1.From "standardized patients" to "digital twin patients": Disciplinary logic and technical divergence of five patient modeling paradigms
Xingyuan ZHU ; Jiaqing WANG ; Zhongfang YANG ; Zong' ; an HUANG ; Zheng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1023-1033
With the rapid development of large language models and related technologies, various forms of patient modeling have emerged, including virtual patients, synthetic patients, artificial intelligence patients, and digital twin patients. Although these forms all share the core objective of patient simulation, they exhibit significant differences in theoretical ontology, data sources, modeling logic, and application orientation. Based on the abstraction levels of simulation objects and system mapping logic, this study systematically compares five paradigms—standardized patients, virtual patients, synthetic patients, AI patients, and digital twin patients—to clarify their conceptual boundaries and technical positioning. The findings indicate that these paradigms represent distinct modeling pathways: behavioral reproduction, scenario simulation, data generation, cognitive interaction, and individual system mapping, respectively. By constructing a multidimensional comparative framework, this study provides a theoretical foundation for the conceptual standardization of patient modeling and the strategic deployment of intelligent healthcare systems.
2.Causal relationship between periodontal disease and prostate cancer:A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis in two races
Xiaoxu JIN ; Jing LIU ; Xiaodong ZHAO ; Wenyi HUANG ; Ning DONG ; Shihao WANG ; Mengfei MA ; Yulin ZHOU ; Yuhao CHEN ; Jinlu SUN ; Jie DONG ; Jun HU ; Song XU
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(10):885-890
Objective The aim of this study is to discuss the causal relationship between periodontal disease(PD)and prostate cancer(PCa).Methods A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis based on publicly statistical data from genome-wide association studies(GWAS)was conducted.MR Egger,weighted medium,simple mode and weighted mode were supplemented,while inverse variance weighted analysis(IVW)was the main method of analysis.Heterogeneity testing,pleiotropy testing and leave-one-out testing were used to assess the sensitivity and stabili-ty.Results The results of MR analysis showed that PD had no significant impact on the occurrence of PCa:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=1.07,P=0.48);European(IVW,PD:OR=1.00,P=0.37,periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.14,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.99,P=0.37,chronic periodontitis:OR=1.03,P=0.22).The reverse MR analysis also did not show a causal relationship between PCa and PD:East Asian(IVW,PD:OR=0.97,P=0.22);European(IVW,PD:OR=0.84,P=0.44,periodontitis:OR=1.01,P=0.75,chronic gingivitis:OR=0.93,P=0.23,chronic periodontitis:OR=0.99,P=0.80).The results of other analysis were consistent with those of IVW analysis.Conclusions The results of our two-sample bidirectional MR analysis do not support a causal relationship between PD and PCa.
3.Effects of knee extension constraint training on knee biomechanics and bilateral symmetry during running after ACL reconstruction
Shengxing FU ; Huijuan SHI ; Yuanyuan YU ; Mujia MA ; Yulin ZHOU ; Hongshi HUANG ; Yingfang AO ; Hui LIU
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(2):95-102
Objective To determine the effect of knee extension constraint training on bilateral knee biomechanics and bilateral symmetry in running after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction(ACLR).Methods A total of 33 male patients with unilateral ACL injuries were randomly assigned to a BRACE group of 14 wearing a brace with limitation of knee extension,a PLACEBO group of 10 wear-ing a brace without limitation of knee extension,and a CONTROL group of 9,wearing no brace.All groups underwent unilateral hamstring-auto graft ACLR surgery,immediately followed by 12-week rou-tine rehabilitation.Between week 13 and 48,both the BRACE and PLACEBO groups wore braces for one hour on Mondays.Then,running biomechanical tests were performed at the ends of Week 12 and Week 48,and the bilateral knee extension/flexion angle,moment and inter-leg difference(ILD)were calculated.One-dimensional statistical parametric mapping(SPM1d)two-way ANOVA with repeated measures on one factor was used to identify differences in bilateral knee biomechanics and ILD among the three groups before and after the intervention.Results There was no significant interaction effect of group and time on bilateral knee flexion angle,knee extension moment,and ILD in running(P>0.05).Moreover,no significant effect of group was found on the bilateral knee biomechanics and ILD in running(P>0.05).Additionally,significant effects of time were observed on bilateral knee flexion angle and extension moment in running.However,bilateral knee flexion angle decreased during termi-nal stance(ACLR leg:89%~100%,P=0.036;non-ACLR leg:94%~100%,P=0.046),while the bi-lateral knee extension moment increased during mid-stance(ACLR leg:17%~59%,P<0.001;non-ACLR leg:38%~61%,P<0.001)between week 12 and 48.Conclusion In this study,no improvement was found in the abnormal knee biomechanics and symmetry during running in male patients after uni-lateral ACL reconstruction through long-term knee extension constraint training.Moreover,within one year after ACL reconstruction,the knee extension moment of the surgical limb increased gradually over time,with no changes in the knee flexion angle of the surgical limb and bilateral knee symme-try,suggesting that abnormal knee biomechanics and bilateral symmetry should be paid attention to in the post-surgery rehabilitation.
