1.Study on the in vivo effects of 5T magnetic resonance imaging on the dental pulp and periodontal ligament in young adults
QI Zhengnan ; CAO Yiting ; WANG Yiwei ; SONG Qingbo ; ZHANG Peirong ; SUN Shuntao ; WANG Dengbin ; TANG Zisheng
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):139-147
Objective:
To evaluate the performance of 5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in visualizing dental pulp and periodontal ligament (PDL) tissues in vivo in the young adult population, thereby providing a basis for the application of high-field MRI technology in clinical oral examinations.
Methods:
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the hospital. A total of 15 healthy volunteers (413 permanent teeth altogether) were recruited and underwent full-mouth 5T MRI scans. Among them, six volunteers (168 permanent teeth) also received both 3T MRI and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Two dental specialists independently evaluated the imaging quality of the dental pulp and PDL on the images using a 5-point Likert scale and recorded the number of detectable root canals for each tooth. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using weighted kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Non-parametric tests were employed to compare differences in imaging performance among different tissue structures, tooth positions, and imaging modalities.
Results:
5T MRI can achieve in vivo imaging for most dental pulp tissues and partial periodontal membrane structures. There was a high level of agreement between the two raters in their imaging scores for the dental pulp and PDL (dental pulp κ = 0.934, PDL κ = 0.737). The imaging scores for dental pulp were significantly higher than those for PDL (P < 0.001), and the scores for molar dental pulp were lower than those for premolars and anterior teeth. In the multimodal comparison involving six volunteers, the raters showed good consistency in scoring dental pulp and PDL imaging across 5T MRI, 3T MRI, and CBCT, as well as in root canal counts (5T MRI for dental pulp κ = 0.971, 3T MRI for dental pulp κ = 0.933, CBCT for dental pulp κ = 0.964; 5T MRI for PDL κ = 0.625, 3T MRI for PDL κ = 0.667, CBCT for PDL κ = 0.571; ICC for root canal counts all ≥ 0.990). The imaging scores for dental pulp and PDL using 5T MRI were significantly higher than those using 3T MRI (dental pulp: P < 0.001; PDL: P = 0.022), but there was no statistically significant difference in the detection rate of the number of root canals between the two (P > 0.05). Although the imaging scores for dental pulp and PDL as well as the detection rate of the number of root canals with 5T MRI were inferior to those with CBCT (dental pulp: P < 0.001; PDL: P = 0.02; number of root canals: P < 0.05), 5T MRI can truly achieve "direct imaging" of these two soft tissues.
Conclusion
5T MRI enables effective in vivo direct imaging of dental pulp and PDL tissues in the young adult population, indicating its potential clinical application value in the diagnosis and treatment of pulp and periodontal diseases.
2.Optimization of drug dispensing and pickup process in traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy based on data-intelligence-driven
Qi WANG ; Panke ZENG ; Haoxin SONG ; Yonggang FENG ; Lili SUN ; Jingting FENG ; Weiqing NIU ; Haiyan DONG ; Feng WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):660-664
OBJECTIVE To explore the transformation of the dispensing and drug pickup process in traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy (TCM Pharmacy) in our hospital based on data-intelligence-driven, aiming to improve pharmacists’ work efficiency and patients’ drug pickup experience. METHODS Value stream mapping and journey mapping were used to systematically identify non-value-added links in pharmacists’ dispensing process and key pain points in patients’ drug pickup under the traditional process. An intelligent dispensing and drug pickup system for the TCM Pharmacy was developed based on the C# and Android television platforms, and a machine-learning model was adopted to predict patients’ drug pickup waiting time. A comprehensive evaluation was performed from three perspectives: system performance, prediction accuracy, and satisfaction of pharmacists and patients. RESULTS The system successfully streamlined non-value-added links such as “waiting for writing on the board” and “searching for drugs”, and realized multimodal dynamic prompts of dispensing status through auditory (number calling) and visual (television terminal) channels. The constructed model for predicting drug pickup waiting time exhibited good fitting degree and generalization ability (mean absolute error=4.28 min, R 2 =0.882). The comprehensive satisfaction scores of pharmacists and patients in the traditional mode were significantly increased from (70.99±1.74) and (73.58±1.98) to (90.02±1.30) and (88.61±2.08) in the new system, respectively ( P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS The transformation of the intelligent drug dispensing and pickup system for TCM pharmacy based on data-intelligence-driven effectively improves the efficiency of pharmacists’ dispensing work, realizes process transparency and waiting time predictability, and significantly enhances patients’ drug pickup experience.
3.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
5.Integrated molecular characterization of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma
Rong-Qi SUN ; Yu-Hang YE ; Ye XU ; Bo WANG ; Si-Yuan PAN ; Ning LI ; Long CHEN ; Jing-Yue PAN ; Zhi-Qiang HU ; Jia FAN ; Zheng-Jun ZHOU ; Jian ZHOU ; Cheng-Li SONG ; Shao-Lai ZHOU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(2):426-444
Background:
s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated.
Methods:
In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs.
Results:
Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment.
Conclusions
We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.
