1.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
2.Artificial intelligence in thoracic imaging—a new paradigm for diagnosing pulmonary diseases: a narrative review
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(5):288-300
This review explores the current applications and future prospects of artificial intelligence (AI) in thoracic imaging, with a particular focus on chest radiography (chest X-ray, CXR) and computed tomography (CT).Current Concepts: Recently developed CXR AI algorithms have improved the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of radiologists' routine clinical workflows by assisting in the detection of a wide range of thoracic diseases on CXR. These AI systems demonstrate diagnostic performance comparable to that of radiology residents who have limited interpretive experience. Furthermore, generative CXR AI technologies are capable of not only automatically detecting abnormalities such as pulmonary nodules, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and tuberculosis, but also generating radiology reports. These advancements represent a paradigm-shifting innovation that may significantly alter the current landscape of CXR interpretation in thoracic radiology. Although performance varies depending on the specific algorithm and dataset, AI applied to low-dose chest CT has demonstrated diagnostic accuracy ranging from 0.81 to 0.98 for nodule detection and malignancy assessment, with sensitivity ranging from 0.88 to 0.99 and specificity from 0.82 to 0.93. Incorporating AI as a second reader in CT interpretation can reduce reading time by approximately 20%, while also improving sensitivity for pulmonary nodule detection by 5% to 20% and malignant nodule diagnosis by 3% to 15%.Discussion and Conclusion: Both CXR AI and chest CT AI streamline image interpretation by assisting with simple and repetitive tasks. Simultaneously, they provide novel diagnostic insights that are expected to influence and potentially reshape the interpretative patterns of radiologists in the near future.
3.Impact of HER2-Low Status on Pathologic Complete Response and Survival Outcome Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Young Joo LEE ; Tae-Kyung YOO ; Sae Byul LEE ; Il Yong CHUNG ; Hee Jeong KIM ; Beom Seok KO ; Jong Won LEE ; Byung Ho SON ; Sei Hyun AHN ; Hyehyun JEONG ; Jae Ho JUNG ; Jin-Hee AHN ; Kyung Hae JUNG ; Sung-Bae KIM ; Hee Jin LEE ; Gyungyub GONG ; Jisun KIM
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):11-22
Purpose:
This study analyzed the pathological complete response (pCR) rates, long-term outcomes, and biological features of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-zero, HER2-low, and HER2-positive breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.
Methods:
This single-center study included 1,667 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy from 2008 to 2014. Patients were categorized by HER2 status, and their clinicopathological characteristics, chemotherapy responses, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were analyzed.
Results:
Patients with HER2-low tumors were more likely to be older (p = 0.081), have a lower histological grade (p < 0.001), and have hormone receptor (HorR)-positive tumors (p < 0.001). The HER2-positive group exhibited the highest pCR rate (23.3%), followed by the HER2-zero (15.5%) and HER2-low (10.9%) groups. However, the pCR rate did not differ between HER2-low and HER2-zero tumors in the HorR-positive or HorR-negative subgroups.The 5-year RFS rates increased in the following order: HER2-low, HER2-positive, and HER2-zero (80.0%, 77.5%, and 74.5%, respectively) (log-rank test p = 0.017). A significant survival difference between patients with HER2-low and HER2-zero tumors was only identified in HorR-negative tumors (5-year RFS for HER2-low, 74.5% vs. HER2-zero, 66.0%; log-rank test p-value = 0.04). Multivariate survival analysis revealed that achieving a pCR was the most significant factor associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR], 4.279; p < 0.001).Compared with HER2-zero, the HRs for HER2-low and HER2-positive tumors were 0.787 (p = 0.042) and 0.728 (p = 0.005), respectively. After excluding patients who received HER2-targeted therapy, patients with HER2-low tumors exhibited better RFS than those with HER2-zero (HR 0.784, p = 0.04), whereas those with HER2-positive tumors exhibited no significant difference compared with those with HER2-low tumors (HR, 0.975; p = 0.953).
Conclusion
Patients with HER2-low tumors had no significant difference in pCR rate compared to HER2-zero but showed better survival, especially in HorR-negative tumors.Further investigation into biological differences is warranted.