4.Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improves oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome mice
Mingxing LI ; Xiaolei YUE ; Xiurong CHEN ; Kangmei LI ; Yunjia LIU ; Liming WU ; Yulin HUANG ; Yuanyuan WU ; Lin BAI ; Qiaoli PAN ; Guozhen HE ; Sufang YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(14):2958-2968
BACKGROUND:It is urgent to improve the study on the molecular mechanism of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improving oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction on oocyte quality in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its intervention in polycystic ovary syndrome.METHODS:Subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was used to establish the polycystic ovary syndrome model in 21-day-old female Kunming mice,and the treatment was conducted for 21 consecutive days.The estrous cycle and pregnancy was recorded.ELISA was used to detect serum sex hormone levels.The rate of apoptosis in oocytes was detected using Annexin V staining.The level of reactive oxygen species in oocytes was detected using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.The condition of spindle bodies and chromosomes in oocytes were detected using the immunofluorescence method.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to verify the binding properties of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components and oocyte maturation-related factors(growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in oocytes,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components(quercetin,kaempferol,and β-sitosterol)showed good binding activities with growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.(2)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction ameliorated the estrous cycle,regulated serum hormone,increased the pregnancy,decreased the rate of apoptosis,declined the level of reactive oxygen species,diminished the rate of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome loss(P<0.01,P<0.05);and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15(P<0.05).Therefore,Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction may improve the oocyte quality and increase the fertility of polycystic ovary syndrome mice by regulating the gene expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.
5.The strategies of early diagnosis and management of primary renal tubular disease in children
Yulin KANG ; Wenyan HUANG ; Lei YIN ; Wei ZHOU ; Yufeng LI ; Jia RAO ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Yachun LI ; Song MAO ; Wenjing SHI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(6):359-363
Childhood primary renal tubular diseases are chronic kidney diseases characterized by impaired renal tubular reabsorption. Primary renal tubular disease has diverse clinical manifestations and lacks of specificity. Laboratory tests are limited,making it prone to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Based on the current knowledge of renal tubular diseases,authors propose early warning signals of renal tubular diseases such as family history of primary tubular diseases,unexplained polyhydramnios during pregnancy,polydipsia,polyuria,delayed growth and development or rickets,decreased muscle strength and tone,unexplained electrolyte disturbance,hyperuricemia,acid-base disturbance,positive urine sugar test,renal tubular proteinuria,urinary imaging examination suggesting kidney stones,calcium deposition,renal cysts and early onset of eye,ear,joint and neuron injury.Meanwhile,some universal management strategies for primary renal tubular disease are proposed,emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration,genetic testing and individualized intervention to improve the long-term prognosis of childhood primary renal tubular diseases.
6.Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improves oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome mice
Mingxing LI ; Xiaolei YUE ; Xiurong CHEN ; Kangmei LI ; Yunjia LIU ; Liming WU ; Yulin HUANG ; Yuanyuan WU ; Lin BAI ; Qiaoli PAN ; Guozhen HE ; Sufang YANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(14):2958-2968
BACKGROUND:It is urgent to improve the study on the molecular mechanism of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction improving oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome.OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction on oocyte quality in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome and to explore the underlying mechanisms of its intervention in polycystic ovary syndrome.METHODS:Subcutaneous injection of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate was used to establish the polycystic ovary syndrome model in 21-day-old female Kunming mice,and the treatment was conducted for 21 consecutive days.The estrous cycle and pregnancy was recorded.ELISA was used to detect serum sex hormone levels.The rate of apoptosis in oocytes was detected using Annexin V staining.The level of reactive oxygen species in oocytes was detected using dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate.The condition of spindle bodies and chromosomes in oocytes were detected using the immunofluorescence method.Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to verify the binding properties of Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components and oocyte maturation-related factors(growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15).Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15 in oocytes,respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction core active components(quercetin,kaempferol,and β-sitosterol)showed good binding activities with growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.(2)Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction ameliorated the estrous cycle,regulated serum hormone,increased the pregnancy,decreased the rate of apoptosis,declined the level of reactive oxygen species,diminished the rate of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome loss(P<0.01,P<0.05);and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15(P<0.05).Therefore,Ban's Culuan Zhuyun Decoction may improve the oocyte quality and increase the fertility of polycystic ovary syndrome mice by regulating the gene expression of growth differentiation factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 15.
