1.Potential drug targets for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:large sample analysis from European databases
Ying GUO ; Feng TIAN ; Chunfang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1549-1557
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors.Although observational studies have found some correlation between plasma proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,the susceptibility to confounding and reverse causation makes it difficult to clarify whether these proteins are pathogenic factors of rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential of plasma proteins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis through Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins in the onset and progression of rheumatoid arthritis.METHODS:A large-scale two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the causal relationships between 1 553 circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis based on the Decode database(developed by Decode Genetics in Iceland,which contains genomic data from the Icelandic population),the MR-Base platform(developed by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom,specifically designed to provide genetic and phenotypic data for Mendelian randomization analyses),and the GWAS Catalog platform(developed by the European Institute of Bioinformatics,which provides data for genome wide association studies worldwide).The causal effects were estimated using the Wald ratio and inverse variance weighting methods,with Bonferroni correction applied to control for false positives caused by multiple testing.To ensure the robustness of the results,sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the positive causal relationship between circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,and Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning were used to exclude confounding effects and horizontal pleiotropy.Additionally,external validation was carried out using new plasma protein datasets to reduce the likelihood of false discoveries.Finally,small-molecule compounds associated with candidate proteins were identified using the Drug Signatures Database(DsigDB),and molecular docking was performed to predict the binding patterns and energies between proteins and compounds,identifying the most stable and likely binding molecules and mechanisms.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sensitivity analyses,including Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning,identified four plasma proteins with reliable causal relationships with rheumatoid arthritis:FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3.Their genetic effects were estimated as follows:FCRL3[odds ratio(OR)=1.12,95%confidence interval(CI):1.07-1.17],IL6R(OR=0.94,95%CI:0.91-0.96),ICOSLG(OR=2.42,95%CI:1.67-3.52),and TNFAIP3(OR=2.19,95%CI:1.88-2.56).Furthermore,molecular docking analysis revealed that the small-molecule compound benzo[a]pyrene exhibited favorable binding with these candidate proteins,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.(2)This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the genetic causal relationships of FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3 in rheumatoid arthritis.These proteins not only serve as potential molecular biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis risk screening and disease prevention,but also offer key candidate targets for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and developing targeted therapies.Although the study is based on European populations,its findings offer important insights for biomedical research in China.By incorporating Mendelian randomization methods to analyze genetic causality,future research on rheumatoid arthritis in the Chinese population could provide more accurate causal inferences,offering theoretical support for localized risk assessment and treatment strategies.
2.Preparation of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofibers by emulsion electrospinning and assessment of their biocompatibility
Ying WANG ; Yawen WANG ; Yingjie XU ; Yuanfei WANG ; Tong WU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):433-442
BACKGROUND:The long-term patency rate of synthetic blood vessels remains a significant challenge that requires urgent attention.Enhancing the anticoagulant performance of small-caliber artificial blood vessels is crucial in ensuring their long-term efficacy.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the anticoagulation activity of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofibers with shell core structure and determine the effect on the activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.METHODS:Polycaprolactone nanofiber membranes and polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofiber membranes with polycaprolactone as shell layer and low molecular weight fucoidan as core layer were prepared by emulsion electrospinning method(the mass ratio of low molecular weight fucoidan to polycaprolactone was 10%,25%,40%,and 55%,respectively).The morphology and structure of the fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy,fluorescence microscopy,and infrared spectroscopy.The mechanical strength of the fiber membranes was detected by tensile test.The loading rate and sustained release rate of low molecular weight fucoidan in the nanofibers were detected by 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue dye.The anticoagulant properties of the fiber membranes were verified by hemolysis test,dynamic coagulation test,plasma recalcification test,and platelet adhesion test.The five fiber membranes were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells.The cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and the cell morphology was observed by fluorescence microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscope showed that the surface of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane was smooth,the fiber diameter was uniform,and there was no obvious beaded structure.With the increase of low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide content in the fiber membrane,the diameter of the fiber membrane increased and the maximum tensile stress decreased,but it still met the mechanical properties requirements of small-caliber artificial blood vessels.Fluorescence images and infrared spectra confirmed that low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide was successfully loaded into polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane,and the low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide loaded in each group of fiber membranes was released suddenly within 12 hours and released at a relatively low rate after 48 hours.(2)Compared with polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane,polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane had better anticoagulant activity,among which the group with a mass ratio of low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide to polycaprolactone of 25%had the best anticoagulant effect.All five fiber membranes supported the growth and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells without affecting cell morphology and had no obvious cytotoxicity.(3)The results show that the polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane has good anticoagulant function,blood compatibility,and cell compatibility.
