1.Causal relationship between gut microbiota and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Xuanyu WU ; Xiang XIAO ; Jiajing CHEN ; Xiaomin YU ; Han YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):584-591
Objective To investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of gut microbiota and IPF were obtained from MiBioGen and IEU OpenGWAS, respectively. Instrumental variables were screened by means of significance, linkage disequilibrium, weak instrumental variable screening, and removal of confounding factors (genetics, smoking, host characteristics). Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was used as the main Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method, and the weighted median, simple mode, MR-Egger, and weighted mode were used to perform MR to reveal the causal effect of gut microbiota and IPF. The Cochrane's Q, leave-one-out, MR-Egger-intercept, and Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) and Steiger tests were used to analyze the heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, outliers, and directionality, respectively. Results IVW analysis results showed that Actinobacteria [OR=1.773, 95%CI (1.323, 2.377), P<0.001], Erysipelatoclostridium [OR=2.077, 95%CI (1.107, 3.896), P=0.023], and Streptococcus [OR=1.35, 95%CI (1.100, 1.657), P=0.004] could increase the risk of IPF. Bifidobacterium [OR=0.668, 95%CI (0.620, 0.720), P<0.001], Ruminococcus [OR=0.434, 95%CI (0.222, 0.848), P=0.015], and Tyzzerella [OR=0.479, 95%CI (0.304, 0.755), P=0.001] could reduce the risk of IPF. No significant heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, outliers, and reverse causality were found. Conclusion Actinobacteria, Erysipelatoclostridium and Streptococcus may increase the risk of IPF, while Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus and Tyzzerella may reduce the risk of IPF. Regulation of the above gut microbiota may become a new direction in the study of the pathogenesis of IPF.
2.Joint Relation Extraction of Famous Medical Cases with CasRel Model Combining Entity Mapping and Data Augmentation
Yuxin LI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Hang YANG ; Dasheng LIU ; Jiaheng WANG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaxu HAN ; Mengjie WU ; Qianzi CHE ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):218-225
ObjectiveTo address the challenges of unstructured classical Chinese expressions, nested entity relationships, and limited annotated data in famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) case records, this study proposes a joint relation extraction framework that integrates data augmentation and entity mapping, aiming to support the construction of TCM diagnostic knowledge graphs and clinical pattern mining. MethodsWe developed an annotation structure for entities and their relationships in TCM case texts and applied a data augmentation strategy by incorporating multiple ancient texts to expand the relation extraction dataset. A cascade binary tagging framework for relation triple extraction(CasRel) model for TCM semantics was designed, integrating a pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers(BERT) layer for classical TCM texts to enhance semantic representation, and using a head entity-relation-tail entity mapping mechanism to address entity nesting and relation overlapping issues. ResultsExperimental results showed that the CasRel model, combining data augmentation and entity mapping, outperformed the pipeline-based Bert-Radical-Lexicon(BRL)-bidirectional long short-term memory(BiLSTM)-Attention model. The overall precision, recall, and F1-score across 12 relation types reached 65.73%, 64.03%, and 64.87%, which represent improvements of 14.26%, 7.98%, and 11.21% compared to the BRL-BiLSTM-Attention model, respectively. Notably, the F1-score for tongue syndrome relations increased by 22.68%(69.32%), and the prescription-syndrome relations performed the best with the F1-score of 70.10%. ConclusionThe proposed framework significantly improves the semantic representation and complex dependencies in TCM texts, offering a reusable technical framework for structured mining of TCM case records. The constructed knowledge graph can support clinical syndrome differentiation, prescription optimization, and drug compatibility, providing a methodological reference for TCM artificial intelligence research.
3.Synergistic Mechanisms of Combined Anti-Angiogenic Therapy and Immunotherapy in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Tianxiao HAN ; Kezhong CHEN ; Fan YANG ; Xiang YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):698-705
In the tumor microenvironment, a bidirectional feedback regulation exists between aberrant angiogenesis and antitumor immunity, which provides a basis for the synergistic effects of antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy. The underlying mechanisms include relief of immunosuppression mediated by proangiogenic factors, induction of vascular normalization to reshape the immune microenvironment, and formation of a positive immune-vascular feedback loop. Based on these mechanisms, the combination of antiangiogenic therapy and immunotherapy has demonstrated synergistic efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is gradually being moved forward to the neoadjuvant setting. However, in the perioperative treatment of resectable lung cancer, this regimen still faces challenges, including primary resistance, a brief window of vascular normalization, and an unclear understanding of spatial interaction mechanisms. This review systematically elucidates the synergistic mechanisms of antiangiogenic agents combined with immunotherapy in NSCLC and the latest advances of this combination strategy in the neoadjuvant therapy setting, aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice.
4.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
5.Association of Genetically Predicted Obesity and Stool Frequency: Evidence From an Observational and Mendelian Randomization Study
Ke HAN ; Xiangyao WANG ; Shimin CHEN ; Xiaotong NIU ; Yan WANG ; Jingyuan XIANG ; Nan RU ; Miao LIU ; Ningli CHAI ; Enqiang LINGHU
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(2):267-275
Background/Aims:
Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency.
