1.Adolescent Smoking Addiction Diagnosis Based on TI-GNN
Xu-Wen WANG ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Xiao-Jiao LI ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Fang DONG ; Yu-Xin MA ; Juan WANG ; Kai YUAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2393-2405
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTobacco-related diseases remain one of the leading preventable public health challenges worldwide and are among the primary causes of premature death. In recent years, accumulating evidence has supported the classification of nicotine addiction as a chronic brain disease, profoundly affecting both brain structure and function. Despite the urgency, effective diagnostic methods for smoking addiction remain lacking, posing significant challenges for early intervention and treatment. To address this issue and gain deeper insights into the neural mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence, this study proposes a novel graph neural network framework, termed TI-GNN. This model leverages functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to identify complex and subtle abnormalities in brain connectivity patterns associated with smoking addiction. MethodsThe study utilizes fMRI data to construct functional connectivity matrices that represent interaction patterns among brain regions. These matrices are interpreted as graphs, where brain regions are nodes and the strength of functional connectivity between them serves as edges. The proposed TI-GNN model integrates a Transformer module to effectively capture global interactions across the entire brain network, enabling a comprehensive understanding of high-level connectivity patterns. Additionally, a spatial attention mechanism is employed to selectively focus on informative inter-regional connections while filtering out irrelevant or noisy features. This design enhances the model’s ability to learn meaningful neural representations crucial for classification tasks. A key innovation of TI-GNN lies in its built-in causal interpretation module, which aims to infer directional and potentially causal relationships among brain regions. This not only improves predictive performance but also enhances model interpretability—an essential attribute for clinical applications. The identification of causal links provides valuable insights into the neuropathological basis of addiction and contributes to the development of biologically plausible and trustworthy diagnostic tools. ResultsExperimental results demonstrate that the TI-GNN model achieves superior classification performance on the smoking addiction dataset, outperforming several state-of-the-art baseline models. Specifically, TI-GNN attains an accuracy of 0.91, an F1-score of 0.91, and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.83, indicating strong robustness and reliability. Beyond performance metrics, TI-GNN identifies critical abnormal connectivity patterns in several brain regions implicated in addiction. Notably, it highlights dysregulations in the amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex, consistent with prior clinical and neuroimaging findings. These regions are well known for their roles in emotional regulation, reward processing, and impulse control—functions that are frequently disrupted in nicotine dependence. ConclusionThe TI-GNN framework offers a powerful and interpretable tool for the objective diagnosis of smoking addiction. By integrating advanced graph learning techniques with causal inference capabilities, the model not only achieves high diagnostic accuracy but also elucidates the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction. The identification of specific abnormal brain networks and their causal interactions deepens our understanding of addiction pathophysiology and lays the groundwork for developing targeted intervention strategies and personalized treatment approaches in the future. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Controllability Analysis of Structural Brain Networks in Young Smokers
Jing-Jing DING ; Fang DONG ; Hong-De WANG ; Kai YUAN ; Yong-Xin CHENG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA ; Ting XUE ; Da-Hua YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):182-193
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveThe controllability changes of structural brain network were explored based on the control and brain network theory in young smokers, this may reveal that the controllability indicators can serve as a powerful factor to predict the sleep status in young smokers. MethodsFifty young smokers and 51 healthy controls from Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology were enrolled. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to construct structural brain network based on fractional anisotropy (FA) weight matrix. According to the control and brain network theory, the average controllability and the modal controllability were calculated. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences between the groups and Pearson correlation analysis to examine the correlation between significant average controllability and modal controllability with Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) in young smokers. The nodes with the controllability score in the top 10% were selected as the super-controllers. Finally, we used BP neural network to predict the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in young smokers. ResultsThe average controllability of dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, lenticular nucleus putamen, and lenticular nucleus pallidum, and the modal controllability of orbital inferior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, gyrus rectus, and posterior cingulate gyrus in the young smokers’ group, were all significantly different from those of the healthy controls group (P<0.05). The average controllability of the right supplementary motor area (SMA.R) in the young smokers group was positively correlated with FTND (r=0.393 0, P=0.004 8), while modal controllability was negatively correlated with FTND (r=-0.330 1, P=0.019 2). ConclusionThe controllability of structural brain network in young smokers is abnormal. which may serve as an indicator to predict sleep condition. It may provide the imaging evidence for evaluating the cognitive function impairment in young smokers. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Assessment of respiratory protection competency of staff in healthcare facilities
Hui-Xue JIA ; Xi YAO ; Mei-Hua HU ; Bing-Li ZHANG ; Xin-Ying SUN ; Zi-Han LI ; Ming-Zhuo DENG ; Lian-He LU ; Jie LI ; Li-Hong SONG ; Jian-Yu LU ; Xue-Mei SONG ; Hang GAO ; Liu-Yi LI
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):25-31
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To understand the respiratory protection competency of staff in hospitals.Methods Staff from six hospitals of different levels and characteristics in Beijing were selected,including doctors,nurses,medical technicians,and servicers,to conduct knowledge assessment on respiratory protection competency.According to exposure risks of respiratory infectious diseases,based on actual cases and daily work scenarios,content of respira-tory protection competency assessment was designed from three aspects:identification of respiratory infectious di-seases,transmission routes and corresponding protection requirements,as well as correct selection and use of masks.The assessment included 6,6,and 8 knowledge points respectively,with 20 knowledge points in total,all of which were choice questions.For multiple-choice questions,full marks,partial marks,and no mark were given respective-ly if all options were correct,partial options were correct and without incorrect options,and partial options were correct but with incorrect options.Difficulty and discrimination analyses on question of each knowledge point was conducted based on classical test theory.Results The respiratory protection competency knowledge assessment for 326 staff members at different risk levels in 6 hospitals showed that concerning the 20 knowledge points,more than 60%participants got full marks for 6 points,while the proportion of full marks for other questions was relatively low.Less than 10%participants got full marks for the following 5 knowledge points:types of airborne diseases,types of droplet-borne diseases,conventional measures for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infec-tion with respiratory infectious diseases,indications for wearing respirators,and indications for wearing medical protective masks.Among the 20 knowledge questions,5,1,and 14 questions were relatively easy,medium,and difficult,respectively;6,1,4,and 9 questions were with discrimination levels of ≥0.4,0.30-0.39,0.20-0.29,and ≤0.19,respectively.Conclusion There is still much room for hospital staff to improve their respiratory protection competency,especially in the recognition of diseases with different transmission routes and the indications for wearing different types of masks.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.The construction of integrated urban medical groups in China:Typical models,key issues and path optimization
Hua-Wei TAN ; Xin-Yi PENG ; Hui YAO ; Xue-Yu ZHANG ; Le-Ming ZHOU ; Ying-Chun CHEN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(1):9-16
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			This paper outlines the common aspects of constructing integrated urban medical groups,focusing on governance,organizational restructuring,operational modes,and mechanism synergy.It then delves into the challenges in China's group construction,highlighting issues with power-responsibility alignment,capacity evolution,incentive alignment,and performance evaluation.Finally,the paper suggests strategies to enhance China's compact urban medical groups,focusing on governance reform,capacity building,benefit integration,and performance evaluation.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Research Advance on Smartphone-based Visual Biosensor in Point-of-Care Testing
Xian-Xin XIANG ; Hua-Yue SUN ; Hui-Ning CHAI ; Kun YU ; Li-Jun QU ; Guang-Yao ZHANG ; Xue-Ji ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(2):145-156
