1.Analysis of the changes in intestinal microbiota of patients with moderate to severe acne based on 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology
Shichao JIANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Song QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Birong GUO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):98-103
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between acne vulgaris and gut microbiota. MethodsA total of 29 clinical cases diagnosed with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris and 26 healthy individuals as control subjects were recruited. Fecal specimens were collected from all participants, and further analysis of gut microbial communities was performed by leveraging high-throughput sequencing techniques that target the hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA genes. ResultsAssociations between acne vulgaris and alterations in gut microbiota were identified. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota exhibited a statistically significant elevation in the acne vulgaris cohort when compared with the healthy control group (P<0.01), while Cyanobacteria was significantly lower in the acne group (P<0.01). At the genus level, the top five different bacterial taxa in both groups were Bacteroides, Escherichia⁃Shigella, Klebsiella, Roseburia, and Parabacteroides. Among them, Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Parabacteroides were more abundant in acne patients. Linear discriminant analysis identified five biomarkers all belonging to the Bacteroidota phylum in the acne and control groups. These biomarkers belong to the phylum Bacteroidetes. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota between acne patients and healthy people. Changes in the richness of specific bacterial genera may become new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of acne.
2.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
3.A new species of Culicoides (Avaritia) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Heilongjiang Province, China
Ya-yu WANG ; Jiang-fan LI ; Bo-qiao CAI ; Guo-ping LIU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):62-65
This study reports a new species of Culicoides(Avaritia)isolated from Xunke County, Heilongjiang Province, China. The new species, Culicoides(Avaritia)dongshanensis Liu et Wang, sp. nov., was identified and illustrated based on female adults. Its diagnostic characteristics are as follows: eyes contiguous over a short distance, with short interfacetal hair, antennal ratio(AR)of 1.20, palpal ratio(PR)of 2.16, wing length of 0.83 mm, mandible with 15 teeth, one pale spot in base cell M1, one pale spot in cell M4, two pale spots in cell A, and two unequal spermathecae. Type specimens were deposited at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention of the Northern Theater Command.
4.Kynurenine Pathway and Its Metabolites in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Close Link
Ya-Qian XIAO ; Li-Chen QIAO ; De-Chang RONG ; Yu-Chen LEI ; Hakan ÜREY ; Lan-Lan ZUO ; Hasan BAYRAM ; Reza A. GHILADI ; Yi-Fan DUAN ; Meng-Jiao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2402-2413
Kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major catabolic route of tryptophan, generating a series of bioactive metabolites including kynurenine, kynurenic acid (KA), quinolinic acid, and 3-hydroxykynurenine. Beyond its fundamental role in amino acid metabolism, KP exerts critical regulatory functions in neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and immune modulation. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with onset in early childhood, characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Despite extensive research, the etiological mechanisms underlying ASD remain highly complex and incompletely understood, involving genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Emerging clinical evidence has consistently revealed a significant imbalance in KP metabolites in individuals with ASD, often accompanied by altered ratios of neuroprotective versus neurotoxic byproducts. However, the primary drivers of this metabolic dysregulation and its causative contribution to ASD pathogenesis are not yet fully elucidated. In this review, we systematically review the enzymatic steps of KP and the principal physiological functions of its major metabolites, with particular emphasis on their dual roles in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity. We then analyze the potential pathogenic mechanisms through which KP dysfunction may contribute to ASD, focusing on two interconnected etiological dimensions. First, KP imbalance can promote oxidative stress, which in turn triggers chronic inflammatory responses via microglial activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby disrupting neuronal homeostasis. Second, aberrant KP metabolism affects neurotransmitter systems, particularly glutamatergic and dopaminergic signaling, leading to impaired neural circuit development and synaptic pruning. By integrating current findings on the KP-ASD association, this review offers a comprehensive etiological framework and a clinically relevant paradigm. Furthermore, we highlight that specific KP metabolites, such as the KA/quinolinic acid ratio, hold promise as peripheral biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease stratification. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting KP enzymes or receptors for personalized intervention strategies, while acknowledging the challenges in translating these findings into clinical practice.
