1.Gestational Age and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Children at Early Preschool Age: A Longitudinal Multidomain Logistic Modeling Study
Ji Na YANG ; Ye Kyeng SEO ; Dong Hyun KIM ; Nam Hun HEO ; Soo A KIM ; Jun Hwan SONG ; Seung Soo KIM
Annals of Child Neurology 2026;34(2):109-119
Purpose:
Preterm birth remains a leading cause of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, yet early evaluations frequently underestimate subsequent deficits. This study examined longitudinal neurodevelopmental trajectories across gestational age groups and identified predictors of developmental delay.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort of 532 preterm children, stratified by gestational age, was followed from the neonatal period to early preschool age. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Korean version of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 8–12 months (n=481), 13–24 months (n=118), and 25–42 months (n=100). Longitudinal trajectories were analyzed using general linear models, and predictors of developmental delay were identified through multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
During the first year, motor scores differed significantly across gestational age groups, with extremely preterm infants showing the lowest values. By the third to fourth years of life, cognitive and language scores diverged markedly, with extremely preterm children exhibiting the steepest decline and additional deficits in motor and adaptive behavior domains. Lower gestational age remained an independent predictor of both cognitive and language delay at early preschool age, while no independent predictors were identified for motor, social-emotional, or adaptive behavior outcomes.
Conclusion
Neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children follow dynamic, domain-specific trajectories influenced by gestational age and developmental timing. Motor delays are most evident in infancy, whereas cognitive and language impairments emerge by early preschool age. Gestational age remains a consistent predictor of later delay, emphasizing the need for longitudinal, gestational age–stratified monitoring and early, targeted intervention.
2.The SMAD-Pathway Mediates HMGB1-Induced Proliferation and Metastatic Progression in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
De-De LIAN ; Xue Mei LI ; Yu-Xi JIA ; Ming-Wei ZHOU ; Xiang-Ru CHEN ; Yang-Yang TIAN ; Min LI ; Ming-Hui SUN ; Ye ZHAO ; Hong-Jun LI ; Qing-Ling ZHANG
Annals of Dermatology 2026;38(1):51-58
Background:
High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context.
Objective:
This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Methods:
We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration.
Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT.
Conclusion
These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.
3.Germline Mutations Related to Complete Remission After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Jee Hyun AHN ; Ji Soo PARK ; Dongju WON ; Seung-Tae LEE ; Suk Jun LEE ; Seung Hye YANG ; Jee Ye KIM ; Seho PARK ; Seung Il KIM ; Byeong-Woo PARK ; Min Hwan KIM ; Gun Min KIM ; Joohyuk SOHN ; Hyung Seok PARK
Journal of Breast Cancer 2026;29(2):118-127
Purpose:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a frequent phenotype of BRCA-mutanttumors. Tumors with BRCAness may show characteristics of BRCA-mutant tumors and respond to similar treatments. Next-generation sequencing is an efficient and cost-effective method for simultaneously sequencing multiple cancer susceptibility genes, surpassing conventional Sanger testing.
Methods:
A total of 148 women with TNBC were recruited from December 2015 to November 2018, as part of a sub-analysis based on the PEARLY trial data. Of them, 103 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). The targeted genes related to hereditary cancers were sequenced using the 65-gene germline next-generation sequencing (gNGS) panel pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants (P&LPs) were determined by Sanger sequencing. We examined the occurrence of pathologic complete remission (ypCR) in patients with P&LPs.
Results:
The patients’ median age was 47 years (range, 27–69 years). Twenty (13.7%) of 148 patients had P&LP in six genes, including BARD1 (n = 2), BRCA1 (n = 9), BRCA2 (n = 5), CHEK2 (n = 1), RAD51C (n = 1), and RAD51D (n = 2). Among the 103 patients with NCT, 43 (41.7%) achieved ypCR (P&LPs; 9 individuals vs. non-variants; 34 individuals). Among the 103 patients with NCT, 14 (9.3%) had P&LPs. Nine of 14 patients with P&LPs, including BARD1 (n = 2), BRCA1 (n = 4), BRCA2 (n = 1), RAD51C (n = 1), and RAD51D (n = 1), achieved ypCR, showing a trend toward statistical significance (p = 0.066).
