1.Non-small cell lung cancer with BRAF mutation treated with neoadjuvant targeted therapy followed by surgery: A case report
Yingze NING ; Chutong LIN ; Xiang ZHU ; Guangliang QIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1149-1152
This study reports a case of a 56-year-old female patient with BRAF-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who successfully underwent radical surgery after neoadjuvant targeted therapy with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib combined with the MEK inhibitor trametinib. The chest drainage tube was removed 2 days postoperatively, and the patient was discharged smoothly. Postoperative pathology indicated invasive adenocarcinoma, moderately to highly differentiated, with 80% being lepidic type, and the maximum tumor diameter was 4 cm. No vascular tumor thrombus, vascular invasion, nerve invasion, spread through air spaces, pleural invasion, or lymph node metastasis were observed. The postoperative staging was ypT2aN0M0. The patient continued with adjuvant treatment with dabrafenib combined with trametinib postoperatively, and no signs of recurrence were found in the follow-up examination six months after surgery.
2.Pseudolaric Acid B-linked Double-network Hydrogel Alleviates Pruritus by Inhibiting The Growth of Staphylococcus aureus
Ye YOU ; Yan YANG ; Tong-Yu LI ; Cheng-Long CAI ; Ting WANG ; Chan ZHU ; Zong-Xiang TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1734-1745
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the mechanistic role of Staphylococcus aureus in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritus and barrier dysfunction. A key focus was screening traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) active components with dual antibacterial and antipruritic efficacy, followed by systematic evaluation of their in vitro antibacterial activity. Additionally, a novel drug delivery system was constructed to enable localized efficient drug delivery, inhibiting S. aureus proliferation and alleviating its induced pruritus, thereby providing new strategies for targeted AD therapy. MethodsMale C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks (body weight 18-22 g) were used to establish an AD model via repeated oxazolone sensitization. On day 14, microbial samples were collected from the lesional area (1 cm²) using sterile cotton swabs, followed by vortex mixing, serial dilution, and plating on 5% sheep blood agar plates (incubated at 37°C for 24 h). Single colonies with complete transparent β-hemolytic zones were isolated and identified as vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) via 16S rRNA sequencing. An S. aureus mono-infection animal model was then established by applying gauze saturated with bacterial suspension (McFarland turbidity 0.1) to the nape and back skin of mice. The pruritic phenotype and inflammatory cell infiltration induced by S. aureus were evaluated using comprehensive approaches including behavioral assays (e.g., scratching frequency recording), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and toluidine blue staining. The in vitro antibacterial efficacy of the TCM monomer pseudolaric acid B (PAB) and double network hydrogel (DN) was separately assessed by disk diffusion assay, while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PAB was determined via broth dilution method. Further validation of the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the composite system (PAB@DN, composed of PAB and DN) was conducted through behavioral assays, HE staining, and dermatitis scoring, with its drug release profile evaluated by mass spectrometry analysis. Based on scratching behavioral analysis and dermatitis scoring, the optimal ratio and concentration of PAB@DN were optimized. ResultsThe S. aureus load in AD lesional tissues was significantly higher than in normal skin ((5.3±0.33)×10⁶ CFU vs. (3.6±0.26)×10⁷ CFU, P<0.001). In the S. aureus mono-infection group, mice exhibited a 6.7-fold increase in scratching frequency compared to the control group. HE staining revealed marked epidermal thickening ((10.4±2.39) μm vs. (85.6±1.95) μm, P<0.000 1), and toluidine blue staining showed a 23-fold increase in mast cell degranulation. Pseudolaric acid B exhibited a significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect onS. aureus growth, with its in vitro antibacterial effect being 57% that of the antibiotic cefepime (inhibition zone diameter: PAB (1.885±0.036) cm vs. cefepime (3.636±0.005) cm, P<0.000 1) and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 g/L. The carrier double network hydrogel (DN) itself lacked direct antibacterial activity (no significant difference in inhibition zone diameter compared to the control) but effectively ameliorated the dry symptoms of AD-like lesions. The PAB@DN composite system demonstrated a synergistic effect compared to individual components, resulting in a 50% reduction in scratching behavior, an 86% decrease in dermatitis score, and a 60% reduction in epidermal thickening. It also reduced the S. aureus load in mouse skin by approximately 34%, with the optimal effective formulation being PAB at 1 g/L loaded onto DN. ConclusionS. aureus colonization plays a critical driving role in the onset and progression of AD. Using an S. aureus infection model, this study confirmed that the pseudolaric acidB-hydrogel composite delivery system (PAB@DN) can effectively alleviate S. aureus-induced pruritus and skin damage, providing experimental evidence for microbiota-targeted therapy of AD.
