1.Overcoming organ shortage: key clinical application technology breakthroughs and future prospects in xenogeneic organ transplantation
Junze CHEN ; Cheng ZHANG ; Yongyuan JIAN ; Kun DONG ; Shuaijun MA ; Chunqiang DONG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):393-404
The technology of xenogeneic organ transplantation, as one of the core strategies to address the current contradiction between the supply and demand of transplant organs, has achieved significant breakthroughs from basic research to clinical application driven by factors such as the innovation of gene modification technology, the injection of research capital and the expansion of clinical trials, especially with the first actual clinical application of a pig heart-to-human transplant. China is also at the forefront of this field. This article intends to summarize the international research trends of xenogeneic organ transplantation (including financial support, the evolution of research stages and global clinical trial cases), and analyze the evolution and optimization of xenogeneic transplantation immunosuppression schemes, as well as the breakthroughs and unresolved scientific issues in current key clinical application technologies. The aim is to comprehensively present the progress of this field from basic research to clinical transformation, and provide references for promoting the rapid development of China's xenogeneic transplantation technology and subsequent clinical transformation and research directions.
2.Construction of Saikosaponin D Multifunctional Liposomes and Evaluation of Its Anti-liver Cancer Efficacy and Targeting
Kun YU ; Guochun YANG ; Yaliang JIANG ; Yunting XIAO ; Congxian WANG ; Qionge SUN ; Ziyue LI ; Yikun SHANG ; Yu MAO ; Xin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):205-216
ObjectiveTo construct a multifunctional liposomal delivery system by replacing cholesterol(Chol) in conventional liposomes with saikosaponin D(SSD) and modifying with poloxamer 407(P407) for co-delivery of curcumin(Cur). The system was evaluated for in vivo tumor targeting and inhibitory effects on mouse subcutaneous solid tumors. MethodsSingle-factor and orthogonal tests combined with information entropy weighting were used to optimize the formulation process of the liposome with encapsulation efficiency and absolute Zeta potential as indexes, and validation studies and liposomal characterization were performed. A subcutaneous solid tumor model was established by injecting H22 hepatocellular carcinoma cells subcutaneously into the dorsal surface of the right forelimb of mice. DiR-loaded traditional Chol liposomes(P407-DiR-Chol-LPs, PDCL) and novel SSD-based liposomes(P407-DiR-SSD-LPs, PDSL) were prepared by the optimized formulation process, and tail vein injection was performed to investigate the impact of SSD on liposome tumor targeting with small animal in vivo imaging. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups, including blank group, model group, free doxorubicin(DOX) group(2 mg·kg-1), free Cur group(8 mg·kg-1), free SSD group(10 mg·kg-1), P407-Cur-Chol-LPs(PCCL) group, P407-SSD-LPs(PSL) group, and P407-Cur-SSD-Lps(PCSL) group. Treatments were administered intraperitoneally every other day for seven doses. Antitumor efficacy and biocompatibility were evaluated by monitoring body weight change, organ indices, tumor volume and mass, relative tumor proliferation rate(T/C), and tumor growth inhibition rate(TGI). Histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, and tumor tissues was performed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), and creatinine(Crea)in mice were quantified by fully automated biochemical analyzer. ResultsOrthogonal test yielded optimal ratios of Cur, SSD, and P407 to soybean phosphatidylcholine(SPC) as 1∶25, 1∶20, and 1∶4. The optimized PCSL exhibited spherical morphology with a particle size of 179.15 nm, a Zeta potential of -47.25 mV, and an encapsulation efficiency of 96.40%. Its in vitro release profile conformed to first-order kinetics, demonstrating excellent storage stability and hemocompatibility. In vivo imaging revealed that the fluorescence signal in tumor tissues and the fluorescence intensity ratio between tumors and organs were significantly higher in the PDSL group than in the PDCL group(P<0.05, P<0.01). Among the treatment groups, PCSL group showed superior efficacy over free Cur group, free SSD group, PCCL group, and PSL group, with TGI>40% and T/C<60%, indicating pronounced anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histopathology and serum biochemistry indicated minimal hepatorenal toxicity and improved hepatic and renal function in PCSL-treated mice. ConclusionReplacing Chol with SSD in preparing multifunctional drug delivery systems not only stabilizes liposomes but also yields superior anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy, achieving the effect of drug-excipient integration. Co-delivery of Cur via this system can be used for treating subcutaneous solid tumors in hepatocellular carcinoma, providing new insights and technical approaches for anti-hepatocellular carcinoma research and the meridian-guiding and messenger-directing theory in traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Analyses of community chronic disease management efficiency in Shanghai: a case study of hypertension and diabetes
