1.A genetic perspective reveals the relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis:an analysis of information from the FinnGen database in Finland
Chu LIU ; Boyuan QIU ; Siwen TONG ; Linyuwei HE ; Haobo CHEN ; Zhixue OU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):785-794
BACKGROUND:In China,the patient population with osteonecrosis is large,and there is an urgent need to find new preventive targets to develop more effective treatment strategies.Metabolomics studies have shown that there is an association between human metabolites and osteonecrosis,but the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis through two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:The public data of 486 blood metabolites(exposure factors)and osteonecrosis(outcome factors)were collected.Data of 486 blood metabolites were derived from a genome-wide association estimate for blood metabolites published in Nature Genetics in 2014,which covered 7 824 European adults.The single nucleotide polymorphism data for osteonecrosis were obtained from the FinnGen public database R11 dataset,containing information on a total of 431 614 samples and 21 306 430 single nucleotide polymorphism loci,with 1 788 cases of osteonecrosis and 429 826 controls,with all participants being of European descent.Mendelian randomization analysis(inverse variance weighting method,MR-Egger method,and weighted median method)was performed by Rstudio software,and then the heterogeneity test,horizontal pleiotropy test and Steiger directionality test were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sixteen blood metabolites were identified as having a significant causal relationship with osteonecrosis(Pinverse variance weighting<Pfalse discovery rate<0.05).(2)Eight blood metabolites increased the risk of osteonecrosis(including four known metabolites and four unknown metabolites),specifically pantothenate,beta-hydroxyisovalerate,hippurate,salicyluric glucuronide,X-08766,X-11452,X-12776 and X-14662.(3)Eight blood metabolites could reduce the risk of osteonecrosis(six known metabolites and two unknown metabolites),including cortisol,1-palmitoylglycerol(1-monopalmitin),pyroglutamyl glycine,2-stearoylglycerophosphocholine,p-cresol sulfate,ergothioneine,X-06307,X-12092.(4)The above results suggest that there is a causal relationship between 16 blood metabolites and osteonecrosis,which is expected to be a potential target for intervention in the occurrence and treatment of osteonecrosis in the future.(5)Despite the lack of relevant data from large-scale Asian populations at present,this study provides important reference value for the field of osteonecrosis in China based on European population data.In the future,domestic medical workers may be able to achieve precise intervention for osteonecrosis by regulating metabolite levels.In addition,based on the results of this study,relevant researchers can further explore the mechanism of action of metabolites in the treatment of osteonecrosis with traditional Chinese medicine,which not only helps to deepen the understanding of traditional Chinese medical therapies but also promotes the progress of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine research,driving the development of personalized treatment plans that are more suitable for the characteristics of the Chinese population.
2.Research progress on oral microecological imbalance and intervention strategies after radiotherapy for head and neck tumors
LIU Xue ; LI Yufei ; YANG Xinyao ; LI Hao ; ZHANG Ailin ; CUI Lei ; HUANG Zhengwei ; HOU Lili
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(4):385-394
Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for head and neck tumors. However, while effectively killing tumor cells, it significantly disrupts the homeostasis of the oral microecology, which is closely associated with various complications such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Literature review indicates that as radiotherapy doses accumulate and treatment durations extend, the richness and diversity of the oral microbiota show a declining trend, with the genus Streptococcus decreasing most markedly. In contrast, radiotherapy selectively promotes the proliferation of bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which are rich in opportunistic pathogens. Mechanistically, radiotherapy activates the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, triggering chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging the epithelial barrier, suppressing local immunity, and causing damage to organs such as the salivary glands. It can also induce systemic diseases via the oral-gut axis, forming a multi-level, interconnected pathogenic network. In terms of interventions, treatment strategies including probiotics and prebiotics have shown promising efficacy against side effects such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Saliva-based oral microbiota transplantation is an emerging strategy that is expected to become widely utilized for restoring oral microecological balance. Existing interventions provide preliminary pathways for clinical practice, but this field still faces several key scientific questions. The association between oral microecology and systemic diseases remains largely correlative, lacking causal evidence. Furthermore, critical parameters for oral microbiota transplantation, such as donor screening criteria, transplantation protocols, and long-term safety, are not yet well-defined. Therefore, future research should focus on conducting large-scale clinical trials to establish standardized protocols and safety evaluation systems for oral microecological interventions, and explore combined treatment therapies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota transplantation to advance the development of personalized precision modulation. These will enable more effective management of radiotherapy-induced oral microecological dysbiosis and improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck tumors.