4.Impact of HER2-Low Status on Pathologic Complete Response and Survival Outcome Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Young Joo LEE ; Tae-Kyung YOO ; Sae Byul LEE ; Il Yong CHUNG ; Hee Jeong KIM ; Beom Seok KO ; Jong Won LEE ; Byung Ho SON ; Sei Hyun AHN ; Hyehyun JEONG ; Jae Ho JUNG ; Jin-Hee AHN ; Kyung Hae JUNG ; Sung-Bae KIM ; Hee Jin LEE ; Gyungyub GONG ; Jisun KIM
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):11-22
Purpose:
This study analyzed the pathological complete response (pCR) rates, long-term outcomes, and biological features of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-zero, HER2-low, and HER2-positive breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.
Methods:
This single-center study included 1,667 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy from 2008 to 2014. Patients were categorized by HER2 status, and their clinicopathological characteristics, chemotherapy responses, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were analyzed.
Results:
Patients with HER2-low tumors were more likely to be older (p = 0.081), have a lower histological grade (p < 0.001), and have hormone receptor (HorR)-positive tumors (p < 0.001). The HER2-positive group exhibited the highest pCR rate (23.3%), followed by the HER2-zero (15.5%) and HER2-low (10.9%) groups. However, the pCR rate did not differ between HER2-low and HER2-zero tumors in the HorR-positive or HorR-negative subgroups.The 5-year RFS rates increased in the following order: HER2-low, HER2-positive, and HER2-zero (80.0%, 77.5%, and 74.5%, respectively) (log-rank test p = 0.017). A significant survival difference between patients with HER2-low and HER2-zero tumors was only identified in HorR-negative tumors (5-year RFS for HER2-low, 74.5% vs. HER2-zero, 66.0%; log-rank test p-value = 0.04). Multivariate survival analysis revealed that achieving a pCR was the most significant factor associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR], 4.279; p < 0.001).Compared with HER2-zero, the HRs for HER2-low and HER2-positive tumors were 0.787 (p = 0.042) and 0.728 (p = 0.005), respectively. After excluding patients who received HER2-targeted therapy, patients with HER2-low tumors exhibited better RFS than those with HER2-zero (HR 0.784, p = 0.04), whereas those with HER2-positive tumors exhibited no significant difference compared with those with HER2-low tumors (HR, 0.975; p = 0.953).
Conclusion
Patients with HER2-low tumors had no significant difference in pCR rate compared to HER2-zero but showed better survival, especially in HorR-negative tumors.Further investigation into biological differences is warranted.
5.Artificial intelligence in thoracic imaging—a new paradigm for diagnosing pulmonary diseases: a narrative review
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(5):288-300
This review explores the current applications and future prospects of artificial intelligence (AI) in thoracic imaging, with a particular focus on chest radiography (chest X-ray, CXR) and computed tomography (CT).Current Concepts: Recently developed CXR AI algorithms have improved the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of radiologists' routine clinical workflows by assisting in the detection of a wide range of thoracic diseases on CXR. These AI systems demonstrate diagnostic performance comparable to that of radiology residents who have limited interpretive experience. Furthermore, generative CXR AI technologies are capable of not only automatically detecting abnormalities such as pulmonary nodules, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and tuberculosis, but also generating radiology reports. These advancements represent a paradigm-shifting innovation that may significantly alter the current landscape of CXR interpretation in thoracic radiology. Although performance varies depending on the specific algorithm and dataset, AI applied to low-dose chest CT has demonstrated diagnostic accuracy ranging from 0.81 to 0.98 for nodule detection and malignancy assessment, with sensitivity ranging from 0.88 to 0.99 and specificity from 0.82 to 0.93. Incorporating AI as a second reader in CT interpretation can reduce reading time by approximately 20%, while also improving sensitivity for pulmonary nodule detection by 5% to 20% and malignant nodule diagnosis by 3% to 15%.Discussion and Conclusion: Both CXR AI and chest CT AI streamline image interpretation by assisting with simple and repetitive tasks. Simultaneously, they provide novel diagnostic insights that are expected to influence and potentially reshape the interpretative patterns of radiologists in the near future.
6.Impact of HER2-Low Status on Pathologic Complete Response and Survival Outcome Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Young Joo LEE ; Tae-Kyung YOO ; Sae Byul LEE ; Il Yong CHUNG ; Hee Jeong KIM ; Beom Seok KO ; Jong Won LEE ; Byung Ho SON ; Sei Hyun AHN ; Hyehyun JEONG ; Jae Ho JUNG ; Jin-Hee AHN ; Kyung Hae JUNG ; Sung-Bae KIM ; Hee Jin LEE ; Gyungyub GONG ; Jisun KIM
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):11-22
Purpose:
This study analyzed the pathological complete response (pCR) rates, long-term outcomes, and biological features of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-zero, HER2-low, and HER2-positive breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.
