1.Application and Prospects of Simultaneous Multicomponent Extraction Technology in Biological Samples
Kun-Peng ZHANG ; Zi-Hong YE ; Zhi-Chao XUE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1400-1414
With the rapid development of the biopharmaceutical field, the efficient and simultaneous extraction of multiple biological components from biological samples has become a critical process for advancing scientific research. The ability to simultaneously extract various molecular components such as metabolites, DNA, RNA, and proteins is pivotal for multi-omics studies, which aim to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms of biological systems. Traditional methods often extract these components separately, leading to challenges such as sample loss, time consumption, contamination, and inconsistencies across different data types. In contrast, simultaneous extraction techniques address these issues by maintaining the consistency of each biological component’s physiological state, improving data reliability and facilitating integration across omic platforms. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in simultaneous extraction technologies, focusing on methods such as methanol/chloroform extraction, TRIzol reagent extraction, and modified Folch extraction, which have shown significant promise in improving the efficiency and integrity of biological sample preparation. These methods offer various advantages, such as reduced sample volume requirements, decreased contamination risk, and enhanced extraction consistency, which are crucial for studies involving small sample sizes or precious clinical specimens. Among these, methanol/chloroform extraction stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and ability to extract a wide range of biological molecules. However, it does face limitations, such as its inefficiency in extracting lipids and potential RNA contamination. On the other hand, the TRIzol reagent method has become a widely adopted technique due to its ability to simultaneously isolate RNA, proteins, and metabolites from the same sample. Despite its effectiveness, the TRIzol method has limitations in RNA quality, especially when handling complex samples or those with high protein content. Modified Folch extraction, which combines liquid-liquid extraction with commercial kits, offers a highly efficient way to extract polar metabolites, lipids, RNA, DNA, and proteins from small tissue samples. This method has proven advantageous in terms of extraction yield, especially for challenging or rare samples, although it requires precise handling to avoid cross-contamination between phases. The integration of automated platforms, microfluidics, and high-throughput systems is another exciting avenue for improving simultaneous extraction. Automation facilitates large-scale, reproducible sample processing with minimal human error, while microfluidics provides high precision in sample handling and enables real-time monitoring of extraction efficiency. These innovations not only enhance the speed and reproducibility of sample preparation but also open new possibilities for single-cell analysis, where sample volumes are often limited, and extraction efficiency is critical. In addition to the technical aspects, the review also highlights the importance of optimizing extraction protocols for specific sample types, such as clinical tissues, plants, and microorganisms. For example, the challenge of extracting multiple components from cancer tissues, where sample degradation and contamination risks are high, can be mitigated by carefully selecting extraction reagents and minimizing sample handling steps. Similarly, in plant studies, where metabolite diversity is vast, the simultaneous extraction methods must be optimized to account for the unique composition of plant tissues, which often include complex secondary metabolites and cell wall components. Looking forward, the development of more efficient and standardized simultaneous extraction methods will be crucial for advancing multi-omics research. There is a growing need for protocols that can be tailored to specific research needs, ensuring both reproducibility and flexibility in diverse applications. Additionally, combining these extraction methods with high-resolution analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing will further enhance the potential of multi-omics studies to provide comprehensive insights into biological systems. As these technologies continue to evolve, their application in personalized medicine, environmental research, and agriculture holds great promise for addressing critical scientific challenges. In conclusion, while simultaneous extraction technologies have made significant strides, several challenges remain in optimizing extraction efficiency, ensuring reproducibility, and reducing costs. Future research should focus on refining extraction protocols, developing innovative extraction reagents, and expanding the scope of these methods to cater to a broader range of biological samples. Ultimately, the continued integration of these advanced techniques will revolutionize the way biological samples are prepared, analyzed, and understood in the context of multi-omics research.
2.Application and Prospects of Simultaneous Multicomponent Extraction Technology in Biological Samples
Kun-Peng ZHANG ; Zi-Hong YE ; Zhi-Chao XUE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1400-1414
With the rapid development of the biopharmaceutical field, the efficient and simultaneous extraction of multiple biological components from biological samples has become a critical process for advancing scientific research. The ability to simultaneously extract various molecular components such as metabolites, DNA, RNA, and proteins is pivotal for multi-omics studies, which aim to comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms of biological systems. Traditional methods often extract these components separately, leading to challenges such as sample loss, time consumption, contamination, and inconsistencies across different data types. In contrast, simultaneous extraction techniques address these issues by maintaining the consistency of each biological component’s physiological state, improving data reliability and facilitating integration across omic platforms. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in simultaneous extraction technologies, focusing on methods such as methanol/chloroform extraction, TRIzol reagent extraction, and modified Folch extraction, which have shown significant promise in improving the efficiency and integrity of biological sample preparation. These methods offer various advantages, such as reduced sample volume requirements, decreased contamination risk, and enhanced extraction consistency, which are crucial for studies involving small sample sizes or precious clinical specimens. Among these, methanol/chloroform extraction stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and ability to extract a wide range of biological molecules. However, it does face limitations, such as its inefficiency in extracting lipids and potential RNA contamination. On the other hand, the TRIzol reagent method has become a widely adopted technique due to its ability to simultaneously isolate RNA, proteins, and metabolites from the same sample. Despite its effectiveness, the TRIzol method has limitations in RNA quality, especially when handling complex samples or those with high protein content. Modified Folch extraction, which combines liquid-liquid extraction with commercial kits, offers a highly efficient way to extract polar metabolites, lipids, RNA, DNA, and proteins from small tissue samples. This method has proven advantageous in terms of extraction yield, especially for challenging or rare samples, although it requires precise handling to avoid cross-contamination between phases. The integration of automated platforms, microfluidics, and high-throughput systems is another exciting avenue for improving simultaneous extraction. Automation facilitates large-scale, reproducible sample processing with minimal human error, while microfluidics provides high precision in sample handling and enables real-time monitoring of extraction efficiency. These innovations not only enhance the speed and reproducibility of sample preparation but also open new possibilities for single-cell analysis, where sample volumes are often limited, and extraction efficiency is critical. In addition to the technical aspects, the review also highlights the importance of optimizing extraction protocols for specific sample types, such as clinical tissues, plants, and microorganisms. For example, the challenge of extracting multiple components from cancer tissues, where sample degradation and contamination risks are high, can be mitigated by carefully selecting extraction reagents and minimizing sample handling steps. Similarly, in plant studies, where metabolite diversity is vast, the simultaneous extraction methods must be optimized to account for the unique composition of plant tissues, which often include complex secondary metabolites and cell wall components. Looking forward, the development of more efficient and standardized simultaneous extraction methods will be crucial for advancing multi-omics research. There is a growing need for protocols that can be tailored to specific research needs, ensuring both reproducibility and flexibility in diverse applications. Additionally, combining these extraction methods with high-resolution analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing will further enhance the potential of multi-omics studies to provide comprehensive insights into biological systems. As these technologies continue to evolve, their application in personalized medicine, environmental research, and agriculture holds great promise for addressing critical scientific challenges. In conclusion, while simultaneous extraction technologies have made significant strides, several challenges remain in optimizing extraction efficiency, ensuring reproducibility, and reducing costs. Future research should focus on refining extraction protocols, developing innovative extraction reagents, and expanding the scope of these methods to cater to a broader range of biological samples. Ultimately, the continued integration of these advanced techniques will revolutionize the way biological samples are prepared, analyzed, and understood in the context of multi-omics research.
3.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
4.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
5.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
6.Association between Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance and Abdominal Fat Distribution: A Trait Spectrum Exposure Pattern and Structure-Based Investigation.
Zhi LI ; Shi Lin SHAN ; Chen Yang SONG ; Cheng Zhe TAO ; Hong QIAN ; Qin YUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Qiao Qiao XU ; Yu Feng QIN ; Yun FAN ; Chun Cheng LU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):3-14
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the associations between eight serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and regional fat depots, we analyzed the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 cycles.
METHODS:
Multiple linear regression models were developed to explore the associations between serum PFAS concentrations and six fat compositions along with a fat distribution score created by summing the concentrations of the six fat compositions. The associations between structurally grouped PFASs and fat distribution were assessed, and a prediction model was developed to estimate the ability of PFAS exposure to predict obesity risk.
RESULTS:
Among females aged 39-59 years, trunk fat mass was positively associated with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Higher concentrations of PFOS, perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), and n-perfluorooctanoate (n-PFOA) were linked to greater visceral adipose tissue in this group. In men, exposure to total perfluoroalkane sulfonates (PFSAs) and long-chain PFSAs was associated with reductions in abdominal fat, while higher abdominal fat in women aged 39-59 years was associated with short-chain PFSAs. The prediction model demonstrated high accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9925 for predicting obesity risk.
CONCLUSION
PFAS exposure is associated with regional fat distribution, with varying effects based on age, sex, and PFAS structure. The findings highlight the potential role of PFAS exposure in influencing fat depots and obesity risk, with significant implications for public health. The prediction model provides a highly accurate tool for assessing obesity risk related to PFAS exposure.
Humans
;
Fluorocarbons/blood*
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Environmental Pollutants/blood*
;
Abdominal Fat
;
Nutrition Surveys
;
Alkanesulfonic Acids/blood*
;
Obesity
;
Environmental Exposure
7.Analysis of Tongue and Face Image Features of Anemic Women and Construction of Risk-Screening Model.
Hong Yuan FU ; Yi CHUN ; Ya Han ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Yu Lin SHI ; Tao JIANG ; Xiao Juan HU ; Li Ping TU ; Yong Zhi LI ; Jia Tuo XU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(8):935-951
OBJECTIVE:
To identify the key features of facial and tongue images associated with anemia in female populations, establish anemia risk-screening models, and evaluate their performance.