3.Influencing Factors of Depression in Patients with Postoperative Ovarian Cancer
Jialiang YAO ; Long ZHANG ; Jianhui TIAN ; Ze LIU ; Yun YANG ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Minghua LI ; Wang YAO ; Wenfei SHI ; Xinyi LU ; Pan YU ; Enchao CONG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(5):349-359
Objective To explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer and to analyze its influencing factors from multiple dimensions, including clinical characteristics, psychological factors, and laboratory indicators. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, which enrolled 235 postoperative patients with ovarian cancer. Depressive status was assessed using the patient health questionnaire, and the demographic, pathological, and medical record data of the patients were collected using the generalized anxiety disorder scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire core 30, and ECOG performance status score. Peripheral blood tumor marker (CA125), routine blood test, lymphocyte subsets, and serum cytokine levels were measured. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer was 39.15% (92/235). Univariate analysis showed that ECOG score ≥ 2 points, pain, anxiety, poor sleep quality, low quality of life, low life satisfaction, tumor recurrence, six or more cycles of chemotherapy, as well as higher levels of CA125, NLR, and NAR, and lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with depression (all P<0.05). Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety (OR=1.975, 95%CI: 1.231-3.170), sleep efficiency (OR=4.181, 95%CI: 1.211-14.43), sleep latency (OR=34.806, 95%CI: 4.258-284.542), ECOG performance status score, cognitive function (OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.868-0.97), and life satisfaction were independent risk factors for depression (all P<0.05). Laboratory indicators were not independent influencing factors in the multivariate Logistic regression model. Conclusion Depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer is influenced by physiological, psychological, and social factors. Clinical management should focus on patients with anxiety, sleep disorders, poor physical condition, and low life satisfaction, and a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy centered on psychological intervention and taking into account symptom management and social support should be implemented.
4.Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human bocavirus in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infection at a hospital in Shanghai from 2021 to 2023
Shan ZHANG ; Yujuan HUANG ; Lei SHEN ; Li LIU ; Jie WANG ; Huilin ZHOU ; Leijun MENG ; Tingting CHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):193-198
ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human bocavirus (HBoV) in hospitalized children with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) at a single-center children’s hospital in Shanghai, thereby providing evidence for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HBoV infection. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 19 537 hospitalized children with ALRTI at Shanghai Children’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis was used to detect HBoV and 12 other common respiratory viruses /atypical pathogens. The positive detection rate, demographic characteristics (sex, age), temporal distribution (year, season) of HBoV, as well as the clinical characteristics of severe and non-severe pneumonia were analyzed. ResultsThe overall HBoV-positive rate was 2.57% (503/19 537), with 59.44% (299/503) being single infections and 40.56% (204/503) being co-infections. The positive detection rate was significantly higher in boys than that in girls (2.78% vs 2.33%, χ²=3.88, P=0.049). The highest infection rate was observed in toddlers, followed by infants (χ²=379.57, P<0.001). The positive rate peaked in 2021 and reached its lowest point in 2023 (χ²=45.49, P<0.001), with epidemics mainly prevalent in summer and autumn. The main clinical symptoms were cough (90.06%, 453/503), fever (75.94%, 382/503), and wheezing (39.96%, 201/503). Children with severe pneumonia showed a higher incidence of wheezing compared with the non-severe group (P<0.001), while underlying diseases and co-infections had no significant association with disease severity (P>0.05). ConclusionHBoV was an important pathogen of ALRTI in children, predominantly affecting infants and toddlers, with higher susceptibility in boys and seasonal peaks in autumn and summer. The main clinical manifestations included cough, fever, and wheezing, with wheezing being more prevalent in children with severe pneumonia.