Conclusion
Germline P&LP mutations in TNBC patients can be detected by gNGS. This panel test can identify BRCA and BRCAness mutations that may predict ypCR in TNBC.
4.An analysis of clinical pharmacist training bases and pharmacist staffing status based on field research
Liang HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Jing BIAN ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Ping ZHENG ; Rui YANG ; Jun YANG ; Yangui XU ; Jin LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1661-1666
OBJECTIVE To clarify the current development status of clinical pharmacist training bases and the pharmacist workforce in China, and to provide evidence for standardizing base construction and promoting the high-quality development of hospital pharmacy. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to all clinical pharmacist training bases for urgently-needed health professionals and clinical pharmacist training bases under the Chinese Hospital Association that had been approved by the end of 2023 to collect data including base profiles and pharmacist staffing conditions. Expert teams carried out field investigations to verify the collected data. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantity, type and regional distribution of training bases, and the influencing factors of pharmacist staffing in the bases were analyzed. RESULTS Field surveys were completed covering 297 training bases across 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Among the base hospitals, 87.88% were Grade A tertiary general hospitals, and 65.32% were located in provincial capitals. The eastern region had the largest number of bases (136, accounting for 45.79%), followed by the western region (79, 26.60%). Great disparities existed among provinces in terms of base quantity and hospital scale. The median proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel in base hospitals was 4.05%, and the median number of clinical pharmacists per 100 hospital beds was 0.53. Both indicators reached the highest in the eastern region (0.57, 4.43%) and the lowest in the northeastern region (0.45, 3.01%). A total of 3 627 full-time clinical pharmacists were employed in all surveyed bases, among whom 83.68% held clinical pharmacist training certificates, 35.43% possessed senior professional titles, and 78.19% had postgraduate or higher educational background. The total annual training capacity of the surveyed bases was 4 291 trainees, with obvious differences in annual training capacity across regions and provinces. Training specialties covered 19 specialized disciplines plus one general discipline, and no province could deliver training for all 20 specialties simultaneously. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that geographic region exerte d a significant impact on the proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel (≥4%) ( P <0.05), while the approval time of training bases and hospital scale had significant effects on the number of clinical pharmacists per 100 beds (≥0.6) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS China’s clinical pharmacist training system has basically matured and taken initial shape. The distribution of clinical pharmacist training resources is generally consistent with regional population and economic development levels. However, the allocation of pharmaceutical staff and clinical pharmacists has not yet met national standards and clinical service demands.
