1.Advances in the treatment and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Liangshuo HU ; Yi LYU ; Pawlik Timothy M. ; Xufeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):34-40
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly malignant primary tumor originating from the intrahepatic bile duct epithelium. Current clinical consensus emphasizes that early detection,timely diagnosis,and R0 resection (when feasible) are critical strategies for improving outcomes. Advances in surgical techniques and multidisciplinary approaches have facilitated precision medicine-guided systemic therapies,including adjuvant and neoadjuvant regimens. These interventions significantly delay postoperative recurrence and improve 5-year survival rates. Systemic treatments have also modestly enhanced prognoses for advanced ICC patients. Artificial intelligence-driven radiomics and deep learning technologies show substantial efficacy in ICC diagnosis,prognostic assessment,and lymph node metastasis prediction,advancing precision medicine applications. Despite these therapeutic advances,survival outcomes-particularly for advanced-stage ICC-remain suboptimal. Future efforts should prioritize molecular signature-guided therapies,novel combination regimens,and artificial intelligence-assisted comprehensive management to establish a molecularly driven precision treatment framework.
2.Julia Annas’developmental virtue ethics: enlightenment for the construction of medical ethics
Hongyao ZHAO ; Xufeng LU ; Shan ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):377-383
Medical ethics aims to address moral issues in medical practice. When analyzing the right and wrong in medicine, it emphatically interprets “what medicine ought to be” and focuses on how physicians should act correctly. Hence, highly directive ethical theories such as deontology and utilitarianism have become the fundamental theories for medical decision-making. Nevertheless, as the concentrated embodiment of medical ethical values, virtue ethics also constitutes an important component of medical ethics. Drawing on Julia Annas’s creative development of virtue ethics theories regarding “right action” and “right emotion,” which is based on the distinction between “virtue learners” and “virtue possessors,” this paper provides a new theoretical perspective and practical approach for bridging the divide between heteronomy and autonomy in medical ethics, enhancing the care for medical staff’s emotions in medical ethics education, and promoting mutual understanding and communication between physicians and patients.
3.Scoping review of medication-related risk factors for falls in older adults
Liyu QIN ; Xufeng LONG ; Hongya CAO ; Keyuan LIANG ; Mingmei HUANG ; Hongliang ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):960-964
OBJECTIVE To systematically review medication-related risk factors for falls in older adults, to provide references for ensuring medication safety among older adults. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI for relevant literature published from database inception to November 1, 2025. Relevant studies on medication-related falls in older adults, both domestic and international, were included. Drug factors influencing falls in older adults were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 22 studies were included. Four major classes of fall-risk-increasing drugs were identified: psychotropic medications [12 studies, odds ratio (OR) range 1.500-5.790], cardiovascular system drugs (5 studies, OR range 1.236-4.784), analgesics (3 studies, OR range 1.500-4.490), and hypoglycemic agents (3 studies, OR range 2.070-2.751). Additionally, anticholinergic burden (1 study, OR was 2.610) and polypharmacy (7 studies, OR range 2.902-25.897 for the use of ≥4 medications) were identified as significant risk factors for falls. CONCLUSIONS Falls in older adults are significantly associated with psychotropic medications, cardiovascular system drugs, analgesics, and hypoglycemic agents, among which psychotropic medications pose the highest risk. Anticholinergic burden and polypharmacy are also important risk factors. In clinical practice, interventions should be implemented through deprescribing and risk monitoring to effectively reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
4.Advances in the treatment and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Liangshuo HU ; Yi LYU ; Pawlik Timothy M. ; Xufeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):34-40
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly malignant primary tumor originating from the intrahepatic bile duct epithelium. Current clinical consensus emphasizes that early detection,timely diagnosis,and R0 resection (when feasible) are critical strategies for improving outcomes. Advances in surgical techniques and multidisciplinary approaches have facilitated precision medicine-guided systemic therapies,including adjuvant and neoadjuvant regimens. These interventions significantly delay postoperative recurrence and improve 5-year survival rates. Systemic treatments have also modestly enhanced prognoses for advanced ICC patients. Artificial intelligence-driven radiomics and deep learning technologies show substantial efficacy in ICC diagnosis,prognostic assessment,and lymph node metastasis prediction,advancing precision medicine applications. Despite these therapeutic advances,survival outcomes-particularly for advanced-stage ICC-remain suboptimal. Future efforts should prioritize molecular signature-guided therapies,novel combination regimens,and artificial intelligence-assisted comprehensive management to establish a molecularly driven precision treatment framework.
