1.Multicenter machine learning-based construction of a model for predicting potential organ donors and validation with decision curve analysis
Xu WANG ; Wenxiu LI ; Fenghua WANG ; Shuli WU ; Dong JIA ; Xin GE ; Zhihua SHAN ; Tongzuo LI
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):106-115
Objective To evaluate the predictive value of different machine learning models constructed in a multicenter environment for potential organ donors and verify their clinical application feasibility. Methods The study included 2 000 inpatients admitted to five domestic tertiary hospitals from January 2020 to December 2023, who met the criteria for potential organ donation assessment. They were randomly divided into a training set and an internal validation set (7∶3). Another 300 similar patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2024 to April 2025 were included as an external validation set. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and F1-score of three models were compared, and the consistency of the potential organ donor determination process was tested. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictive factors of potential organ donors. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to verify the resource efficiency of each model, and the threshold interval and intervention balance point were assessed. Results Apart from age, there were no significant differences in other basic characteristics among the centers (all P>0.05). The consistency of the potential organ donor determination process among researchers in each center was good [all 95% confidence interval (CI) lower limits >0]. In the internal validation set, the XGBoost model had the best predictive performance (AUC=0.92, 95% CI 0.89-0.94) and the best calibration (P=0.441, Brier score 0.099). In the external validation set, the XGBoost model also had the best predictive performance (AUC=0.91, 95% CI 0.88-0.94), outperforming logistic regression and random forest models. Multivariate logistic regression showed that mechanical ventilation had the greatest impact (odds ratio=2.06, 95% CI 1.54-2.76, P<0.001). DCA indicated that the XGBoost model had the highest net benefit in the threshold interval of 0.2-0.6. The “treat all” strategy only had a slight advantage at extremely low thresholds. The recommended threshold interval, which balances intervention costs and clinical benefits, considers ≥50% positive predictive value (PPV) and ≤50 referrals per 100 high-risk patients. Conclusions The XGBoost model established in a multicenter environment is accurate and well-calibrated in predicting potential organ donors. Combined with DCA, it may effectively guide the timing of clinical interventions and resource allocation, providing new ideas for the assessment and management of organ donation after brain death.
2.Research progress on the relationship between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity
GAO Lei ; YE Zhen ; WANG Wei ; ZHAO Dong ; XU Peiwei ; ZHANG Ronghua
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):48-54
Childhood obesity has become a global public health issue. Current research indicates that early life obesogen exposure has emerged as a significant risk factor for childhood obesity. While obesogens have been confirmed to influence the development and progression of childhood obesity through mechanisms such as endocrine disruption and epigenetic programming, controversies remain regarding the establishment of causal relationships, assessment of combined exposures, and validation of transgenerational effects in humans. In recent years, novel approaches including multi-omics technologies, exposome-based analysis, and multigenerational cohort studies have integrated dynamic biomarker monitoring with analyses of social-environmental interactions, offering new perspectives and methodologies for constructing a systematic "exposure-mechanism-outcome" research framework. This article reviews literature from PubMed and Web of Science up to August 2025 on the association between early life obesogen exposure and childhood obesity, summarizing evidence on the health effects of early life obesogen exposure, major exposure pathways and internal exposure assessment, interactions and amplifying effects of social and environmental factors, as well as the biological mechanisms underlying obesogen action. It further examines current research frontiers and challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for early prevention and precision intervention of childhood obesity.
3.Application of virtual reality technology in managing negative emotions and postoperative rehabilitation in perioperative patients from 2015 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Lijun DONG ; Shihao XU ; Qiuhua CHEN ; Lu ZHANG ; Xiaobing YIN
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):69-82
ObjectiveTo analyze the research status, hotspots and development trends in the application of virtual reality (VR) technology in managing negative emotions and postoperative rehabilitation of perioperative patients over the past decade. MethodsLiteratures related to the application of VR technology in managing negative emotions and postoperative rehabilitation of perioperative patients were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection database and CNKI, covering the period from January, 2015 to August, 2025, and CiteSpace 6.3.R1 was used for bibliometric analysis. ResultsA total of 267 English literatures and 130 Chinese literatures were included, with the annual number of publications showing an upward trend. The United States was the country with the largest number of publications in English literatures, and Erasmus University Rotterdam was the institution with the largest number of publications. High-frequency keywords included virtual reality, pain, surgery, anxiety and distraction. Research hotspots mainly focused on functional exercise, negative emotions, pain management and multimodal intervention strategies. English researches were deepening towards virtual reality exposure therapy, mechanism exploration and personalized schemes, while Chinese researches focused more on the verification of rehabilitation effects. ConclusionResearches on the application of VR technology in the management of perioperative patients are rapidly developing, with research hotspots shifting from single technology application to multimodal and personalized integrated intervention. Future research should focus on exploring its intervention mechanisms, personalized schemes and the breadth of cross-departmental applications.