Methods:
This single-center study included 1,667 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy from 2008 to 2014. Patients were categorized by HER2 status, and their clinicopathological characteristics, chemotherapy responses, and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were analyzed.
Results:
Patients with HER2-low tumors were more likely to be older (p = 0.081), have a lower histological grade (p < 0.001), and have hormone receptor (HorR)-positive tumors (p < 0.001). The HER2-positive group exhibited the highest pCR rate (23.3%), followed by the HER2-zero (15.5%) and HER2-low (10.9%) groups. However, the pCR rate did not differ between HER2-low and HER2-zero tumors in the HorR-positive or HorR-negative subgroups.The 5-year RFS rates increased in the following order: HER2-low, HER2-positive, and HER2-zero (80.0%, 77.5%, and 74.5%, respectively) (log-rank test p = 0.017). A significant survival difference between patients with HER2-low and HER2-zero tumors was only identified in HorR-negative tumors (5-year RFS for HER2-low, 74.5% vs. HER2-zero, 66.0%; log-rank test p-value = 0.04). Multivariate survival analysis revealed that achieving a pCR was the most significant factor associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR], 4.279; p < 0.001).Compared with HER2-zero, the HRs for HER2-low and HER2-positive tumors were 0.787 (p = 0.042) and 0.728 (p = 0.005), respectively. After excluding patients who received HER2-targeted therapy, patients with HER2-low tumors exhibited better RFS than those with HER2-zero (HR 0.784, p = 0.04), whereas those with HER2-positive tumors exhibited no significant difference compared with those with HER2-low tumors (HR, 0.975; p = 0.953).
Conclusion
Patients with HER2-low tumors had no significant difference in pCR rate compared to HER2-zero but showed better survival, especially in HorR-negative tumors.Further investigation into biological differences is warranted.
7.Artificial intelligence in thoracic imaging—a new paradigm for diagnosing pulmonary diseases: a narrative review
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(5):288-300
This review explores the current applications and future prospects of artificial intelligence (AI) in thoracic imaging, with a particular focus on chest radiography (chest X-ray, CXR) and computed tomography (CT).Current Concepts: Recently developed CXR AI algorithms have improved the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of radiologists' routine clinical workflows by assisting in the detection of a wide range of thoracic diseases on CXR. These AI systems demonstrate diagnostic performance comparable to that of radiology residents who have limited interpretive experience. Furthermore, generative CXR AI technologies are capable of not only automatically detecting abnormalities such as pulmonary nodules, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and tuberculosis, but also generating radiology reports. These advancements represent a paradigm-shifting innovation that may significantly alter the current landscape of CXR interpretation in thoracic radiology. Although performance varies depending on the specific algorithm and dataset, AI applied to low-dose chest CT has demonstrated diagnostic accuracy ranging from 0.81 to 0.98 for nodule detection and malignancy assessment, with sensitivity ranging from 0.88 to 0.99 and specificity from 0.82 to 0.93. Incorporating AI as a second reader in CT interpretation can reduce reading time by approximately 20%, while also improving sensitivity for pulmonary nodule detection by 5% to 20% and malignant nodule diagnosis by 3% to 15%.Discussion and Conclusion: Both CXR AI and chest CT AI streamline image interpretation by assisting with simple and repetitive tasks. Simultaneously, they provide novel diagnostic insights that are expected to influence and potentially reshape the interpretative patterns of radiologists in the near future.
8.Genomic characteristics analysis of a colistin and tigecycline-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Xinjing JIA ; Xinran GONG ; Peng LI ; Chuanyuan DUAN ; Lisha LIU ; Dayang ZOU ; Yong WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(3):37-41
Objective In this study, a strain of colistin and tigecycline-resistant bacteria isolated in 2009 was analyzed, and the structure of drug-resistant plasmid and genetic environment were discussed, so as to provide basis for the prevention and control of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Methods A strain (GZ12244) with positive mcr and tet(M) was obtained by screening colistin and tigecycline resistance genes. Vitek-2 was used for strain identification, and the drug sensitivity test was carried out by broth dilution method. The molecular typing, drug resistance genes, insertion sequences, plasmid structure and genetic background were analyzed by genome-wide sequencing and bioinformatics. Results Strain GZ12244 is Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is resistant to colistin B, tigecycline, cefuroxime and tetracycline, and carries a variety of drug-resistant related genes such as mcr-1 and tet(M), and some of the drug-resistant genes with antibiotic efflux and antibiotic target change have amino acid substitution mutations. Mcr-1 and tet(M) coexist in a plasmid, and mcr-1 flanked by two insertion sequences ISApl1. There are insertion sequences such as IS15, IS1D and ISEc63 in the upstream and downstream of tet(M) gene. Conclusion Klebsiella pneumoniae GZ12244 is a multidrug-resistant strain. The drug-resistant gene exists in plasmid, and the mobile elements in upstream and downstream may spread the drug-resistant gene.
