1.Prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications in video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing and machine learning
Lei GUO ; Fusong LIU ; Zhilong OU ; Lan GUO ; Tiantian LI ; Chongfeng ZHOU ; Kun LUAN ; Xiaoman CHEN ; Yucheng WEI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):44-52
Objective To develop a predictive model for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in lung cancer patients by integrating cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters and machine learning techniques. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer who underwent CPET and VATS at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between October 2021 and July 2023. Patients were divided into a PPC group and a non-PPC group. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select important features associated with PPC. Six machine learning algorithms were utilized to construct prediction models, including logistic regression, support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors, random forest, gradient boosting machine, and extreme gradient boosting. The optimal model was interpreted using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Results A total of 325 patients were included, with an average age of 60.36 years, and 55.1% were male. Significant differences were observed between the PPC and non-PPC groups in age, diabetes, coronary heart disease, surgical approach, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FVC% predicted, peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), anaerobic threshold (AT), and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide slope (VE/VCO2 slope) (P<0.05). In the predictive model constructed by selecting 7 key features using LASSO regression, the random forest model demonstrated the best overall performance across various metrics, with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.930, an F1 score of 0.836, and a Brier score of 0.133 in the training set. It also exhibited good predictive ability and calibration in the test set. SHAP analysis ranked feature importance as follows: peak VO2, VE/VCO2 slope, age, FEV1, smoking history, diabetes, and surgical approach. Conclusion Integrating CPET parameters, the random forest model can effectively identify high-risk patients for PPC and has the potential for clinical application.
2.Evolving Paradigms in IgA Nephropathy Management: from Traditional Risk Stratification to Biomarker-Driven Precision Medicine
Dingding WANG ; Meng YAO ; Xiao LIU ; Qingxian ZHAI ; Qiong WEN ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):317-323
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and a major cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. IgAN exhibits marked heterogeneity in clinical presentation, histopathology, and pathogenic mechanisms, contributing to variable treatment responses and prognosisamong patients. Precise risk assessment and individualized intervention are therefore of critical importance. This review systematically traces the evolution of IgAN management from traditional risk stratification toward biomarker-driven precision medicine. We first review the clinical utility and limitations of established risk stratification tools, including the KDIGO guidelines, the Oxford MEST-C classification, and the International IgAN Prediction Tool. We then discuss emerging biomarkers closely linked to disease pathogenesis, including galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), anti-Gd-IgA1 autoantibodies, B cell activating factor (BAFF), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and complement components, as well as the targeted therapies they have informed. In addition, urinary biomarkers and multi-omics approaches show promise for dynamic disease monitoring and individualized risk stratification.
3.Development of A Prognostic Prediction Model for Primary Membranous Nephropathy in the Elderly Based on Machine Learning
Yuzhu XU ; Shuqin LIU ; Dingding WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Xin WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):370-381
Elderly patients with primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) exhibit significant prognostic heterogeneity and poor tolerance to immunotherapy. However, there is a lack of early prognostic prediction tools specifically for this population. This study aimed to develop a prognostic prediction model applicable to elderly PMN patients. This study retrospectively included elderly patients with PMN confirmed by renal biopsy. The primary endpoint was a adverse composite outcome including end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a ≥50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), or all-cause death. Patients were randomly divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort at a ratio of 7∶3. Key prognostic features were identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression combined with random survival forest, and a predictive model was constructed based on penalized Cox regression. Model performance was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index), time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. The SurvSHAP (t) method was employed for interpretability analysis of the model. A total of 309 elderly patients with PMN were included in this study, with a median age of 65.00 years (IQR, 62.00-68.00) and a male predominance 61.2%(189/309).During a median follow-up of 47.00 months (IQR, 25.00-89.00), 38.2%(118/309) reached the endpoint event. The final model included nine key features, including eGFR, total protein (TP), glomerular capsular adhesion, urine glucose, segmental glomerulosclerosis proportion, fibrinogen, urea, age, and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). In the validation cohort, the model demonstrated good discrimination, with a C-index of 0.731(95% CI: 0.652-0.797). The time-dependent AUROCs for predicting adverse outcomes at 3, 5, and 10 years were 0.758(95% CI: 0.614-0.901), 0.781(95% CI: 0.646-0.916), and 0.866(95% CI: 0.740-0.993), respectively. Calibration curves demonstrated a high degree of concordance between predicted probabilities and actual event rates. Decision curve analysis confirmed the net clinical benefit of the model.SurvSHAP (t) analysis showed that eGFR, TP, glomerular capsular adhesion, urine glucose, and the proportion of segmental glomerular sclerosis were the top five variables contributing to the model. This prognostic model effectively predicts the risk of adverse outcomes in elderly patients with PMN in the internal validation cohort, offering a potential scientific basis for individualized risk stratification and treatment decision-making in this population.