4.Stem cell exosomes and biomaterial-assisted exosomes in bone defect repair
Nian LIU ; Xinyue DONG ; Songpeng WANG ; Yingjiang XU ; Xiaoming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):175-183
BACKGROUND:A large number of studies have demonstrated that stem cell exosomes play an important role in the repair of bone defects,either directly as carriers for loading other small molecules or surface modifications,or by binding to biomaterials to promote the repair and regeneration of bone tissue.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the osteogenic mechanisms of stem cell exosomes from different sources and their research progress in bone defect repair.METHODS:Chinese search terms"stem cell,exosome,bone,biomaterial,carrier,bioceramic,polymer,metal,hydrogel,engineered exosome"were used to search CNKI.English search terms"stem cell,exosome,bone defect,biomaterial,carrier,bioceramic,ploymer,metal material,hydrogel,engineering exosome"were used to search PubMed database.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,77 relevant articles were finally included for summary.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Exosomes from stem cells of different origins can promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation,promote angiogenesis,and regulate osteoclast activity and macrophage phenotype to promote bone formation and bone mineralization.In addition,many achievements of exosomes in the field of bone defect repair were described from two aspects:biomaterial-assisted exosomes and engineered exosomes.However,the current research on stem cell exosomes in bone tissue engineering is still insufficient,and most of these studies are limited to small animal models,while the treatment of bone defects in large animals,including humans,will be more complex,which will also become a major challenge for the treatment of bone defects.This will also be a great challenge in the dissemination of exosome therapy.
5.Research Advances in Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulation of Pyroptosis for Lung Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Qiongqiong GUO ; Meihao XUE ; Xuchao DONG ; Ping TIAN ; Rong HU ; Longxin XU ; Juan LI ; Jianqing LIANG ; Jintian LI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):716-725
Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its treatment continues to face major challenges such as therapeutic resistance and tumor recurrence. Pyroptosis, a newly characterized form of programmed cell death, induces tumor cell death through gasdermin-mediated membrane pore formation and is accompanied by the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby playing complex roles in lung cancer initiation, progression, and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Active components and herbal formulas derived from traditional Chinese medicine can modulate pyroptosis-related signaling pathways through multi-target mechanisms, showing potential advantages in inducing lung cancer cell death, inhibiting proliferation and migration, and reversing chemoresistance. This review systematically summarizes relevant studies from domestic and international sources, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, its roles in lung cancer development and tumor microenvironment remodeling, and the current research progress on traditional Chinese medicine-based interventions targeting pyroptosis, with the aim of providing references for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer using traditional Chinese medicine.
6.Research Progress on Animal Models of Systemic Sclerosis with Microvascular Involvement
Haochen HUANG ; Lingling ZHANG ; Dong XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):834-841
The early angiopathy of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a key hub connecting inflammation and fibrosis. The animal models that simulate the pathological characteristics of SSc are of great significance to study the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of SSc with vascular involvement. This review of the characteristics of different animal models of SSc with vascular involvement provides a reference for relevant researchers to select appropriate models in the process of exploring the pathogenesis of SSc with vascular involvement.