5.Research progress on anti-inflammatory effects of traditional Chinese medicine under the guidance of syndrome differentiation and treatment
Jianing BAO ; Xiaonan ZHANG ; Xufeng TAO ; Hong XIANG ; Deshi DONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):528-532
Inflammation is the body’s response to damage, infection or other stimuli, but its excessive or continuous development can lead to a variety of diseases. Although modern medical anti-inflammatory therapies were widely used, it is often accompanied by limitations such as more adverse reactions. Based on the “holistic view” and “differential treatment”, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regards inflammation as a manifestation of the imbalance of yin and yang in the body and the conflict between good and evil. The application of anti-inflammatory TCM is not only aimed at the pathological state of “inflammation”, but also based on the overall consideration of “syndrome”. According to different types of syndrome, anti-inflammatory TCM can be divided into heat-clearing and detoxifying agents (such as Lonicera japonica and Isatis indigotica ), heat-clearing and drying dampness agents (such as Coptidis Rhizoma), blood-activating and stasis-dissolving agents (such as Salvia miltiorrhiza ) and vital qi-strengthening and pathogenic factor-expelling agents (such as Panax ginseng ). Four types of anti-inflammatory TCM restore the body’s immune balance through the systematic regulation of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, exhibiting a good anti-inflammatory effect. Future research should focus on integrating systematic biology, applying artificial intelligence, carrying out high-quality evidence-based research, and combining traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, so as to reveal the overall regulatory law of anti-inf lammatory effects of TCM and promote clinical rational use.
6.Analysis of the disease burden of falls and influencing factors among the elderly from 1990 to 2023
Xufeng LONG ; Liyu QIN ; Hongya CAO ; Keyuan LIANG ; Mingmei HUANG ; Xiandan LUO ; Quanyuan HUANG ; Hongliang ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1631-1637
OBJECTIVE To analyze trends in the burden of disease associated with falls from 1990 to 2023, identify risk factors for falls, and provide a reference for the development of measures to reduce the burden of disease associated with falls and the formulation of public health policies. METHODS Based on the data of 2023 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, the changes in fall-related prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and incidence in China and globally from 1990 to 2023 were analyzed, and the stratified analyses by gender, age and socio-demographic index (SDI) were conducted. The risk factors related to falls in 2023 were systematically analyzed, and the impact of multimorbidity and polypharmacy on the occurrence of falls by combining relevant literature evidence was explored. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Globally, the percentage changes in age-standardized rates of fall-related prevalence, mortality, DALYs and incidence from 1990 to 2023 were -2.4% (95%UI: -4.8% to -0.3%), -7.8% (95%UI: -20.5% to 10.9%), -10.6% (95%UI: -16.5% to -4.3%), and -4.6% (95%UI: -8.1% to -0.8%), respectively. However, in some regions, the percentage changes in age-standardized rates for these indicators were greater than 0 (e.g., prevalence, mortality and DALYs in Australasia, and incidence in Andean Latin America). In China, the percentage changes in age-standardized rates of fall-related mortality and DALYs from 1990 to 2023 were -18.3% (95%UI: -56.7% to 32.3%) and 1.9% (95%UI: -10.1% to 12.4%), while the percentage changes in age-standardized rates of prevalence and incidence were 25.9% (95%UI: 20.2% to 32.0%) and 35.7% (95%UI: 28.5% to 44.1%), respectively. Globally, in regions with high and medium-to-high SDI levels, the percentage changes in age-standardized rates of fall-related prevalence and incidence showed an upward trend, while DALYs showed a downward trend; however, the trend in mortality was unclear. In regions with a middle SDI level, the percentage changes in age-standardized rates of fall-related prevalence and incidence both showed an upward trend, while the trends in mortality and DALYs were unclear. In regions with low-to-medium SDI level, the percentage changes in age-standardized rate of fall-related prevalence, DALYs and incidence all showed a downward trend, while the trend in mortality was unclear; in regions with low SDI level, the trends for all above indicators were unclear. Correlation analyses of the burden of fall-related diseases in China and globally indicated that the risk of fall-related diseases was higher among younger and middle-to-older adult male populations, while women were concentrated in older age groups. Meanwhile, as the SDI levels increase, the percentage change in age-standardized rate of DALYs for fall-related diseases showed a clear upward trend, and this trend was more pronounced in high-SDI regions. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, low bone density, and occupational risks were risk factors for falls, with low bone density and occupational risks contributing significantly (exceeding 20% in some regions); multimorbidity and polypharmacy could also significantly increase the risk of falls. It is recommended that clinical settings establish a list of fall-risk increasing drugs and a warning system, improve medication reviews, strengthen medication education and adherence management, foster multidisciplinary collaboration, and develop medication strategies for specific patient populations to reduce the incidence of falls and alleviate the burden of disease.
