1.Application dilemma and solution paths of personalized patient preference predictor
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(5):574-581
The personalized patient preference predictor proposed in 2024 has sparked widespread discussion. It mainly integrates machine learning with fine-tuning large language models to extract patients’ medical preferences by training and analyzing patients’ personalized sample data, to achieve better treatment. Combined with the current research situation, this paper pointed out its application dilemma: that is, the risks of inductive and analogical reasoning trigger its technical dilemma in accurate prediction, process explanation, and functional evaluation, ultimately leading to the ethical dilemma of the reduction of subject autonomy. Its solution paths were also clarified, including introducing substantive induction theory and substantive analogy theory to ensure the validity of sample data; implementing technology integration, perspective change, and evaluation system construction to improve the accuracy of prediction; as well as clarifying the priority of human subject status to protect the patient’s subjective autonomy. These showed that the personalized patient preference predictor has important social value and practical significance.
2.Global, regional, and national prevalence and years lived with disability due to infertility, 1990-2021: Results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Rui LIN ; Yuan LIN ; Guangfu JIN ; Qiufen SUN ; Zhibin HU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(23):3115-3123
BACKGROUND:
Infertility is a burdensome, often overlooked condition. This study aimed to investigate the global distribution and trends in the burden of infertility from 1990 to 2021.
METHODS:
We obtained data on the prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) related to infertility from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study and evaluated them by calculating the estimated annual percentage change in age-standardized rates. We investigated the relationship between sociodemographic index (SDI) and the burden of infertility on the global, regional, and national levels.
RESULTS:
In 2021, there were 143,261,562 female and 55,481,380 male infertility cases worldwide, respectively. In China, female and male infertility cases accounted for 23.59% and 21.47% of the global totals, reaching 33,795,944 and 11,909,889, respectively. Compared with 2019, the global number of female and male infertility cases increased by 5,286,227 in females and 2,017,271 in males. In contrast, China saw a decline in both female and male infertility cases, with reductions of 698,735 and 154,591, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) and age-standardized YLDs rate (ASYR) for female infertility both increased by 0.59% annually, whereas these two corresponding indicators for male infertility increased by 0.50% annually worldwide. The burden of female infertility was consistently higher than that of male infertility and demonstrated a faster rate of increase. East Asia had the highest ASPR and ASYR for female infertility, whereas Eastern Europe had the highest metrics for male infertility. A horizontal S-shaped association was observed between the SDI and ASPR and ASYR of infertility, with a rapid decline in the infertility burden when the SDI exceeded 0.7.
CONCLUSIONS
The global burden of infertility has increased over the years, with a higher burden on women and underdeveloped regions. These findings emphasize the need to prioritize healthcare for patients with infertility to address the rising burden.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Global Burden of Disease
;
Prevalence
;
Infertility/epidemiology*
;
Adult
;
Infertility, Male/epidemiology*
;
Persons with Disabilities/statistics & numerical data*
;
Middle Aged
;
Infertility, Female/epidemiology*
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Disability-Adjusted Life Years
3.RXRα modulates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by targeting CaMKKβ-AMPKα axis.
Lijun CAI ; Meimei YIN ; Shuangzhou PENG ; Fen LIN ; Liangliang LAI ; Xindao ZHANG ; Lei XIE ; Chuanying WANG ; Huiying ZHOU ; Yunfeng ZHAN ; Gulimiran ALITONGBIEKE ; Baohuan LIAN ; Zhibin SU ; Tenghui LIU ; Yuqi ZHOU ; Zongxi LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Ting DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Jingwei SU ; Luoyan SHENG ; Ying SU ; Ling-Juan ZHANG ; Fu-Quan JIANG ; Xiao-Kun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3611-3631
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl4 and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.
4.Application strategy of the"You Gu Wu Yun"theory to reduce the toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine from the perspective of"traditional Chinese medicine state"
Shijie QIAO ; Zongchen WEI ; Ziyao CAI ; Chao FU ; Shunan LI ; Zhanglin WANG ; Liqing HUANG ; Kang TONG ; Wen TANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Hairui HAN ; Duoduo LIN ; Shaodong ZHANG ; Huangwei LEI ; Yang WANG ; Candong LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(11):1506-1511
Based on the"You Gu Wu Yun"theory in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),this paper believes that"Gu"in"You Gu Wu Yun"is extended to"state"from the perspective of"TCM state".In order to avoid the adverse reactions of TCM,the macro,meso,and micro three views should be used together,and macro,meso,and micro parameters should be integrated.We should also carefully identify the physiological characteristics,pathological characteristics,constitution,syndrome,and disease of human body by combining qualitative and quantitative method,highlighting the relationship between the prescription and the"state".The correspondence between prescription and the"state"will reduce the risk of adverse reactions of TCM.In this paper,we hope to focus on the guiding role of the"You Gu Wu Yun"theory in TCM research,to give full play to the characteristics and advantages of TCM,and to dialectically treat the role of TCM.
