Over the past two decades, genome-wide association study(GWAS) has identified numerous genetic variants and loci associated with heritable diseases. With the gradual maturation and saturation of GWAS methodologies, transcriptome-wide association study(TWAS) offers a novel perspective by linkinggenetic phenotypes to gene expression levels. By integrating TWAS with other multi-omics analyses, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of heritable diseases. This article provides an overview of recent groundbreaking and representative TWAS methods and tools, analyzes their strengths and limitations, and discusses future trends in TWAS development.

Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.

Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

ObjectiveTo investigate the recurrence of ischemic stroke (IS) and to analyze the association between four indices of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) and the risk of IS recurrence by analyzing the follow-up data related to IS in the community-based natural population of Songjiang District, Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for improving the prognosis of stroke patients in the community and controlling IS recurrence. MethodsA prospective follow-up study was conducted among the IS patients in the community-based cohort population, collecting data about patient’s age, gender, disease history, biochemical indicators, and etc. Cox regression model and restricted cubic spline model were used to analyze the relationship between different levels of plasma lipids and the recurrence of IS in these patients. ResultsA total of 1 368 patients with IS were included. The total follow-up duration was 7 171.46 person-years, with a median follow-up time of 6.24 years. There were 420 cases of IS recurrence, resulting in a cumulative recurrence rate of 30.70%. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the recurrence risk of IS was reduced when the baseline TC and LDL-C levels of IS patients were in the ranges of 4.65‒5.67 mmol·L^-1 and 2.52‒3.46 mmol·L^-1, respectively. The results of restricted cubic spline analysis showed a U-shaped relationship between baseline TC and LDL-C levels and the recurrence risk in IS patients. ConclusionThe cumulative recurrence rate of patients with IS in the community of Songjiang District in Shanghai is high, and the levels of TC and LDL-C at baseline survey are correlated with the recurrence of IS in these patients. It is suggested to pay more attention to the levels of LDL-C and TC in patients with IS, so as to improve the prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of pathogen spectrum and the clinical significance of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)in malignant tumor patients with pulmonary infections.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed for the patients with malignant tumor who were admitted to department of oncology,the Second affiliated hospital of army medical university,from January 2021 to December 2024.All patients developed respiratory symptoms dur-ing treatment and were diagnosed with pulmonary inflammation based on lung imaging findings,and BALF mNGS and sputum cul-ture were used for pathogen detection.A descriptive analysis was used to summarize the clinical data of patients and the distribution of pathogens,which was compared between patients with different cancer types and metastatic statuses.BALF mNGS and sputum cul-ture were compared in terms of diagnostic performance.Results:A total of 127 patients were enrolled,among whom 70.9%had non-small cell lung cancer,15.0%had small cell lung cancer,and 14.1%had other malignancies.The patients with distant metastasis ac-counted for 48.0%.A total of 145 BALF mNGS tests were performed,among which 84 tests(57.9%)yielded positive results for patho-gens,and 13 tests detected polymicrobial infections,accounting for 15.5%(13/84).A total of 121 pathogenic strains were identified,with fungi(41.3%)and Gram-negative bacteria(39.7%)as the main pathogens,and common pathogens for infection included Pneumo-cystis jirovecii(16.5%),Candida albicans(11.6%),Haemophilus influenzae(11.6%),Klebsiella pneumoniae(10.7%),Pseudomonas ae-ruginosa(10.7%),and Staphylococcus aureus(8.3%).There was a significant difference in the distribution of pathogens between the pa-tients with different types of cancer and statuses of distant metastasis,but Pneumocystis jirovecii remained the most common pathogen for opportunistic infection across all subgroups.A total of 70 patients underwent both sputum culture and BALF mNGS,and the posi-tive rate of sputum culture was only 16.0%,which was significantly lower than that of BALF mNGS(χ2=35.52,P<0.001).The concor-dance rate between sputum culture and BALF mNGS was 48.1%.Conclusion:BALF mNGS can accurately reveal the complex patho-gen spectrum in malignant tumor patients with pulmonary infections,especially the high-risk opportunistic pathogens such as Pneumo-cystis jirovecii.For patients with negative results of sputum culture,BALF mNGS can significantly improve the detection rates of patho-gens and polymicrobial infections.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS)is a complex three-dimensional deformity involving coronal,sagittal,and axial planes,with a prevalence that should not be overlooked.With advancements in technology and in-depth research,an increasing number of hospitals and physicians are exploring standardized diagnostic and treatment approaches for AIS.Comprehensive and in-depth understanding is required for AIS,including its etiology,screening and diagnosis,classification,assessment and examination,treatment options,exploration of current focus,and evaluation of quality of life.Such understanding ensures that the diagnostic and treatment are scientific,standardized,and timely.Based on the principles of evidence-based medicine,a consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of AIS is reached after multiple discussions among spinal surgery experts,aiming to provide reference and guidance for clinical practice.

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes(EDS)are a group of rare hereditary connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility,skin hyperextensibility,and tissue fragility.Short stature is defined as a height that is two standard deviations or more below the average height for individuals of the same age,sex,and race.The etiopathogenesis of short stature is complicated.Early detection and appropriate intervention are essential in disease treatment.However,short stature is not common among all EDS subtypes.It is frequently observed in patients with rare subtypes,such as spondylodysplastic EDS,dermatosparaxis EDS,and musculo-contractural EDS.Besides,height may be affected by other factors including spinal curvature and malnutrition.Deep phenotyping and multidisciplinary team approaches are recommended for the diagnosis and management.Short stature in patients with EDS has not been sufficiently acknowledged in China.There is currently a lack of high-level evidence for the treatment of EDS-related short stature.Therefore,this review aims to present recent progress of diagnosis and management of short stature in patients with EDS.Further studies focusing on short stature in rare subtypes are necessary to advance precision medicine and enhance patient care.

As the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)in the perioperative treatment of melanoma is increasingly introduced at earlier stages,it presents a critical opportunity for the development and clinical translation of neoadjuvant therapy.The results of phaseⅠ/Ⅱ clinical trials on neoadjuvant ICI therapy for melanoma demonstrate that neoadjuvant ICIs effectively improve the pathologic re-sponse rate in melanoma patients.Recent studies have shown that combining ICIs with other treatment modalities,including radiotherapy,chemotherapy,and targeted therapies,can enhance antitumor efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment for patients with melanoma.Optimizing treatment regimens,managing adverse events,identifying and addressing pseudoprogression,and handling cases of oligoprogression have become key areas of research in incorporating ICI regimens into neoadjuvant treatment for patients with melanoma.The search for bio-markers to monitor immunotherapy efficacy is expected to become a major focus of future research.This article provides a review of the re-search progress,controversies,and challenges in the application of ICIs in the neoadjuvant treatment of melanoma,and discusses future re-search directions,aiming to offer insights into the clinical application and development of ICIs in melanoma neoadjuvant therapy.

Animal experiments are essential tools in biomedical research, serving as a bridge between basic research and clinical trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of animal experiments are crucial methods for integrating evidence from animal experiment, which can facilitate the translation of findings into clinical research, reduce translational risks, and promote resource integration in basic research. With the continuous development of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, its application in SRs/MAs of animal experiments has gained increasing attention. This article first outlines the principles and specific applications of the GRADE methodology in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including qualitative descriptive systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and network meta-analyses. It then deeply analyzes the misuse of the GRADE methodology in practice, including incorrect evidence grading, improper classification of evidence, misapplication in qualitative systematic reviews, inconsistencies between the documentation of the upgrading and downgrading process and results, and inappropriate use for making recommendations. Furthermore, this article comprehensively discusses the factors influencing the grading of evidence certainty in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including the impact of bias risk, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias on evidence downgrading, as well as the role of large effect sizes and cross-species consistency in evidence upgrading. Finally, in response to the issues discussed, improvement strategies are proposed, including further research and optimization of the GRADE methodology for SRs/MAs of animal experiments, the development of reporting guidelines tailored to the characteristics of SRs/MAs in animal experiment research, and enhanced professional training for researchers in the GRADE methodology. This article aims to improve the quality of evidence in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, strengthen their reliability in clinical decision-making, and promote the more efficient translation of findings from animal experiment research into clinical practice.

[Purpose]To analyze the trends of cervical cancer incidence in Qidong City of Jiangsu Province from 1977 to 2021.[Methods]Based on the cervical cancer registration database in Qi-dong City from 1977 to 2021,the crude incidence rate,the age-standardized rate by the standard Chinese standard population and the world standard population(ASRC and ASRW),the truncated rate of 35～64 years old,the cumulative rate of 0～74 years old,and the cumulative risk were cal-culated;the incidence rates of birth cohorts were analyzed.Joinpoint regression analysis was per-formed with Joinpoint 4.9.0.0 software to calculate the annual percentage change(APC)and the average annual percentage change(AAPC)of cervical cancer incidence.[Results]A total of 2 253 new cases of cervical cancer registered in Qidong City from 1977 to 2021,accounting for 1.62％of the total case numbers of cancer in the whole population,and for 4.03％of the total number of cancers in women.The crude incidence rate was 8.75/105,the ASRC was 4.54/105,the ASRW was 6.01/105,the truncated rate(35～64 years old)was 15.09/105,the cumulative rate(0～74 years old)was 0.63％,and the cumulative risk was 0.63％.The incidence of cervical cancer increased with age from 1977 to 2021.The average incident age was 55.36 years old,with the lowest age of 47.51 years old in 2010.Secular trend analysis showed that the AAPC of the crude incidence of cervical cancer was 6.010％(95％CI:4.951％～7.081％)(P＜0.001),among which the trend decreased from 1977 to 1999,with an APC of-2.507％;and then the trend increased from 1999 to 2017,with an APC of 14.436％(P＜0.001).The rising and falling trend curves of the AS-RC and ASRW were similar to that of the crude incidence.The age group and time period analysis showed that the peak incidence was in the older age groups before 2006,while the peak inci-dence appeared in the age groups of 45～54 years old from 2007 to 2021.The AAPCs in age groups of 25～64 years old demonstrated upward trends(all P＜0.05).The birth cohort analysis showed that the cervical cancer incidence in the 1937-1941 birth cohort was the lowest,and the birth cohort-specific rates in all age groups showed"V-shape"trends.[Conclusion]Long-term monitoring of cervical cancer incidence in Qidong has shown a trend of initially slow decline fol-lowed by a rapid increase,with the peak incident shifting towards younger ages.The rising trends of cervical cancer incidence in last two decades may be associated with the increased HPV infection,suggesting that measures to reduce HPV infection and enhance vaccination should be strengthened.