7.Construction and Validation of Outcome Indicators Set for Hybrid Type 1 Implementation Research: Based on the SMART Study
Lang LINGHU ; Yiyuan CAI ; Dong XU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):871-882
Using the hybrid type 1 implementation study "The Shared Medical Appointment for diabetes in China: an optimization trial(SMART)" as an example, this study introduces the methods of constructing and validating an outcome indicator set for hybrid type 1 studies. Based on principles such as comprehensiveness and operability, we selected the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework, the Implementation Outcomes Framework (IOF), and the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. After comparison and screening, an outcome evaluation indicator item pool was formed. Two rounds of expert consultation were conducted, and the content validity was evaluated using the item-level content validity index ( This study integrated the RE-AIM framework and three pre-evaluation dimensions from the IOF, forming an initial item pool for shared medical appointments (SMA) that included 8 dimensions (acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance), 14 secondary indicators, and 24 tertiary indicators. The response rate of the two rounds of expert consultation was 100%, with an expert authority coefficient of 0.90. The The outcome indicator set constructed in this study demonstrates good validity and operability, and the construction and validation process can serve as a reference for other researchers. Different implementation outcome frameworks have different applicable scenarios; researchers should select appropriate frameworks or integrate them according to their own needs to comprehensively evaluate outcomes and enhance the systematization and comparability of research.
8.Structural and Functional Abnormalities of White-matter Tracts in Male College Smokers
Xiao-Jiao LI ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Kai YUAN ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Xu-Wen WANG ; Fang DONG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1770-1779
ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate alterations in white matter microstructure and spontaneous neural activity in male college smokers, and to further explore their associations with nicotine dependence. Given that adolescence and early adulthood represent critical periods for brain maturation, particularly for white matter development, understanding the neural correlates of smoking behavior during this stage is of substantial importance for both neuroscience and public health. MethodsA total of 115 male undergraduate students were initially recruited for this study. After quality control and exclusion procedures, 52 male college smokers and 42 demographically matched healthy non-smokers were included in the final analysis. All participants underwent multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI). White matter fiber tracts were reconstructed using the automated fiber quantification (AFQ) method, which enables precise identification and quantification of major fiber bundles. Eighteen major white matter tracts were segmented for each participant. Along the core trajectory of each tract, 100 equidistant nodes were sampled. Fractional anisotropy (FA) was calculated at each node to assess white matter microstructural integrity, while amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) was computed to evaluate spontaneous neural activity within white matter tracts. Between-group differences in FA and ALFF were assessed using two-sample t-tests, with appropriate corrections applied for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between imaging-derived metrics (FA and ALFF values in regions showing significant group differences) and nicotine dependence severity, as measured by the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). ResultsCompared with healthy non-smokers, male college smokers exhibited significantly increased FA values in several white matter tracts, including the left thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract, forceps major of the corpus callosum, left uncinate fasciculus, and right arcuate fasciculus. These findings suggest altered microstructural organization or increased directional coherence within these pathways. In addition, smokers demonstrated significantly elevated ALFF values in the forceps major, right uncinate fasciculus, and left arcuate fasciculus, indicating enhanced spontaneous neural activity in these white matter regions. Correlation analyses revealed that FA values in the left thalamic radiation and right corticospinal tract were negatively correlated with FTND scores, suggesting that higher levels of nicotine dependence were associated with reduced microstructural integrity or altered fiber organization in these regions. In contrast, ALFF values in the forceps major and right uncinate fasciculus were positively correlated with FTND scores, indicating that greater nicotine dependence was associated with increased spontaneous neural activity in specific white matter pathways. ConclusionThe present study provides evidence that male college smokers exhibit distinct alterations in both white matter microstructure and functional activity. These abnormalities are not uniformly distributed but rather localized to specific fiber tracts implicated in sensorimotor processing, interhemispheric communication, and higher-order cognitive and emotional regulation. Importantly, the observed associations between imaging metrics and nicotine dependence severity suggest that these structural and functional alterations may reflect neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction. The combination of AFQ-based tract profiling and multimodal MRI offers a sensitive approach for detecting subtle changes along white matter pathways, highlighting its potential utility in identifying neuroimaging biomarkers of nicotine dependence. Overall, these findings indicate that smoking during early adulthood may disrupt ongoing white matter maturation, potentially leading to long-term consequences for brain function. This study provides novel insights into the neural basis of nicotine dependence and underscores the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies targeting young smokers.