4.Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Immune Cystitis: A Case Report
Jing YU ; Ling LI ; Wenfang CHEN ; Qiong WEN ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):396-402
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in the treatment of malignant tumors, and their related immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have attracted increasing attention. This study reports the diagnosis and treatment process of a case of immune cystitis in a patient with hepatobiliary tract malignant tumor after treatment with pembrolizumab. The patient was admitted to the hospital due to frequent urination, urgency of urination and dysuria for 1 month. Previous repeated anti-infection treatments were ineffective. Combined with medical history, laboratory tests, imaging findings, cystoscopy and pathological results, the patient was clinically diagnosed with ICIs-associated immune cystitis (Pembrolizumab) ultimately. The patient's symptoms significantly improved after treatment with glucocorticoids. This case reindicates that clinicians need to improve awareness of ICI-related urinary system irAEs. Early identification and timely intervention can significantly improve patient prognosis.
5.Rapid Qualitative Analysis Methods and Their Application in Implementation Science
Xuehan WEI ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Runze WANG ; Yingqian ZHANG ; Xuehan LIU ; Jin SUN ; Guoyan YANG ; Wei XIAO ; Chunli LU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):546-556
Implementation science (IS) aims to systematically analyze and address the real-world gaps from evidence to practice and the influencing factors of the context. It is necessary to carry out qualitative research to gather relevant implementation outcomes. Nevertheless, traditional qualitative analysis has issues such as consuming a great deal of time and energy, and it is unable to promptly provide the crucial data required for implementation science research. The Rapid Qualitative Analysis (RQA) method, through semi-structured interviews and the adoption of techniques such as immediate data condensation and matrix analysis, can effectively shorten the cycle of qualitative data collection and data processing. RQA can promptly identify social determinants of health such as structural barriers, facilitators, and the behavioral characteristics of target groups. It provides a real-time basis for public health decision-making, the interpretation of complex social phenomena, and the process and effectiveness evaluation of research projects. Although RQA is difficult to conduct in-depth theoretical analysis based on grounded theory, its efficiency and flexibility make it the preferred tool for large-scale and time-sensitive research. Thus, it has been widely applied in implementation science research. This paper sorts out the core concepts and commonly used technical methods of RQA, as well as the differences between RQA and traditional qualitative analysis. It also explores the applications of RQA in intervention optimization, process evaluation, and implementation outcome evaluation. By integrating specific cases, this paper clarifies its application value in the field of implementation science. In the future, it is advisable to explore the integration of RQA with technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, in order to bridge the gap between the transformation of scientific research achievements into practice. Under circumstances of limited resources or tight time constraints, RQA can be used to efficiently conduct implementation science research, providing convenient and scientific methodological and technical support for accelerating evidence-based practice.
6.Disease burden of influenza like illness among student populations in Shenzhen
PENG Weijun, ZHANG Wei, LUO Jingwei,CHEN Hongbiao, ZHOU Xiaofeng, LIN Sixiao, LIU Honglian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):589-592
Objective:
To understand the epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of influenza like illness (ILI) among student populations, so as to provide data support for policy formulation and optimal allocation of health resources.
Methods:
From January 2024 to February 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of kindergarten, primary school, junior and senior high school students in 9 districts of Shenzhen, including Longhua, Futian, Bao an, Longgang, Luohu, Nanshan, Guangming, Pingshan and Yantian. Parents were asked to complete the questionnaire based on whether their children had fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, rash and other common symptoms in 2024. A total of 3 537 parents were investigated, and 444 ILI cases were included as study subjects. The epidemiological burden, including incidence rate of influenza, visitation rate, years lived with disability (YLDs) and economic burden (including direct economic burden, indirect economic burden and intangible burden) were analyzed.
Results:
The incidence rate of influenza among students in Shenzhen in 2024 was 12.55%. The ILI incidence rates in kindergarten, primary school, junior and senior high school were 14.01%, 11.69% and 5.23%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2= 45.20, P <0.01). The ILI consultation rate among students was 85.36%, and the consultation rates in kindergarten (87.36%) and primary school students (84.62%) were higher than those in junior and senior high school students ( 56.52 %) ( χ 2=16.47, P <0.01). A total of 78.88% of cases did not receive etiological detection.The median total economic burden per ILI case was 2 354.62 yuan, including direct medical costs of 300.00 yuan, direct non medical costs of 212.50 yuan, indirect costs of 1 000.00 yuan, and intangible burden of 500.00 yuan.
Conclusions
Schools are high risk environment for influenza, and younger students are a high risk group for ILI. The disease burden caused by student ILI remains substantial.
