1.Determinants of lateral fusion in single-level oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a retrospective analysis of fusion patterns and clinical outcomes
Tong YONGJUN ; Song HAIXIN ; Fu CHUDI ; Liu JUNHUI ; Huang BAO ; Fan SHUNWU ; Zhao FENGDONG
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):107-126
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study included 153 single-level OLIF cases between January 2016 and December 2023. Postoperative computed tomography was used to classify patients into central fusion, lateral fusion, and non-fusion groups. Demographic, surgical, and radiographic parameters—including osteophyte grade, Hounsfield unit (HU) values, and cage positioning—were analyzed to identify factors affecting fusion. Cage subsidence and clinical outcomes (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Visual Analog Scale) were compared across groups.
Results:
Lateral fusion occurred in 39.9% of cases, central in 56.9%, and non-fusion in 3.2%. Preoperative osteophytes and higher HU values were associated with lateral fusion (p<0.001). OLIF with standalone cages (OLIF-SA) had a significantly higher lateral fusion rate than OLIF with posterior screw fixation (OLIF-PS) (p=0.002). Smoking was a significant risk factor for non-fusion (p=0.005). No significant difference in cage subsidence was observed between central and lateral fusion, but non-fusion showed more severe subsidence. Clinical outcomes improved across fusion groups, though non-fusion cases had worse ODI scores at follow-up.
Conclusions
Lateral fusion is a distinct OLIF feature influenced by osteophytes, bone density, and fixation type. It does not negatively affect cage subsidence or outcomes, but solid fusion remains essential for recovery. These findings enhance understanding of OLIF fusion and may guide surgical planning.
2.PRMT1-mediated asymmetric dimethylation of arginine residue 602 in DDX1 promotes cholangiocarcinoma progression
Wenzheng LIU ; Yangwei LIAO ; Yiyang KUAI ; Xin GAO ; Xingmin YAN ; Jingjing LI ; Junsheng CHEN ; Jukun SU ; Jingcong ZHOU ; Yizhu KONG ; Siqin HUANG ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Feng PENG ; Bing WANG ; Yongjun CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):843-865
Background/Aims:
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary malignant neoplasm with an extremely poor prognosis. While combined chemoradiotherapy has been demonstrated to delay CCA progression to a certain extent, the absence of specific molecular biomarkers or targets significantly hinders the diagnosis and treatment of CCA.
Methods:
Through cross-analysis of proteomics and ADMA modificationomics, we identified DDX1 overexpressed in CCA with elevated R602-ADMA modifications. HPLC-MS/MS identified PRMT1 as the methyltransferase and USP10 as the deubiquitinating enzyme for DDX1. Immunofluorescence and nuclear-cytoplasmic partitioning experiments confirmed DDX1’s nuclear localization. GO and KEGG analyses clarify the biological functions of DDX1 in response to hypoxia. RNA-seq transcriptomics analyzed key pathways influenced by DDX1. A hydrodynamic in situ CCA mouse model was established to validate the chemopreventive effects of the PRMT1-specific inhibitor GSK715 on CCA development.
Results:
DDX1 promotes CCA progression both in vivo and in vitro and can be inhibited by GSK715. Mechanistically, PRMT1 mediates ADMA modification at position R602 of DDX1. This modification promotes DDX1 nuclear localization by recruiting USP10 to deubiquitinate DDX1, while simultaneously inhibiting PRMT1 degradation. DDX1 promotes the transcription of PRMT1 and USP10 by binding to the mRNA 3’UTR region, establishing a positive feedback regulatory pathway. This mechanism promotes the occurrence and development of CCA and can serve as a target for the inhibitor GSK715 to suppress CCA progression.
Conclusions
Our study identified DDX1-R602-ADMA modification as a novel ADMA modification in CCA. It further confirmed its pivotal role in CCA progression. Targeting the USP10-PRMT1-DDX1 axis may represent a significant therapeutic approach for CCA.