5.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
6.An analysis of clinical pharmacist training bases and pharmacist staffing status based on field research
Liang HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Jing BIAN ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Ping ZHENG ; Rui YANG ; Jun YANG ; Yangui XU ; Jin LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1661-1666
OBJECTIVE To clarify the current development status of clinical pharmacist training bases and the pharmacist workforce in China, and to provide evidence for standardizing base construction and promoting the high-quality development of hospital pharmacy. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to all clinical pharmacist training bases for urgently-needed health professionals and clinical pharmacist training bases under the Chinese Hospital Association that had been approved by the end of 2023 to collect data including base profiles and pharmacist staffing conditions. Expert teams carried out field investigations to verify the collected data. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantity, type and regional distribution of training bases, and the influencing factors of pharmacist staffing in the bases were analyzed. RESULTS Field surveys were completed covering 297 training bases across 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Among the base hospitals, 87.88% were Grade A tertiary general hospitals, and 65.32% were located in provincial capitals. The eastern region had the largest number of bases (136, accounting for 45.79%), followed by the western region (79, 26.60%). Great disparities existed among provinces in terms of base quantity and hospital scale. The median proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel in base hospitals was 4.05%, and the median number of clinical pharmacists per 100 hospital beds was 0.53. Both indicators reached the highest in the eastern region (0.57, 4.43%) and the lowest in the northeastern region (0.45, 3.01%). A total of 3 627 full-time clinical pharmacists were employed in all surveyed bases, among whom 83.68% held clinical pharmacist training certificates, 35.43% possessed senior professional titles, and 78.19% had postgraduate or higher educational background. The total annual training capacity of the surveyed bases was 4 291 trainees, with obvious differences in annual training capacity across regions and provinces. Training specialties covered 19 specialized disciplines plus one general discipline, and no province could deliver training for all 20 specialties simultaneously. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that geographic region exerte d a significant impact on the proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel (≥4%) ( P <0.05), while the approval time of training bases and hospital scale had significant effects on the number of clinical pharmacists per 100 beds (≥0.6) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS China’s clinical pharmacist training system has basically matured and taken initial shape. The distribution of clinical pharmacist training resources is generally consistent with regional population and economic development levels. However, the allocation of pharmaceutical staff and clinical pharmacists has not yet met national standards and clinical service demands.
7.Study on the current status of quality management of clinical pharmacist training bases in China
Ping ZHENG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Yangui XU ; Liang HUANG ; Jing BIAN ; Jin LU ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Jun YANG ; Rui YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1826-1831
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of quality management in clinical pharmacist training bases in China, and to provide references for the standardized development and improvement of these bases. METHODS A combined approach of questionnaire survey and on-site investigation was adopted, targeting the healthcare highly sought-after talent (clinical pharmacist) training bases in 31 provinces of China as well as the clinical pharmacist training bases affiliated with the Chinese Hospital Association. A training quality management evaluation index system consisting of 25 tertiary indicators was established. Investigations were conducted from two dimensions: structural quality of training and quality management of training processes. Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. RESULTS On-site investigations were completed for 297 clinical pharmacist training bases across the 31 provinces, among which 284 were affiliated with the Chinese Hospital Association and 271 were healthcare highly sought-after talent (clinical pharmacist) training bases. In terms of structural quality, the core indicator compliance rate for hospital-level training systems exceeded 80%, the rate of special fund utilization for designated purposes reached 80.13%, and the overall compliance rate for software and hardware facilities surpassed 88%. A total of 1 348 preceptors were employed across the training bases, among whom those with senior professional titles and full-time specialist clinical pharmacists as lead preceptors accounted for 62.91% and 94.36%, respectively. Regarding process quality, the compliance rate for “establishment of clinical practice teaching groups in accordance with regulations during clinical department rotations” was 85.19%, and 79.80% and 76.09% of the bases were found to implement strict confidentiality in theoretical examinations and meet the required scale of assessment cases, respectively. However, formal documents of corresponding training management regulations were formulated in only 57.91% of the bases, and the completeness and standardization rate of training manual completion was merely 47.47%. In addition, considerable disparities in quality management levels were observed among provinces, with issues in training process quality being particularly prominent. CONCLUSIONS The management system, hardware facilities, and preceptor staffing of clinical pharmacist training bases in China are relatively well-established, yet notable variations in quality management exist among training bases across different provinces.
