1.A preliminary study on Toxoplasma gondii interfering with copper metabolism pathways in mouse kidney
Jun YANG ; Chuanming REN ; Min LIU ; Kunting WANG ; He CHEN ; Yihong CAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):127-132
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on copper metabolism in the kidneys of mice. MethodsA total of 80 7-8-week-old C57BL/6 female mice were randomly divided into four groups of 20 mice in each group after one week of adaptation, including Control group, Cu group, TgCtwh6 group and Cu+TgCtwh6 group. Mice that were not infected and fed with normal diet and water were used as the Control group; Mice fed with 1 g/kg of copper chloride processing diet and 0.1% copper chloride water for 60 consecutive days were used as Cu group; Mice infected with 25-30 TgCtwh6 cysts (one of the predominant genotype Chinese 1 in China) fed with normal diet and water were used as the TgCtwh6 group; mice infected with 25-30 TgCtwh6 cysts and fed with a processed diet containing 1 g/kg of copper chloride and water with 0.1% copper chloride for 60 consecutive days were used as the Cu+TgCtwh6 group. ICP-MS was used to determine the changes in copper content in kidney tissues. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of mouse kidney tissue. The number of apoptotic cells was observed by PI staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1, SOD2). RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of cuproptosis-related genes. ResultsPathological manifestations such as inflammatory cell infiltration in the Cu group and TgCtwh6 group were seen under the microscope, and the inflammatory infiltrating cells of the renal interstitial were reduced in the Cu+TgCtwh6 group, and the pathological manifestations
2.LINC00657 Promotes Malignant Progression of Cervical Cancer by Sponging miR-30a-5p to Regulate Skp2 Expression
Changhui ZHOU ; Jingqin REN ; Zhen CHEN ; Qi YAN ; Nan YANG ; Jiaqi ZHAO ; Rong LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):103-111
Objective To investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of LINC00657 in the progression of cervical cancer. Methods Bioinformatics analysis predicted potential binding sites between LINC00657 and miR-30a-5p and between miR-30a-5p and Skp2. These sites were verified by using RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter experiments. LINC00657, miR-30a-5p, and Skp2 mRNA expression levels in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines were assessed by utilizing RT-qPCR. Western blot analysis was employed to examine the protein levels of Skp2 in cells and subcutaneous xenograft tumor models in nude mice. Immunohistochemistry was applied to analyze Skp2 expression in animal tissues. The cellular processes of cervical cancer cell lines were evaluated through CCK-8, scratch, and Transwell assays. Results LINC00657 and Skp2 presented binding sites for miR-30a-5p. In cervical cancer, LINC00657 and Skp2 showed high expression levels (P<0.05), whereas miR-30a-5p displayed low expression (P<0.05). Functional experiments demonstrated that linc00657 upregulates Skp2 expression, a process that is dependent on its sequestration of miR-30a-5p. Conclusion LINC00657 promoted the malignant progression of cervical cancer by upregulating Skp2 expression through specifically sequestering miR-30a-5p, thereby relieving its inhibitory effect on the target gene Skp2.
3.Application advances, ethical dilemmas, and future directions of large language models in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment
Zhizhen REN ; Yufan XI ; Xu ZHU ; Yijie LUO ; Geting HUANG ; Junqiao SONG ; Xiuyuan XU ; Nan CHEN ; Qiang PU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):353-362
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coupled with the substantial workload, the clinical management of lung cancer is challenged by the critical need to efficiently and accurately process increasingly complex medical information. In recent years, large language models (LLMs) technology has undergone explosive development, demonstrating unique advantages in handling complex medical data by leveraging its powerful natural language processing capabilities, and its application value in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is continuously increasing. The paper systematically analyzes that the exceptional potential of LLMs in lung cancer auxiliary diagnosis, tumor feature extraction, automatic staging, progression/outcome analysis, treatment recommendations, medical documentation generation, and patient education. However, they face critical technical and ethical challenges including inconsistent performance in complex integrated decision-making (e.g., TNM staging, personalized treatment suggestions) and "black box" opacity issues, along with dilemmas such as training data biases, model hallucinations, data privacy concerns, and cross-lingual adaptation challenges ("data colonization"). Future directions should prioritize constructing high-quality multimodal corpora specific to lung cancer, developing interpretable and compliant specialized models, and achieving seamless integration with existing clinical workflows. Through dual drivers of technological innovation and ethical standardization, LLMs should be prudently advanced for holistic lung cancer management processes, ultimately promoting efficient, standardized, and personalized diagnosis and treatment practices.