3.In situ tumor cell engineering reverses immune escape to enhance immunotherapy effect.
Shujun LIU ; Shijun YUAN ; Meichen LIU ; Jinhu LIU ; Shunli FU ; Tong GAO ; Shuang LIANG ; Xinyan HUANG ; Xinke ZHANG ; Yongjun LIU ; Zipeng ZHANG ; Na ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):627-641
The underlying cause of low response rates to existing immunotherapies is that tumor cells dominate tumor immune escape through surface antigen deficiency and inducing tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TIME). Here, we proposed an in situ tumor cell engineering strategy to disrupt tumor immune escape at the root by restoring tumor cell MHC-I/tumor-specific antigen complex (MHC-I/TSA) expression to promote T-cell recognition and by silencing tumor cell CD55 to increase the ICOSL+ B-cell proportion and reverse the TIME. A doxorubicin (DOX) and dual-gene plasmid (MAC pDNA, encoding both MHC-I/ASMTNMELM and CD55-shRNA) coloaded drug delivery system (LCPN@ACD) with tumor targeting and charge/size dual-conversion properties was prepared. LCPN@ACD-induced ICD promoted DC maturation and enhanced T-cell activation and infiltration. LCPN@ACD enabled effective expression of MHC-I/TSA on tumor cells, increasing the ability of tumor cell recognition and killing. LCPN@ACD downregulated tumor cell CD55 expression, increased the proportion of ICOSL+ B cells and CTLs, and reversed the TIME, thus greatly improving the efficacy of αPD-1 and CAR-T therapies. The application of this in situ tumor cell engineering strategy eliminated the source of tumor immune escape, providing new ideas for solving the challenges of clinical immunotherapy.
4.Visualization Analysis on Research Literature about Astragalus Polysaccharides from 2013 to 2023
Hong LI ; Liu LI ; Qiuqing HUANG ; Shiyao YANG ; Junju ZOU ; Fan XIAO ; Qin XIANG ; Xiu LIU ; Yanling FU ; Yongjun WU ; Rong YU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):73-79
Objective To analyze the research status and hotspots in the field of astragalus polysaccharides;To provide references for further research.Methods Research literature about astragalus polysaccharides was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,PubMed,and Web of Science databases from 1st,Jan.2013 to 1st,July 2023.NoteExpress 3.7 software was used to manage the literature and ultimately establish a database.Excel 2019,CiteSpace 6.2.2R and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were used to visually analyze the publication volume,authors,institutions,and keywords of the included literature.Results A total of 2 462 articles were included,with 1 284 Chinese articles and 1 178 English articles.The main research institutions were Gansu University of Chinese Medicine,Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.The core authors of Chinese literature were Liu Yongqi,Wang Hongxin,Lu Meili,etc.The core authors of English literature included Zhang Wei,Li Ke,Yang Xiaojun,etc.High-frequency keywords of Chinese literature included Astragali Radix,rats,polysaccharides,cell apoptosis,and oxidative stress,etc.High frequency keywords in English literature included expression,in vitro,oxidative stress,apoptosis,etc.Conclusion The research on astragalus polysaccharides focuses on their pharmacological effects and mechanisms.Intestinal flora,immune regulation,autophagy and apoptosis are the hot action mechanisms in this field.The focus of disease research involves tumor and diabetes,and antiviral,anti infection and other pharmacological effects are the research trend.
