1.Value of metabolic markers combined with anthropometric indicators in predicting and risk stratification of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and establishment of a nomogram model
Sirui ZHAO ; Zheyu LI ; Wenqiang HE ; Junfeng LI ; Liting ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(5):1056-1066
ObjectiveTo develop a novel clinical predictive model for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) based on metabolic markers and anthropometric indicators, and to provide a more effective tool for the early screening and intervention of MAFLD. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 2 824 individuals who underwent abdominal color Doppler ultrasound at Health Examination Center of The First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025, and at a ratio of 7∶3, they were randomly divided into training set with 1 976 patients and validation set with 848 patients. Clinical data, serological markers, and abdominal ultrasound results were collected from all patients, and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, and anthropometric indicators were calculated. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed or approximately normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between two groups; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictive factors for MAFLD and intermediate- to high-risk MAFLD. Five risk prediction models were established for MAFLD based on the independent influencing factors, and a nomogram was plotted. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to assess model performance, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated. The calibration curve was used to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the models, and decision curve analysis was used to assess the clinical practicability of the models. These models were then compared with traditional models. ResultsAmong the 1 976 individuals in the training set, 937 (47.42%) were diagnosed with MAFLD, and 423 (21.41%) were diagnosed with intermediate- to high-risk MAFLD; among the 848 individuals in the validation set, 406 (47.88%) were diagnosed with MAFLD. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR]=0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13 — 0.39, P<0.05), waist circumference (OR=1.11, 95%CI: 1.06 — 1.17, P<0.05), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) >40 U/L (OR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.44 — 3.51, P<0.05), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR=0.07, 95%CI: 0.04 — 0.15, P<0.05), TyG index (OR=8.27, 95%CI: 5.09 — 13.44, P<0.05), TG/HDL-C ratio (OR=0.84, 95%CI: 0.71 — 0.99, P<0.05), A Body Shape Index (ABSI) (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.39 — 0.52, P<0.05), and body roundness index (BRI) (OR=2.31, 95%CI: 1.50 — 3.55, P<0.05) were independent influencing factors for MAFLD, and male sex (OR=0.17, 95%CI: 0.10 — 0.31, P<0.05), age (OR=1.09, 95%CI: 1.07 — 1.11, P<0.05), hemoglobin (OR=0.98, 95%CI: 0.97 — 0.98, P<0.05), platelet count (OR=0.81, 95%CI: 0.70 — 0.93, P<0.05), fasting blood glucose (OR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.71 — 0.89, P<0.05), triglycerides (OR=0.14, 95%CI: 0.07 — 0.29, P<0.05), TG/HDL-C ratio (OR=0.78, 95%CI: 0.67 — 0.91, P<0.05), TyG index (OR=5.26, 95%CI: 3.32 — 8.33), waist circumference (OR=2.50, 95%CI: 1.72 — 3.61, P<0.05), ABSI (OR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.51 — 0.66, P<0.05), and BRI (OR=0.01, 95%CI: 0.00 — 0.21, P<0.05) were independent influencing factors for intermediate- to high-risk MAFLD. Among the five models established, model 5 (incorporating sex, ALT elevation, HDL-C, TyG index, TG/HDL-C ratio, waist circumference, and ABSI) had the best performance, with an AUC of 0.917 (95%CI: 0.905 — 0.929) in the training set and 0.911 (95%CI: 0.892 — 0.930) in the validation set. The calibration curve showed that model 5 had good predictive accuracy, and the decision curve analysis confirmed its clinical practicability. ConclusionThe predictive model for MAFLD constructed based on metabolic markers and anthropometric indicators has good discriminatory ability and can be used to assess the risk of MAFLD. In addition, this study shows that waist circumference, TyG index, TG/HDL-C ratio, ABSI, and BRI are independently associated with intermediate- to high-risk MAFLD, but further studies are needed to confirm their value in predicting liver fibrosis progression.
