1.Heartbeat-evoked responses to cue-induced craving in heroin use disorder individuals
Dingming CHANG ; Yongxin CHENG ; Juan WANG ; Ruowan LI ; Fang DONG ; Kai YUAN ; Dahua YU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(2):230-239
Objective To explore the differences in heartbeat-evoked response (HER) under drug-related cues and neutral cues in individuals with heroin use disorder (HUD), and analyze the correlation between HER potentials and immediate cue-induced craving scores. Methods Fifty HUD participants were recruited from the Chang’an Compulsory Isolation Drug Rehabilitation Center in Shaanxi Province from June to September 2024. Simultaneous acquisition of 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiogram signals was performed. Twenty alternating segments of drug-related and neutral cue videos were presented, and participants rated their subjective craving after each segment using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Scalp EEG data were source analyzed to obtain cortical EEG signals and corresponding HER. Short-time Fourier transform was used to calculate the power spectral density (PSD) of EEG within a time window from 100 ms before the R-peak to 500 ms after it, using the R-peak as the time zero point. Cluster-based permutation testing was used to analyze PSD differences between drug-related and neutral cues in the HUD individuals. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between HER potentials and VAS scores. Results In the 350–420 ms time window, HER potentials in the left posterior parietal, temporal, and posterior cingulate cortices were significantly lower under drug-related cues compared to neutral cues (P<0.01); in the 140–210 ms time window, HER potentials in the right prefrontal cortex were significantly higher under drug-related cues compared to neutral cues (P<0.01). Correlation analysis showed that HER potentials in the left temporal and left posterior cingulate cortices were significantly negatively correlated with VAS scores (P<0.05). Drug-related cues enhanced PSD of γ power (30–100 Hz) in salience network (fronto-insular), parietal and occipital regions (P<0.05). PSD integrations of low-γ power (40–60 Hz) in parietal region (350–400 ms) and high-γ power (70–100 Hz) in left salience network (fronto-parietal) and occipital regions (300–350 ms) were positively correlated with VAS scores (P<0.05). Conclusions Drug-related cues may modulate cortical activity related to heartbeat perception in HUD individuals, and such dynamic changes in both time and frequency domains are stably associated with subjective craving.
2.Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates oxidative stress injury in retinal pigment epithelial cells under high glucose via FGFR1/PI3K/Akt signal pathway
Ye TIAN ; Guoheng ZHANG ; Tianhao YUAN ; Xin WANG ; Tianfang CHANG ; Yuan CHEN ; Guorui DOU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):383-390
AIM:To investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21)on high glucose-induced oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database were analyzed to determine the expression profile of the FGF21 receptor FGFR1 in RPE cells. Human ARPE-19 cells were cultured and randomly assigned to control, high glucose(30 mmol/L), and high glucose+FGF21 analog treatment groups, with additional siFGFR1 and PI3K inhibitor groups. Cell viability in different treatment groups was assessed using CCK-8 assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were quantified using DCFH-DA fluorescent probing combined with immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on cells from the high glucose group and high glucose+FGF21 group to analyze the enrichment level of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blotting was performed to detect phosphorylation levels of PI3K/Akt pathway components.RESULTS:Single-cell sequencing revealed specific expression of FGFR1 in RPE cells of retinal tissues from diabetic model mice. Under In vitro experiments, high glucose(30 mmol/L)exposure reduced ARPE-19 cell viability by 49.7% and increased ROS levels by approximately 2-fold. Whereas treatment with the FGF21 analog(60 ng/mL)restored cell viability and attenuated high glucose-induced ROS accumulation. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that FGFR1 knockdown inhibited the antioxidative stress of FGF21. Further validation of the molecular mechanism revealed that high glucose significantly suppressed the PI3K/Akt pathway activation(the levels of p-Akt and p-PI3K were decreased by 33.9% and 36.6%, respectively), while FGF21 effectively reversed this inhibitory effect and restored the expression of p-Akt and p-PI3K. Treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited the cytoprotective effect of FGF21 and significantly increased the ROS-positive cells, these findings confirm that PI3K/Akt signaling is indispensable downstream mechanism for FGF21 to exert its effects.CONCLUSION:FGF21 alleviates high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in RPE cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through its receptor FGFR1.
