1.Computational pathology in precision oncology: Evolution from task-specific models to foundation models.
Yuhao WANG ; Yunjie GU ; Xueyuan ZHANG ; Baizhi WANG ; Rundong WANG ; Xiaolong LI ; Yudong LIU ; Fengmei QU ; Fei REN ; Rui YAN ; S Kevin ZHOU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2868-2878
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, computational pathology has been seamlessly integrated into the entire clinical workflow, which encompasses diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and biomarker discovery. This integration has significantly enhanced clinical accuracy and efficiency while reducing the workload for clinicians. Traditionally, research in this field has depended on the collection and labeling of large datasets for specific tasks, followed by the development of task-specific computational pathology models. However, this approach is labor intensive and does not scale efficiently for open-set identification or rare diseases. Given the diversity of clinical tasks, training individual models from scratch to address the whole spectrum of clinical tasks in the pathology workflow is impractical, which highlights the urgent need to transition from task-specific models to foundation models (FMs). In recent years, pathological FMs have proliferated. These FMs can be classified into three categories, namely, pathology image FMs, pathology image-text FMs, and pathology image-gene FMs, each of which results in distinct functionalities and application scenarios. This review provides an overview of the latest research advancements in pathological FMs, with a particular emphasis on their applications in oncology. The key challenges and opportunities presented by pathological FMs in precision oncology are also explored.
Humans
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Precision Medicine/methods*
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Medical Oncology/methods*
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Artificial Intelligence
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Neoplasms/pathology*
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Computational Biology/methods*
2.Clinicopathological features and surgery-related outcomes of duodenal adenocarcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study
Qifeng XIAO ; Xin WU ; Chunhui YUAN ; Zongting GU ; Xiaolong TANG ; Fanbin MENG ; Dong WANG ; Ren LANG ; Gang ZHAI ; Xiaodong TIAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Enhong ZHAO ; Xiaodong ZHAO ; Feng CAO ; Jingyong XU ; Ying XING ; Jishu WEI ; Shanmiao GOU ; Chengfeng WANG ; Jianwei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(10):1026-1038
Objective:This multicenter retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features of duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) and identify prognostic factors for postoperative survival.Methods:Demographic characteristics, clinicopathological features, treatment outcomes and survival of DA patients undergoing surgical treatment at 18 Chinese medical centers from January 2012 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 2 056 DA patients included, 46.8% (963) had extra-ampullary DA (EA-DA), and 53.2% (1 093) had peri-ampullary DA (PA-DA). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for patients who underwent radical surgery were 93.2%, 71.0%, and 57.2%, respectively. The median overall survival was 76 months, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 65 months. No differences in survival were observed between the laparotomy group and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group either before or after propensity score matching (OS: 76 vs. 75 months before PSM, P=0.986; OS: 75 vs. 75 months after PSM, P=0.602). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between-group in operation time and postoperative complications ( P>0.05). The MIS group experienced less intraoperative blood loss and shorter hospital stays. The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that advanced age ( HR=1.43,95% CI:1.18-1.73), elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels ( HR=1.24,95% CI:1.02-1.51), perineural invasion ( HR=1.44,95% CI:1.14-1.81), vascular invasion ( HR=1.35,95% CI:1.07-1.71), advanced T stage (T3-4 vs. T1-2: HR=1.86,95% CI:1.49-2.31), regional lymph node metastasis ( HR=1.93,95% CI:1.58-2.36), preoperative biliary drainage ( HR=1.26,95% CI:1.04-1.53), intraoperative blood loss ( HR=1.34,95% CI:1.11-1.62), clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistulas ( HR=1.53,95% CI:1.12-2.09), and postoperative hemorrhage ( HR=1.62,95% CI:1.14-2.29) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis after surgery (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Radical surgery is associated with favorable overall survival among DA patients, and no difference in survival is observed between EA-DA and PA-DA patients. MIS is a reliable alternative for DA treatment.