8.Development of a method for measuring complement C1s protein on platelet surface and its preliminary application
Jun YE ; Huimin LU ; Jianfeng ZHU ; Huilian HUA ; Xin XU ; Yili YANG ; Chao MENG ; Min SHA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2025;43(11):830-835
Objective To establish a flow cytometry method for detecting C1s protein on platelet surface and preliminarily explore its potential application value in the auxiliary diagnosis of primary immune thrombocytopenia(ITP).Methods C1s-conjugated 2 μm car-boxylated magnetic beads(C1s beads)were prepared and used as quality control particles.Fluorescein isothiocyanate(FITC)-labeled anti-C1s antibody was employed as the detection antibody to develop a flow cytometric assay for detecting C1s protein expression on platelets.The intra-assay and inter-assay precision,as well as the dilution linearity of the method,were evaluated.Subsequently,the expression levels of C1 s protein on the surface of platelets were compared among the ITP group,the non-ITP thrombocytopenia group,and the healthy control group.Results Light microscopy showed that both unconjugated carboxylated magnetic beads(blank beads)and C1s-conjugated beads were uniformly dispersed without aggregation.Under fluorescence microscopy,C1s beads exhibited strong yellow-green fluorescence,whereas the blank beads showed no fluorescence signal.The established flow cytometry assay exhibited ac-ceptable precision,with intra-assay coefficient of variation(CV)values of 7.02%,7.12%,and 3.91%for low,medium,and high con-centrations of C1s beads,respectively,and inter-assay CV values of 13.49%,6.15%,and 0.78%,respectively.The dilution linearity was satisfactory,coefficient of determination(R2)=0.998 8.Clinical sample testing revealed that the proportion of C1s-positive plate-lets in ITP group(2.56±0.79)%was significantly higher than that in healthy control group(0.23±0.18)%and the non-ITP thrombo-cytopenia control group(0.22±0.10)%,with statistically significant differences(both P<0.05).Conclusion This study successfully established a stable and reliable flow-cytometry method for quantifying C1s expression on platelet surface and preliminarily demonstrated that C1s expression is significantly elevated on platelets of ITP patients,suggesting that C1s could serve as a potential auxiliary diag-nostic marker for ITP.
9.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.
10.Mechanism of action of hispidulin on cervical cancer based on network pharmacology and in vitro cell experiments
Hui-jun MENG ; Wen-jie HUANG ; Xiao-tong YU ; Hai YANG ; Ye WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1367-1375
Aim To explore the mechanism of hispidu-lin in the treatment of cervical cancer by using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods and veri-fy it by in vitro experiments.Methods Cervical canc-er HeLa and SiHa cells were cultivated in vitro,and CCK-8 assay,cloning assay,scratch assay,transwell as-say,and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of hispidulin on cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and apoptosis.SwissTarget Prediction was used to ob-tain predicted targets for hispidulin.Potential targets for cervical cancer were screened in GeneCards disease database.R software Venn package was used to obtain the intersection target genes of hispidulin and cervical cancer,STRING website and Cytoscape software were used to obtain protein-protein interaction(PPI)net-work,and the core targets were screened.The GEIPA data analysis platform was employed to analyze the dif-ferential gene expression levels of core targets in cervi-cal cancer.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclo-pedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment a-nalysis were performed,and molecular docking was car-ried out on key targets.Western blot was used to detect the regulatory effects of hispidulin on the expression of key proteins PI3K,p-Akt,as well as core target pro-teins MMP9 and RARP1 in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Results Cell experiments showed that after treatment with hispidulin,the proliferation and colony formation abilities of HeLa and SiHa cells significantly decreased in a concentration-and time-dependent man-ner.At the same time,the lateral and longitudinal mi-gration and invasion abilities of HeLa cells decreased,and the level of apoptosis significantly increased.A to-tal of 87 intersection targets between hispidulin and cervical cancer were obtained,and eight core targets,namely,Akt1,EGFR,SRC,ESR1,PTGS2,GSK3β,MMP9,and PARP1,were selected based on the degree values in network topology analysis.KEGG enrichment screening identified PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,canc-er pathway,and other signaling pathways.The molecu-lar docking results showed that hispidulin had strong affinity activity with AktⅠ,P13K,MMP9,and RARP1.Western blot results showed downregulation of PI3K,p-Akt expression,as well as MMP9 and RARP1 expres-sion.Conclusions Hispidulin can inhibit the prolif-eration,migration,invasion,and promote apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by downregulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and the expression of MMP9 and RARP1.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail