brain regions of dReHo and the whole brain.Two sample t-test was performed to compare the difference of dReHo and dFC be-tween patients with schizophrenia and normal controls.Results:The dReHo of left postcentral gyrus(LPG)(P<0.01,cluster-level FWE corrected)in patients with schizophrenia was decreased.The Dfc was increased between left postcentral and left middle frontal gyrus,left superior medial frontal gyrus,right calcarine,left medial cingulum gyrus,right supplementary motor area(P<0.01,uncorrected).Compared with normal controls,patients with schiz-ophrenia showed decreased effective connectivity from LPG to right putamen.Conclusion:It suggests that the ab-normal functional activity of the postcentral gyrus mightcontribute to the neural physiopathology in patients with schizophrenia.

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