1.Analysis of the “appeal to nature” argument: taking human gene enhancement technology as an example
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(4):468-475
Since ancient Greece, technology has been viewed as the antithesis of nature, and philosophers have often resorted to the moralistic concept of nature to criticize “unnatural” technologies. In recent years, the “appeal to nature” argument has gradually become one of the arguments for denying the legitimacy of emerging technologies. This argument argues that technology or behavior has no ethical justification because it breaks through pre-existing natural limitations. Human gene enhancement technology breaks the natural restrictions on humans by modifying the human genetic structure, and this transformation makes it the focus of the “appeal to nature” argument. However, the reliability of the “appeal to nature” argument has not been clarified as it should be. This paper analyzed and reshaped the “appeal to nature” argument for human genetic enhancement technology, examined the validity of the argument structure and the reliability of the argument premise of the “appeal to nature” argument, demonstrated the limitations of the “appeal to nature” argument, and freed the development of emerging technologies from the accusations of unreliable “appeal to nature” argument.
2.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
3.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
4.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
5.Longitudinal Association of Changes in Metabolic Syndrome with Cognitive Function: 12-Year Follow-up of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Yu Meng TIAN ; Wei Sen ZHANG ; Chao Qiang JIANG ; Feng ZHU ; Ya Li JIN ; Shiu Lun Au YEUNG ; Jiao WANG ; Kar Keung CHENG ; Tai Hing LAM ; Lin XU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):60-79
Background:
The association of changes in metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function remains unclear. We explored this association using prospective and Mendelian randomization (MR) studies.
Methods:
MetS components including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and triglycerides were measured at baseline and two follow-ups, constructing a MetS index. Immediate, delayed memory recall, and cognitive function along with its dimensions were assessed by immediate 10- word recall test (IWRT) and delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT), and mini-mental state examination (MMSE), respectively, at baseline and follow-ups. Linear mixed-effect model was used. Additionally, the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of MetS was conducted and one-sample MR was performed to assess the causality between MetS and cognitive function.
Results:
Elevated MetS index was associated with decreasing annual change rates (decrease) in DWRT and MMSE scores, and with decreases in attention, calculation and recall dimensions. HDL-C was positively associated with an increase in DWRT scores, while SBP and FPG were negatively associated. HDL-C showed a positive association, whereas WC was negatively associated with increases in MMSE scores, including attention, calculation and recall dimensions. Interaction analysis indicated that the association of MetS index on cognitive decline was predominantly observed in low family income group. The GWAS of MetS identified some genetic variants. MR results showed a non-significant causality between MetS and decrease in DWRT, IWRT, nor MMSE scores.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a significant association of MetS and its components with declines in memory and cognitive function, especially in delayed memory recall.
6.Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome: Two Cases Treated with Autologous Seminal Plasma Subcutaneous Cluster Immunotherapy
Lun LI ; Yanping DUAN ; Fan ZHI ; Jing ZHANG ; Yu LI ; Bei LIU ; Jia YIN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):341-347
Post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare condition characterized by the rapid onset of extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, difficulty concentrating, depression, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, itchy eyes, and other physical and psychological discomforts following ejaculation. This report presents the outcomes of two patients with POIS who underwent a two-year course of autologous seminal plasma subcutaneous cluster immunotherapy. Treatment efficacy was assessed using methods such as the symptom Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Union Physio-Psycho-Social Assessment Questionnaire (UPPSAQ)-70, and the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). The results suggest that autologous seminal plasma subcutaneous cluster immunother-apy may be a safe and effective therapeutic approach for POIS.
7.Application of the Glisson hepatic pedicle priority approach marked by APR triangle in laparoscopic anatomic right hemihepatectomy
Hao-Nan LI ; Jing WANG ; Run-Hua LI ; Jing-Jing ZHENG ; Jiang-Lun SHEN
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2024;33(10):854-858
Objective To study the application effect of Glisson hepatic pedicle priority approach marked by APR triangle in laparoscopic anatomic right hemihepatectomy(LARH).Methods The clinical data of 66 patients underwent LARH in the Affiliated Hospital of Tangshan Vocational and Technical College were retrospectively analyzed.According to the surgical approaches,the patients were divided into the extrathecal group and the APR group.The 35 patients of the extrathecal group underwent LARH via Glisson hepatic pedicle extrathecal approach.The 31 patients of the APR group were treated with LARH through the Glisson hepatic pedicle priority approach marked by APR triangle.The clinical data including perioperative indexes,postoperative complications,oxidative stress and liver function indexes of patients in the two groups were statistically analyzed,and the differences between the two groups were compared.Results The operative time and intraoperative blood loss of patients in the APR group were significantly shorter/less than those in the extrathecal group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).There was no significant differences in the intraoperative blood transfusion ratio,drainage tube indwelling time,first exhaust time,postoperative hospitalization time or postoperative complications of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).The levels of malondialdehyde(MDA),cortisol(Cor)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)at each time point after surgery of patients in the two groups were significantly different from those before surgery(P<0.05),and the levels of MDA,Cor and SOD at each time point after surgery of patients in the APR group were significantly better than those in the extrathecal group(P<0.05).The levels of albumin(ALB),total bilirubin(TBil),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)at each time point after surgery of patients in the two groups were significantly different from those before surgery(P<0.05).Moreover,the levels of ALB,TBil,AST and ALT at each time point after surgery of patients in the APR group were significantly better than those in the extrathecal group(P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with the Glisson hepatic pedicle extrathecal approach,the Glisson hepatic pedicle priority approach marked by APR triangle in LARH has shorter operation time,less bleeding and less oxidative stress reaction,which is beneficial to the recovery of liver function after surgery.
