1.From Gene Expression to Transcriptome-wide Association Study: Development and Comparison of Methodology
Kun FANG ; Guozhuang LI ; Linting WANG ; Qing LI ; Kexin XU ; Lina ZHAO ; Zhihong WU ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Nan WU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):223-229
Over the past two decades, genome-wide association study(GWAS) has identified numerous genetic variants and loci associated with heritable diseases. With the gradual maturation and saturation of GWAS methodologies, transcriptome-wide association study(TWAS) offers a novel perspective by linkinggenetic phenotypes to gene expression levels. By integrating TWAS with other multi-omics analyses, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of heritable diseases. This article provides an overview of recent groundbreaking and representative TWAS methods and tools, analyzes their strengths and limitations, and discusses future trends in TWAS development.
2.FGF21 overexpression upregulates SIRT1/GPX4 to inhibit ferroptosis and relieve CCl4 mouse acute liver injury
Xutao LING ; Qianqian HUANG ; Lun ZHANG ; Fang XIE ; Nan BAI ; Yingxia WANG ; Haoran HUA ; Haoze WANG ; Wenjing DAI ; Kexin LI ; Jianqing WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(6):1053-1060
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of liver-targeted fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) overexpression against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury (ALI) and its association with silent information regulator 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 (SIRT1/GPX4) expression and ferroptosis-related markers. MethodsFemale ICR mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into Control, CCl₄, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-FGF21, and AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 groups. Liver-targeted FGF21 overexpression was achieved via tail vein injection of AAV8-FGF21 virus with green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling. ALI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (0.3 mL/kg), with sample collection at 12 hours. Body weight and liver weight were recorded to calculate the liver weight/body weight. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using a biochemical analyzer. FGF21 expression in liver tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. Hepatic histopathology was evaluated by HE staining. RT-qPCR was performed to assess mRNA expression of ferroptosis and iron metabolism-related genes (ACSL4, PTGS2, HJV, FPN, GPX4), FGF21, and SIRT1. Protein expression of FGF21, SIRT1, and GPX4 were determined by Western blot. Iron content, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver homogenate were quantified using assay kits. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the FGF21 mRNA and protein expression elevated in CCl4 group; serum ALT/AST levels and liver weight/body weigh increased. The HE staining results showed that the liver cell membranes were ruptured. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2, the iron content and MDA levels all increased (P<0.01). The mRNA levels of SIRT1, GPX4, HJV, and FPN, the GSH level and SOD activity all decreased (P<0.05), and the protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the CCl4 group, the serum levels of ALT and AST in the AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 group were decreased (P<0.01), and the liver/body ratio of mice decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining showed that the degree of liver injury was alleviated. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2, iron content and MDA level all decreased (P<0.01), while the mRNA levels of SIRT1, GPX4, HJV, FPN, GSH level and SOD activity all increased (P<0.05). The protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both increased (P<0.05). ConclusionFGF21 overexpression is associated with enhanced SIRT1/GPX4 expression and suppression of ferroptosis features, thereby contributing to the alleviation of CCl4-induced ALI.
3.Analysis of psychological symptom characteristics and associated factors among students with close contact to tuberculosis in school settings
FANG Zijian, LI Qingchun, JIANG Nan, AI Liyun, JIA Qingjun, CHENG Qinglin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(7):1007-1010
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics of psychological symptoms and the associated factors among students with close contact to tuberculosis in school settings,so as to provide evidence for school tuberculosis control and mental health interventions.
Methods:
A cross sectional study was conducted in April 2023 from 4 schools in Hangzhou using a multistage cluster random sampling method. Students identified as close contacts of tuberculosis cases ( n =406) were assigned to the exposure group, while non close contact students ( n =426) were matched at a 1∶1 ratio within the same schools as the non exposure group. A questionnaire survey was employed to collect data on general demographic and family sociological information. Psychological symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90). A global severity index (GSI) score ≥2.0 was defined as moderate to severe psychological symptoms (MSPS). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors.
