1.Assessing High-density Y-SNP Panels for Paternal Haplogroup Assignment in Forensic Practice
De-Qin ZHANG ; Chun-Nian WANG ; Lin-Lin LOU ; Meng NI ; Jing GAO ; Jiang HUANG ; Li JIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):458-469
ObjectiveThe accuracy of Y-chromosome haplogroup assignment is crucial for tracing paternal lineage in male samples. With the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, high-density Y-SNP genotyping from whole-genome or array-based data has become a standard method for determiningY-chromosome haplogroups. This study systematically evaluated the performance of 4 commonly used high-density SNP genotyping systems—namely, the Global Screening Array (GSA), Chinese Genotyping Array (CGA), Affymetrix array, and the 1240K capture panel—for haplogroup assignment. This work provides a reference for data comparison across different systems. MethodsWe extracted genotype data for the 4 Y-SNP panels from 30× whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 1 590 male samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. Additionally, GSA array genotype data from 384 relative pairs (spanning 1st- to 12th-degree relationships) from 109 Chinese Han families were collected. Haplogroup assignment was performed using Y-LineageTracker v1.3.0 software. We assessed the concordance and resolution of haplogroup assignments between the four Y-SNP panels and the WGS data. The consistency and resolution of haplogroup assignments were also evaluated for both the 1000 Genomes Project samples and the 109 family samples collected in this study. Furthermore, the impact of varying numbers of Y-SNPs on haplogroup assignment was examined. ResultsThe GSA and CGA panels demonstrated superior resolution and discrimination of haplogroup subclades compared with the other two panels. The haplogroup assignments from the GSA, CGA, and 1240K panels showed high concordance with WGS data, with consistency rates exceeding 88.70%, whereas the Affymetrix platform exhibited a significantly lower consistency rate of 61.89%. Specifically, the GSA and CGA panels consistently demonstrated superior performance compared with the other two panels in the assignment of haplogroups O-M175 and H-L901, achieving complete concordance (100%) for both haplogroups. In contrast, the Affymetrix panel erroneously assigned all individuals belonging to haplogroup O-M175 to haplogroup K2-M526. Furthermore, its accuracy for haplogroup H-L901 was exceedingly low, at merely 1.41%. This poor performance was characterized by the misassignment of 98.59% of H-L901 samples—specifically, 1.41% to J-M304 and a predominant 97.18% to F-M89. For haplogroup R-M207, all four panels exhibited uniformly high levels of consistency, with concordance values exceeding 94.00%. Notably, for haplogroup E-M96, the 1240K and Affymetrix panels outperformed the GSA and CGA panels in terms of concordance, representing the first instance in which these two panels surpassed the latter. Conversely, for haplogroups J-M304, Q-M242, and I-M170, all 4 panels showed relatively elevated misclassification rates, with the Affymetrix array demonstrating the poorest overall performance. None of the four panels showed any discordant haplogroup assignments among the familial relative pairs analyzed. A positive correlation was observed between the number of Y-SNPs (ranging from 1 000 to 10 000) and classification consistency; however, classification consistency plateaued when the number of Y-SNPs exceeded 10 000. Furthermore, a random sampling analysis conducted on the GSA and CGA panels demonstrated that the haplogroup misclassification rate exhibited negligible fluctuation across the Y-SNP range of 500 to 1 000. Conversely, a marked enhancement in classification consistency was observed as the number of markers increased from 1 000 to 5 000, ultimately reaching a plateau within the interval of 5 000 to 8 000 markers. ConclusionThese findings indicate that the GSA and CGA panels provide high resolution and concordance, delivering reliable Y-haplogroup assignment for forensic investigations.
