1.Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins identifies biomarkers for anxiety disorders
Xuelian LI ; Min DENG ; Rongting RAN ; Yuqian HE ; Geman WANG ; Yujie LI ; Zhili ZOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):63-69
BackgroundAnxiety disorder is a common mental disorder, with its prevalence showing a continuous upward trend, significantly affecting the quality of life and social function of patients. Due to the lack of objective and reliable biomarkers in clinical practice, the early identification and treatment of anxiety disorder have been somewhat limited. Plasma proteins have the potential to serve as biomarkers for mental diseases, however, the causal relationship between them and anxiety disorder remains unclear. ObjectiveTo identify the plasma proteins that have a causal relationship with anxiety disorders, and to elucidate the associated biological pathways, in order to provide references for the search for biomarkers of anxiety disorders and the exploration of potential therapeutic targets. MethodsBased on the protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) data of 4 907 plasma proteins covering 35 559 Icelandic individuals from the deCODE database, and the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 50 486 patients with anxiety disorders and 330 460 healthy controls, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model method, and weighted model method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. Enrichment analysis of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways was conducted for the related proteins. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 10 plasma proteins were identified as significantly associated with anxiety disorders. Among these, SPATA9 (OR=0.856, 95% CI: 0.784–0.934, P<0.01) and PDE5A (OR=0.911, 95% CI: 0.864–0.961, P<0.01) were identified as protective factors, while CRYGD (OR=1.209, 95% CI: 1.095–1.334, P<0.01), BTN3A3 (OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.018–1.073, P<0.01), SERPINB13 (OR=1.102, 95% CI: 1.040–1.168, P<0.01), ERBB4 (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.109–1.484, P<0.01), LSAMP (OR=1.096, 95% CI: 1.037–1.158, P<0.01), ICOSLG (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.104–1.490, P<0.01), DNAJB11 (OR=1.172, 95% CI: 1.076–1.277, P<0.01), and TREML1 (OR=1.115, 95% CI: 1.054–1.179, P<0.01) were identified as risk factors. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust, with no heterogeneity (Cochran's Q test P>0.05) or pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept test P>0.05). Enrichment analysis indicated that these plasma proteins were enriched in biological processes such as T-cell signal transduction, lymphocyte proliferation, cell membrane structure and synaptic function, as well as the intestinal immune network that produces IgA and the ErbB signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study identified 10 plasma proteins associated with anxiety disorders. The functions of these plasma proteins involve multiple biological processes such as neural development and immune regulation.
2.Research progress of terahertz spectroscopy in oral microbial detection
HE Tingjuan ; LEI Lei ; HU Tao ; CHENG Ran
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(5):483-493
Microorganisms are closely associated with human health, and their pathogenicity is a key factor in various infectious diseases, particularly in dentistry, where they contribute to common conditions such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral mucosal diseases. Accurate and rapid microbial detection is crucial for early diagnosis, targeted therapy, and disease prevention. Conventional methods, including bacterial culture and molecular biological assays, offer specificity but are limited by long detection cycles, complex procedures, and dependence on laboratory conditions. Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy has emerged as a promising tool in microbial detection due to its non-ionizing nature, high sensitivity, and specific responses to water molecules and biomacromolecules. Integrating THz time-domain spectroscopy, near-field imaging, and metamaterial-enhanced techniques, studies have demonstrated the ability of this approach to effectively distinguish bacteria, fungi, and yeast, differentiate gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and even assess bacterial viability. Machine learning has further enhanced feature extraction and classification accuracy, and THz-based methods have shown notable advantages in multi-class microbial identification, detection of antibiotic-resistant strains, and quantitative analysis of microbial concentrations. However, current THz technologies are still constrained by strong water absorption, limited penetration depth, and the lack of standardized spectral databases. Future efforts should focus on mitigating water background interference, improving detection in complex samples, and establishing unified microbial spectral standards. This review systematically summarizes the latest advances of THz technologies in microbial detection, analyzes their mechanisms, advantages, and translational challenges, and proposes directions for future research.