2.PD-L1 and TGF-β cooperatively regulate tumor immune escape: mechanisms and advances in dual-targeting therapy
Qianqian HE ; Yanli YANG ; Han ZHANG ; Zheyu CHEN ; Puzhong JI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):533-543
While programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have yielded breakthroughs in tumor therapy, their efficacy is constrained by the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment and multiple immunosuppressive pathways. In recent years, research has revealed that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) synergistically drives tumor cell immune escape with PD-L1 via pathways such as metabolic reprogramming, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and SOX family factors. Currently, various PD-L1/TGF-β bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) have exhibited promising therapeutic potential in early-phase clinical trials, yet they still confront challenges related to toxicity and drug resistance. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms by which PD-L1 and TGF-β synergistically regulate tumor immune escape, summarizes the clinical research progress of bsAbs, and discusses strategies for novel drug design and biomarker development, with the aim of offering new insights for the development of combined tumor immunotherapy strategies.
3.Research on the digital international communication paths of traditional Chinese medicine culture from the perspective of media materiality
Zheyu ZHANG ; Guangbo LUO ; Bin LIN
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(6):784-790
The global communication order has been profoundly affected by the revolution in communication technologies in recent years, and the evolution of technology and paradigm revolution has ushered in the era of intelligent communication. A deeply mediatized society has subversively changed the information communication patterns of human society and influenced the forms of resource allocation. With the emergence of novel technological terms such as “cloud computing” “metaverse” and “virtual reality” current mainstream communication and media studies tend to categorize media into the virtual world, often ignoring its ubiquitous, profound, and complex materiality. Across different digital social contexts, the “materiality” of the communication activities for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture, such as the targeted objects, the communication venues, and the relied-upon bodies, profoundly influenced their occurrence, understanding, and continuation. Starting from the media materiality of TCM and regarding it as the “carrier” of excellent traditional Chinese culture, this paper explored the existing problems and countermeasures in the international communication of TCM culture in the digital era. It aimed to transcend media-centrism and strive to explore an innovative paradigm for the digital international communication path of TCM culture featuring “embodiment-embedment-elevation.”
4.Thoughts of Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment and Effect Mechanism of Haoqin Qingdantang in Treating Viral Pneumonia Based on Theory of Treating Different Diseases with Same Therapy
Xin PENG ; Haotian XU ; Lei LIANG ; Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Kun YANG ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):209-217
The principle of treating different diseases with the same therapy is the essence of syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It means that when the same pathogenic changes or the same symptoms appear in the development of different diseases, the same principles or methods can be used for treatment. Due to the complexity and high variability of viral pathogenicity, the precise and effective treatment of different types of viral pneumonia (VP) has always been a research focus and difficulty in modern medicine. VP belongs to the category of external-contraction febrile disease, warm disease, and epidemic in TCM. Haoqin Qingdantang (HQQDD) is a representative formula for clearing heat and dispelling dampness in warm diseases, and its intervention in VP caused by various viral infections has significant effects. This study, guided by the theory of treating different diseases with the same therapy, links the related studies on using HQQDD to treat different types of VP and finds that influenza virus pneumonia (IVP), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and COVID-19 all have a common pathogenic mechanism of dampness-heat at different stages of respective diseases. When these diseases are dominated by damp-heat factors, the use of HQQDD yields remarkable therapeutic effects. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that HQQDD can inhibit virus replication, reduce fever reactions, inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators, and regulate immune balance. Moreover, the sovereign medicine in this formula has excellent antiviral activity, and the formula reflects rich scientific connotations of treating VP. According to the theory of treating different diseases with the same therapy and based on the effective treatment practice and modern pharmacological research of HQQDD for different types of VP, this paper mines the underlying TCM theory of treatment with the same therapy, explores the syndrome differentiation and treatment strategy and effect mechanism of this formula for different types of VP, and analyzes the treatment mechanism and characteristics, with the aim of providing evidence and reference for the clinical application and modern research of HQQDD.
5.Research progress on evaluation index of workers’ task performance
Zheyu HUANG ; Yuhong SHEN ; Jian ZHANG ; Lihua HE ; Yun WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):630-636
Task performance is an important concern in ergonomics. Task performance is often affected by adverse ergonomic factors, resulting in health and economic losses. How to utilize effective indicators to evaluate the degree of impact of adverse ergonomic factors on workers' task performance is particularly important. In this paper, we conducted a literature review and analysis on the impact of adverse ergonomic factors on workers' task performance, focusing on summarizing available physiological, psychological, and neurocognitive behavioral function test indicators for evaluating workers' task performance. This summary of existing evaluation indicators provided reference and guidance for future evaluations of the impact of adverse ergonomic factors on workers' task performance.
