1.Diselenium contained polyurethane coatings with dual functions of anticoagulation and drug release
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):414-423
BACKGROUND:Surface anticoagulant modification of drug-eluting stents is a technical difficulty.Researchers have tried to develop some anticoagulant polymer coatings,but the application failed due to uncontrolled drug release.OBJECTIVE:To design a diselenium contained polyurethane coatings with dual functions of anticoagulation and drug release,and to characterize the anticoagulation and drug release properties of the coating.METHODS:Diselenium contained polyurethane with three different monomer ratios(the molar ratios of diselenyl compounds to polyethylene glycol were 0.33∶0.67,0.50∶0.50,and 0.67∶0.33,respectively)was synthesized by solution polymerization,and the solubility,crystallinity,thermal properties,cell compatibility,and blood compatibility of the diselenium contained polyurethane were characterized.Sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coatings were prepared by drop coating,and the surface morphology,wettability,in vitro anticoagulant properties,and drug release properties of the coatings were characterized.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The three diselenium contained polyurethanes with different monomer ratios were all soluble in common low-boiling solvents such as tetra hydrofuran,dichloromethane and chloroform,and could be prepared on the surface of the device by spraying or dipping;the three diselenium contained polyurethanes with different monomer ratios were amorphous at 20 ℃ and above,and had good thermal stability;the three diselenium contained polyurethanes with different monomer ratios had good cell compatibility and blood compatibility.(2)Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of the sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coating was smooth,without obvious pores,cracks and phase separation.The sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coating exhibited hydrophobic characteristics,and the water contact angle of the coating decreased with the increase of polyethylene glycol content.The sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coating had good adhesion.Compared with traditional polylactic acid coatings,the anticoagulant properties of the sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coating were better.It had better long-term anticoagulant performance and could catalyze the production of nitric oxide molecules in the blood and inhibit platelet activation.With the increase of selenium content,the ability of the coating to inhibit platelet activation increased.The release of sirolimus from the selenium-containing polyurethane coating showed a trend of first fast and then slow,but the drug burst release was not obvious.With the increase of polyethylene glycol content,the drug release rate in the coating was accelerated.(3)The results show that designing a diselenide unit on the main chain of the polyurethane copolymer and constructing an adjustable hydrophilic and hydrophobic unit in the polymer can realize the dual functions of anticoagulation and drug release of the drug coating.
2.Effect of vitamin B12 eye drops on the expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in the cornea of mice with dry eye disease
Hui DONG ; Huacheng ZHENG ; Weiting WANG ; Haixia ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):424-431
ObjectiveTo investigate how vitamin B12 eye drops regulate MMP-9 and TNF-α expression levels in the corneas of dry eye disease (DED) mouse model induced by a combination of an artificially simulated dry environment (air humidity 30%) and subcutaneous injection of hyoscine hydrobromide. MethodsFifty C57BL/6 female mice were used in the study. 10 mice formed A group (blank control), while the remaining 40 mice were subjected to dry eye disease induction through subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide in a controlled environment with 30% air humidity. All mice underwent schirmer I test (SIT), tear break-up time (TBUT), and corneal fluorescence staining score(CFS)evaluations. Mice meeting modeling criteria were randomly assigned to three groups: B group (model group), C group (PBS control), and D group (vitamin B12 group). 0, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment, each group received TBUT, SIT, CFS, and corneal inflammation assessments. Macroscopic analysis evaluated the efficacy of vitamin B12 eye drops in treating dry eye. After 21 days of treatment, all mice were euthanized via cervical dislocation and their corneas analyzed using HE staining to examine morphological changes. ELISA and immunohistochemical methods were employed to detect MMP-9 and TNF-α expression levels in corneal tissues across groups. ResultsIn dry environments (air humidity 30%), subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide induced changes in dry eye-related indicators in mice: SIT significantly decreased, TBUT significantly shortened, corneal fluorescein staining increased, and CFS all significantly elevated (P 0.05), indicating successful establishment of the dry eye model. A total of 30 dry eye mice were enrolled. When the dry eye model was successfully established without drug intervention, no statistically significant differences were observed between B group, C group and D group in terms of TBUT, SIT, corneal fluorescein staining, or CFS. Compared with A group, B group, C group and D group showed statistically significant differences in reduced SIT, shortened TBUT, increased corneal fluorescein staining, and elevated CFS (P 0.05). After drug intervention, D group (vitamin B12 group) exhibited significantly increased SIT, prolonged TBUT, reduced corneal fluorescein staining, clearer corneas, decreased fluorescein staining, and lower CFS compared with B and C groups(P 0.05). ELISA and immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with A group, B and C groups exhibited significantly increased expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in corneal tissues (P 0.05). D group showed decreased expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α compared with B and C groups but remained higher than A group (P 0.05). ConclusionThe expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in the corneal tissues of mice with dry eye is elevated, suggesting that both inflammatory factors, MMP-9 and TNF-α, are involved in the development of dry eye. Vitamin B12 eye drops may improve the symptoms of ocular surface discomfort by promoting the repair of the corneal epithelium. Vitamin B12 eye drops may increase tear secretion, prolong tear film break up time, reduce corneal fluorescein staining, and alleviate the inflammatory reaction of the cornea by decreasing the expression of MMP-9 and TNF-α in the corneal tissues of the mice, thus playing a therapeutic role in the treatment of dry eye disease.