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Human physiological indicators have become an important standard for assessing health in modern society.Traditional detection methods often require a separate laboratory,complex operation process and long detection time,so it is urgent to develop portable,fast and accurate on-site detection technologies for bioanalysis.Point-of-care testing(POCT),which differs from traditional laboratory testing,can realize the rapid in situ detection of biomarkers without the complicated analytical process of the laboratory.Smartphones,which are an essential tool in our daily life,not only have independent operating systems and built-in storage functions,but also have high-definition cameras,which have great application potential in POCT visualization.The combination of various biosensing technologies and smartphones has developed into a new direction in the field of POCT.This review mainly introduced the research progress of smartphone-based visual biosensors in POCT in recent years,including colorimetric sensors,fluorescence sensors,chemiluminescence sensors and electrochemiluminescence sensors.Finally,the problems faced by smart-phone-based visual biosensors in the application of POCT were summarized,and their future development was prospected.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Experimental Study on Regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 by Linalool to Inhibit Hepatic Injury Induced by Aflatoxin B1
Meng WANG ; Chunmiao XUE ; Xin HUANG ; Wenhui LIU ; Ruoyu GAO ; Xuehui BAI ; Guodong HUA ; Baochen ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):89-96
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of linalool against acute liver injury induced by aflatoxin B1(AFB1) in rats and explore its protective mechanism. MethodTwenty male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: Control (n=6), AFB1 (n=7), and linalool (n=7) groups. Linalool solution (200 mg·kg-1) was administered preventatively for 14 days, while the control and AFB1 groups intragastrically received an equivalent volume of double distilled water. After preventative administration of linalool, AFB1 solution (1 mg·kg-1, dissolved in saline) was intraperitoneally injected for two consecutive days to induce acute liver injury in rats. Samples were collected and processed 14 days after model establishment. Pathological changes in liver tissue of rats were observed using Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining. Biochemical detection was performed to measure the levels of alanine transaminase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), γ-glutamyl transferase(GGT), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), total bilirubin(TBil), direct bilirubin(DBil), indirect bilirubin(IBil), malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxidedismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) , glutathione(GSH), Fe3+, and Fe2+ in the liver tissue. Western blot was adopted to assess protein expression levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1). Molecular docking was performed to verify the binding between linalool and key proteins of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Molecular dynamics techniques were used to confirm the stability and affinity of linalool binding with key proteins of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. ResultPathological results showed that compared to that in the AFB1 group, the liver structure in the linalool group tended to be normal, with a significant decrease in blue collagen fibers. The linalool group exhibited significantly reduced levels of ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, ALP, TBil, DBil, and IBil (P<0.01), Fe3+ and Fe2+ content, and oxidative stress marker MDA (P<0.01). The levels of antioxidants SOD, CAT, and GSH significantly increased (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed a molecular docking energy between linalool and Nrf2 and HO-1 targets of -5.495 6 and -5.199 4 kcal·mol-1(1 cal≈4.186 J), respectively. Molecular dynamics results indicated strong affinity in the binding of linalool with Nrf2 and HO-1. Western blot revealed a significant increase in Nrf2 protein expression (P<0.05) and a decrease in HO-1 protein expression (P<0.01) in the linalool group. ConclusionLinalool may protect against AFB1-induced acute liver injury by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 ferroptosis signaling pathway to inhibit liver cell ferroptosis and regulate hepatic oxidative stress levels. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Investigation on Preventive Effect of Total Saponins of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma on Aspirin-induced Small Intestine Injury Based on Serum Metabolomics
Wenhui LIU ; Guodong HUA ; Baochen ZHU ; Ruoyu GAO ; Xin HUANG ; Meng WANG ; Zheng LIU ; Jiaojiao CHENG ; Zhibin SONG ; Jingui WANG ; Chunmiao XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):196-203
