1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Criteria for pancreas donor selection in islet transplantation and the experience of Changzheng hospital
Hanxiang ZHONG ; Junfeng DONG ; Wenyuan GUO ; Shengxian LI ; Hao YIN ; Yuanyu ZHAO ; Junsong JI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):164-169
Diabetes mellitus, characterized by glucose metabolism disorders and marked by insulin deficiency or insulin resistance, has seen a continuous rise in prevalence. In recent years, islet transplantation has matured as a therapeutic approach for diabetes, becoming an important method for glycemic control and the reduction of diabetes-related complications. Donor selection directly influences transplant outcomes, and various research institutions worldwide have proposed multiple scoring systems to optimize donor assessment, such as the University of Alberta scoring system and the North American Islet Donor Score. This article explores the impact of key factors such as donor age, body mass index and ischemia time on islet transplantation. Combining practical experience in pancreatic donor selection from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, it proposes screening criteria for pancreatic donors suitable for China, aiming to provide new evidence for improving the success rate of islet transplantation.
3.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
4.Risk assessment and stepwise management framework for pulmonary nodules
Lang TANG ; Xiaoke CHEN ; Jie TANG ; Jin JIANG ; Xinnan FANG ; Sikun LIU ; Zeguang YE ; Jiamei JIN ; Canglei ZHANG ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Guibin QIAO ; Junqiang FAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1544-1552
Objective To propose a framework for risk assessment and stepwise management of pulmonary nodules based on existing guidelines and key studies, and to clarify the boundaries for triage, workup escalation, and referral in different detection scenarios. Methods A problem-oriented evidence synthesis approach was used, prioritizing Chinese expert consensus, Fleischner Society Guidelines, British Thoracic Society (BTS) Guidelines, and Lung-RADS. This was supplemented by studies on risk models, imaging measurements, liquid biopsy, tissue sampling, and surgical treatments. This paper is not presented as a formal consensus or a validated clinical pathway. Results A three-tiered framework consisting of basic non-invasive assessment, advanced assessment, and invasive diagnosis was established. It specified the applicable populations, boundaries for the use of risk models, imaging review, management of conflicting results, evaluation of histopathological consistency, and post-intervention follow-up. Liquid biopsy, genetic testing, and artificial intelligence were defined as investigational or adjunctive tools. Conclusion This framework can serve as a preliminary reference for multidisciplinary teams in developing local protocols. It cannot replace applicable guidelines, pathological diagnosis, shared decision-making with patients, or real-world validation.
5.Efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization combined with sintilimab and bevacizumab biosimilar for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Hao YANG ; Jintao HUANG ; Di HU ; Binyan ZHONG ; Jian SHEN ; Xiaoli ZHU
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(2):134-141
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sintilimab and bevacizumab biosimilar in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular careinoma (uHCC).Methods:The clinical data of 64 patients with unresectable HCC, who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2021 and December 2023, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into a combination group ( n=43, receiving TACE combined with sintilimab and bevacizumab biosimilar) and control group ( n=21, receiving only sintilimab and bevacizumab biosimilar). Survival curves were drawn by Kaplan-Meier method, and the median overall survival (mOS) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) were compared between the two groups. According to the mRECIST criterion, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were compared between the two groups. The occurrences of adverse events in both groups were recorded. Results:The mOS and mPFS in the combination group were 22.3 months and 12.4 months, respectively, which in the control group was 11.6 months and 6.4 months, respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant ( P=0.001 and P=0.002). The ORR and DCR in the combination group were 62.8% and 95.3% respectively, which were significantly higher than 19.0% and 57.1% respectively in the control group (all P<0.01). No statistically significant difference in the incidence of severe adverse events existed between the two groups ( P=0.518). Conclusion:TACE combined with sintilimab and bevacizumab biosimilar has efficacy and safety than sintilimab and bevacizumab biosimilar alone.
6.Research on the Path Construction of Improving Medical Surge Response Capabilities under Public Health Emergencies
Min WEI ; Yanping WANG ; Nan MENG ; Tian YU ; Yiran GAO ; Fengqian ZHONG ; Avdeev SERGEY ; Huan LIU ; Ning NING ; Yanhua HAO ; Qunhong WU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(11):34-38
Objective To empirically analyze multiple pathways for enhancing medical surge response capacity and provide useful references for improving the resilience of health systems.Methods A comprehensive theoretical analysis framework for improving medical surge response capacity was constructed based on the 4S theory and collaborative governance theory.68 interview texts on medical surge response capacity conducted in July 2024 were selected as analysis samples.Using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis(fsQCA),7 conditional variables were selected from four dimensions:management system,information system,materials,and personnel to analyze their impact on medical surge response capacity.Results(1)A single conditional variable does not constitute a necessary condition for improving medical surge response capacity;(2)After the combination of conditions,8 specific configuration paths for capacity improvement were identified.Through systematic and comprehensive refinement,they were summarized into three modes of comprehensive configuration capacity improvement paths,namely:rapid response and collaborative operation mode,information empowerment and precise response mode,and resource conditions and resilience construction mode.Conclusion It is necessary to explore and construct systematic,combined,modularized and path-oriented capacity building strategies,refine the operational implementation paths for improving China's medical surge response capacity,target the linkage and configuration modes of different conditional variables,promote the formulation and implementation of modular construction schemes oriented by key capacity,and make efforts from multiple aspects to enhance the resilience of the health system.
7.Influence of different ratios of CA to saline on CCTA image quality in dual-flow injection technique
Yuan YUAN ; Hao LU ; Yi HE ; Ran LI ; Zhaohui ZHONG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(8):29-35
Objective:To investigate the influence of different ratios of contrast agent(CA)to saline on image quality of coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)in dual-flow injection technique.Methods:A prospective study included 102 patients who were clinically diagnosed as suspected coronary heart disease(CHD)to undergo CCTA scan at Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University,between March 2024 and October 2024.Ultimately,90 patients were enrolled,who adopted CA injection protocol of dual-flow injection technique.Patients were randomly divided into three groups using a random number table,with 30 patients in each group.The different ratios of CA to saline were adopted,which were respectively Group A(1:9),Group B(2:8),and Group C(3:7).For the reconstructed images,the computed tomography(CT)values of heart-related anatomical structures,which included superior vena cava,right atrium,right ventricle,left atrium,left ventricle,interventricular septum and each segment of the coronary artery,were measured respectively.At the same time,two radiologists,who possessed over 10 years of diagnostic experience of CCTA examination,conducted subjective evaluations for image quality.For the cases of disagreement,the consensus between them was reached through discussion.Results:In three groups,the total CA doses were respectively(42.75±5.22)ml,(47.08±5.83)ml and(50.64±6.29)ml,and the differences of that among the three groups was statistically significant(F=13.964,P<0.05).The differences of CT values of superior vena cava,right atrium,right ventricle,left atrium,left ventricle and aorta among three groups were significant(F=29.141,24.194,39.308,9.643,8.178,6.881,P<0.05).There were significant differences in the CT values of the proximal,mid,and distal segments of the left anterior descending(LAD),and the proximal and mid segments of the left circumflex(LCx)and right coronary artery(RCA)among three groups(F=7.114,9.106,3.851,6.075,4.025,7.349,5.756,P<0.05).However,there was not statistically significant difference was found among the three groups in the CT value of the distal segments of the LCx and RCA(P>0.05).There were significant differences in the subjective scores for the superior vena cava,right atrium and right ventricle among the three groups(H=8.939,29.105,32.180,P<0.05).The number of cases with 3-4 points at the superior vena cava,right atrium and right ventricle were respectively 25(83.3%),29(96.7%)and 30(100%)in group B,there was no case with 1 point.In addition,the imaging quality of right heart in group B was better than that in group A and C.There were no significant differences at left atrium,left ventricle,and each segment of coronary artery among three groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:For patients with clinically non-extreme body weight,the selection of the ratio(2:8)of CA to saline can effectively show relevantly anatomic structures of heart,and coronary artery vessels,including the right heart system,which belongs to the optimal solution.
8.Synthesis and Application of Salicylhydrazone Probe for Highly Selective Detection of Al3+
Hao-Xue TAN ; Zhong-Long WANG ; Xiao-Qin YANG ; Xiao-Ping RAO ; Ping ZHAO ; Qian JIANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):214-223,中插3-中插12
In this work,four salicylhydrazone compounds(L1?L4)were designed and synthesized by using vanillin derivatives as raw material.The structures were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)and high-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS).The optical experiments showed that probe L1 and probe L3 could be used as aluminium ion(Al3+)fluorescence probes.The fluorescence color of probe L1 solution changed from colorless to blue after adding Al3+,and the limit of detection was 25.1 nmol/L.Compared with probe L1,the fluorescence color of probe L3 solution changed from colorless to green after complexing with Al3+,and the limit of detection was 17.3 nmol/L.Probe L1 and probe L3 showed the advantages of fast response speed,high selectivity and good anti-interference.The mechanism of Al3+recognition was further demonstrated by HRMS and 1H NMR.Cell imaging experiments showed that probe L1 and L3 had low cytotoxicity and had great application potential in detection of Al3+in vivo.
9.An Electronic Microbial Growth Analyzer-based Method for Rapidly Screening Viable Salmonella in Food
Ruo-Han LIANG ; Xiao-Dan PU ; Feng LU ; Xue-Ting ZHU ; Yuan-Yuan ZHANG ; Xiao-Yang WANG ; Qian-Qian YANG ; Hao LI ; Xu-Zhi ZHANG ; Chen-Zhong LI ; Shan LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(10):1694-1704
Foodborne illnesses caused by Salmonella pose significant threats to worldwide public health safety.In this study,a rapid method for screening viable Salmonella in oyster sauce and milk was developed by utilizing an electronic microbial growth analyzer(EMGA).Target food samples were diluted 10-fold with RVS broth and loaded into test tubes.Test tubes were positioned in the EMGA to determine the bacterial growth curves and the time required to reach the maximum growth rate(Tmgr).Using Salmonella typhimurium(S.typhimurium)asan model species,there was linear relationship between the logarithmic value of viable bacterial concentration(lgC)and Tmgr over the range of 5×101-5×106 CFU/mL,with a detection limit of 10 CFU/mL.For oyster sauce,the regression equation was Tmgr(min)=-80.775lg[C/(CFU/mL)]+754.96(R2=0.9907),and the recovery rates of S.typhimurium ranged from 95.2%to 119.8%,with relative standard deviations(RSD)ranging from 3.5%to 16.3%.For milk,the regression equation was Tmgr(min)=-71.922 lg[C/(CFU/mL)]+618.65(R2=0.9985),with recovery rates ranging from 98.4%to 110.6%and RSD ranging from 6.4%to 12.8%.The EMGA method required only one portable instrument,and involving only three manual steps,i.e.,dilution,transfer,and insertion.When S.typhimurium contamination reached 106 CFU/mL,the total time consumption,from the unwrapping of samples to the readout of bacterial concentration,was no more than 7 h.When applied to detection of actual oyster sauce and milk samples,the new method demonstrated strong consistency with plate counting results in positive detection rates.This method was superior to the plate counting method,which was generally considered as a gold standard,in terms of accuracy,precision,simplicity and efficiency,representing a promising alternative for the on-site screening and quantification of viable Salmonella in oyster sauce and milk products.
10.Recommendation for Forensic Identification Guidelines on Insulin Overdoes
Yu-Hao YUAN ; Zhong-Hao YU ; Jia-Xin ZHANG ; Long-Da MA ; Shu-Quan ZHAO ; Ning-Guo LIU ; Rong-Qi WU ; Biao ZHANG ; Xin-Biao LIAO ; Xin CHEN ; Guang-Long HE ; Yi-Wu ZHOU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(2):168-175
Insulin is an important protein hormone that participates in multiple metabolic pathways.Biosynthetic insulin has been widely used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Currently,the number of reported cases of insulin overdose both at home and abroad is gradually increasing,and insulin homicide is no longer a means of"committing murder without leaving a trace".At present,there are no systematic protocols for the identification of insulin overdose in the field of forensic medi-cine in China.This article introduces the causes,toxicological characteristics,forensic examination,labo-ratory testing methods and indicator reference of insulin overdose.Based on the identification practice and research results and referring to relevant studies on insulin overdose at home and abroad,this pa-per aims to provide recommendations and references for the formulation of forensic identification guide-lines for insulin overdose cases.

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