ObjectiveBiochemistry and Molecular Biology, a discipline that elucidates life phenomena at the molecular level, serves as a core foundational course in medical education. It provides the theoretical basis for studying other basic and clinical medical subjects, as well as for understanding pathogenesis, disease diagnosis, and treatment. However, its complex content and highly abstract concepts have posed a dual challenge to traditional teaching models: “inefficient instruction” and “inadequate learning outcomes”. Within limited classroom hours, how to engage students and stimulate their intrinsic motivation, and how to help them recognize, understand, and develop a passion for biochemistry from the perspective of the discipline’s essence, have long been key focuses of curriculum research. MethodsUsing the lipid metabolism chapter as an example, this study employs “Rain Classroom”, a generative artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform, to support education in four dimensions: teaching, learning, evaluation, and research. In teaching, it assists instructors through virtual experiments, lesson preparation support, knowledge mapping, and assignment design. For learning, it serves as an intelligent study assistant for students, providing automated assignment review, enabling educational resource sharing, and facilitating personalized learning pathways. In evaluation, the platform automates assignment grading, analyzes student performance data, and offers diagnostic feedback and teaching recommendations. In research, it aids educators in collecting and analyzing teaching data, as well as searching for and summarizing relevant literature. ResultsThe results indicate that an educational model integrating teacher-led instruction, student-centered learning, and generative AI assistance significantly enhances teaching quality, students’ self-directed learning abilities, and knowledge mastery. Furthermore, with the support of generative AI, curriculum-based ideological education—focusing on cutting-edge disciplinary advances and topical medical issues—helps cultivate students’ medical spirit of “honoring life and healing the wounded”, thereby fostering the establishment of appropriate professional values. Finally, while generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education, this study also analyzes potential risks in its teaching applications, emphasizing the need for both instructors and students to avoid over-reliance and to ensure that technological tools consistently serve the fundamental goals of education. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that integrating generative AI, specifically via the “Rain Classroom” platform, can effectively enhance biochemistry education. By supporting teaching, learning, evaluation, and research, this approach improves both educational effectiveness and student outcomes. It also facilitates the incorporation of cutting-edge knowledge and professional ethics, nurturing a patient-centered mindset. Additionally, the study addresses potential implementation risks to ensure that such technological tools remain aligned with the core purpose of education.

AIM:To investigate the current status and influencing factors of knowledge-attitude-practice in myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents in Ningbo City, thereby providing a scientific basis for formulating targeted prevention strategies.METHODS: Children and adolescents aged 6-12 years old were selected from the medical-school collaborative myopia prevention network in Ningbo City between August 2024 and May 2025 using stratified cluster sampling. Information on myopia prevention knowledge(15 items)and practice(9 items)was collected through questionnaire surveys. Logistic regression models were used to analyze factors influencing myopia occurrence in children and adolescents.RESULTS: A total of 664 children and adolescents aged 6-12 years were enrolled in this study. Participants were divided by age into three groups: 6-7 years old(n=221), 8-9 years old(n=221), and 10-12 years old(n=222). Of the 664 questionnaires distributed, 637 valid questionnaires were returned(201 from the 6-7 age group, 235 from the 8-9 age group, and 201 from the 10-12 age group), yielding an effective response rate of 95.9%. Based on myopia screening results, the non-myopic group comprised 203 participants(31.9%), including 100 males and 103 females, with a mean age of 8.82±1.98 years old. The myopic group comprised 434 participants(68.1%), including 213 males and 221 females, with a mean age of 9.10±1.95 years old. The myopia prevalence rates in the 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12 age groups were 37.8%(76/201), 71.9%(169/235), and 94.0%(189/201), respectively(P<0.001). Regarding the knowledge and practice of myopia prevention, the overall awareness rate in the non-myopic group(59.7%±9.7%)was significantly higher than that in the myopic group(48.7%±8.5%; P<0.001). Additionally, the non-myopic group scored higher on the key practice of “regular eye examinations”(4.27±0.96)compared to the myopic group(4.10±1.05; P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that age was the primary risk factor for myopia occurrence.CONCLUSION: Age is the dominant factor in the onset of myopia, and there is a phenomenon of “knowledge-practice gap”; the traditional health education model has limitations, and a precise prevention and control system based on developmental patterns should be established.