7.Dynamic compatibility of the sanctity of life with the dignity of life: the euthanasia issue from the perspectives of Confucian philosophy of death and relational ethics
Hongyao ZHAO ; Xufeng LU ; Shan ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(6):797-803
The development of modern medical technology has enabled human beings to intervene in the entire process of life. As an important issue at the end of life, euthanasia has triggered profound controversies in bioethics regarding the right to life, autonomy, and moral responsibility. However, influenced by rationalism and religious dimensions, Western philosophy of death focuses on the subjectivity and individuality of death, thereby confining ethical discussions on euthanasia to the category of individual rights and obligations. Distinct from Western individualistic ethics, Confucianism, grounded in the “virtue of generating life”, emphasizes the harmony between the dignity of life and social relations. Despite not directly addressing issues related to euthanasia, its philosophy of death and relational ethics provides unique interpretations of the value of life, family ethics, and social responsibility. These interpretations effectively deconstruct the major ethical controversies over euthanasia and provide an enlightening perspective for us to reflect on this modern social issue.
8.Chinese expert consensus on the application of jejunal interposition for esophageal reconstruction in complex esophageal cancer surgery (2026 edition)
Wenshu CHEN ; Lilan ZHAO ; Zhaoxian LIN ; Debin OU ; Zhigang LI ; Chengchu ZHU ; Longqi CHEN ; Shuoyan LIU ; Xiangnan LI ; Chao CHENG ; Ni ZHANG ; Songping XIE ; Xufeng GUO ; Xu LI ; Xinyu MEI ; Xuefeng LENG ; Jianqun MA ; Zhijun HUANG ; Guojun GENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hongyan WANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijie WANG ; Jiangbo LIN ; Jinbiao XIE ; Jun GUAN ; Rongqi HE ; Xing LIN ; Xiuhua TU ; Yong LI ; Lijie TAN ; Xiaojie PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1527-1543
Objective Jejunal interposition is an important option for restoring gastrointestinal continuity in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable for reconstruction due to previous gastrectomy, tumor involvement, failed gastric conduit, or other constraints. Although the jejunum offers a caliber similar to the esophagus, a rich blood supply, and preserved peristaltic function, anatomical variations in mesenteric length and vascular arcades render long-segment and high-level reconstruction susceptible to excessive tension, mesenteric torsion, venous congestion, and inadequate distal perfusion. This consensus aims to provide standardized recommendations for the application of jejunal interposition in this specific patient population. Methods This consensus was developed in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and Chinese national guideline development standards, with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ), Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT), and Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) checklists. The project was registered on the international practice guidelines registry platform (PREPARE-2026CN1384). The working group systematically searched Chinese and English evidence addressing 12 clinical questions. Evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2009 system, with structured appraisal of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Recommendations were formulated through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a face-to-face consensus meeting, with an agreement threshold of ≥75%. Results The consensus generated 12 recommendations covering indications, selection between jejunum and colon, preoperative assessment, surgical approach and reconstruction route, pedicled jejunal interposition (PJI), supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJ), indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment, perioperative nutrition, management of anastomotic leakage, long-term follow-up, and special treatment scenarios. Given that the available direct evidence is predominantly derived from single-center retrospective cohorts and case series, recommendations extrapolated from general esophagectomy or other gastrointestinal surgical evidence are deliberately phrased with caution. Conclusion Jejunal interposition is a safe and effective approach for digestive tract reconstruction in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable. This consensus emphasizes that clinical decision-making should be individualized based on the patient's prior treatment history, reconstruction height, vascular anatomy, technical availability, and institutional experience in the Chinese context.
