1.Facilitators and barriers to work-related musculoskeletal disorder prevention behaviors among healthcare professionals: A comprehensive review
Haijing MA ; Su’e YUAN ; Hui ZHU ; Yujia CHEN ; Ping SONG ; Huiqin YU ; Yunxia LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(3):387-394
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) represent a significant occupational health challenge among healthcare professionals globally, posing substantial threats to physical and mental well-being as well as work sustainability. Adopting preventive behaviors—including ergonomic postural adjustments, optimized work-rest scheduling, proper use of protective and assistive equipment, and regular physical activity—is essential for mitigating the risk of WMSDs. Guided by the social ecological model, the review synthesized current evidence on the determinants of WMSDs preventive behaviors across four levels: intrapersonal characteristics, work environment conditions, interpersonal support, and policy/institutional factors. The findings suggest that higher educational attainment, favorable health-related behavioral patterns, optimized ergonomic work environments, adoption of supportive collaborative systems, strong organizational support, as well as policy safeguards facilitate preventive behavior adoption. Conversely, limited prevention-related knowledge, low risk perception, insufficient physical activity, excessive workload, lack of appropriate protective equipment, inadequate ergonomic training, a prevailing culture of presenteeism, and inadequate policy implementation constitute significant barriers. Multi-dimensional intervention strategies targeting these determinants are warranted to enhance preventive behaviors, reduce the risk of WMSDs, and strengthen occupational health protection for healthcare professionals.
2.From setting to vetting: using artificial intelligence for Single Best Answer questions review
Olivia NG ; Siew Ping HAN ; Magdalene Hui Min LEE ; Dong Haur PHUA
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2026;38(1):10-14
Purpose:
Maintaining the quality of Single Best Answer (SBA) questions remains a challenge in medical education, especially as artificial intelligence (AI)-generated items become more common. While considerable attention has been paid to AI question generation, the vetting process is under-explored and difficult to scale.
Methods:
This study investigates the feasibility and reliability of using a large language model to support the vetting of SBA questions. An AI-based reviewer, QA-bot, was developed using custom GPT and embedded with 25 criteria aligned with Bloom’s taxonomy (Levels 1–3). QA-bot and two experienced educators independently evaluated 32 AI-generated SBA questions using the shared evaluation rubric.
Results:
The rubric showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.878), and strong inter-rater reliability between human reviewers (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]=0.893). QA-bot demonstrated good alignment with human raters (ICC=0.861 and 0.840). While the AI performed well on objective, rule-based criteria, it was less consistent in detecting irrelevant complexity and accurately judging difficulty.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that AI can function as an efficient first-pass reviewer, improving consistency and reducing workload, with human oversight remaining essential for educational and clinical relevance.
3.Endoscopic full-thickness resection for the treatment of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Bao-Hui SONG ; Jiashaer BAHETINUER ; Yun-Shi ZHONG ; Hon Chi YIP ; Ping-Hong ZHOU ; Ming-Yan CAI
Clinical Endoscopy 2026;59(1):9-20
Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a minimally invasive technique that is increasingly used for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) originating from the muscularis propria. Despite its advantages over conventional surgery, such as complete tumor resection and faster recovery, EFTR faces challenges related to its efficacy, safety, and feasibility, particularly in gastric GISTs. By summarizing the literature published over the past decade, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical outcomes of EFTR and the evolution of defect closure devices.
4.Construction of A Survival Prediction Model for Immunotherapy in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Based on PD-L1 Expression Combined with Nutritional Status Score
Jinhua LI ; Ping QI ; Jili MA ; Yaxia LYU ; Caihong FU ; Longxia ZHANG ; Hui QIAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(6):457-466
Objective To analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing immunotherapy and construct an individualized prognostic nomogram prediction model. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 385 patients with driver gene-negative, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who received first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify prognostic risk factors, and a prognostic nomogram model was established. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC), and calibration curves. The cutoff value of the nomogram was calculated to stratify patients by risk. Survival curves were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Age (HR=1.775, 95%CI: 1.265-2.490), degree of differentiation (HR=0.365, 95%CI: 0.257-0.519), low PD-L1 expression (HR=0.661, 95%CI: 0.455-0.960), high PD-L1 expression (HR=0.423, 95%CI: 0.297-0.603), SCC-Ag (HR=1.549, 95%CI: 1.109-2.163), and CONUT score (HR=2.527, 95%CI: 1.797-3.554) were independent risk factors affecting overall survival (OS) of patients with NSCLC undergoing immunotherapy. The nomogram prediction model constructed on the basis of these factors had a C-index of 0.767. Time-dependent ROC curves for survival showed that the AUCs for 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS were 0.830, 0.853, and 0.886, respectively. Calibration curves indicated that the nomogram-predicted survival rates were in good agreement with the actual outcomes. The cutoff value for the study’s nomogram prediction model was 136.60 points, and survival curves showed statistically significant differences between different risk groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The nomogram model established in this study can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with driver gene-negative locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC treated with first-line immunosuppressive therapy. It provides a new tool for assessing prognosis and aids clinicians in formulating individualized treatment plans.