9.Textual analysis of China’s traditional Chinese medicine emergency management policy based on three-dimensional analysis framework
Guowei XIAN ; Hang ZHAO ; Yunna GONG ; Wenfeng HE ; Xiaolin ZHANG ; Chunxiao MA ; Jing ZHANG ; Yong MA
China Pharmacy 2024;35(9):1039-1043
OBJECTIVE To analyze the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emergency management policy texts in China, reveal the characteristics, problems and improvement directions of Chinese medicine emergency management policies in China, and provide references and lessons for improving the level of Chinese medicine emergency management. METHODS Twenty-four TCM emergency management policy texts issued at the central level from 2016 to 2023 were coded and analyzed using Nvivo11 software to construct a three-dimensional analysis framework based on policy tools, stakeholders and policy strength. RESULTS In the policy tools dimension, the environmental type was the most (46.74%), the supply type was the second (31.80%), and the demand type was the least (21.46%); in the stakeholder dimension, there were more healthcare institutions (40.63%) and government departments (31.25%), and fewer healthcare workers (14.84%) and residents (13.28%); in the policy strength dimension, the overall policy strength was poor, and the differences in effectiveness across policy instruments and stakeholders were more significant. The cross-cutting results showed that there was a certain degree of mismatch in policy instruments, stakeholders and policy strength. CONCLUSIONS The use of supply-oriented policy tools is slightly lacking, and the use of policy tools should be optimized in a coordinated manner; the distribution of stakeholders is relatively unbalanced, and synergies among stakeholders should be enhanced; the overall strength of policies is poor, and the top-level design of relevant policies should be improved.
10.Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis for end-stage ankle and hindfoot arthropathy:Short-and mid-term clinical outcomes
Wenjing LI ; Baozhou ZHANG ; Heng LI ; Liangpeng LAI ; Hui DU ; Ning SUN ; Xiaofeng GONG ; Ying LI ; Yan WANG ; Yong WU
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2024;56(2):299-306
Objective:To analyze the clinical data of patients with end-stage ankle and hindfoot ar-thropathy who underwent tibiotalocalcaneal(TTC)arthrodesis by the same surgeon,explore the short-and mid-term clinical results,complications and functional improvement,and discuss the clinical progno-sis and precautions of TTC arthrodesis.Methods:Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 40 patients who underwent TTC arthrodesis by the same surgeon from March 2011 to December 2020.In this study,23 males and 17 females were included,with an average age of(49.1±16.0)years.All the patients underwent unilateral surgery.The clinical characteristics,imaging manifestations,main diagno-sis and specific surgical techniques of the patients were recorded.The clinical outcomes were evaluated by comparison of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)ankle-hindfoot score and visual analogue scale(VAS)between pre-operation and at the last follow-up.The fusion healing time,symptom improvement(significant improvement,certain improvement,no improvement or deterioration)and postoperative complications were also recorded.Results:The median follow-up time was 38.0(26.3,58.8)months.The preoperative VAS score was 6.0(4.0,7.0),and the AOFAS score was 33.0(25.3,47.3).At the last follow-up,the median VAS score was 0(0,3.0),and the AOFAS score was 80.0(59.0,84.0).All the significantly improved compared with their preoperative corre-sponding values(P<0.05).There was no wound necrosis or infection in the patients.One patient suf-fered from subtalar joint nonunion,which was syphilitic Charcot arthropathy.The median bony healing time of other patients was 15.0(12.0,20.0)weeks.Among the included patients,there were 25 cases with significant improvement in symptom compared with that preoperative,8 cases with certain improve-ment,4 cases with no improvement,and 3 cases with worse symptoms than that before operation.Con-clusion:TTC arthrodesis is a reliable method for the treatment of the end-stage ankle and hindfoot ar-thropathy.The function of most patients was improved postoperatively,with little impact on daily life.The causes of poor prognosis included toe stiffness,stress concentration in adjacent knee joints,nonunion and pain of unknown causes.


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