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic characteristics and pathogenesis for a child with mosaicism trisomy 21 and Congenital leukemia (CL). METHODS: A child who was admitted to Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital in March 2023 was selected as the study subject. A retrospective analysis was carried out on the clinical data, laboratory test results, immunophenotyping, and genetic characteristics of the child. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: EC2024-063). RESULTS: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that the child has mosaicism trisomy of chromosome 21, with a ratio of approximately 74%. In addition, copy number variations involving multiple OMIM genes that could explain his clinical phenotype were detected and rated as pathogenic based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). No pathogenic variant was detected with the GATA1 gene. Blood immune typing of the child conformed to the immunophenotype of acute myeloid leukemia. CONCLUSION For children with trisomy 21, even in the absence of GATA1 gene variants, the occurrence of CL should be monitored, and early diagnosis and treatment are of great significance for improving the prognosis.
Child, Preschool ; Humans ; DNA Copy Number Variations/genetics* ; Down Syndrome/genetics* ; GATA1 Transcription Factor/genetics* ; Leukemia/congenital* ; Mosaicism ; Mutation ; Retrospective Studies ; Whole Genome Sequencing

Objective·To preliminarily investigate the regulatory effect and underlying mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)on R-spondin 1(Rspo1)expression in CD34+CD81+stromal cells from the mouse colon.Methods·Colonic CD45-CD326-CD31-GP38+CD81+Rspo1-tdTomato+stromal cells were sorted from Rspo1-tdTomato reporter mice by flow cytometry and subsequently cultured in vitro.The expression of surface protein markers was evaluated by flow cytometry after 14 d of culture.qPCR was employed to quantify Rspo1 expression in response to stimulation with FGF2,FGF9,epidermal growth factor(EGF),platelet-derived growth factor-bb(PDGF-bb),insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1),or hepatocyte growth factor(HGF).RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were used to identify the signaling pathways underlying FGF2-mediated regulation of Rspo1,followed by preliminary validation with pathway-specific inhibitors and qPCR.Results·After 14 d of culture,the sorted colonic stromal cells retained expression of CD34,CD81,and glycoprotein GP38,while remaining negative for other lineages markers CD45,CD326,and CD31.qPCR revealed that 20 ng/mL FGF2 significantly suppressed Rspo1 expression,whereas the other tested growth factors exerted no notable effect.RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway played a key role in the regulatory effect of FGF2 on Rspo1.qPCR further demonstrated that pretreatment with U0126,an inhibitor of mitogen extracellular kinase 1/2(MEK1/2),reversed FGF2-mediated suppression of Rspo1 expression.Conclusion·FGF2 may inhibit Rspo1 expression in mouse colonic CD34+CD81+stromal cells via the MEK1/2-extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: The available evidence regarding the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients receiving dialysis with coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PCI and clinical outcomes as compared with medical therapy alone in patients undergoing dialysis with CAD in China. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 30 tertiary medical centers across 12 provinces in China from January 2015 to June 2021 to include patients on dialysis with CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, the individual components of MACE, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between PCI and outcomes. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to account for potential between-group differences. RESULTS: Of the 1146 patients on dialysis with significant CAD, 821 (71.6%) underwent PCI. After a median follow-up of 23.0 months, PCI was associated with a 43.0% significantly lower risk for MACE (33.9% [ n  = 278] vs . 43.7% [ n  = 142]; adjusted hazards ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.71), along with a slightly increased risk for bleeding outcomes that did not reach statistical significance (11.1% vs . 8.3%; adjusted hazards ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-2.11). Furthermore, PCI was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities. Subgroup analysis did not modify the association of PCI with patient outcomes. These primary findings were consistent across IPTW, PSM, and competing risk analyses. CONCLUSION This study indicated that PCI in patients on dialysis with CAD was significantly associated with lower MACE and mortality when comparing with those with medical therapy alone, albeit with a slightly increased risk for bleeding events that did not reach statistical significance.
Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Coronary Artery Disease/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; China ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To systematically analyze the medical radiation exposure levels in a district of Ningbo City and to provide a scientific basis for the reasonable and effective control of medical radiation exposure. Methods Based on the radiological diagnosis frequency and dose information system, basic medical radiation exposure data were collected, such as radiation doses received by patients in various X-ray diagnostic examinations, from all 13 public medical institutions in a district of Ningbo City from January 1 to December 31, 2020. The data were analyzed for the percentage and collective effective dose of various diagnostic examinations, the distribution of examinations by sex and age, and the number of patients undergoing two or more examinations and their cumulative doses within multiple time intervals. Results Among medical X-ray diagnostic examinations in the district, the percentages of CT examination and routine photography examination were 50.88% and 47.93%, respectively, and the collective effective dose of CT examination accounted for 97.75%. By age and sex, the frequency of examination was the highest in the age group of 45-54 years, and the frequency of examination in the male was higher than that in the female before age 55. The annual effective dose for two patients exceeded 100 mSv. Conclusion In this study, CT examination accounted for up to 50.88% of all medical X-ray diagnostic examinations, and contributed 97.75% of the collective effective dose, highlighting the need for particular attention to the justification of medical radiation exposure from CT.

Reproductive system diseases are among the primary contributors to the decline in social fertility rates and the intensification of aging, posing significant threats to both physical and mental health, as well as quality of life. Recent research has revealed the substantial potential of the gut microbiota in improving reproductive system diseases. Under healthy conditions, the gut microbiota maintains a dynamic balance, whereas dysfunction can trigger immune-inflammatory responses, metabolic disorders, and other issues, subsequently leading to reproductive system diseases through the gut-gonadal axis. Reproductive diseases, in turn, can exacerbate gut microbiota imbalance. This article reviews the impact of the gut microbiota and its metabolites on both male and female reproductive systems, analyzing changes in typical gut microorganisms and their metabolites related to reproductive function. The composition, diversity, and metabolites of gut bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Firmicutes, including short-chain fatty acids, 5-hydroxytryptamine, γ-aminobutyric acid, and bile acids, are closely linked to reproductive function. As reproductive diseases develop, intestinal immune function typically undergoes changes, and the expression levels of immune-related factors, such as Toll-like receptors and inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β), also vary. The gut microbiota and its metabolites influence reproductive hormones such as estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone, thereby affecting folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis. Additionally, the metabolism and absorption of vitamins can also impact spermatogenesis through the gut-testis axis. As the relationship between the gut microbiota and reproductive diseases becomes clearer, targeted regulation of the gut microbiota can be employed to address reproductive system issues in both humans and animals. This article discusses the regulation of the gut microbiota and intestinal immune function through microecological preparations, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy to treat reproductive diseases. Microbial preparations and drug therapy can help maintain the intestinal barrier and reduce chronic inflammation. Fecal microbiota transplantation involves transferring feces from healthy individuals into the recipient’s intestine, enhancing mucosal integrity and increasing microbial diversity. This article also delves into the underlying mechanisms by which the gut microbiota influences reproductive capacity through the gut-gonadal axis and explores the latest research in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases using gut microbiota. The goal is to restore reproductive capacity by targeting the regulation of the gut microbiota. While the gut microbiota holds promise as a therapeutic target for reproductive diseases, several challenges remain. First, research on the association between gut microbiota and reproductive diseases is insufficient to establish a clear causal relationship, which is essential for proposing effective therapeutic methods targeting the gut microbiota. Second, although gut microbiota metabolites can influence lipid, glucose, and hormone synthesis and metabolism via various signaling pathways—thereby indirectly affecting ovarian and testicular function—more in-depth research is required to understand the direct effects of these metabolites on germ cells or granulosa cells. Lastly, the specific efficacy of gut microbiota in treating reproductive diseases is influenced by multiple factors, necessitating further mechanistic research and clinical studies to validate and optimize treatment regimens.