5.Risk assessment and stepwise management framework for pulmonary nodules
Lang TANG ; Xiaoke CHEN ; Jie TANG ; Jin JIANG ; Xinnan FANG ; Sikun LIU ; Zeguang YE ; Jiamei JIN ; Canglei ZHANG ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Guibin QIAO ; Junqiang FAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1544-1552
Objective To propose a framework for risk assessment and stepwise management of pulmonary nodules based on existing guidelines and key studies, and to clarify the boundaries for triage, workup escalation, and referral in different detection scenarios. Methods A problem-oriented evidence synthesis approach was used, prioritizing Chinese expert consensus, Fleischner Society Guidelines, British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines, and Lung-RADS. This was supplemented by studies on risk models, imaging measurements, liquid biopsy, tissue sampling, and surgical treatments. This paper is not presented as a formal consensus or a validated clinical pathway. Results A three-tiered framework consisting of basic non-invasive assessment, advanced assessment, and invasive diagnosis was established. It specified the applicable populations, boundaries for the use of risk models, imaging review, management of conflicting results, evaluation of histopathological consistency, and post-intervention follow-up. Liquid biopsy, genetic testing, and artificial intelligence were defined as investigational or adjunctive tools. Conclusion This framework can serve as a preliminary reference for multidisciplinary teams in developing local protocols. It cannot replace applicable guidelines, pathological diagnosis, shared decision-making with patients, or real-world validation.
6.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
7.Pioneering Application of a Domestically Developed Single-Arm Single-Port Robotic System in Ultra-Remote Telesurgery:A Clinical Report of Two Gynecological Oncology Cases
Qiao WANG ; Yifeng WANG ; Qiong DE ; Gen CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Ying ZHENG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(5):1399-1404
Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a domestically developed,single-arm single-port robotic system for performing complex gynecological surgeries under extreme conditions,such as ultra-remote locations and high-altitude environments.Methods In November and December 2024,a surgeon on the campus of West China Second Hospital,Sichuan University in Chengdu remotely manipulated a domestically developed single-arm,single-port robotic surgical system via a high-speed,low-latency communication network to perform two telesurgical procedures.The first procedure was a transumbilical single-port robot-assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy,bilateral salpingectomy,and left ovarian cystectomy on a patient with multiple uterine fibroids at the Maternity and Child Health Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region(distance between Chengdu and Lhasa>2 000 km and altitude difference>3 000 m).The second procedure was a transumbilical single-port robot-assisted laparoscopic total hysterectomy,bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy,and sentinel lymph node biopsy on a patient with FIGO stage IA endometrial cancer at Zhujiang Hospital,Southern Medical University in Guangzhou(the distance between Chengdu and Guangzhou>1 500 km).Perioperative data were collected and analyzed.Results Both procedures were successfully completed without conversion to laparotomy or the use of additional auxiliary ports.The operative times for the Chengdu-Lhasa and Chengdu-Guangzhou surgeries were 90 minutes and 135 minutes,respectively,with estimated blood loss≤50 mL in both cases.The intraoperative bidirectional network latency remained around 40 ms,and the total end-to-end latency was less than 60 ms.The surgeon reported no perceptible delay in instrumental response.Both patients recovered well postoperatively,and no surgery-related complications or disease recurrence were observed during follow-up until July 2025.Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility and safety of a domestically developed single-arm,single-port robotic system for performing complex gynecological surgeries in ultra-remote and high-altitude settings.This technical approach offers a promising solution to address geographic disparities in access to high-quality medical resources and demonstrates significant potential for improving the availability of advanced minimally invasive surgery in remote areas and regions of special settings.
8.Clinical analysis of a child with heterotopic ventricular gray matter Renpenning syndrome caused by PQBP1 gene mutation and a literature review.
Yazhen FAN ; Jianchuang ZHAO ; Qian CHEN ; Xianjie HUANG ; Fan LI ; Junying QIAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):314-321
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic etiology of a child with Renpenning syndrome (RS), and review the literature on the clinical characteristics and gene mutations of RS.
