1.Research progress on the association between food environment and obesity
JIA Menghan ; CHEN Pei ; LI Xin ; SUN Ling
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):43-47
Obesity is a multi-factorial disease involving genetics, individual behavior, socio-economic status, and environmental factors, and has become a global public health issue. The food environment, as an external factor amenable to direct intervention, affects the development of obesity by shaping individual food acquisition and consumption behaviors. The food environment refers to the physical and social environment where food is accessible, and can be assessed from dimensions such as availability, accessibility, and affordability through geographic information system spatial analysis, field surveys, commercial databases, and questionnaires. Studies indicate that the food environment can influence obesity through the spatial shaping effects of dietary structure and sociobehavioral pathways. A healthy food environment is negatively correlated with the risk of obesity, whereas an unhealthy food environment is positively correlated with the risk of obesity. This paper reviews studies related to the correlation between the food environment and obesity, covering the prevalence of obesity, the definition and assessment methods of the food environment, and the mechanisms by which the food environment affects obesity. It summarizes food environment intervention strategies centered on urban planning, policies and regulations, and community education to provide a reference for obesity prevention and control.
2.Effects and mechanism of short-acting exenatide on improving diabetic cognitive dysfunction
Xin LING ; Deming WANG ; Qi LU ; Jinyue HUANG ; Xian ZHENG ; Xiaona ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):589-594
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effect and mechanism of short-acting exenatide on diabetic cognitive dysfunction. METHODS Spontaneously diabetic db / db mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline) and exenatide group (50 μg/kg), with db / m mice as the normal control group (normal saline), with 8 mice in each group. Mice in each group were subcutaneously injected with corresponding drugs or normal saline twice daily for 8 consecutive weeks. Body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured at a fixed time every week. Cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze test. The levels of oxidative st ress indicators [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) ] , cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) were detected in hippocampus tissue of mice. The hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells of mice were divided into control group (25 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (125 mmol/L glucose), high glucose+exenatide group (125 mmol/L glucose+20 nmol/L exenatide), high glucose+exenatide+H89 (PKA inhibitor) group (125 mmol/L glucose+20 nmol/L exenatide+10 μmol/L H89), and high glucose+H89 group (125 mmol/L glucose+10 μmol/L H89). After 48 h of intervention with corresponding solutions/culture medium, the levels of oxidative stress indicators, cAMP and PKA, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes Ⅱ and Ⅳ, and the phosphorylation level of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were measured. RESULTS Animal experiments showed that compared with the normal control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased body weight, fasting blood glucose and MDA level in the hippocampus ( P <0.05), as well as significantly prolonged escape latency ( P <0.05); swimming speed significantly slowed down, the time spent in the target quadrant, the number of platform crossings, and the levels of SOD, GSH, cAMP and PKA in the hippocampus were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with model group, all the above indicators (except for swimming speed) in the exenatide group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). Cell experiments showed that compared with high glucose group, the high glucose+exenatide group had significantly decreased MDA level ( P <0.05), and significantly increased levels of SOD, GSH, cAMP and PKA, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes Ⅱ and Ⅳ, and phosphorylation level of Drp1 ( P <0.05). Compared with high glucose+exenatide group, the above indicators in the high glucose+exenatide+H89 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Short-acting exenatide can activate the cAMP/PKA pathway, promote Drp1 phosphorylation, and increase the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, thereby maintaining mitochondrial stability, reducing oxidative stress injury, and ultimately improving diabetic cognitive dysfunction.
3.Quality assessment of blood components prepared by an automatic whole blood processing system
Liu HE ; Xin JI ; Yuwei HU ; Ling FANG ; Haixia XU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):384-390
Objective: To compare the Reveos automated blood processing system with the current method, and to evaluate the feasibility and validity of using the Reveos system for blood component preparation. Methods: Forty units of 400 mL whole blood samples were divided into two groups: 2C group (for two-component preparation) and 3C group (for three-component preparation). Each group was further divided into a Reveos subgroup and a control subgroup. Blood components were prepared using the Reveos system and the current centrifugation method respectively. The 2C group yielded suspended red blood cells and plasma, while the 3C group yielded suspended red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Key quality indicators for red blood cells, plasma, and platelets were measured before and after separation. Inter-group differences were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results: The trend of changes in the main performance indicators of red blood cells, plasma, and platelets before and after separation was generally consistent between the Reveos group and the control group, with no significant differences for most performance indicators. The Reveos system outperformed the current method in several aspects: in the 3C group, the hematocrit (Hct) was significantly higher in the Reveos group than in the control group [(62.82%±1.64%) vs (53.62%±3.04)%, P<0.001]; the white blood cell count in red blood cell suspensions was significantly lower than that in the control group [(3.37±1.42)×10
/L vs (8.42±2.30)×10
/L, P<0.001]; plasma yield was 27.5% higher than that in the control group [(183.90±17.37) mL vs (144.28±20.53) mL, P<0.001]; and the platelet activation rate was significantly lower than that in the control group [(21.97±14.25)% vs (34.73±11.92)%, P=0.044]. Conclusion: The Reveos system demonstrates good consistency with the current method in preparing blood components, and outperforms the current method in terms of leukocyte reduction and red blood cell concentration.
4.More than 130 years of breast cancer surgery and clinical practice in China
Yinhua LIU ; Ling XIN ; Yixuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):16-20
It has been 131 years since Halsted reported radical mastectomy to treat breast cancer in 1894. The concept of “R0 resection” as the most important treatment strategy has significantly contributed to improving the survival rate of patients with breast cancer. With deep understanding of the mechanism of tumorigenesis and advancements in systematic treatment since the 20th century,modified radical mastectomy proposed by Patey and Auchincloss,aimed to improve quality of life,replaced radical mastectomy and became the mainstream surgery for breast cancer. Based on NSABP-B06 trial,the 2025 St. Gallen consensus persisted in the principle of preserving breast-conserving surgery whenever possible. Additionally,the guidelines recommend axillary lymph node dissection can be omitted in patients with negative sentinel lymph nodes,supported by high-level evidence. The AJCC Cancer Staging System (8th Edition) showed the evaluation of breast cancer burden has transcended TNM stage,leading to the level of detecting microscopic tumor burden. Pathological test is no longer limited to pathomorphology, instead,immunohistochemistry,molecular pathology testing,and next-generation sequencing technologies have laid a scientific foundation for categorized treatment of breast cancer. The evolution of breast cancer surgery is undergoing a shift from “maximal resection” to “minimal effective treatment” de-escalation. On this basis,promoting the standardization and homogenization of breast surgery suited to China′s national conditions is the common goal of breast surgeons at this stage.
5.More than 130 years of breast cancer surgery and clinical practice in China
Yinhua LIU ; Ling XIN ; Yixuan SONG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):16-20
It has been 131 years since Halsted reported radical mastectomy to treat breast cancer in 1894. The concept of “R0 resection” as the most important treatment strategy has significantly contributed to improving the survival rate of patients with breast cancer. With deep understanding of the mechanism of tumorigenesis and advancements in systematic treatment since the 20th century,modified radical mastectomy proposed by Patey and Auchincloss,aimed to improve quality of life,replaced radical mastectomy and became the mainstream surgery for breast cancer. Based on NSABP-B06 trial,the 2025 St. Gallen consensus persisted in the principle of preserving breast-conserving surgery whenever possible. Additionally,the guidelines recommend axillary lymph node dissection can be omitted in patients with negative sentinel lymph nodes,supported by high-level evidence. The AJCC Cancer Staging System (8th Edition) showed the evaluation of breast cancer burden has transcended TNM stage,leading to the level of detecting microscopic tumor burden. Pathological test is no longer limited to pathomorphology, instead,immunohistochemistry,molecular pathology testing,and next-generation sequencing technologies have laid a scientific foundation for categorized treatment of breast cancer. The evolution of breast cancer surgery is undergoing a shift from “maximal resection” to “minimal effective treatment” de-escalation. On this basis,promoting the standardization and homogenization of breast surgery suited to China′s national conditions is the common goal of breast surgeons at this stage.
6.Differential Analysis on Chemical Composition and Pharmacodynamic Effect Between Combined Decoction and Single Decoction of Famous Classical Formula Huaganjian
Yang WANG ; Gaoju ZHANG ; Ling LI ; Liping CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Xiao LIU ; Yuyu ZHANG ; Yuan CUI ; Minglong LI ; Chaomei FU ; Xin YAN ; Yuxin HE ; Qin DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):199-207
ObjectiveThrough qualitatively and quantitatively analysis of the differences in chemical composition between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian and comparison of their core efficacy, to explore the rationality of the flexible clinical application of Huaganjian compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and meanwhile, the contents of four index components(geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol) were quantitatively analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) rat model induced by high-fat diet was applied to compare the efficacy of combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian. A total of 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, lovastatin group(1.8 mg·kg-1), combined decoction group(1.26 g·kg-1) and single decoction group(1.18 g·kg-1). After successful modeling, lovastatin group, combined decoction group and single decoction group were given corresponding doses of drugs by intragastric administration every day, and the control group and model group were given equal amounts of normal saline by intragastric administration, after 4 weeks of administration, the serum and liver tissues were collected, and the contents of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) in serum of rats were detected, and the liver pathological examination was carried out by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining, so as to compare differences of their efficacy. ResultsSeventy chemical components were initially identified and attributed from the lyophilized powder of the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and there was no obvious difference in composition between the two. Further quantitative analysis showed that the contents of geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol in the combined decoction samples were significantly increased when compared with those of the single decoction samples(P<0.01). The pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the model group, both the combined and single decoction groups of Huaganjian could improve the liver index of NAFLD rats, reduce the serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG and LDL-C, increase the serum level of HDL-C, and ameliorate the pathological changes of liver cell steatosis and fat accumulation. However, there was no significant difference in pharmacodynamic effects between the combined decoction group and the single decoction group. ConclusionThere is no significant difference between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian in terms of chemical composition, but the contents of the four index components show significantly difference. Both of them can significantly improve the fat accumulation and liver function in NAFLD rats. This study provides a reference basis for the rational clinical application and evaluation of famous classical formula compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules.
7.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.
8.Evaluation of cardiac involvement in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis using echocardiography combined with electrocardiography
Aiqing LU ; Ling CHEN ; Xiuyun SUN ; Xin DONG ; Xiaoyan LI ; Yongcun SUN ; Shaowen LYU ; Long YU ; Yong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(4):534-539
Objective To evaluate cardiac involvement in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) using echocardiography combined with electrocardiography. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the detailed medical records of AAV patients treated in Jining First People’s Hospital between January 2020 and December 2024. Eighty patients were enrolled in the AAV group, and the risk of heart disease was compared between the AAV group and a control group with 80 subjects matched for age, sex, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Results Electrocardiographic abnormalities were observed in 78.75% of patients in the AAV group, while significant electrocardiographic abnormalities only occurred in symptomatic patients in the control group. There were no differences in left atrial enlargement or interventricular septal thickening between the AAV group and the control group. The overall left ventricular systolic function in the AAV group was lower than that in the control group (8.75% vs. 0). The incidence of reduced diastolic function in the AAV group was significantly higher than that in the control group (37.5% vs. 15%). The incidence rates of tricuspid regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, and pericardial effusion in the AAV group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Pericardial thickening, aortic stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, and rare periaortic granulomas were found in the AAV group, but not in the control group. Conclusion Echocardiography and electrocardiography are important examination methods for evaluating cardiac involvement in AAV. These methods have key roles in disease screening, diagnosis and treatment, follow-up, and prognosis judgment.