7.Study on The Anti-aging Effects of Longevity-enriched Metabolite Dimethylglycine
Jie HU ; Gong-Yu PU ; Jun-Lin LI ; Ju CAO ; Zhi-Xin LIN ; Wei-Wei AN ; Xue-Meng LI ; Jing AN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1048-1061
ObjectiveThe exacerbating trend of global population aging poses profound socioeconomic and public health challenges, making the comprehensive elucidation of biological aging mechanisms and the discovery of effective anti-aging interventions an urgent priority in the life sciences. Based on our previous serum metabolomics findings that dimethylglycine, an intermediate metabolite of amino acid metabolism naturally present in the human body, was significantly enriched in the serum of longevity families, this study aimed to systematically investigate the anti-aging effects of dimethylglycine both in living organisms and in controlled laboratory environments, and to preliminarily elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. While existing literature indicates that dimethylglycine possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, its direct anti-aging efficacy and the specific molecular pathways through which it operates remain largely unexplored. MethodsTo comprehensively evaluate the anti-aging properties of dimethylglycine, we utilized replicative senescent human embryonic lung fibroblasts, specifically the WI-38 cell line, as an experimental model in a controlled laboratory environment. Cell viability and safety were thoroughly assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays across various concentrations of dimethylglycine. The impact of dimethylglycine on cellular senescence phenotypes, oxidative stress, and proliferative capacity was evaluated via senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, reactive oxygen species fluorescence detection, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation assays. Furthermore, the molecular alterations of senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors and core senescence signaling pathways were quantified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the messenger RNA levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the measurement of p16 and p21 protein expression levels. For the living organism model, the wild-type nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate systemic physiological effects. We conducted a comprehensive lifespan analysis at 20°C, heat stress resistance survival assays at 35℃, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining, lipofuscin accumulation tracking, intracellular reactive oxygen species measurement, and Oil Red O staining to ascertain systemic lipid accumulation. Additionally, network pharmacology bioinformatics tools, including PharmMapper and STRING databases, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were utilized to predict target pathways, alongside highly detailed molecular docking simulations utilizing SwissDock and Protein-Ligand Interaction Profiler to examine interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein. ResultsThe experimental outcomes robustly demonstrate the potent anti-aging capabilities of dimethylglycine. At the cellular level, toxicity analyses firmly confirmed that dimethylglycine is highly safe; continuous treatment with 50 mol/L and 70 mol/L of dimethylglycine for 5 d did not induce any cellular membrane damage or cytotoxicity, but rather actively promoted cellular proliferation. Utilizing the optimal standardized concentration of 50 mol/L, dimethylglycine treatment significantly ameliorated senescent phenotypic markers in human embryonic lung fibroblasts, which was evidenced by a drastic and highly significant reduction in the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase positive cell percentage (P<0.000 1) and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels (P<0.000 1), alongside a marked increase in the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine-positive proliferation rate (P=0.003 5). On a molecular expression scale, dimethylglycine significantly downregulated the messenger RNA expression of multiple core senescence-associated secretory phenotype inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6, interleukin-8, p21, and matrix metalloproteinase-1. Concurrently, it effectively suppressed the protein expression of critical cell cycle arrest markers, diminishing p16 protein levels by 57.3% (P=0.000 4) and p21 protein levels by 27.2% (P=0.000 7). In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans animal model, dimethylglycine significantly extended the mean lifespan from 20.402 d to an impressive 23.066 d (P<0.000 1) and notably enhanced overall survival rates under severe heat stress environmental conditions (P=0.017). Furthermore, systemic dimethylglycine intervention significantly mitigated age-related physiological decline by decreasing bodily lipofuscin accumulation (P<0.000 1), significantly reducing senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity, lowering systemic reactive oxygen species fluorescence (P=0.008), and effectively alleviating overall fat accumulation (P<0.000 1). Mechanistically, extensive network pharmacology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses strongly revealed that the potential targets of dimethylglycine are significantly enriched in fundamental drug metabolism and oxidative stress response pathways. Precision molecular docking simulations conclusively demonstrated that dimethylglycine forms highly stable structural interactions with the cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 protein, specifically highlighting the definitive formation of 5 stable hydrogen bonds involving serine 365, leucine 366, and serine 429 residues, as well as two critical salt bridge formations with arginine 97 and histidine 368 residues. It is additionally predicted to interact favorably with glutathione S-transferase family proteins. ConclusionDimethylglycine exhibits a profoundly significant and multifaceted anti-aging activity at both the cellular and entire living animal levels. By powerfully alleviating oxidative stress, heavily suppressing the core p16 and p21-dependent cellular senescence signaling pathways, and substantially mitigating the detrimental senescence-associated secretory phenotype, dimethylglycine effectively delays fundamental cellular senescence processes and drastically extends whole-organism lifespan. The biological mechanisms driving these robust protective effects are highly likely closely associated with its direct stable interactions with crucial metabolic and detoxifying enzyme systems, such as cytochrome P450 family 2 subfamily C member 9 and glutathione S-transferase family proteins, thereby systemically improving metabolic dysregulation and restoring critical redox homeostasis. This comprehensive study provides highly solid experimental evidence supporting dimethylglycine as a highly potent and safe potential anti-aging intervention agent, while simultaneously offering a clear molecular mechanistic explanation for the previously documented high abundance of dimethylglycine observed within exceptionally long-lived human populations.