Kun LUO ; Fei WU ; Wei WANG ; Qianwei ZHANG ; Zhaoyu CHANG ; Yuan XU ; Chaowei FU ; Fei YAN ; Minna CHENG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(5):355-360
ObjectiveTo analyze the output and efficiency of chronic disease management services for hypertension and diabetes in community health service institutions in Shanghai, to evaluate the allocation and efficiency of chronic disease management resources, and to provide references for improving the efficiency of chronic disease management in Shanghai’s communities. MethodsA total of 73 community health institutions from 15 districts of Shanghai were selected. Based on the chronic disease management resource data of community health institutions in 2019, 2021, and 2023, descriptive methods and the BCC model in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) were used to analyze the resource allocation, service output, and the efficiency of chronic disease management services in community health institutions in Shanghai. ResultsFrom 2019 to 2023, the indicators of resource allocation and service output of community health service institutions in Shanghai all showed upward trends. In terms of service efficiency, the average number of chronic disease patients managed by each health technician decreased from 237 to 231, and the number of patients served per 1 000 working hours decreased from 54 to 44. DEA efficiency analyses showed that the average overall efficiency increased from 0.867 in 2019 to 0.886 in 2021 and then decreased to 0.811 in 2023. The average technical efficiency decreased from 0.901 to 0.847, which was the main reason for the decline in overall efficiency. The average scale efficiency showed an initial increase followed by a decrease, rising from 0.961 in 2019 to 0.977 in 2021 and dropping back to 0.955 in 2023. The number of strong effective districts (overall efficiency=1.000) decreased from 6 in 2019 to 3 in 2023, and the efficiency differences between districts expanded. The range of overall efficiency widened from 0.622‒1.000 to 0.513‒1.000, indicating a decline in overall efficiency and an increase in inter-district heterogeneity. ConclusionFrom 2019 to 2023, the total volume of resource allocation and service output for chronic disease management in community health service institutions in Shanghai increased continuously. However, both the service output efficiency and the overall resource allocation efficiency declined, driven primarily by a decrease in technical efficiency, and accompanied by widening inter‑district disparities.
4.The World Health Organization Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Framework and the Association with Frailty in Older Adults
Wan-Yun CHOU ; Kun-Pei LIN ; Chiung-Jung WEN ; Ding-Cheng (Derrick) CHAN ; Su-I HOU
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research 2026;30(1):41-50
Background:
The World Health Organization published the 2019 Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework to guide, assess, and promote the intrinsic capacity (IC) of older adults, referring to their physical and mental health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between IC and frailty among older adults.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in a medical center in Taiwan in 2021. Two hundred ten patients over 65 admitted to the geriatric ward were invited to participate. The questionnaire included an IC measure, Fried Frailty Scale, and demographic items. The IC measure was ascertained using the six domains of ICOPE (cognition, mobility, nutrition, visual, hearing, and depressive symptoms). The Fried Frailty Scale was used to categorize participants as robust (Fried Frailty Scale=0), prefrail (Fried Frailty Scale=1-2), or frail (Fried Frailty Scale ≥3). Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the association between individual ICOPE domains and frailty stages, while adjusting for confounders.
Results:
Among the participants, 39.0% were prefrail, and 28.6% were frail. Limited mobility and depressive symptoms were significantly associated with prefrail (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82–10.82; aOR=8.41, 95% CI 1.75–40.37) and frail (aOR=11.57, 95% CI 3.63–36.93; aOR=13.77, 95% CI 2.62–72.49) individuals, respectively. Malnutrition (aOR=4.01, 95% CI 1.18–13.62) and hearing loss (aOR=4.37, 95% CI 1.09–19.66) were significantly associated with frail older adults.