3.Isolation and identification of yak-derived Enterococcus from four provinces of Tibetan plateau and detection of virulence resistance genes and biofilms
Jiaojiao XIN ; Guiqin GAO ; Xiaolong ZHAO ; Yongzhi LOU ; Jing LI ; Pan CHANG ; Ren-de SONG ; Xiangying KONG ; Hongmei SHI ; Xiaolin LUO ; Zhuoma GESANG ; Sizhu SUOLANG ; Ga GONG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):289-297
This study aims to understand the epidemic distribution characteristics,antimicrobial resistance,virulence genes,and biofilm adhesion ability of Enterococcus in yaks on the Tibetan plateau.Three hundred and forty-six fresh yak fecal samples and 311 milk samples were collected from four provinces on the Tibetan plateau(Xizang,Sichuan,Gansu,Qinghai),totaling 657 sam-ples.Bacterial isolation and identification were conducted,followed by 16S rDNA gene detection and the construction of a systematic evolutionary tree.The isolated strains were tested for antimi-crobial resistance and virulence genes using PCR,and sensitivity tests were performed using 18 types of antibiotics.The biofilm adhesion ability of the isolated bacteria was determined using an improved semi-quantitative crystal violet staining method.The results showed that the total isola-tion rate of Enterococcus was 32.27%,with Sichuan having the highest at 60.23%,followed by Gansu,Qinghai,and Tibet autonomous region at 42.70%,23.47%,and 18.31%respectively.In terms of sample types,the isolation rate in fecal samples was 36.71%,and in milk samples,it was 27.33%.Through PCR amplification,bands of approximately 1 400 bp were obtained,and 5 strains were selected for evolutionary analysis,forming a separate cluster.Among the 212 isolated strains,a high resistance to clindamycin,quinupristin-dalfopristin,linezolid,levofloxacin,and erythromycin was observed,with various resistance phenomena,accounting for 60.85%.Only 5 out of 12 resist-ant genes were detected,namely erm(B),tet(L),tet(O),tet(M),and ant(6)-Ia.All 13 virulence genes were detected in Enterococcus,with detection rates in the range of 5.19%to 95.76%,where cpd was 95.75%,gelE was 91.98%,efaA was 86.79%,asal was 86.32%,and the rest ranged from 5.19%to 55.66%.The fsr virulence gene was not detected in Enterococcus from milk sources.Among the isolated strains,3.30%showed medium adhesive ability,48.58%showed weak adhesive ability,and 48.11%showed no adhesive ability.The above research revealed the preva-lence of yak derived Enterococcus,the carrying status of resistance and virulence genes,and the correlation between biofilm phenotypes,laying the foundation for mastering research data on yak-derived Enterococcus in the Tibetan plateau.
4.Therole of macrophage-derived miRNA in immune regulation and clinical translation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Litian MA ; Hongtao DUAN ; Zhaoyang WANG ; Teng REN ; Xiaolong YAN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(9):948-952
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis(IPF)is a progressive disease characterized by declining respiratory function and high mortality.Macrophages play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis.Through polarization into pro-inflammatory M1 and pro-fibrotic M2 phenotypes,they contribute to a complex immunoregulatory network.In the early disease stages,M1 macrophage-mediated inflammation causes lung tissue injury,while M2 macrophages drive fibrogenesis by releasing pro-fibrotic factors such as TGF-β.Recent research has revealed that exosomes derived from macrophages serve as carriers for miRNAs,with specific miRNAs(e.g.,miR-328,miR-142-3p)demonstrating significant roles in pulmonary fibrosis.miR-328 promotes fibroblast proliferation and accelerates collagen deposition,whereas miR-142-3p attenuates fibrosis by modulating the TGF-β signaling pathway.Targeted intervention against these macrophage-associated miRNAs shows potential for clinical translation,potentially offering novel approaches for the early diagnosis and targeted therapy of IPF.However,translating these strategies into clinical practice requires overcoming challenges related to production and delivery systems.In conclusion,a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and translational applications of macrophage-derived miRNAs in IPF holds promise for ultimately improving patient prognosis and clinical outcomes.
5.Clinicopathological features and surgery-related outcomes of duodenal adenocarcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study
Qifeng XIAO ; Xin WU ; Chunhui YUAN ; Zongting GU ; Xiaolong TANG ; Fanbin MENG ; Dong WANG ; Ren LANG ; Gang ZHAI ; Xiaodong TIAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Enhong ZHAO ; Xiaodong ZHAO ; Feng CAO ; Jingyong XU ; Ying XING ; Jishu WEI ; Shanmiao GOU ; Chengfeng WANG ; Jianwei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(10):1026-1038
Objective:This multicenter retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features of duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) and identify prognostic factors for postoperative survival.Methods:Demographic characteristics, clinicopathological features, treatment outcomes and survival of DA patients undergoing surgical treatment at 18 Chinese medical centers from January 2012 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 2 056 DA patients included, 46.8% (963) had extra-ampullary DA (EA-DA), and 53.2% (1 093) had peri-ampullary DA (PA-DA). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for patients who underwent radical surgery were 93.2%, 71.0%, and 57.2%, respectively. The median overall survival was 76 months, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 65 months. No differences in survival were observed between the laparotomy group and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group either before or after propensity score matching (OS: 76 vs. 75 months before PSM, P=0.986; OS: 75 vs. 75 months after PSM, P=0.602). Furthermore, there were no significant differences between-group in operation time and postoperative complications ( P>0.05). The MIS group experienced less intraoperative blood loss and shorter hospital stays. The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that advanced age ( HR=1.43,95% CI:1.18-1.73), elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels ( HR=1.24,95% CI:1.02-1.51), perineural invasion ( HR=1.44,95% CI:1.14-1.81), vascular invasion ( HR=1.35,95% CI:1.07-1.71), advanced T stage (T3-4 vs. T1-2: HR=1.86,95% CI:1.49-2.31), regional lymph node metastasis ( HR=1.93,95% CI:1.58-2.36), preoperative biliary drainage ( HR=1.26,95% CI:1.04-1.53), intraoperative blood loss ( HR=1.34,95% CI:1.11-1.62), clinically significant postoperative pancreatic fistulas ( HR=1.53,95% CI:1.12-2.09), and postoperative hemorrhage ( HR=1.62,95% CI:1.14-2.29) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis after surgery (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Radical surgery is associated with favorable overall survival among DA patients, and no difference in survival is observed between EA-DA and PA-DA patients. MIS is a reliable alternative for DA treatment.
