1.Application advances, ethical dilemmas, and future directions of large language models in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment
Zhizhen REN ; Yufan XI ; Xu ZHU ; Yijie LUO ; Geting HUANG ; Junqiao SONG ; Xiuyuan XU ; Nan CHEN ; Qiang PU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):353-362
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coupled with the substantial workload, the clinical management of lung cancer is challenged by the critical need to efficiently and accurately process increasingly complex medical information. In recent years, large language models (LLMs) technology has undergone explosive development, demonstrating unique advantages in handling complex medical data by leveraging its powerful natural language processing capabilities, and its application value in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is continuously increasing. The paper systematically analyzes that the exceptional potential of LLMs in lung cancer auxiliary diagnosis, tumor feature extraction, automatic staging, progression/outcome analysis, treatment recommendations, medical documentation generation, and patient education. However, they face critical technical and ethical challenges including inconsistent performance in complex integrated decision-making (e.g., TNM staging, personalized treatment suggestions) and "black box" opacity issues, along with dilemmas such as training data biases, model hallucinations, data privacy concerns, and cross-lingual adaptation challenges ("data colonization"). Future directions should prioritize constructing high-quality multimodal corpora specific to lung cancer, developing interpretable and compliant specialized models, and achieving seamless integration with existing clinical workflows. Through dual drivers of technological innovation and ethical standardization, LLMs should be prudently advanced for holistic lung cancer management processes, ultimately promoting efficient, standardized, and personalized diagnosis and treatment practices.
2.Unveiling the renoprotective mechanisms of self-assembled herbal nanoparticles from Scutellaria barbata and Scleromitrion diffusum in acute kidney injury: A nano-TCM approach.
Lunyue XIA ; Qunfang YANG ; Kangzhe FU ; Yutong YANG ; Kaiyue DING ; Yuexue HUO ; Lanfang ZHANG ; Yunong LI ; Borong ZHU ; Peiyu LI ; Yijie HUO ; Liang SUN ; Ya LIU ; Haigang ZHANG ; Tao LIU ; Wenjun SHAN ; Lin ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4265-4284
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical clinical condition characterized by rapid renal function decline, with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown potential effects on mitigating oxidative stress and programmed cell death in AKI models. Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) and Scleromitrion diffusum (Willd.) R. J. Wang (SD), a classic TCM herbal pair exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Using advanced chromatographic separation technology, we enriched the effective fractions of water extracts from SB-SD, obtaining self-assembled herbal nanoparticles (SB and SD nanoparticles, SSNPs) rich in flavonoids and terpenoids. These SSNPs demonstrated robust antioxidant properties in vitro and mitigated AKI progression in vivo by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Oral administration of SSNPs in mice resulted in absorption into the bloodstream, formation of a protein corona, reduced macrophage phagocytosis, and enhanced bioavailability and renal targeting. Furthermore, we investigated the self-assembly principle of SSNPs using representative flavonoids and terpenoids. Kinetic studies and in situ transmission electron microscopy (in situ TEM) revealed that these compounds self-assemble via supramolecular forces like hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions, forming stable nanostructures. This study elucidates the renoprotective effects and mechanisms of SB and SD, and provides a novel approach for the development of TCM-based nanomedicines, highlighting the potential of nano-TCM in AKI treatment.
3.Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve physiological metabolism and ameliorate root damage of Coleus scutellarioides under cadmium stress.
Yanan HOU ; Fan JIANG ; Shuyang ZHOU ; Dingyin CHEN ; Yijie ZHU ; Yining MIAO ; Kai CENG ; Yifang WANG ; Min WU ; Peng LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(2):680-692
Soil cadmium pollution can adversely affect the cultivation of the ornamental plant, Coleus scutellarioides. Upon cadmium contamination of the soil, the growth of C. scutellarioides is impeded, and it may even succumb to the toxic accumulation of cadmium. In this study, we investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the adaptation of C. scutellarioides to cadmium stress, by measuring the physiological metabolism and the degree of root damage of C. scutellarioides, with Aspergillus oryzae as the test fungi. The results indicated that cadmium stress increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline (Pro) within the cells of C. scutellarioides, but inhibited mycorrhizal infestation rate, root vigour and growth rate to a great degree. With the same cadmium concentration, the inoculation of AMF significantly improved the physiological indexes of C. scutellarioides. The maximum decrease of MDA content was 42.16%, and the content of secondary metabolites rosemarinic acid and anthocyanosides could be increased by up to 27.43% and 25.72%, respectively. Meanwhile, the increase of root vigour was as high as 35.35%, and the DNA damage of the root system was obviously repaired. In conclusion, the inoculation of AMF can promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites, alleviate root damage, and enhance the tolerance to cadmium stress in C. scutellarioides.
Cadmium/toxicity*
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Mycorrhizae/physiology*
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Plant Roots/drug effects*
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Soil Pollutants/toxicity*
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Stress, Physiological
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Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*
4.Efficacy of bilateral facial muscle training combined with visual electromyography biofeedback in the treatment of idiopathic facial nerve palsy
Xinyue CAI ; Ling DING ; Yilan MA ; Shihong HU ; Huajun GU ; Longdian GU ; Yijie ZHU ; Jiakun YAN ; Yaoyao ZHENG ; Qingsong MA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(6):1017-1023
Objective To explore the efficacy of bilateral facial muscle training combined with visual electromyography biofeedback on facial nerve function recovery in patients with idiopathic facial nerve palsy. Methods Patients with idiopathic facial nerve palsy admitted to Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University from July 2022 to July 2024 were selected and randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. The control group received conventional physical factor therapy, while the intervention group received bilateral facial muscle training combined with visual electromyography biofeedback therapy based on the control group’s regimen. After 20 treatment sessions, the total effective rate, the House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve grading system, the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) score, and the average value ratio of maximal amplitudes of bilateral frontalis and zygomaticus muscles were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 90 patients were included, 45 in each group. After 20 treatment sessions, the total effective rate was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (84.4% vs 75.6%, P=0.003). Compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly lower H-B grade (P=0.003) and a higher SFGS score (P=0.001). The average value ratios of maximal amplitudes of the affected versus healthy side frontalis (P=0.013) and zygomatic (P=0.022) muscles were higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusions Bilateral facial muscle training combined with visual electromyography biofeedback is an effective approach for treating idiopathic facial nerve palsy, effectively promoting the recovery of facial nerve function, and improving facial symmetry and facial muscle function.
5.Sigma-1 receptor expression in rat brain tissue is correlated with brain injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Haiyan ZHAO ; Yijie WANG ; Rong LIU ; Jilin YANG ; Ting LI ; Xiaolin ZHU ; Jiahong QIN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(9):1200-1207
Objective To explore the effects of sigma-1 receptor(Sig-1R)on brain function in rats after cardiopulmo-nary resuscitation and its protective role in brain injury.Methods Rats were randomly assigned to four groups with 20 in each:sham-operated control(sham group),6-hour post-resuscitation(PR 6 h group),12-hour post-resuscitation(PR 12 h group)and 24-hour post-resuscitation(PR 24 h group).In the latter three groups,cardiac arrest was induced by as-phyxiation,and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed 6 minutes after cardiac arrest.The rats were scored for neu-rological deficits at 6,12 and 24 hrs after resuscitation,respectively;after that,the rats were executed,and the expres-sion of Sig-1R protein,mitochondrial function index,and endoplasmic reticulum stress index apoptosis index were detec-ted by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.The correlation between Sig-1R and mitochondrial,endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis indexes was evaluated.Results Compared with the sham-operated group,the rats in test group showed a gradual decrease in neurological deficit scores,Sig-1R protein expression,brain tissue adenosine triphos-phate(ATP)concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)levels at 6,12,and 24 hrs of PR(P<0.05);CHOP protein,activated cleaved caspase-12 and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression were consistently elevated(P<0.05).In addition,Sig-1R was negatively correlated with brain tissue endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis(P<0.05)but positively correlated with mitochondrial membrane potential level(P<0.05).Conclusions Sig-1R ex-pression in rat brain tissue correlates with brain injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and potential mechanism seems to be neuronal protection through modulating mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