Conclusion
Limited mobility and depressive symptoms occurring at the prefrail stage could be used as assessment items for early detection of prefrail.
5.Eccentric Cycling Improves Cardiopulmonary Fitness, Respiratory Function, and Quality of Life in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yu-Ting HUANG ; Hsin-Yeh LEE ; Hui-Ching CHENG ; Hsin-Lun YANG ; Ching-Hsia HUNG ; Chien-Chou SU ; Yu-Tzu CHANG ; Chien-Yao SUN ; Kun-Ling TSAI
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine 2026;50(2):105-116
Objective:
To compare the effects of eccentric cycling (ECC), concentric cycling (CON), and standard care (CTL) on cardiopulmonary capacity, respiratory health, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods:
Thirty-one CKD patients were divided into the CTL, CON, and ECC groups. The CON and ECC groups participated in 8-week, 24-session cycling programs. Outcomes were assessed through cardiopulmonary exercise tests, respiratory function tests, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument questionnaire.
Results:
The ECC group achieved significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, while the CTL group showed a decline. For oxygen uptake efficiency slope, significant changes were observed only in the ECC group, with a group-by-time interaction effect compared to CTL. Furthermore, the ECC group demonstrated the most significant increase in diaphragm movement and a significant increase in diaphragm thickness, with comparisons indicating that ECC outperformed both CTL and CON. Regarding QoL, the ECC group exhibited significantly greater improvements in Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, with statistically significant differences compared with the CTL and CON groups.
Conclusion
ECC is a low-effort, high-benefit exercise modality that significantly enhances cardiopulmonary fitness, respiratory function, and QoL in patients with CKD.
6.Application of thoracoscopy-guided thoracic paravertebral block in enhanced recovery after surgery for thoracoscopic pulmonary resection: A randomized controlled study
Yongchong CHENG ; Jian ZHU ; Guangbing MA ; Xiaoyang SONG ; Bixi LI ; Kun LI ; Wei WEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1602-1608
Objective To explore the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopy-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) in thoracoscopic pulmonary resection, and to provide strategies for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in thoracoscopic lung resection. Methods Patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary resection (including sublobar resection and lobectomy) in the 987th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of People's Liberation Army, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army, and the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University between May 2021 and June 2023 were prospectively enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups in a single-blind manner using a random number table. Group A (incisional nerve block group) received a subcutaneous injection of ropivacaine (0.375%, 2 mg/kg) around the incision during chest closure. Group B (ultrasound-guided TPVB group) received an ultrasound-guided injection of ropivacaine (0.375%, 2 mg/kg) at the paravertebral space after chest closure. Group C (thoracoscopy-guided TPVB group) received a thoracoscopy-guided intrathoracic injection of ropivacaine (0.375%, 2 mg/kg) at the paravertebral space during chest closure. Perioperative adverse drug reactions, pain scores, postoperative analgesic consumption, and postoperative length of hospital stay were compared among the three groups. Results A total of 180 patients were included, comprising 108 females and 72 males, with a mean age of (62.15±7.36) years. There were no statistical differences among the three groups in baseline characteristics, including age, weight, gender, prevalence of comorbidities, operative time, number of surgical incisions, number of chest tubes, or intraoperative dosages of sufentanil and propofol (P>0.05). No adverse anesthesia events occurred during surgery in any of the groups. The pressing frequency of the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) pump, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain scores, the rate of postoperative rescue analgesic use, and the incidences of postoperative cough and dizziness in the group C were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (P<0.05). The postoperative length of hospital stay in the group B and group C was significantly shorter than that in the group A (P<0.05). Conclusion Thoracoscopy-guided TPVB during chest closure can effectively alleviate postoperative pain without increasing postoperative side effects, which facilitates the enhanced recovery after thoracoscopic lung surgery.