3.Analysis of soil-borne nematode infection status among rural communities in Yubei, Chongqing
Dan JIANG ; Yong-dong HAO ; Sen-ping YANG ; Xiao-yuan SU ; Hua-jun BAI ; Bo LYU ; Ya-ling RAN ; He-yi GUAN ; Ling HU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):85-89
Objective To analyze the infection status and epidemic trends of soil-borne nematode infections in Yubei, Chongqing City, in 2010,2021, and 2022. Methods The local populations from four survey sites of four towns in 2010 and five sites of five towns in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed regarding their basic information using a unified form. Fecal samples of the participants were collected and tested for soil-borne nematode infections using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results In 2010, 2 049 participants were surveyed, followed by 1 000 participants in 2021 and 2022. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections declined significantly from 3.86% to 0.20%. In 2010, soil-transmitted nematode included hookworms(3.81%) and roundworms(0.29%). In 2021, the infection rates of roundworms and hookworms were 1.70% and 0.10% respectively. Notably, only Ascaris was identified in 2022(0.20%). The≥60 age group consistently exhibited the highest infection rates across all surveys, followed by the 40-59 age group. The infection rates of males in the three surveys were 3.31%,1.92%, and 0.20% respectively, and those of females were 4.37%, 1.46%, and 0.20% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between males and females. Educational attainment was inversely associated with infection; in 2010, the highest prevalence was observed among those with primary education or below, whereas in 2021, illiterate or semi-literate individuals showed the highest susceptibility. The occupational distribution of infections in 2010 indicated that retirees (8.33%), farmers(4.86%), and homemakers or unemployed individuals(3.45%)were the most affected. However, in 2021 and 2022, farmers emerged as the predominant occupational group with soil-transmitted nematode infections. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-borne nematodes showed a decreasing trend in Yubei, and the infection species changed from hookworms in 2010 to Ascaris in 2022. Farmers, the elderly, and people with low education levels should continue to be the focus of preventive and control efforts.
4.High-throughput Meets Visualization: a Microscopy-based CRISPR Screening Platform in Ciliary Biology
Ran HE ; Xiao-Han XU ; Jian-Chao LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2513-2518
While pooled CRISPR screens have revolutionized functional genomics by enabling genome-scale interrogation, they have long faced a fundamental compatibility challenge with high-resolution microscopy-based phenotypes. The core issue lies in the technical disconnect between pooled screening formats, where cells are typically analyzed in bulk populations, and microscopy approaches that require spatial resolution and single-cell visualization. This limitation has created a significant blind spot in functional genomics, preventing researchers from systematically linking genetic perturbations to detailed subcellular architectural changes. To bridge this critical technological gap, a recent landmark study published in Developmental Cell has unveiled an integrated microscopy-based CRISPR screening platform that represents a paradigm shift in the field. The most innovative breakthrough of the platform involves extending photoactivation-based labeling techniques to fixed, immunostained cells, thereby overcoming a key limitation of prior approaches that were restricted exclusively to live-cell reporter systems. This methodological advancement allows researchers to capture transient cellular states and preserve delicate subcellular structures that would otherwise be lost in live-cell imaging scenarios. By seamlessly integrating this enhanced labeling approach with sophisticated automated imaging workflows and high-content analysis pipelines, the system enables unprecedented high-throughput, organelle-level phenotypic profiling at true single-cell resolution. The platform’s capabilities were demonstrated through its application to a comprehensive genome-wide screen for regulators of cilium assembly, a complex cellular process involving intricate cytoskeletal dynamics and membrane remodeling events. The screening results validated the platform’s robustness by successfully recapitulating known ciliary machinery components while simultaneously uncovering novel regulatory factors. Most notably, the study identified SMIM27/TZMP1, a conserved transition zone microprotein, as a previously unrecognized regulator of ciliary function. This discovery provides crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms governing ciliary transition zone barrier formation and selectivity. This accessible and versatile framework effectively overcomes longstanding bottlenecks in microscopy-based screening technologies, offering a generalizable strategy for dissecting organelle biology and cellular architecture at scale. The platform’s ability to combine genome-wide screening power with detailed morphological analysis opens new avenues for investigating cellular responses to genetic perturbations across diverse biological contexts.