3.Potential drug targets for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis:large sample analysis from European databases
Ying GUO ; Feng TIAN ; Chunfang WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1549-1557
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors.Although observational studies have found some correlation between plasma proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,the susceptibility to confounding and reverse causation makes it difficult to clarify whether these proteins are pathogenic factors of rheumatoid arthritis.OBJECTIVE:To explore the potential of plasma proteins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in rheumatoid arthritis through Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins in the onset and progression of rheumatoid arthritis.METHODS:A large-scale two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to comprehensively assess the causal relationships between 1 553 circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis based on the Decode database(developed by Decode Genetics in Iceland,which contains genomic data from the Icelandic population),the MR-Base platform(developed by a team of researchers at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom,specifically designed to provide genetic and phenotypic data for Mendelian randomization analyses),and the GWAS Catalog platform(developed by the European Institute of Bioinformatics,which provides data for genome wide association studies worldwide).The causal effects were estimated using the Wald ratio and inverse variance weighting methods,with Bonferroni correction applied to control for false positives caused by multiple testing.To ensure the robustness of the results,sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the positive causal relationship between circulating proteins and rheumatoid arthritis,and Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning were used to exclude confounding effects and horizontal pleiotropy.Additionally,external validation was carried out using new plasma protein datasets to reduce the likelihood of false discoveries.Finally,small-molecule compounds associated with candidate proteins were identified using the Drug Signatures Database(DsigDB),and molecular docking was performed to predict the binding patterns and energies between proteins and compounds,identifying the most stable and likely binding molecules and mechanisms.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Sensitivity analyses,including Bayesian colocalization and phenome scanning,identified four plasma proteins with reliable causal relationships with rheumatoid arthritis:FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3.Their genetic effects were estimated as follows:FCRL3[odds ratio(OR)=1.12,95%confidence interval(CI):1.07-1.17],IL6R(OR=0.94,95%CI:0.91-0.96),ICOSLG(OR=2.42,95%CI:1.67-3.52),and TNFAIP3(OR=2.19,95%CI:1.88-2.56).Furthermore,molecular docking analysis revealed that the small-molecule compound benzo[a]pyrene exhibited favorable binding with these candidate proteins,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.(2)This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the genetic causal relationships of FCRL3,IL6R,ICOSLG,and TNFAIP3 in rheumatoid arthritis.These proteins not only serve as potential molecular biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis risk screening and disease prevention,but also offer key candidate targets for further understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis and developing targeted therapies.Although the study is based on European populations,its findings offer important insights for biomedical research in China.By incorporating Mendelian randomization methods to analyze genetic causality,future research on rheumatoid arthritis in the Chinese population could provide more accurate causal inferences,offering theoretical support for localized risk assessment and treatment strategies.
