1.Disease Burden and Associated Risk Factors for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer in the World, China and the United States
Yuqing CHEN ; Yueyang ZHOU ; Xinran CHENG ; Bin LU ; Min DAI ; Hongda CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1164-1173
To evaluate and project the disease burden of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), and to identify its major risk factors. Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 were used. EOCRC was defined as colorectal cancer diagnosed at ages 15-49 years. We extracted the absolute numbers and crude rates of incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of EOCRC in the world, China, and the United States from 1990 to 2021. Age-standardized rates were then calculated accordingly, and the associated risk factors were summarized. Joinpoint regression was applied to assess temporal trends in global EOCRC age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), mortality rate (ASMR), and DALY rate. The Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to project the EOCRC burden from 2022 to 2040. In 2021, an estimated 211 900 new EOCRC cases were reported globally, corresponding to an ASIR of 5.37 per 100 000, along with 79 500 deaths and a total of 4.00 million DALYs lost. China experienced a substantially higher burden than the global average, with an ASIR of 10.02 per 100 000, an ASMR of 3.11 per 100 000, and an age-standardized DALYs rate(ASDR) of 160.93 per 100 000, disproportionately affecting males. The United States had a higher ASIR(10.73 per 100 000) than China, but exhibited lower ASMR(2.53 per 100 000) and ASDR(127.81 per 100 000). From 1990 to 2021, ASIRs increased globally (AAPC=0.374) and more markedly in China (AAPC=1.423), whereas ASMR (AAPC=-0.855) and DALY rates (AAPC=-0.834) declined. In China, ASMR and DALY rates declined overall but rebounded in recent years, whereas in the United States, ASIR began to decrease after 2017, while ASMR and DALY rates remained relatively stable. By sex, China's male ASIR increased by 89.7% between 1990 and 2021, with rises also observed in ASMR and DALY rates in recent years. Regarding risk factors, insufficient whole-grain intake and excessive red meat consumption emerged as the leading modifiable contributors to EOCRC mortality and DALYs both globally and in the two countries, jointly accounting for 31.20% and 30.82% of the global burden, respectively. Heavy alcohol consumption and tobacco use were particularly significant contributors among Chinese men. Projections indicated that by 2040, China's ASIR is projected to rise to 17.04 per 100 000, indicating a continued increase in disease burden, whereas the United States is expected to maintain a downward trend. Although China's EOCRC mortality and DALY burden have declined over the past three decades, the incidence remains markedly higher and is rising more rapidly compared with the global level and the U.S. More effective public health strategies are urgently needed, including promoting earlier and wider implementation of colorectal cancer screening, strengthening follow-up and referral systems, improving dietary structure, and intensifying tobacco and alcohol control, to mitigate the growing burden of EOCRC.
2.Activation of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)ergic Neural Circuit in Salicylate-Induced Tinnitus: the Inferior Colliculus to the Medial Geniculate Body
Xu-Yuan PENG ; Jiang WANG ; Ming-Yue GONG ; Li-Yuan ZHANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bin CHEN ; Zheng-Quan TANG ; Lei CHENG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(1):55-69
Objectives:
. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory functions of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neural circuits from the inferior colliculus (IC) to the medial geniculate body (MGB) in salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Methods:
. Mice were treated with salicylate to induce tinnitus, and tinnitus-like behaviors were evaluated via gap prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle. Using combined viral tracing methodologies, we identified and mapped the pathways and connections from the IC to the MGB. Furthermore, we employed Gq-coupled human M3 designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) and Gi-coupled human M4 DREADDs to achieve targeted excitation or suppression of GABAergic neurons in the IC and MGB. Following the administration of clozapine N-oxide, which binds to these receptors, we modulated these neural circuits to assess their impact on tinnitus severity in a mouse model.
Results:
. Our findings demonstrated that mice exposed to salicylate exhibited tinnitus-like behaviors. GABAergic neurons projecting retrogradely from the MGB to the IC were primarily concentrated in the external nucleus of the IC. After clozapine N-oxide administration, chemogenetic activation of IC-MGB GABAergic neurons aggravated salicylate-induced tinnitus. Additionally, activation of GABAergic neurons between the IC and MGB induced the perception of tinnitus even without salicylate. However, chemogenetic inhibition of the IC-MGB GABAergic circuit did not reverse salicylate-induced tinnitus.
