1.Dilemmas and challenges for parasitology teachers at shortage of clinicalmedical sciences knowledge background in medical colleges and universities
Su HAN ; Yang CHENG ; Chao DENG ; Youyi LIU ; Yuhong LI
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):69-73
Medical parasitology, as a course bridging basic medical sciences and clinical medicine, has an important disciplinary value in the medical education system. This study investigated the composition of parasitology teachers from multiple medical colleges and universities across China. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the proportion of teachers with clinical medicine background knowledge, and there was common dilemma that there were insufficient clinical medicine knowledge reserves among teachers in some medical colleges and universities, who encountered severe teaching challenges. Based on this issue, this study constructed a basic-clinical medicine collaborative problem-based learning (PBL) teaching model. This model integrated theoretical teaching, case analyses, and experimental operations, and combined transdisciplinary team building and multidimensional teacher training, which significantly improved the clinical teaching capability among parasitology teachers, and effectively compensated the impact of insufficient clinical medicine knowledge reserves on teaching. Following teaching reform, students' scores significantly improved, and their case analysis capability enhanced. This study provides a practical path to address the shortage of clinical medicine background knowledge among parasitology teachers, which facilitates the progress of educational reform of medical parasitology and improvement of teaching quality.
2.Mechanisms of Qizhujianwei Granules in Blocking Malignant Progression of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Yuling YU ; Yanmin WANG ; Siqi WANG ; Yateng SUN ; Yunhe WANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Xinyu YANG ; Siqi HAN ; Yuhong SONG ; Yuhan WANG ; Cai ZHANG ; Zeqi SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):143-151
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules (QZJW) on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ranitidine, irregular feeding patterns, and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group, after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group, a Moluodan group (0.55 g·kg-1), and a QZJW group (7.34 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ (PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), and gastrin (G-17), as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric mucosal tissue, and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a), β-catenin, CyclinD1, proto-oncogene Cmyc, transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ (TGFβRⅠ), intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, twist family transcription factor (Twist1), and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes, pale ears and claws, dark-red tongue, and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale, with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered, the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased, and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile, it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway, thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.
3.Mechanisms of Qizhujianwei Granules in Blocking Malignant Progression of Gastric Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Yuling YU ; Yanmin WANG ; Siqi WANG ; Yateng SUN ; Yunhe WANG ; Yonghuang YAN ; Xinyu YANG ; Siqi HAN ; Yuhong SONG ; Yuhan WANG ; Cai ZHANG ; Zeqi SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):143-151
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Qizhujianwei granules (QZJW) on abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of gastric mucosal cells in rats with gastric intraepithelial neoplasia (GIN) and to explore the related mechanisms. MethodsA total of 80 SPF male Wistar rats were used. A GIN rat model was established using a four-factor comprehensive method consisting of methylnitronitrosoguanidine (MNNG), ranitidine, irregular feeding patterns, and sodium salicylate. Except for the normal group, after successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided according to body weight into a model group, a Moluodan group (0.55 g·kg-1), and a QZJW group (7.34 g·kg-1), with 12 rats in each group. All groups were treated for 8 weeks. The general characteristics of the rats and morphological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed. Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of pepsinogenⅠ (PGⅠ), pepsinogenⅡ (PGⅡ), and gastrin (G-17), as well as the expression level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in gastric mucosal tissue, and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio was calculated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the localization and expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression levels of Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a), β-catenin, CyclinD1, proto-oncogene Cmyc, transforming growth factor-β receptor Ⅰ (TGFβRⅠ), intracellular signaling transducers Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, twist family transcription factor (Twist1), and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed characteristic changes including dim eyes, pale ears and claws, dark-red tongue, and reduced luster of the tail. The gastric mucosa appeared pale, with surface congestion and erosion. The gastric mucosal glands were disordered, the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio increased, and local tumor cells were observed. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the ratio of p-Smad2/3 to Smad2/3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general characteristics and gastric mucosal conditions of rats in the Moluodan group and the QZJW group were improved. HE staining showed that QZJW could effectively block the malignant progression of GIN. Serum PGⅠ and PGⅡ levels and the PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of G-17 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Ki-67, Wnt3a, β-catenin, CyclinD1, Cmyc, TGF-β1, TGFβRⅠ, Smad2/3, Twist1, and Vimentin in gastric mucosal tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionQZJW have a therapeutic effect on rats with GIN. The mechanism may involve inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate the cell cycle and suppress abnormal cell proliferation. Meanwhile, it may inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad/Twist1 signaling pathway, thereby blocking the malignant progression of GIN.
