1.Optimization of Ovarian Tissue Vitrification Using Hydrogel Encapsulation and Magnetic Induction Nanowarming
Yu-Kun CAO ; Na YE ; Zheng LI ; Xin-Li ZHOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):464-477
ObjectiveFor prepubertal and urgently treated malignant tumor patients, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation represent more appropriate fertility preservation methods. Current clinical practices often involve freezing ovarian tissue with high concentrations of cryoprotectants (CPAs) and thawing with water baths. These processes lead to varying degrees of toxicity and devitrification damage to ovarian tissue. Therefore, this paper proposes optimized methods for vitrification of ovarian tissues based on sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation and magnetic induction nanowarming technology. MethodsFirstly, the study investigated the effects of sodium alginate concentration, the sequence of hydrogel encapsulation and CPAs loading on vitrification efficiency of encapsulated ovarian tissue. Additionally, the capability of sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation to reduce the required concentration of CPAs was validated. Secondly, a platform combining water bath and magnetic induction nanowarming was established to rewarm ovarian tissue under various concentrations of magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic field strengths. The post-warming follicle survival rate, antioxidant capacity, and ovarian tissue integrity were evaluated to assess the efficacy of the method. ResultsThe study found that ovarian tissue encapsulated with 2% sodium alginate hydrogel exhibited the highest follicle survival rate after vitrification. The method of loading CPAs prior to encapsulation proved more suitable for ovarian tissue cryopreservation, effectively reducing the required concentration of CPAs by 50%. A combination of 8 g/L Fe3O4 nanoparticles and an alternating magnetic field of 300 Gs showed optimal warming effectiveness for ovarian tissue. Combining water bath rewarming with magnetic induction nanowarming yielded the highest follicle survival rate, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and preserved tissue morphology. ConclusionSodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation of ovarian tissue reduces the concentration of CPAs required during the freezing process. The combination of magnetic induction nanowarming with water bath provides an efficient method ovarian tissue rewarming. This study offers novel approaches to optimize ovarian tissues vitrification.
2.Textual Research on Historical Evolution and Key Information of Classical Famous Formula of Da Qinjiaotang
Na LI ; Jianying BAI ; Fuping LI ; Xiufen ZHANG ; Di LU ; Yishuo BAI ; Cuixiang WANG ; Kun SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):201-211
Da Qinjiaotang is the 54th formula of the 100 formulas in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formulas (the first batch) ,and it originated from the Collection of Writings on the Mechanism of Disease, Suitability of Qi, and Safeguarding of Life Discussed in Plain Questions. Da Qinjiaotang is composed of Gentiana macrophylla, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Asari Radix et Rhizoma, Notopterygium incisum, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Gypsum, Angelica dahurica, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Rehmanniae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Poria, and Angelicae Pubescentis Radix. It is a classical formula for treating strokes. Da Qinjiaotang is widely used in modern clinical practices for treating ischemic stroke, peripheral facial paralysis, cervical spondylosis, rheumatic arthritis, neurodermatitis, and other multisystem diseases. Therefore, following the Principles of Textual Research on the Key Information of Ancient Classical Famous Formulas, the authors collected the ancient Chinese medical literature of Da Qinjiaotang by the method of bibliometrics and screened out 177 valid data, involving 100 ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the historical evolution, composition, dosage, method of preparation, and preparation of the original medicinal materials of Da Qinjiaotang, a systematic study was carried out. It was found that among the 175 records of the main diseases and syndromes, stroke (144) was the most, accounting for 82.29% of the total diseases and syndromes. Later generations mostly followed the practice of LIU Wansu in using Da Qinjiaotang to treat stroke caused by "weak blood and inability to nourish tendon", featuring "hands and feet cannot move, stiff tongue hinders speaking", as well as other symptoms, such as slant of the mouth, hemiplegia, numbness of the limbs, paroxysmal pain, and acerbic syncope. The treatment scope was expanded, covering tendon dryness, clonic convulsion, spasm syndrome, and arthralgia syndrome. At the same time, it was found that there was a controversy between "internal wind" and "external wind" in the treatment of stroke by Da Qinjiaotang. LIU Wansu thought that stroke was caused by internal factors, created the theory of "hot stroke", and used Da Qinjiaotang to treat "internal wind". Many doctors in later generations focused on treating the "external wind" of "internal deficiency and evil". There were 76 valid data on the composition of drugs, 59 of which had doses for each drug. It was suggested to use the modern conversion dosage of the original formula, with 41.30 g per dose. The drug should be boiled in 600 mL water until 300 mL, decocted once, and taken in a warm state after removing the dregs anytime. Through the analysis and study of the ancient books about Da Qinjiaotang, the paper clarified its historical evolution and confirmed its key information, so as to provide the ancient literature evidence for the research and development of the classical famous formula Daqinjiaotan and its better clinical application.