2.Assessing High-density Y-SNP Panels for Paternal Haplogroup Assignment in Forensic Practice
De-Qin ZHANG ; Chun-Nian WANG ; Lin-Lin LOU ; Meng NI ; Jing GAO ; Jiang HUANG ; Li JIANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):458-469
ObjectiveThe accuracy of Y-chromosome haplogroup assignment is crucial for tracing paternal lineage in male samples. With the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technologies, high-density Y-SNP genotyping from whole-genome or array-based data has become a standard method for determiningY-chromosome haplogroups. This study systematically evaluated the performance of 4 commonly used high-density SNP genotyping systems—namely, the Global Screening Array (GSA), Chinese Genotyping Array (CGA), Affymetrix array, and the 1240K capture panel—for haplogroup assignment. This work provides a reference for data comparison across different systems. MethodsWe extracted genotype data for the 4 Y-SNP panels from 30× whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 1 590 male samples from the 1000 Genomes Project. Additionally, GSA array genotype data from 384 relative pairs (spanning 1st- to 12th-degree relationships) from 109 Chinese Han families were collected. Haplogroup assignment was performed using Y-LineageTracker v1.3.0 software. We assessed the concordance and resolution of haplogroup assignments between the four Y-SNP panels and the WGS data. The consistency and resolution of haplogroup assignments were also evaluated for both the 1000 Genomes Project samples and the 109 family samples collected in this study. Furthermore, the impact of varying numbers of Y-SNPs on haplogroup assignment was examined. ResultsThe GSA and CGA panels demonstrated superior resolution and discrimination of haplogroup subclades compared with the other two panels. The haplogroup assignments from the GSA, CGA, and 1240K panels showed high concordance with WGS data, with consistency rates exceeding 88.70%, whereas the Affymetrix platform exhibited a significantly lower consistency rate of 61.89%. Specifically, the GSA and CGA panels consistently demonstrated superior performance compared with the other two panels in the assignment of haplogroups O-M175 and H-L901, achieving complete concordance (100%) for both haplogroups. In contrast, the Affymetrix panel erroneously assigned all individuals belonging to haplogroup O-M175 to haplogroup K2-M526. Furthermore, its accuracy for haplogroup H-L901 was exceedingly low, at merely 1.41%. This poor performance was characterized by the misassignment of 98.59% of H-L901 samples—specifically, 1.41% to J-M304 and a predominant 97.18% to F-M89. For haplogroup R-M207, all four panels exhibited uniformly high levels of consistency, with concordance values exceeding 94.00%. Notably, for haplogroup E-M96, the 1240K and Affymetrix panels outperformed the GSA and CGA panels in terms of concordance, representing the first instance in which these two panels surpassed the latter. Conversely, for haplogroups J-M304, Q-M242, and I-M170, all 4 panels showed relatively elevated misclassification rates, with the Affymetrix array demonstrating the poorest overall performance. None of the four panels showed any discordant haplogroup assignments among the familial relative pairs analyzed. A positive correlation was observed between the number of Y-SNPs (ranging from 1 000 to 10 000) and classification consistency; however, classification consistency plateaued when the number of Y-SNPs exceeded 10 000. Furthermore, a random sampling analysis conducted on the GSA and CGA panels demonstrated that the haplogroup misclassification rate exhibited negligible fluctuation across the Y-SNP range of 500 to 1 000. Conversely, a marked enhancement in classification consistency was observed as the number of markers increased from 1 000 to 5 000, ultimately reaching a plateau within the interval of 5 000 to 8 000 markers. ConclusionThese findings indicate that the GSA and CGA panels provide high resolution and concordance, delivering reliable Y-haplogroup assignment for forensic investigations.
3.Research on The Genealogical Inference Efficiency of High-density SNPs
Jing LI ; Yi-Jie SUN ; Wen-Ting ZHAO ; Zi-Chen TANG ; Jing LIU ; Cai-Xia LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):740-753
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the potential of different orders of magnitude single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) locus combinations for predicting distant kinship relationships. A high-density SNP locus set was constructed, and a comprehensive assessment of its inference capability was conducted. MethodsFirstly, we selected three commercial chip panels, CGA (Chinese genotyping array, Illumina), GSA (Global screening array, Illumina), Affy (23MF_V2 high-density SNP array, Affymetrix) and merged them after quality control, forming a high-density SNP locus panel(1 180 k). Secondly, we selected 161 samples and collected their peripheral blood samples by using whole-genome sequencing technology. Within this sample population, the levels of kinship relationships fully covered the range from level 1 to level 9, and the number of kinship pairs at each level was consistently maintained at over 50 pairs. From 161 samples data of whole-genome sequencing, the 1 180 k locus set was extracted, which is referred to as the high-density SNP locus set in the following text. The kinship inference was conducted using the identity-by-descent (IBD) algorithm with the selected optimal parameters. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of the high-density SNP locus set in kinship inference, we compared it with the three commercial chip panels, the intersection of these three chip loci, and the control sets constructed by randomly reducing the number of the high-density SNP locus set. Based on the changes in the IBD lengths, as well as the dynamic trends in prediction accuracy, we conducted a scientific assessment of the kinship inference capability of the high-density SNP locus set. ResultsAfter screening, a set of 1 184 334 autosomal SNPs was obtained. During the process of screening the optimal IBD length threshold, the result revealed that 0 cM, 1 cM, and 2 cM all demonstrated good applicability. However, to avoid the issue of a large amount of redundant information caused by setting a too low IBD length threshold, this study ultimately selected 2 cM as the optimal threshold. Compared with the average results of three chip panels, the high-density SNP locus set increased the total IBD length and the average IBD length across levels 1-9; the accuracy of the confidence interval for level 8 was 70.97%, which represented a 3.50% improvement; the average confidence interval accuracy for levels 1-8 was 91.39%, representing a 1.00% increase; and the false negative rates at levels 8 and 9 were reduced by 2.42% and 6.76%, respectively. The system efficacy of the high-density SNP locus set for kinship inference of first to eighth degree relationships reached 98.91%. Through random reduction of the high-density SNP locus set results, it is found that increasing the number of SNPs with the panel, the detection efficiency of IBD length showed a significant upward trend. At the same time, the overall trend in the accuracy of kinship relationship prediction as well as the confidence interval accuracy also indicated that both metrics steadily increased with the addition of more loci. ConclusionThe results show that the high-density SNPs panel significantly enhances the efficacy of distant kinship inference, accurately covering kinship degrees, with the average confidence interval accuracy for first to eighth degree relationships stably above 90%. The study finds that increasing the number of SNPs panel can improve the ability to predict distant kinship.
4.Efficacy and safety of surgery-assisted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in treatment of portal hypertension comorbid with complex portal vein thrombosis
Zhenhua FAN ; Chengbin DONG ; Qimei LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Yifan WU ; Dongfang LIU ; Guangzhong XU ; Dezhong WANG ; Jianfei CHEN ; Zhendong YUE ; Lei WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):586-592
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of surgery-assisted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (SA-TIPS) in the treatment of portal hypertension comorbid with complex portal vein thrombosis, including cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV). MethodsAn analysis was performed for the data of 36 patients with portal hypertension and complex portal vein thrombosis who underwent SA-TIPS in Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from November 2023 to January 2025, including general status, technical data of the surgical process (surgical success rate, puncture times, time of operation, the number of stents used, and the length of shunt), perioperative complications, and surgical recovery. The change in portal pressure gradient (PPG) after shunt was compared, and the rate of reaching the standard for PPG reduction was calculated, as well as stent patency rate within 1 week after surgery. The paired samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups. ResultsAmong the 36 patients, 34 (94.4%) underwent SA-TIPS successfully. The incidence rate of perioperative complications was 16.7% (6/36), including 3 cases of thoraco-abdominal hemorrhage, 2 cases of intraoperative arrhythmia, and 1 case of incision infection. There was a significant reduction in PPG after SA-TIPS (t=19.85, P<0.01), and the patients achieving a ≥50% reduction in PPG accounted for 76.5% (26/34). Imaging reexamination within 1 week showed a shunt patency rate of 100%. ConclusionSA-TIPS has a high technical success rate, a favorable safety profile, and good efficacy in the treatment of portal hypertension comorbid with complex portal vein thrombosis (including CTPV), and therefore, it holds promise for clinical application.
5.Analysis of clinical factors related to complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer
Hui YANG ; Xiaofeng MU ; Linan SONG ; Wenjie NI ; Lei DING
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):6-11
Objective To explore the clinical factors influencing complete response in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). Methods Clinical data of LARC patients treated in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Beijing Shijitan Hospital between January 2013 and December 2024 were retrospectively collected. All patients received nCRT, after which surgery or a watch-and-wait approach was adopted based on treatment response. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors influencing complete response. A clinical prediction model was constructed based on the multivariable analysis results, and its predictive performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A total of 113 eligible patients were included. After nCRT, 19 patients (16.8%) achieved complete response, including 3 with clinical complete response and 16 with pathological complete response. Univariable analysis indicated that pretreatment clinical N stage, extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen were associated with complete response after nCRT (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified pretreatment extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen as independent influencing factors for complete response (P<0.05). A prediction model incorporating these independent factors yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.813 (95% confidence interval: 0.713-0.913), with a sensitivity of 89.5% and a specificity of 60.6%, demonstrating good predictive performance. Conclusion Pretreatment extramural venous invasion, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and neoadjuvant treatment regimen are independent factors influencing complete response after nCRT in LARC patients. The prediction model combining these factors may assist in evaluating treatment efficacy following nCRT in LARC patients.