3.Analysis of risk factors in patients with nonvalvular persistent atrial fibrillation complicated with ventricular hypertrophy and construction and validation of prediction model
Fang LIU ; Peiyang ZHENG ; Huimin WANG ; Danni LI ; Ao LIANG ; Ren ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):552-561
ObjectiveTo construct a nomogram prediction model for non-valvular persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) , followed by prognostic analysis through follow-up. MethodsThis study retrospectively enrolled 949 patients with newly diagnosed and hospitalized non-valvular PeAF. Among them, 403 patients presented with LVH. The cohort was randomly stratified into a training set (n=665) and a validation set (n=284). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors for PeAF complicated by LVH. A nomogram prediction model was subsequently constructed and evaluated for discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). ResultsSeven independent risk factors were ultimately identified and included in the prediction model: female sex, hypertension, diabetes, red blood cell distribution width-SD (RDW-SD), body mass index (BMI), left atrial diameter (LAD), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) in the training set was 0.862 (95% CI: 0.834-0.890), and in the validation set, it was 0.870 (95% CI: 0.829-0.911), demonstrating excellent predictive performance. ConclusionIndependent risk factors for LVH in PeAF patients include female, hypertension, diabetes, RDW-SD, BMI, LAD, and LVEF. The prediction model built based on this can help early identification of PeAF patients with high risk of LVH. At the same time, the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is higher in PeAF patients with LVH. Patients with atrial fibrillation combined with LVH may benefit from catheter ablation.
4.Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease with different clinical phenotypes: Pathogenesis and strategies for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment
Wenxia ZHAO ; Lei GAO ; Xinju CHEN ; Yuanyuan ZHENG ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Qing ZHAO ; Chenlu ZHAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(4):930-937
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic metabolic liver disorder with complex etiologies. Different clinical phenotypes of MAFLD (such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, the postmenopausal state, and chronic hepatitis B) have different mechanisms of action in the development and progression of MAFLD, leading to high heterogeneity in its clinical progression and prognosis. This article systematically reviews the pathogeneses and clinical features of the above five clinical phenotypes of MAFLD and elaborates on the corresponding individualized diagnosis and treatment regimens integrating traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, in order to provide a reference for clinical practice and improve clinical diagnosis and treatment.
5.A Comparative Study of Artificial Intelligence-based Classification Versus Manual Classification of Medical Adverse Events: Taking the DeepSeek Large Language Model As an Example
Rui WANG ; Xutong TAN ; Congpu ZHAO ; Shuchang WANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Xiaojun MA ; Zhiling CAI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):828-833
To analyze the application value of artificial intelligence (AI)-based classification in the categorization of medical adverse events. Medical adverse events reported to the Adverse Event Reporting System of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, were retrospectively collected as the study subjects. After de-identification of adverse events meeting the inclusion criteria, conventional manual classification and AI-based classification using a large language model (DeepSeek-R1 Full-Context Internet Edition) were performed. The time required for classification using both methods was recorded, and the consistency and discrepancies between the two methods were compared. Using manual classification as the gold standard, the accuracy of AI-based classification was comprehensively evaluated. A total of 273 medical adverse events were analyzed. Manual classification took 38 838 seconds in total, with an average of 14.22 seconds per event. AI-based classification took 600 seconds in total, with an average of 2.19 seconds per event. The two methods showed consistent classification in 202 events and inconsistent classification in 71 events, yielding an overall agreement rate of 73.99% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.646 (95% CI: 0.575-0.717), with a standard error of 0.0362. Using manual classification as the gold standard, AI-based classification achieved accuracy ranging from 80% to 100%, precision from 30% to 100%, recall from 40% to 100%, F1 scores from 0.46 to 0.79, and specificity from 46% to 98%. Notably, AI-based classification demonstrated balanced and overall excellent performance in the categorization of device-related and drug-related adverse events. The DeepSeek large language model can assist in improving the efficiency of medical adverse event classification, showing promising application potential, particularly in the categorization of device-related and drug-related adverse events.