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical efficacy between side-opening and front-opening bone cement injectors in percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) for the management of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures(OVCFs). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, comprising 62 patients with single-segment thoracolumbar OVCFs (T₁₁-L₂), who underwent bilateral PKP at our department during the period from June 2020 to October 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the specific bone cement injector employed during the surgical procedure: the side-opening group (n=29) and the front-opening group (n=33). Among them, the side-opening group consisted of 6 male and 23 female patients, with a mean age of (73.32±9.11) years. The front-opening group included 7 male and 26 female patients, with a mean age of (71.29±10.39) years. The variables encompassed essential patient characteristics were recorded, such as gender, age, bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture level (T₁₁-L₂), as well as procedural aspects, including operation duration, cement injection volume, cement distribution type (lobular or diffuse), occurrence of cement leakage, pre-and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, and vertebral compression ratio. RESULTS: All patients underwent successful surgery, with a mean follow-up duration of (15.37±3.03) months. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, BMD, fracture level, preoperative vertebral compression degree, and VAS scores between the side-opening group and the front-opening group (P>0.05). The operation time, the mean cement injection volumes, the distribution of bone cement within the vertebrae has no statistically significant difference between two groups(P>0.05). Both the side-opening and front-opening groups showed significant improvements in VAS scores at 3 days and 6 months after operation (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in VAS scores between the two groups at both 3 days and 6 months after the operation (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Side-opening bone cement injectors in bilateral PKP surgery for single-segment thoracolumbar OVCF achieve similar clinical efficacy as front-opening injectors, without significant improvement in cement distribution and containment.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Kyphoplasty/instrumentation* ; Aged ; Bone Cements ; Fractures, Compression/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures/surgery* ; Thoracic Vertebrae/injuries* ; Lumbar Vertebrae/injuries* ; Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery* ; Middle Aged ; Aged, 80 and over

Objective·To preliminarily investigate the regulatory effect and underlying mechanism of fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)on R-spondin 1(Rspo1)expression in CD34+CD81+stromal cells from the mouse colon.Methods·Colonic CD45-CD326-CD31-GP38+CD81+Rspo1-tdTomato+stromal cells were sorted from Rspo1-tdTomato reporter mice by flow cytometry and subsequently cultured in vitro.The expression of surface protein markers was evaluated by flow cytometry after 14 d of culture.qPCR was employed to quantify Rspo1 expression in response to stimulation with FGF2,FGF9,epidermal growth factor(EGF),platelet-derived growth factor-bb(PDGF-bb),insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF1),or hepatocyte growth factor(HGF).RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses were used to identify the signaling pathways underlying FGF2-mediated regulation of Rspo1,followed by preliminary validation with pathway-specific inhibitors and qPCR.Results·After 14 d of culture,the sorted colonic stromal cells retained expression of CD34,CD81,and glycoprotein GP38,while remaining negative for other lineages markers CD45,CD326,and CD31.qPCR revealed that 20 ng/mL FGF2 significantly suppressed Rspo1 expression,whereas the other tested growth factors exerted no notable effect.RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis indicated that mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway played a key role in the regulatory effect of FGF2 on Rspo1.qPCR further demonstrated that pretreatment with U0126,an inhibitor of mitogen extracellular kinase 1/2(MEK1/2),reversed FGF2-mediated suppression of Rspo1 expression.Conclusion·FGF2 may inhibit Rspo1 expression in mouse colonic CD34+CD81+stromal cells via the MEK1/2-extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2)signaling pathway.