4.Preparation of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofibers by emulsion electrospinning and assessment of their biocompatibility
Ying WANG ; Yawen WANG ; Yingjie XU ; Yuanfei WANG ; Tong WU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):433-442
BACKGROUND:The long-term patency rate of synthetic blood vessels remains a significant challenge that requires urgent attention.Enhancing the anticoagulant performance of small-caliber artificial blood vessels is crucial in ensuring their long-term efficacy.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the anticoagulation activity of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofibers with shell core structure and determine the effect on the activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.METHODS:Polycaprolactone nanofiber membranes and polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofiber membranes with polycaprolactone as shell layer and low molecular weight fucoidan as core layer were prepared by emulsion electrospinning method(the mass ratio of low molecular weight fucoidan to polycaprolactone was 10%,25%,40%,and 55%,respectively).The morphology and structure of the fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy,fluorescence microscopy,and infrared spectroscopy.The mechanical strength of the fiber membranes was detected by tensile test.The loading rate and sustained release rate of low molecular weight fucoidan in the nanofibers were detected by 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue dye.The anticoagulant properties of the fiber membranes were verified by hemolysis test,dynamic coagulation test,plasma recalcification test,and platelet adhesion test.The five fiber membranes were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells.The cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and the cell morphology was observed by fluorescence microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscope showed that the surface of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane was smooth,the fiber diameter was uniform,and there was no obvious beaded structure.With the increase of low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide content in the fiber membrane,the diameter of the fiber membrane increased and the maximum tensile stress decreased,but it still met the mechanical properties requirements of small-caliber artificial blood vessels.Fluorescence images and infrared spectra confirmed that low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide was successfully loaded into polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane,and the low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide loaded in each group of fiber membranes was released suddenly within 12 hours and released at a relatively low rate after 48 hours.(2)Compared with polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane,polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane had better anticoagulant activity,among which the group with a mass ratio of low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide to polycaprolactone of 25%had the best anticoagulant effect.All five fiber membranes supported the growth and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells without affecting cell morphology and had no obvious cytotoxicity.(3)The results show that the polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane has good anticoagulant function,blood compatibility,and cell compatibility.
5.Association between intergenerational parent-child separation and internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among rural preschool children
ZHANG Anhui, MA Kai, WANG Yufen, WANG Lingling, SUN Ying
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):680-684
Objective:
To explore the effects of intergenerational parent-child separation on internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among rural preschoolers aged 3-6 years, so as to provide empirical evidence for formulating targeted intervention strategies and blocking the intergenerational transmission of parent-child separation.
Methods:
From March to June, 2024, ten kindergartens were selected from rural areas of Nanling County, Wuhu City, Anhui Province, and 2 279 preschool children aged 3- 6 years, along with their fathers, mothers and primary caregivers, were recruited for survey by cluster convenient sampling method. Children s fathers and mothers reported their own childhood parent-child separation information separately. Information on the children s history of psychological and behavioral problems was reported by the primary caregivers. Information of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems in preschool children was reported with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).The Chi square test was used to compare the differences in the detection rates of psychological and behavioral problems among children with different intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation. Binary Logistic regression model was applied to analyze the association between intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation and internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems in preschool children.
Results:
The detection rate of internalizing behavioral problems was 27.5% and externalizing behavioral problems was 19.1% among rural preschool children. There were significant differences in internalization behavior, externalization behavior, hyperactivity impulse and peer communication problems among preschool children in different types of parent-child separation groups( χ 2=14.29, 8.80, 17.26, 13.84, all P <0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for covariates such as children s gender, birth weight, and delivery mode, compared with children without separation, intergenerational continuity of parent-child separation group( OR =1.95), only child separation( OR =1.74) were associated with significant higher risk of conduct problems(both P <0.05). Parent-child separation intergenerational continuation groups( OR =1.68), only child separation( OR = 1.47) were associated with significant higher risk of peer problems(both P <0.05). Both types of parent-child separation experiences significantly increased the risk of children s prosocial behavior problems,among them, the intergenerational continuation group was 1.99 times that of the control group ( OR =1.99), and the childhood only separation group was 2.09 times that of the control group ( OR =2.09)(both P <0.05). Compared with children whose parents and children had no experience of parent-child separation, children in the intergenerational continuation group of parent-child separation had increased risks of both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems ( OR =1.53, 1.65, both P <0.05).
Conclusion
All types of parent-child separation are associated with internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among rural children aged 3 to 6 years.
