1. Exploration and Practice of a Generative AI-assisted Four-dimensional Integration Platform of “Teaching, Learning, Evaluation, and Research” for The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Courses
Pan CHEN ; Yang XI ; Xiao-Feng JIN ; De-Sen SUN ; Qiang CHEN ; Jun-Ming GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):789-800
ObjectiveBiochemistry and Molecular Biology, a discipline that elucidates life phenomena at the molecular level, serves as a core foundational course in medical education. It provides the theoretical basis for studying other basic and clinical medical subjects, as well as for understanding pathogenesis, disease diagnosis, and treatment. However, its complex content and highly abstract concepts have posed a dual challenge to traditional teaching models: “inefficient instruction” and “inadequate learning outcomes”. Within limited classroom hours, how to engage students and stimulate their intrinsic motivation, and how to help them recognize, understand, and develop a passion for biochemistry from the perspective of the discipline’s essence, have long been key focuses of curriculum research. MethodsUsing the lipid metabolism chapter as an example, this study employs “Rain Classroom”, a generative artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform, to support education in four dimensions: teaching, learning, evaluation, and research. In teaching, it assists instructors through virtual experiments, lesson preparation support, knowledge mapping, and assignment design. For learning, it serves as an intelligent study assistant for students, providing automated assignment review, enabling educational resource sharing, and facilitating personalized learning pathways. In evaluation, the platform automates assignment grading, analyzes student performance data, and offers diagnostic feedback and teaching recommendations. In research, it aids educators in collecting and analyzing teaching data, as well as searching for and summarizing relevant literature. ResultsThe results indicate that an educational model integrating teacher-led instruction, student-centered learning, and generative AI assistance significantly enhances teaching quality, students’ self-directed learning abilities, and knowledge mastery. Furthermore, with the support of generative AI, curriculum-based ideological education—focusing on cutting-edge disciplinary advances and topical medical issues—helps cultivate students’ medical spirit of “honoring life and healing the wounded”, thereby fostering the establishment of appropriate professional values. Finally, while generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education, this study also analyzes potential risks in its teaching applications, emphasizing the need for both instructors and students to avoid over-reliance and to ensure that technological tools consistently serve the fundamental goals of education. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that integrating generative AI, specifically via the “Rain Classroom” platform, can effectively enhance biochemistry education. By supporting teaching, learning, evaluation, and research, this approach improves both educational effectiveness and student outcomes. It also facilitates the incorporation of cutting-edge knowledge and professional ethics, nurturing a patient-centered mindset. Additionally, the study addresses potential implementation risks to ensure that such technological tools remain aligned with the core purpose of education.
2.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
3.SIRT5 Potentiates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Modulating Protein Acylation in Mice
Yu ZHANG ; Feng-Rui REN ; Jia-Yun LI ; Xiang-Yu CHEN ; Zi-Yi WANG ; Qi SUN ; Jun-Cheng ZHAO ; Ye ZHANG ; Zhen HUANG ; Hao HU ; Tao-Tao WEI ; Min XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1712-1722
ObjectiveHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 90% of all primary liver cancers. The main risk factors associated with HCC include viral hepatitis (B and/or C), alcohol abuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which progressively advance to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately evolve into HCC. Surgical resection represents the most effective treatment for HCC, while recent advances in immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell therapies, have provided improved treatment prospects for patients with unresectable HCC. However, the complex metabolic heterogeneity of HCC limits the therapeutic efficacy. Metabolic intermediates acyl-CoA not only provide energy and substrates for numerous biochemical reactions but also serve as donors for protein lysine acylation, a major class of post-translational modification (PTM). Therefore, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying protein lysine acylation and hepatocarcinogenesis is urgently needed. MethodsThe levels of protein lysine acylation and silence information regulator 5 (SIRT5) expression levels in clinical HCC samples were analyzed by Western blot. Quantitative malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples were analyzed by antibody-based affinity enrichment coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The proliferation of HCC cells was analyzed with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, the apoptosis was quantified by Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) staining coupled with flow cytometry, and the ability of cells to migrate was assayed by Transwell assays. The enzymatic activity of glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) was quantified. Transgenic mice with hepatic overexpression of SIRT5 were constructed using CRISPR-Cas9, and primary hepatocarcinogenesis was induced by administration of diethylnitrosamine. ResultsWestern blot analysis indicated that the expression level of SIRT5 was elevated in clinical samples from HCC patients, and the levels of lysine malonylation, glutarylation, and succinylation were significantly reduced in HCC tissues. Knockout of SIRT5 in MHCC-97H and MHCC-97L hepatoma cells suppressed cell proliferation, and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells significantly. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of the differentially malonylome and succinylome of HCC samples revealed significant enrichment in two major classes of biological processes: core energy metabolism (e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, tricarboxylic acid metabolic process, fatty acid beta oxidation) and detoxification and oxidative stress response (e.g., response to toxic substance, chemical carcinogenesis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)). SIRT5 removes malonylation from lysine residues in GSTM1 and restores its detoxification activity, which is crucial for the survival of hepatocytes under stressed conditions. More importantly, in vivo experiment indicated that hepatic-specific overexpression of SIRT5 in mice accelerated diethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis, indicating the critical role of SIRT5 in HCC progression. ConclusionThis study highlights the previously unrecognized SIRT5-GSTM1 axis as a key regulator in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggests a potential target for the treatment of patients with HCC.