5.A preclinical and first-in-human study of superstable homogeneous radiolipiodol for revolutionizing interventional diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Hu CHEN ; Yongfu XIONG ; Minglei TENG ; Yesen LI ; Deliang ZHANG ; Yongjun REN ; Zheng LI ; Hui LIU ; Xiaofei WEN ; Zhenjie LI ; Yang ZHANG ; Syed Faheem ASKARI RIZVI ; Rongqiang ZHUANG ; Jinxiong HUANG ; Suping LI ; Jingsong MAO ; Hongwei CHENG ; Gang LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5022-5035
Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a widely utilized therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the clinical implementation is constrained by the stringent preparation conditions of radioembolization agents. Herein, we incorporated the superstable homogeneous iodinated formulation technology (SHIFT), simultaneously utilizing an enhanced solvent form in a carbon dioxide supercritical fluid environment, to encapsulate radionuclides (such as 131I,177Lu, or 18F) with lipiodol for the preparation of radiolipiodol. The resulting radiolipiodol exhibited exceptional stability and ultra-high labeling efficiency (≥99%) and displayed notable intratumoral radionuclide retention and in vivo stability more than 2 weeks following locoregional injection in subcutaneous tumors in mice and orthotopic liver tumors in rats and rabbits. Given these encouraging findings, 18F was authorized as a radiotracer in radiolipiodol for clinical trials in HCC patients, and showed a favorable tumor accumulation, with a tumor-to-liver uptake ratio of ≥50 and minimal radionuclide leakage, confirming the feasibility of SHIFT for TARE applications. In the context of transforming from preclinical to clinical screening, the preparation of radiolipiodol by SHIFT represents an innovative physical strategy for radionuclide encapsulation. Hence, this work offers a reliable and efficient approach for TARE in HCC, showing considerable promise for clinical application (ChiCTR2400087731).
6.Lateral fusion after oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion: incidence, imaging characteristics, and contributing factors
Yongjun TONG ; Chudi FU ; Junhui LIU ; Bao HUANG ; Yilei CHEN ; Zhi SHAN ; Xuyang ZHANG ; Shunwu FAN ; Fengdong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(7):420-428
Objective:To evaluate the characteristic manifestations of lumbar fusion following oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), determine the specific incidence of these patterns, and the identify factors associated with fusion characteristics.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 209 patients who underwent OLIF surgery at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between July 2017 and September 2023. The cohort had a mean age of 64.2±9.8 years and included 125 males and 84 females. A total of 338 lumbar segments were assessed, comprising 159 segments treated with stand-alone OLIF (OLIF-SA) and 179 segments treated with OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation (OLIF-PSF). Inclusion criteria were: patients aged 18-80 years who underwent OLIF with complete radiographic records. Surgical parameters, including fixation method, number of fused segments, surgical approach, and cage dimensions (height and width), were obtained from operative records. Radiographic evaluation included preoperative osteophytes, Hounsfield unit (HU) values of endplates, and cage positioning. Fusion rate, fusion pattern (lateral vs. central), cage subsidence, and related influencing factors were assessed. Clinical outcomes were measured via the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. Results:The overall fusion rate was 98.2% (332/338), with a non-union rate of 1.8% (6/338). The incidence of lateral fusion was 40.2% (136/338). In the OLIF-SA group, lateral and central fusion rates were 50.3% (80/159) and 49.7% (79/159), respectively, with no cases of non-union. In the OLIF-PSF group, lateral fusion occurred in 31.3% (56/179), central fusion in 65.4% (117/179), and non-union in 3.3% (6/179), with statistically significant differences between groups ( P<0.05). Preoperative osteophytes and higher endplate HU values were significantly associated with lateral fusion ( P<0.05). However, cage dimensions and cage position (anterior-posterior and lateral placement) were not significantly associated with fusion pattern ( P>0.05). Overall, 61.5% (208/338) of segments showed no cage subsidence; 24.5% (83/338) had settling, and 14.0% (47/338) had grade 1 or higher subsidence. Among lateral fusion cases, the rates of no subsidence, anchoring, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 subsidence were 67.6%, 21.3%, 7.4%, 3.9%, and 0.7%, respectively. In the central fusion group, these rates were 59.2%, 27.6%, 9.2%, 2.5%, and 1.3%, respectively. In the non-union group, grade 2 and 3 subsidence occurred in 50% (3/6) each, significantly higher than in the other fusion groups ( P<0.05). Post hoc analysis confirmed that grade 2 and 3 subsidence rates were significantly elevated in the non-union group compared to the lateral and central fusion groups, while other subsidence categories showed no significant differences across groups. Clinically, patients showed significant improvements in ODI and VAS scores following surgery ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Lateral fusion occurred in 40.2% of OLIF cases. The OLIF-SA technique, preoperative osteophytes, and elevated preoperative HU values were significantly associated with lateral fusion. In contrast, surgical approach, number of fused segments, cage height, width, and cage positioning did not significantly influence the occurrence of lateral fusion.
