1.A prediction model for mild cognitive impairment risk among the elderly
MA Zongkang ; LIU Xinglang ; LI Huihui ; HE Guowei ; YAN Ping ; ZHANG Chuanrong ; MA Xuan ; CHE Yajie ; YU Shan ; CHEN Fenghui
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):124-129
Objective:
To develop a prediction model for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk among the elderly, so as to provide a tool for MCI early screening.
Methods :
From July 2022 to September 2024, a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to recruit permanent residents aged ≥65 years from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as study participants. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, body composition indices, bone mineral density, and handgrip strength were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Sarcopenia was defined based on appendicular skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength. MCI was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, with adjustments for educational level. Participants were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio. LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to screen for predictors and construct an MCI risk prediction model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results:
A total of 1 641 participants were surveyed, including 755 males (46.01%) and 886 females (53.99%). The majority of participants were aged 65-<75 years, comprising 1 154 individuals (70.32%). MCI was detected in 517 participants, corresponding to a detection rate of 31.51%. Resultsfrom LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residence (rural, OR = 2.323, 95% CI: 1.682-3.210), age (75-<85 years, OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.019-1.937; ≥85 years, OR = 3.655, 95% CI: 1.696-7.875), educational level (primary school, OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.247-0.472; junior high school, OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.160-0.408; high school, OR = 0.286, 95% CI: 0.154-0.531; bachelor's degree or above, OR = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.041-0.351), history of alcohol consumption (yes, OR = 3.216, 95% CI: 2.164-4.779), risk of malnutrition (yes, OR = 1.464, 95% CI: 1.064-2.014), sarcopenia (yes, OR = 3.197, 95% CI: 2.332-4.385), and waist-to-hip ratio (abnormal, OR = 1.540, 95% CI: 1.159-2.048) were identified as predictive factors for MCI among the elderly. In the training set, the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.788, 0.719, and 0.712, respectively. In the validation set, the corresponding values were 0.784, 0.913, and 0.542, respectively. DCA demonstrated that the model provided a higher clinical net benefit for predicting MCI risk when the risk threshold probability ranged from 0.124 to 0.764.
Conclusion
The prediction model developed in this study demonstrates good discriminative ability and clinical utility, indicating its substantial value for predicting the MCI risk among the elderly.
2.HER2 in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities and Challenges
Zhao-Tao PAN ; Feng-Yu GAI ; Chen CHEN ; Tong LI ; Yan-Ping QING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):936-950
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite therapeutic advancements over recent decades, the prognosis for patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains poor. Approximately 2%-4% of mCRC cases exhibit human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification or overexpression, defining a distinct molecular subtype. This HER2-positive status is strongly associated with primary resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies, which are the standard of care for patients with RAS wild-type tumors. Beyond its well-established role in breast and gastric cancers, HER2 has emerged as a pivotal biomarker and actionable therapeutic target in mCRC. However, selecting appropriate treatment strategies remains challenging due to patient heterogeneity and diverse molecular subtypes. This review systematically summarizes the molecular biology, diagnostic strategies, and advances in targeted therapies for HER2-positive mCRC. On the diagnostic front, we discuss the applications of immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection technologies. We highlight discrepancies in diagnostic criteria across key clinical trials—such as HERACLES, DESTINY, and MOUNTAINEER—underscoring the urgent need for standardized, CRC-specific definitions to ensure consistent patient selection and comparability of efficacy data across studies. Although NGS enables comprehensive genomic profiling, its cost-effectiveness relative to traditional methods must be carefully considered. Therapeutically, we summarize clinical trial data for HER2-directed agents, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as tucatinib and lapatinib, monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as trastuzumab deruxtecan. We review dual-targeting strategies and note recent FDA approvals that represent significant milestones in second-line treatment. Additionally, we explore the potential of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with HER2-targeted therapies to enhance antitumor immunity through mechanisms including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. ADCs enable precise delivery of cytotoxic payloads, reducing off-target toxicity while effectively inhibiting oncogenic pathways. A substantial portion of this review