1.Coronary CT Angiography-Derived Fractional Flow Reserve in Asia and the United States: 2025 Status Update
Woo Jin AHN ; Maros FERENCIK ; Ming-Yen NG ; Liang ZHONG ; Mona BHATIA ; Akira KURATA ; Pannipa SUWANNASOM ; Yung-Liang WAN ; Trang Ngoc NGUYEN ; Suyon CHANG ; Sung Mok KIM ; Hwan Seok YONG ; Cherry KIM
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(1):27-33
Coronary CT-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) is a noninvasive alternative to invasive FFR for assessing the hemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenosis. CT-FFR uses routinely acquired coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with artificial intelligence and computational fluid dynamics to estimate pressure gradients, thereby supporting clinical decisionmaking without procedural risk. Adoption and implementation vary widely across regions. In Asia, South Korea exclusively uses HeartMedi+, which enables rapid analysis, streamlined workflow integration, and high user satisfaction. Japan relies primarily on FFR CT, which has national reimbursement and significantly influences treatment strategies, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures. Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam remain in early or exploratory phases due to cost, reimbursement, and infrastructure barriers. In the United States, CT-FFR is guideline-endorsed and reimbursed, where HeartFlow is the most widely used, supported by robust clinical validation and outcome data. Despite regional variability, CTFFR offers a noninvasive solution that enhances patient management, reduces unnecessary invasive testing, and is poised for broader clinical integration as technology and validation advance.
2.Dissecting antibody-mediated natural killer cell effects reveals a cytotoxic CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hi subset linked to hepatitis B virus outcomes
Libo TANG ; Yuhao WANG ; Zihan JIN ; Yurong GU ; Zhaofeng ZENG ; Linnan SONG ; Xuan YI ; Lingtao ZHANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Weiying HE ; Liping WANG ; Weixin HE ; Jianru SUN ; Xiaoqin LAN ; Xiangyong LI ; Shihong ZHONG ; Yongyin LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):683-705
Background/Aims:
Natural killer (NK) cell function is generally considered dampened in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, the NK cell pool exhibits phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and the antibody--mediated effect of NK cells remains less characterized. This study evaluated the dynamic changes in antibody-mediated NK cell responses and the involvement of distinct NK subsets across disease stages and during antiviral treatment.
Methods:
A T-cell receptor-like antibody specific for the HBV core 18–27 peptide (cTCRL-Ab) was used to determine the antibody-mediated effect of NK cells, and an array of NK cell surface markers were analyzed in cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts of patients with chronic HBV infection. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to identify the heterogeneity of NK subsets.
Results:
The cTCRL-Ab enabled the detection of NK cell cytolytic activity and IFNγ production. Notably, cTCRL-Ab-mediated NK cell responses were compromised in chronically HBV-infected patients, particularly in those receiving pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFNα), which was associated with the downregulation of CD16 expression. Correspondingly, Peg-IFNα inhibited cTCRL-Ab-mediated NK cell function by reducing CD16 expression in vitro. scRNA-seq revealed that CD16 downregulation occurred mainly within a dysfunctional CD16hi NK subset exhibiting exhaustion properties. In contrast, an activated CD16hiNK subpopulation (CX3CR1⁺KLRC2–CD16hi) with high cytotoxicity was enriched in patients who experienced favorable treatment responses. Furthermore, the intrahepatic CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hi subset tended to exhibit functional restoration in HBsAg-loss individuals.
Conclusions
Our data contribute to the understanding of antibody-mediated responses of NK cells in chronic HBV infection, and highlight a previously unappreciated functional CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hiNK subset as a potential therapeutic target.