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveMetabolomics was utilized to investigate the preventive effect of notoginseng total saponins(NTS) on aspirin(acetyl salicylic acid, ASA)-induced small bowel injury in rats. MethodFifty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal and model groups, NTS high-dose and low-dose groups(62.5, 31.25 mg·kg-1), and positive drug group(omeprazole 2.08 mg·kg-1+rebamipide 31.25 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in other groups were given ASA enteric-coated pellets 10.41 mg·kg-1 daily to establish a small intestine injury model. On this basis, each medication group was gavaged daily with the corresponding dose of drug, and the normal group and the model group were gavaged with an equal amount of drinking water. Changes in body mass and fecal characteristics of rats were recorded and scored during the period. After 14 weeks of administration, small intestinal tissues of each group were taken for hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, scanning electron microscopy to observe the damage, and the apparent damage of small intestine was scored. Serum from rats in the normal group, the model group, and the NTS high-dose group was taken and analyzed for metabolomics by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS), and the data were processed by multivariate statistical analysis, the potential biomarkers were screened by variable importance in the projection(VIP) value≥1.0, fold change(FC)≥1.5 or ≤0.6 and t-test P<0.05, and pathway enrichment analysis of differential metabolites was performed in conjunction with Human Metabolome Database(HMDB) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG). ResultAfter 14 weeks of administration, the average body mass gain of the model group was lower than that of the normal group, and the NTS high-dose group was close to that of the normal group. Compared with the normal group, the fecal character score of rats in the model group was significantly increased(P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the scores of the positive drug group and the NTS high-dose group were reduced, but the difference was not statistically significant. HE staining and scanning electron microscopy results showed that NTS could significantly improve ASA-induced small intestinal injury, compared with the normal group, the small bowel injury score of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01), compared with the model group, the small bowel injury scores of the NTS low and high dose groups were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum metabolomics screened a total of 75 differential metabolites between the normal group and the model group, of which 55 were up-regulated and 20 were down-regulated, 76 differential metabolites between the model group and the NTS groups, of which 14 were up-regulated and 62 were down-regulated. NTS could modulate three differential metabolites(salicylic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid), which were involved in 3 metabolic pathways, namely, the bile secretion, the biosynthesis of folic acid, and the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. ConclusionNTS can prevent ASA-induced small bowel injury, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of bile secretion and amino acid metabolic pathways in rats. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Establishment of a Multiplex Detection Method for Common Bacteria in Blood Based on Human Mannan-Binding Lectin Protein-Conjugated Magnetic Bead Enrichment Combined with Recombinase-Aided PCR Technology
Jin Zi ZHAO ; Ping Xiao CHEN ; Wei Shao HUA ; Yu Feng LI ; Meng ZHAO ; Hao Chen XING ; Jie WANG ; Yu Feng TIAN ; Qing Rui ZHANG ; Na Xiao LYU ; Qiang Zhi HAN ; Xin Yu WANG ; Yi Hong LI ; Xin Xin SHEN ; Jun Xue MA ; Qing Yan TIE
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(4):387-398
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective Recombinase-aided polymerase chain reaction(RAP)is a sensitive,single-tube,two-stage nucleic acid amplification method.This study aimed to develop an assay that can be used for the early diagnosis of three types of bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus aureus(SA),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA),and Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)in the bloodstream based on recombinant human mannan-binding lectin protein(M1 protein)-conjugated magnetic bead(M1 bead)enrichment of pathogens combined with RAP. Methods Recombinant plasmids were used to evaluate the assay sensitivity.Common blood influenza bacteria were used for the specific detection.Simulated and clinical plasma samples were enriched with M1 beads and then subjected to multiple recombinase-aided PCR(M-RAP)and quantitative PCR(qPCR)assays.Kappa analysis was used to evaluate the consistency between the two assays. Results The M-RAP method had sensitivity rates of 1,10,and 1 copies/μL for the detection of SA,PA,and AB plasmids,respectively,without cross-reaction to other bacterial species.The M-RAP assay obtained results for<10 CFU/mL pathogens in the blood within 4 h,with higher sensitivity than qPCR.M-RAP and qPCR for SA,PA,and AB yielded Kappa values of 0.839,0.815,and 0.856,respectively(P<0.05). Conclusion An M-RAP assay for SA,PA,and AB in blood samples utilizing M1 bead enrichment has been developed and can be potentially used for the early detection of bacteremia.