7.Progress on Compilation,Implementation and Coordination of Medical Service Price Item Guideline
Zixi DONG ; Meijin HUANG ; Zhizhong QIN ; Luyao ZHANG ; Xiufang DING ; Yongjun LUO
Chinese Health Economics 2025;44(11):67-71
China's Medical Service Price(MSP)reform has entered a new phase,implementing management measures.The compilation,implementation,and coordination of MSP item guidelines and the existing contradictions and problems were reviewed.It proposes strengthening price item management in planning under the background of the new era,itemizing in the alignment particle size,and comparing prices in the same coordinate system.This can offer systematic approaches and innovative strategies for improving the quality and efficiency of deepening MSP reform.
8.Lateral fusion after oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion: incidence, imaging characteristics, and contributing factors
Yongjun TONG ; Chudi FU ; Junhui LIU ; Bao HUANG ; Yilei CHEN ; Zhi SHAN ; Xuyang ZHANG ; Shunwu FAN ; Fengdong ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(7):420-428
Objective:To evaluate the characteristic manifestations of lumbar fusion following oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), determine the specific incidence of these patterns, and the identify factors associated with fusion characteristics.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed 209 patients who underwent OLIF surgery at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, between July 2017 and September 2023. The cohort had a mean age of 64.2±9.8 years and included 125 males and 84 females. A total of 338 lumbar segments were assessed, comprising 159 segments treated with stand-alone OLIF (OLIF-SA) and 179 segments treated with OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screw fixation (OLIF-PSF). Inclusion criteria were: patients aged 18-80 years who underwent OLIF with complete radiographic records. Surgical parameters, including fixation method, number of fused segments, surgical approach, and cage dimensions (height and width), were obtained from operative records. Radiographic evaluation included preoperative osteophytes, Hounsfield unit (HU) values of endplates, and cage positioning. Fusion rate, fusion pattern (lateral vs. central), cage subsidence, and related influencing factors were assessed. Clinical outcomes were measured via the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up. Results:The overall fusion rate was 98.2% (332/338), with a non-union rate of 1.8% (6/338). The incidence of lateral fusion was 40.2% (136/338). In the OLIF-SA group, lateral and central fusion rates were 50.3% (80/159) and 49.7% (79/159), respectively, with no cases of non-union. In the OLIF-PSF group, lateral fusion occurred in 31.3% (56/179), central fusion in 65.4% (117/179), and non-union in 3.3% (6/179), with statistically significant differences between groups ( P<0.05). Preoperative osteophytes and higher endplate HU values were significantly associated with lateral fusion ( P<0.05). However, cage dimensions and cage position (anterior-posterior and lateral placement) were not significantly associated with fusion pattern ( P>0.05). Overall, 61.5% (208/338) of segments showed no cage subsidence; 24.5% (83/338) had settling, and 14.0% (47/338) had grade 1 or higher subsidence. Among lateral fusion cases, the rates of no subsidence, anchoring, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 subsidence were 67.6%, 21.3%, 7.4%, 3.9%, and 0.7%, respectively. In the central fusion group, these rates were 59.2%, 27.6%, 9.2%, 2.5%, and 1.3%, respectively. In the non-union group, grade 2 and 3 subsidence occurred in 50% (3/6) each, significantly higher than in the other fusion groups ( P<0.05). Post hoc analysis confirmed that grade 2 and 3 subsidence rates were significantly elevated in the non-union group compared to the lateral and central fusion groups, while other subsidence categories showed no significant differences across groups. Clinically, patients showed significant improvements in ODI and VAS scores following surgery ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Lateral fusion occurred in 40.2% of OLIF cases. The OLIF-SA technique, preoperative osteophytes, and elevated preoperative HU values were significantly associated with lateral fusion. In contrast, surgical approach, number of fused segments, cage height, width, and cage positioning did not significantly influence the occurrence of lateral fusion.