3.The Neural Circuit Characteristics of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex for The Treatment of Migraine
Chen-Xia JIN ; Bo-Lin TAN ; Yang YE ; Ji-Qing HE ; Ling-Yan WANG ; Zhong-Ming GAO ; Yu-Jun WANG ; Hui-Li LIU ; Yong-Xing YAN ; Xian-Wei CHE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1953-1968
ObjectiveMigraine is a leading neurological disorder and the fourth most common cause of years lived with disability worldwide, affecting nearly 116 million individuals. Although pharmacological treatments are available, their efficacy is often limited by side effects and variable response rates. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a safe, non-invasive alternative for migraine management. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms, particularly how rTMS modulates local cortical excitability and distributed pain-related circuits, remain poorly understood. Elucidating these mechanisms is essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving clinical outcomes. MethodsThis study employed concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) to investigate neuroplastic and neurocircuitry mechanisms of DLPFC-rTMS in migraine. Study 1 compared 30 migraineurs and 28 healthy controls to identify abnormalities in TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and significant current density (SCD) within sensory-discriminative regions including the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and posterior insula (pINS), cognitive-affective regions including the anterior insula (aINS) and midcingulate cortex (MCC), and a descending modulatory region, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Study 2 used a single-blind, crossover, sham-controlled design in 34 healthy participants. Each participant received both active (10 Hz, 80% RMT, 1 500 pulses) and sham DLPFC-rTMS in counterbalanced order. TMS-EEG and cold pain tolerance were assessed before and after each session. ResultsIn Study 1, migraineurs showed a significantly less negative N120 amplitude compared to healthy controls (P=0.027, Cohen’s d=0.60), indicating local intracortical disinhibition. No group differences were observed for N40, P60, or P180 components. At the source level, migraineurs exhibited significantly higher SCD in the S1, pINS, aINS, and MCC (allQ<0.05), but not in the ventroposterior thalamus (vpTHAL), mediodorsal thalamus (mdTHAL), or PAG. In Study 2, active rTMS significantly reduced SCD from pre- to post-stimulation in the S1, aINS, and MCC (all Q<0.05). Sham stimulation also reduced SCD in the S1 (Q<0.05) but not in the aINS or MCC. Although no significant group-level analgesic effect was observed between active and sham conditions (P=0.107), correlation analyses revealed that greater SCD reductions in the S1 and MCC were significantly associated with higher post-rTMS pain tolerance (R=-0.487 and -0.495, both Q<0.01) and larger improvements in pain tolerance(R=-0.487 and -0.451, both Q<0.05). No such correlations were found following sham stimulation, suggesting that the behavioural relevance of neural changes is specific to active rTMS. ConclusionThis study provides novel evidence that migraineurs exhibit both local neuroplastic abnormalities (reduced N120 amplitude) and hyperactivity in key pain-processing regions (S1, pINS, aINS, MCC). A single session of DLPFC-rTMS reduced hyperactivity in the aINS, MCC, and S1. Notably, greater reductions in the S1 and MCC were associated with improved pain tolerance. These findings identify distinct cortical circuitries, particularly within the cognitive-affective pain network, that may serve as potential biomarkers for optimizing rTMS treatment in migraine and other chronic pain conditions. Future studies should validate these results in patient populations experiencing spontaneous migraine attacks and explore multi-session or accelerated rTMS protocols.
4.Analysis of the results from the 2024 national interlaboratory comparison for radionuclide measurement in bio-ash
Chunming ZHONG ; Xiang GAO ; Jin ZHANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Yuqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):331-335
Objective To enhance the gamma spectrometry analysis and detection capabilities of personnel in measuring radionuclides in bio-ash, and ensure the accuracy and precision of gamma spectrometer in our laboratory for the analysis of radionuclides in bio-ash. Methods The laboratory participated in the 2024 national interlaboratory comparison for radionuclide measurement in bio-ash. Radionuclides 241Am, 137Cs, and 40K in four different bio-ash samples were measured. Based on the measurement methods specified in GB/T 16145—2022, sample measurement, result calculation, and uncertainty evaluation were performed using spectrometry analysis software and sourceless efficiency calibration software. The measurement results and performance evaluation of the laboratory in the comparison were analyzed, and factors affecting gamma-spectrometry measurement and result interpretation were discussed. Results The relative deviation (D) of the measurement results for radionuclides 241Am and 137Cs in the four bio-ash samples ranged from −10.2% to 2.0% and −1.7% to 0.3%, respectively. The P statistic ranged from 7.0% to 12.5% and 5.0% to 10.8%, respectively. These results met the criteria of |D| ≤ 20% (MARB), |D| ≤ 2.58P, and P ≤ 20% (MARB). The ζ-scores for the measurement of 40K in the four bio-ash samples ranged from 0.8 to 1.3, satisfying the criterion of |ζ| < 2. All measurement results in this laboratory in the comparison were satisfactory. Conclusion The laboratory uses a high-purity germanium gamma spectrometer to measure radionuclides in bio-ash. The self-absorption correction method, analysis method, and uncertainty evaluation are appropriate, which can ensure the accuracy and precision of the measurement results. The measurement results are accurate and reliable.