3.Characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 gene methylation and its association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Huajie XIE ; Kai CHANG ; Yanyan WANG ; Wanlin NA ; Huan CAI ; Xia LIU ; Zhongyong JIANG ; Zonghai HU ; Yuan LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):284-291
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 (MTIF2) gene methylation and its association with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsMethSurv and EWAS Data Hub were used to perform the standardized analysis and the cluster analysis of MTIF2 methylation samples, including survival curve analysis, methylation signature analysis, the association of tumor signaling pathways, and a comparative analysis based on pan-cancer database. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform the univariate and multivariate survival analyses of methylation level at the CpG site. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to investigate the survival differences between the patients with low methylation level and those with high methylation level, and the Log-likelihood ratio method was used for survival difference analysis. ResultsGlobal clustering of MTIF2 methylation showed that there was no significant difference in MTIF2 gene methylation level between different races, ethnicities, BMI levels, and ages. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the patients with N-Shore hypermethylation of the MTIF2 gene had a significantly better prognosis than those with hypomethylation (hazard ratio [HR]=0.492, P<0.001), while there was no significant difference in survival rate between the patients with different CpG island and S-Shore methylation levels (P>0.05). The methylation profile of the MTIF2 gene based on different ages, sexes, BMI levels, races, ethnicities, and clinical stages showed that the N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene decreased with the increase in age, and the Caucasian population had significantly lower N-Shore methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than the Asian population (P<0.05); the patients with clinical stage Ⅳ had significantly lower N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ (P<0.05). Clinical validation showed that the patients with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ HCC had a significantly lower methylation level of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ HCC and the normal population (P<0.05). ConclusionN-Shore hypomethylation of the MTIF2 gene is a risk factor for the development and progression of HCC.
4.Hemodynamic disturbance and mTORC1 activation:Unveiling the biomechanical pathogenesis of thoracic aortic aneurysms in Marfan syndrome
Ming-Yuan LIU ; Meili WANG ; Junjun LIU ; An-Qiang SUN ; Chang-Shun HE ; Xin CONAG ; Wei KONG ; Wei LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):459-473
Thoracic aortic aneurysm(TAA)significantly endangers the lives of individuals with Marfan syndrome(MFS),yet the intricacies of their biomechanical origins remain elusive.Our investigation delves into the pivotal role of hemodynamic disturbance in the pathogenesis of TAA,with a particular emphasis on the mechanistic contributions of the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling cascade.We un-covered that activation of the mTOR complex 1(mTORC1)within smooth muscle cells,instigated by the oscillatory wall shear stress(OSS)that stems from disturbed flow(DF),is a catalyst for TAA progression.This revelation was corroborated through both an MFS mouse model(Fbn1+/C1039G)and clinical MFS specimens.Crucially,our research demonstrates a direct linkage between the activation of the mTORC1 pathway and the intensity in OSS.Therapeutic administration of rapamycin suppresses mTORC1 activity,leading to the attenuation of aberrant SMC behavior,reduced inflammatory infiltration,and restoration of extracellular matrix integrity—collectively decelerating TAA advancement in our mouse model.These insights posit the mTORC1 axis as a strategic target for intervention,offering a novel approach to manage TAAs in MFS and potentially pave insights for current treatment paradigms.
5.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
6.Screening and Identification of Nanobodies Against β-Conglycinin
Jia-Shu CHANG ; Hua-Bo SUN ; Yu-Ting WANG ; Xiao-Hui WANG ; Bo YANG ; Hong-Rui LIU ; Yue-Xin LI ; Yuan-Zhao SUN ; Shao-Peng GU ; Jin-Xin HE
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):764-770
Soy is a vital source of plant carbohydrates.However,it poses significant allergenic risks,particularly to young children and animals.Among the various proteins in soy,β-conglycinin,which con-stitutes approximately 30%of total soy carbohydrates,is a primary allergen.Undigested β-conglycinin can lead to intestinal damage by inhibiting cell growth,disrupting the cytoskeleton,and inducing apopto-sis.It can also enter the lymphatic and circulatory systems,triggering allergic reactions.Conventional ELISA methods for detecting β-conglycinin rely on polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies,which are limited by their large molecular weight,difficulty in accessing the protein core,and sensitivity to acidic and bas-ic conditions.To address these limitations,this study aimed to develop nanobodies(Nbs)against β-con-glycinin.Nbs,derived from the variable regions of heavy-chain antibodies found in camelids,have a mo-lecular weight approximately one-tenth that of conventional antibodies.They offer advantages such as small size,stable structure,high specificity,and strong affinity.A female alpacas was immunized five times using β-conglycinin,which showed a heavy chain antibody potency of 1∶16 000 by ELISA.Pe-ripheral blood lymphocytes were subsequently isolated and total RNA was extracted.The variable region of the heavy-chain antibody was amplified via PCR,and recombinant plasmids were constructed and transformed into the E.coli competency strain ER2738.The resulting library contained about 3.5×108 CFU/mL,which increased to 1.15×1012 PFU/mL after phage rescue,with a 100%Nbs gene insertion rate,indicating high diversity.Its Nbs phage output was significantly enriched by four rounds of solid-phase elution with an enrichment rate of 155.9.Four rounds of solid-phase panning yielded 35 positive clones,all of which shared the same amino acid sequence upon sequencing.The selected Nb was ex-pressed in a prokaryotic system,and its binding ability to β-conglycinin was confirmed using Western blotting and ELISA.The results demonstrated excellent specificity and affinity.This research lays the groundwork for developing a rapid and efficient detection method for β-conglycinin using Nbs,potentially enhancing food safety and allergen management.