7.Pathogenesis and Syndrome-Differentiated Treatment of Viral Pneumonia in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin from the Perspective of Filthy Dampness as the Affliction and Yang Failing to Be Stored in the You (酉) Position
Shiwen LUO ; Ming CHENG ; Kun LI ; Maorong FAN ; Zijun ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Yuyang YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(21):2354-2358
Viral pneumonia in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin exhibits distinct regional epidemiological characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms. Filthy dampness constitutes the core pathogenic factor of the disease here, and the core pathogenesis lies in the yang failing to be stored in the you (酉) position. Clinically, the fundamental therapeutic principle is established as boosting qi to expel filth and guiding yang qi to descend and converge into the you position. In the early stage, the pathogenesis is characterized by the pervasive diffusion of filthy dampness, yang qi floating externally and failing to be stored, and the lung failing to diffuse qi. The treatment focuses on invigorating yang qi to dispel filth and dredging the you pathways, primarily using modified Ganlu Xiaodu Decoction (甘露消毒丹). In the progressive stage, the pathogenesis involves the tenacious stagnation of filthy dampness, yang constraint transforming into heat, and the rampant spread of heat-toxins. The therapeutic approach shifts to acrid medicinals for opening and bitter medicinals for promoting descent, rectifying healthy qi to expel filth, utilizing modified Dayuan Beverage (达原饮). In the recovery stage, filthy dampness gradually recedes, accompanied by the depletion of qi and yin, and insufficient kidney yang. The treatment emphasizes supplementing qi and nourishing yin, accompanied by warming yang, with modified Yunv Decoction (玉女煎).
8.Analysis of genetic characteristics of varicella-zoster virus in Anhui province from 2022 to 2023
Shujie ZHOU ; Xiaodong CHENG ; Ning ZHANG ; Feiyang SONG ; Kun XUAN ; Tao LI ; Yu CHAI ; Binbing WANG ; Jihai TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(5):582-587
Objective:To analyze the genetic characteristics of varicella-zoster virus(VZV)in Anhui province from 2022 to 2023.Methods:Vesicle fluid and throat swab samples were collected from suspected varicella patients in Anhui province during 2022—2023. Fresh vesicle fluid samples were selected for VZV isolation,and real-time PCR was used for VZV nucleic acid detection. For positive samples,the region containing five single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)sites in the open reading frame 22(ORF22)fragment was amplified,and PCR products were sequenced to identify viral genotypes. Reference sequences of VZV genotypes were downloaded from GenBank,sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis were performed using Sequencher and MEGA5.0 software. Additionally,four SNP sites in ORF38 and ORF62 fragments were detected to distinguish vaccine strains from wild strains.Results:Among 96 samples from suspected varicella cases,55 of 61 vesicle fluid samples and 21 of 35 throat swab samples were positive for VZV nucleic acid. The virus isolation rate for vesicle fluid samples was 14.75%. Genetic sequencing was successful for 51 strains,all of which were wild strains belonging to the clade 2 genetic branch. Compared with the reference strain of clade 2,the nucleotide and amino acid homologies of the ORF22 fragment were 99.46%~100% and 98.39%~100%,respectively. One strain(2023VZVCZ45)exhibited an A→G mutation at site 37916.Conclusion:The prevalent VZV strains detected in Anhui province during 2022—2023 were all wild strains of clade 2,with no vaccine-associated cases identified.
9.Clinical application value of combined focused ultrasound ablation surgery and hysteroscopy in the treatment of solitary type Ⅱ submucosal uterine fibroids with maximum diameter more than 5 cm
Hanying CHENG ; Changmei SANG ; Yanjun KANG ; Lei ZHAO ; Kun DING ; Shuping ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2025;60(5):363-371
Objective:To explore the effectiveness and application value of focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) combined with hysteroscopic surgery in treating solitary type Ⅱ submucosal uterine fibroids with maximum diameter >5 cm.Methods:Clinical data of 35 patients with a single type Ⅱ submucosal uterine fibroid with maximum diameter greater than 5 cm who underwent FUAS combined with hysteroscopic surgery at Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital from June 2020 to December 2023 were collected. The clinical characteristics, treatments and treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.Results:(1) Clinical characteristics: the mean age of the 35 patients was (36.7±6.6) years, with a median maximum diameter of fibroids of 56 mm (range: 51-80 mm). All patients presented with symptoms of menorrhagia, median menstrual bleeding score was 5 points (ranged from 3 to 5 points), and 34 cases (97.1%, 34/35) had concomitant anemia, the mean