1.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
2.Clinical application of transperineal four-hole prostate puncture
Xudong JIA ; Haoxuan YANG ; Xin WANG ; Lei DU ; Ziyue MA ; Yan HE ; Mingxuan YANG ; Jinchun QI
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(3):268-271
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of the transperineal four-hole prostate puncture with conventional transperineal prostate puncture. Methods A total of 91 patients undergoing transperineal prostate puncture at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University during Jan. 2024 and Jan. 2025 were enrolled. Based on the puncture methods, the patients were divided into the four-hole group(n=46)and conventional group(n=45). The four-hole group underwent four-hole puncture, while the conventional group received standardized parallel needle insertion. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, pain score, positive biopsy rate, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results The intraoperative blood loss [(7.05±2.48)mL vs.(9.15±3.49)mL] and pain score [(2.33±1.55)vs.(3.02± 1.54)] of the four-hole group were significantly lower than those of the conventional group(P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the positive biopsy rate [47.8%(22/46)vs. 46.7%(21/45)] or operation time [(18.83±2.49)min vs.(18.07±1.66)min](P>0.05). The total complication rate in the four-hole group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group [21.7%(10/46)vs. 42.2%(19/45), P<0.05]. Conclusion Compared with the conventional parallel needle insertion method, the four-hole puncture technique reduces the intraoperative blood loss, alleviates trauma severity and pain response, and reduces the complication rate.
3.Cost-effectiveness of lecanemab for early Alzheimer disease
Chaogang XIONG ; Junsong WEI ; Mengna AN ; Zijie DENG ; Lei DU ; Qian LEI ; Xin ZHANG ; Shengjie ZHANG ; Wenbing MA ; Weiyi FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1735-1739
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lecanemab for early Alzheimer disease (AD) from a whole-society perspective. METHODS Based on data from the Clarity AD study, a global multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of lecanemab for early AD, a Markov model was developed according to the disease progression of AD, with a monthly cycle and a time horizon extending to 99% patient mortality. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were used as outcome indicators, with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold set at twice China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) for 2025 (199 330.00 yuan/QALY). The model simulated the cost-effectiveness of lecanemab plus standard of care (SoC) versus placebo plus SoC for early AD. One-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were employed to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS Compared with placebo plus SoC, the ICER for lecanemab plus SoC was 4 364 711.54 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the hazard ratio for disease progression, the price of lecanemab, body weight, the monthly progression probability of mild cognitive impairment, and the discount rate were key parameters affecting model robustness. Results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the probability of lecanemab being cost-effective was 0 at the current WTP threshold. Scenario analysis indicated that a price reduction of at least 94.88% would be required for lecanemab to fall below the WTP threshold. CONCLUSIONS At the current WTP threshold, lecanemab plus SoC is not cost-effective compared with placebo plus SoC for early AD.
4.Assessment of the severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis
Min MA ; Xin LIU ; Yifang WEI ; Peiwu LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1469-1474
Acute pancreatitis (AP) often has an acute onset, and although most cases are self-limiting, there is still a risk of rapid deterioration, posing a serious threat to the lives of patients. Currently, traditional assessment tools such as clinical scoring systems and serum biomarkers are widely used to determine disease severity and prognosis. To enhance the accuracy of assessment, combined detection strategies integrating different scores and biomarkers are often used in clinical practice; however, there are still certain limitations such as insufficient specificity, limited early sensitivity, and a lack of consistent cut-off values. Therefore, current studies are actively exploring novel biomarkers with superior specificity and sensitivity and continuously optimizing their combined application strategies. This article summarizes the current application status of traditional assessment tools and reviews the research advances in novel biomarkers.
5.Cost-effectiveness of lecanemab for early Alzheimer disease
Chaogang XIONG ; Junsong WEI ; Mengna AN ; Zijie DENG ; Lei DU ; Qian LEI ; Xin ZHANG ; Shengjie ZHANG ; Wenbing MA ; Weiyi FENG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1735-1739
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lecanemab for early Alzheimer disease (AD) from a whole-society perspective. METHODS Based on data from the Clarity AD study, a global multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of lecanemab for early AD, a Markov model was developed according to the disease progression of AD, with a monthly cycle and a time horizon extending to 99% patient mortality. Quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were used as outcome indicators, with a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold set at twice China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) for 2025 (199 330.00 yuan/QALY). The model simulated the cost-effectiveness of lecanemab plus standard of care (SoC) versus placebo plus SoC for early AD. One-way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were employed to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS Compared with placebo plus SoC, the ICER for lecanemab plus SoC was 4 364 711.54 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the hazard ratio for disease progression, the price of lecanemab, body weight, the monthly progression probability of mild cognitive impairment, and the discount rate were key parameters affecting model robustness. Results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the probability of lecanemab being cost-effective was 0 at the current WTP threshold. Scenario analysis indicated that a price reduction of at least 94.88% would be required for lecanemab to fall below the WTP threshold. CONCLUSIONS At the current WTP threshold, lecanemab plus SoC is not cost-effective compared with placebo plus SoC for early AD.