5.Application and Prospect of State-target Pattern Differentiation and Treatment Theory in Signaling Pathways of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Xiaofang HE ; Xiaoli XIA ; Yanping MA ; Yafeng WANG ; Wenxia RAN ; Huijing XIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):254-261
The prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pose a major global challenge, with difficulties in effectively integrating holistic regulation and precise micro-intervention. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of state-target pattern differentiation and treatment advocates the combination of state regulation and target intervention, offering a new paradigm for integrated TCM and Western medicine. This article systematically reviews the theoretical connotations of this theory and constructs a dynamic correspondence framework linking TCM pattern states, signaling pathways, and targeted interventions across different stages of COPD. At the acute exacerbation stage, the phlegm-heat obstructing the lung state is characterized by hyperactivation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammation pathway, and formulas for clearing heat and resolving phlegm suppress the cytokine storm through multi-component synergy. At the stable stage, the lung-spleen Qi deficiency state is characterized by functional decompensation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) antioxidative stress pathway, and therapies for tonifying the lung and spleen repair the essence of Qi deficiency through antioxidative defense and energy metabolism. At the severe/very severe stable stage, the lung-kidney deficiency state is pathologically based on dysregulation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Wnt repair network and depletion of stem/progenitor cells, and therapies for tonifying the kidney and reinforcing Qi absorption achieve simultaneous regulation of deficiency and stasis by inhibiting aberrant fibrosis and guiding ordered regeneration. These three pathways are not isolated but exhibit dynamic shifts in dominance and cross-talk, constituting the molecular network basis of deficiency causing excess and intermingled deficiency and excess. Furthermore, this article points out the current shortcomings in quantitative evidence, objective syndrome standardization, and coverage of syndrome states, and proposes future directions including building multi-omics databases, conducting biomarker-stratified randomized controlled trials, and developing disease-pattern combined animal models, aiming to provide a theoretical perspective that integrates holism and micro-targeting for precision prevention and treatment of COPD.
6.Application and Prospect of State-target Pattern Differentiation and Treatment Theory in Signaling Pathways of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Xiaofang HE ; Xiaoli XIA ; Yanping MA ; Yafeng WANG ; Wenxia RAN ; Huijing XIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):254-261
The prevention and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pose a major global challenge, with difficulties in effectively integrating holistic regulation and precise micro-intervention. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of state-target pattern differentiation and treatment advocates the combination of state regulation and target intervention, offering a new paradigm for integrated TCM and Western medicine. This article systematically reviews the theoretical connotations of this theory and constructs a dynamic correspondence framework linking TCM pattern states, signaling pathways, and targeted interventions across different stages of COPD. At the acute exacerbation stage, the phlegm-heat obstructing the lung state is characterized by hyperactivation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammation pathway, and formulas for clearing heat and resolving phlegm suppress the cytokine storm through multi-component synergy. At the stable stage, the lung-spleen Qi deficiency state is characterized by functional decompensation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) antioxidative stress pathway, and therapies for tonifying the lung and spleen repair the essence of Qi deficiency through antioxidative defense and energy metabolism. At the severe/very severe stable stage, the lung-kidney deficiency state is pathologically based on dysregulation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Wnt repair network and depletion of stem/progenitor cells, and therapies for tonifying the kidney and reinforcing Qi absorption achieve simultaneous regulation of deficiency and stasis by inhibiting aberrant fibrosis and guiding ordered regeneration. These three pathways are not isolated but exhibit dynamic shifts in dominance and cross-talk, constituting the molecular network basis of deficiency causing excess and intermingled deficiency and excess. Furthermore, this article points out the current shortcomings in quantitative evidence, objective syndrome standardization, and coverage of syndrome states, and proposes future directions including building multi-omics databases, conducting biomarker-stratified randomized controlled trials, and developing disease-pattern combined animal models, aiming to provide a theoretical perspective that integrates holism and micro-targeting for precision prevention and treatment of COPD.
7.Association of serum exosomal miR-122-5p with the prognosis of hepatic confluent necrosis and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Quanwei HE ; Ran XU ; Wei HAN ; Sihao WANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yongping YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):888-899
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) with hepatic inflammatory injury and histological outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). MethodsPeripheral serum samples were collected from six healthy adults and six patients with CHB, and size exclusion chromatography was used to extract exosomes. Small RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis were used to identify the serum exosomal miRNAs associated with liver inflammatory injury and fibrosis, and quantitative real-time PCR was used for validation in a mouse model of acute liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine, a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride, and 84 CHB patients undergoing liver biopsy twice before and after treatment. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; an analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Tukey test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Dunn test was used for further comparison between two groups. The chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate influencing factors. ResultsAbnormal expression of serum exosomal miR-122-5p was observed in patients with CHB, and it was downregulated in patients with confluent necrosis and advanced fibrosis. In the mouse model of acute liver injury and the rat model of liver fibrosis, compared with the control group, the model group had a significant reduction in the expression level of miR-122-5p in the liver (P=0.048 and 0.014), and compared with the patients with mild liver injury, the patients with severe confluent necrosis and advanced fibrosis showed a significant reduction in the expression level of miR-122-5p in liver tissue (P<0.05). Among the 84 CHB patients, the patients with severe hepatic confluent necrosis or advanced liver fibrosis had a significantly lower expression level of serum exosomal miR-122-5p than those with mild liver injury (P<0.001 and P=0.003). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the expression level of miR-122-5p was an independent influencing factor for confluent necrosis (odds ratio [OR]=0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.000 — 0.037, P=0.005) and liver fibrosis degree (OR=0.568, 95%CI: 0.331 — 0.856, P=0.019). In addition, compared with the patients with low expression of miR-122-5p, the patients with high expression of miR-122-5p before treatment had a significantly higher reversal rate of liver fibrosis after 72 weeks of antiviral therapy (64.3% vs 38.1%, P=0.029). ConclusionSerum exosomal miR-122-5p in CHB patients is closely associated with the progression of hepatic confluent necrosis and fibrosis, and the reduction in the expression level of miR-122-5p may aggravate hepatic confluent necrosis, promote the progression of fibrosis, and affect the histological outcome of CHB patients after antiviral therapy.
8.Preliminary effectiveness of the whole-life cycle management model for valvular heart disease at West China Hospital: A retrospective cohort study
Zechao RAN ; Yuqiang WANG ; Siyu HE ; Shitong ZHONG ; Tingqian CAO ; Xiang LIU ; Zeruxin LUO ; Lulu LIU ; Jun SHI ; Yingqiang GUO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(07):968-976
Objective To propose a whole-life cycle management model for valvular heart disease (VHD), systematically elucidate its underlying logic and implementation pathways, and concurrently review and analyze its preliminary application outcomes. Methods Since 2020, West China Hospital of Sichuan University has established a management system encompassing "assessment-decision-intervention-follow-up", including: (1) a risk-stratified, tiered management pathway; (2) six core functions ("promotion, screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation") coordinated by disease-specific managers; (3) an intelligent decision support information platform; and (4) a collaborative network of multidisciplinary teams and regional academic alliances. To evaluate the effectiveness of this management model, we retrospectively included three cohorts: (1) the population screened by echocardiography from 2020 to 2024, analyzing the detection rate of aortic valve disease and risk stratification; (2) patients enrolled in the whole-life cycle management from April 2021 to December 2024, assessing follow-up outcomes, hospital satisfaction, and changes in quality of life; (3) patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) from January 2022 to January 2024, evaluating the one-year all-cause mortality rate, perioperative complications, and improvements in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Results Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 583 874 individuals underwent echocardiographic screening. A total of 48 089 patients with aortic valve disease were identified, including 3 401 (7.1%) high-risk patients, 18 657 (38.8%) moderate-risk patients, and 26 031 (54.1%) low-risk patients. Among them, 2 417 patients were enrolled in whole-life cycle management. Patient satisfaction scores showed a yearly increase, rising from 73.89 points before 2020 to 93.74 points in 2024. The 1-year mortality rate in the TAVR cohort decreased to 5.3%, significantly lower than the 8.2% observed under early standard management between 2014 and 2019 (P<0.01). Conclusion Through process optimization and resource integration, the VHD whole-life cycle management model has demonstrated significant effectiveness in standardizing diagnostic and follow-up procedures, enhancing patient satisfaction and quality of life, and reducing mortality. These outcomes highlight its practical value for broader implementation in China.