3.Textual Research on Historical Evolution and Key Information of Classical Famous Formula of Da Qinjiaotang
Na LI ; Jianying BAI ; Fuping LI ; Xiufen ZHANG ; Di LU ; Yishuo BAI ; Cuixiang WANG ; Kun SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):201-211
Da Qinjiaotang is the 54th formula of the 100 formulas in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formulas (the first batch) ,and it originated from the Collection of Writings on the Mechanism of Disease, Suitability of Qi, and Safeguarding of Life Discussed in Plain Questions. Da Qinjiaotang is composed of Gentiana macrophylla, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Asari Radix et Rhizoma, Notopterygium incisum, Saposhnikoviae Radix, Scutellariae Radix, Gypsum, Angelica dahurica, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Rehmanniae Radix, Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, Poria, and Angelicae Pubescentis Radix. It is a classical formula for treating strokes. Da Qinjiaotang is widely used in modern clinical practices for treating ischemic stroke, peripheral facial paralysis, cervical spondylosis, rheumatic arthritis, neurodermatitis, and other multisystem diseases. Therefore, following the Principles of Textual Research on the Key Information of Ancient Classical Famous Formulas, the authors collected the ancient Chinese medical literature of Da Qinjiaotang by the method of bibliometrics and screened out 177 valid data, involving 100 ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the historical evolution, composition, dosage, method of preparation, and preparation of the original medicinal materials of Da Qinjiaotang, a systematic study was carried out. It was found that among the 175 records of the main diseases and syndromes, stroke (144) was the most, accounting for 82.29% of the total diseases and syndromes. Later generations mostly followed the practice of LIU Wansu in using Da Qinjiaotang to treat stroke caused by "weak blood and inability to nourish tendon", featuring "hands and feet cannot move, stiff tongue hinders speaking", as well as other symptoms, such as slant of the mouth, hemiplegia, numbness of the limbs, paroxysmal pain, and acerbic syncope. The treatment scope was expanded, covering tendon dryness, clonic convulsion, spasm syndrome, and arthralgia syndrome. At the same time, it was found that there was a controversy between "internal wind" and "external wind" in the treatment of stroke by Da Qinjiaotang. LIU Wansu thought that stroke was caused by internal factors, created the theory of "hot stroke", and used Da Qinjiaotang to treat "internal wind". Many doctors in later generations focused on treating the "external wind" of "internal deficiency and evil". There were 76 valid data on the composition of drugs, 59 of which had doses for each drug. It was suggested to use the modern conversion dosage of the original formula, with 41.30 g per dose. The drug should be boiled in 600 mL water until 300 mL, decocted once, and taken in a warm state after removing the dregs anytime. Through the analysis and study of the ancient books about Da Qinjiaotang, the paper clarified its historical evolution and confirmed its key information, so as to provide the ancient literature evidence for the research and development of the classical famous formula Daqinjiaotan and its better clinical application.
4.Therapeutic Effects of Intravitreal Methotrexate Injection for Intraocular Lymphoma Diagnosed Using Immunocytochemical Staining
Yong Jin NA ; Kun Young KWON ; Kook Young KIM ; Young Suk CHANG ; Jung Tae KIM
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(2):101-113
Purpose:
This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections in patients diagnosed with intraocular lymphoma via vitrectomy and immunocytochemical staining.