6.Development and preliminary internal validation of a prediction model for brace treatment failure in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using pretreatment and initial brace-fitting information
Ying MA ; Jun REN ; Shoujian WANG ; Xin ZHOU ; Tianxiang HE ; Lingjun KONG ; Min FANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(7):850-860
ObjectiveTo develop and preliminarily validate a prediction model for brace treatment failure risk in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), based on information obtained before brace treatment and during initial brace fitting. MethodsA total of 191 patients with AIS who initiated thoracolumbosacral orthosis treatment at Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March, 2015 to August, 2024 and had determinable outcomes were retrospectively included. Patients were divided according to a prespecified scheme into a training set (n = 133) and a validation set (n = 58). Brace treatment failure was defined as progression of the major-curve Cobb angle by ≥ 5° from baseline during follow-up or at brace weaning, or a final major-curve Cobb angle > 45°. Logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine with radial basis function kernel, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models were developed using routinely available clinical and radiographic variables before brace treatment and during initial brace fitting. Stratified five-fold cross-validation was used for hyperparameter tuning in the training set. Model performance was evaluated in the validation set using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC), Brier score, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used to interpret the main explanatory model. ResultsIn cross-validation of the training set, both random forest and XGBoost showed good discriminative performance, with cross-validation-AUC values of 0.871 and 0.880, respectively. In the validation set, the AUC values of random forest and XGBoost were 0.888 and 0.899, the AUPRC values were 0.678 and 0.830, and the Brier scores were 0.086 and 0.076, respectively. Random forest was selected as the primary model for interpretation, with a calibration intercept of 0.091 and a calibration slope of 0.995. SHAP analysis indicated that the in-brace correction rate and the major-curve Cobb angle measured in the brace contributed most to the model predictions. ConclusionThe random forest model developed using routinely available pretreatment and initial-fitting variables shows preliminary predictive value for brace treatment failure risk in AIS, and may provide quantitative support for follow-up scheduling, brace-fit reassessment and early adherence-oriented management.
7.Timing selection for the treatment of vitreous hemorrhage after panretinal photocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Hongru MA ; Xinyi HOU ; Chenglin FU ; Chunhua DAI ; Jing ZHANG ; Meng XIN ; Shu LIU
International Eye Science 2026;26(9):1578-1584
Panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)is the first-line treatment for severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR).Its therapeutic efficacy varies due to multiple patient-specific systemic and ocular factors. Despite standardized PRP, some patients fail to show adequate regression of neovascularization and subsequently develop vitreous hemorrhage(VH). In such cases, pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)effectively clears the hemorrhage, restores transparency of the ocular media, supplement PRP, and delays the progression of PDR, thus becoming a critical intervention. With recent advances in surgical techniques, concepts, and equipment, early PPV intervention for VH following PRP has emerged as a growing research focus. Nevertheless, consensus remains lacking regarding its indications, optimal timing, and surgical protocols. This article systematically reviews relevant domestic and international studies, summarizing the surgical timing, approaches, and prognoses of PPV for VH in PDR patients after PRP, aiming to provide evidence-based reference for clinical decision-making and reduce the risk of PDR-related blindness.