6.Immunity-inflammation Mechanism of Viral Pneumonia and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Based on Theory of Healthy Qi and Pathogenic Qi
Zheyu LUAN ; Hanxiao WANG ; Xin PENG ; Yihao ZHANG ; Yunhui LI ; Jihong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):239-247
Viral pneumonia is an infectious disease caused by virus invading the lung parenchyma and interstitial tissue and causing lung inflammation, with the incidence rising year by year. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can treat viral pneumonia in a multi-component, multi-target, and holistic manner by targeting the core pathogenesis of pneumonia caused by different respiratory viruses, demonstrating minimal side effects and significant advantages. According to the theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi in TCM, the struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi and the imbalance between immunity and inflammation run through the entire process of viral pneumonia, and the immunity-inflammation status at different stages of the disease reflects different relationships between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi. Immune dysfunction leads to the deficiency of healthy Qi, causing viral infections. The struggle between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi causes immunity-inflammation imbalance, leading to the onset of viral pneumonia. Inflammatory damage causes persistent accumulation of phlegm and stasis, leading to the progression of viral pneumonia. The cytokine storm causes immunodepletion, leading to the excess of pathogenic Qi and diminution of healthy Qi and the deterioration of viral pneumonia. After the recovery from viral pneumonia, there is a long-term imbalance between immunity and micro-inflammation, which results in healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi lingering. Healthy Qi deficiency and pathogenic Qi excess act as common core causes of pneumonia caused by different respiratory viruses. Clinical treatment should emphasize both replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi, helping to restore the balance between healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi as well as between immunity and inflammation, thus promoting the recovery of patients from viral pneumonia. According to the TCM theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi, this article summarizes the immunity-inflammation mechanisms at different stages of viral pneumonia, and explores the application of the method of replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi in viral pneumonia. The aim is to probe into the scientific connotation of the TCM theory of healthy Qi and pathogenic Qi in viral pneumonia and provide ideas for the clinical application of the method of replenishing healthy Qi and eliminating pathogenic Qi to assist in the treatment of viral pneumonia.
7.Spatiotemporal characteristics of diesel exhaust particle pollution in confined space and impacts of ventilation and airflow: A laboratory simulation study
Zheyu HUANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Lihua HE ; Wenchu HUANG ; Zihui LI ; Bilige HASEN ; Hongbo WANG ; Yun WANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):814-821
Background Diesel engines are widely used in transportation, agriculture, construction, industry, and other fields. Diesel exhaust, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, emits particles (DEP) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, posing significant health risks. DEP pollution is particularly severe in confined environments, necessitating effective control measures. Objective Under laboratory simulation conditions, to explore the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the mass and number concentrations of DEP as it diffuses indoors and to reveal the effects of ventilation and additional airflow on indoor DEP pollution levels. Methods A diesel engine was placed in a laboratory (length 3.39 m × width 2.85 m × height 2.4 m) with its exhaust emitted from east to west. An air purifier was installed 1 m south of the engine. Eight measurement points (1 m horizontal distance from the exhaust outlet, height: 1 m/1.5 m) were setup to monitor DEP concentrations using portable laser particle sizers. The effects of engine power (4.05 kW vs. 5.15 kW), ventilation (maximum airflow: 600 m3·h−1), additional airflow intensity (low and high), and direction (forward/reverse) on DEP pollution were analyzed. DEP levels of 5 diesel vehicle models were also compared. Results The mass and number concentrations of DEP indoors increased immediately after the diesel engine started. The peak mass concentration time at the eastern measurement point (−1, 0) m opposite to the exhaust direction (17.70 min) was significantly longer than that at the western (1, 0) m (16.20 min), southern (0, -1) m (14.45 min), and northern (0, 1) m (12.70 min) points (P<0.05), with no significant differences between the other points (western, southern, and northern) (P>0.05). The northern point (0, 1) m exhibited the highest DEP mass and number concentration peaks (174.62 μg·m−3,
8.Association between liver radiodensity and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Zheyu LI ; Lili WANG ; Xiaoyue ZHANG ; Cuifang HE ; Min LI ; Shan WANG ; Xiaoqin GAO ; Longzhen SHI ; Jianjun JIN ; Liting ZHANG ; Junfeng LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1358-1363
Objective To investigate the association of liver radiodensity with the degree and progression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 114 CHB patients who were hospitalized in The First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January to December 2019,and related clinical data were collected,including laboratory tests and abdominal CT.The metabolic characteristics of the patients were assessed,and liver radiodensity was measured.An analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between three groups,and the Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between three groups;the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between three groups.A logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for the degree of liver fibrosis,and the Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for the progression of liver fibrosis in CHB.Results Among the 114 patients enrolled,43(37.72%)had no liver cirrhosis,30(26.32%)were suspected of liver cirrhosis,and 41(35.96%)had liver cirrhosis,with a median follow-up time of 538.5(322.75-1 031.50)days.Liver radiodensity on plain scan(odds ratio[OR]=0.81,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.68-0.97,P=0.025),liver radiodensity on contrast-enhanced scan(OR=0.95,95%CI:0.90-0.99,P=0.037),and liver volume(OR=0.99,95%CI:0.98-0.99,P<0.001)were independent influencing factors for the degree of liver fibrosis.The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the low level of HDL(hazard ratio=2.81,95%CI:1.04-7.54,P=0.041)was associated with the progression of liver fibrosis in CHB patients,and the degree of liver fibrosis,liver volume,and liver radiodensity showed no significant association with the progression of liver fibrosis(all P>0.05).Conclusion In CHB patients,liver radiodensity is an independent influencing factor for the degree of liver fibrosis,and low HDL has a marked influence on the progression of liver fibrosis.