3.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.
4.Exercise improves microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes
Fan WEN ; Yang XIANG ; Huan ZHU ; Yanfang TUO ; Feng LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1225-1235
BACKGROUND:Exercise is an effective way to improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.In recent years,exercise has been used as an intervention therapy for microvascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes.However,few studies have systematically explored the influence of factors,such as"exercise type,exercise intensity and amount of exercise,"on microvascular function in patients.To some extent,this limits the formulation of precise exercise prescriptions to improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and the comparison of study results.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of exercise type,intensity,frequency and amount of exercise on microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,and to make suggestions on exercise prescription.METHODS:The first author used computer to search the studies on the improvement of microvascular function in type 2 diabetes patients involving exercise in CNKI,WanFang,PubMed and other databases.The search terms were"diabetes mellitus,type 2 diabetes mellitus,microcirculation,microvascular reactivity,microvessels,capillaries,vasodilation,blood perfusion volume,endothelial cells,shear stress,exercise,aerobic exercise,resistance exercise,high-intensity exercise"in Chinese and English.The articles were screened by a quick glance at the article titles and abstracts to exclude those that were not closely related to the topic,and finally 60 articles were included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Exercise is an effective way to improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.Aerobic exercise lasting 12-24 weeks,3-5 times/week,exercise time>30 minutes and intensity between 40%and 59%reserve oxygen intake can significantly improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes.On the basis of aerobic exercise,systemic resistance exercise 2-3 times a week(50%-85%1RM,every other day)or pressure resistance exercise can obtain better intervention effects.(2)In addition,exercise can improve microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes in a"dose-effect"manner,and patients can get better results from the intervention by increasing the amount of exercise,while maintaining safety.(3)The mechanism of exercise improving microvascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes is mainly related to promoting the release of nitric oxide and vascular endothelial growth factor from endothelial cells and inhibiting the release of endothelin1.
5.Association of liver fibrosis markers and inflammation markers with the risk of gallstones in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Shuai ZHANG ; Shoulu JIN ; Wanqing LI ; Xijing SHI ; Hao LIANG ; Hao DONG ; Dailong LU ; Ying ZHU ; Xiaoxing XIANG ; Jun LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):579-585
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of liver fibrosis scores and inflammation markers with gallstones in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), as well as the mediating role of liver fibrosis scores in the relationship between inflammation markers and gallstones. MethodsA total of 14 567 patients who received physical examination and were diagnosed with MAFLD in Subei People’s Hospital from January 2014 to June 2023 were enrolled in this study, and according to the results of abdominal color Doppler ultrasound, they were divided into gallstone group with 1 724 patients and non-gallstone group with 12 843 patients. Related clinical data were collected from all patients, including demographic data, medical history, family history, physical examination, Color Doppler ultrasound, and biochemical parameters. The biomarkers associated with metabolic disorders and insulin resistance included triglyceride-glucose index (TyG), TyG-body mass index (BMI) index, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR); the biomarkers associated with inflammation and nutritional status included neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR); the biomarkers for assessing liver fibrosis degree and liver function included albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI). The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, while the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis, and mediating effect analysis were used to assess the association of liver fibrosis markers and inflammation markers with the risk of gallstones. ResultsThe prevalence rate of gallstones was 11.8% among the MAFLD patients. There were significant differences between the gallstone group and the non-gallstone group in sex, age, smoking history, diabetes, hypertension, lymphocytes, platelets, glucose, albumin, serum uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, red blood cell, NLR, NPAR, MLR, NFS, FIB-4 index, and ALBI score (all P<0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that NLR (odds ratio [OR]=1.091, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.028 — 1.160, P<0.05), NPAR (OR=1.073, 95%CI: 1.042 — 1.105, P<0.05), MLR (OR=1.142, 95%CI: 1.057 — 1.232, P<0.05), NFS (OR=1.239, 95%CI: 1.190 — 1.291, P<0.05), and FIB-4 index (OR=1.326, 95%CI: 1.241 — 1.417, P<0.05) were influencing factors for the prevalence rate of gallstones. The restricted cubic spline analysis showed a significant non-linear association between NFS/FIB-4 index and the risk of gallstone (non-linear P<0.05). The mediating effect analysis further showed that the association of NLR, MLR, and NPAR with gallstones was partially mediated by NFS or FIB-4 index, with a mediating effect accounting for 36.79%、28.09%、29.67% and 18.31%、17.70、11.57%, respectively. ConclusionNFS and FIB-4 index have a non-linear association with the prevalence rate of gallstones in MAFLD patients, and they also mediate the association of NLR, NPAR, and MLR with the risk of gallstone.