4.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
5.Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 16 cases of psittacosis in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Rongrong LU ; Ren CHEN ; Shenghua MAO ; Zhengmei XIA ; Yuxuan HE ; Xinwen JIN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):127-132
ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of psittacosis cases in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control of this disease. MethodsEpidemiological investigation data and clinical records of psittacosis cases residing in Fuyang District of Hangzhou from September 2020 to February 2025 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze temporal-spatial-demographic distribution characteristics, exposure history, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and laboratory findings. Comprehensive analyses were further conducted incorporating environmental surveillance and case follow-up data. ResultsAmong the 16 psittacosis cases, the male-to-female ratio was 1∶1, with an incidence rate of 0.57/100 000 for both males and females. The mean age was (59.88±10.66) years old, and the highest incidence rates were in the 70‒79 years and 60‒69 years age groups, with an incidence rate of 1.41/100 000 and 1.30/100 000, respectively. Fourteen cases (87.50%) had a history of avian exposure. The predominant clinical symptoms included fever (15 cases, 93.75%), cough (11 cases, 68.75%), expectoration (9 cases, 56.25%), and fear of cold (8 cases, 50.00%). All cases showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the results of chest computed tomography (CT) indicated pneumonia in every case. Neutrophil percentage was elevated in 87.50% (14/16) of cases, while lymphocyte percentage was reduced in 93.75% (15/16) of cases. The median time from onset to first medical consultation was 4.00 days, the median time from onset to confirmed diagnosis was 9.50 days, and the median time of hospitalization was 9.00 days. Compared with non-severe cases, the severe group had significantly higher neutrophil percentage, CRP levels, and longer intervals from onset to confirmed diagnosis, onset to first antibiotic administration, and duration of hospitalization. All cases recovered and were discharged, and more than 50% were treated with omadacycline following confirmed diagnosis. ConclusionMost psittacosis cases reported definitive avian exposure history in Fuyang District of Hangzhou. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing disease progression to severe stages.
6.Glucocorticoids Combined with Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab in the Treatment of Elderly Patients with ANCA-associated Vasculitis and Renal Involvement: A Single Center Retrospective Study
Jiahui WANG ; Xin LEI ; Xiaohan HUANG ; Liangliang CHEN ; Yaomin WANG ; Pingping REN ; Lan LAN ; Jianghua CHEN ; Fei HAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):346-357
To investigate the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) and rituximab (RTX) in elderly patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis with renal involvement. Elderly patients (age ≥60 years) with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from December 2019 to November 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Based on different induction treatment regimens, patients were divided into a control group (glucocorticoids + CTX) and a combination therapy group (glucocorticoids + CTX + RTX). Differences in disease remission, end stage renal disease (ESRD), mortality, relapse, and incidence of adverse events were compared between the two groups. A total of 60 elderly patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement were ultimately included, with a median follow-up of 29.7(17.2, 38.7) months. The control group comprised 26 patients, with a median follow-up of 35.0(28.1, 40.3) months; the combination therapy group comprised 34 patients, with a median follow-up of 26.2(16.1, 35.1) months. The remission rate at 3 months (64.7% For elderly patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement, the regimen of glucocorticoids combined with CTX and individualized RTX demonstrates potential advantages in early remission rate, glucocorticoid tapering, and control of cumulative CTX dose, without increasing the risk of serious adverse events. This regimen may represent an alternative treatment option for this patient population; however, its long-term efficacy and safety require further validation through prospective randomized controlled trials.
7.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Ferroptosis for Treatment of Malignant Tumors: A Review
Changlin LI ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Lingyun WANG ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):355-362
Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of death in the population. Owing to limited clinical treatments, susceptibility to drug resistance, and generally low cure rates of conventional therapies, new treatment strategies need to be explored. Compared with existing therapies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages, such as low side effects, in the treatment of malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is a recently characterized form of regulated cell death associated with iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system malfunction and other aspects. Studies have shown that TCM regulates Fe3+, Fe2+, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4 and other substances related to ferroptosis, thereby affecting lipid peroxidation and antioxidant processes, and then inducing ferroptosis. Through these mechanisms, TCM plays a key role in inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells and is involved in multiple stages of malignant tumor progression. In this study, we systematically retrieved the literature indexed in PbuMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the keywords TCM, ferroptosis, and malignant tumors. We outlined the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its association with malignant tumors, and summarized the research progress on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors through the modulation of ferroptosis by TCM monomers, single herbs, and compounds. The study aims to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors by TCM.
8.Chinese Medicine in Regulating Ferroptosis for Treatment of Malignant Tumors: A Review
Changlin LI ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Lingyun WANG ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):355-362
Malignant tumors are one of the major causes of death in the population. Owing to limited clinical treatments, susceptibility to drug resistance, and generally low cure rates of conventional therapies, new treatment strategies need to be explored. Compared with existing therapies, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages, such as low side effects, in the treatment of malignant tumors. Ferroptosis is a recently characterized form of regulated cell death associated with iron metabolism imbalance, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant system malfunction and other aspects. Studies have shown that TCM regulates Fe3+, Fe2+, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase 4 and other substances related to ferroptosis, thereby affecting lipid peroxidation and antioxidant processes, and then inducing ferroptosis. Through these mechanisms, TCM plays a key role in inhibiting the growth and spread of tumor cells and is involved in multiple stages of malignant tumor progression. In this study, we systematically retrieved the literature indexed in PbuMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) with the keywords TCM, ferroptosis, and malignant tumors. We outlined the mechanisms of ferroptosis and its association with malignant tumors, and summarized the research progress on the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors through the modulation of ferroptosis by TCM monomers, single herbs, and compounds. The study aims to provide new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of malignant tumors by TCM.
9.Effects of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊) on Serum NETs Levels and Macrophage Polarization in Collagen-Induced Arthritis Model Rats
Nina REN ; Wukai MA ; Yi LING ; Xueming YAO ; Ying HUANG ; Daomin LU ; Changming CHEN ; Weichen HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):60-68
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Jishe Qushi Capsule (脊蛇祛湿胶囊, JQC) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the perspective of macrophage polarization mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). MethodsTwenty-four female SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank control group, model group, JQC group, and peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) inhibitor group with 6 rats in each group. All groups but the blank control group were subjected to the induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). After successful model establishment, rats in the JQC group received intragastric administration of JQC 1.47 g/kg daily; rats in the PAD4 inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injections of the PAD4 inhibitor 4 mg/kg weekly. Rats in the blank, model, and PAD4 inhibitor groups received 2 ml of pure water daily by gavage. All treatments lasted 4 weeks. Joint lesions of each group were assessed on day 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 after model establishment, and arthritis index (AI) scores were recorded. At 24 h after the final administration, histopathology of knee joints, including HE staining, safranin O-fast green staining, and TRAP staining, was performed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the counts of M1 and M2 macrophages in peripheral blood. ELISA was used to determine serum levels of TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS. Western Blotting and qRT-PCR were used to measure MPO, NE, RANKL, OPG, and p65 protein and mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group showed increased AI scores (P<0.05), marked synovial inflammatory infiltration, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage destruction, increased TRAP-positive osteoclasts, increased M1 macrophages and decreased M2 macrophages, elevated serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), elevated MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and decreased OPG protein/mRNA expression in knee cartilage tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the JQC group exhibited improved synovial inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone-cartilage damage, reduced AI scores on day 21, 28, and 35, decreased osteoclast counts, decreased M1 macrophages and increased M2 macrophages, reduced serum TRACP, NETs, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS (P<0.05), decreased MPO, NE, RANKL, and p65 protein/mRNA expression and increased OPG expression (P<0.05). Compared with the PAD4 inhibitor group, the JQC group showed significantly lower AI scores, reduced M1 macrophages, increased M2 macrophages (P<0.05), reduced serum TRACP, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS, decreased MPO, RANKL, and p65 expression, and increased OPG levels (P<0.05). ConclusionThe therapeutic mechanism of JQC for RA may involve inhibition of NETs formation, downregulation of the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization imbalance, thereby suppressing osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory bone destruction.
10.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.


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