8.Challenges and Recommendations for Implementing Key Technologies in Decentralized Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Runze WANG ; Xuehan WEI ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Yingqian ZHANG ; Jin SUN ; Chunli LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):926-934
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical trials face challenges such as low participant compliance, insufficient geographical coverage, and cost-effectiveness imbalances. Decentralized clinical trials (DCT), enabled by digital technology for remote data collection and monitoring, offer a new direction for TCM clinical trial research. This article systematically reviews three novel clinical trial design models. Combining the holistic concept and indivi-dualized treatment characteristics of TCM, it analyzes the challenges currently faced in TCM DCT practice, including the digitization and standardization of TCM theory, data security, privacy protection and patient engagement difficu-lties, insufficient ethical review and regulatory system adaptation, inadequate personnel training, and a shortage of interdisciplinary talent. Addressing these challenges, the article proposes methodological recommendations for DCT implementation that align with the principles of TCM diagnosis and treatment. These recommendations include promoting the intelligentization and standardization of TCM practices, constructing a full-chain data security and privacy protection system, improving the ethical framework and clarifying regulatory responsibilities, and cultivating and building interdisciplinary talent and capabilities, which provide theoretical and technical references for establishing standardized DCT practices in TCM.
9.Challenges and Recommendations for Implementing Key Technologies in Decentralized Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Runze WANG ; Xuehan WEI ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Yingqian ZHANG ; Jin SUN ; Chunli LU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(9):926-934
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical trials face challenges such as low participant compliance, insufficient geographical coverage, and cost-effectiveness imbalances. Decentralized clinical trials (DCT), enabled by digital technology for remote data collection and monitoring, offer a new direction for TCM clinical trial research. This article systematically reviews three novel clinical trial design models. Combining the holistic concept and indivi-dualized treatment characteristics of TCM, it analyzes the challenges currently faced in TCM DCT practice, including the digitization and standardization of TCM theory, data security, privacy protection and patient engagement difficu-lties, insufficient ethical review and regulatory system adaptation, inadequate personnel training, and a shortage of interdisciplinary talent. Addressing these challenges, the article proposes methodological recommendations for DCT implementation that align with the principles of TCM diagnosis and treatment. These recommendations include promoting the intelligentization and standardization of TCM practices, constructing a full-chain data security and privacy protection system, improving the ethical framework and clarifying regulatory responsibilities, and cultivating and building interdisciplinary talent and capabilities, which provide theoretical and technical references for establishing standardized DCT practices in TCM.
10.Comparison of preoperative ocular biometry between Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 700 in cataract patients
Jinfen WEI ; Simin TAN ; Lin DING ; Qiuli ZHANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):148-151
AIM: To compare the preoperative ocular biometry between Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 700 in cataract patients.METHODS:Prospective study. A total of 150 patients(150 eyes)with cataracts who were treated in our hospital from May to December 2024 were selected. The IOL Master 700 and Pentacam AXL were preoperatively used to measure axial length(AL), corneal curvature(K1, K2 and Km), anterior chamber depth(ACD), and white-to-white(WTW). The difference and consistency of the results of the two instruments were compared.RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two instruments in the AL, K1, K2, Km, ACD, and WTW(all P>0.05). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that the two instruments positively correlated with the AL, K1, K2, Km, ACD and WTW of the operated eye(all P<0.001). The Bland-Altman analysis showed that for the Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 700, there were 5/150(3.3%), 7/150(4.7%), 4/150(2.7%), 5/150(3.3%), and 0 points outside the 95%LoA for the AL, K1, K2, Km, ACD, and WTW of the examined eyes, respectively, with all of these values less than 5%, indicating good consistency.CONCLUSION:The AL, K1, K2, Km, ACD and WTW of Pentacam AXL and IOL Master 700 in cataract patients before cataract phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation show no significant differences, and have good correlation and consistency. The two instruments can be used interchangeably.


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