Methods:
In a retrospective analysis of medical records, we reviewed data from four patients (six eyes) diagnosed with intraocular lymphoma cytologically after undergoing vitrectomy at our hospital between December 2021 and December 2023. Each case was followed for a minimum of 6 months after treatment, with comparisons made between pre- and post-treatment observations
Results:
The mean age of the patients was 63.5 ± 9.8 years, with an average interval of 29.3 ± 32.0 months from initial symptom onset to intraocular lymphoma diagnosis. Diagnosis was confirmed through cytological and immunocytochemical analysis of vitreous specimens, identifying diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in four eyes and atypical lymphoid cells in two eyes. On average, 14.0 ± 1.7 intravitreal MTX injections were administered per eye. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.18 ± 0.90 pre-treatment to 0.37 ± 0.70 post-treatment. Ophthalmic complications included toxic keratopathy in three eyes and retinal hemorrhage in one eye. Additionally, nasal cavity lymphoma was diagnosed in two patients.
Conclusions
Diagnostic vitrectomy combined with cytology and immunocytochemical staining is essential for the early diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma and differentiation from inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis. Intravitreal MTX injections can induce clinical remission in intraocular lymphoma cases.
6.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
7.Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer 2024: An Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Approach (Update of 2022 Guideline)
In-Ho KIM ; Seung Joo KANG ; Wonyoung CHOI ; An Na SEO ; Bang Wool EOM ; Beodeul KANG ; Bum Jun KIM ; Byung-Hoon MIN ; Chung Hyun TAE ; Chang In CHOI ; Choong-kun LEE ; Ho Jung AN ; Hwa Kyung BYUN ; Hyeon-Su IM ; Hyung-Don KIM ; Jang Ho CHO ; Kyoungjune PAK ; Jae-Joon KIM ; Jae Seok BAE ; Jeong Il YU ; Jeong Won LEE ; Jungyoon CHOI ; Jwa Hoon KIM ; Miyoung CHOI ; Mi Ran JUNG ; Nieun SEO ; Sang Soo EOM ; Soomin AHN ; Soo Jin KIM ; Sung Hak LEE ; Sung Hee LIM ; Tae-Han KIM ; Hye Sook HAN ; On behalf of The Development Working Group for the Korean Practice Guideline for Gastric Cancer 2024
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2025;25(1):5-114
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in both Korea and worldwide. Since 2004, the Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer have been regularly updated, with the 4th edition published in 2022. The 4th edition was the result of a collaborative work by an interdisciplinary team, including experts in gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and guideline development methodology. The current guideline is the 5th version, an updated version of the 4th edition. In this guideline, 6 key questions (KQs) were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group, and 7 statements were developed, or revised, or discussed based on a systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed database. Over the past 2 years, there have been significant changes in systemic treatment, leading to major updates and revisions focused on this area.Additionally, minor modifications have been made in other sections, incorporating recent research findings. The level of evidence and grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Key factors for recommendation included the level of evidence, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability. The working group reviewed and discussed the recommendations to reach a consensus. The structure of this guideline remains similar to the 2022 version.Earlier sections cover general considerations, such as screening, diagnosis, and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. In the latter sections, statements are provided for each KQ based on clinical evidence, with flowcharts supporting these statements through meta-analysis and references. This multidisciplinary, evidence-based gastric cancer guideline aims to support clinicians in providing optimal care for gastric cancer patients.
8.Differences in HER2-0 and HER2-low Breast Cancer: Androgen Receptor and Programmed Death Ligand 1 as Predictive Factors
Xiaoqi ZHANG ; Ciqiu YANG ; Yitian CHEN ; Junsheng ZHANG ; Peiyong LI ; Na HUANG ; Yilin CHEN ; Minting LIANG ; Weiming LV ; Zhongyu YUAN ; Jie LI ; Kun WANG
Journal of Breast Cancer 2025;28(1):23-36
Purpose:
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified.
Methods:
We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR.
Results:
The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046).
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.