8.Innovative Nerve Root Protection in Full-Endoscopic Facet-Resecting Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Controlled Cage Glider Rotation Using the GUARD (Glider Used As a Rotary Device) Technique
Yu-Chia HSU ; Hao-Chun CHUANG ; Wei-Lun CHANG ; Yuan-Fu LIU ; Chao-Jui CHANG ; Yu-Meng HSIAO ; Yi-Hung HUANG ; Keng-Chang LIU ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Hyeun-Sung KIM ; Cheng-Li LIN
Neurospine 2024;21(4):1141-1148
This video presents a case of L4–5 unstable spondylolisthesis treated with full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF), emphasizing the GUARD (Glider Used as a Rotary Device) technique for nerve root protection. This innovative approach involves controlled rotation of the cage glider before cage insertion to minimize the risk of nerve root injury, a significant complication in Endo-TLIF procedures. The GUARD technique, validated in previous cadaveric studies, provides enhanced safety during cage insertion by protecting the nerve root. A 48-year-old woman with a 3-year history of progressive low back pain and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy (right-sided predominance) was diagnosed with L4–5 unstable spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. After failure of conservative management, she underwent uniportal full-endoscopic facet-resecting transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using the GUARD technique. Postoperatively, the patient experienced significant symptomatic improvement and resolution of radiculopathy, without any intraoperative nerve root injury or postoperative neurological deficits. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of the GUARD technique in reducing neurological complications and improving patient outcomes.
9.Analysis of factors influencing the approval of national natural science foundation projects in hospitals and construction of prediction models
Ri LI ; Yanli GAO ; Jiarui QU ; Hang XU ; Zhijun LUN
Modern Hospital 2024;24(6):840-843
Objective Explore effective strategies for hospitals to manage the National Natural Science Foundation of China.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the population characteristics of a certain tertiary comprehensive hospital's National Natural Science Foundation project application and approval from 2016 to 2022.Single factor analysis and bi-nary multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the factors that affect the approval of the National Natural Sci-ence Foundation project,and a function prediction model was established.Results A total of 1 098 applicants were collected in this study,including 653 young project applicants and 178 approved,445 general project applicants and 114 approved;Multi fac-tor logistic results show that in youth programs,the younger the age,the doctor's degree,scientific research posts,the experi-ence of studying abroad,the average impact factor of publishing SCI papers as the first/corresponding author is 3-5 points Appli-cants who have published SCI papers as the first/corresponding author with an average impact factor of more than 5 points,pub-lished SCI papers in four districts as the first/corresponding author,presided over national level and academic level topics are more likely to be approved by the Youth Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China;Among general programs,applicants who have doctoral degree,overseas study experience,published Zone 1and Zone 2 SCI essays,and presided over na-tional projects as the first/corresponding author are more likely to be approved as general programs of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.The area under the AUC curve of the youth project regression prediction model is 0.860,and the area under the AUC curve of the surface project regression prediction model is 0.838.The model has high predictive value.Conclusion Hospitals should strengthen policy guidance,increase economic investment,encourage applicants to carry out preliminary work layout,focus on talent cultivation,and comprehensively promote the effective management of the National Natural Science Foun-dation of the hospital.
10.Targeting the chromatin structural changes of antitumor immunity
Li NIAN-NIAN ; Lun DENG-XING ; Gong NINGNING ; Meng GANG ; Du XIN-YING ; Wang HE ; Bao XIANGXIANG ; Li XIN-YANG ; Song JI-WU ; Hu KEWEI ; Li LALA ; Li SI-YING ; Liu WENBO ; Zhu WANPING ; Zhang YUNLONG ; Li JIKAI ; Yao TING ; Mou LEMING ; Han XIAOQING ; Hao FURONG ; Hu YONGCHENG ; Liu LIN ; Zhu HONGGUANG ; Wu YUYUN ; Liu BIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(4):460-482
Epigenomic imbalance drives abnormal transcriptional processes,promoting the onset and progression of cancer.Although defective gene regulation generally affects carcinogenesis and tumor suppression networks,tumor immunogenicity and immune cells involved in antitumor responses may also be affected by epigenomic changes,which may have significant implications for the development and application of epigenetic therapy,cancer immunotherapy,and their combinations.Herein,we focus on the impact of epigenetic regulation on tumor immune cell function and the role of key abnormal epigenetic processes,DNA methylation,histone post-translational modification,and chromatin structure in tumor immunogenicity,and introduce these epigenetic research methods.We emphasize the value of small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic modulators in enhancing antitumor immune responses and discuss the challenges of developing treatment plans that combine epigenetic therapy and immuno-therapy through the complex interaction between cancer epigenetics and cancer immunology.

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