7.An Exploratory Experiment on the Dynamic Structural Change of ATP Synthase
Yi-Xuan LIU ; Yang LIU ; Wen-Yuan ZHU ; Xiao-Qian HU ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Yong-Mei QIN ; Qing-Song WANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):625-631
The lab module of exploratory experiment is newly designed in the practical course of bio-chemistry.Here we describe one of the experimental projects,and it originates from new scientific re-search results on the dynamic structure of ATP synthase.This exploratory experiment is organized in the form of real scientific research,which would fully mobilize the initiative and creativity of students in learning theoretical knowledge and experimental technology.Students work in groups and start with refer-ence reading.Through cooperation,they must develop certain experimental plan,handle samples with photocrosslinking technique and utilize the high-throughput electrophoresis method to analyze the dynamic structural change of ε subunit in ATP synthase under different physiological conditions.High quality re-sults from high-throughput electrophoresis can only be obtained through optimized operation and treat-ment,from which students would experience the process of technological innovation.The teaching process of this lab module embodies the student-centered teaching concept and is widely approved and supported by students.The project of ATP synthase closely combines the content of lab course with cut-ting-edge technology.Students can deeply experience the importance of experimental technology innova-tion in solving scientific problems.The practical ability of students would be comprehensively improved through this lab module.
8.Preliminary Clinical Study of Contrast-free Endovascular Aortic Repair(FLARE Technique)
Hui HAN ; Junyu WANG ; Xiangyu LI ; Limin YUAN ; Kun FANG ; Chang SHU ; Mingyao LUO
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(11):1096-1102
Objectives:To evaluate the safety and feasibility of endovascular aortic repair without contrast agent under branch artery guidewire marking(FLARE technique).Methods:The clinical data of 7 patients who underwent contrast-free endovascular aortic repair with branch artery guidewire marking in Fuwai Hospital from 2024 to 2025 were retrospectively analyzed.The criteria for patient selection included renal insufficiency,history of contrast agent allergy,high risk of high-pressure angiography due to extensive calcification of the aortic arch,and patients'strong personal wishes,all patients merited with anatomically friendly and anchored area criteria.The patients were evaluated by preoperative computed tomography or color Doppler ultrasound,and the occlusive stent anchor point was located by branch artery guidewire marking combined with bone marking during surgery.The primary endpoints were early stage of postoperative renal function changes(comparison of preoperative and postoperative serum creatinine)and surgical technique success rate,and the secondary endpoints included the incidence of internal leakage,re-intervention rates,and incidence of aneurysm and kidney-related adverse events during follow-up.Results:Among the seven patients who underwent endovascular aortic repair without contrast using a branch artery guidewire,four were male,with an average age of(72.0±5.9)years.Six of these patients had infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms,two of them with bilateral renal artery severe stenosis and renal insufficiency underwent renal artery stenting combined with endovascular aortic repair,one patient had isolated chronic renal insufficiency,one had a history of iodine contrast skin allergy,and the remaining two cases wished this surgery option.The seventh patient had a penetrating ulcer in the aortic arch and descending aorta,along with extensive thrombosis and calcification in the ascending aorta,aortic arch and descending aorta.All the patients achieved surgical technique success.No iodine contrast agent was used during the procedure for endovascular aortic repair.In patients with chronic renal insufficiency and renal artery stenosis before surgery,serum creatinine levels were significantly improved after surgery.All patients did not need hemodialysis,there was no allergic reaction,and no graft-related or perioperative complications.The average follow-up was(5.8±3.0)months,all patients recovered well without re-intervention or complications.The creatinine levels did not fluctuate significantly after surgery.Conclusions:Branch artery guidewire marked contrast-free aortic endovascular repair may be a safe and feasible treatment option in selected patients,especially in patients with contraindications to contrast agents.
9.Three-party game and simulation analysis of health-related information quality regu-lation in public health emergencies
Yu WANG ; Rui YUAN ; Shupeng LI ; Chun CHANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(3):514-521
Objective:To construct a tripartite game model involving the government,the public,and the pharmaceutical industry alliance during public health emergencies,revealing the dynamic mechanisms of health-related information quality regulation and exploring effective strategies to optimize the informa-tion dissemination environment through reward-punishment mechanisms.Methods:Based on evolutionary game theory,a tripartite evolutionary game model was established,integrating strategy spaces,payoff functions,and parameter definitions for each stakeholder.The pharmaceutical industry alliance's strate-gies included publishing high-or low-quality information(α),the public's strategies encompassed ration-al analysis or passive response(β),and the government's strategies involved regulatory enforcement or inaction(γ).Key parameters,such as economic benefits(Iyy),regulatory costs(Czf),penalties(Fyy),and incentives(Pyy),were quantified to reflect real-world scenarios.Replicator dynamic equa-tions and Jacobian matrices were derived to analyze the stability of equilibrium points,while MATLAB 2016a simulations were conducted to validate the model under varying initial conditions(e.g.,Iyy=100,150,200;Pyy=0,20,35;Fyy=0,10,20).Sensitivity analyses examined the impact of critical pa-rameters on system evolution,by 50 iterative simulations to observe convergence patterns.Results:The study revealed three key findings:(1)Public rational discernment(β)significantly influenced the phar-maceutical industry's strategy.Simulations demonstrated that increasing Iqz(benefits of information acqui-sition)reduced Cqz(cognitive costs),elevating β from 0.4 to 0.8 and driving α(high-quality information probability)to stabilize at 1.(2)Government regulatory intensity(γ)correlated positively with the so-cial hazards of low-quality information.When Fyy+Pyy>Iyy,speculative behaviors decreased,achieving equilibrium at α=1.(3)Dual stable equilibria emerged:a high-quality equilibrium(α=1,β=1,γ=0)with lower regulatory costs and a low-quality equilibrium(α=0,β=0,γ=1)associated with higher social risks.Phase diagrams illustrated path dependency,where initial α<0.5 led to the low-quality equilibrium unless dynamic penalties(Fyy>20)and incentives(Pyy>30)were enforced.Conclusion:A"carrot-stick"collaborative governance framework is proposed,emphasizing categorized regulation,AI-enabled auditing,and dynamic penalty systems.Future research should integrate emotional utility func-tions to address irrational decision-making impacts,thereby enhancing the adaptability of health informa-tion regulatory systems.
10.Deep learning model based on fundus images for detection of coronary artery disease with mild cognitive impairment
Yi YE ; Wei FENG ; Yao-dong DING ; Qing CHEN ; Yang ZHANG ; Li LIN ; Tong MA ; Bin WANG ; Xian-gang CHANG ; Zong-yuan GE ; Xiao-yi WANG ; Long-jun CAI ; Yong ZENG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(6):303-311
Objective To develop a deep learning model based on fundus retinal images to improve the detection rate of mild cognitive impairment(MCI)in patients with coronary heart disease,achieve early intervention and improve prognosis.Methods The study was a single-center cross-sectional study that retrospectively included patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease(CHD)by coronary angiography(≥50% stenosis of at least one coronary vessel)from Beijing Anzhen Hospital between November 2021 and December 2022.The whole data set was randomly divided into the training set and the testing set according to the ratio of 8∶2 for model development.After that,the patient data of the same center from January 2023 to April 2023 were included in the time verification method to verify the model.The diagnostic criteria for MCI were MMSE<27 or MoCA<26.Four kinds of convolutional neural network(CNN)architectures were used to train fundus images,and a comprehensive vision model of MCI detection was established through model integration.The area under the curve(AUC),sensitivity and specificity of the receiver operating curve(ROC)were used to evaluate the performance of the AI model.Results We collected 5 880 eligible fundus images from 3 368 CHD patients.Based on the results of the MMSE scale,the algorithm was labeled,including 2 898 males and 527 MCI patients.The AUC of the deep learning model in the test group is 0.733(95%CI 0.688-0.778),and the sensitivity of the algorithm in the test group is 0.577(95%CI 0.528-0.625)by using the operating point with the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity.With a specificity of 0.758(95%CI 0.714-0.802),corresponding to a validated AUC of 0.710(95%CI 0.601-0.818).Based on the results of the MoCA scale,the algorithm labels 2 437 males and 1 626 MCI patients.The AUC of the deep learning model in the test group was 0.702(95%CI 0.671-0.733).The operating point with the maximum sum of sensitivity and specificity was selected,and the sensitivity of the algorithm was 0.749(95%CI 0.719-0.778)and the specificity was 0.561(95%CI 0.527-0.595),corresponding to the AUC value of the verification group was 0.674(95%CI 0.622-0.726).Conclusions The deep learning algorithm model based on fundus images has good diagnostic performance,and may be used as a new non-invasive,convenient and rapid screening method for MCI in CHD population.

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