5.Challenges and strategies for cultivating young teachers in pathophysiology departments at Chinese medical colleges: a narrative review
Jin LI ; Ying LUO ; Youxing LI ; Yufeng ZHAO ; Yeli ZHONG ; Rentong HU ; Bin ZHONG ; Yanli LI ; Shuang ZHAO
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e76-
This narrative review examines the challenges, strategies, and future directions in the development of young teachers within the pathophysiology departments of Chinese medical colleges. A thorough review of 49 studies published between 2013 and 2024 was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, and various Chinese databases. The primary challenges identified include teaching innovation (cited in 84.2% of the studies), research pressure (91.2%), disciplinary characteristics (87.7%), and career development (80.7%). Medical schools have responded by enhancing training systems (94.7%), innovating teaching methods (93.0%), and bolstering research support (96.5%). Looking ahead, trends are shifting toward the application of new technologies, interdisciplinary integration, and international collaboration. The focus on cultivating young teachers is increasingly geared towards personalization and diversification, which are essential for advancing education in pathophysiology. High-quality young teachers are pivotal in raising teaching standards, fostering research innovation, and facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges. Based on these insights, we recommend several practical measures to enhance the quality of pathophysiology education in China. These include establishing comprehensive training programs that integrate teaching innovation and research skills; developing structured mentorship systems with clear pathways for career advancement; creating platforms that support technology-enhanced teaching and international collaboration; and implementing systematic evaluation mechanisms to assess teaching effectiveness. These targeted interventions will require a coordinated effort from department heads, educational institutions, and policymakers to ensure a sustained improvement in the quality of pathophysiology education.
6.Emergency medical response strategy for the 2025 Dingri, Tibet Earthquake
Chenggong HU ; Xiaoyang DONG ; Hai HU ; Hui YAN ; Yaowen JIANG ; Qian HE ; Chang ZOU ; Si ZHANG ; Wei DONG ; Yan LIU ; Huanhuan ZHONG ; Ji DE ; Duoji MIMA ; Jin YANG ; Qiongda DAWA ; Lü ; JI ; La ZHA ; Qiongda JIBA ; Lunxu LIU ; Lei CHEN ; Dong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(04):421-426
This paper systematically summarizes the practical experience of the 2025 Dingri earthquake emergency medical rescue in Tibet. It analyzes the requirements for earthquake medical rescue under conditions of high-altitude hypoxia, low temperature, and low air pressure. The paper provides a detailed discussion on the strategic layout of earthquake medical rescue at the national level, local government level, and through social participation. It covers the construction of rescue organizational systems, technical systems, material support systems, and information systems. The importance of building rescue teams is emphasized. In high-altitude and cold conditions, rapid response, scientific decision-making, and multi-party collaboration are identified as key elements to enhance rescue efficiency. By optimizing rescue organizational structures, strengthening the development of new equipment, and promoting telemedicine technologies, the precision and effectiveness of medical rescue can be significantly improved, providing important references for future similar disaster rescues.