9.Case of multiple cranial nerve injury.
Jinrong YAN ; Ran LI ; Yuhang JIANG ; Zehao CHEN ; Shanshan YAN ; Jiakai HE ; Baohui JIA
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):742-744
This article reports a case of multiple cranial nerve injury after gamma knife radiosurgery treated with acupuncture and moxibustion combined with rehabilitation therapy. The patient presented with weakness of facial and tongue muscles, hoarseness, choking on water, and swallowing difficulties. The syndrome was attributed to qi and blood deficiency, and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. The treatment principle focused on replenishing qi and blood, promoting blood circulation and unblocking collaterals. Yintang (GV24+), Lianquan (CV23), Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4), and Cuanzhu (BL2), Yangbai (GB14), Jingming (BL1), Sizhukong (TE23), Yingxiang (LI20), Sibai (ST2), Juliao (ST3), Quanliao (SI18), Dicang (ST4), Jiache (ST6), Xiaguan (ST7), Taiyang (EX-HN5) on the affected side, bilateral Jinjin (EX-HN12), Yuye (EX-HN13), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Tianshu (ST25) were selected. Among these, bilateral Jinjin (EX-HN12) and Yuye (EX-HN13) were treated with pricking, Dicang (ST4) and Jiache (ST6) on the affected side were connected to an electroacupuncture device, and warming acupuncture was applied at Guanyuan (CV4). Rehabilitation therapy and electromyographic biofeedback were also incorporated. The treatments were given 2-3 times a week. After 18 months of intermittent treatment, the patient reported significant improvement, House Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function grade was Ⅳ, and Sunnybrook facial nerve rating scale score was 53 points. After 2-month of follow-up, the patient reported normal swallowing ability and restored social engagement.
Humans
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Acupuncture Points
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Cranial Nerve Diseases/therapy*
10.Case of adult scoliosis with limb tremor.
Shanshan YAN ; Ran LI ; Yuhang JIANG ; Zehao CHEN ; Jinrong YAN ; Jiakai HE ; Baohui JIA
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(7):932-934
This article reports a case of adult scoliosis with limb tremor treated with electroacupuncture. The patient presented with neck stiffness accompanied with limb tremor as the primary symptoms. The pattern was attributed to yang qi deficiency, and the treatment principle focused on unblocking the governor vessel, warming yang, and regulating qi. Acupuncture was applied to Dazhui (GV14), below the spinous processes of C4-C6 and bilateral C4-C6 Jiaji (EX-B2) points, Feishu (BL13), Xinshu (BL15), Pishu (BL20), Ganshu (BL18), Shenshu (BL23), Dachangshu (BL25). After achieving deqi sensation, bilateral C4 Jiaji (EX-B2) and C6 Jiaji (EX-B2) points were separately connected to an SDZ-Ⅴ electroacupuncture device, with continuous wave, 2 Hz of frequency, intensity should be within the tolerance of the patient, the needles were retained for 20 min. For the first 5 months, the treatment was 1-2 times a week, then reduced to 1-2 times a month thereafter. After 30 times of treatment, the patient's bilateral lower limb tremor resolved, the clinical rating scale for tremor (CRST) score was 13 points, the scoliosis showed improvement with about 10° reduction in Cobb angle. At 1-month follow-up, the condition remained stable without progression of scoliosis.
Adult
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Humans
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Acupuncture Points
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Scoliosis/physiopathology*
;
Tremor/complications*


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