1.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
2.Comparative analysis of the characteristics of imported malaria cases in Nanning City in 2024 and the same period of the previous year
Shu-lin WEI ; Zhi-qiang QU ; Yuan-yuan LUO ; Yan-cui HUANG ; Shu-qin DIAO ; Xue LI ; Sheng-long YANG ; Xiao-yu HUANG ; Mi-fang LUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):81-84
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and provide a basis for developing improved prevention and control measures. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Malaria surveillance data for Nanning City from January 1,2023, to December 31,2024, were exported from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management Subsystem. The characteristics of the two groups of malaria cases were compared. Results A total of 103 imported malaria cases were reported in Nanning City in 2024, representing a 38.32% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year. No statistically significant difference were observed between cases reported in 2023 and 2024 in terms of average age, gender ratio, proportion of parasite species, and monthly reporting distribution;however, statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of reporting areas and current residence areas(χ2= 13.572 and 10.355, respectively; P = 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). The proportion of cases reported in Shanglin County and the proportion of cases residing in Shanglin County were both lower than those during the same period of the previous year. Conclusions The high aggregation of imported malaria cases in Nanning City has decreased. Medical institutions in areas other than Shanglin County should strengthen their vigilance against malaria.
3.Prediction of Mismatch Repair Deficiency Status in Endometrial Cancer Using Multiparametric MRI Radiomics and Deep Learning: A Multimodal Model with Preliminary Validation
Liru WANG ; Shangying YANG ; Boyu CHEN ; Fuze CONG ; Xinran LI ; Xinyu LIU ; Huadan XUE ; Zhengyu JIN ; Yang XIANG ; Yonglan HE ; Yuan LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):976-984
To explore the clinical value of a multimodal predictive model based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) radiomics combined with deep learning(DL) features for the preoperative noninvasive assessment of mismatch repair-deficient(MMRd) status in endometrial cancer(EC). Patients diagnosed with EC at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled and randomly divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 8∶2. Relevant clinical data were collected, and radiomics features and DL features were extracted from preoperative contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging(CE-T1WI), fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging(fs-T2WI), and diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) sequences. High-dimensional feature selection and dimensionality reduction were performed sequentially using the recursive feature elimination(RFE) algorithm to generate a radiomics score(Rad-score) and a deep learning score(DL-score), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to construct a clinical model, a pure radiomics model, a clinical-radiomics model, and an integrated multimodal model incorporating clinical indicators, Rad-score, and DL-score. Model performance was assessed and compared using area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) and DeLong test. A total of 509 patients were enrolled in this study, comprising 413 in the training cohort and 96 in the validation cohort. Independent predictors: Multivariate analysis indicated that preoperative fasting blood glucose level, histological grade, lymph node metastasis status, Rad-score, and DL-score were all independent significant predictors of MMRd status in EC patients. The integrated multimodal model demonstrated optimal predictive performance with an AUC of 0.699(95% CI: 0.635-0.763) in the training set, which was superior to the clinical model(AUC=0.629, 95% CI: 0.561-0.697) and the pure radiomics model(AUC=0.641, 95% CI: 0.575-0.706). In the validation set, the integrated model maintained good generalizability, achieving an AUC of 0.655(95% CI: 0.535-0.775), and its diagnostic efficacy was higher than that of the clinical model(AUC=0.578, 95% CI: 0.450-0.705) and the pure radiomics model(AUC=0.611, 95% CI: 0.488-0.734). According to the DeLong test, the incorporation of DL features resulted in the clinicalradiomicsdeep learning model performing better than both the clinicalonly model( The initially developed clinical-radiomics-deep learning model exhibits a certain predictive potential for the MMRd status in patients with EC. The inclusion of DL features may help complement the limitations of traditional evaluations, offering a preliminary radiological reference for preoperative non-invasive screening. However, given the current diagnostic performance, its overall accuracy and clinical generalizability warrant further validation in multi-center, large-sample external cohort studies.