5.Performance Evaluation and Resource Utilization Optimization of Multidisciplinary Team Model for Lung Cancer: A Real-World Study
Meng WANG ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Jue LIU ; Jingyi TANG ; Ziming LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):637-645
To compare the performance differences between the multidisciplinary team (MDT) model and the conventional diagnostic and treatment model for lung cancer, and to explore a high-quality development pathway for optimizing lung cancer diagnostic and treatment resources. A retrospective analysis was conducted on electronic medical record data of lung cancer patients at Shanghai Chest Hospital from March 2025 to December 2025. Patients were divided into an MDT group and a conventional care group based on whether they were admitted to the integrated oncology ward. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney A total of 4, 758 patients with primary lung cancer were included, comprising 365 (7.7%) in the MDT group and 4, 393 (92.3%) in the conventional care group. After adjusting for confounding factors, the MDT model significantly reduced hospitalization frequency during the observation period by 48.8% ( The MDT model for lung cancer significantly reduces hospitalization frequency; however, its effect on cost per hospitalization is population-selective, with increased costs in early-stage (stage Ⅰ) patients and decreased costs in late-stage (stages Ⅱ and Ⅳ) patients. The implementation of the MDT model should adopt precise patient stratification management, prioritizing the optimal patient population to achieve the optimal allocation of medical resources.
6.A genetic perspective reveals the relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis:an analysis of information from the FinnGen database in Finland
Chu LIU ; Boyuan QIU ; Siwen TONG ; Linyuwei HE ; Haobo CHEN ; Zhixue OU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):785-794
BACKGROUND:In China,the patient population with osteonecrosis is large,and there is an urgent need to find new preventive targets to develop more effective treatment strategies.Metabolomics studies have shown that there is an association between human metabolites and osteonecrosis,but the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis has not yet been clarified.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal relationship between blood metabolites and osteonecrosis through two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.METHODS:The public data of 486 blood metabolites(exposure factors)and osteonecrosis(outcome factors)were collected.Data of 486 blood metabolites were derived from a genome-wide association estimate for blood metabolites published in Nature Genetics in 2014,which covered 7 824 European adults.The single nucleotide polymorphism data for osteonecrosis were obtained from the FinnGen public database R11 dataset,containing information on a total of 431 614 samples and 21 306 430 single nucleotide polymorphism loci,with 1 788 cases of osteonecrosis and 429 826 controls,with all participants being of European descent.Mendelian randomization analysis(inverse variance weighting method,MR-Egger method,and weighted median method)was performed by Rstudio software,and then the heterogeneity test,horizontal pleiotropy test and Steiger directionality test were performed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the results.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sixteen blood metabolites were identified as having a significant causal relationship with osteonecrosis(Pinverse variance weighting<Pfalse discovery rate<0.05).(2)Eight blood metabolites increased the risk of osteonecrosis(including four known metabolites and four unknown metabolites),specifically pantothenate,beta-hydroxyisovalerate,hippurate,salicyluric glucuronide,X-08766,X-11452,X-12776 and X-14662.(3)Eight blood metabolites could reduce the risk of osteonecrosis(six known metabolites and two unknown metabolites),including cortisol,1-palmitoylglycerol(1-monopalmitin),pyroglutamyl glycine,2-stearoylglycerophosphocholine,p-cresol sulfate,ergothioneine,X-06307,X-12092.(4)The above results suggest that there is a causal relationship between 16 blood metabolites and osteonecrosis,which is expected to be a potential target for intervention in the occurrence and treatment of osteonecrosis in the future.(5)Despite the lack of relevant data from large-scale Asian populations at present,this study provides important reference value for the field of osteonecrosis in China based on European population data.In the future,domestic medical workers may be able to achieve precise intervention for osteonecrosis by regulating metabolite levels.In addition,based on the results of this study,relevant researchers can further explore the mechanism of action of metabolites in the treatment of osteonecrosis with traditional Chinese medicine,which not only helps to deepen the understanding of traditional Chinese medical therapies but also promotes the progress of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine research,driving the development of personalized treatment plans that are more suitable for the characteristics of the Chinese population.