6.Therole of macrophage-derived miRNA in immune regulation and clinical translation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Litian MA ; Hongtao DUAN ; Zhaoyang WANG ; Teng REN ; Xiaolong YAN
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(9):948-952
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis(IPF)is a progressive disease characterized by declining respiratory function and high mortality.Macrophages play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis.Through polarization into pro-inflammatory M1 and pro-fibrotic M2 phenotypes,they contribute to a complex immunoregulatory network.In the early disease stages,M1 macrophage-mediated inflammation causes lung tissue injury,while M2 macrophages drive fibrogenesis by releasing pro-fibrotic factors such as TGF-β.Recent research has revealed that exosomes derived from macrophages serve as carriers for miRNAs,with specific miRNAs(e.g.,miR-328,miR-142-3p)demonstrating significant roles in pulmonary fibrosis.miR-328 promotes fibroblast proliferation and accelerates collagen deposition,whereas miR-142-3p attenuates fibrosis by modulating the TGF-β signaling pathway.Targeted intervention against these macrophage-associated miRNAs shows potential for clinical translation,potentially offering novel approaches for the early diagnosis and targeted therapy of IPF.However,translating these strategies into clinical practice requires overcoming challenges related to production and delivery systems.In conclusion,a deeper understanding of the mechanisms and translational applications of macrophage-derived miRNAs in IPF holds promise for ultimately improving patient prognosis and clinical outcomes.
7.Isolation and identification of yak-derived Enterococcus from four provinces of Tibetan plateau and detection of virulence resistance genes and biofilms
Jiaojiao XIN ; Guiqin GAO ; Xiaolong ZHAO ; Yongzhi LOU ; Jing LI ; Pan CHANG ; Ren-de SONG ; Xiangying KONG ; Hongmei SHI ; Xiaolin LUO ; Zhuoma GESANG ; Sizhu SUOLANG ; Ga GONG
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):289-297
This study aims to understand the epidemic distribution characteristics,antimicrobial resistance,virulence genes,and biofilm adhesion ability of Enterococcus in yaks on the Tibetan plateau.Three hundred and forty-six fresh yak fecal samples and 311 milk samples were collected from four provinces on the Tibetan plateau(Xizang,Sichuan,Gansu,Qinghai),totaling 657 sam-ples.Bacterial isolation and identification were conducted,followed by 16S rDNA gene detection and the construction of a systematic evolutionary tree.The isolated strains were tested for antimi-crobial resistance and virulence genes using PCR,and sensitivity tests were performed using 18 types of antibiotics.The biofilm adhesion ability of the isolated bacteria was determined using an improved semi-quantitative crystal violet staining method.The results showed that the total isola-tion rate of Enterococcus was 32.27%,with Sichuan having the highest at 60.23%,followed by Gansu,Qinghai,and Tibet autonomous region at 42.70%,23.47%,and 18.31%respectively.In terms of sample types,the isolation rate in fecal samples was 36.71%,and in milk samples,it was 27.33%.Through PCR amplification,bands of approximately 1 400 bp were obtained,and 5 strains were selected for evolutionary analysis,forming a separate cluster.Among the 212 isolated strains,a high resistance to clindamycin,quinupristin-dalfopristin,linezolid,levofloxacin,and erythromycin was observed,with various resistance phenomena,accounting for 60.85%.Only 5 out of 12 resist-ant genes were detected,namely erm(B),tet(L),tet(O),tet(M),and ant(6)-Ia.All 13 virulence genes were detected in Enterococcus,with detection rates in the range of 5.19%to 95.76%,where cpd was 95.75%,gelE was 91.98%,efaA was 86.79%,asal was 86.32%,and the rest ranged from 5.19%to 55.66%.The fsr virulence gene was not detected in Enterococcus from milk sources.Among the isolated strains,3.30%showed medium adhesive ability,48.58%showed weak adhesive ability,and 48.11%showed no adhesive ability.The above research revealed the preva-lence of yak derived Enterococcus,the carrying status of resistance and virulence genes,and the correlation between biofilm phenotypes,laying the foundation for mastering research data on yak-derived Enterococcus in the Tibetan plateau.
8.Investigation and analysis of the current status of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt treatment for portal hypertension in China
Haozhuo GUO ; Meng NIU ; Haibo SHAO ; Xinwei HAN ; Jianbo ZHAO ; Junhui SUN ; Zhuting FANG ; Bin XIONG ; Xiaoli ZHU ; Weixin REN ; Min YUAN ; Shiping YU ; Weifu LYU ; Xueqiang ZHANG ; Chunqing ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Xuefeng LUO ; Yusheng SONG ; Yilong MA ; Tong DANG ; Hua XIANG ; Yun JIN ; Hui XUE ; Guiyun JIN ; Xiao LI ; Jiarui LI ; Shi ZHOU ; Changlu YU ; Song HE ; Lei YU ; Hongmei ZU ; Jun MA ; Yanming LEI ; Ke XU ; Xiaolong QI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(4):437-443
Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.
9.Effect of nursing intervention on self-care ability and mood state of patients with hepatitis B under the framework of self-regulation theory
Li LI ; Yameng JI ; Juan REN ; Zhihe ZHAO ; Xiaolong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(23):3180-3185
Objective:To explore the effect of nursing intervention based on self-regulation theory on the self-care ability and mood state of patients with hepatitis B.Methods:From July 2021 to June 2023, a total of 126 patients with hepatitis B in the Department of Infectious Diseases in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were selected as the research objects by the convenient sampling method. They were divided into the control group ( n=63) and the intervention group ( n=63) using the simple random number method. The control group received routine nursing intervention, while the intervention group received nursing intervention based on self-regulation theory based on routine nursing intervention. The intervention period was six months. Self-care ability, mood state, regular follow-up rate, medication compliance rate, and nursing satisfaction before and after intervention were compared between the two groups. Results:After six months of intervention, the score of the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCA) and the score of energy dimension in Profile of Mood states-short form (POMS-SF) in the intervention group were both higher than those in the control group? ( P<0.05), while scores of confusion, fatigue, anger, tension, and depression dimensions in POMS-SF were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The intervention group's regular follow-up rate, medication compliance rate, and nursing satisfaction were all higher than those of the control group ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Nursing intervention under the theoretical framework of self-regulation can improve the self-care ability of hepatitis B patients, their mood state, the regular follow-up rate, medication compliance rate, and nursing satisfaction.
10.Role of high-frequency ultrasound in differentiating benign and malignant skin lesions: potential and limitations
Qiao WANG ; Weiwei REN ; Lifan WANG ; Xiaolong LI ; Anqi ZHU ; Dandan SHAN ; Jing WANG ; Yujing ZHAO ; Danhua LI ; Tian Tian REN ; Lehang GUO ; Huixiong XU ; Liping SUN
Ultrasonography 2024;43(4):237-249
Purpose:
This study examined the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) features in differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions.
Methods:
A total of 1,392 patients with 1,422 skin lesions who underwent HFUS examinations were included in an initial dataset (cohort 1) to identify features indicative of malignancy. Qualitative clinical and HFUS characteristics were recorded for all lesions. To determine which HFUS and clinical features were suggestive of malignancy, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The diagnostic performance of HFUS features combined with clinical information was evaluated. This assessment was validated using internal data (cohort 2) and multicenter external data (cohort 3).
Results:
Features significantly associated with malignancy included age above 60 years; lesion location in the head, face, and neck or genital regions; changes in macroscopic appearance; crawling or irregular growth pattern; convex or irregular base; punctate hyperechogenicity; blood flow signals; and feeding arteries. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of HFUS features combined with clinical information were 0.946, 92.5%, and 86.9% in cohort 1; 0.870, 93.1%, and 80.8% in cohort 2 (610 lesions); and 0.864, 86.2%, and 86.6% in cohort 3 (170 lesions), respectively. However, HFUS is not suitable for evaluating lesions less than 0.1 mm in thickness or lesions exhibiting surface hyperkeratosis.
Conclusion
In a clinical setting, the integration of HFUS with clinical information exhibited good diagnostic performance in differentiating malignant and benign skin lesions. However, its utility was limited in evaluating extremely thin lesions and those exhibiting hyperkeratosis.

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