7.Challenges and strategies for cultivating young teachers in pathophysiology departments at Chinese medical colleges: a narrative review
Jin LI ; Ying LUO ; Youxing LI ; Yufeng ZHAO ; Yeli ZHONG ; Rentong HU ; Bin ZHONG ; Yanli LI ; Shuang ZHAO
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e76-
This narrative review examines the challenges, strategies, and future directions in the development of young teachers within the pathophysiology departments of Chinese medical colleges. A thorough review of 49 studies published between 2013 and 2024 was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, and various Chinese databases. The primary challenges identified include teaching innovation (cited in 84.2% of the studies), research pressure (91.2%), disciplinary characteristics (87.7%), and career development (80.7%). Medical schools have responded by enhancing training systems (94.7%), innovating teaching methods (93.0%), and bolstering research support (96.5%). Looking ahead, trends are shifting toward the application of new technologies, interdisciplinary integration, and international collaboration. The focus on cultivating young teachers is increasingly geared towards personalization and diversification, which are essential for advancing education in pathophysiology. High-quality young teachers are pivotal in raising teaching standards, fostering research innovation, and facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges. Based on these insights, we recommend several practical measures to enhance the quality of pathophysiology education in China. These include establishing comprehensive training programs that integrate teaching innovation and research skills; developing structured mentorship systems with clear pathways for career advancement; creating platforms that support technology-enhanced teaching and international collaboration; and implementing systematic evaluation mechanisms to assess teaching effectiveness. These targeted interventions will require a coordinated effort from department heads, educational institutions, and policymakers to ensure a sustained improvement in the quality of pathophysiology education.
8.Challenges and strategies for cultivating young teachers in pathophysiology departments at Chinese medical colleges: a narrative review
Jin LI ; Ying LUO ; Youxing LI ; Yufeng ZHAO ; Yeli ZHONG ; Rentong HU ; Bin ZHONG ; Yanli LI ; Shuang ZHAO
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e76-
This narrative review examines the challenges, strategies, and future directions in the development of young teachers within the pathophysiology departments of Chinese medical colleges. A thorough review of 49 studies published between 2013 and 2024 was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, and various Chinese databases. The primary challenges identified include teaching innovation (cited in 84.2% of the studies), research pressure (91.2%), disciplinary characteristics (87.7%), and career development (80.7%). Medical schools have responded by enhancing training systems (94.7%), innovating teaching methods (93.0%), and bolstering research support (96.5%). Looking ahead, trends are shifting toward the application of new technologies, interdisciplinary integration, and international collaboration. The focus on cultivating young teachers is increasingly geared towards personalization and diversification, which are essential for advancing education in pathophysiology. High-quality young teachers are pivotal in raising teaching standards, fostering research innovation, and facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges. Based on these insights, we recommend several practical measures to enhance the quality of pathophysiology education in China. These include establishing comprehensive training programs that integrate teaching innovation and research skills; developing structured mentorship systems with clear pathways for career advancement; creating platforms that support technology-enhanced teaching and international collaboration; and implementing systematic evaluation mechanisms to assess teaching effectiveness. These targeted interventions will require a coordinated effort from department heads, educational institutions, and policymakers to ensure a sustained improvement in the quality of pathophysiology education.
9.Challenges and strategies for cultivating young teachers in pathophysiology departments at Chinese medical colleges: a narrative review
Jin LI ; Ying LUO ; Youxing LI ; Yufeng ZHAO ; Yeli ZHONG ; Rentong HU ; Bin ZHONG ; Yanli LI ; Shuang ZHAO
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e76-
This narrative review examines the challenges, strategies, and future directions in the development of young teachers within the pathophysiology departments of Chinese medical colleges. A thorough review of 49 studies published between 2013 and 2024 was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, and various Chinese databases. The primary challenges identified include teaching innovation (cited in 84.2% of the studies), research pressure (91.2%), disciplinary characteristics (87.7%), and career development (80.7%). Medical schools have responded by enhancing training systems (94.7%), innovating teaching methods (93.0%), and bolstering research support (96.5%). Looking ahead, trends are shifting toward the application of new technologies, interdisciplinary integration, and international collaboration. The focus on cultivating young teachers is increasingly geared towards personalization and diversification, which are essential for advancing education in pathophysiology. High-quality young teachers are pivotal in raising teaching standards, fostering research innovation, and facilitating interdisciplinary exchanges. Based on these insights, we recommend several practical measures to enhance the quality of pathophysiology education in China. These include establishing comprehensive training programs that integrate teaching innovation and research skills; developing structured mentorship systems with clear pathways for career advancement; creating platforms that support technology-enhanced teaching and international collaboration; and implementing systematic evaluation mechanisms to assess teaching effectiveness. These targeted interventions will require a coordinated effort from department heads, educational institutions, and policymakers to ensure a sustained improvement in the quality of pathophysiology education.
