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.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.
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.Logic Gate-based Ortho-Nucleic Acid Fluorescence Sensor for Simultaneous Detection of Thrombin and Myoglobin
Zi-Hui ZHONG ; Bing-Yang HUO ; Ling XIA ; Jin-Can HE ; Gong-Ke LI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):195-203
Based on the target recognition ability of split aptamer and intelligent analytical capability of molecular logic gate,in this work,two split aptamers were integrated into"AND"logic gate to construct a novel ortho-nucleic acid fluorescence sensor for simultaneous detection of thrombin and myoglobin.When there was one target,the response of the signal was only a single fluorescence output signal,which was used as an evaluation standard for early low-risk judgment.When two targets coexisted,the split aptamer bound to the target to form a ternary complex and led to the head and tail ortho-nucleic acid effect respectively,and triggered the G4 chain to enhance the fluorescence signal of thioflavin T and the fluorescence signal quenching of Cyanine 3,which could be used as an evaluation criterion for early high-risk judgement.Under the optimal conditions,the linear range for detection of thrombin was 3-200 nmol/L,with a correlation coefficient of 0.9931 and a detection limit of 0.97 nmol/L,and the linear range for detection of myoglobin was 6-400 nmol/L,with a correlation coefficient of 0.9933,and a detection limit of 2.14 nmol/L.The method was applied to simultaneous determination of thrombin and myoglobin in clinical serum samples,and the recoveries were 85.4%-118.3%and 85.8%-119.9%,respectively,with relative standard deviations of less than 6.5%.Compared with the standard method,the relative error range was from-8.8%to 5.6%.In addition,the logical diagnosis results of 4 serum samples were high-risk of acute myocardial infarction in 2 cases and low-risk in 2 cases.The ″AND″ logic gate ortho-nucleic acid fluorescence sensing method showed many advantages such as high selectivity,rapidity,accuracy and simultaneous detection,which offered important reference for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction,and also provided a general detection design strategy and platform for simultaneous detection of biomarkers.
9.Colorimetric Sensor for Sensitive Detection of Glutathione Based on Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets
Yan WU ; Jing-Lei RAN ; Fang LIU ; Huan ZHONG ; Jin-Yang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):924-933,中插6-中插15
Glutathione(GSH)is a tripeptide containing sulfhydryl groups,which has the function of antioxidant,detoxifying,and immune enhancing effects,and its expression is closely associated with many diseases such as cancer,etc.Therefore,it is of great significance for clinical diagnosis by developing a highly sensitive,simple,and rapid method for detecting GSH.Herein,two-dimensional(2D)Zn-TCPP(Fe)nanosheets employing Zn2+and Fe-bound tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin ligands were obtained by a surfactant-assisted synthetic method.The 2D Zn-TCPP(Fe)nanosheets exhibited excellent peroxidase-like activity,which allowed the catalysis of the H2O2-initiated oxidation of colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine(TMB)to blue oxidized TMB(ox-TMB).In the presence of GSH,GSH underwent a reduction reaction with oxTMB,resulting in the blue color of the solution fading.The proposed colorimetric sensor exhibited favorable sensitivity for GSH in the linear range of 0.1-200 μmol/L with a limit of detection(S/N=3)of 0.042 μmol/L,indicating excellent selectivity.The developed sensor was successfully applied to detect GSH level in the human serum samples with recoveries of 93.0%-107.7%,showing satisfactory results.The developed colorimetric sensor provided a new approach for detecting GSH.
10.Clinical characteristics analysis of peptic ulcers caused by eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders in children
Meng JIN ; Mingran MI ; Wenwen LIU ; Kunyu YAO ; Ran ZHANG ; Xuemei ZHONG
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(4):268-273
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics,laboratory tests,endoscopic features,treatment,and follow-up of peptic ulcers caused by eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders(EGIDs)in children,with the aim of improving the level of understanding,diagnosis and treatment of EGIDs in children with the onset of peptic ulcers.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on children admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology,Capital Center for Children's Health,Capital Medical University from January 1st,2019 to October 31st,2023,who underwent complete endoscopic examination. The first examination showed the presence of peptic ulcers(gastric or duodenal ulcers)under the endoscope,and were ultimately diagnosed with peptic ulcers caused by EGIDs through examination and follow-up. The clinical characteristics,laboratory tests,endoscopic results,and treatment follow-up were analyzed.Results:Thirty-five children were EGIDs,22 males and 13 females.Twenty-two cases(62.9%)had abdominal pain as the main symptom.Laboratory tests:17 cases(48.6%)showed a decrease in hemoglobin,15 cases(42.9%)showed an increase in eosinophil count,20 cases(57.1%)tested gastro positive for food allergen specific IgE,and 17 cases(48.6%)showed thickening of the intestinal wall on gastrointestinal ultrasound. Endoscopic features:8 cases(22.9%)showed gastric antral ulcers,including 7 cases(20.0%)with multiple gastric antral ulcers,and 25 cases(71.4%)showed duodenal bulb ulcers.There were 15 cases(42.9%)showed huge ulcers,and 14 cases(40.0%)were located in the duodenal bulb. Comparison of clinical characteristics between children with EGIDs(EGIDs group)and those with peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection(Hp group):the first clinical symptom in both groups was mainly abdominal pain,but the incidence rate in the EGIDs group was lower(62.9% vs 93.5%),and the weigth for length Z score in the EGIDs group was lower[0(-1.6,0.8)vs 1.1(0,1.9)],with statistical significance(all P<0.05). Comparison of laboratory tests:the EGIDs group showed a statistically significant difference in hemoglobin levels[120(101,124)g/L vs 130(100,138)g/L],eosinophil count[0.28(0.13,0.71)× 10 9/L vs 0.16(0.08,0.22)×10 9/L],a positive rate of food allergen specific IgE detection(57.1% vs 32.3%),and a positive rate of intestinal wall thickening detected by gastrointestinal ultrasound(48.6% vs 16.1%)compared with the Hp group(all P<0.05). Comparison of endoscopic examinations:multiple ulcers in the gastric antrum were more common in the EGIDs group than in the Hp group(20.0% vs 0),and the difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusion:For children with peptic ulcers with onset of abdominal pain,with anemia or malnutrition,or multiple ulcers in the gastric antrum and huge ulcers in the duodenal bulb detected by endoscopy,it is recommended to perform multi site biopsies to help diagnose EGIDs early.

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