Conclusion
. These findings suggest that activation of the IC-MGB GABAergic neural circuit may contribute to tinnitus generation through a mechanism distinct from that of salicylate-induced tinnitus. This study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
3.Progress of innovative drug research in China
Yuhang WANG ; Bin DI ; Yong YANG ; Cheng JIANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(3):275-287
In recent years, China’s capacity for new drug research and development has been significantly strengthened, with major breakthroughs across multiple therapeutic areas, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic disorders. An increasing number of domestically developed innovative drugs have been approved for marketing, gradually establishing a competitive position against imported drugs and expanding into global markets. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress of Class 1 innovative drugs in China from 2023 to 2024, categorizes representative approved drugs by therapeutic area, summarizes the clinical advantages and characteristics of representative drugs approved, analyzes in depth the current development trends of and challenges for China’s innovative pharmaceutical industry, and explores future directions, aiming to provide some reference for innovative drug research, industrial development, and policy-making in China.
4.Development of a new paradigm for precision diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine
Jingnian NI ; Mingqing WEI ; Ting LI ; Jing SHI ; Wei XIAO ; Jing CHENG ; Bin CONG ; Boli ZHANG ; Jinzhou TIAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):43-47
The development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis and treatment has undergone multiple paradigms, evolving from sporadic experiential practices to systematic approaches in syndrome differentiation and treatment and further integration of disease and syndrome frameworks. TCM is a vital component of the medical system, valued alongside Western medicine. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation embodies both personalized treatment and holistic approaches; however, the inconsistency and lack of stability in syndrome differentiation limit clinical efficacy. The existing integration of diseases and syndromes primarily relies on patchwork and embedded systems, where the full advantages of synergy between Chinese and Western medicine are not fully realized. Recently, driven by the development of diagnosis and treatment concepts and advances in analytical technology, Western medicine has been rapidly transforming from a traditional biological model to a precision medicine model. TCM faces a similar need to progress beyond traditional syndrome differentiation and disease-syndrome integration toward a more precise diagnosis and treatment paradigm. Unlike the micro-level precision trend of Western medicine, precision diagnosis and treatment in TCM is primarily reflected in data-driven applications that incorporate information at various levels, including precise syndrome differentiation, medication, disease management, and efficacy evaluation. The current priority is to accelerate the development of TCM precision diagnosis and treatment technology platforms and advance discipline construction in this area.
5.Setup Error and Its Influencing Factors in Radiotherapy for Spinal Metastasis
Wenhua QIN ; Xin FENG ; Zengzhou WANG ; Shangnan CHU ; Hong WANG ; Shiyu WU ; Cheng CHEN ; Fukui HUAN ; Bin LIANG ; Tao ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(5):400-404
Objective To investigate the setup error in patients with spinal bone metastasis who underwent radiotherapy under the guidance of kilovoltage cone-beam CT (KV-CBCT). Methods A total of 118 patients with spinal metastasis who underwent radiotherapy, including 17 cases of cervical spine, 62 cases of thoracic spine, and 39 cases of lumbar spine, were collected. KV-CBCT scans were performed using the linear accelerators from Elekta and Varian’s EDGE system. CBCT images were registered with reference CT images in the bone window mode. A total of 973 data were collected, and 3D linear errors were recorded. Results The patients with spinal bone metastasis were grouped by site, height, weight, and BMI. The P value of the patients grouped only by site was P<0.05, which was statistically significant. Conclusion When grouped by site in the 3D direction, the positioning effect of cervical spine is better than that of thoracic and lumbar spine. The positioning effect of the thoracic spine is better in the head and foot direction but worse in the left and right direction compared with that of the lumbar spine. Instead of extending or narrowing the margin according to the BMI of patients with spinal metastasis, the margin must be changed according to the site of spinal bone metastasis.