is dedicated to dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying primary and acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies—persistent challenges that limit clinical benefit. These mechanisms include reactivation of downstream signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK, concurrent mutations in genes like KRAS or BRAF, and alterations in HER2 expression that compromise treatment efficacy. For instance, specific HER2 mutations (e.g., L755S) can reduce drug binding affinity, while ctDNA monitoring facilitates early detection of emerging resistance clones during disease progression, thereby enabling timely therapeutic adjustments. Tumor heterogeneity and dynamic interactions with the microenvironment further complicate resistance patterns observed in clinical practice. HER2-targeted therapy represents a new frontier in precision oncology for mCRC, offering renewed hope for improving patient outcomes. Realizing this potential will require continued optimization of diagnostic algorithms and treatment workflows. Future efforts must focus on overcoming resistance, validating liquid biopsy approaches for dynamic monitoring, and establishing unified clinical guidelines. HER2 has become an essential biomarker for stratifying mCRC patients beyond traditional RAS and BRAF status, underscoring the shift from empiric treatment to biomarker-driven precision medicine. International, multidisciplinary collaboration will be critical to validate emerging biomarkers and refine treatment algorithms globally.
3.Transforaminal “in-out-in” screw technique for posterior C2 fixation in cases with a narrow C2 pedicle: anatomical considerations, technical notes, and preliminary clinical results
Jun YAN ; Cheng QIU ; Lei QI ; Lei CHENG ; Yan-ping ZHENG ; Xin-yu LIU
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):134-142
Numerous techniques for C2 screw fixation have been recently reported. However, concerns remain regarding the risk of spinal cord or vertebral artery injury and inadequate biomechanical stability. To our knowledge, the specific transforaminal “in-out-in” screw fixation technique has not been previously reported. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and preliminary clinical outcomes of a transforaminal “in-out-in” multi-cortical purchase screw for posterior C2 screw fixation. Between October 2022 and March 2023, 10 patients underwent posterior atlantoaxial internal fixation. All patients had severe hypoplasia of the C2 pedicle on at least one side, precluding the use of standard C2 pedicle screws. A transforaminal “in-out-in” screw was used as an alternative. No spinal cord injury, vascular injury, or other major complications were observed. No implant failure was noted at the final follow-up. In conclusion, the transforaminal “in-out-in” screw may achieve rigid three-column fixation with multiple cortical purchases. It represents a safe and effective alternative for posterior C2 fixation in patients with severely narrow C2 pedicles where traditional pedicle screw placement is not feasible.
4.Endoscopic full-thickness resection for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Bao-Hui SONG ; Jiashaer BAHETINUER ; Yun-Shi ZHONG ; Hon Chi YIP ; Ping-Hong ZHOU ; Ming-Yan CAI
Clinical Endoscopy 2026;59(1):9-20
Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a minimally invasive technique that is increasingly used for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originating from the muscularis propria. Despite its advantages over conventional surgery, such as complete tumor resection and faster recovery, EFTR faces challenges related to its efficacy, safety, and feasibility, particularly in gastric GISTs. By summarizing the literature published over the past decade, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical outcomes of EFTR and the evolution of defect closure devices.
5.Statistical analysis of vector monitoring in port areas of Shandong Province from 2017 to 2023
Huan-mei HAN ; Tao ZHANG ; Zhi-ping SU ; Rong-jun YAN ; Wei HUANG ; Wen-wen ZHANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):121-127
Objective To provide a scientific basis for vector prevention and control in port areas, vector monitoring has been conducted continuously to characterize the composition, density, and seasonal fluctuations of vectors across 21 port-areas of Shandong province from 2017 to 2023. Methods In accordance with the Regional Vector Monitoring Plan for Frontier Ports, vector surveillance of mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, rodents, and other disease vectors was performed. Data were analyzed to describe vector community composition and identify seasonal fluctuations. Results A total of 601 rodents belonging to 1 family, 4 genera, and 4 species were captured. Three dominant rodent species inhabit port areas. In addition, 88 104 mosquitoes were captured and classified into 3 subfamilies, 4 genera, and 12 species; 38 959 flies were trapped and classified into 8 families,31 genera, and 51 species, including 9 dominant fly species in port-areas; and 54 672 captured cockroaches were classified into 2 families,4 genera, and 4 species, with Blattella germanica as the dominant species. Conclusions Significant vector community changes(P<0.005)have been identified after the epidemic. To improve the pertinence and efficacy of port health quarantine work, continuous and strong attention should be paid to vector compositions and population densities at Shandong ports.