6.Oculopharyngodistal myopathy type 4 misdiagnosed as thyrotoxic myopathy: A case report and literature review
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(3):265-268
Oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder occurring in adolescence or early adulthood and is characterized by slowly progressive external ophthalmoplegia, facial muscle weakness, dysphagia, and distal limb weakness. This article reports a patient with OPDM type 4 who had the initial presentation of bilateral pyroptosis and external ophthalmoplegia and was misdiagnosed with thyrotoxic myopathy, and later the patient developed the clinical manifestations of bilateral masticatory and facial muscle weakness, bulbar paralysis, and limb weakness. Genetic testing revealed abnormal CGG repeat expansion in the RILPL1 gene. The clinical data of the patient was analyzed, and a literature review was performed, so as to improve the awareness of this condition among clinicians.
7.Research progress on the mechanisms linking and intervention of adolescent depression and lipid metabolism disorders
Ruhui LI ; Jianfei ZENG ; Bing WANG ; Qin WANG ; Ying ZHANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):175-182
In recent years, the incidence of depression among adolescents has increased significantly, becoming a serious global public health problem. There is a close relationship between adolescent depression and lipid metabolism abnormalities. However, the mechanisms underlying this association have not been fully elucidated. This article provides a review of the mechanisms and interventions linking adolescent depression and lipid metabolism abnormalities, aiming to offer new ideas for interventions in adolescent depression. Using computerized searches of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, PubMed, and Web of Science, studies on the mechanisms and interventions related to adolescent depression and lipid metabolism were collected, with the search period extending up to October 10, 2025. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening and extracted basic information from the included studies. A total of 12 original studies were included. The results indicate that adolescent depression is associated with certain lipid metabolites. Neurobiological factors, immune inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota imbalance play important roles in this association. In addition, lipid metabolites such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) have a significant ameliorating effect on adolescent depression. [Funded by Shenzhen Fund for Guangdong Provincial High-level Clinical Key Specialties (number, SZGSP013); Shenzhen Science and Technology Program (number, 20210617155253001)]
8.Epidemiological characteristics and etiology of foodborne diseases among farmers in Guizhou Province in 2022 - 2024
Fei YU ; Ying REN ; Shaofeng WEI ; Hongxia LIAO ; Lin LIU ; Yafang WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):19-23
Objective To analyze the case data of farmers' foodborne disease surveillance reports in Guizhou Province from 2022 to 2024, and to provide reference for the precise prevention and control of foodborne diseases among farmers in Guizhou Province. Methods Case data of foodborne disease surveillance reports of farmers were systematically collected from 2022 to 2024 in Guizhou Province. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the temporal, geographical, and demographic distribution of foodborne diseases among farmers, along with their primary clinical symptoms and pathogen detection results. Results From 2022 to 2024, a total of 22,882 cases of foodborne diseases were reported among farmers in Guizhou Province. The majority of clinical symptoms (97.81%) were related to the digestive system, with summer being the peak season. While females outnumbered males, the gender difference was statistically insignificant (P >0.05). The 36-55 age group accounted for the highest proportion (38.83%), with Zunyi City (34.89%) and Qiandongnan Prefecture (23.21%) reporting the most cases. Fungal products were the most frequently reported suspected food items (26.96%), and home-made preparation was the primary processing method (58.63%). A total of 1 210 fecal samples were collected through active monitoring with an overall detection rate of 13.22%. Norovirus showed the highest detection rate (9.92%, 120/1 210). Statistically significant differences were observed among different seasons, age groups, regions, types and processing methods of suspected food exposure, and pathogen detection rates (P <0.001). Conclusion Foodborne disease prevention and control among farmers in Guizhou Province should focus on the risks of wild mushroom poisoning in summer and homemade foods, and continuously improve farmers' awareness of the dangers of foodborne diseases and food safety.