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Association of Cytokines with Clinical Indicators in Patients with Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Hua Wei CAO ; Ting Ting JIANG ; Ge SHEN ; Wen DENG ; Yu Shi WANG ; Yu Zi ZHANG ; Xin Xin LI ; Yao LU ; Lu ZHANG ; Yu Ru LIU ; Min CHANG ; Ling Shu WU ; Jiao Yuan GAO ; Xiao Hong HAO ; Xue Xiao CHEN ; Ping Lei HU ; Jiao Meng XU ; Wei YI ; Yao XIE ; Hui Ming LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(5):494-502
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To explore characteristics of clinical parameters and cytokines in patients with drug-induced liver injury(DILI)caused by different drugs and their correlation with clinical indicators. Method The study was conducted on patients who were up to Review of Uncertainties in Confidence Assessment for Medical Tests(RUCAM)scoring criteria and clinically diagnosed with DILI.Based on Chinese herbal medicine,cardiovascular drugs,non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),anti-infective drugs,and other drugs,patients were divided into five groups.Cytokines were measured by Luminex technology.Baseline characteristics of clinical biochemical indicators and cytokines in DILI patients and their correlation were analyzed. Results 73 patients were enrolled.Age among five groups was statistically different(P=0.032).Alanine aminotransferase(ALT)(P=0.033)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)(P=0.007)in NSAIDs group were higher than those in chinese herbal medicine group.Interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α)in patients with Chinese herbal medicine(IL-6:P<0.001;TNF-α:P<0.001)and cardiovascular medicine(IL-6:P=0.020;TNF-α:P=0.001)were lower than those in NSAIDs group.There was a positive correlation between ALT(r=0.697,P=0.025),AST(r=0.721,P=0.019),and IL-6 in NSAIDs group. Conclusion Older age may be more prone to DILI.Patients with NSAIDs have more severe liver damage in early stages of DILI,TNF-α and IL-6 may partake the inflammatory process of DILI.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Exploration on the Thoughts for Prevention and Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Infection with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Clinical Practice Based on the Latent Pathogen Theory
Wan-Yi HUANG ; Ya-Jing XUE ; Jie-Wen LIN ; Xin-Hua WANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(10):2576-2580
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			This article discussed the significance of latent pathogen theory in the understanding of pathogenesis and prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases such as novel coronavirus infection(COVID-19).Latent-qi is the cause of epidemic febrile disease,and it is also the yang-heat qi of human body.The stagnant yang-heat qi hidden in the body can induce the latent heat constitution.The latent heat constitution is particularly closely related to the development and progression of epidemic febrile disease,and is susceptible to the warm pathogen.The significance of the latent pathogen theory on the prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases such as COVID-19 with traditional Chinese medicine is as follows:abnormal climate is an important early warning and is the external condition for the development of epidemic diseases;latent pathogen is easily assimilated into the newly-attacked pathogenic factors for the assimilation of similar nature,and then injuries taiyin-spleen,which causes spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation and then results in latent dampness;preventing and treating epidemic diseases based on the latent pathogen theory is helpful for identifying the key syndromes,formulating the core regimen indicated for the pathogenesis,and cutting off the progression of the disease.Based on the latent pathogen theory,dampness-removing therapy for latent dampness is important for the prevention and early treatment of COVID-19,and our research group has developed a Chinese herbal formula of Wuzhi Fangguan Prescription(composed of Fici Simplicissimae Radix,Coicis Semen,Poria,Herba Polygoni Chinensis,Atractylodis Rhizoma,Pogostemonis Herba,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)to prevent COVID-19 early by using a variety of dampness-removing methods such as drying dampness,resolving dampness,draining dampness,and invigorating spleen.The prescription is indicated for the prevention and early treatment of COVID-19.The mechanism of dampness-removing therapy is mainly related to the improvement of the disordered immune function and restoration of the body's resistance to diseases.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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