6.Activation of α7nAChR optimises thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue of obese mice
Wencheng TIAN ; Sutong WANG ; Hesong FAN ; Yan LI ; Ping JIANG ; Xiao LI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1191-1199
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which activation of α7nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) optimizes brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis in obese mice. MethodsObesity was induced in C57BL/6J mice via a high-fat diet. Fifty 8-week-old mice were randomly assigned to five groups: low-fat diet (Control), high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat diet plus a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist (HFD+β3), high-fat diet plus a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist and an α7nAChR selective agonist (HFD+β3+GTS-21), and high-fat diet plus a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist and an α7nAChR selective antagonist (HFD+β3+α-BGT). Haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate BAT morphology. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to assess mitochondrial number and lipid droplet morphology in adipocytes. ELISA was used to measure levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-10, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and norepinephrine (NE). RT-qPCR was conducted to determine mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), arginase 1 (Arg1), uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), PR domain-containing protein 16 (PRDM16), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in BAT. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect macrophage markers (CD31, CD86, and CD206). Protein expression levels of UCP1, α7nAChR, nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65), phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the HFD group showed enlarged lipid droplets and reduced mitochondrial numbers in adipocytes, accompanied by increased TNF-α and IL-1β and decreased IL-10, TGF-β, Arg1, and VEGF-A (all P<0.01). Compared with the HFD+β3 group, the HFD+β3+GTS-21 group showed a smaller lipid droplet area and a higher mitochondrial number, along with reduced levels of pro-inflammatory factors, NOS2, and NF-κB p65, and increased levels of anti-inflammatory factors, Arg1, and phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 (all P<0.01). ConclusionActivation of α7nAChR in combination with a β3-adrenergic receptor agonist effectively enhances thermogenesis, alleviates local adipose tissue hypoxia, and shifts the local inflammatory phenotype toward an M2-like state, thereby reducing inflammation in brown adipose tissue and improving its thermogenic capacity.
7.Convergent modulation of default mode network effective connectivity by modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam in patients with chronic insomnia disorder
Ke WANG ; Yiding HAN ; Haohao YAN ; Xingyan GUO ; Wuhong LIN ; Ping YAO ; Min LIU ; Min CHEN ; Longbiao CUI ; Wenbin GUO ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):356-366
BackgroundBoth modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam serve as effective treatments for chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Default mode network (DMN) dysfunction is recognized as the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying CID. However, it remains unclear whether the two treatments exert their therapeutic effects via convergent modulation of DMN functional connectivity. ObjectiveTo investigate the convergent remodeling characteristics of bidirectional effective connectivity (EC) of core DMN nodes with both the intra-network and the remaining whole-brain regions in CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome following the treatment with modified Suanzaoren Decoction or estazolam, so as to provide neuroimaging evidence for the convergent neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both therapies in treating CID. MethodsEighty-two patients diagnosed with CID according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorder, third edition (ICSD-3) were consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Mental Health Center from October 2020 to September 2023. Based on treatment preference, patients were assigned to receive a 6-week intervention in either the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group (n=52) or the estazolam group (n=30). Ultimately, 66 patients completed