Results:
The overall MSPS detection rate was 15.38%. The detection rate in the exposure group (20.69%) was significantly higher than the non exposure group (10.33%)( χ 2=17.14, P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that middle or lower family economic status ( OR =1.90, 95% CI =1.10-3.28) and poor interaction with others ( OR =2.95, 95% CI =1.79-4.88) were independent factors associated with MSPS among the exposure group (both P <0.05).
Conclusions
Students who are close contacts of school tuberculosis cases have a relatively high MSPS detection rate. Poor family economic status and poor interaction with social personnel are the main factors influencing MSPS. Schools should simultaneously strengthen psychological health support targeting factors in tuberculosis prevention and control.
4.Analysis of pharmaceutical science popularization communication characteristics and differentiation strategies based on the characteristics of new media platforms
Binbin YU ; Fang XIAO ; Nan ZHENG ; Lijie ZHAI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(17):2297-2302
OBJECTIVE To compare the communication effect and content characteristics of the pharmaceutical science popularization account “Pharmacist Binbin” on the three platforms of TikTok, Xiaohongshu and Today’s Headlines, and explore the cross platform communication strategy of pharmaceutical science popularization videos.METHODS Quantitatively analyze the five core indicators of the “Pharmacist Binbin” science popularization account on the three major platforms (total video releases, number of followers, page views, high dissemination video related data, and platform user profile characteristics), and systematically analyze the platform attributes and content compatibility.RESULTS TikTok, Xiaohongshu, and Today’s Headlines videos were released 478, 306, and 450 items, with 245 million views, 1.164 9 million views, and 14.167 1 million views, respectively. The following users were 535 000, 95 000, and 53 000 respectively. The gender ratio of TikTok users was relatively balanced, with the majority of users aged 31 to 40 years old, preferring “short, flat, and fast”, scene-oriented science popularization, and the highest exposure. The users of Xiaohongshu were mainly young and middle-aged women in first-tier and new first-tier cities, and content related to family and maternal and child medication is more popular. Today’s Headline users were mostly middle-aged and elderly people over 50 years old, and the dissemination of chronic disease science was more effective. There was a statistically significant difference in the overall video browsing volume of the three platforms with high communication power ( H =44.07, P <0.001). The browsing volume of TikTok was significantly higher than that of Xiaohongshu and Today’s Headlines ( P <0.001 after correction), and the browsing volume of Today’s Headlines was higher than that of Xiaohongshu ( P <0.001 after correction); Xiaohongshu has the highest like and collection rates, while Today’s Headline has the highest sharing and commenting rates ( P <0.05 after correction). The browsing volume of hot and time-sensitive content was significantly higher than that of non-hot and time-sensitive content ( β =0.24, P =0.012). The browsing volume of the dialogue form of one person playing two roles/personification was significantly higher than that of single-person oral explanation ( β =0.27, P =0.009).CONCLUSIONS Science popularization videos with innovative forms, timely hot topics, and long-term demand were the main high dissemination content. According to the characteristics of different platforms, such as TikTok’s flow-driven model, Xiaohongshu’s prominent vertical demand for women and families, and Today’s Headlines demand for knowledge about chronic diseases among the middle-aged and elderly, we should establish a pharmaceutical science popularization communication matrix that focuses on each other and complements each other.
5.Expert consensus on adrenal vein sampling for primary aldosteronism
Wei MA ; Ying GAO ; Nan-fang LI ; Xiong-jing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(10):541-552
Primary aldosteronism(PA)is an important cause of secondary hypertension,and adrenal vein sampling(AVS),as the gold standard for identifying the dominant side in PA,plays a critical role in guiding subsequent therapeutic strategies.AVS is an invasive procedure that is not yet widely available in China.To promote the popularization and standardization of AVS,the Chinese Society of Hypertension(Chinese Research Hospital Association)and the Group of Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertension(China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care)have summarized domestic and foreign evidence and the operational experience of many experts.This consensus has summarized and updated the significance,indications,pre-procedural preparation,procedural steps and key points,prevention and management of complications,and result interpretation of AVS.This consensus provides comprehensive and clinically relevant guidance for the clinical practice and development of AVS,effectively promoting its popularization and standardization.
