1.Immunological considerations and outcomes in cross-sex vascularized composite allotransplantation
Nicole E JAMES ; Curtis L CETRULO JR ; Alexandre G LELLOUCH ; Jan A PLOCK ; Zhi Yang NG
Clinical Transplantation and Research 2026;40(1):28-38
Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) has transformed reconstructive surgery for patients with severe tissue defects. Nonetheless, donor shortages remain a major limitation. Cross-sex VCA (CS-VCA) has been proposed as a means of expanding the donor pool, but concerns persist regarding potentially heightened rejection risks in sex-mismatched transplants. This review examines published adult CS-VCA cases up to May 2025. The primary outcomes analyzed were acute rejection episodes, allograft survival, immunological complications, and sequelae affecting form and function.Nine CS-VCA cases were identified (six upper extremity, one lower extremity, and two abdominal wall transplants). Eight involved female donors (median age, 47 years) and male recipients (median age, 30 years). Acute rejection occurred in five of nine cases;however, 11 of 13 allografts remained viable at follow-up (6–41 months) under immunosuppressive therapy. Two cases developed vascular complications, resulting in technical failure and partial amputation, respectively. Higher human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches (mean, 5) were associated with complications, while fewer mismatches (mean, 3) correlated with better outcomes. In contrast to trends in solid organ transplantation, female-to-male CS-VCA demonstrated relatively favorable outcomes in the limited cases reported. These findings suggest that CS-VCA may be a feasible strategy to expand the VCA donor pool, provided that patient selection is careful, ABO/Rh and HLA compatibility are prioritized, and rigorous immunological monitoring is maintained.Further studies should investigate sex-specific immune mechanisms to optimize longterm success rates.
2.Molecular mechanism of raddeanin A in anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma mediated by ERK/MAPK signaling pathway
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2026;39(02):152-161
Objective To investigate the biological activity of raddeanin A(RA) against nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)and the molecular mechanism of anti-NPC mediated by ERK/MAPK signaling pathway.Methods CCK-8 assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of RA on the growth of NPC cells. Bioinformatics was utilized to predict the targets of RA acting on NPC and their associated signaling pathways. The binding affinity between RA and core target was analyzed by molecular docking. Annexin V-FITC/PI, JC-1 staining, flow cytometry, combined with Western blot were used to further investigate the anti-proliferation mechanism of RA in NPC cells.Results RA effectively inhibited the proliferation of NPC cell lines 6-10B and 5-8F, with IC_(50)values of 5. 770 and 5. 068 ??mol/L, respectively. The pharmacological effects were primarily associated with cell apoptosis and the MAPK signaling pathway. The binding affinities between RA and core target proteins, such as MAPK1 and caspase 3, predicted through molecular docking, were less than-5 kcal/mol. RA induced apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential changes in 6-10B cells. The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins, including cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved caspase 9, significantly increased(F = 229. 60, 136. 60 and 73. 67, P < 0. 001,< 0. 001 and < 0. 01, respectively). Additionally, the expression of the mitochondrial pathway-related protein Bax was marked-ly upregulated, while Bcl-2 expression was significantly downregulated(F = 47. 42 and 17. 54, P < 0. 001 and P < 0. 05,respectively). Furthermore, the expression levels of ERK/MAPK pathway-related proteins, including p-p90 RSK, p-ERK1/2,and p-MSK1, were significantly reduced(F = 106. 90, 27. 73 and 101. 50, P < 0. 05, < 0. 01 and < 0. 05, respectively).Conclusion RA regulates the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway, reduces mitochondrial membrane potential, triggers mitochondrial pathway to induce apoptosis, and then exerts the activity of inhibiting NPC cell proliferation.
3.Prediction of Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Korea, 2026
Kyu-Won JUNG ; Mee Joo KANG ; Eun Hye PARK ; E Hwa YUN ; Hye-Jin KIM ; Jeong-Eun KIM ; Kui Sun CHOI ; Han-Kwang YANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):368-375
Purpose:
This study aimed to project cancer incidence and mortality for 2026 to estimate Korea’s current cancer burden.
Materials and Methods:
Cancer incidence data from 1999 to 2023 were obtained from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, while cancer mortality data from 1993 to 2024 were acquired from the Ministry of Data and Statistics. Cancer incidence and mortality were projected by fitting a linear regression model to observed age-specific cancer rates against their respective years and then by the projected age-specific rates by the anticipated age-specific population for 2026. A joinpoint regression model was applied to identify significant changes in trends, using only the most recent trend data for predictions.
Results:
A total of 308,876 new cancer cases and 86,317 cancer deaths are expected in Korea in 2026. The most commonly diagnosed cancer is projected to be thyroid cancer, followed by the colorectal, lung, breast, prostate and stomach cancers. These six cancers are expected to account for 63.5% of all newly diagnosed cancers. Lung cancer is expected to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by liver, colorectal, pancreatic, gallbladder, and stomach cancers, together comprising 65.9% of all cancer deaths.
Conclusion
Korea’s cancer burden continues to shift toward malignancies prevalent in older populations. The sustained increase in prostate cancer among men and the rising mortality impact of pancreatic cancer reflect structural changes in the national cancer profile amid rapid population aging.