6.Comparison of dosimetry and radiobiology between volumetric modulated arc therapy and helical tomotherapy for craniospinal irradiation
Yongqing GE ; Xiunan WANG ; Hui YANG ; Xiaofeng MU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):113-119
Objective To compare the dosimetric and radiobiological differences of helical tomotherapy (HT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in craniospinal irradiation. Methods The CT images of 15 patients who received craniospinal irradiation in our hospital were selected. The target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) were contoured, and HT and VMAT plans were designed. The dosimetric parameters of the two plans were compared. A Matlab program based on equivalent uniform dose was developed to calculate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). The NTCP values of the two plans were compared. Results The homogeneity index of the target volume in the HT group was better than that in the VMAT group, with values of 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.24, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.03). However, there was no significant difference in the conformity index of the target volume (P>0.05). There were significant differences in key indicators (Dmean, V5, Dmax) of the lungs, liver, lens, and eyeballs between the two groups (P<0.05). Regarding OARs, the NTCP values of the lens, optic chiasm, lungs, and liver in the HT and VMAT groups were as follows: 0.04 ± 0.03 vs. 0.1 ± 0.06 in the left lens, 0.04 ± 0.06 vs. 0.1 ± 0.07 in the right lens, 0.16 (0.14-0.17) vs. 0.21 (0.18-0.24) in the optic chiasm, 3.89 × 10−4 (2.45 × 10−4-7.3 × 10−4) vs. 8.95 × 10−4 (5.19 × 10−4-1.75 × 10−3) in the lungs, and 3.45 × 10−8 (6.0 × 10−9-1.036 × 10−7) vs. 9.54 × 10−8 (1.70 × 10−8-2.056 × 10−7) in the liver; the HT group was superior to the VMAT group, and all differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The NTCP values of the heart in the two groups were 1.35 × 10−8 (6.34 × 10−9-2.06 × 10−9) vs. 5.06 × 10−9 (2.29 × 10−9-7.9 × 10−9), significantly lower in the VMAT group than in the HT group (P<0.05). Conclusion HT has high homogeneity and consistency. The two plans have their own advantages in OAR protection. For OARs with no significant differences in physical dosimetry, NTCP results can be used as a reference. Therefore, comparing the dosimetric parameters and OAR NTCP of HT and VMAT plans can help select the optimal clinical treatment strategy.
7.Current situation, challenges, and countermeasures on the construction of scientific and technological ethical governance capacity of innovation entities
Ting XIA ; Liqi WANG ; Haitao GE
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(1):36-43
Innovation entities bear primary responsibility for the management of scientific and technological ethics. Understanding the current construction status of the scientific and technological ethical governance capacity among Chinese innovation entities is conducive to grasping effectiveness and shortcomings of scientific and technological ethical governance of innovation entities, providing a scientific basis and practical guidance for innovation entities to fulfill their primary responsibilities better. Based on a questionnaire survey targeting 313 innovation entities, this paper investigated and analyzed the current status and existing challenges of scientific and technological ethical governance capacity among Chinese innovation entities from five aspects. It was found that China has made certain achievements in scientific and technological ethical governance, yet there were still issues such as incomplete construction of regulatory systems, low efficiency of ethical review, unestablished regular education and training systems, and imperfect dynamic monitoring systems for ethical risks. Among these issues, the scientific and technological ethical governance capacity of enterprises was identified as requiring urgent improvement. Additionally, strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration remained a key challenge in building a collaborative and co-governance system for scientific and technological ethics. Based on these issues identified in the survey, countermeasures and suggestions were proposed from five perspectives, that is, enhancing the capacity in institutional construction, ethical review, value transmission, risk early warning, and collaborative governance of innovation entities on scientific and technological ethical governance. The aim was to provide references for accelerating the construction of the scientific and technological ethical governance system and improving the scientific and technological ethical governance capacity of innovation entities.