6.New advances in the treatment of neonatal diabetes mellitus with sulfonylureas
Xiaoyan HU ; Jinbo XIANG ; Xiaoxia ZHU ; Zheng LI ; Tingting CAO ; Ting DING ; Ziran XU ; Jingbo LI ; Youjun YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1236-1240
Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare monogenic disorder primarily caused by insufficient insulin secretion resulting from mutations in the KCNJ11 and ABCC8 genes. Sulfonylureas, represented by glibenclamide, have become the standard therapy for this type of NDM by precisely closing the mutated ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic β cells, thereby restoring insulin secretion. Clinical studies confirm that sulfonylureas enable over 90% of patients to successfully transition from insulin to oral treatment, achieving long-term stable glycemic control and improving neurological outcomes to a certain extent. In terms of safety, severe hypoglycemia induced by sulfonylureas is relatively rare and gastrointestinal reactions are mild; moreover, sulfonylureas show good long-term tolerability, and have no adverse effects on child growth and development. In the future, by further refining the full-chain management pathway of “rapid genetic diagnosis-early intervention-specialized dosage forms-long-term follow-up”, the clinical application of sulfonylureas is expected to provide NDM patients with an optimized treatment regimen and maximize their health benefits.
7.Sequence analysis of variable regions of human monoclonal anti-P immunoglobulin
Zhonghui GUO ; Dong XIANG ; Qin LI ; Ziyan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):24-30
Objective: To identify the structure of the complementarity determining region (CDRs), the V(D)J rearrangement and somatic hypermutational characteristics of the heavy and light chains of a red blood cell blood group-specific monoclonal antibody. Methods: The hybridoma cell line secreting human IgM κ monoclonal anti-P antibody was used as the research object. Total RNA was extracted from cultured monoclonal cell line, and cDNA was obtained by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) using random hexamers primers. It was then amplified and sequenced using primers specific for variable regions of the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains encoding the anti-P antibody. The sequences were aligned against the NCBI database using online Immunoglobulin BLAST (Ig-BLAST) tool. Results: The study determined the structure of the CDRs and framework regions (FRs) of the variable regions of human monoclonal anti-P immunoglobulin, as well as the characteristics of V(D)J rearrangement. Moreover, the closest VH, VD, and VJ germline alleles for the heavy chain and VL and VJ germline alleles for the light chain were also identified. The IgH gene rearrangment pattern of the monoclonal anti-P was IGHV6-1
* 01—IGHD5-18
02—IGHJ4
02 and IgL gene was IGκV1-12
01—IGκJ3
01. Nine base mutations occurred within the germline gene IGHV6-1
01 in variable region of heavy chain, whereas 5 base mutations were found in the germline gene IGκV1-12
01 in variable region of light chain, respectively. Conclusion: This study characterized the CDR structure in monoclonal antibody cell line targeting the high-frequency red blood cell P antigen, and provided a foundation for the construction of recombinant antibody expressing plasmids and transfomation of the immunoglobulin type.
8.Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain after lung surgery with integrated Traditional Chinese and Western medicine (2026 edition)
Jichen QU ; Wentian ZHANG ; Jianqiao CAI ; Zhigang CHEN ; Bin LI ; Wei DAI ; Xiangwu WANG ; Yan LI ; Xiang LÜ ; ; Yongfu ZHU ; Mingran XIE ; Sufang ZHANG ; Lei JIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):522-534
Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is a common long-term complication following lung surgery. Its high incidence significantly impacts patients’ quality of life and functional recovery, and imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden. This consensus aims to systematically establish a standardized integrated Chinese and Western medicine diagnostic and treatment framework for chronic post-lung surgery pain (CPLSP). Based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical research and multidisciplinary clinical experience, the working group comprehensively elaborates on core issues regarding CPLSP, including its definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical assessment, Western medical treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment, and integrated strategies. The consensus emphasizes a patient-centered approach, adhering to the principles of multimodality, individualization, and stepwise management, highlighting the synergistic advantages of integrating Chinese and Western medicine throughout the entire perioperative management cycle encompassing "perioperative anti-inflammation, acute analgesia, and chronic rehabilitation." Through systematic literature retrieval and evidence integration, a total of 9 core recommendations were established to provide scientifically sound and clinically practical guidance.