4.Guidelines for the perioperative diagnosis and treatment of oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer (2026)
Weidong WANG ; Yongbin LIN ; Hui TIAN ; Gaofeng LI ; Shun XU ; Yongde LIAO ; Haitao MA ; Junfeng LIU ; Chundong GU ; Xiaolong YAN ; Shumin WANG ; Daqiang SUN ; Jianyang LIU ; Tao XUE ; Shaohua MA ; Zhigang LI ; Shuanghu YUAN ; Gen LIN ; Ling CAI ; Jianping ZHOU ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Naixin LIANG ; Yi HAN ; Junfeng WANG ; Weidong ZHANG ; Xin WANG ; Lianjuan CHEN ; Lunxu LIU ; Xiuyi ZHI ; Lanjun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1337-1353
Lung cancer constitutes the most prevalent and lethal malignant tumor in China. Approximately 85% of lung cancer diagnoses correspond to the non-small cell histological subtype [non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]. Despite surgery being the mainstay for early-stage disease, postoperative recurrence remains high and adjuvant chemotherapy offers limited benefit. In recent years, targeted therapy has demonstrated substantial advantages in driver mutation-positive NSCLC. To this end, the Lung Cancer Medical Education Committee of the Chinese Medical Education Association developed guidelines based on a systematic review of evidence through November 2025, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach and a modified Delphi method. Focusing on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and addressing ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) exon 14 (METex14) skipping, the guideline covers molecular testing, neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy, perioperative strategies, minimal residual disease monitoring, and postoperative surveillance. It defines testing requirements, specifies stage-directed and subtype-specific treatments, and standardizes minimal residual disease monitoring. These recommendations emphasize precision and feasibility to improve survival and quality of life.
5.Mechanistic Study on IRF7-mediated Regulation of Learning and Memory Function by Aerobic Exercise in Aged Mice
Min-Yan ZHENG ; Xiao-Han HUANG ; Chang-Ling WEI ; Yuan-Ting ZHANG ; Yu JIN ; Xue LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2449-2461
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which aerobic exercise improves hippocampal neuroinflammation and learning and memory ability in brain-aged mice via interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). MethodsA total of 60 male specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice were enrolled in the experiment, including 30 young mice (2 months old) and 30 naturally aging mice (12 months old). Young mice and old mice were respectively randomly assigned to four groups: young control group (group C, n=15), young exercise group (group CE, n=15), and aging control group (group A, n=15), aging exercise group (group AE, n=15). Mice in the exercise groups received an 8-week continuous treadmill aerobic exercise intervention, while control mice were kept under routine feeding without exercise intervention. After the intervention, Barnes maze and Y-maze behavioral tests were performed to comprehensively assess the learning and memory abilities of each group of mice. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructural morphological changes of hippocampal synapses. Western blot assay was utilized to detect the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), as well as the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95). Immunofluorescence staining was applied to quantify the fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) in hippocampal tissues. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the mRNA expression level of IRF7, and DNA methylation assay was further conducted to analyze the methylation level of the IRF7 gene in mouse hippocampus. ResultsAt the molecular level, compared with group C, the protein expression levels of JAK1, STAT1, p‑JAK1, and p‑STAT1 in group A were significantly increased (P<0.05), whereas PSD95 expression was decreased (P<0.05). ELISA assays showed that the levels of IFN‑α, IFN‑β, TNF‑α, and IL‑1β were significantly elevated in group A (P<0.001). RT‑PCR analysis revealed that, compared with group C, the mRNA expression of IRF7 in group A was markedly upregulated (P<0.000 1), while the CpG methylation rate of the IRF7 promoter was significantly reduced (P<0.05). In contrast, all the above parameters in the AE group showed improvements relative to those in group A. Immunofluorescence staining indicated positive IBA1 expression in the brain tissues of group A mice. Exercise intervention reversed these abnormal changes. ConclusionIn aged mice, aerobic exercise induces hypermethylation of the IRF7 promoter region, suppresses IRF7 expression and activation of the downstream IFN‑I/JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway, accompanied by alleviated neuroinflammation, improved learning and memory, and ameliorated brain aging-related phenotypes.