7.Three-dimensional finite element analysis of molar distalization with clear aligners with different thicknesses and edges
Yanan CHENG ; Jiazhi YU ; Yinchang LIU ; Jie WU ; Tong YU ; Lu WANG ; Xiaoguang LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):310-318
BACKGROUND:One of the advantages of clear aligner treatment is molar distalization.However,tooth tilting movement and loss of anterior anchorage may occur during treatment.There are few studies on whether these problems can be improved by selecting clear aligners with different thicknesses and edges to improve the clinical treatment effect.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the control ability of clear aligners with different thickness and edges on the central incisor,lateral incisor,and second molar when pushing the maxillary second molar distally by three-dimensional finite element analysis.METHODS:Three-dimensional finite element analysis models of bilateral maxillary second molar distalization with clear aligner,maxillary dentition,periodontal ligament,and alveolar bone with different thicknesses and margins were established by Mimics,Geomagic Wrap,3-matic and SolidWorks software,respectively.There were 16 combinations of four thicknesses(0.4,0.5,0.625,and 0.75 mm)and four margins(scallop,straight,straight extension 2 mm and straight extension 4 mm).The data were imported into Ansys Workbench software for design and solution.The mean value,peak value and distribution of the periodontal ligament equivalent stress of the second molar,the equivalent stress and the maximum initial displacement of the second molar,and the control ability of each appliance on the second molar,central incisor,and lateral incisor were analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The mean equivalent stress of periodontal ligament of the second molar,the equivalent stress of the second molar and the maximum initial displacement of the second molar increased with the extension of the appliance edge and the increase of the thickness of the appliance in the 16 groups of models.(2)When the thickness of appliances was the same,the maximum equivalent stress of the second molar in the linear appliance group was the highest,and the maximum equivalent stress of the second molar in the linear extended appliance group was greater than that in the scallop appliance group.When the edge of the appliance was the same,the periodontal ligament equivalent stress peak of the second molar increased with the increase of the thickness of the appliance.The equivalent stress distribution in the periodontal ligament of the second molar in the linear extendable appliance group was more uniform than that in the scallop appliance group and the linear appliance group.(3)When the thickness of the appliance was the same,the scallop-shaped appliance had the worst control on the second molar.When the edge of the appliance was the same,with the increase of the thickness of the appliance,the control of the second molar by the linear extender appliance was gradually stronger than that by the linear appliance.The control of the central incisor was stronger and more stable with the linear extended 2 mm appliance,while the control of the lateral incisor was stronger and more stable with the linear appliance.(4)The results showed that when using clear aligners to push molars distally,extending the edge of the appliance could improve the control of the molars and reduce the tilting movement of the teeth.The design of a straight extension margin of 2 mm for the central incisor and a straight edge for the lateral incisor can enhance the control of the anchorage incisor and reduce the labial inclination of the anterior teeth.
8.Statistical approaches to causal inference in environmental epidemiology: Methodological introductions and R implementations
Guiming ZHU ; Wanying LIU ; Yanchao WEN ; Simin HE ; Qian GAO ; Tong WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):253-260
Environmental pollution is a significant public health challenge worldwide, and investigating the causal relationship between environmental exposure and population health outcomes is a key objective of environmental epidemiology research. In recent years, the complexity of environmental exposures has increasingly come to the forefront, making it challenging for observational studies that dominate environmental epidemiology to accurately estimate causal effects. Causal inference methods are particularly advantageous in controlling for confounding factors, thus holding great potential in environmental epidemiology research. Researchers can use appropriate causal inference methods to simulate the process of randomization, providing strong support for revealing the causal relationship between environmental exposure and health outcomes. However, there is a lack of reviews on the application of causal inference methods in environmental epidemiology studies in China. Therefore, this study introduced the basic principles of common causal inference statistical methods in environmental epidemiology, summarized the applicable conditions, advantages and disadvantages of various methods, and provided R software implementation codes for these methods, aiming to offer guidance for optimizing research design and practicing causal inference statistical methods.