4.Nitric Oxide Production Inhibitory Terpenylated Coumarins from Ailanthus altissima
Beom Kyun AN ; Jae Sang HAN ; Joon Su JANG ; Yong Beom CHO ; Mi Kyeong LEE ; Bang Yeon HWANG
Natural Product Sciences 2026;32(1):44-49
LC-MS/MS-based molecular networking was used to guide the targeted isolation of terpenylated coumarins from the barks of Ailanthus altissima. Five known terpenylated coumarins (1–5), along with two simple coumarins (6 and 7), were isolated from the CH 2 Cl 2 -soluble fraction. Their structures were determined using spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR and LC-HR-MS/MS. Notably, altissimacoumarins C (1), F (3), and H (4) demonstrated potent inhibition of LPS-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, with IC50 values of 36.1, 27.9, and 11.2 μM, respectively. These results demonstrate the antiinflammatory properties of A. altissima, supporting its possible application in treating inflammatory disorders.
5.Necrotizing fasciitis of the face triggered by a neglected hordeolum: a case report and literature review
Soo Hyun WOO ; Su Yong KIM ; Il Young AHN ; Tae Hui BAE ; Shin Hyuk KANG ; Woo Ju KIM ; Han Koo KIM
Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2026;27(1):34-39
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rapidly progressive, life-threatening soft tissue infection that rarely involves the periorbital region. We report an unusual case of periorbital NF caused by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in a previously healthy 48-year-old woman, originating from a neglected, recurrent hordeolum—an otherwise benign eyelid condition. The infection resulted in an extensive fullthickness defect of the upper eyelid and adjacent temporal area, presenting major reconstructive challenges. Reconstruction was performed using a radial forearm free flap combined with a buccal mucosal graft to restore both anterior and posterior lamellae, achieving functional eyelid protection and improved visual acuity. This case highlights the potential for seemingly minor, recurrent eyelid infections to progress rapidly to devastating NF even in the absence of systemic symptoms or risk factors. Early recognition and multidisciplinary management were critical to preventing further morbidity. To our knowledge, MSSA has not previously been reported as a causative agent of periorbital NF, underscoring the need for clinical vigilance and timely intervention in common eyelid conditions to avoid catastrophic complications.
6.Association of Physical Activity with Dementia Risk in Cancer Survivors: A Korean Nationwide Cohort Study
Su Kyoung LEE ; Minji HAN ; Sangwoo PARK ; Sun Jae PARK ; Jihun SONG ; Hye Jun KIM ; Jaewon KIM ; Hyeokjong LEE ; Hyun-Young SHIN ; Kyae Hyung KIM ; Sang Min PARK
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):48-60
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical activity on dementia risk among cancer survivors in South Korea.
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective, population-based cohort study included 344,152 cancer survivors identified from the National Health Insurance Service database in South Korea. The mean follow-up time was 5.81 years. Different levels of physical activity post-cancer diagnosis, ranging from inactive to highly active, were assessed. The primary outcome was the incidence of overall dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and vascular dementia. Secondary outcomes included dementia risk stratified by cancer type and treatment (chemotherapy and radiation).
Results:
Of the total participants, 24,363 (7.08%) developed dementia. The risk of overall dementia decreased sequentially across the exercise groups compared to the inactive group: insufficiently active (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 0.92), active (adjusted HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.88), and highly active (adjusted HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.82). This inverse relationship between exercise and dementia risk was statistically significant across various cancer types and was consistent regardless of age, comorbidities, and whether or not excluding the first 1, 2 years.
Conclusion
Among cancer survivors in South Korea, increased physical activity post-diagnosis was associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia. These findings underscore the importance of promoting physical activity in cancer survivors for cognitive health.
7.Korean colorectal cancer screening guidelines for asymptomatic, average-risk adults: the 2025 revision
EunKyo KANG ; Jae Myung CHA ; Seo Young KANG ; Kiheon LEE ; Su Young KIM ; Younghoon KIM ; An Na SEO ; Hyo-Jin KANG ; Jong Keon JANG ; Kwang-Pil KO ; Aesun SHIN ; Dae Kyung SOHN ; Youngki HONG ; Eun-Jung CHO ; Minje HAN ; Soo Young KIM ; Hyeon Ji LEE ; Chang Kyun CHOI ; Mina SUH
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2026;69(3):268-280
Purpose:
To develop the 2025 update to the Korean colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines by systematically evaluating recent evidence, integrating domestic data, and addressing changes since the 2015 guideline revision, thereby providing an evidence-based standard for clinicians and policymakers.
Methods:
A multidisciplinary committee developed the guidelines using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The process included formulation of three key questions addressing screening efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, and optimal screening age and interval. A systematic review of international guidelines and primary literature was conducted, yielding 327 eligible studies. In addition, a utility-based analysis using a Markov model was performed to determine optimal screening ages and intervals.
Results:
The evidence synthesis identified high-certainty evidence supporting the use of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for reducing CRC mortality and moderate-certainty evidence for colonoscopy. Evidence for computed tomographic colonography (CTC) and stool DNA testing was rated as very low certainty. Based on the evidence review and cost-utility analysis, the committee conditionally recommends CRC screening for asymptomatic, average-risk adults aged 45–74 years using either colonoscopy every 10 years or FIT every 1–2 years. CTC and stool DNA testing were not recommended owing to insufficient evidence.