5.Efficacy of flexible negative pressure ureteral access sheath plus disposable flexible ureteroscope versus SMP in the treatment of 2-3 cm renal calculi
Jianfeng LIN ; Zhibin YE ; Liren HU ; Fulyu LIANG ; Jianping TU ; Chaohao MIAO ; Xianming FAN
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(7):617-621,626
Objective To explore the efficacy of negative pressure ureteral access sheath combined with disposable flexible ureteroscope(UAS+FRUS)in the treatment of renal calculi of 2-3 cm,so as to provide reference for the treatment.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 130 cases of renal calculi of 2-3 cm treated with surgery in Xiamen Third Hospital during Sep.2021 and Sep.2023,including 68 cases with UAS+FRUS and 62 cases with super-mini percutaneous nephrolithotripsy(SMP).The perioperative indexes and stone-clearance rate(SFR)were compared between the two groups.Results All operations were successful.There were no statistically significant differences in the total SFR and incidence of complications(5.88%vs.9.67%)between the two groups 3 days(88.24%vs.90.32%)and 1 month(91.18%vs.93.55%)after surgery(P>0.05).For patients with lower calyceal calculi with infundibulopelvic angle(IPA)<45°,the SFR of the UAS+FRUS group was significantly lower than that of the SMP group(57.14%vs.100%,P<0.05).The UAS+FRUS group had a longer operation time than the SMP group[(104.94±8.79)minutes vs.(77.98±6.60)minutes,P<0.001],higher hospitalization costs[(23 112.82±1152.34)yuan vs.(21 975.84±1512.24)yuan,P<0.001],less postoperative decrease in hemoglobin[(6.71±2.07)g/L vs.(9.81±4.80)g/L,P<0.001],and shorter postoperative hospitalization time[(3.28±0.51)d vs.(5.58±0.71)d,P<0.001].The UAS+FRUS group had lower postoperative VAS score at 6,24,and 48 hours than the SMP group[(6.38±0.69)vs.(7.87±0.88);(3.62±0.73)vs.(5.81±0.83)and(3.12±0.33)vs.(3.81±0.60)],with statistical significance(P<0.05).Conclusion Both surgical methods have a high SFR in the treatment of renal calculi of 2-3 cm.SMP has the advantages of short operation time,low hospitalization costs,and high SFR for lower calyx calculi,while UAS+FURS has the advantages of little bleeding,minimal trauma,and short hospital stay.Surgeons can make reasonable choices based on the patients'condition and willingness,combined with their own surgical experience.
6.Analysis of ethical risks and countermeasures of neuro-enhancement
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;37(6):677-685
Neuro-enhancement,by intervening on nerves for non-medical purposes,improves people's physical,mental,and cognitive functions.While benefiting people,it also raises ethical risks of privacy,fairness,autonomy,and identity recognition between themselves and"artificial life".Faced with these serious ethical risk challenges,it is urgent to propose countermeasures that respect and safeguard the basic rights of human beings,promote fair benefits with the principle of priority,standardize the information dissemination of neuro-enhancement,strengthen public education and training of ethical on neuro-enhancement technologies and advance responsible innovation,as well as carry out ethical education for neuroscience practitioners,with a view to promoting the healthy development of the field of neuroscience.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus in patients with severe acute respiratory infection in Tianjin City from 2015 to 2020
Cheng SU ; Jie YANG ; Fangzhe YAN ; Lin LI ; Zhibin PENG ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(8):1124-1128
Objective:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) in Tianjin from 2015 to 2020.Methods:The study data were obtained from the Third Center Hospital of Tianjin, a designated sentinel hospital, from 2015 to 2020, with 1 597 SARI patients enrolled in this study. The clinical specimens of the research participants were subjected to respiratory multi-pathogen testing. HRSV-positive specimens were subtyped to analyze the differences in HRSV detection rates among cases of different age groups and periods and their mixed infection situations.Results:A total of 1 597 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected, with an HRSV detection rate of 4.20%. Among 67 HRSV-positive specimens, there were 19 pure HRSV-A nucleic acid-positive specimens, 19 pure HRSV-B nucleic acid-positive specimens and 29 mixed HRSV-A and HRSV-B nucleic acid-positive specimens. The difference in HRSV detection rate among different age groups was statistically significant ( P<0.05), and the HRSV detection rate in children under five years old was higher than that in other age groups. From 2016 to 2020, the detection rate of HRSV showed an increasing trend year by year. The HRSV detection rate of SARI cases was highest in the winter season, at 7.15%. There were 10 (14.93%) mixed positive cases for HRSV and other viruses, of which four were mixed positive for HRSV and influenza A. Conclusion:The incidence of HRSV in Tianjin exhibits an increasing trend from 2016 to 2020, peaking during the winter season, with children under five years old constituting a high-risk demographic for HRSV infection.