METHODS:
A child with RS (patient 1) who was diagnosed and treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in November 2023 was selected as the research object. The medical history, family history, physical examination, cerebrospinal fluid examination, echocardiography, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain magnetic resonance angiography, cardiac coronary CT angiography and intelligence quotient (IQ) score of child 1 were retrospectively collected. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from patient 1, his parents, sister and brother, respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from the child and his family members, and Trios-whole exome sequencing (Trios-WES) was performed. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the pedigree. Bioinformatics softwares (Mutation Taster, REVEL, SIFT, PolyPhen-2, GERP++, SWISS-MODEL) were applied. The pathogenicity of the detected variants was rated according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Standards and Guidelines for the Classification of Genetic Variants (hereinafter referred to as the ACMG Guidelines). "PQBP1 gene" "Renpenning syndrome" "PQBP1 gene" "Renpenning syndrome" were used as keywords in Chinese and English, respectively. Case reports of patients with RS caused by PQBP1 gene variants were retrieved from Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed database. The clinical features and gene variants of RS caused by PQBP1 gene variants were summarized and analyzed. This study was reviewed by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Approval No. 2024-334-01).
RESULTS
The patient 1, a 12-year-old boy, was admitted to the hospital due to fever and disturbance of consciousness. Cerebrospinal fluid test showed viral encephalitis caused by human herpesvirus 7 infection. The main clinical manifestations were unusual facies (microcephaly, long narrow face, microphthalmos, superior oblique palpebral fissure, hypertelorism of inner canthus, bulbous nasal columella) and mental retardation. Auxiliary examination showed than patient 1 had atrial septal defect, nodular heterotopia in the posterior horn of the left ventricle, angiodysplasia, and low IQ. The disease began in infancy, and there was no family history of related diseases. A hemizygous deletion, c.459_462del (p.Arg153SerfsTer41), was identified in exon 5 of the PQBP1 gene in patient 1, which was inherited from his mother by Sanger sequencing. The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that the mutation was harmful. This variant was rated as pathogenic (PVS1+PS4+PM2_Supporting+PP3) according to ACMG Guidelines. According to the literature search strategy set in this study, a total of 13 cases of RS were retrieved, involving 16 cases of RS patient caused by PQBP1 gene mutation (patients 2-17), including patient 1, a total of 17 cases of RS. Among the 17 patients, 16 male patients had hemizygous mutations in the X chromosome PQBP1 gene, and 1 female patient had heterozygous mutations, including 12 deletion frameshift nonsense mutations, 3 point missense mutations, and 2 duplication mutations. Except for two fetuses, all patients had special facial features and low IQ to varying degrees. Ten patients had abnormal development of one or more organs such as eyes, heart, brain, etc. CONCLUSION: The main clinical manifestations of RS are developmental delay, long narrow face, bulbous nose, microcephaly, and may be accompanied by heterotopia of gray matter of ventricle and congenital heart disease. The c.459_462del (p.Arg153SerfsTer41) variant of the PQBP1 gene is the genetic basis of patient 1 in this study.
Humans
;
Male
;
Mutation
;
Pedigree
;
Child
;
DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Nuclear Proteins/genetics*
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Female
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Exome Sequencing
9.Effects of High Temperature on Antioxidant,Carbon Metabolism Physiological Indicators and Transcriptome of Mytilus coruscus
Zhi YANG ; Yuan-Yue ZHANG ; Jian-Xin WANG ; Zhi LIAO ; Qun-Ju HU ; Qiao-Mei YANG ; Xiao-Lin ZHANG ; Mei-Hua FAN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):446-459
The ocean plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle,and base on the"dual carbon"goals,ocean carbon sinks have received widespread attention.Shellfish aquaculture is one of the most important sources of carbon sinks in fisheries,which has an important impact on the offshore carbon cy-cle.As global temperature rises and ocean acidification intensifies,the capacity of the ocean to absorb CO2 will change.However,the effects of high temperature on the physiology and transcriptome related to carbon metabolism in Mytilus coruscus are not clear enough.This study investigated the effects of high temperatures on the total carbon content,carbon metabolism,antioxidant-related enzyme activities,and the transcriptome of Mytilus coruscus.The results showed that high temperature significantly inhibited the activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase,increased carbonic anhydrase activity(P<0.05),de-creased the ATP content of digestive glands(P<0.05),and affected glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle,leading to a significant decrease in the mussel's ability to sequester carbon.High temperature re-sulted in significant(P<0.05)increases in the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde,and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase.Observations by transmission electron microscopy showed that high temperatures damaged the subcellular structure of the digestive gland in Mytilus coruscus,resulting in the shrinkage of the nucleolus,swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum,and a significant reduction in the mitochondrial cristae.Comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that the upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum,antigen pro-cessing and presentation,and MAPK signaling pathway.The downregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in necroptosis,DNA replication,and the NF-kappa B signaling pathway.In antioxidant-related DEGs,the upregulated DEGs include vitamin K epoxide reductase,peroxidases,heat shock protein 105 kD,heat shock protein 70 kD,and superoxide dismutase;The downregulated DEGs mainly included NADPH oxidase,glutathione reductase,cytochrome b-245,cytochrome P450,and quinone reductase.The up-regulated genes enriched in the carbon metabolism pathway included chitinase,phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase,phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase,galactokinase,and inositol trisphosphate 3-kinase.The downregulated genes included aldose-1-epimerase,carbonic anhydrase,galactose mutaro-tase,acyl-CoA synthetase,alcohol dehydrogenase,and hexokinase.In conclusion,high temperature has an inhibitory effect on the activities of enzymes and the expression of genes related to carbon metabolism in Mytilus coruscus.The results of this study are intended to provide a scientific basis for the healthy de-velopment of mussel aquaculture and the assessment of carbon sinks.