Conclusion
The 2025 Korean Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening present updated, evidence-based recommendations tailored to the domestic healthcare context. By conditionally endorsing both colonoscopy and FIT for individuals aged 45–74 years, these guidelines aim to improve population-level screening effectiveness and reduce the burden of CRC in South Korea.
8.Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Combination with Pediatric Tuina in the Treatment of Pediatric Obesity Based on the Theory of "Yang Governs and Yin Follows"
Caijiao ZHAO ; Hong SU ; Qiongxiao WANG ; Rui HUANG ; Han ZHANG ; Yongyuan HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1101-1106
Based on the theory of "yang governs and yin follows", it is believed that pediatric obesity is primarily involves the key pathogenesis of constraint and stagnation due to yang deficiency, and the excessive accumulation of yin turbid. The root cause lies in the spleen-stomach yang deficiency and impaired digestion and transformation, while the branch manifestation is characterized by constraint and stagnation in sanjiao (三焦) and excessive accumulation of yin turbid. This emphasizes the imbalance between the governing function of yang qi and the transformation mechanism of yin essence in the overall pathological process. Accordingly, the treatment approach of reinforcing yang and unblocking stagnation, inhibiting yin and resolving turbid has been proposed. And a comprehensive treatment plan is suggested, including abdominal tuina combined with spinal manipulation, timed acupuncture according to the the eightfold method of the sacred tortoise, syndrome differentiation-based acupuncture, and mild moxibustion. This approach aims to provide an integrated approach for the prevention and treatment of pediatric obesity.
9.Progress and prospect of modern research methods for safety analysis of animal traditional Chinese medicine
YANG Yichun ; ZHU Zeren ; HAN Xu ; ZHANG Yu ; SU Qi
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0021-0027
Exogenous harmful residues and endogenous toxic components are the main contents of safety analysis for animal traditional Chinese medicine. This review summarizes the inspection methods for exogenous harmful residues, as well as the research methods for the toxic effects and mechanisms of endogenous toxic components. The strategies for enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity of toxic animal drugs and quality control, and prospects the development trend of safety analysis for animal drugs were also discussed. In the detection of exogenous harmful residues in animal drugs, traditional methods such as atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are widely used, and new methods such as high-resolution mass spectrometry and biochemical analysis are continuously developing. In the study of endogenous toxic components, the toxic components and mechanisms of some animal drugs including cantharidin and toad venom have been revealed through chemical composition analysis, toxicity tests and multiomics technologies, and some strategies for enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity have been proposed based on this. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen multidisciplinary integration to innovate detection technologies, clarify toxic mechanisms to achieve efficacy enhancement and toxicity reduction, and improve the biosafety research system, so as to enhance the quality and safety of traditional Chinese medicine animal drugs and promote the internationalization process of traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Molecular and Phenotypic Characterization of Fluid-Derived Patient-Derived Cell and Organoid Models in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Ye Jin MOON ; Woo Sun KWON ; Chan Hee PARK ; Jinsoo JANG ; Juin PARK ; Byeong Gyu YOON ; Han Byeol MUN ; Namju KIM ; Choong-kun LEE ; Hei Cheul JEUNG ; Su-Jin SHIN ; Tae Soo KIM ; Sun Young RHA
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2026;26(2):260-278
Purpose:
Patient-derived cells (PDCs) and patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are complementary preclinical models widely used in translational cancer research. However, their molecular and functional differences have not been systematically characterized. This study established and analyzed paired PDC and PDO models derived from the same gastric cancer ascites to delineate platform-dependent molecular and functional profiles.
Materials and Methods:
Malignant ascites or pleural fluid obtained from 6 patients with advanced gastric cancer were used to establish paired PDC and PDO models. All pairs underwent comprehensive multi-omics profiling, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Phenotypic characterization included morphological, histological, proliferative, and cell cycle analyses. Drug sensitivity assays were performed using 4 chemotherapeutic agents commonly used to treat gastric cancer.
Results:
The 6 paired PDC and PDO models exhibited distinct morphological characteristics.Whole-genome analyses demonstrated high concordance among primary tumors, PDCs, and PDOs, confirming tumor representation across platforms. Multi-omics profiling identified platform-dependent molecular signatures; PDOs were enriched for extracellular matrix remodeling and stemness, whereas PDCs displayed proliferation- and immune-related signatures. Clinically relevant biomarkers, including HER2 and MET alterations, were concordant with primary tumors. Notably, drug responses differed between platforms and patients, indicating platform-dependent and patient-specific chemosensitivity.
Conclusions
Paired PDC and PDO models derived from the same patients preserved core patient-specific tumor characteristics while exhibiting distinct molecular and functional profiles. These findings underscore the culture platform as a critical determinant of experimental outcomes and therapeutic responses. Therefore, careful selection of an appropriate preclinical model is essential to accurately address biological questions and optimize precision oncology strategies.

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