6.Establishment and verification of gas chromatography method for determination of 2-phenoxyethanol in Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine(Vero cells)
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2025;38(04):457-461
Objective To establish and verify a gas chromatography(GC) method for the determination of 2-phenoxyethanol content in Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine(sIPV)(Vero cells), thereby providing a reliable approach for detecting 2-phenoxyethanol content in biological products. Methods A polyethylene glycol(PEG) GC column(30 m × 0. 25 mm ×0. 25 μm) was employed for the determination of 2-phenoxyethanol content. The chromatographic conditions were as follows:nitrogen as the carrier gas, an injection volume of 1 μL, a split ratio of 1∶ 10, and a carrier gas flow rate of 1 mL/min.The temperature program was set with an initial column temperature of 90 ℃, followed by a ramp at a rate of 10 ℃ per minute to 220 ℃, which was maintained for 10 minutes. The signal was collected by flame ionization detector(FID). The method was verified for the linear range, repeatability, accuracy, and specificity. The established GC method and high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) were used to analyze 2-phenoxyethanol content in three batches of sIPV(Vero cells)respectively, and the results were compared. Results The reference solution exhibited a good linear relationship with the peak area in the concentration range of 0. 2-1. 0 mg/mL, with the linear equation: y = 4 021. 44 x + 97. 07, R2= 0. 998. The relative standard deviation(RSD) of 2-phenoxyethanol content in six test solutions was less than 2. 0%. The spiked recovery rates of high, medium, and low concentrations of 2-phenoxyethanol in nine test samples ranged from 90% to 110%. Both the reference and test solutions showed a distinct chromatographic peak for 2-phenoxyethanol at 9. 1 min, while no such peak was observed in the negative control, indicating no interference with the test samples. The mean 2-phenoxyethanol content in three batches of test samples, as determined by GC and HPLC, was(4. 990 ± 0. 175) and(4. 986 ± 0. 122) mg/mL, respectively, with no statistically significant difference(t = 0. 045 6, P = 0. 967 8). Conclusion The established GC method demonstrates good repeatability, accuracy, and specificity, showing potential as a viable alternative to HPLC for the quantification of 2-phenoxyethanol.
7.Posterior medial branch block for persistent pain after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
Zhe-Ren WANG ; Ren YU ; Chun-de LU ; Zhi-Yuan XU ; Bin WU ; Cheng NI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(11):1145-1150
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the short-and medium-term efficacy of posterior medial branch block in the treatment of persistent pain after percutaneous vertebral augmentation.
METHODS:
From January 2018 to January 2023, a total of 1, 062 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures underwent percutaneous vertebral augmentation. Among them, 32 elderly patients who experienced persistent low back pain after surgery and subsequently received posterior medial branch block and cryoablation were included. Six patients died during follow-up, leaving 26 patients for final analysis (1 male, 25 females). The mean age was (82.96±5.66) years (ranged, 76 to 94 years). The mean body mass index was (23.76±3.08) kg·m-2(ranged 18.1 to 27.2 kg·m-2). The bone mineral density T-value ranged from -2.5 to -4.3 with a mean of (-3.09±0.56). The mean volume of bone cement injected was 6.00 (5.38, 7.00) ml. Fracture locations were T11 (2 cases), T12 (7 cases), L1 (10 cases), L2 (6 cases), and L3 (1 case). The mean interval from vertebral augmentation to block treatment was (7.12±2.22) months (rangd 6 to 12 months). The vertebral augmentation procedures were percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) in 12 cases and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in 14 cases. At the 2nd week, 3rd month, and 6th month after the block, the numerical rating scale(NRS), Oswestry disability index(ODI), patient satisfaction, and pain relief rate at the 6th month were evaluated. Relationships between pain relief rate at the 6th month after the last treatment and possible influencing factors were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Compared with X-ray films after percutaneous vertebral augmentation, the X-ray films before block showed an increase in kyphotic angle and vertebral compression rate, with statistically significant differences(P<0.05). At the 2nd week, 3rd month, and 6th month after posterior medial branch block and cryoablation, NRS and ODI scores were significantly lower than before the block(P<0.05). Among the 26 patients, 5 received additional cryoablation. At the 6th month after the last treatment, 19 patients reported excellent or good satisfaction. Univariate binary Logistic analysis showed all P>0.05, and no independent factor affecting final satisfaction or pain relief at 6 months after the last treatment was identified.
CONCLUSION
Posterior medial branch block(with cryoablation) can effectively improve short-and medium-term symptoms and function in patients with persistent axial low back pain after percutaneous vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral fractures.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Aged
;
Spinal Fractures/surgery*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery*
;
Vertebroplasty/adverse effects*
;
Nerve Block/methods*
8.Application of genome tagging technology in elucidating the function of sperm-specific protein 411 (Ssp411).
Xue-Hai ZHOU ; Min-Min HUA ; Jia-Nan TANG ; Bang-Guo WU ; Xue-Mei WANG ; Chang-Gen SHI ; Yang YANG ; Jun WU ; Bin WU ; Bao-Li ZHANG ; Yi-Si SUN ; Tian-Cheng ZHANG ; Hui-Juan SHI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(1):120-128
The genome tagging project (GTP) plays a pivotal role in addressing a critical gap in the understanding of protein functions. Within this framework, we successfully generated a human influenza hemagglutinin-tagged sperm-specific protein 411 (HA-tagged Ssp411) mouse model. This model is instrumental in probing the expression and function of Ssp411. Our research revealed that Ssp411 is expressed in the round spermatids, elongating spermatids, elongated spermatids, and epididymal spermatozoa. The comprehensive examination of the distribution of Ssp411 in these germ cells offers new perspectives on its involvement in spermiogenesis. Nevertheless, rigorous further inquiry is imperative to elucidate the precise mechanistic underpinnings of these functions. Ssp411 is not detectable in metaphase II (MII) oocytes, zygotes, or 2-cell stage embryos, highlighting its intricate role in early embryonic development. These findings not only advance our understanding of the role of Ssp411 in reproductive physiology but also significantly contribute to the overarching goals of the GTP, fostering groundbreaking advancements in the fields of spermiogenesis and reproductive biology.