6.Investigation of effects of petroleum ether fraction from Derris eriocarpa on glucose and lipid metabolism in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome via ATF3/HNF4ɑ/CYP7A1 pathway
Jing YAN ; Jie WENG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Xue LI ; Chao-nan KONG ; Hong-cun LIU ; Li-fang YANG ; Ming-guo JIANG ; Qiu-yan LIANG ; Li-ting HE
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2902-2911
AIM To investigate effects of petroleum ether fraction from Derris eriocarpa How on glucose and lipid metabolism in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome(MS).METHODS KM mice were fed a high-fat diet and administered streptozotocin intraperitoneally to establish MS models.The MS mice were then randomly assigned to the model group,the metformin hydrochloride group,the lovastatin group,the ursolic acid group,and the high-,medium-and low-dose D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction groups,with 10 mice in each group.Ten additional mice maitained on a normal diet served as the normal control group.After 4 weeks of intragastric administration,glucose and lipid metabolism indicators were measured.Hepatic pathological changes were assessed using HE staining and oil red O staining.Liver tissue mRNA expressions of ATF3,PEPCK,FXR,CYP7A1,HNF4ɑ,CYP8B1 and SRB1 were quantified by RT-qPCR.Hepatic protein expressions of ATF3,HNF4ɑ,PEPCK,FXR and CYP7A1 was analyzed by Western blot in MS mice.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the high-dose D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction group exhibited significant glucose tolerance improvement(reduced OGTT-AUC,P<0.01);favorable serum lipid modulation in terms of increased HDL-C levels(P<0.01)and decreased TG,TC,LDL-C(P<0.01);reduced renal biomarkers(BUN,SCR)and hepatotoxic indicators of TBA,AST and ALT activities(P<0.01);alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation and histopathological damage;downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of ATF3,HNF4ɑ and PEPCK,as well as CYP8B1 mRNA expression(P<0.01);and upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of FXR and CYP7A1,along with SRB1 mRNA expression(P<0.01).CONCLUSION D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolism dysregulation in MS mice by modulating the ATF3/HNF4ɑ/CYP7A1 signaling pathway,consequently eliciting hypoglycemic,hypolipidemic,hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects.
7.Study on the efficacy and safety of Metformin hydrochloride enteric-coated capsules in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yiming WU ; Jian ZHANG ; Nan GU ; Qijuan DONG ; Ruiyun LIU ; Hong ZHANG ; Haixia LIU ; Yongcai ZHAO ; Lin CHENG ; Lianshan PU ; Fang BIAN ; Gang HE ; Quanmin LI ; Wei DU ; Zhaoling WANG ; Wei XU ; Liyong ZHONG ; Xiaohui GUO
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(3):210-214
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of enteric-coated metformin hydrochloride capsules(Junlida?)in patients with T2DM and poor glycemic control under lifestyle interventions.Methods In this study,419 patients with T2DM were recruited from 15 research centers from July 2020 to March 2022,and randomly divided into observation(Obs)group(n=209)and control group(Con,n=210)using a multicenter,randomized,double-blind,non-inferiority trial design.Patients in the Obs group were treated with enteric-coated Metformin hydrochloride capsules(Junlida?),and patients in the Con group were treated with Metformin hydrochloride tablets(Glucophage?).The optimal effective dose of 2 g/d was achieved within 4 weeks,and the reasonable dose was maintained until the end of treatment.The treatment period was 24 weeks.HbA1c and its compliance rate,FPG,and body weight were compared between the two groups in full analysis set(FAS)and protocol set(PPS).Safety and adverse events(AE)were evaluated in safety set(SS).Results A total of 414 participants were randomized(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group).414 cases in FAS population(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group),and 328 cases in PPS population(164 cases in Obs group and 164 cases in Con group),and 414 cases in SS population(207 cases in Obs group and 207 cases in Con group).After treatment,HbA1c,FPG and body weight were lower in both groups(P<0.05)in FAS and PPS.HbA1c compliance rate was not significantly different between the two groups in FAS and PPS(P>0.05).The results of non-inferiority test showed that the lower limit was>-0.4%in both FAS(-0.154,95%CI-0.384~0.069)and PPS(-0.139,95%CI-0.390~0.112),and the Obs group reached non-inferiority end point.The achievement rate,compliance rate,safety index and incidence of AE were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusions Junlida? demonstrated non-inferiority to Glucophage? in glycemic control and can be safely and effectively used in patients with diabetes.