8.Epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus in patients with severe acute respiratory infection in Tianjin City from 2015 to 2020
Cheng SU ; Jie YANG ; Fangzhe YAN ; Lin LI ; Zhibin PENG ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(8):1124-1128
Objective:To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) in Tianjin from 2015 to 2020.Methods:The study data were obtained from the Third Center Hospital of Tianjin, a designated sentinel hospital, from 2015 to 2020, with 1 597 SARI patients enrolled in this study. The clinical specimens of the research participants were subjected to respiratory multi-pathogen testing. HRSV-positive specimens were subtyped to analyze the differences in HRSV detection rates among cases of different age groups and periods and their mixed infection situations.Results:A total of 1 597 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected, with an HRSV detection rate of 4.20%. Among 67 HRSV-positive specimens, there were 19 pure HRSV-A nucleic acid-positive specimens, 19 pure HRSV-B nucleic acid-positive specimens and 29 mixed HRSV-A and HRSV-B nucleic acid-positive specimens. The difference in HRSV detection rate among different age groups was statistically significant ( P<0.05), and the HRSV detection rate in children under five years old was higher than that in other age groups. From 2016 to 2020, the detection rate of HRSV showed an increasing trend year by year. The HRSV detection rate of SARI cases was highest in the winter season, at 7.15%. There were 10 (14.93%) mixed positive cases for HRSV and other viruses, of which four were mixed positive for HRSV and influenza A. Conclusion:The incidence of HRSV in Tianjin exhibits an increasing trend from 2016 to 2020, peaking during the winter season, with children under five years old constituting a high-risk demographic for HRSV infection.
9.Association between prenatal exposure to PM 2.5 and fetal growth: a prospective cohort study
Lei HUANG ; Hong LYU ; Xin XU ; Tianyu SUN ; Yiyuan CHEN ; Yanjie ZHANG ; Bo YANG ; Qun LU ; Yangqian JIANG ; Tao JIANG ; Jiangbo DU ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Hongxia MA ; Zhibin HU ; Yuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(6):794-801
Objective:To investigate the association of exposure to PM 2.5 and its constituents during pregnancy and fetal growth and to further identify critical windows of exposure for fetal growth. Methods:We included 4 089 mother-child pairs from the Jiangsu Birth Cohort Study between January 2016 and October 2019. Data of general characteristics, clinical information, daily average PM 2.5 exposure, and its constituents during pregnancy were collected. Fetal growth parameters, including head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur length (FL), were measured by ultrasound after 20 weeks of gestation, and then estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated. Generalized linear mixed models were adopted to examine the associations of prenatal exposure to PM 2.5 and its constituents with fetal growth. Distributed lag nonlinear models were used to identify critical exposure windows for each outcome. Results:A 10 μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 exposure during pregnancy was associated with a decrease of 0.025 ( β=-0.025, 95% CI: -0.048- -0.001) in HC Z-score, 0.026 ( β=-0.026, 95% CI: -0.049- -0.003) in AC Z-score, and 0.028 ( β=-0.028, 95% CI:-0.052--0.004) in EFW Z-score, along with an increased risk of 8.5% ( RR=1.085, 95% CI: 1.010-1.165) and 13.5% ( RR=1.135, 95% CI: 1.016-1.268) for undergrowth of HC and EFW, respectively. Regarding PM 2.5 constituents, prenatal exposure to black carbon, organic matter, nitrate, sulfate (SO 42-) and ammonium consistently correlated with decreased HC Z-score. SO 42- exposure was also associated with decreased FL Z-scores. In addition, we found that gestational weeks 2-5 were critical windows for HC, weeks 4-13 and 19-40 for AC, weeks 4-13 and 23-37 for FL, and weeks 4-12 and 20-40 for EFW. Conclusions:Our findings demonstrated that exposure to PM 2.5 and its constituents during pregnancy could adversely affect fetal growth and the critical windows for different fetal growth parameters are not completely consistent.
10.New interpretation of the theoretical connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome from the longitudinal perspective of"traditional Chinese medicine state"
Shijie QIAO ; Chao FU ; Ziyao CAI ; Wen TANG ; Zhanglin WANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Kang TONG ; Mingzhu LI ; Hairui HAN ; Duoduo LIN ; Shaodong ZHANG ; Huangwei LEI ; Yang WANG ; Candong LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(6):760-764
The correspondence between prescription and syndrome is the advantage and characteristic of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)treatment.However,the pathogenesis of clinical diseases is complex and the condition is changeable,and the clinical application is difficult to achieve the maximum effect under the existing cognition of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome.In this paper,the five categories of physiological characteristics,pathological characteristics,constitution,syndrome,and disease of the longitudinal classification of"TCM state"are introduced into the correspondence of prescription and syndrome.Under the vertical perspective of"TCM state",the theoretical connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome is interpreted as"correspondence between prescription and state",namely correspondence of"prescription-physiological characteristics",correspondence of"prescription-pathological characteristics",correspondence of"prescription-constitution",correspondence of"prescription-syndrome",and correspondence of"prescription-disease".It is hoped to accurately grasp the corresponding connotation of the correspondence between prescription and syndrome,in order to deepen the clinical thinking mode of TCM.

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