1.Impact of number of positive regional lymph nodes in N1 stage on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A propensity score matching study
Dandan LIU ; Jiachen WANG ; Lidan CHANG ; Jia CHEN ; Ranran KONG ; Shiyuan LIU ; Minxia ZHU ; Jiantao JIANG ; Shaomin LI ; Zhengshui XU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):63-71
Objective To explore the impact of number of positive regional lymph nodes (nPRLN) in N1 stage on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection from 2010 to 2015 were screened from SEER database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was determined using X-tile software, and patients were divided into 2 groups according to the cutoff value: a nPRLN≤optimal cutoff group and a nPRLN>optimal cutoff group. The influence of confounding factors was minimized by propensity score matching (PSM) at a ratio of 1 : 1. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) of patients. Results A total of 1316 patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC were included, including 662 males and 654 females, with a median age of 67 (60, 73) years. The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was 3, with 1165 patients in the nPRLN≤3 group and 151 patients in the nPRLN>3 group. After PSM, there were 138 patients in each group. Regardless of before or after PSM, OS and LCSS of patients in the nPRLN≤3 group were superior to those in the nPRLN>3 group (P<0.001). N1 stage nPRLN>3 was an independent prognostic risk factor for OS [HR=1.52, 95%CI (1.22, 1.89), P<0.001] and LCSS [HR=1.72, 95%CI (1.36, 2.18), P<0.001]. Conclusion N1 stage nPRLN>3 is an independent prognostic risk factor for NSCLC patients in TxN1M0 stage, which may provide new evidence for future revision of TNM staging N1 stage subclassification.
2.Differentiation and treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis based on the"midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory
Lingfei MENG ; Chaolun ZHU ; Zixu ZHAO ; Ranran SONG ; Yifan WANG ; Congling FAN ; Liuyue MI ; Shuangxi zhang
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):16-23
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Modern research indicates that immune dysregulation resulting from disruptions in circadian rhythm is closely associated with its pathogenesis. Both Western chronomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)" treatment based on temporal factors" emphasize the temporal relationship between natural rhythms and human physiology and pathology. The " midnight-noon and ebb-flow " theory represents the concrete application and deepening of TCM " treatment based on temporal factors" within the realm of chronomedicine. This article correlates the onset time of ulcerative colitis with specific periods in the " midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory:the Mao period(05:00-07:00),when the yangming large intestine meridian of hand is dominant; the Si period(09:00-11:00),when the taiyin spleen meridian of foot is dominant; and the You period(17:00-19:00),when the shaoyin kidney meridian of foot is dominant. According to this perspective,if the disease manifests during the Mao period,the pathogenesis is attributed to dampnessheat accumulation and disorder of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on clearing heat,resolving dampness,and harmonizing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Shaoyao Decoction or Baitouweng Decoction. If it occurs during the Si period,the pathogenesis involves spleen deficiency with dampness obstruction and disharmony of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen,eliminating dampness,and restoring qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Huangya Decoction or Shenling Baizhu Powder. If it presents during the You period,the pathogenesis is characterized by fire failing to warm earth,and consumption resulting in qi and blood leakage. Treatment should focus on warming the kidney and spleen,and securing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Sishen Pill or Tianhun Decoction. In addition to oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine,comprehensive therapies including acupuncture,herbal enemas,and acupoint application can provide novel insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
3.Advances in detection techniques for congenital blood group chimerism
Shuo ZHANG ; Hongyan YANG ; Yuhan GAO ; Ranran QIN ; Xinrui WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Yifan LI ; Ruiqin HOU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):402-407
Congenital blood group chimerism refers to the coexistence of two or more distinct blood types within an individual, resulting from the presence of hematopoietic cell populations with different genotypes. Consequently, red blood cells in such individuals may express different blood group antigens. Based on the timing and mechanism of formation, blood group chimerism can be classified as either congenital or acquired. Although congenital blood group chimerism is rare and involves complex mechanisms, it holds significant implications in transfusion medicine, transplantation, and obstetrics. This article reviews the formation mechanisms, detection methods, and clinical significance of congenital blood group chimerism in transfusion medicine. Particular emphasis is placed on the principles, advantages, and limitations of various detection techniques. Furthermore, the potential applications of these technologies in clinical diagnosis are discussed, providing a technical foundation for the development of precise transfusion strategies.
4.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of culmerciclib combined with fulvestrant in the second-line treatment of HR+/HER2− locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
Ran LIU ; Shengnan GAO ; Congxin LI ; Yuxi ZHANG ; Ranran ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Ziyi LIU ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1033-1038
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of culmerciclib combined with fulvestrant as second-line treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive(HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–) locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, within the context of the Chinese healthcare system. METHODS A partitioned survival model was established based on the CULMATE-1 study, with a simulation time horizon set at 15 years and a cycle length of 28 days. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of culmerciclib combined with fulvestrant versus fulvestrant monotherapy as second-line treatment for HR+/HER2– breast cancer was calculated. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the robustness of the model. Meanwhile, scenario analysis of culmerciclib price reduction was conducted; the required price reduction and price to reach the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold in this study were calculated. RESULTS The results of the base-case analysis indicated that, compared with the fulvestrant monotherapy regimen, culmerciclib combined with fulvestrant yielded an additional 0.823 quality-adjusted life year (QALY), with a corresponding ICER of 371 696.26 yuan/QALY, which exceeded the WTP threshold (199 330 yuan/QALY). The results of the univariate sensitivity analysis indicated that the cost of culmerciclib, the discount rate, the utility values for progression disease and progression free survival status were significant factors influencing the ICER; both the univariate sensitivity analysis and the probabilistic sensitivity analysis validated the robustness of the model results. Scenario analysis indicated that when the price of culmerciclib was reduced by 30%, 55% and 85% respectively, the corresponding ICER values fell below 3, 2, and 1 times China’s per capita GDP in 2025, with the probability of cost-effectiveness being 3.00%, 94.90%, 100%. When the cost of culmerciclib (60 mg) was reduced by 52.6% to 50.96 yuan, the ICER value met the WTP threshold established in this study. CONCLUSIONS When the WTP threshold is set at twice China’s per capita GDP in 2025, second-line treatment with culmerciclib combined with fulvestrant for HR+/HER2– locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer does not exhibit cost-effectiveness advantage over fulvestrant monotherapy. Therefore, a reasonable price reduction is required to alleviate the financial burden on patients.
5.Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Connotations of "Opening,Closing,and Pivot" in the Three Yin and Three Yang Theory of the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》)
Ranran WANG ; Shucheng JIANG ; Yalin JIAO ; Juan HE
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1816-1820
Based on the different medical systems and textual contexts within Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor (《黄帝内经》), this paper argues that "opening, closing, and pivot" in the three yin and three yang theory encompasses both spatial and temporal dimensions. From the spatial perspective, the concepts of opening, closing and pivot are used to describe the dynamic movement of qi within the meridian system. In The Spiritual Pivot·Root and Knot (《灵枢·根结》), the theory primarily explains the superficial-deep and exterior-interior hierarchy of the meridians, emphasizing the movement of channel qi and the transmission of disease. By contrast, Basic Questions·Treatise on the Separation and Union of Yin and Yang (《素问·阴阳离合论篇》) primarily explains the relationships of separation and union between yin and yang among different regions and orientations on the same body-surface level. From the temporal perspective, the theory also explains the waxing and waning of yin and yang according to seasonal changes throughout the year, and has been applied to clinical practice within the theory of the five circuits and six qi. Therefore, opening, closing, and pivot in the three yin and three yang theory encompasses multiple connotations, including meridian structure, spatial distribution, seasonal qi transformation, and the annual circulation of climatic qi. Clarifying these different levels and their respective scopes of application is essential for accurately understanding the rich connotations of the opening, closing and pivot theory.
7.Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Henan Province in 2020 and Trends from 2010 to 2020
Kexin YI ; Ranran QIE ; Yin LIU ; Huifang XU ; Hong WANG ; Jinyu ZHANG ; Shaokai ZHANG
China Cancer 2025;34(11):829-837
[Purpose]To analyze the cancer incidence and mortality in 2020 and trends from 2010 to 2020 in Henan Province.[Methods]Data from cancer registries in Henan Province from 2010 to 2020 were collected and evaluated.Incidence and mortality rates were calculated by urban/rural areas,sex and age,and the incidence and mortality of cancers in the whole province in 2020 were estimated based on population data released by Henan Provincial Bureau of Statistics.Age-standardized rates were calculated according to the age-standardized rate of Chinese standard population(ASIRC/ASMRC)and world standard population(ASIRW/ASMRW).Joinpoint 5.4.0 soft-ware was used to construct a regression model to analyze the changing trends of malignant tumors from 2010 to 2020,and the average annual percentage change(AAPC)and 95%confidence in-terval were calculated.[Results]In 2020,the estimated number of new cancer cases in Henan Province was 299 148,with a crude incidence rate of 259.38/105,ASIRC of 201.09/105(204.56/105 for males and 200.45/105 for females)and ASIRW of 196.46/105(203.43/105 for males and 192.22/105 for females).The ASIRC was higher in urban areas(208.10/105)than that in rural areas(197.74/105).The top five cancer types in male were lung,stomach,liver,esophagus,and colorectal cancers,while the top five in female were breast,lung,thyroid,cervical,and esophageal cancers.The estimated number of cancer deaths was 172 070,with a crude mortality rate of 149.20/105 and ASMRC of 106.52/105(137.22/105 for males and 78.04/105 for females)and ASMRW of 106.24/105(137.05/105 for males and 77.91/105 for females).The ASMRC was higher in rural areas(109.92/105)than that in urban areas(99.49/105).The top five causes of cancer death in male were lung,stomach,liver,esophagus,and colorectal cancers,and those in female were lung,esophagus,stomach,liver,and breast cancers.From 2010 to 2020,the trends of ASIRC remained stable(AAPC=0.14%,P=0.572),while the ASMRC showed a significant decreasing trend(AAPC=-1.46%,P=0.011).[Conclusion]Lung cancer,breast cancer and digestive system cancers are the main malignant tumors threatening the health of residents in Henan Province.The incidence and mor-tality of common malignant tumors show significant gender and urban-rural differences.It is neces-sary to further optimize the prevention and control of malignant tumors,formulate targeted inter-vention strategies based on population characteristics,and improve the health awareness of the whole population.
8.Clinical efficacy and influencing factors of ceftazidime and avibactam monotherapy versus combination therapy in the treatment of CRGNB infection
Changwei LIU ; Xiaohua WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Ranran WANG ; Rongcheng XIAO ; Ling FANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):2030-2034
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of ceftazidime and avibactam (CZA) monotherapy and combination therapy in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) infections, and analyze the influencing factors. METHODS The data of patients with CRGNB infection who received CZA treatment from January 2020 to March 2025 were collected retrospectively. The patients were divided into the CZA monotherapy group (52 cases) and the CZA combination therapy group (85 cases) according to treatment regimen. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared, and the drug susceptibility results of isolated strains were recorded. The multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors influencing clinical efficacy of CRGNB patients. RESULTS The bacterial clearance rate of patients was significantly higher in the CZA combination therapy group than in the CZA monotherapy group (P=0.012). However, when comparing the 30-day mortality rate and the clinical response rate between the two groups, no statistically significant differences were observed (P>0.05). Among the isolates, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest sensitivity to tigecycline (87.3%) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed 90.9% sensitivity to amikacin. Five isolates were resistant to CZA. The multivariate Logistic regression showed, lung infection, receiving continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and inadequate treatment courses were significantly correlated with clinical treatment failure (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS For CRGNB infection, the clinical efficacy of CZA combination therapy is similar to that of monotherapy, but the combination therapy has a higher bacterial clearance rate. Lung infections, receiving CRRT and inadequate treatment courses (No. are independent risk factors for clinical treatment failure.
9.Cloning and Transcriptional Activity Analysis of Endogenous U6 Promoters in Artemisia annua
Yuting PU ; Bohan CHENG ; Mengyue WANG ; Jun ZOU ; Ranran GAO ; Lan WU ; Qinggang YIN ; Li XIANG ; Yuhua SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):161-167
ObjectiveThe U6 promoter is an essential element for driving sgRNA expression in the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat sequences/CRISPR-associated protein 9(CRISPR/Cas9)gene editing system in dicotyledonous plants. Endogenous U6 promoters typically exhibit higher transcriptional activity, which can significantly improve gene editing efficiency. This study aims to identify endogenous U6 promoters in Artemisia annua to optimize its CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, which holds significant importance for its molecular breeding. MethodsOn the basis of the highly conserved U6 snRNA sequences in Arabidopsis thaliana, endogenous U6 promoters were screened in the A. annua genome. Expression vectors were constructed with candidate AaU6 promoter driving the firefly luciferase (LUC) reporter gene, and then transiently transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana. Transcriptional activities of the promoters were measured and compared by in vivo imaging and the Dual Luciferase Reporter assay. ResultsEight endogenous U6 promoters were successfully cloned from A. annua. Sequences alignment revealed that all these promoters contained the two conserved cis-acting elements, upstream sequence element (USE) and TATA-box, which affected their transcriptional activity. Dual-luciferase activity assays indicated that the transcriptional activities of AaU6-3, AaU6-1, and AaU6-5 were significantly higher than that of the Arabidopsis AtU6-26 promoter, with AaU6-3 exhibiting the highest activity. ConclusionThis study identified three endogenous AaU6 promoters with high transcriptional activity in A. annua, providing key functional elements for establishing an efficient gene editing system in A. annua. These findings will contribute to advancing precision molecular breeding and high-quality germplasm innovation in A. annua.
10.Metabolome and transcriptome association study reveals biosynthesis of specialized benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in Phellodendron amurense.
Tingxia LIU ; Wanran ZHANG ; Sijia WANG ; Ya TIAN ; Yifan WANG ; Ranran GAO ; Shilin CHEN ; Wei SUN ; Wei MA ; Zhichao XU
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):178-188
OBJECTIVE:
Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) have pharmacological functions and clinical use. BIAs are mainly distributed in plant species across the order Ranunculales and the genus Phellodendron from Sapindales. The BIA biosynthesis has been intensively investigated in Ranunculales species. However, the accumulation mechanism of BIAs in Phellodendron is largely unknown. The aim of this study is to unravel the biosynthetic pathways of BIAs in Phellodendron amurens.
METHODS:
The transcriptome and metabolome data from 18 different tissues of P. amurense were meticulously sequenced and subsequently subjected to a thorough analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), a powerful systems biology approach that facilitates the construction and subsequent analysis of co-expression networks, was utilized to identify candidate genes involved in BIAs biosynthesis. Following this, recombinant plasmids containing candidate genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, a widely used prokaryotic expression system. The purpose of this genetic engineering endeavor was to express the candidate genes within the bacteria, thereby enabling the assessment of the resultant enzyme activity.
RESULTS:
The synonymous substitutions per synonymous site for paralogs indicated that at least one whole genome duplication event has occurred. The potential BIA biosynthetic pathway of P. amurense was proposed, and two PR10/Bet v1 members, 14 CYP450s, and 33 methyltransferases were selected as related to BIA biosynthesis. One PR10/Bet v1 was identified as norcoclaurine synthase, which could catalyze dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde into (S)-norcoclaurine.
CONCLUSION
Our studies provide important insights into the biosynthesis and evolution of BIAs in non-Ranunculales species.


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