8.Analysis of biotypes and genetic diversity of five non-major pathogenic Brucella species
Miao WANG ; Ying-qi WANG ; Chun-fang LIU ; Song-nan DU ; Zhi-guo LIU ; Zhen-jun LI
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):136-141
This study was aimed at analyzing the biotypes and genetic diversity characteristics of five non-major Brucella species,to provide a scientific basis for understanding the species diversity of Brucella and strengthening pathogen monitoring and control.According to the biotypes(species,hosts,isolation locations,and time)and MLVA-16 genotypes(MLVA-16 lo-cus data,MLVA-11 genotypes)of five non-major pathogenic Brucella in the international MLVA database,we used Bionu-merics 8.0 software and PHYLOVIZ2.0 online software to analyze the geographical origin and genetic diversity characteristics of strains.A total of 227 strains were studied,including 121 Brucella ceti,47 B.pinnipedialis,37 Brucella ovis,11 B.mi-croti,and Brucella neotomae.The greatest host diversity was observed for B.ceti,followed by B.pinnipedialis and B.mi-croti.B.ceti was distributed in European and South American countries;B.pinnipedialiswas distributed in Europe;and B.microti.was distributed in the Czech Republic,Austria,and Hungary in Central Europe.B.ovis was widely distributed in Af-rica,Argentina,Australia,Brazil,Greece,the United States,Spain,and France.The MLVA-11 genotypes of different types of Brucella showed high polymorphism and large differences,thus suggesting that the strains have different geographical ori-gins.MST analysis indicated that the studied strains were divided into four branches(BCⅠ-Ⅳ),among which B.ceti was di-vided into two different branches(BC-Ⅰ and BC-Ⅱ),the strains of other types formed different branches(or sub-branches),and the strains of different types showed clear regional and dominant host characteristics.Genetic correlation analysis of strains of the Brucella genus revealed that non-major pathogenic Brucella had clear genetic,distribution,and host spectrum differ-ences with respect to four classical pathogenic Brucella species.Five non-major pathogenic Brucella strains presented unique genetic evolutionary patterns,geographical distributions,and host tropism characteristics,thereby providing new insight for understanding the biological and genetic diversity of those Brucella strains.
9.Construction Research on Comprehensive and Full-Cycle Patient Service Quality Evaluation Index System in Large Public Hospitals
Luzhu LAI ; Nan CUI ; Chen WANG ; Jiangfeng LI ; Xinzhi SHAN ; Yongjie ZHU ; Linlin FANG ; Ting BIAN ; Xianghua CHEN
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(1):60-64
Objective To construct a quality evaluation index system for non-medical technical services in public hospitals,aiming to provide a more scientific and feasible basis for evaluating patient service quality.Methods Based on literature research,the SERVQUAL theory was used to preliminarily formulate a comprehensive and full-cycle evaluation index for patient service quality.The final evaluation index system was determined through expert consultation,and the Analytic Hierarchy Process was used to determine the weights of the evaluation indices.Results The questionnaire response rates for the two rounds of expert consultation were both 100%.The authority coefficients of the experts were 0.82 and 0.80,respectively,indicating a high level of expert authority.The Kendall's W coefficient increased from 0.088 to 0.107 between the two rounds,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001),indicating good consistency of expert opinions.The consistency results of each judgment matrix were less than 0.1,passing the consistency test.The final evaluation index system consisted of six primary indicators (tangibility,reliability,responsiveness,assurance,empathy,and continuity) and 33 secondary indicators.Conclusion The selection of evaluation indicators revolves around the core service processes of outpatient,inpatient,and other hospital services,focusing on key elements at various critical junctures that influence patient experience.The evaluation indicators aim to guide hospitals to improve not only essential needs but also desired improvements in service quality,thus promoting the continuous enhancement of hospital services.
10.Construction and application of an esophageal language rehabilitation program for patients after total laryngectomy based on the behavioral change wheel theory
Li LI ; Yongling LIU ; Yang ZHANG ; Zirong TIAN ; Xiuya LI ; Xiaoting JIN ; Xiaobo REN ; Fang NAN ; Yiran HE
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(7):487-497
Objective:To construct an esophageal language rehabilitation program for patients after total laryngectomy (TL) based on the behavioral change wheel theory and exploring its application effects.Methods:The multidisciplinary team constructed the first draft of the esophageal language rehabilitation program for patients after TL based on the behavioral change wheel theory, combined with a literature review, and used an expert meeting to revise the rehabilitation program to form the final draft of the program. Adopting experimental research, 35 patients after TL who attended the nursing outpatient clinic of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from February 2023 to May 2023 were selected as the control group by convenience sampling method, and 35 patients after TL who attended the nursing outpatient clinic from June 2023 to September 2023 were selected as the experimental group. The experimental group applied the TL postoperative patients′ esophageal language rehabilitation program based on the behavioral change wheel theory on the basis of conventional nursing measures, and the control group received conventional nursing care. The status of language rehabilitation training, quality of life, social behavioral status, and anxiety and depression status before intervention, 1, 3, 6 months after intervention were compared between the two groups.Results:Both groups of patients completed the study. There were 29 males and 6 females in the control group, with an age of (54.63 ± 10.44) years old. There were 34 males and 1 female in the experimental group, with an age of (55.17 ± 10.67) years old. There was no statistically significant difference in the language rehabilitation training status, quality of life, social behavior status, and anxiety and depression status between the two groups before intervention (all P>0.05). The total scores of speech rehabilitation training in the experimental group at 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention were (32.80 ± 2.49), (39.80 ± 2.75), (51.91 ± 4.20) points, respectively, which were higher than those in the control group (23.40 ± 3.42), (24.40 ± 3.42), (25.80 ± 3.42) points, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=14.53, 23.44, 32.70, all P<0.05). The total scores of quality of life in the experimental group at 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention were (98.91 ± 8.49), (134.66 ± 11.31), (157.97 ± 13.97) points, respectively, which were higher than those in the control group (67.06 ± 7.64), (72.16 ± 7.64), (99.46 ± 8.09) points, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=17.53, 30.16, 21.45, all P<0.05). The scores for social occasion diet and language comprehension in the experimental group at 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention were (40.41 ± 13.94), (40.43 ± 24.08), (40.60 ± 18.56), and (43.71 ± 12.26), (47.40 ± 17.09), (52.50 ± 13.82), respectively, which were higher than those in the control group (30.59 ± 15.98), (30.57 ± 18.28), (27.21 ± 15.27), and (27.29 ± 15.13), (23.60 ± 14.78), (19.50 ± 12.78), and the differences were statistically significant ( t values were -6.88-2.16, all P<0.05). The total scores of anxiety and depression in the experimental group at 1, 3, and 6 months after intervention were (23.74 ± 2.73), (14.89 ± 3.89), (12.11 ± 3.14) points, respectively, which were lower than those in the control group (32.63 ± 1.85), (30.63 ± 1.85), (24.80 ± 2.75) points, and the differences were statistically significant (t=-19.55, -27.10, -17.97, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The esophageal language rehabilitation program for patients after TL based on the behavioral change wheel theory in this study is scientific, feasible, and can improve the patients′ esophageal language expression, quality of life, anxiety and depression, and social behavioral status, which can provide a reference for clinical care.


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