Methods:
Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations.
Results:
For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association.
Conclusions
Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.
6.Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 signaling to improve bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Haihui HAN ; Lei RAN ; Xiaohui MENG ; Pengfei XIN ; Zheng XIANG ; Yanqin BIAN ; Qi SHI ; Lianbo XIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1905-1912
BACKGROUND:Although researchers have noted that fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 shows great potential in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction,there is a lack of reviews related to the potential mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction. OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the mechanism of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by reviewing the relevant literature at both home and abroad. METHODS:We searched the CNKI database using the Chinese search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,bone cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,vascular endothelial cells."PubMed database was searched using the English search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,osteocytes,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,endothelial cells."The search period focused on April 1992 to January 2024.After screening the literature by reading titles,abstracts,and full texts,a total of 82 articles were finally included for review according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 was found to be widely expressed in bone tissue-associated cells,including osteoblasts,osteoclasts,and osteoclasts.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 affects bone remodeling and homeostasis by regulating the function of these cells,as well as promoting the onset and progression of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 is involved in the inflammatory response of synovial fibroblasts and macrophages and regulates angiogenesis of endothelial cells in synovial tissues.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 promotes bone destruction in several ways.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 may be a potential causative agent of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and provides a reference for further research on its therapeutic targets.
7.Qingre Lidan Jiedu Recipe improves high copper load-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats by regulating mitophagy
Yulan WANG ; Xiang FANG ; Zeming CHEN ; Bingkun RUAN ; Xinli HAN ; Yujie TANG ; Luyao ZHU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2437-2443
Objective To explore the mechanisms of Qingre Lidan Jiedu Recipe(QLJR)for improving cognitive dysfunction in rats with high copper load.Methods Seventy-five male SD rats were randomized into normal control group,model group,QLJR group,penicillamine(PCA)group,and QLJR+PCA group.Except for those in the control group,all the rats were fed a high-copper diet for 12 weeks.The effects of the treatments on cognitive function of the rats were assessed using the Barnes maze and passive avoidance tests.Hippocampal expressions of NIX,FUNDC1 and LC3 of the rats were detected using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining,and changes in mitochondrial morphology were observed with transmission electron microscopy.Results Behavioral tests showed prolonged target hole latency,shortened latency to enter the dark chamber,and increased error counts of the rats in the model group,which were significantly improved in QLJR+PCA group;the error counts were significantly lower in QLJR+PCA group than in either QLJR or PCA group.Among all the groups,the hippocampal expressions of NIX and FUNDC1 were the lowest and LC3 I/II expression the highest in the model group;NIX and FUNDC1 expressions were significantly higher and LC3 I expression was lower in QLJR+PCA group than in QLJR group and PCA group.Immunofluorescence staining revealed weakened NIX and FUNDC1 expressions and enhanced LC3 expression in the hippocampus of the rats in the model group as compared with those in the normal control and QLJR+PCA groups,but their expressions did not differ significantly between QLJR and PCA groups.The rats in the model group showed obvious structural disarray of the mitochondria,which were improved in all the treatment groups.Conclusion QLJR improves cognitive dysfunction in rats with high copper load possibly by regulating mitophagy.
8.Analysis of the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy in the treatment of urinary tract stones of different sizes and locations
Xiang GAO ; Hongbo ZHANG ; Dakun ZHANG ; Han ZHENG ; Jiyuan GAO ; Qiang MENG ; Lang ZHANG ; Tingxiu GUO
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(5):523-526
Objective To study the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopy holmium laser lithotripsy(FURS)in the treatment of urinary tract stones of different sizes and positions.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 121 patients with upper urinary tract stones from January 2021 to December 2023.According to the size of the stones,they were divided into the diameter ≤20 mm group(n=98)and the 20 mm<diameter ≤40 mm group(n=23).According to the location of the stones,19 cases were divided into the renal pelvis stone group and 102 cases were non renal pelvis stones.The surgical related indicators and incidence of complications were compared between the groups.Result The operation time of the group with diameter ≤20 mm and the group with diameter 20 mm<diameter ≤40 mm was(44.13±12.6)minutes and(57.52±20.98)minutes,respectively.The hospitalization periods were(4.55±1.54)days and(5.74±2.00)days,respectively.There were statistically significant differences between the two groups(P<0.05).The stone clearance rates in the group with diameter ≤ 20 mum and the group with 20 mum<diameter ≤ 40 mum were 84.69%and 78.26%,respectively.There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The operation time of the subcalyx kidney stone group and the non-subcalyx kidney stone group was(44.05±11.08)minutes and(47.17±16.19)minutes respectively,the hospital stay was(4.74±1.52)days and(4.78±1.73)days respectively,and the ESWL selection rates after the operation were 5.26%and 10.78%respectively.The stone recurrence rates were 15.79%and 4.90%respectively,and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The stone clearance rates in the subcalyx kidney stone group and the non-subcalyx kidney stone group were 63.16%and 87.25%,respectively.There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidences of urosepsis,fever,low back pain,hematuria and total complications between the 20 mm<diameter ≤40 mm group and the diameter ≤20 mm group(P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidences of urosepsis,fever,low back pain,hematuria and total complications between the non-inferior calyx stone group and the inferior calyx stone group(P>0.05).Conclusion FURS treatment for upper urinary tract stones with a diameter of≤20 mm has shorter surgical and hospitalization times compared to patients with a diameter of≤40 mm.ESWL and lower stone recurrence rates are also preferred after surgery.FURS treatment for non lower renal calyx stones has a higher stone clearance rate compared to lower renal calyx stones.The safety of FURS treatment for upper urinary tract stones of different sizes and positions is equivalent.