9.Clinical efficacy comparison of ileal conduit,flap embedding method,and traditional cutaneous ureteros-tomy in patients with bladder cancer
Xufeng YU ; Meimian HUA ; Shuxiong ZENG ; Wei HE ; Ziwei WANG ; Qing CHEN ; Chen ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Yi WANG ; Chuanliang XU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(10):1517-1524
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of different urinary diversions,specifically exploring whether the flap embedding technique can improve bladder cancer patients'quality of life and reduce the incidence of related complications.Methods 63 bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy with urinary diver-sion,between December 2022 and December 2023,were divided into three groups:Ileal conduit group(n=21),flap embedding technique group(n=21),and traditional cutaneous ureterostomy group(n=21).General clini-cal data,surgical data,preoperative and postoperative renal function indicators,incidence of complications within 6 months postoperatively,and quality of life scores were compared among the groups.Results The operative time in the ileal conduit group was longer than that in the other two groups(P<0.05).The quality of life scores in the flap embedding technique group were superior to those in the traditional cutaneous ureterostomy group(P<0.05),but no significant difference was found compared to the ileal conduit group(P>0.05).In terms of postoperative complications,the incidence of intestinal obstruction in the flap embedding technique group was lower than that in the ileal conduit group(P<0.05),and the rate of reinsertion of a single-J stent for hydronephrosis in the flap embedding technique group was lower than that in the traditional cutaneous ureterostomy group(P<0.05).Postop-erative serum creatinine levels in the traditional cutaneous ureterostomy group were significantly higher than preop-erative levels(P<0.05),while no significant differences in renal function indicators were observed in the other two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The flap embedding technique significantly improves patients'quality of life and reduces the incidence of postoperative complications.It is worthy of further promotion in clinical practice.
10.Application of magnetic recanalization technology in treatment of complex refractory benign biliary stricture
Yu LI ; Hui XU ; Xuemin LIU ; Yi LYU ; Xufeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(6):475-479
Benign biliary strictures are frequently encountered after liver transplantation or as a result of iatrogenic injury, among others. Complex and refractory benign biliary obstructions refer to biliary strictures that persist or treatment fails despite multiple endoscopic therapies. Traditional endoscopic approaches demonstrate suboptimal therapeutic effects in treating such patients, with a high recurrence rate. Moreover, surgical operations are highly invasive, and the outcomes are also unsatisfactory. The magnetic dilation technology establishes an external drainage sinus tract via percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and positions a magnet above the obstructed biliary tract; through endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, another magnet is placed beneath the obstructed biliary tract. The two magnets mutually attract each other, exerting pressure on the scar tissue in the middle of the magnets, causing it to gradually become ischemic, necrotic, and detached, and subsequently discharged along with the magnets. The biliary epithelial cells surrounding the magnets gradually repair and heal, ultimately forming a new patent anastomosis. The magnetic dilation technology, through slow compression, realizes the concurrent process of “removing” scars and healing, avoiding severe local inflammatory responses and excessive tissue hyperplasia. Consequently, the magnetic dilation technology possesses advantages such as minimally invasiveness and reliable effects, gradually emerging as an effective modality for treating complex and refractory benign biliary stricture cases.

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