follow-up assessments (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group, n=41; estazolam group, n=25). All CID patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning before and after treatment. Core DMN nodes including medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and precuneus (PCUN) were selected as seed regions. Granger causality analysis (GCA) was employed to assess bidirectional EC between the seed regions and both the other intra-DMN nodes and the remaining whole-brain regions. Hepatic and renal function indices were detected pre- and post-treatment to evaluate the safety profiles of both treatments. ResultsAt baseline, significant between-group differences were identified in EC from the left IPL to the left middle fronto-orbital gyrus/gyrus rectus (t=5.24, Z=4.84, voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected), with the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group exhibiting stronger EC than the estazolam group. No significant between-group differences were observed in EC between other core DMN nodes and remaining whole-brain regions (P>0.05). Within-group pre- to post-treatment comparisons demonstrated consistent connectivity alterations in both groups. Specifically, EC from the left IPL to the supplementary motor area (SMA) decreased after treatment (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-6.28, Z=5.208; estazolam group: t=-5.58, Z=4.425). Conversely, EC from the SMA to the left IPL increased (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.89, Z=4.968; estazolam group: t=6.15, Z=4.720). Furthermore, both groups demonstrated reduced EC from the PCUN to the left IPL (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-5.85, Z=4.94; estazolam group: t=-5.75, Z=4.515), and elevated EC from the left IPL to the PCUN (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.29, Z=4.579; estazolam group: t=4.55, Z=3.826) (voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected). No significant pre- to post-treatment differences were observed in hepatic or renal function indices in either group (P>0.05). ConclusionIn CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome, both modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam induce convergent bidirectional remodeling of EC between the left IPL and the SMA and the PCUN. [Funded by Natural Science Fund Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (number, 2019MS08099); ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06452953]
8.The impact of hysteroscopy on the outcomes of embryo transfer in preimplantation genetic testing
Jinling XIA ; Yan HAO ; Dawei CHEN ; Ping ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(9):1641-1646
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of hysteroscopic examination and subsequent management on reproductive outcomes in embryo transfer cycles among patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). MethodsThis retrospective analysis included 261 transfer cycles from in vitro fertilization (IVF) and 267 transfer cycles from PGT. Among IVF cycles, 134 underwent hysteroscopy prior to embryo transfer (IVF-H group), while 127 did not (IVF-N group). Among PGT cycles, 140 received hysteroscopy before transfer (PGT-H group), and 127 did not (PGT-N group). We compared general characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between the IVF-H and IVF-N groups, as well as between the PGT-H and PGT-N groups. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in maternal age, body mass index, or baseline hormone profiles between the IVF-H and IVF-N groups, nor between the PGT-H and PGT-N groups. The IVF-H group showed higher rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth, along with a lower early miscarriage rate, compared with the IVF-N group. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). In the PGT cohort, the PGT-H group had significantly higher biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates than the PGT-N group (P<0.05). Early miscarriage rates were comparable between the PGT-H and PGT-N groups (P>0.05). Although the live birth rate was higher in the PGT-H group than in the PGT-N group, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionHysteroscopic evaluation before embryo transfer may be associated with improved clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. This benefit appears more pronounced in patients undergoing PGT compared with those receiving conventional IVF treatment.