9.Relationship between family function and anxiety among lower-grade college students: the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies
Rongrong LI ; Liang LIU ; Yuhong YAO ; Shuanglei WU ; Yanbo WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):70-75
BackgroundAnxiety exhibits a rising prevalence among college students. Investigating the mechanisms through which family function relates to anxiety and examining the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies within this context hold substantial implications for promoting mental health among college students. However, existing research has not sufficiently elucidated the complex interplay among family function, emotion regulation, and anxiety among college students. Further research is warranted to clarify the underlying mechanisms linking family function to anxiety outcomes and to examine the potential moderating role of emotion regulation strategies in this causal pathway. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between family function and anxiety among lower-grade college students, and to validate the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies in this relationship, thereby offering evidence-based insights for anxiety reduction interventions in this population. MethodsIn March 2023, a total of 1 980 first- and second-year students from a comprehensive university in Shanghai were selected using the cluster sampling method. A self-designed demographic questionnaire, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale Ⅱ-Chinese Version (FACES Ⅱ-CV), and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were utilized for assessment. Pearson correlation analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were employed to test the correlations of each variable. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to certify the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between family function and anxiety. ResultsCompared with female students, male students scored significantly lower on ERQ cognitive reappraisal (t=-5.793, P<0.01) but significantly higher on ERQ expressive suppression (t=8.359, P<0.01). For lower-grade college students, scores on adaptability and cohesion subscales of FACES Ⅱ-CV showed a positive association with cognitive reappraisal in ERQ (r=0.251, 0.302, P<0.01), while simultaneously displaying negative correlations with both expressive suppression in ERQ (r=-0.113, -0.154, P<0.01) and anxiety in SCL-90 (r=-0.243, -0.202, P<0.01). Notably, anxiety scores in SCL-90 were inversely related to cognitive reappraisal scores in ERQ (r=-0.159, P<0.01) but directly associated with expressive suppression scores in ERQ (r=0.171, P<0.01). Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that cognitive reappraisal significantly moderated the relationship between family cohesion and anxiety (β=-0.421, P<0.01). ConclusionThe cognitive reappraisal strategy serves as a moderator in the relationship between family cohesion and anxiety, potentially mitigating the escalation of anxiety levels associated with family dysfunction. [Funded by Science and Technology Development Fund of Shanghai Pudong New Area (number, PKJ2023-Y21)]
10.Analysis of depressive symptoms and predictive factors in children and adolescents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Guiwei CHEN ; Lu TONG ; Ziyu LI ; Xiaojuan GAO ; Ruiqi WANG ; Xiaolu ZHANG ; Le LIU ; Yinxia BAI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):83-88
BackgroundIn recent years, the incidence of depression among adolescents has been increasing steadily, posing a serious threat to their physical and mental health and even leading to severe consequences such as self-harm and suicide. At the same time, the detection rate of subclinical depression symptoms among adolescents is even higher. Although these symptoms do not meet the clinical diagnostic criteria, they have significantly affected their quality of life, and their persistence over time may further develop into depression. Therefore, in-depth exploration of adolescent depression symptoms and the predictive factors holds significant practical significance and research value. However, up to now, no large-scale investigation and research on depression symptoms among children and adolescents has been conducted in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. ObjectiveTo understand the prevalence of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in order to provide references for formulating scientific and effective prevention strategies and intervention measures. MethodsBy using the cluster stratified random sampling method, 6 281 students from the third grade of primary school to the second grade of high school in 12 leagues and cities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected in March 2024. A self-designed questionnaire and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used for on-site investigation. ResultsA total of 6 058 (96.45%) children and adolescents completed the valid questionnaire survey, and 2 728 cases (45.03%) were found to have depressive symptoms. There were statistically significant differences in the detection rates of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents of different genders, ages, whether they were only children, different family types, family monthly income, parents' educational levels, and whether the mother was employed (χ2=33.769, 40.618, 48.593, 29.972, 142.648, 195.999, 168.190, 5.445, P<0.05 or 0.01).The results of the Logistic regression analysis showed that for children and adolescents, being female, aged between 12 and 16, over 16 years old, not being an only child, living in a reconstituted family, having a monthly family income of less than 5 000 yuan, and having parents with an education level of primary school or below were predictors of depressive symptoms (OR=1.241, 1.427, 1.273, 1.177, 1.549, 1.278, 1.462, 1.417, 1.514, 1.929, 1.660, 1.528, P<0.05 or 0.01). ConclusionThe detection rate of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is relatively high. Factors that may predict depressive symptoms in children and adolescents include female gender, ages between 12 and 16, ages over 16 years old, non-only children, families with a restructured structure, monthly family income of less than 5 000 yuan, and parents with an education level of primary school or below. [Funded by Science and Technology Planning Project of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (number, 2022YFSH0119)]


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