6.Correlation Analysis between Different Vitamin D3 Levels and Immune Inflammatory Indicators in Elderly Patients with Sepsis
Congxin LI ; Haidong YUE ; Pengxi ZHU ; Guangxian HUANG ; Lingjie MU ; Yanan PENG ; Yijie WANG ; Yang YANG
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2025;46(2):51-58
Objective To explore the correlation between serum vitamin D(VD3)level differences and immune inflammatory markers in elderly sepsis patients.Methods A total of 103 elderly patients with sepsis(aged 65-99 years)in the ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were collected and divided into two groups according to the diagnostic criteria for VD3 deficiency:VD3 deficiency group(n=32)and VD3 severe deficiency group(n=71).Correlation analysis was conducted by comparing the differences in serum 25-(OH)-D3(VD3)levels,immune function-related indicators upon admission(blood routine,infection-related proteins,combined detection of 12 cytokines,absolute count analysis of lymphocytes and subgroups,quantitative determination of infection-related immune cells,immunoglobulin,and complement),illness severity,and prognostic indicators(APACHE-II score,SOFA score,duration of ICU stay,and 28-day mortality rate).Result(1)Serum VD3 levels were lower in elderly patients with sepsis.No patient was in the VD3 normal or insufficient group.Patients with severe VD3 deficiency had higher APACHE-II scores,SOFA scores,and 28-day mortality rates than those with VD3 deficiency,and these scores were negatively correlated with serum VD3 levels(P<0.001),while the difference in ICU stay duration between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05);(2)WBC,PCT,CRP,and CD4/CD8 in the VD3 deficiency group were all lower than those in the VD3 severe deficiency group(P<0.05),while IL-6,IL-10,CD45+,CD3+/CD45+,and CD19+Abs were all higher than those in the VD3 severe deficiency group(P<0.05);In the VD3 deficiency group,VD3 levels were positively correlated with CD45+(P<0.05 for all),while negatively correlated with IL-6,IL-10,PCT,and CRP(P<0.05 for all);In the VD3 severe deficiency group,there were fewer corre-lation indicators and the correlation strength was not as strong as that in the VD3 deficiency group.Conclusion(1)Elderly patients with sepsis generally have lower levels of VD3,with lower levels associated with more severe illness and poorer prognosis;(2)In elderly sepsis patients,compared to patients with severe VD3 deficiency,patients with VD3 deficiency have lower levels of inflammation,stronger cellular immune response,and stronger correlation,suggesting that the effects of different VD3 levels on immune inflammatory responses may vary in elderly sepsis patients.
7.Comparison of nitrification inhibitors for mitigating cadmium accumulation in pakchoi and their associated microbial mechanisms
DU WENXIN ; ZHU QINGYANG ; JING XIANGTING ; HU WEIJIE ; ZHUANG YAO ; JIANG YIJIE ; JIN CHONGWEI
Journal of Zhejiang University. Science. B 2024;25(9):773-788
The use of nitrification inhibitors has been suggested as a strategy to decrease cadmium(Cd)accumulation in crops.However,the most efficient nitrification inhibitor for mitigating crop Cd accumulation remains to be elucidated,and whether and how changes in soil microbial structure are involved in this process also remains unclear.To address these questions,this study applied three commercial nitrification inhibitors,namely,dicyandiamide(DCD),3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate(DMPP),and nitrapyrin(NP),to pakchoi.The results showed that both DCD and DMPP(but not NP)could efficiently decrease Cd concentrations in pakchoi in urea-and ammonium-fertilized soils.In addition,among the three tested nitrification inhibitors,DMPP was the most efficient in decreasing the Cd concentration in pakchoi.The nitrification inhibitors decreased pakchoi Cd concentrations by suppressing acidification-induced Cd availability and reshaping the soil microbial structure;the most effective nitrification inhibitor was DMPP.Ammonia oxidation generates the most protons during nitrification and is inhibited by nitrification inhibitors.Changes in environmental factors and predatory bacterial abundance caused by the nitrification inhibitors changed the soil microbial structure and increased the potential participants in plant Cd accumulation.In summary,our study identified DMPP as the most efficient nitrification inhibitor for mitigating crop Cd contamination and observed that the soil microbial structural changes caused by the nitrification inhibitors contributed to decreasing Cd concentration in pakchoi.
8.Immunometabolic rewiring in macrophages for periodontitis treatment via nanoquercetin-mediated leverage of glycolysis and OXPHOS.