6.Diselenium contained polyurethane coatings with dual functions of anticoagulation and drug release
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):414-423
BACKGROUND:Surface anticoagulant modification of drug-eluting stents is a technical difficulty.Researchers have tried to develop some anticoagulant polymer coatings,but the application failed due to uncontrolled drug release.OBJECTIVE:To design a diselenium contained polyurethane coatings with dual functions of anticoagulation and drug release,and to characterize the anticoagulation and drug release properties of the coating.METHODS:Diselenium contained polyurethane with three different monomer ratios(the molar ratios of diselenyl compounds to polyethylene glycol were 0.33∶0.67,0.50∶0.50,and 0.67∶0.33,respectively)was synthesized by solution polymerization,and the solubility,crystallinity,thermal properties,cell compatibility,and blood compatibility of the diselenium contained polyurethane were characterized.Sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coatings were prepared by drop coating,and the surface morphology,wettability,in vitro anticoagulant properties,and drug release properties of the coatings were characterized.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The three diselenium contained polyurethanes with different monomer ratios were all soluble in common low-boiling solvents such as tetra hydrofuran,dichloromethane and chloroform,and could be prepared on the surface of the device by spraying or dipping;the three diselenium contained polyurethanes with different monomer ratios were amorphous at 20 ℃ and above,and had good thermal stability;the three diselenium contained polyurethanes with different monomer ratios had good cell compatibility and blood compatibility.(2)Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of the sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coating was smooth,without obvious pores,cracks and phase separation.The sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coating exhibited hydrophobic characteristics,and the water contact angle of the coating decreased with the increase of polyethylene glycol content.The sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coating had good adhesion.Compared with traditional polylactic acid coatings,the anticoagulant properties of the sirolimus-diselenium contained polyurethane coating were better.It had better long-term anticoagulant performance and could catalyze the production of nitric oxide molecules in the blood and inhibit platelet activation.With the increase of selenium content,the ability of the coating to inhibit platelet activation increased.The release of sirolimus from the selenium-containing polyurethane coating showed a trend of first fast and then slow,but the drug burst release was not obvious.With the increase of polyethylene glycol content,the drug release rate in the coating was accelerated.(3)The results show that designing a diselenide unit on the main chain of the polyurethane copolymer and constructing an adjustable hydrophilic and hydrophobic unit in the polymer can realize the dual functions of anticoagulation and drug release of the drug coating.
7.Effect and mechanism of peroxiredoxin 1 in microglial inflammation after spinal cord injury
Yongcheng YIN ; Xiangrui ZHAO ; Zhijie YANG ; Zheng LI ; Fang LI ; Bin NING
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(5):1106-1113
BACKGROUND:The inflammatory response of microglia is closely related to neuronal survival,regeneration,and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.Peroxiredoxin 1 is not only involved in the regulation of oxidative stress,but also has an important effect on cell proliferation,apoptosis,and inflammatory response.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the role and mechanism of peroxiredoxin 1 in the inflammatory response of microglia following spinal cord injury.METHODS:(1)Twelve female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-operated(n=6)and spinal cord injury(n=6)groups.The sham-operated group was not modeled and acute spinal cord injury models were constructed in the spinal cord injury group using the modified Allen's method.Spinal cord tissue at the injured site was taken at 7 days after modeling and transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes.The expression of peroxiredoxin 1 in spinal cord tissues was verified using western blot and RT-qPCR.(2)Mouse microglia BV2 were divided into two groups:the control group was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide for 6 hours,and in the knockout group,lipopolysaccharide stimulation was applied for 6 hours at 24 hours after peroxiredoxin 1 was knocked down in the cells.RT-qPCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of peroxiredoxin 1,inflammatory factors(interleukin 1β,interleukin 6,inducible nitric oxide synthase,tumor necrosis factor α,C-C motif chemokine ligand 2,and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2),and western blot was performed to detect the expression of peroxiredoxin 1,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and reactive oxygen/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway proteins.Mouse microglia BV2 were treated in two groups:the control group was stimulated by hydrogen peroxide for 4 hours,and the knockout group was stimulated by hydrogen peroxide for 4 hours at 24 hours after knockdown of peroxiredoxin 1.The level of reactive oxygen species was detected by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probe.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Results from transcriptome sequencing,western blot and RT-qPCR confirmed that peroxiredoxin 1 expression levels in mouse spinal cord tissues were significantly higher in the spinal cord injury group than the sham-operated group(P<0.05).(2)Peroxiredoxin 1 knockdown in microglial cells led to decreased expression of peroxiredoxin 1 mRNA and protein(P<0.05),increased mRNA expression of interleukin 1β,interleukin 6,inducible nitric oxide synthase,tumor necrosis factor α,C-C motif chemokine ligand 2,and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2(P<0.05),increased protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase,P-P38,P-JNK and P-ERK proteins(P<0.05),and increased level of reactive oxygen species(P<0.05).To conclude,peroxiredoxin 1 regulates microglial inflammation by targeting the reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.