METHODS:
A total of 533 female participants (anemic and healthy) were recruited from Shuguang Hospital. Facial and tongue images were collected using the TFDA-1 tongue and face diagnosis instrument. Color and texture features from various parts of facial and tongue images were extracted using Face Diagnosis Analysis System (FDAS) and Tongue Diagnosis Analysis System version 2.0 (TDAS v2.0). Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was used for feature selection. Ten machine learning models and one deep learning model (ResNet50V2 + Conv1D) were developed and evaluated.
RESULTS:
Anemic women showed lower a-values, higher L- and b-values across all age groups. Texture features analysis showed that women aged 30-39 with anemia had higher angular second moment (ASM)and lower entropy (ENT) values in facial images, while those aged 40-49 had lower contrast (CON), ENT, and MEAN values in tongue images but higher ASM. Anemic women exhibited age-related trends similar to healthy women, with decreasing L-values and increasing a-, b-, and ASM-values. LASSO identified 19 key features from 62. Among classifiers, the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model achieved the best performance [area under the curve (AUC): 0.849, accuracy: 0.781]. The ResNet50V2 model achieved comparable results [AUC: 0.846, accuracy: 0.818].
CONCLUSION
Differences in facial and tongue images suggest that color and texture features can serve as potential TCM phenotype and auxiliary diagnostic indicators for female anemia.
Humans
;
Female
;
Tongue/diagnostic imaging*
;
Adult
;
Anemia/diagnosis*
;
Middle Aged
;
Face/diagnostic imaging*
;
Young Adult
;
Machine Learning
9.Association of Body Mass Index with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality in Rural China: 10-Year Follow-up of a Population-Based Multicenter Prospective Study.
Juan Juan HUANG ; Yuan Zhi DI ; Ling Yu SHEN ; Jian Guo LIANG ; Jiang DU ; Xue Fang CAO ; Wei Tao DUAN ; Ai Wei HE ; Jun LIANG ; Li Mei ZHU ; Zi Sen LIU ; Fang LIU ; Shu Min YANG ; Zu Hui XU ; Cheng CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Jiao Xia YAN ; Yan Chun LIANG ; Rong LIU ; Tao ZHU ; Hong Zhi LI ; Fei SHEN ; Bo Xuan FENG ; Yi Jun HE ; Zi Han LI ; Ya Qi ZHAO ; Tong Lei GUO ; Li Qiong BAI ; Wei LU ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; He Nan XIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1179-1193
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study.
METHODS:
A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants.
RESULTS:
Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m 2) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m 2 ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans
;
Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
;
Aged
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Adult
;
Mortality
;
Cause of Death
;
Obesity/mortality*
;
Overweight/mortality*
10.Impacts of Internalized Weight Bias and Weight Control Beliefs on Eating Behaviors in Women Losing Weight.
Dan-Ping ZHENG ; Hong-Wei ZHU ; Yu-Jia YANG ; Jing-Yi ZHANG ; Hai-Yan ZHANG ; Zhi-Yuan ZHANG ; Wei CHEN
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(5):822-829
Objective To investigate the internalized weight bias and weight control beliefs regarding the current status,influencing factors,and impacts on eating behaviors of women losing weight. Methods A convenient sampling method was used to select the females who underwent physical examination in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August to December 2023.The general information questionnaire,Weight Bias Internalization Scale,Weight Control Belief Questionnaire,and Chinese version of Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire were utilized for investigation.Latent class analysis was conducted to explore the potential categories based on the characteristics of internalized weight bias and weight control beliefs.Univariate analysis and multiple-factor linear regression analysis were performed to explore influencing factors of potential categories and their effects on eating behaviors. Results A total of 518 subjects were included in this study.The internalized weight bias and weight control beliefs could be classified into three potential categories: low weight bias tolerance type(53.7%),medium weight bias persistence type(29.5%),and high weight bias overcritical type(16.8%).Logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index,unmarriage,and divorce were the influencing factors of the high weight bias overcritical type.The scores of non-control eating and emotional eating in medium weight bias persistence type and high weight bias overcritical type were higher than those in low weight bias tolerance type(all P<0.001). Conclusions The attitudes of Chinese women towards body weight can be categorized into low weight bias tolerance type,medium weight bias persistence type,and high weight bias overcritical type.The high weight bias overcritical type is characterized by high weight bias and high personal responsibility attribution,and it is closely associated with negative eating behaviors.A high body mass index,unmarriage,and divorce are high-risk factors for developing the high weight bias overcritical type.
Humans
;
Female
;
Feeding Behavior/psychology*
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Adult
;
Body Mass Index
;
Weight Loss
;
Body Weight
;
Body Image
;
Middle Aged
;
Weight Prejudice

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