9.Genetic characteristics of influenza A H3N2 virusin Ma'anshan City in 2022 - 2024
Rong WANG ; Zikun YANG ; Zhibin SHEN ; Chen YANG ; Xiaofang ZHU ; Liangliang JIANG ; Ying HONG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):34-38
Objective To analyze the genetic characteristics and variations of influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Ma'anshan from 2022 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for local influenza prevention and control. Methods From April 2022 to March 2024, influenza-like illness (ILI) specimens were collected from three national influenza surveillance sentinel hospitals in Ma’anshan. Samples positive for influenza by real-time PCR were subjected to virus culture and identification. A total of 40 representative A/H3N2 strains with hemagglutination titers ≥8 were selected for whole-genome sequencing. Genetic evolution, homology, amino acid variations, and glycosylation sites were analyzed. Results All H3N2 representative strains from the 2022–2023 influenza season belonged to clade 3C.2a1b.2a.1a.1, while those from the 2023–2024 season fell into clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarities of HA and NA between the 40 representative strains and the vaccine strain A/Darwin/6/2021 were all above 97.35%. Compared with the vaccine strain, amino acid mutations were identified in antigenic sites A, B, C, and E, as well as in receptor-binding sites of the HA protein. An I222V substitution was detected in the NA protein. The HA protein contained four additional glycosylation sites compared to the vaccine strain, while the glycosylation pattern of the NA protein remained consistent. Conclusion No antigenic drift was observed in the influenza A/H3N2 viruses in Ma'anshan City from 2022 to 2024, but genetic changes such as branching variations, key amino acid substitutions, and an increase in HA glycosylation sites were observed. These findings underscore the importance of sustained molecular surveillance of local influenza viruses.
10.An Attention-weighted Tri-modal Ultrasound Network (TUS-Net) for Screening of Atypical Hepatocellular Carcinoma From LR-M Liver Nodules
He-Chong ZHANG ; Liang-Hui HUANG ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Shang-Lin JIANG ; Ying-Ying CHEN ; Ya-Guang ZENG ; Wei ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1485-1498
ObjectiveDiscriminating atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from other malignancies in liver nodules classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M (LR-M) remains a significant diagnostic challenge on conventional ultrasound examination. The LR-M category, originally intended to capture non-HCC malignancies, paradoxically contains up to 63% of atypical HCCs that deviate from classic enhancement patterns, leading to potential misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment planning. While deep learning has shown promise in HCC diagnosis, most existing models rely exclusively on single-modality ultrasound, overlooking the diagnostic benefits of integrating complementary information from multiple imaging sources. To address this gap, we propose a novel attention-weighted tri-modal ultrasound network (TUS-Net) that integrates contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), B-mode ultrasound (BUS), and time-intensity curves (TICs) to improve diagnostic accuracy for these clinically challenging lesions. MethodsOur framework incorporates a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (C3D) backbone to extract spatiotemporal features from CEUS videos, capturing dynamic vascular patterns critical for lesion characterization. To effectively fuse complementary modalities, we introduce a dual-channel feature fusion module (DCFFM) that adaptively combines features from CEUS and BUS through channel-wise attention mechanisms, allowing the model to dynamically weigh the contribution of each modality based on diagnostic relevance. Additionally, we propose a temporal intensity feature fusion module (TIFFM) that leverages quantitative hemodynamic information from TICs to guide the model’s attention toward diagnostically critical temporal phases, such as arterial wash-in and portal venous washout. The model is further enhanced by automated lesion localization using YOLOX and class activation mapping for interpretability, ensuring that predictions align with clinically meaningful imaging features. ResultsEvaluated on a tri-modal ultrasound dataset comprising 161 patients with pathologically confirmed LR-M nodules (131 atypical HCC and 30 non-HCC malignancies), our model achieved an accuracy of 86.83%, a sensitivity of 92.50%, a specificity of 75.50%, and an AUC of 89.32% in screening atypical HCC. Compared to single-modality baselines, TUS-Net demonstrated superior specificity, a clinically critical metric given the higher risk associated with misclassifying non-HCC malignancies. Ablation studies confirmed the contribution of each module, with the full model outperforming both standard C3D and 3D ResNet backbones integrated with attention mechanisms. A reader study involving junior and senior radiologists further validated the clinical utility of AI assistance, showing consistent improvements in specificity and inter-reader consistency, particularly for less experienced clinicians. ConclusionThese results surpass existing benchmark models and demonstrate the potential of our approach to enhance diagnostic precision in clinically specific cases. By intelligently fusing multi-modal ultrasound data with attention-guided mechanisms, TUS-Net offers a reliable and interpretable tool that holds promise for improving the non-invasive diagnosis of atypical HCC in challenging LR-M liver nodules.


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