7.Development of an artificial intelligence-based automatic MRI scoring model for extramural vascular invasion in rectal cancer and its prognostic value
Haitao HUANG ; Yunrui YE ; Lifen YAN ; Yanfen CUI ; Lili FENG ; Huifen YE ; Yulin LIU ; Ying ZHU ; Zhongwei CHEN ; Zhenhui LI ; Ke ZHAO ; Zaiyi LIU ; Changhong LIANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(11):1267-1274
Objective:To develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automatic scoring model for magnetic resonance imaging-detected extramural vascular invasion (AI-mrEMVI) and evaluate its performance and prognostic value in patients with rectal cancer.Methods:In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, a total of 2 501 rectal cancer patients from seven centers between November 2012 and December 2020 were included and divided into completely independent training ( n=1 830) and validation ( n=671) cohorts. A nnUNet-based AI-mrEMVI scoring model was constructed. Manual mrEMVI scores assigned by two radiologists served as the reference standard for accessing the accuracy of the AI-mrEMVI scoring. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression were used to evaluate the prognostic stratification ability of the AI-mrEMVI scores. The concordance index (C-index) was calculated to evaluate prognostic performance. Results:In the validation cohort, the manual mrEMVI scores were 0-2 in 425 patients (63.3%), 3 in 89 (13.4%), and 4 in 157 (23.4%). The AI-mrEMVI model identified 0-2 in 375 patients (55.9%), 3 in 95 (14.2%), and 4 in 201 (30.0%), with an overall accuracy of 81.1% (544/671, 95% CI 77.9%-84.0%). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates for patients with AI-mrEMVI scores of 0-2, 3, and 4 were 85.2%, 70.0%, and 58.2%, respectively, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 87.2%, 81.6%, and 62.6%, respectively (DFS: χ2=48.74, P<0.001; OS: χ2=30.04, P<0.001). Multivariable Cox regression showed that for DFS, AI-mrEMVI scores of 3 and 4 were associated with hazard ratios ( HR) of 1.75 (95% CI 1.11-2.77, P=0.016) and 2.65 (95% CI 1.86-3.78, P<0.001), respectively. For OS, an AI-mrEMVI score of 4 was associated with an HR of 2.56 (95% CI 1.62-4.03, P<0.001). The C-index values of the AI-mrEMVI scoring model for predicting DFS and OS were 0.647 (95% CI 0.608-0.686) and 0.650 (95% CI 0.598-0.702), respectively. Conclusion:The proposed AI-mrEMVI automatic scoring model demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy and performed favorably in predicting DFS and OS prognostic risk in patients with rectal cancer.
8.The application of porous polyethylene biological scaffolds combined with temporoparietal fascial flaps in auricular reconstruction.