hemoglobin was (83.1±13.8) g/L of 35 patients. (2) Treatments: all 35 patients underwent FUAS treatment initially, with a lesion ablation rate ranging from 69.7% to 97.9% (median:90.7%), and no complications occurred. After FUAS treatment, the volume of fibroids decreased in all patients, with a volume reduction rate ranging from 30.57% to 87.22% (median:76.03%). Hysteroscopic surgery was performed 3-14 months (median: 5 months) after FUAS to remove the necrotic fibroid tissue, achieving a 100.0% (35/35) fibroid resection rate. Only 1 patient developed complications of hyperhyderation syndrome during hysteroscopic surgery, and no complications occurred in the remaining patients. (3) Evaluation of efficacy: after FUAS pretreatment, the maximum diameter of fibroids in the 35 patients decreased significantly ( Z=-5.171, P<0.001), as did the volume of fibroids ( Z=-5.159, P<0.001). The hemoglobin level increased significantly compared to the level before FUAS in all cases ( t=-8.657, P<0.001), and median menstrual bleeding score decreased to 2 points (range: 1-3 points), significantly lower than original level ( Z=-5.292, P<0.001). At the 3-month follow-up after hysteroscopic surgery, all patients were free of anemia symptoms, with menstrual bleeding scores totally decreased to 1 point, significantly lower than that before hysteroscopic surgery ( Z=-4.786, P<0.001); hemoglobin level [(118.7±5.6) g/L] significantly increased compared to that before hysteroscopic surgery ( t=-9.258, P<0.001). All patients underwent gynecological transvaginal ultrasound re-examination, which did not reveal any residual fibroids. Conclusion:FUAS combined with hysteroscopic surgery is effective in treating solitary type Ⅱ submucosal uterine fibroids with maximum diameter >5 cm, providing a new treatment option for patients.
10.Effects of Danlong Xingnao Prescription on Learning and Memory Ability of Vascular Dementia Rats Based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Yunhui ZHANG ; Menglin YANG ; Xiaoqing ZHOU ; Dahua WU ; Xia LIU ; Kun YANG ; Yan CHENG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(1):120-127
Objective To explore the effects of Danlong Xingnao Prescription on the learning and memory ability of vascular dementia(VD)model rats based onPI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway;To discuss its possible mechanism.Methods VD rat model was prepared using improved bilateral common carotid artery ligation method.Modeling rats were randomly divided into model group,nimodipine group and DanlongXingnao Prescription low-,medium-,high-dosage groups(3.7,7.4,14.8 g/kg),with 10 rats in each group.The sham-operation group only separated the arteries without ligation.Each medication group was given corresponding drugs by gavage,the sham-operation group and the model group were given equal amounts of physiological saline by gavage for 4 consecutive weeks.Morris water maze was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats,morphology of the hippocampus were observed by HE staining,immunohistochemistry was used to detect microvascular density and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),the activity of SOD,GSH-Px and the content of MDA in liver tissue were detected by biochemical method,RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of PI3K,Akt,mTOR,hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),VEGF,Bax and Bcl-2 in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the sham-operation group,the latency period of evasion was significantly prolonged,and the number of platform crossings was significantly reduced in the model group(P<0.01),the cells in the hippocampal CA1 region had irregular morphology,loose arrangement,blurred boundaries,nucleolar condensation,and a large number of neuronal necrosis,the microvascular density and VEGF expression significantly increased(P<0.01),the SOD and GSH-Px activity in hippocampal tissue decreased(P<0.01),MDA content increased(P<0.01),the expressions of HIF-1α,VEGF,Bax mRNA and protein in hippocampal CA1 region increased,and PI3K,Akt,mTOR,Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the latency period of evasion were significantly shortened,and the number of platform crossings increased in the Danlong Xingnao Prescription groups(P<0.05,P<0.01),neuronal damage in hippocampal CA1 region was alleviated,microvascular density and VEGF expression increased(P<0.05,P<0.0 1),the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in hippocampal tissue increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the content of MDA decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR,HIF-1α,VEGF,Bcl-2 in hippocampal CA1 region increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of Bax mRNA and protein decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Danlong Xingnao Prescription can improve the learning and memory ability of VD model rats,promote angiogenesis,inhibit oxidative stress and apoptosis.The mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in hippocampal tissue.

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