9.The magnetic compression technique in the treatment of severe mid-ureteral stricture
Fanchao WEI ; Zhaoxiang WANG ; Shichao HAN ; Zhiwen DONG ; Yuxin FU ; Ruochen QI ; Guohui WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Tong XU ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Weijun QIN ; Lijun YANG ; Shuaijun MA
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):182-186
Objective To explore the feasibility of magnetic compression technique (MCR) in the treatment of severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. Methods After 10 female New Zealand rabbits were selected, the distal end of the right ureter was ligated with silk thread. Two weeks after the operation, when the right ureter was dilated, the mid-ureter was ligated again with silk thread to create a severe single mid-ureteral stricture animal model. Longitudinal incisions were made at the upper and lower ends of the ligation site, and cylindrical NdFeB magnets with central holes (sub-magnets and main magnets) were placed to anastomose and recanalize the mid-ureteral stricture. The magnets were adjusted to the appropriate position to automatically align and attract each other. The longitudinal incision sites of the ureter were sutured with 6-0 Prolene thread, and the abdominal cavity was closed layer by layer. The operation time was recorded. X-ray films were taken every two days to confirm the position of the magnets and record the time of magnet detachment. Three weeks after the operation, the anastomotic specimens were obtained, and the formation of the anastomosis was evaluated with gross observation and histological staining. Results Two weeks after ligation, all experimental rabbits showed obvious dilation of the right ureter. The mid-ureteral ligation and placement of the male and female magnets were successfully completed in all 10 experimental rabbits, with an operation time of (24.00±5.15)minutes. The male and female magnets attracted each other well. X-ray examination showed that the magnets detached and entered the distal ureter (14.0±1.9) days after magnetic compression. The recanalization of the severe single mid-ureteral stricture was successfully achieved. The gross specimens and histological examination of the anastomosis showed that the anastomosis remained patent and the mucosal healing was good. All experimental rabbits survived well after the operation without serious complications. Conclusion MCT provides a new idea and novel method for the treatment of mid-ureteral stricture. This study confirmed the feasibility of this technique in treating severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. The operation is relatively simple and has potential for clinical application.
10.Construction of a biomimetic three-layered PLLA/PCL large-diameter vessel via electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming: Preliminary animal evaluation
Wenjun WANG ; Yang GAO ; Feng GAO ; Lei SHI ; Wei LIU ; Weiwang FAN ; Chang XU ; Hong ZHENG ; Xufeng DONG ; ZHUANG Xijing
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1093-1100
Objective To fabricate a large-diameter vascular graft with a pore size gradient structure mimicking that of natural blood vessels, using poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) as base materials through electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming techniques, and to evaluate its application potential. Methods A three-layered tubular graft was fabricated from a PCL/PLLA blend (mass ratio 6 : 4) via electrospinning, followed by an ultrasonic pore-forming process to create a gradient porosity. The resulting graft (diameter: 2 cm, length: 4 cm) was implanted into the descending thoracic aorta of an experimental pig using an end-to-end anastomosis. Graft patency and anastomotic sites were monitored by computed tomography angiography (CTA) at 1 and 6 weeks post-surgery. After 2 months, the graft was explanted for systematic evaluation of vascular regeneration and repair through gross examination, histopathology (H&E and elastic fiber staining), immunohistochemistry [for ETS-related gene (ERG), Actin, and Vimentin], and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results Postoperative CTA confirmed excellent graft patency at both 1 and 6 weeks, with no evidence of thrombosis or anastomotic stenosis. Gross examination of the 2-month explant revealed a smooth luminal surface covered by neotissue. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the graft successfully induced the formation of a three-layered structure resembling a native vessel wall, comprising endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and fibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry further verified coverage of the luminal surface by endothelial cells (ERG-positive), along with the presence of neosmooth muscle (Actin-positive) and fibroblasts (Vimentin-positive). Endothelial cells were observed adhering to the inner surface of the artificial vessel under SEM. Conclusion The biomimetic, three-layered PLLA/PCL large-diameter vascular graft, constructed via electrospinning and ultrasonic pore-forming, exhibits excellent short-term patency and biocompatibility in a large animal model. More importantly, it demonstrates a significant potential to promote host cell infiltration and achieve in situ regeneration of a three-layered vascular wall structure, providing a promising experimental basis for the development of next-generation functional vascular substitutes.


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