5.Research on the role of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Jing TANG ; Ping QIU ; Renjie CHEN ; Yaqing LIU ; Hui LIU ; Yu LIU ; Liwen CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):819-826
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) in promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells and the underlying signaling mechanisms. MethodsThe expression level of DHCR7 in lung adenocarcinoma and its prognosis were analyzed by using public databases. DHCR7 protein expression levels in the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines H1299 and A549 were assessed by Western blot, using the normal lung epithelial cell line BEAS-2B as a control. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down DHCR7 expression in H1299 and A549 cells. Assays including colony formation, CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell experiments were conducted to assess the proliferation, migration, and invasion of the knockdown cells. Next, Western blot was employed to assess the phosphorylation levels of key signaling molecules in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3),mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway (MAPK/ERK) (p-AKT, p-STAT3, p-ERK). ResultsBioinformatics results indicated that both DHCR7 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma compared with normal tissues adjacent to cancer. Furthermore, higher DHCR7 mRNA level was associated with poor prognosis (P<0.001). The expression levels of DHCR7 were significantly higher in both H1299 and A549 cells than that in BEAS-2B cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with si-control, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of si-DHCR7 H1299 and A549 cells significantly decreased. Among the phosphorylated signaling molecules detected, p-ERK was significantly downregulated (P<0.000 1, P<0.01) whereas p-AKT and p-STAT3 levels were not significantly changed. ConclusionDHCR7 has prominent effects in promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells, and the underlying mechanisms are related to the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
6.Differences in arousal threshold among obstructive sleep apnea patients of different genetic backgrounds and influencing factors
Rui ZHAO ; Ping YAO ; Zhiqiang ZHANG ; Zhiguo GUO ; Minqi XIE ; Hui DANG ; Yanrong JIA ; Jing CHENG ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(3):240-245
BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents a prevalent sleep disordered breathing condition characterized by complex pathophysiology. The arousal threshold (ArTH), a core non-anatomical contributor to OSA pathogenesis, is intimately tied to the disease severity and clinical phenotypes. To date, research regarding factors associated with ArTH has yielded inconsistent findings, and ArTH profiles and disparities across populations with different genetic backgrounds are not fully elucidated. ObjectiveTo explore the differences of ArTH in OSA patients with different genetic backgrounds and analyze the key factors affecting ArTH, thereby providing evidence for understanding OSA pathophysiology and formulating targeted treatment regimens. MethodsA total of 285 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for OSA, as defined by the Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea, were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All participants underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) at the Sleep Medicine Center of Inner Mongolia Mental Health Center from December 2022 to May 2024. Based on the study design, the cohort was stratified into two distinct genetic background subgroups (group A and group B). Demographic and clinical characteristics, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score, and overnight PSG data were collected. The apnea hypopnea index (AHI), the lowest pulse oxygen saturation (LSpO2), and fraction of hypopneas (FHypopneas) were utilized as surrogate indicators to estimate ArTH in OSA patients. The influencing factors of low ArTH were tested by binary Logistic regression analysis. ResultsAmong the 285 OSA patients, there were 227 cases (79.65%) in group A and 58 cases (20.35%) in group B. Comparisons between the two genetic background subgroups revealed no statistically significant differences in the proportion of low ArTH, ESS score, PSG parameters, and the three markers for low ArTH (AHI<30 events/h, LSpO2>82.5%, FHypopneas>58.3%) (P>0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis identified sex (OR=2.421, 95% CI: 1.070–5.478), BMI (OR=0.847, 95% CI: 0.770–0.932), N1 sleep duration (OR=0.974, 95% CI: 0.963–0.985), and hypertension (OR=0.348, 95% CI: 0.143–0.848) as independent factors associated with low ArTH in the total cohort. Stratified analysis by genetic backgrounds revealed that sex(OR=3.799, 95% CI: 1.389–10.392), BMI(OR=0.819, 95% CI:0.723–0.929), and N1 sleep duration(OR=0.973, 95% CI: 0.961–0.986) were independent factors of low ArTH in group A. In contrast, only N1 sleep duration (OR=0.951, 95% CI: 0.911–0.993) remained a significant factor in group B. ConclusionArthur may have conservative characteristics in patients with OSA with different genetic backgrounds, but the pathophysiological mechanism of OSA may have population heterogeneity. [Funded by Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Natural Science Fundation Project (number, 2024QN08050); Intra-institutional Scientific Research Project of Inner Mongolia Mental Health Center (number, 2022QNWN0010)]
7.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
8.Association Between Vitamin D Status and Insulin Resistance in Adolescents: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Xiaoyuan GUO ; Yutong WANG ; Zhibo ZHOU ; Shi CHEN ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Kai YANG ; Hongbo YANG ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):577-583
To investigate the correlation between vitamin D nutritional status and insulin resistance in pubertal adolescents. This cross-sectional observational study employed convenience sampling to recruit 2021-grade(8th grade) students from Jining No.7 Middle School in Shandong Province on June 5, 2023. Data collection included questionnaires, physical examinations, and imaging assessments to obtain general information, secondary sexual characteristics development, and bone age. Venous blood samples were collected to measure fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] levels. Spearman correlation analysis and multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations between serum vitamin D levels and FBG, FINS, and HOMA-IR. The study included 168 pubertal adolescents[69 females(41.1%), 99 males(58.9%); mean age(13.27±0.46) years]. All participants had entered puberty based on sexual development assessment. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 41 participants(24.4%), insufficiency in 109(64.9%), and sufficiency in 18(10.7%). The median HOMA-IR was 3.49(2.57, 5.14).Significant differences were found across vitamin D status groups for HOMA-IR [4.45(2.54, 6.62) Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is prevalent among pubertal adolescents, and serum vitamin D levels show a significant inverse association with insulin resistance. These findings suggest the potential importance of vitamin D status in metabolic health during puberty.