Ken LIN ; Yulin DU ; Rui HUANG ; Xia LI ; Hangying ZHANG ; Yuhui HUA ; Dong SU ; Jing MA
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(2):147-157
Objective:To analyze the application efficacy of employing high-density porous polyethylene (Su-por) in combination with temporoparietal fascial flaps via a minimally invasive scalp incision in auricular reconstruction. Methods:This study carried out a retrospective analysis of 50 patients (50 ears in total) who underwentprimary auricular reconstruction with a Su-por scaffold in our hospital from June 2022 to January 2024. All patients underwent primary auricular reconstruction using a minimally invasive scalp incision with high-density porous polyethylene (Su-por) and temporoparietal fascial flaps. The postoperative treatment effects and complications were statistically analyzed. Results:The reconstructed ears of all patients survived. After 6 months of follow-up, the scar hyperplasia of the scalp minimally invasive incision was not obvious in any patient, and no significant hair loss was observed. The reconstructed auricle of 48 patients had a realistic shape and strong three-dimensional sense. With the extension of follow-up time, the three-dimensional structure of the auricle became clearer, and patient satisfaction increased. Among the remaining two patients, one case of flap necrosis survived after skin grafting and dressing changes. One patient had scar hyperplasia at the incision of the reconstructed ear due to a scar-prone constitution, and the shape of the auricle was not ideal, but the scar hyperplasia at the scalp incision was not obvious. Conclusion:One-stage ear reconstruction with high-density porous polyethylene (Su-por) combined with superficial temporal fascia flap through a minimally invasive scalp incision can better show the fine structure of the reconstructed ear. The minimally invasive scalp incision can effectively reduce the occurrence of scar hyperplasia and postoperative alopecia at the scalp incision.
Humans
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Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
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Retrospective Studies
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Surgical Flaps
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Tissue Scaffolds
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Polyethylene
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Ear Auricle/surgery*
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Male
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Scalp/surgery*
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Female
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Skin Transplantation
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Fascia/transplantation*
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Porosity
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Adult
;
Middle Aged
9.Augmentation of PRDX1-DOK3 interaction alleviates rheumatoid arthritis progression by suppressing plasma cell differentiation.
Wenzhen DANG ; Xiaomin WANG ; Huaying LI ; Yixuan XU ; Xinyu LI ; Siqi HUANG ; Hongru TAO ; Xiao LI ; Yulin YANG ; Lijiang XUAN ; Weilie XIAO ; Dean GUO ; Hao ZHANG ; Qiong WU ; Jie ZHENG ; Xiaoyan SHEN ; Kaixian CHEN ; Heng XU ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Cheng LUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):3997-4013
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint damage, accompanied by the accumulation of plasma cells, which contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the genetic alterations occurring during plasma cell differentiation in RA can deepen our comprehension of its pathogenesis and guide the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Here, our study elucidates the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying plasma cell differentiation by demonstrating that PRDX1 interacts with DOK3 and modulates its degradation by the autophagy-lysosome pathway. This interaction results in the inhibition of plasma cell differentiation, thereby alleviating the progression of collagen-induced arthritis. Additionally, our investigation identifies Salvianolic acid B (SAB) as a potent small molecular glue-like compound that enhances the interaction between PRDX1 and DOK3, consequently impeding the progression of collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting plasma cell differentiation. Collectively, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of developing chemical stabilizers for the PRDX1-DOK3 complex in suppressing plasma cell differentiation for RA treatment and establish a theoretical basis for targeting PRDX1-protein interactions as specific therapeutic targets in various diseases.
10.Modulation of Ryanodine Receptors on Microglial Ramification, Migration, and Phagocytosis in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model.
Yulin OUYANG ; Zihao CHEN ; Qiang HUANG ; Hai ZHANG ; Haolin SONG ; Xinnian WANG ; Wenxiu DONG ; Yong TANG ; Najeebullah SHAH ; Shimin SHUAI ; Yang ZHAN
Neuroscience Bulletin 2025;41(11):2063-2077
Microglial functions are linked to Ca2+ signaling, with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium stores playing a crucial role. Microglial abnormality is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but how ER Ca2+ receptors regulate microglial functions under physiological and AD conditions remains unclear. We found reduced ryanodine receptor 2 (Ryr2) expression in microglia from an AD mouse model. Modulation of RyR2 using S107, a RyR-Calstabin stabilizer, blunted spontaneous Ca2+ transients in controls and normalized Ca2+ transients in AD mice. S107 enhanced ATP-induced migration and phagocytosis while reducing ramification in control microglia; however, these effects were absent in AD microglia. Our findings indicate that RyR2 stabilization promotes an activation state shift in control microglia, a mechanism impaired in AD. These results highlight the role of ER Ca2+ receptors in both homeostatic and AD microglia, providing insights into microglial Ca2+ malfunctions in AD.
Animals
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Microglia/pathology*
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Alzheimer Disease/pathology*
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Phagocytosis/drug effects*
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Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Mice
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Cell Movement/drug effects*
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Mice, Transgenic
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Calcium Signaling/physiology*
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Calcium/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Male
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Endoplasmic Reticulum/metabolism*

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