9.Study of echocardiographic normal reference value of left ventricular remodeling index and left ventricular geometry and function in primary hypertension
Lihua YANG ; Yan DENG ; Yuping LIU ; Ping SHUAI ; Lixue YIN
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2025;34(3):185-193
Objective:To establish the normal reference value of the left ventricular remodeling index(RI)in healthy adults,and to evaluate the phenotypes of RI in various left ventricular geometries and its relationship with left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions in asymptomatic hypertensive patients.Methods:A retrospective study design was employed,906 healthy Han Chinese volunteers were selected as the control group from the multicenter study "Echocardiographic Measurements in Normal Chinese Adults"(EMINCA),which was conducted in 2012. The normal reference range of left ventricular RI was established based on the 95% CI( xˉ ± 1.96 s). Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in RI across age groups and between genders. A total of 340 asymptomatic hypertensive patients in the Department of Health Management,Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from July 2023 to March 2024 were prospectively included as the hypertension group. Conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging were used to assess left ventricular structure and function. Parameters such as left ventricular mass index(LVMI),RI,relative wall thickness(RWT),the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to the average early diastolic mitral annular velocity(E/e'),and the ratio of early diastolic to late diastolic mitral inflow velocities(E/A)were calculated. Differences of these parameters between the hypertension group and the healthy control group were compared. The hypertension group was stratified into 3 subgroups based on left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole(LVPWd)and RI:the non-LV hypertrophy group,the left ventricular hypertrophy with normal RI group,and the left ventricular hypertrophy with low RI group. Relevant parameters were compared among these subgroups,and the statistical significance of the differences was analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to explore the relationships between left ventricular RI and GLS,LVEF,the average mitral annular peak systolic velocity(s'),e',E/e',E/A. Results:In the healthy control group,RI showed a declining trend with increasing age in both sexes. Furthermore,the RI was significantly higher in the female group compared to the male group( P<0.001). Compared with the healthy control group,LVMI and E/e' increased while RI,e' and s' decreased in the hypertension group(all P < 0.001). Among the 3 subgroups of the hypertension group,compared with the other two groups,LVMI and E/e' increased while absolute GLS and s' reduced in the left ventricular hypertrophy with low RI subgroup(all P <0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that RI was negatively correlated with GLS and E/e'( r=-0.457,-0.281;all P < 0.001),and positively correlated with LVEF,e',s' and E/A( r=0.229,0.394,0.150,0.172;all P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that left ventricular RI was independently associated with GLS,LVEF,e',s',E/e' and E/A. Conclusions:The normal reference range of left ventricular RI tends to decrease with age and is typically higher in females than in males. In asymptomatic patients with primary hypertension,RI,systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricular are lower,while LVMI is higher. Among these patients,functional impairment is more pronounced in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy and reduced RI. This indicates that left ventricular RI may offer an imaging basis for further classification and stratification of structural and functional abnormalities in the left ventricle of asymptomatic hypertensive patients.
10.Current status of the " Six-Good" Party branches for retired personnel in medical institutions and scientific research institutes
Qi JIN ; Yashuang BAI ; Yuheng CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ping ZHANG ; Ximing DING
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(7):524-530
Objective:To analyze the current status, identify existing issues, and explore countermeasures for the development of " Six-Good" retirement Party branches in medical institutions and scientific research institutes.Methods:In August 2024, ten medical and research institutions were selected. Focusing on the current status and existing issues in Party branch building for retired personnel, questionnaire surveys were conducted among staff members of the Party office and the retired cadres department, as well as retired Party members. Experts in the field of Party building were selected for semi-structured interviews. Core themes were then extracted through content analysis.Results:The questionnaire survey included a total of 399 survey respondents, comprising 112 staff members from the Party office and the retired cadres department, as well as 287 retired Party members. 212 (53.1%) of the respondents belonged to Party branches with over 50 members, 280 (70.2%) of the respondents expressed a preference for establishing Party branches based on similar business functions or former departments prior to retirement. 373 (93.5%) of the respondents believed Party branch committee members were adequately appointed. 33.7% (127/377) of the respondents perceived ideological fluctuations among retirement Party members. 175 (43.9%) of the respondents indicated that learning content was insufficiently diverse. Through interviews with 15 experts, it was found that the construction of retired party branches was faced with issues such as low participation in offline organizational life, insufficient effectiveness in the education and management of party members, limited role play of party members, and prominent service and support pressures. In response, the experts proposed specific suggestions such as innovating organizational forms, strengthening the effectiveness of education and management, and building platforms for role play.Conclusions:The " Six-Good" Party branch building for retired personnel of the medical and scientific research institutions had achieved certain results, but there were also some problems. It is necessary to further optimize organizational settings, strengthen the branch leadership, innovate learning forms, build a platform for role play, strictly implement various systems, and strengthen assistance to difficult party members.


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