6.Exploring the relationship between distal coronary fractional flow reserve derived from aortic CTA and intraoperative graft flow in off-pump coronary artery bypass graft
Yilin LI ; Yuan XUE ; Shipan WANG ; Zhiran YANG ; Haiyang LI
Chinese Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;41(9):550-555
Objective:To investigate the relationship between the distal fractional flow reserve(FFR-CT) of the left anterior descending artery(LAD) measured by aortic CTA and the intraoperative left internal mammary artery(LIMA-LAD) graft flow during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(OPCABG). And to evaluate the role of FFR-CT in predicting intraoperative flow characteristics, competitive flow, and diffuse coronary lesions.Methods:Retrospectively included 162 OPCABG patients who underwent LIMA-LAD grafting. The primary outcome was the average flow value(Qm) of the LIMA-LAD graft measured intraoperatively. Smooth curve fitting and linear regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between preoperative LAD distal FFR-CT values and the intraoperative LIMA-LAD graft flow Qm.Results:Group analysis showed that Qm significantly decreased as the distal FFR-CT values increased. Smooth curve fitting revealed a " reverse U-shaped" relationship between LAD distal FFR-CT and Qm. When the FFR-CT value>0.64, Qm demonstrated a significant negative linear correlation with FFR-CT(regression coefficient β=-178.6432, P=0.004). Conclusion:A distal FFR-CT value of >0.64 in the LAD may increase the risk of competitive flow in the LIMA-LAD graft, while excessively low FFR-CT values likely reflect diffuse coronary lesions, leading to a reduction in graft flow.
7.Simultaneous content determination of eleven constituents in Bunao Soft Capsules by HPLC
Ting CHEN ; Xue-mei WANG ; Shuai-yin LI ; Xi-xiang LI ; Ya-li ZHOU ; Xiao-feng LI ; Shou-yuan YANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2144-2148
AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural,chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,strychnine,paeoniflorin,ferulic acid,paeoniflorin Ⅰ,epimedium glycoside,psoralen,isopsoralen and glycyrrhetinic acid in Bunao Soft Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 35 ℃ thermostatic Waters Symmetry C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelengths were set at 230,280 nm.RESULTS Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r>0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 98.47%-103.30%with RSDs of 1.13%-2.80%.CONCLUSION This simple and reliable method can be used for the quality control of Bunao Soft Capsules.
8.AuNPs-FeCDs Dual Nanozyme Cascade System Integrated with A Smartphone Platform for Sensitive Detection of Glucose
Qing-Jing YE ; Xue-Ying ZHOU ; Yan-Ying ZHENG ; Yun ZHANG ; Wen-Ying JIN ; Ya-Li YUAN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1457-1466
A centrifugation-free,single-reaction colorimetric method for detection of glucose,utilizing a dual nanozyme cascade system based on gold nanoparticles(AuNPs)and iron-doped carbon dots(FeCDs),was developed in this work.The AuNPs exhibited glucose oxidase-like activity to catalyze glucose oxidation for generation of H2O2,while the FeCDs demonstrated peroxidase-like activity to subsequently catalyze the H2O2-mediated oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine(TMB).To prevent interference from the blue signal generated by self-aggregation of AuNPs in subsequent quantitative detection,the reaction system was terminated with HCl,converting oxTMB into a stable yellow product.Based on changes in the absorbance at 450 nm of this yellow solution,a quantitative relationship was established between glucose concentration and absorbance at 450 nm(A450).Experimental results demonstrated that this sensor achieved a linear detection range of 44 μmol/L to 11.11 mmol/L(R2=0.993)with a detection limit of 30.68 μmol/L and spiked recoveries of 97.9%-104.7%.By integrating smartphone-based color recognition capabilities,a rapid visual detection platform was established for quantification of glucose through RGB analysis.The validation experimental results using commercial glucose injection samples further confirmed the practical application potential of this methodology.