9.Body Composition Profiles and Associated Factors in Adolescents UndergoingLong-term Regular Exercise
Yutong WANG ; Xiaoyuan GUO ; Hanze DU ; Hui PAN ; Wei WANG ; Mei ZHANG ; Bo BAN ; Ping LI ; Xinran ZHANG ; Qiuping ZHANG ; Hongshuang SUN ; Rong LI ; Shi CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):591-597
To investigate body composition and associated factors in adolescents undergoing long-term regular sports training. This prospective longitudinal cohort study employed convenience sampling to recruit adolescents receiving structured athletic training at Jining Sports Training Center in June 2023. Baseline measurements included height, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Questionnaires assessed sleep duration, screen time, and household income. Follow-up measurements in June 2024 repeated these assessments while adding bioelectrical impedance analysis for body composition (lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage). Linear regression models examined associations between training type (direct-contact vs. non-contact sports) and follow-up body fat percentage, BMI, and waist circumference as dependent variables, adjusting for covariates. The study included 110 adolescents (39 female, 71 male) with median age 13.21 years (IQR: 12.46-14.33). Participants comprised 65 direct-contact and 45 non-contact athletes. Baseline prevalence rates were 27.27% for overweight/obesity, 24.55% for elevated waist circumference, and 16.36% for elevated blood pressure. At follow-up, corresponding rates were 24.55%, 26.36%, and 13.64% respectively. The elevated blood pressure subgroup showed significantly higher waist circumference ( Despite regular athletic training, substantial proportions of adolescents exhibited overweight/obesity, abdominal obesity, and elevated blood pressure, warranting clinical attention. Training modality appears to influence body composition changes, with direct-contact sports associated with more favorable adiposity-related outcomes.
10.Application of CRISPR/Cas System in Precision Medicine for Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Hui-Ling LIN ; Yu-Xin OUYANG ; Wan-Ying TANG ; Mi HU ; Mao PENG ; Ping-Ping HE ; Xin-Ping OUYANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):279-289
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a distinctive subtype, characterized by the absence of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Due to its high inter-tumor and intra-tumor heterogeneity, TNBC poses significant chanllenges for personalized diagnosis and treatment. The advant of clustered regular interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology has profoundly enhanced our understanding of the structure and function of the TNBC genome, providing a powerful tool for investigating the occurrence and development of diseases. This review focuses on the application of CRISPR/Cas technology in the personalized diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. We begin by discussing the unique attributes of TNBC and the limitations of current diagnostic and treatment approaches: conventional diagnostic methods provide limited insights into TNBC, while traditional chemotherapy drugs are often associated with low efficacy and severe side effects. The CRISPR/Cas system, which activates Cas enzymes through complementary guide RNAs (gRNAs) to selectively degrade specific nucleic acids, has emerged as a robust tool for TNBC research. This technology enables precise gene editing, allowing for a deeper understanding of TNBC heterogeneity by marking and tracking diverse cell clones. Additionally, CRISPR facilitates high-throughput screening to promptly identify genes involved in TNBC growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, thus revealing new therapeutic targets and strategies. In TNBC diagnostics, CRISPR/Cas was applied to develop molecular diagnostic systems based on Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13, each employing distinct detection principles. These systems can sensitively and specifically detect a variety of TNBC biomarkers, including cell-specific DNA/RNA and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). In the realm of precision therapy, CRISPR/Cas has been utilized to identify key genes implicated in TNBC progression and treatment resistance. CRISPR-based screening has uncovered potential therapeutic targets, while its gene-editing capabilities have facilitated the development of combination therapies with traditional chemotherapy drugs, enhancing their efficacy. Despite its promise, the clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas technology remains in its early stages. Several clinical trials are underway to assess its safety and efficacy in the treatment of various genetic diseases and cancers. Challenges such as off-target effects, editing efficiency, and delivery methods remain to be addressed. The integration of CRISPR/Cas with other technologies, such as 3D cell culture systems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to further advance precision medicine for TNBC. These technological convergences can offer deeper insights into disease mechanisms and facilitate the development of personalized treatment strategies. In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas system holds immense potential in the precise diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. As the technology progresses and becomes more costs-effective, its clinical relevance will grow, and the translation of CRISPR/Cas system data into clinical applications will pave the way for optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for TNBC patients. However, technical hurdles and ethical considerations require ongoing research and regulation to ensure safety and efficacy.

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