8.Study on the effect of apoptosis stimulation protein 2 on traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy in rabbits
Xiaoli CHEN ; Yuze MAO ; Wenhui CAI ; Haiwei WANG ; Yankun YUE
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):16-20
AIM:To investigate the effect of apoptosis stimulation protein 2(ASPP2)on the development of traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)in a rabbit model.METHODS:A total of 30 New Zealand white rabbits were selected, and the right eyes of all rabbits were inflicted with a scleral penetrating wound of approximately 6 mm. Then rabbits were randomly and evenly divided into experimental and control group. The experimental group received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL of ARPE-19 cell suspension transfected with lentivirus-ASPP2, while the control group received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 mL of ARPE-19 cell suspension transfected with negative control lentivirus. At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after PVR modeling, a handheld tonometer was used to measure the intraocular pressure. Moreover, fundus photography and ocular ultrasound examination were performed to detect the retinal proliferation. At 4 wk after modeling, hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological retinal changes, and Western blot was used to determine the protein expressions of ASPP2 and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)marker Vimentin in the rabbit retinas.RESULTS:At 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk after modeling, there were no significant changes in intraocular pressure within the experimental and control group of rabbit eyes, either before or after PVR modeling, the success rate of PVR modeling in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05), and the retinal proliferation and structural disorder was less severe in the experimental group. At 4 wk after modeling, the retinal protein expression level of ASPP2 in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group(t=3.193, P=0.033), while the Vimentin protein expression level was significantly lower in the experimental group(t=-3.599, P=0.023).CONCLUSION:ASPP2 may be involved in regulating the process of EMT in retinal pigment epithelial cells, thereby delaying the development and progression of traumatic PVR in rabbit eyes.
9.Interventional Effect of Active Ingredients of Chinese Medicine and Compound Formulas on Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Lung Cancer: A Review
Shanshan SONG ; Min JIANG ; Xinxin LIU ; Bozhen HUANG ; Siyi MA ; Guoyu WANG ; Wanqing WANG ; Luyao WANG ; Liang WANG ; Ruiqing BO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):336-346
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and tumor metastasis is a key factor contributing to the mortality of most lung cancer patients. Aberrant activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major driver of lung cancer progression and metastasis. EMT is characterized by the loss of apical-basal polarity and intercellular adhesion in highly differentiated, polarized, and organized epithelial cells, which acquire motility, migratory potential, and invasive properties. During this process, cells undergo cytoskeletal remodeling and transform into a mesenchymal phenotype, accompanied by associated changes in cellular markers. The EMT process is highly complex and is tightly regulated by intricate networks involving multiple transcription factors, post-translational controls, epigenetic modifications, and non-coding RNAs. Therefore, therapies targeting the mechanisms of malignant transformation and their associated pathways in lung cancer are of significant clinical importance. In recent years, EMT has attracted increasing attention as a potential target for cancer therapy. Chinese medicine, with its characteristics of multi-target action, low side effects, and good therapeutic efficacy, has demonstrated an important role in anticancer treatment. A series of studies have investigated the role of Chinese medicine in inhibiting EMT in lung cancer. Active ingredients of Chinese medicine, including flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, saccharides, and alkaloids, as well as Chinese medicine compound formulas, have shown significant regulatory effects on EMT. Their mechanisms mainly involve multiple pathways, targets, and links, including signaling pathways, exosomes, microRNAs (miRNAs), and the tumor-associated immune microenvironment. This article summarizes the mechanisms by which EMT promotes malignant tumor progression and reviews the current research on how Chinese medicine active ingredients, monomers, and compound formulas inhibit EMT and suppress lung cancer cell migration and invasion. This study is expected to provide comprehensive theoretical information for basic and translational research on lung cancer.
10.Role of aspirin in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Yongqi LI ; Yanqiu LI ; Lina SUN ; Chaoran WANG ; Ying FENG ; Liang WANG ; Xianbo WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):178-182
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the main type of chronic liver disease in the world, with an increasingly higher incidence rate and a younger age of onset. At present, the treatment of MAFLD mainly depends on lifestyle intervention and comorbidity management, and there is still a lack of effective drugs for MAFLD itself. As a classic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug of the salicylic acid family, aspirin can intervene in the pathological process of MAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism, relieving insulin resistance, reducing liver inflammation and oxidative stress response, exerting an anti-liver fibrosis effect, and inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma, and therefore, it has the value of preventing disease onset, delaying disease progression, and reversing disease condition. This article systematically reviews the mechanism of action and safety of aspirin in the treatment of MAFLD, in order to provide more drug treatment options for MAFLD patients.

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