9.Cost-utility analysis of enfortumab vedotin combined with pembrolizumab in the first-line treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma
Qi LU ; Jinyue HUANG ; Xin LING ; Hongxu ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2548-2554
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-utility of enfortumab vedotin combined with pembrolizumab (PemEV) versus gemcitabine combined with cisplatin or carboplatin (GP) in the first-line treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC). METHODS From the perspective of China’s health system, a dynamic Markov model was established based on the pan-Asian subgroup data from the EV-302 trial. The study timeframe was set at 20 years, with a cycle length of 21 days and a discount rate of 5%. Using total direct medical costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as outcome measures, the incremental cost- effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the PemEV regimen compared to the GP regimen was calculated. The robustness of the model was validated through sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis, and the price thresholds for enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab were estimated under conditions where the PemEV regimen was more cost-effective compared to the GP regimen. RESULTS Cost- utility analysis indicated that compared to the GP regimen, PemEV regimen could generate an additional 2.602 QALYs in aUC patients, but the treatment cost increased by 3 339 703.56 yuan, with an ICER of 1 283 554.39 yuan/QALY. This figure significantly exceeded the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold (3 times China’s gross domestic product per capita in 2024, 287 247 yuan/QALY). The rate parameter of the exponential distribution fitted to the overall survival curve in the PemEV regimen had the greatest impact on ICER, according to the one-way sensitivity analysis. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested that the PemEV regimen had no chance of being more cost-effective than the GP regimen at the current WTP threshold. Scenario analysis revealed that the PemEV regimen consistently lacked cost-utility advantage over the GP regimen, regardless of whether the study model was changed to a partitioned survival model, the study timeframe was set to 5, 10 or 20 years, or the prices of enfortumab vedotin and/or pembrolizumab were reduced by 60%. The prices of enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab should be simultaneously reduced by 78.65% (55.71 yuan/mg and 38.26 yuan/mg, respectively) when the PemEV regimen had a cost-utility advantage over the GP regimen. CONCLUSIONS From the perspective of China’s healthcare system, PemEV regimen does not demonstrate a cost-utility advantage over GP regimen in the first-line treatment of aUC.
10.Prevalence of impostor phenomenon and burnout in a Singapore health system.
Jun Hui TAN ; Ke Xin EH ; Zheng Jye LING
Singapore medical journal 2025;66(10):540-544
INTRODUCTION:
Impostor phenomenon (IP) is a set of feelings encountered by individuals of being incompetent, despite experiencing successes. IP affects not only individuals on a personal level, but also organisations where the leadership diversity decreases due to employees' self-doubt. We aim to investigate the prevalence of IP and burnout among employees in the National University Health System (NUHS).
METHODS:
All permanently employed full-time NUHS employees aged 21 years and above were invited to participate in this self-administered cross-sectional study between April 2021 and August 2021. Mass emails with the embedded study link were sent every 2-3 weeks to the employees' corporate email accounts.
RESULTS:
In our study, 61% of our study respondents reported having IP experiences and 97% reported having burnout. The associations of IP with ethnicity and age group were significant. Post hoc tests, however, showed that the association was statistically significant only in the 21-29 years age group.
CONCLUSION
We found that there was no statistical significance between gender and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) profile types. However, we found that IP was significantly associated with individuals in the 21-29 years age group. This could be because younger individuals who just entered workforce may feel uncomfortable with their newfound independence and responsibility. Workplace support, such as workshops, and emotional support were found to be useful in helping individuals cope with IP. Future studies could be done post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among healthcare workers to have a larger sample size to determine true IP and burnout prevalence.
Humans
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Singapore/epidemiology*
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Adult
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Male
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Female
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Burnout, Professional/psychology*
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Prevalence
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Middle Aged
;
Young Adult
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
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COVID-19/epidemiology*
;
Workplace/psychology*


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