9.Antibiotic exposure among third grade primary school students in Shenzhen
NI Yiping, ZHU Bo, ZHANG Wen, WANG Li, JI Xiang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):438-442
Objective:
To investigate the status of antibiotic exposure in third grade primary school students in Shenzhen,so as to provide evidence for the scientific management of antibiotic use and reduction of population health risks.
Methods:
From 1 September to 30 October 2021, 200 third grade students from 8 primary schools in Luohu District of Shenzhen were selected by cluster random sampling as research subjects. The body composition was measured, urine samples were collected, and the contents of 35 antibiotics in the samples were detected by mass spectrometry. Relevant dietary habit information of the subjects was collected via questionnaires. The Chi square test was used to compare the detection rate of antibiotics among different genders and weight grades. The Logistic regression model was adopted to evaluate the correlation between the target antibiotic detection rate and dietary habits.
Results:
At least one type of antibiotic was detected in 198 of the subjects with an overall detection rate of 99.0% . Among the 35 target antibiotics, 23 were detected with detection rates ranging from 0.5%-69.5%. Quinolones had the highest detection rate of 86.5% , followed by macrolides and sulfonamides with detection rates of 77.5% and 76.5%, respectively. The detection rate of antibiotics was 98.3% in boys and 100.0% in girls with no statistically significant difference ( χ 2=1.35, P >0.05). The detection rates of quinolones, macrolides, and sulfonamides varied significantly among children with different BMI categories ( χ 2=38.18, 12.45, 9.76 , all P <0.05). The multivariate Logistic regression model analysis showed that the macrolide detection rate was affected by genders( OR =0.42) and the sulfonamide detection rate was significantly correlated with the frequency of dairy product consumption and being overweight( OR =2.01)(both P <0.05). Enrofloxacin was associated with the weekly consumption frequency of livestock meat such as pork, beef and mutton, as well as the weekly consumption frequency of poultry meat such as chicken, duck and goose ( OR = 2.81,2.17,both P <0.05). Trimethoprim was associated with the weekly frequency of drinking pure milk ( OR =5.49, P < 0.05 ).
Conclusions
Third grade primary school students in Shenzhen are generally exposed to low dose antibiotics. Macrolides, quinolones, and sulfonamides may be associated with the risk of obesity in primary school students.
10.Correlation between liver fibrosis degree and carotid plaque in patients with lean metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Shuai ZHANG ; Shoulu JIN ; Wanqing LI ; Xijing SHI ; Hao LIANG ; Hao DONG ; Dailong LU ; Ying ZHU ; Xiaoxing XIANG ; Jun LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):319-325
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between noninvasive liver fibrosis markers and carotid plaque (CP) in patients with lean metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to provide a basis for screening high-risk populations. MethodsA total of 957 patients with lean MAFLD who underwent physical examination in Subei People’s Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023 was enrolled as the observation cohort, with the presence or absence of CP as the outcome, and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) were used to assess liver fibrosis degree. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis, the restricted cubic spline analysis, the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the mediation effect analysis were used to investigate the association between liver fibrosis degree and CP. ResultsThe prevalence rate of CP was 36.6% in the lean MAFLD population. Compared with the non-CP group(n=607), the CP group (n=350) had a significantly higher proportion of male patients, a significantly higher proportion of patients with smoking/diabetes/hypertension, and significantly higher levels of age, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, NFS, and FIB-4 index, as well as significantly lower levels of platelet count and albumin (all P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for confounding factors, FIB-4 index (odds ratio[OR]=2.979, 95% confidence interval[CI]:2.141 — 4.219, P<0.001) and NFS (OR=1.747, 95%CI: 1.499 — 2.046, P<0.001) were positively correlated with CP. Both FIB-4 index and NFS had a good value in predicting CP. Hypertension had a significant indirect effect on the prevalence rate of CP through its impact on liver fibrosis markers, and its mediating effect accounted for 39.5% — 40.8% of the total effect (P<0.001). ConclusionIn patients with lean MAFLD, NFS and FIB-4 index are significantly positively correlated with the prevalence rate of CP, and they can be used as potential epidemiological predictive indicators. Liver fibrosis markers may play a mediating role in the association between hypertension and CP. Interventions targeting hypertension and liver fibrosis markers may help to prevent and delay the progression of CP.


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