9.Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer 2024: An Evidence-based, Multidisciplinary Approach (Update of 2022 Guideline)
In-Ho KIM ; Seung Joo KANG ; Wonyoung CHOI ; An Na SEO ; Bang Wool EOM ; Beodeul KANG ; Bum Jun KIM ; Byung-Hoon MIN ; Chung Hyun TAE ; Chang In CHOI ; Choong-kun LEE ; Ho Jung AN ; Hwa Kyung BYUN ; Hyeon-Su IM ; Hyung-Don KIM ; Jang Ho CHO ; Kyoungjune PAK ; Jae-Joon KIM ; Jae Seok BAE ; Jeong Il YU ; Jeong Won LEE ; Jungyoon CHOI ; Jwa Hoon KIM ; Miyoung CHOI ; Mi Ran JUNG ; Nieun SEO ; Sang Soo EOM ; Soomin AHN ; Soo Jin KIM ; Sung Hak LEE ; Sung Hee LIM ; Tae-Han KIM ; Hye Sook HAN ; On behalf of The Development Working Group for the Korean Practice Guideline for Gastric Cancer 2024
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2025;25(1):5-114
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in both Korea and worldwide. Since 2004, the Korean Practice Guidelines for Gastric Cancer have been regularly updated, with the 4th edition published in 2022. The 4th edition was the result of a collaborative work by an interdisciplinary team, including experts in gastric surgery, gastroenterology, endoscopy, medical oncology, abdominal radiology, pathology, nuclear medicine, radiation oncology, and guideline development methodology. The current guideline is the 5th version, an updated version of the 4th edition. In this guideline, 6 key questions (KQs) were updated or proposed after a collaborative review by the working group, and 7 statements were developed, or revised, or discussed based on a systematic review using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed database. Over the past 2 years, there have been significant changes in systemic treatment, leading to major updates and revisions focused on this area.Additionally, minor modifications have been made in other sections, incorporating recent research findings. The level of evidence and grading of recommendations were categorized according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Key factors for recommendation included the level of evidence, benefit, harm, and clinical applicability. The working group reviewed and discussed the recommendations to reach a consensus. The structure of this guideline remains similar to the 2022 version.Earlier sections cover general considerations, such as screening, diagnosis, and staging of endoscopy, pathology, radiology, and nuclear medicine. In the latter sections, statements are provided for each KQ based on clinical evidence, with flowcharts supporting these statements through meta-analysis and references. This multidisciplinary, evidence-based gastric cancer guideline aims to support clinicians in providing optimal care for gastric cancer patients.
10.Therapeutic Effects of Intravitreal Methotrexate Injection for Intraocular Lymphoma Diagnosed Using Immunocytochemical Staining
Yong Jin NA ; Kun Young KWON ; Kook Young KIM ; Young Suk CHANG ; Jung Tae KIM
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2025;66(2):101-113
Purpose:
This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) injections in patients diagnosed with intraocular lymphoma via vitrectomy and immunocytochemical staining.
Methods:
In a retrospective analysis of medical records, we reviewed data from four patients (six eyes) diagnosed with intraocular lymphoma cytologically after undergoing vitrectomy at our hospital between December 2021 and December 2023. Each case was followed for a minimum of 6 months after treatment, with comparisons made between pre- and post-treatment observations
Results:
The mean age of the patients was 63.5 ± 9.8 years, with an average interval of 29.3 ± 32.0 months from initial symptom onset to intraocular lymphoma diagnosis. Diagnosis was confirmed through cytological and immunocytochemical analysis of vitreous specimens, identifying diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in four eyes and atypical lymphoid cells in two eyes. On average, 14.0 ± 1.7 intravitreal MTX injections were administered per eye. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 1.18 ± 0.90 pre-treatment to 0.37 ± 0.70 post-treatment. Ophthalmic complications included toxic keratopathy in three eyes and retinal hemorrhage in one eye. Additionally, nasal cavity lymphoma was diagnosed in two patients.
Conclusions
Diagnostic vitrectomy combined with cytology and immunocytochemical staining is essential for the early diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma and differentiation from inflammatory diseases, such as uveitis. Intravitreal MTX injections can induce clinical remission in intraocular lymphoma cases.

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