4.Epidemiological investigation of a cluster of rural severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome cases and tick ecological monitoring results in Zibo City
Jun DU ; Ai-min FENG ; Bao-qiang CUI ; Tao SUN ; Yi-chuan YANG ; Yan-dong WANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):128-133
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of a clustered outbreak of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)as well as the ecological tick monitoring results for Zibo City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies. Methods A case definition was cited before epidemic investigations were performed. Epidemiological investigations were performed on the index cases and their close contacts. Blood samples were collected from cases and close contacts, and quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to detect SFTS virus(SFTSV)nucleic acid sequences. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze risk factors and develop prevention and control strategies. Results This clustered outbreak involved two index cases and six close contacts with no deaths. Case A exhibited symptom onset on July 26. SFTS was confirmed on August 2. Case B exhibited symptom onset on August 1, and SFTS was confirmed on August 3. Patient B reported a recent history of tick bites. In both index cases, the incubation period for SFTS was inferred to be 7-12 days. The time interval from symptom onset to clinical diagnosis in the two cases ranged from 2-8 days, with an average period of 5 days. SFTSV nucleic acid test result were positive for both patients, whereas all six close contacts tested negative. All captured ticks tested negative for SFTSV using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. The densities of parasitic and free-living ticks in the emergency monitoring area around the cases were 12.60 and 4.65 ticks/(flag·100 m). In 2024, the average parasitic tick index and free-living tick density index were 4.21 and 2.43 ticks/(flag ·100 m)in Yiyuan County, respectively. Conclusions No evidence of human-to-human transmission was found in the assessed SFTS clusters. The infections were likely acquired through tick bites during fieldwork, and the risk of a subsequent outbreak spreading was low.
5.Expert consensus on basic public services for vision health management of primary and secondary school students
YANG Lihua , WU Xi, TAO Shuman, YAO Jun, WU Fengbo, LIU Fangli, MA Yinghua, FENG Zhanchun, SUN Renbiao, LIU Dongru, CHEN Qiusheng, CHEN Jie, YU Yizhen, ZHANG Mingchang, WU Xiaoyan, DU Yukai, LI Xiaoqing, LI Li, WU Xixi, JIN Xiaoqin, XU Ting, WU Mengjia, TANG Jia, Society of Student Vision Health Management of Chinese Health Association, Vision Health Branch of Chinese Association for Student Nutrition & ; Health Promotion
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1069-1074
Abstract
To clarify the service targets, service contents, and safeguard mechanisms of the basic public service program for student vision health management, the study grounded in the current status of child and adolescent myopia prevention and control in China and integrated with the practical experience and innovative practices of Wuhan National Demonstration Area for Student Vision Health Management, takes education as the main thread and schools as the base, consolidating resources from multiple stakeholders including education administrative departments, schools, families, and professional technical service institutions. Centering on four core components—vision health education, monitoring and record keeping, risk prevention and control, and dynamic management, the study constructs a multi tiered basic public service system for vision health management of primary and secondary school students. It further proposes the use of an intelligent management platform and a "three tier color coded early warning" mechanism (red, yellow, blue) to prevent and control student myopia at the source, providing schools with replicable and operable implementation pathways to enhance the level of student vision health management.
6.Protective Effect of Xuebijing on Lung Injury in Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis by Blocking FPRs/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway
Guixian ZHANG ; Dawei LIU ; Xia LI ; Xijing LI ; Pengcheng SHI ; Zhiqiao FENG ; Jun CAI ; Wenhui ZONG ; Xiumei ZHAO ; Hongbin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):113-120
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on severe acute pancreatitis induced acute lung injury (SAP-ALI) by regulating formyl peptide receptors (FPRs)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a SAP-ALI model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose XBJ groups (4, 8, and 12 mL·kg-1), and a positive drug (BOC2, 0.2 mg·kg-1) group. For the sham group, the pancreas of rats was only gently flipped after laparotomy, and then the abdomen was closed, while for the remaining five groups, SAP-ALI rat models were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate (Na-Tc) via the biliopancreatic duct. XBJ and BOC2 were administered via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 d prior to modeling and 0.5 h after modeling. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 6 h after the completion of modeling, and the expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The amount of ascites was measured, and the dry-wet weight ratios of pancreatic and lung tissue were determined. Pancreatic and lung tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe pathological changes and then scored. The protein expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue were detected by the immunohistochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the SAP-ALI model group showed significantly decreased dry-wet weight ratio of lung tissue (P<0.01), serious pathological changes of lung tissue, a significantly increased pathological score (P<0.01), and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of FPR1, FPR2, and NLRP3 in lung tissue (P<0.01). After BOC2 intervention, the above detection indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.01). After treatment with XBJ, the groups of different XBJ doses achieved results consistent with BOC2 intervention. ConclusionXBJ can effectively improve the inflammatory response of the lungs in SAP-ALI rats and reduce damage. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of FPRs and NLRP3 in lung tissue, which thereby reduces IL-1β and simultaneously antagonize the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.
7.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
8.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
9.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
10.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.


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