Animals
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Mice
;
Spermatids/metabolism*
;
Spermatogenesis/physiology*
;
Spermatozoa/metabolism*
;
Thioredoxins/genetics*
9.Observation on the therapeutic effect of a modified Devine procedure with subcutaneous sliding fixation method for concealed penis.
Mohammed Abdulkarem AL-QAISI ; Hai-Fu TIAN ; Jia-Jin FENG ; Ke-Ming CHEN ; Jin ZHANG ; Yun-Shang TUO ; Xue-Hao WANG ; Bin-Cheng HUANG ; Muhammad Arslan Ul HASSAN ; Rui HE ; Guang-Yong LI
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(4):470-474
To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a modified Devine procedure with a subcutaneous sliding fixation method for the treatment of congenital concealed penis, we retrospectively selected 45 patients with congenital concealed penises who were admitted to General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University (Yinchuan, China) between September 2020 and November 2023. In all cases, the penis was observed to be short, and retracting the skin at the base revealed a normal penile body, which immediately returned to its original position upon release. All patients underwent the modified Devine procedure with subcutaneous sliding fixation and completed a 12-week postoperative follow-up. A statistically significant increase in penile length was observed postoperatively, with the median length increasing from 4.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5-4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.9-4.4) cm to 8.0 (IQR: 7.8-8.0; 95% CI: 7.7-7.9) cm, with P < 0.001. The parents were satisfied with the outcomes, including increased penile length, improved hygiene, and enhanced esthetics. Except for mild foreskin edema in all cases, no complications (such as infections, skin necrosis, or penile retraction) were observed. The edema was resolved within 4 weeks after the operation. This study demonstrates that the modified Devine procedure utilizing the subcutaneous sliding fixation method yields excellent outcomes with minimal postoperative complications, reduced penile retraction, and high satisfaction rates among patients and their families.
Humans
;
Male
;
Penis/abnormalities*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Child
;
Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*
10.Clinical and immunological features for early differentiation between primary immune thrombocytopenia and connective tissue disease in children.
Fu-Rong KANG ; Mei YAN ; Ying-Bin YUE ; Hailiguli NURIDDIN ; Yong-Feng CHENG ; Yu LIU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(8):974-981
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the clinical and immunological features of children with primary immune thrombocytopenia (pITP) or connective tissue disease (CTD) with thrombocytopenia as the initial manifestation at initial diagnosis, and to provide a basis for early differentiation.
METHODS:
A retrospective study was performed on 236 children with pITP (pITP group) or CTD with thrombocytopenia as the initial manifestation (CTD-TP group) who were admitted from January 2019 to August 2024. Clinical and immunological indicators were compared between the two groups to identify potential influencing factors for early differentiation and their discriminative validity.
RESULTS:
Compared with the pITP group, the CTD-TP group had a significantly older age of onset and significantly lower leukocyte count, eosinophil count, lymphocyte count, and complement C4 level (P<0.05), as well as significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein, IgE, and IgM (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that age, IgE, IgM, total B cells, and complement C4 were predictive factors for early differentiation between pITP and CTD-TP (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a combination of these five factors had a good discriminative validity, with an area under the curve of 0.944. The correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between IgG and platelet count in the pITP group (rs=-0.363, P<0.05) and a positive correlation between NK cells and platelet count in the CTD-TP group (rs=0.713, P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
There is heterogeneity in the clinical and immunological indicators between children with pITP and CTD-TP at initial diagnosis, and these research findings can help with the early differentiation between the two diseases.
Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/immunology*
;
Diagnosis, Differential
;
Connective Tissue Diseases/immunology*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Early Diagnosis
;
Age of Onset
;
Leukocyte Count
;
Complement C4/immunology*
;
C-Reactive Protein/immunology*
;
Immunoglobulin E/immunology*
;
Immunoglobulin M/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Infant
;
Child, Preschool
;
Child
;
Adolescent
;
Biomarkers/blood*


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