10.Application of next-generation sequencing technology for the investigation of immunoglobulin variable region characteristics and their prognostic significance in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Zhen GUO ; Huimin JIN ; Tonglu QIU ; Liying ZHU ; Yujie WU ; Hairong QIU ; Yan WANG ; Yi MIAO ; Hui JIN ; Lei FAN ; Jianyong LI ; Yi XIA ; Chun QIAO
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(3):261-268
Objective:To elucidate the genomic characteristics of the immunoglobulin (IG) heavy-chain variable region and light-chain variable region, the expression of subclones, and the prognostic significance in patients with CLL.Methods:Blood and/or bone marrow specimens were gathered from a cohort of 36 patients with CLL diagnosed at Jiangsu Province Hospital from December 2018 to May 2023, including 12 cases of B cell receptor (BCR) stereotyped patients. IG heavy-chain (IGH) and light-chain (IG Kappa [IGK] and IG lambda [IGL]) gene rearrangements were performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze the characteristics and prognostic value in CLL.Results:NGS detection of IG variable region (IGHV) demonstrated a significant correlation and superior consistency with Sanger sequencing ( r=0.957, P < 0.001). Among the 36 patients, the IGH variant (IGHV) was observed in 9 (25.0%) but not in 27 (75.0%) participants. The incidence of the MYD88 mutation was higher among patients with mutated IGHV [1/27 (3.7%) vs 4/9 (44.4%), P=0.00]. A high incidence of trisomy 12 was observed in the IGHV #8/#8B subset [4/11 (36.4%) vs 1/25 (4.0%), P=0.023], which were more likely to develop Richter transformation [8/11 (72.7%) vs 4/25 (16.0%), P=0.002]. In the patient cohort, 36 individuals (36/36, 100.0%) used the IGK variable, whereas 15 individuals (15/36, 41.7%) employed the IGL variable (IGLV). IGLV3 - 21 reported the highest utilization rate in IGLV (5/15, 33.3%). Remarkably, patients with CLL with IGLV3-21 fragments were exclusively observed in the Binet C stage and Rai Phase Ⅲ-Ⅳ, with an incidence of del (13) (q14) at 60.0% (3/5). The median time to first treatment (TTFT) of patients with or without IGLV3 - 21 fragments was 5.2 (1.1 - 41.5) and 9.9 (0.1 - 94.4) months, respectively. Using the total reads threshold of 2.5%, 4 (4/36, 11.1%) samples were detected to have two IGHV productive clones. The median TTFT and overall survival (OS) time were 2.8 (0.9-72.7) and 12.8 months in patients with one mutated clone and 57.5 (32.0-120.7) and 51.8 months in those with two mutated clones, respectively. The median TTFT and OS time were 10.9 (0.3-94.4) and 6.3 (0.1 - 12.5) months in patients with one unmutated clone and 49.9 (22.2 - 211.1) and 30.0 (9.6 - 50.3) months in those with multiple unmutated clones, respectively ( P>0.05) . Conclusions:Detection of IG gene rearrangements using NGS technology not only facilitates the analysis of the IGHV mutation status, dominant clones, and prognostic value but also contributes to the exploration of IGK/IGL gene rearrangement fragments and the utilization of subclones. Further, it provides information about the poor prognosis of IGLV3 - 21 CLL. The shortened survival of the two unmutated clone groups in the IGHV unmutated group may indicate a poor prognosis.


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