10.Clinical efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation with plates versus minimally invasive Kirschner wire fixation for osteoporotic Colles' fractures.
Jun-Wei ZHANG ; Jin-Yong HOU ; Zhao-Hui LI ; Zhen-Yuan MA ; Xiang GAO ; Hong-Zheng BI ; Ling-Ling CHEN ; Hai-Tao WANG ; Wei-Zhi NIE ; Yong-Zhong CHENG ; Xiao-Bing XI
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(1):18-24
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of closed reduction with Kirschner wire fixation versus open reduction with plate fixation for treating osteoporotic Colles' fractures in middle-aged and elderly patients.
METHODS:
Between January 2018 and January 2023, 119 patients with Colles fractures were retrospectively analyzed, including 39 males and 80 females, aged from 48 to 74 years old with an average of(60.58±6.71) years old. The time from injury to operation ranged 1 to 13 days with an average of (5.29±2.52) days. According to the surgical method, they were divided into Kirschner wire fixation group (Kirschner wire group) and plate internal fixation group (plate group). In Kirschner wire group, there were a total of 68 patients, comprising 21 males and 47 females. The average age was (61.15±6.24) years old, ranged from 49 to 74 years old. Among them, 41 cases involved the left side while 27 cases involved the right side. In the plate group, there were a total of 51 patients, including 18 males and 33 females. The average age was (59.78±5.71) years old ranged from 48 to 72 years old. Among them, there were 31 cases on the left side and 20 cases on the right side. The following parameters were recorded before and after the operation:operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, hospitalization expenses, postoperative complications, and radiographic parameters of distal radius (distal radius height, ulnar deviation angle, palmar tilt angle). The clinical efficacy was evaluated at 3 and 12 months after the operation using Gartland-Werley and disabilites of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH) scores.
RESULTS:
The patients in both groups were followed up for a duration from 12 to 19 months with an average of(13.32±2.02) months. The Kirschner wire group exhibited significantly shorter operation time compared to the plate group 27.91(13.00, 42.00) min vs 67.52(29.72, 105.32) min, Z=-8.74, P=0.00. Intraoperative blood loss was also significantly lower in the Kirschner wire group than in the plate group 3.24(1.08, 5.40) ml vs 21.91(17.38, 26.44) ml, Z=-9.31, P=0.00. Furthermore, patients in the Kirschner wire group had a shorter length of hospital stay compared to those in the plate group (8.38±2.63) days vs (11.40±2.78) days, t=-3.12, P=0.00. Additionally, hospitalization cost was significantly lower in the Kirschner wire group than in the plate group 10 111.29(6 738.98, 13 483.60) yuan vs 15 871.11(11 690.40, 20 051.82) yuan, Z=-5.62, P=0.00. The incidence of complications was 2 cases in the Kirschner wire group and 1 case in the plate group, with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05). At 3 months postoprative, the radial height of the Kirschner wire group was found to be significantly smaller than that of the plate group, with measurements of (11.45±1.69) mm and (12.11±1.78) mm respectively (t=-2.06, P=0.04). However, there were no statistically significant differences observed in ulnar deviation angle and palmar tilt angle between the two groups (P>0.05). The DASH score and Gartland-Werley score in the Kirschner group were significantly higher than those in the plate group at 3 months post-operation (19.10±9.89) vs (13.47±3.51), t=4.34, P=0.00;(11.15±3.61) vs (6.41±2.75), t=8.13, P=0.00). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups at 12 months post-operation (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Compared to plate internal fixation, closed reduction with Kirschner wire support fixation yields a slightly inferior recovery of radial height;however, there is no significant disparity in the functional score of the affected limb at 12 months post-operation. Nonetheless, this technique offers advantages such as shorter operation time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, decreased hospitalization duration, and lower cost.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Bone Wires
;
Bone Plates
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Colles' Fracture/surgery*
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Open Fracture Reduction/methods*
;
Osteoporotic Fractures/surgery*

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