9.Eating disorders: core beliefs from a transdiagnostic perspective
Jiajia ZHANG ; Zheyu LIN ; Changjun TENG ; Ning ZHANG ; Huifen QIAO
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2025;34(2):181-186
Eating disorders(ED) are a group of psychiatric disorders related to abnormal eating behaviors, with complex and variable symptoms, frequent crossover of diagnoses among various subtypes, high comorbidity rates, and often difficulties in medical treatment, which seriously affect the quality of life of patients. Understanding ED from a transdiagnostic perspective provides new ideas for treatment. According to the theory of cognitive behavioral therapy, psychological cognitive development is an important maintenance mechanism for the transdiagnosis of ED. Core beliefs, as the deepest level of psychological cognition, play an important role in the development and maintenance of ED. A large number of studies have found that among patients with various subtypes of ED, the core beliefs related to the self involve body shape and weight, achievement/worth, sense of control, and the core beliefs related to the world/others involve unloveability and abandonment influence both eating-related symptoms and comorbidity levels. For the first time, this paper focuses on sorting out the transdiagnostic core beliefs of patients with ED and further clarifying the relationship between transdiagnostic core beliefs and ED symptoms, in order to better understand, prevent and treat ED, then promote recovery and reduce relapse.
10.Association between liver radiodensity and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Zheyu LI ; Lili WANG ; Xiaoyue ZHANG ; Cuifang HE ; Min LI ; Shan WANG ; Xiaoqin GAO ; Longzhen SHI ; Jianjun JIN ; Liting ZHANG ; Junfeng LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1358-1363
Objective To investigate the association of liver radiodensity with the degree and progression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 114 CHB patients who were hospitalized in The First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January to December 2019,and related clinical data were collected,including laboratory tests and abdominal CT.The metabolic characteristics of the patients were assessed,and liver radiodensity was measured.An analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between three groups,and the Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between three groups;the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between three groups.A logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for the degree of liver fibrosis,and the Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for the progression of liver fibrosis in CHB.Results Among the 114 patients enrolled,43(37.72%)had no liver cirrhosis,30(26.32%)were suspected of liver cirrhosis,and 41(35.96%)had liver cirrhosis,with a median follow-up time of 538.5(322.75-1 031.50)days.Liver radiodensity on plain scan(odds ratio[OR]=0.81,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.68-0.97,P=0.025),liver radiodensity on contrast-enhanced scan(OR=0.95,95%CI:0.90-0.99,P=0.037),and liver volume(OR=0.99,95%CI:0.98-0.99,P<0.001)were independent influencing factors for the degree of liver fibrosis.The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the low level of HDL(hazard ratio=2.81,95%CI:1.04-7.54,P=0.041)was associated with the progression of liver fibrosis in CHB patients,and the degree of liver fibrosis,liver volume,and liver radiodensity showed no significant association with the progression of liver fibrosis(all P>0.05).Conclusion In CHB patients,liver radiodensity is an independent influencing factor for the degree of liver fibrosis,and low HDL has a marked influence on the progression of liver fibrosis.

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