Yi ZHANG ; Junyu SHI ; Jie ZHU ; Xinxin DING ; Jianxu WEI ; Xue JIANG ; Yijie YANG ; Xiaomeng ZHANG ; Yongzhuo HUANG ; Hongchang LAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(11):5026-5036
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by a dysregulated immune microenvironment, posing formidable challenges for effective treatment. The disease is characterized by an altered glucose metabolism in macrophages, specifically an increase in aerobic glycolysis, which is linked to heightened inflammatory responses. This suggests that targeting macrophage metabolism could offer a new therapeutic avenue. In this study, we developed an immunometabolic intervention using quercetin (Q) encapsulated in bioadhesive mesoporous polydopamine (Q@MPDA) to treat periodontitis. Our results demonstrated that Q@MPDA could reprogram inflammatory macrophages to an anti-inflammatory phenotype (i.e., from-M1-to-M2 repolarization). In a murine periodontitis model, locally administered Q@MPDA reduced the presence of inflammatory macrophages, and decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the periodontium. Consequently, it alleviated periodontitis symptoms, reduced alveolar bone loss, and promoted tissue repair. Furthermore, our study revealed that Q@MPDA could inhibit the glycolysis of inflammatory macrophages while enhancing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), facilitating the shift from M1 to M2 macrophage subtype. Our findings suggest that Q@MPDA is a promising treatment for periodontitis via immunometabolic rewiring.
9.Monitoring changes of anterior patellar tendon in amateur marathon athletes using ultra-short echo time magnetization transfer technology
Dantian ZHU ; Yijie FANG ; Wenhao WU ; Wenjun YU ; Yajun MA ; Shaolin LI
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2023;57(12):1284-1289
Objective:To explore the value of ultra-short echo time magnetization transfer (UTE-MT) techniques for quantitatively dynamic monitoring of anterior patellar tendon (patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon) changes in amateur marathon runners before and after competition.Methods:Between October 2020 and January 2021, 23 amateur marathoners in Zhuhai, aged 28-50 (40±6) years, were prospectively recruited. Three-dimensional UTE-MT and dual-echo UTE-T 2* sequence scans of bilateral knee joints were performed before, 48 hours and 4 weeks after the marathon running, respectively. Another 5 non-running volunteers were recruited for verification of sequence stability. UTE-magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and UTE-T 2* value of the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and 3 tendon-bone insertion points (patellar tendon-tibial insertion point, patellar tendon-patellar insertion point, and quadriceps tendon-patellar insertion point) were measured independently on sagittal images of the knee joint by 2 radiologists. The stability of the 2 serial measurements and consistency tests between the 2 radiologists were assessed with a two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in UTE-MTR and UTE-T 2* values of the prepatellar tendon before and after the marathon running. Results:Both UTE-MT and dual-echo UTE-T 2* sequence measurements had good stability, with ICC values of 0.98 and 0.92, respectively. Measurements of UTE-MTR and UTE-T 2* value of the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and the 3 tendon-bone insertion points by the 2 radiologists were in good agreement (ICC>0.80). Forty-eight hours after the marathon running, the UTE-MTR of the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, and the 3 tendon-bone insertion points decreased, and UTE-MTR of the patellar tendon continued to decrease 4 weeks after the race, while UTE-MTR of other regions increased. Only the difference in UTE-MTR for the patellar tendon was statistically significant ( F=7.46, P=0.001) among pre-marathon (0.34±0.04), 48 h after the race (0.32±0.04), and 4 weeks after the race (0.31±0.04). UTE-T 2* value was mildly elevated in all regions at 48 h after the marathon running, but the differences among the three points were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:The UTE-MT has better reproducibility and inter-rater reliability. The UTE-MT can be used to monitor the dynamic changes of the prepatellar tendon before and after marathon exercise, where the UTE-MTR of the patellar tendon consistently decreases after marathon exercise.
10.Establishment and evaluation of a predicative model in diagnosing unilateral primary aldosteronism
Yangjie ZENG ; Fan YANG ; Yijie WANG ; Zhaoyang TIAN ; Menglian LI ; Ping LI ; Dalong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2023;39(10):870-875
Primary aldosteronism(PA) is a common cause of secondary hypertension, with adrenal vein sampling(AVS)being the gold standard for etiological typing diagnosis. This retrospective study analyzed data from patients diagnosed with PA who underwent AVS or unilateral adrenalectomy at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital′s Endocrinology Department from July 2018 to August 2021. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with unilateral aldosterone hypersecretion were identified. Based on these factors, a predictive model for diagnosing unilateral primary aldosteronism(UPA)was established: age <40 years, plasma aldosterone concentration(PAC)>15 ng/dL, adrenal CT indicating an unilateral typical adenoma, and spontaneous hypokalemia. This predictive model could help 14% of PA patients avoid unnecessary AVS procedures.

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