8.Unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion reduces paravertebral muscle atrophy and enhances recovery compared with Wiltse-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in lumbar degenerative disease: a retrospective study in a Chinese cohort
Chong CHEN ; Jing ZHUANG ; Xiang LONG ; Xingchen ZHAO ; Jun OUYANG ; Jianxiong ZHUANG ; Shuaihao HUANG ; Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Yunbing CHANG ; Dong YIN ; Yongxiong HUANG
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):232-243
Methods:
Fifty patients who underwent UBE-TLIF and 50 patients who underwent W-TLIF, each with >2 years of follow-up, were retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes included operative parameters, time to postoperative mobilization, paravertebral muscle atrophy and fat infiltration rates, clinical scores (Visual Analog Scale [VAS], Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Japanese Orthopaedic Association [JOA]), modified Macnab criteria, fusion rates, and complications.
Results:
Compared with W-TLIF, the UBE-TLIF group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, shorter operative times, and lower postoperative drainage volumes (p <0.05). The UBE-TLIF group showed faster postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stays. At 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, W-TLIF patients had higher multifidus and erector spinae atrophy, and greater paravertebral muscle fat infiltration (p <0.05). The UBE-TLIF group also had lower VAS and ODI scores at 1 year and 2 years (p <0.05) and fewer surgical complications (6% vs. 10%). Fusion rates (94% vs. 92%) and modified Macnab outcomes (88% vs. 86%) were comparable (p >0.05).
Conclusions
UBE-TLIF is associated with reduced intraoperative trauma, quicker recovery, and fewer complications. In the long-term, it better preserves paravertebral muscle integrity and provides superior pain and functional outcomes.
9.Neoadjuvant Sintilimab Combined with Gemcitabine and Cisplatin for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Patients Followed by Selective Bladder Sparing Surgery: A Phase 2 Trial
Zhou TONG ; Guanghou FU ; Feng ZHOU ; Xiaoyan LIU ; Xing XUE ; Hangyu ZHANG ; Yimin WANG ; Xudong ZHU ; Yang GAO ; Lulu LIU ; Xuanwen BAO ; Yi ZHENG ; Weijia FANG ; Peng ZHAO ; Baiye JIN
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):581-590
Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GP) regimen in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor sintilimab as neoadjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients and the feasibility of the following selective bladder sparing surgery.
Materials and Methods:
Patients with histopathologically confirmed urothelial carcinoma without distant metastases (T2-4a, N ≤ 1, M0, American Joint Committee of Cancer 8th) and with adequate organ function will be enrolled. The therapeutic regimen was sintilimab 200 mg once on day 8, gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 and cisplatin 35 mg/m2 once on days 1 and 8, every 21 days for four cycles. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR, pT0N0) rate. The secondary end points were ypT < 2 rate, R0 resection rate, event-free survival, and safety.
Results:
From May 4, 2020, to May 20, 2023, 55 patients were enrolled. Forty-six patients were evaluated for efficacy. Among the 42 patients who underwent surgery, 16 patients (38.0%) achieved pCR. Thirty-three patients (78.6%) achieved pT < 2. With a median follow-up of 15.7 months, the 1-year event-free survival was 91.3%. Notwithstanding the poor pathological baseline characteristic of a high T3-T4a proportion (39.1%), a promising bladder preservation (including 22 patients transurethral resection of bladder tumor, 5 patients partial cystectomy, and 4 surveillances) rate was achieved (67.4%). The most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events was neutropenia (n=15, 27.3%), which was related to chemotherapy. There were no grade 3 immune-related adverse events.
Conclusion
Neoadjuvant GP plus sintilimab is a promising regimen for MIBC patients, with relatively high pT < 2 rate and triggering the emerging roles for the multi-disciplinary team decision-making for bladder sparing surgery.
10.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

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