9.The effect of different RLNLN dissection on the short-term efficacy,serum TREM-1,TRAP1 levels,and quality of life in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing thoracoscopic radical resection
Yuhui YUN ; Xiang JI ; Guoliang HAN ; Wei GUO
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(5):482-485
Objective To investigate the impact of different lymph node dissection(RLNLN)around the recurrent laryngeal nerve(RLN)on the clinical efficacy of esophagectomy(EC)with thoracoscopic radical surgery.Methods Ninety-eight EC patients were selected from 2022-01 to 2022-10 in our hospital and divided into the control group and the study group,each with 49 cases,using simple randomization method.Both groups underwent EC thoracoscopic radical surgery,with conventional RLNLN clearance in the control group and modified RLNLN clearance in the study group.The operation and postoperative recovery of the two groups were compared,as well as myeloid triggered receptor-1(TREM-1),tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein-1(TRAP1),and complications before and after the operation,and the recurrence rate and survival rate of the two groups were counted at 1 year after the operation.Results The RLNLN dissection time in the study group was(11.93±3.57)minutes,which was shorter than that in the control group(17.15±4.28)minutes.The number of RLNLN dissections on both sides was(7.19±1.24),which was higher than that in the control group(5.56±1.10),and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Three and seven days after surgery,the CD3+,CD4+/CD8+of the study group were higher than those of the control group,while CRP,PCT,TREM-1,and TRAP1 were lower than those of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative complication and recurrence rates in the study group were 4.08%(2/49)and 10.87%(5/46),respectively,which were lower than the control group[18.37%(9/44),29.55%(13/44)].Conclusion Thoracoscopic radical resection of esophageal cancer with modified RLNLN dissection can can enhance the effect of lymph node clearance,down-regulate the expression of TREM-1 and TRAP1,reduce the inflammatory response of the body,regulate the immune function,reduce the risk of complications and recurrence,and improve the quality of life.
10.Symptoms and quality of life benefits of successful percutaneous coronary intervention in left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients with diabetes
Bo-da ZHU ; Tian-tong YU ; Peng HAN ; Bo-hui ZHANG ; Xi ZHANG ; Ping YUAN ; Gang WANG ; Yi YANG ; Hui-li ZHU ; Pan-pan SUN ; Tong-tong LI ; Shuai ZHAO ; Cheng-xiang LI ; Kun LIAN
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(2):93-100
Objective To investigate whether successful percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)could improve symptoms and quality of life(QOL)in left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients with diabetes.Methods Patients with left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease who underwent PCI in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from April 2018 to May 2021 were consecutively enrolled and subdivided into 2 groups:diabetes and no diabetes.Detailed baseline characteristics,symptoms,including dyspnea and angina,assessed with the Rose dyspnea scale(RDS),Seattle angina questionnaire(SAQ),the European quality of life-5 dimensions(EQ-5D)and 12-item short-form health survey(SF-12)questionnaire respectively,procedural details,and 1 month and 1 year follow-up data were collected.Results Among 440 left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease patients,disease was present in 176(40.00%),who had more hypertension,peripheral artery disease,and LCX lesion(all P<0.05).The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)and all-cause mortality were similar between the two groups(both P>0.05)at 1 month follow-up,while all-cause mortality in diabetes patients was significantly higher than those without diabetes at 1 year follow-up(P=0.013).Low left ventricular ejection fraction was an independent risk factor for MACE and all-cause mortality at 1 month and 1 year follow-up after successful revascularization(all P<0.05).Most importantly,symptoms,including dyspnea and angina,and QOL were markedly improved regardless of diabetes both at 1 month and 1 year follow-up(all P<0.05).Diabetes patients showed improved dyspnea and QOL at similar degree to the non-diabetes patients(all P>0.05)and a more significantly relieved angina(P=0.013).Additionally,the number of chronic total occlusion(CTO)per patient was identified as an independent risk factor of dyspnea(OR 0.723,95%CI 0.525~0.997,P=0.048)and angina relief(OR 0.686,95%CI 0.473~0.995,P=0.047),and the contrast volume(OR 0.995,95%CI 0.992~0.999,P=0.008)as an independent risk factor of QOL improvement in diabetic patients.Conclusions Successful PCI is beneficial for relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with diabetes who have left main disease and/or 3-vessel disease.

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