8.Comparison master's training programs in sports rehabilitation based on rehabilitation competency framework
Hua LIU ; Xin MA ; Jing LI ; Liyuan WANG ; Li WANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(8):984-992
ObjectiveTo analyze the distribution characteristics of competency structures in master's training programs in sports rehabilitation at Chinese universities based on the rehabilitation competency framework (RCF). MethodsUsing RCF as the theoretical analytical framework, master's training programs from Chinese universities offering sports rehabilitation programs or related training tracks were selected as study objects. A combination of text analysis and competency mapping was employed to conduct a systematic comparative analysis of training objectives, curriculum systems and training components. ResultsA total of 16 master's training programs in sports rehabilitation were included. Research-related competencies were well covered across the included programs, whereas competencies related to practice, and management and leadership were relatively insufficient. These competencies were often presented in fragmented or subsidiary forms and lacked systematic alignment with curriculum objectives and assessment mechanisms. In addition, insufficient coordination between curriculum systems and training components was observed. ConclusionThe current master's training programs in sports rehabilitation exhibit a certain degree of imbalance in their competency structure. This imbalance is mainly manifested in the insufficient and unsystematic integration of practice-related competencies as well as management and leadership competencies across training objectives, curriculum design, and assessment components. RCF enables a diagnostic analysis of the alignment between training elements and competency dimensions, allowing for the clear identification of structural gaps and biases within existing training systems. Consequently, it provides an explicit reference framework for practice-oriented curriculum reconstruction and the optimization of competency-based assessment mechanisms.
9.Optimization and characterization of a protocol for sorting mouse tumor myeloid-derived suppressor cells by flow cytometry
Jia DU ; Lulu RAO ; Xin HOU ; Yang MA
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1163-1169
ObjectiveTo optimize the flow cytometric sorting workflow for myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) from murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) subcutaneous tumor tissues, improving single-cell suspension preparation efficiency and sorting purity, thereby providing high-quality cells for subsequent functional studies. MethodsSubcutaneous LLC tumor tissues were harvested from C57BL/6 mice, and two enzymatic digestion protocols were first compared to evaluate their effects on single-cell suspension preparation. After staining with a viability dye (Live/Dead) and fluorochrome-conjugated anti-mouse antibodies against CD45, CD11b, and Gr-1, cells were loaded onto a Beckman CytoFLEX cell sorter. Next, conventional and optimized gating strategies were applied. In the optimized strategy, the CD45+ population was used as the initial gate to directly define an MDSC-enriched region, followed by selection of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells. Finally, purity was assessed by flow cytometry, viability was determined by trypan blue staining, and RT-qPCR was performed to measure the expression of MDSC signature genes, including Arg1, Nos2, IL-10, and S100A8/A9. ResultsThe optimized enzymatic digestion protocol significantly increased the yield and viability of single cells. After optimization of the gating strategy, the post-sort positivity rate (purity) was markedly improved. Arg1, Nos2, IL-10 and S100A8/A9 were highly expressed in the sorted cells, indicating that the isolated cells retained characteristic MDSC features and functional signatures. ConclusionBy optimizing both the tissue digestion protocol and the flow cytometric gating strategy, we establish an efficient workflow for isolating MDSCs from tumor tissues. This method improves the yield and purity of single-cell preparations while preserving antigen integrity, providing a reliable methodological foundation for subsequent studies on MDSC function and metabolism.
10.RNF8 promotes DNA damage response through the ATM/CHK2 axis and affects cisplatin resistance in endometrial cancer cells
Cai Feifei ; Yang Tingting ; Shao Yang ; Ma Xin ; Qiang Ping ; Zhao Fang ; Xi Xingshu
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(8):830-839
[摘 要] 目的:探讨环指蛋白8(RNF8)对子宫内膜癌(EC)细胞顺铂(CDDP)敏感性的影响及可能机制。方法:基于在线数据库分析RNF8在EC组织中的表达及拷贝数变异;采用慢病毒介导shRNA稳定敲低Ishikawa细胞中RNF8表达并进行CDDP处理,按sh-NC+溶剂对照、sh-RNF8+溶剂对照、sh-NC + CDDP、sh-RNF8 + CDDP分组处理,并设置sh-RNF8 + CDDP + KU60019抑制实验。采用CCK-8、克隆形成、Annexin V-FITC/PI流式细胞术、Hoechst 33258/PI染色、WB及γ-H2AX免疫荧光检测细胞活力、克隆形成、凋亡、DNA损伤累积及ATM/CHK2通路相关蛋白表达。结果:RNF8在EC组织和细胞中表达升高。RNF8敲低降低细胞存活率和IC50,抑制克隆形成,并进一步增强CDDP诱导的凋亡;同时BAX、Cleaved-Caspase-3和γ-H2AX表达升高,BCL-2、p-ATM、p-CHK2和RAD21表达降低。KU60019处理进一步促进DNA损伤累积和细胞凋亡,并降低细胞活力。结论:RNF8可能通过ATM/CHK2轴促进DNA损伤应答并降低EC细胞对CDDP的敏感性;敲低RNF8可增加DNA损伤累积并增强CDDP敏感性。

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