9.An Electronic Microbial Growth Analyzer-based Method for Rapidly Screening Viable Salmonella in Food
Ruo-Han LIANG ; Xiao-Dan PU ; Feng LU ; Xue-Ting ZHU ; Yuan-Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Yang WANG ; Qian-Qian YANG ; Hao LI ; Xu-Zhi ZHANG ; Chen-Zhong LI ; Shan LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1694-1704
Foodborne illnesses caused by Salmonella pose significant threats to worldwide public health safety.In this study,a rapid method for screening viable Salmonella in oyster sauce and milk was developed by utilizing an electronic microbial growth analyzer(EMGA).Target food samples were diluted 10-fold with RVS broth and loaded into test tubes.Test tubes were positioned in the EMGA to determine the bacterial growth curves and the time required to reach the maximum growth rate(Tmgr).Using Salmonella typhimurium(S.typhimurium)asan model species,there was linear relationship between the logarithmic value of viable bacterial concentration(lgC)and Tmgr over the range of 5×101-5×106 CFU/mL,with a detection limit of 10 CFU/mL.For oyster sauce,the regression equation was Tmgr(min)=-80.775lg[C/(CFU/mL)]+754.96(R2=0.9907),and the recovery rates of S.typhimurium ranged from 95.2%to 119.8%,with relative standard deviations(RSD)ranging from 3.5%to 16.3%.For milk,the regression equation was Tmgr(min)=-71.922 lg[C/(CFU/mL)]+618.65(R2=0.9985),with recovery rates ranging from 98.4%to 110.6%and RSD ranging from 6.4%to 12.8%.The EMGA method required only one portable instrument,and involving only three manual steps,i.e.,dilution,transfer,and insertion.When S.typhimurium contamination reached 106 CFU/mL,the total time consumption,from the unwrapping of samples to the readout of bacterial concentration,was no more than 7 h.When applied to detection of actual oyster sauce and milk samples,the new method demonstrated strong consistency with plate counting results in positive detection rates.This method was superior to the plate counting method,which was generally considered as a gold standard,in terms of accuracy,precision,simplicity and efficiency,representing a promising alternative for the on-site screening and quantification of viable Salmonella in oyster sauce and milk products.
10.Rapid identification of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes and implications for medical selection of flying cadets
Jing LIU ; Li DING ; Yinghong AN ; Mei XUE ; Yuan YU ; Yan HUANG ; Qi QI ; Xuefeng WANG ; Dongrui YU ; Kai LIN
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(2):107-112
Objective:To quickly identify the causes of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes that are detected during health checkups for recruitment of flying cadets, and to explore its role in medical selection.Methods:Students with hemoglobin (Hb)≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes detected during the 2023 medical selection of flying cadets by Guangzhou Selection Center were selected. Their medical history was collected, and iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis and hemoglobin H (HbH) inclusion bodies were examined to screen for thalassemia and iron deficiency. The diagnosis of thalassemia was confirmed by thalassemia gene testing. Those with iron deficiency received iron supplementation therapy and the recovery of Hb was observed.Results:Ninety-one students were diagnosed with Hb≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes, accounting for 4.35% of the total. Among these cases, 85 with abnormal Hb electrophoresis and/or positive HbH inclusion body detection were confirmed as thalassemia minor via thalassemia genetic testing, and 3 cases with normal iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis, and negative HbH inclusion body detection. A total of 88 cases of thalassemia minor were diagnosed, accounting for 96.70% of the total. Among them, 2 cases were complicated with iron deficiency while 3 were diagnosed with iron deficiency erythropoiesis. Out of the 91 students with Hb≥110 g/L and morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes, 9 were recruited, including 7 cases with thalassemia minor (Hb≥130 g/L), 1 case with thalassemia minor combined with iron deficiency erythropoiesis (Hb≥130 g/L after iron supplementation), and 1 case with iron deficiency erythropoiesis (Hb≥130 g/L after iron supplementation). Among the 9 recruits, 8 were followed up for over one year and the results of their military physical fitness tests all reached or exceeded the standards, but the remaining one dropped out and lost contact.Conclusions:Among physical examinees during medical selection of flying cadets in South China, thalassemia is the leading cause of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes. Results of iron metabolism, Hb electrophoresis, and HbH inclusion body detection can help identify thalassemia and iron deficiency quickly. Cases of morphological abnormalities of microcytic hypochromic erythrocytes caused by iron deficiency can be considered eligible for selection after Hb levels return to normal following iron supplementation therapy. Students who are diagnosed with thalassemia with Hb<130 g/L can be determined as ineligible. Such rapid identification can facilitate the medical selection of the above 2 types of students.


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