6.Investigation and analysis of the current situation of occupational stress of radiation workers in China
Qi ZHANG ; Jianfei LU ; Peng TONG ; Haoran SUN ; Shanshan KOU ; Xiaolan ZHOU ; ·Yusufu AIKEBAIER ; Weiguo ZHU ; Changsong HOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):46-54
Objective To investigate and analyze the occupational stress levels and influencing factors among radiation workers in China, and provide a reference for alleviating occupational stress and promoting mental health. Methods Using the general situation questionnaire, Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, and radiation protection knowledge questionnaire, a convenience sampling method was adopted to investigate the occupational stress of 243 radiation workers in Liaoning, Fujian, Guangdong, and Xinjiang provinces. The independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors. Results The average score of Effort-Reward Imbalance was 0.97 ± 0.22, and 100 (41.15%) radiation workers had occupational stress. There were significant differences in the detection rate of occupational stress among radiation workers of different ages, working years in radiation positions, monthly incomes, daily sleep durations, and daily working hours (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified daily working hours as a factor contributing to occupational stress. Conclusion The occupational stress among radiation workers in China is relatively severe. It is recommended to pay attention to the associated risks and implement targeted intervention measures to reduce the impact of occupational stress.
7.Construction of evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):438-442
Objective:
To construct a scientific and perfect evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities, so as to provide reference tools for colleges and universities to effectively respond to infectious disease.
Methods:
The initial framework of the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was constructed by using literature analysis method. Experts familiar with infectious disease prevention and control or school health work were selected to conduct two rounds( n =16,18) of Delphi expert consultation for determining the evaluation index system. Analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the index weights and combined weights. About 198 prevention and control personnel were conveniently selected from 3 universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to comprehensively evaluate the evaluation indicators by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.
Results:
After two rounds of Delphi consultation questionnaire, the effective recovery rates were 80.0% and 90.0%, the expert authority levels were 0.89 and 0.86, the expert harmony coefficients for Kendall W were 0.166 and 0.310, and the variation coefficient of each index was <0.25. Finally, the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability of colleges and universities included 4 first level indicators, 14 second level indicators and 75 third level indicators. The weights of prevention and monitoring and early warning, organizational system guarantee, emergency management, rehabilitation and summary were 0.176, 0.476, 0.268 and 0.080, respectively. The top 3 weights of the secondary indexes were 0.623 for infectious disease surveillance and early warning, 0.595 for loss assessment and 0.370 for emergency response. The score of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was 79.148, suggesting a high level.
Conclusion
The established evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities is scientific and reasonable, which is conducive to provide tool reference for the evaluation of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities.
8.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
9.Psychological benefits of art therapy for older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review
Xiaohong XU ; Xiaoke ZHONG ; Siyi SUN ; Qi ZHANG ; Huaichun CHENG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(2):165-171
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the effect of art therapy on the mental health of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. MethodsLiterature on art therapy for mental health of MCI older adults was retrieved from databases of CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, PubMed, ProQuest and Web of Science, between 2014 and 2024, and selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the literature was assessed using PEDro scale, and a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guideline. ResultsA total of nine researches were included from China, Tanzania, Spain, Malaysia and Singapore, involving 763 individuals with MCI aged 60 or more (average 71.23). The types of art therapy interventions were visual arts therapy (painting, collage, paper-cutting, sculpture and modeling, etc.), expressive arts therapy (encompassing dance and music) and creative arts therapy (narrative creation), 30 to 120 minutes a time (majority of 60 minutes), one to four times a week (majority of two to four times), for six to 36 weeks (majority of six to twelve weeks). Health outcomes predominantly focused on mental health, such as anxiety and depression. ConclusionMost researches support that art therapy is effective on mental health of older adults with MCI, but there are disagreements in some researches, and more researches are needed.
10.Application of non-invasive brain stimulation in Alzheimer's disease: a bibliometrics analysis
Qi ZHANG ; Wenyu SUN ; Zhenmei GAO ; Rui LIU ; Tianao ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2025;31(2):194-208
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspot and future trend of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in Alzheimer's disease. MethodsRelevant literature on application of NIBS in Alzheimer's disease from January, 2014 to October, 2024 was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace 6.4.R1 was used to perform a bibliometric analysis and to create knowledge maps, including annual publication volume, countries, institutions, authors, keywords and co-cited references. ResultsA total of 731 articles were included, showing an increasing trend in annual publication volume. The United States was the leading country in publication volume, Harvard University was the most productive institution, and Giacomo Koch was the most prolific author. Brain Stimulation was the most frequently cited journal. Highly focused keywords included cognitive impairment, memory, dementia, transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation. Bursting keywords in the past two years included transcranial alternating current stimulation, functional magnetic resonance imaging, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and oxidative stress. ConclusionResearch interest in NIBS within the field of Alzheimer's disease has been steadily increasing. The research hotspots include the effect and mechanism of NIBS on cognitive function and the impact of stimulating different brain regions on cognitive outcome. Future research may focus on integrating NIBS with techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging to achieve individualized and precise stimulation.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail