1.Application advances, ethical dilemmas, and future directions of large language models in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment
Zhizhen REN ; Yufan XI ; Xu ZHU ; Yijie LUO ; Geting HUANG ; Junqiao SONG ; Xiuyuan XU ; Nan CHEN ; Qiang PU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):353-362
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coupled with the substantial workload, the clinical management of lung cancer is challenged by the critical need to efficiently and accurately process increasingly complex medical information. In recent years, large language models (LLMs) technology has undergone explosive development, demonstrating unique advantages in handling complex medical data by leveraging its powerful natural language processing capabilities, and its application value in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is continuously increasing. The paper systematically analyzes that the exceptional potential of LLMs in lung cancer auxiliary diagnosis, tumor feature extraction, automatic staging, progression/outcome analysis, treatment recommendations, medical documentation generation, and patient education. However, they face critical technical and ethical challenges including inconsistent performance in complex integrated decision-making (e.g., TNM staging, personalized treatment suggestions) and "black box" opacity issues, along with dilemmas such as training data biases, model hallucinations, data privacy concerns, and cross-lingual adaptation challenges ("data colonization"). Future directions should prioritize constructing high-quality multimodal corpora specific to lung cancer, developing interpretable and compliant specialized models, and achieving seamless integration with existing clinical workflows. Through dual drivers of technological innovation and ethical standardization, LLMs should be prudently advanced for holistic lung cancer management processes, ultimately promoting efficient, standardized, and personalized diagnosis and treatment practices.
2.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
3.Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 16 cases of psittacosis in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Rongrong LU ; Ren CHEN ; Shenghua MAO ; Zhengmei XIA ; Yuxuan HE ; Xinwen JIN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):127-132
ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of psittacosis cases in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control of this disease. MethodsEpidemiological investigation data and clinical records of psittacosis cases residing in Fuyang District of Hangzhou from September 2020 to February 2025 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze temporal-spatial-demographic distribution characteristics, exposure history, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and laboratory findings. Comprehensive analyses were further conducted incorporating environmental surveillance and case follow-up data. ResultsAmong the 16 psittacosis cases, the male-to-female ratio was 1∶1, with an incidence rate of 0.57/100 000 for both males and females. The mean age was (59.88±10.66) years old, and the highest incidence rates were in the 70‒79 years and 60‒69 years age groups, with an incidence rate of 1.41/100 000 and 1.30/100 000, respectively. Fourteen cases (87.50%) had a history of avian exposure. The predominant clinical symptoms included fever (15 cases, 93.75%), cough (11 cases, 68.75%), expectoration (9 cases, 56.25%), and fear of cold (8 cases, 50.00%). All cases showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the results of chest computed tomography (CT) indicated pneumonia in every case. Neutrophil percentage was elevated in 87.50% (14/16) of cases, while lymphocyte percentage was reduced in 93.75% (15/16) of cases. The median time from onset to first medical consultation was 4.00 days, the median time from onset to confirmed diagnosis was 9.50 days, and the median time of hospitalization was 9.00 days. Compared with non-severe cases, the severe group had significantly higher neutrophil percentage, CRP levels, and longer intervals from onset to confirmed diagnosis, onset to first antibiotic administration, and duration of hospitalization. All cases recovered and were discharged, and more than 50% were treated with omadacycline following confirmed diagnosis. ConclusionMost psittacosis cases reported definitive avian exposure history in Fuyang District of Hangzhou. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing disease progression to severe stages.
4.Glucocorticoids Combined with Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab in the Treatment of Elderly Patients with ANCA-associated Vasculitis and Renal Involvement: A Single Center Retrospective Study
Jiahui WANG ; Xin LEI ; Xiaohan HUANG ; Liangliang CHEN ; Yaomin WANG ; Pingping REN ; Lan LAN ; Jianghua CHEN ; Fei HAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):346-357
To investigate the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and rituximab (RTX) in elderly patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis with renal involvement. Elderly patients (age ≥60 years) with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from December 2019 to November 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Based on different induction treatment regimens, patients were divided into a control group (glucocorticoids + CTX) and a combination therapy group (glucocorticoids + CTX + RTX). Differences in disease remission, end stage renal disease (ESRD), mortality, relapse, and incidence of adverse events were compared between the two groups. A total of 60 elderly patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement were ultimately included, with a median follow-up of 29.7(17.2, 38.7) months. The control group comprised 26 patients, with a median follow-up of 35.0(28.1, 40.3) months; the combination therapy group comprised 34 patients, with a median follow-up of 26.2(16.1, 35.1) months. The remission rate at 3 months (64.7% For elderly patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement, the regimen of glucocorticoids combined with CTX and individualized RTX demonstrates potential advantages in early remission rate, glucocorticoid tapering, and control of cumulative CTX dose, without increasing the risk of serious adverse events. This regimen may represent an alternative treatment option for this patient population; however, its long-term efficacy and safety require further validation through prospective randomized controlled trials.
5.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Ferroptosis for Treatment of Malignant Tumors: A Review
Changlin LI ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Lingyun WANG ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):355-362
Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of death in the population. Owing to limited clinical treatments, susceptibility to drug resistance, and generally low cure rates of conventional therapies, new treatment strategies need to be explored. Compared with existing therapies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages, such as low side effects, in the treatment of malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is a recently characterized form of regulated cell death associated with iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system malfunction and other aspects. Studies have shown that TCM regulates Fe3+, Fe2+, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4 and other substances related to ferroptosis, thereby affecting lipid peroxidation and antioxidant processes, and then inducing ferroptosis. Through these mechanisms, TCM plays a key role in inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells and is involved in multiple stages of malignant tumor progression. In this study, we systematically retrieved the literature indexed in PbuMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the keywords TCM, ferroptosis, and malignant tumors. We outlined the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its association with malignant tumors, and summarized the research progress on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors through the modulation of ferroptosis by TCM monomers, single herbs, and compounds. The study aims to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors by TCM.
6.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Ferroptosis for Treatment of Malignant Tumors: A Review
Changlin LI ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Lingyun WANG ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):355-362
Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of death in the population. Owing to limited clinical treatments, susceptibility to drug resistance, and generally low cure rates of conventional therapies, new treatment strategies need to be explored. Compared with existing therapies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages, such as low side effects, in the treatment of malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is a recently characterized form of regulated cell death associated with iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system malfunction and other aspects. Studies have shown that TCM regulates Fe3+, Fe2+, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4 and other substances related to ferroptosis, thereby affecting lipid peroxidation and antioxidant processes, and then inducing ferroptosis. Through these mechanisms, TCM plays a key role in inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells and is involved in multiple stages of malignant tumor progression. In this study, we systematically retrieved the literature indexed in PbuMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the keywords TCM, ferroptosis, and malignant tumors. We outlined the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its association with malignant tumors, and summarized the research progress on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors through the modulation of ferroptosis by TCM monomers, single herbs, and compounds. The study aims to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors by TCM.
7.Effects of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊) on Serum NETs Levels and Macrophage Polarization in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model Rats
Nina REN ; Wukai MA ; Yi LING ; Xueming YAO ; Ying HUANG ; Daomin LU ; Changming CHEN ; Weichen HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):60-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊, JQC) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of macrophage polarization mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsTwenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank control group, model group, JQC group, and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor group with 6 rats in each group. All groups but the blank control group were subjected to the induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After successful model establishment, rats in the JQC group received intragastric administration of JQC 1.47 g/kg daily; rats in the PAD4 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the PAD4 inhibitor 4 mg/kg weekly. Rats in the blank, model, and PAD4 inhibitor groups received 2 ml of pure water daily by gavage. All treatments lasted 4 weeks. Joint lesions of each group were assessed on day 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after model establishment, and arthritis index (AI) scores were recorded. At 24 h after the final administration, histopathology of knee joints, including HE staining, safranin O-fast green staining, and TRAP staining, was performed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the counts of M1 and M2 macrophages in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure MPO, NE, RANKL, OPG, and p65 protein and mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased AI scores (P<0.05), marked synovial inflammatory infiltration, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage destruction, increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts, increased M1 macrophages and decreased M2 macrophages, elevated serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), elevated MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and decreased OPG protein/mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the JQC group exhibited improved synovial inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage damage, reduced AI scores on day 21, 28, and 35, decreased osteoclast counts, decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages, reduced serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), decreased MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and increased OPG expression (P<0.05). Compared with the PAD4 inhibitor group, the JQC group showed significantly lower AI scores, reduced M1 macrophages, increased M2 macrophages (P<0.05), reduced serum TRACP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, decreased MPO, RANKL, and p65 expression, and increased OPG levels (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanism of JQC for RA may involve inhibition of NETs formation, downregulation of the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization imbalance, thereby suppressing osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone destruction.
8.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
9.Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste Alleviates Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating PD-1/PD-L1-induced Osteoclast Formation
Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Guangda ZHENG ; Linghan MENG ; Lingyun WANG ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):72-79
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the action mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) by regulating programmed death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway-induced osteoclast formation. MethodsThirty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into the following groups (n=6 per group): normal control group, model group, low‑dose XZP group (31.5 g·kg-1), high‑dose XZP group (63 g·kg-1), and PD‑1 inhibitor (Niv) group. A bone cancer pain (BCP) model was established by injecting Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Mice in the normal control and model groups received topical application of a blank paste matrix at the wound site. Mice in the low‑ and high‑dose XZP groups were treated with XZP applied topically twice daily. Mice in the Niv group were topically administered the blank paste matrix and additionally received Niv via tail‑vein injection every two days. All interventions were continued for 21 days. During this period, behavioral tests were performed to assess mechanical, motor, and thermal nociceptive sensitivities. After 21 days, all mice were euthanized, and bone tissue from the operated side was collected for sectioning and preservation. Tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to evaluate osteoclast expression in the lesioned bone tissue. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of Runt‑related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) in the lesioned bone tissue. Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the expression of PD‑1 and PD‑L1 in the lesioned bone tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly decreased limb mechanical withdrawal threshold, spontaneous paw flinching, and thermal withdrawal latency (P<0.01), increased number of osteoclasts in the lesioned bone tissue (P<0.01), and reduced expression of Runx2 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BCP mice in the XZP low-dose group, XZP high-dose group, and Niv group exhibited increased limb mechanical withdrawal threshold, movement scores, and thermal withdrawal latency (P<0.01). The XZP low-dose group showed no significant changes in osteoclast number or Runx2 expression, while the XZP high-dose group and Niv group demonstrated significantly reduced osteoclast numbers (P<0.01) and significantly increased Runx2 expression (P<0.01). In the lesioned bone tissue of BCP mice, the XZP low-dose group showed no significant decrease in the percentage of PD-1 expression, but a decrease in the percentage of PD-L1 expression (P<0.05). In contrast, both the XZP high-dose group and the Niv group exhibited significant reductions in the percentages of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression (P<0.01). ConclusionXZP alleviates the pain of mice with BCP by blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to inhibit osteoclastogenesis.
10.Mechanism of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste in Alleviating Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating Microglial Pyroptosis Based on PINK1/Parkin/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Lingyun WANG ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):80-90
ObjectiveThe paper aims to investigate the mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) through regulating the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy-NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway to suppress microglial pyroptosis. MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were used to establish an inflammation and pyroptosis model in microglial cells. The cells were randomly divided into the following groups: control group, LPS group, LPS+low-dose XZP group, LPS+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP group, LPS-ATP+low-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+XZP group, and LPS-ATP+XZP+CsA group. Techniques including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and confocal fluorescence staining were employed to assess the effects of XZP on microglial apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine release, inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and mitophagy. ResultsIn vitro experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the LPS group exhibited significantly increased levels of microglial apoptosis and pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)(P<0.01), along with significantly upregulated protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, the high-dose LPS-XZP group significantly reduced the level of apoptosis (P<0.01) and the content of the aforementioned pro-inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Both the low- and high-dose LPS-XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly upregulated expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, including Caspase-1/pro-Caspase-1, N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N)/full-length gasdermin D (GSDMD-F), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), IL-1β precursor (pro-IL-1β), and mature IL-1β (P<0.01). The levels of pyroptotic factors IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and membrane pore formation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the expression of the aforementioned pyroptosis-related proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). The low-dose LPS-ATP+XZP group reduced IL-1β levels (P<0.01), while the high-dose group reduced both IL-1β and IL-18 levels (P<0.01) Both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reduced membrane pore formation and intracellular ROS production (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly reduced expression of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1 and Parkin, and a decreased ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ(LC3Ⅱ) to LC3Ⅰ(P<0.01), while p62 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Mitochondrial ROS levels were significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reversed the expression of these proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial ROS levels (P<0.01). After treatment with the mitophagy inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA), the beneficial effects of XZP on mitochondrial function and its inhibitory effects on pyroptosis-related protein expression were significantly reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXZP reduces ROS levels by activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis, which provides new molecular evidence for the mechanism by which XZP alleviates BCP.


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