9.Effect of high glucose on blood-brain barrier tight junctions in hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Hongtao YANG ; Yongjie XU ; Yongjun ZHOU ; Shuang WANG ; Changyudong HUANG ; Liying ZHU ; Wei PAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(26):5536-5542
BACKGROUND:The blood-brain barrier is an important structure that protects the central nervous system,and the study of the effects of high glucose on the blood-brain barrier is important for the prevention of high glucose-induced damage to the central nervous system.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the potential effect of high glucose on the blood-brain barrier function of hCMEC/D3 human brain microvascular endothelial cells.METHODS:hCMEC/D3 cells were cultured in regular sugar medium(glucose concentration of 25 mmol/L)and high-sugar medium(glucose concentration of 55 mmol/L).The morphology of cells in each group was observed by light microscopy.CCK-8 assay was used to detect changes in cell viability.A monolayer blood-brain barrier model was established using hCMEC/D3 cell line with Transwell chamber device.Changes in cell transmembrane resistance were monitored daily.The permeability of cell monolayers was detected by phenol red permeability.Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of the cells.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2,Bax,Caspase-3,ZO-1,Occludin,Claudin-1,and histone deacetylase 4.The levels of histone deacetylase in cell supernatant were detected by ELISA.The expression of histone deacetylase 4 in cells was detected by immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The cell viability of high sugar group was significantly lower than that of control group(P<0.000 1).(2)The cells of the control group were in a good growth state,interwoven into a dense mesh,with interconnections between synapses.The cell growth of high glucose group was suppressed,and the connection of inter-cellular synapses was reduced.(3)Compared with the control group,the transmembrane resistance value of the high glucose group was reduced(P<0.05);phenol-red permeability of the monolayer cell membrane was increased(P<0.05);cell apoptosis rate was increased(P<0.01);the expression of Bax protein was increased(P<0.000 1);the expression of Caspase-3 protein had no significant change(P>0.05);the expression of Bcl-2,ZO-1,Occludin,Claudin-1,and histone deacetylase 4 proteins was decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.01,P<0.000 1,P<0.01);the fluorescence expression of histone deacetylase 4 was decreased(P<0.001)in the high glucose group.(4)The level of histone deacetylase 4 in the cell supernatant of the high glucose group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The results show that high glucose induces the increased apoptosis and enhances permeability of hCEMCE/D3 cells,and its mechanism may be related to the decreased expression level of histone deacetylase 4.
10.Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous diseases in the elderly
Yu ZHAO ; Jichun ZHAO ; Lan ZHANG ; Jianhua HUANG ; Pingfan GUO ; Tao WANG ; Yongjun LI ; Haiyang WANG ; Quan CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(6):1097-1108
The incidence of chronic venous disease(CVD)is significantly higher in the elderly population compared to non-elderly individuals,with more severe disease manifestations.Additionally,elderly CVD patients often have comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular diseases,making the evaluation process more complex and increasing treatment difficulty.Currently,there are no established recommendations in China for the diagnosis and treatment of CVD in individuals aged 60 and above.Against this backdrop,the Peripheral Vascular Disease Management Branch of the Chinese Geriatric Society has developed the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Venous Disease in the Elderly based on domestic and international guidelines,relevant evidence-based medical research,and the physiological and clinical characteristics of the elderly population in China.This consensus aims to provide an important reference for improving the diagnosis and treatment of CVD in elderly patients in China.

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