4.Cancer Statistics in Korea: Incidence, Mortality, Survival, and Prevalence in 2023
Eun Hye PARK ; Kyu-Won JUNG ; Seo Hyun CHOI ; Nam Ju PARK ; Mee Joo KANG ; E Hwa YUN ; Hye-Jin KIM ; Jeong-Eun KIM ; Kui Son CHOI ; Han-Kwang YANG ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):349-367
Purpose:
The current study provides national cancer statistics and their secular trends in Korea, including incidence, mortality, survival, and prevalence in 2023, with international comparisons.
Materials and Methods:
Cancer incidence, survival, and prevalence rates were calculated using the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database (1999-2023), with survival follow-up until December 31, 2024. Mortality data were obtained from the Ministry of Data and Statistics, while international comparisons were based on GLOBOCAN data.
Results:
In 2023, 288,613 newly diagnosed cancer cases (age-standardized rate [ASR], 288.6 per 100,000) and 85,271 deaths from cancer (ASR, 64.3 per 100,000) were reported. Among the incident cases, 145,452 (50.4%) were aged 65 years or older. Prostate cancer became the most common cancer among men for the first time. The proportion of localized-stage cancers increased from 45.6% in 2005 to 51.8% in 2023. Korea had the lowest cancer mortality among countries with similar incidence rates and the lowest mortality-to-incidence ratios for stomach, colorectal, and breast cancer. The 5-year relative survival rate (2019-2023) was 73.7% overall and 92.7% for localized-stage cancers. Over 2.73 million prevalent cases were identified in 2023, representing 5.3% of the Korean population.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that Korea’s cancer control efforts have contributed to early detection and improved survival outcomes. As Korea enters a super-aged society in 2025, cancer burden will continue to increase, requiring sustained and adaptive cancer control strategies.
5.Application of IFN-induced protein 44-like gene methylation detection by methylation sensitive-high resolution melting in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Qian CHEN ; Dong′e TANG ; Yue MENG ; Lijun ZHANG ; Song HE ; Zihua YANG ; Xiaoping HONG ; Yang CUI ; Tieying HOU ; Yong DAI ; Yongzhe LI
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(8):639-644
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of methylation sensitive-high resolution melting curve (MS-HRM) detection of IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) gene methylation in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the relationship between IFI44L gene markers and the early onset of SLE.Methods:From February 2020 to September 2022, the MS-HRM was used to detect the methylation level of the IFI44L gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 602 SLE patients and 524 other autoimmune disease patients (excluding SLE) from Beijing Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, and Shenzhen People′s Hospital, totaling 1 126 patients. Compared with the 2012 SLICC criteria, the suspected cases were followed up for 6 months until the onset and clinical diagnosis of SLE were confirmed. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±SD, and the consistency analysis was performed using the Kappa consistency test. The clinical diagnostic efficacy indicators were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:RR (95% CI) of early suspected cases was 17.06 (9.43, 30.82). The results of IFI44L gene methylation level were in good agreement with the 2012 SLICC criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity and total coincidence rate were 90.53%, 92.56% and 91.47%, respectively. The Kappa value (95% CI) was 0.829(0.796, 0.862) ( P<0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of IFI44L gene methylation level ( Kappa value 0.817) was superior to anti-nuclear antibody, anti-SM antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody ( Kappa value 0.418, 0.216 and 0.440, respectively). The Kappa values (95% CI) of methylation between MS-HRM and pyrosequencing was 0.861(0.806, 0.916), P<0.001. Conclusion:The hypomethylation of IFI44L gene methylation level detected by MS-HRM is closely related to the occurrence and development of SLE, and its diagnostic performance is better than that of three autoantibodies in SLE diagnosis, which can be used for the early diagnosis of SLE.
6.Correlation between fetal biacromial diameter estimated by ultrasound and shoulder dystocia
Fuqiang ZHOU ; Yating YANG ; Liang LIANG ; Zhansen E ; Jinhua CHEN ; Xuesen HE ; Yingying CAI ; Yuqing LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(3):369-373
Objective To verify the accuracy of Youssef's formula and evaluate whether fetal biacromial diameter(BA)and other fetal biological diameters estimated by ultrasound can be used to predict macrosomia and shoulder dystocia,so as to provide the possibility for clinical prediction of shoulder dystocia.Methods A total of 200 pregnant women with a gestational period of 37-42 weeks were examined with ultrasound within 3 days before delivery for collecting biparietal diameter(BPD),head circumference(HC),abdominal circumference(AC),humerus length(HL),femur length(FL),thoracic transverse diameter and midpoint diameter of upper arm;and the fetal BA was estimated by Youssef's formula.Neonatal BA,body mass and body length were measured within 1 day after delivery.The above data were analyzed for correlation.Newborns were grouped according to their body mass(macrosomia vs non-macrosomia)and whether they had shoulder dystocia or not(shoulder dystocia vs non-shoulder dystocia).Results(1)The fetal BA estimated by Youssef's formula was consistent with neonatal BA(P>0.05),and the estimated BA was positively correlated with BPD,HC,AC and neonatal body mass(P<0.001).(2)The BA,BA/AC and BA/HC in macrosomia group were different from those in non-macrosomia group(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity were 92.3%and 88.2%for macrosomia prediction when the estimated BA threshold was 16.05 cm,and those were 61.5%and 77.0%when BA/AC threshold was 0.455,and 76.9%and 72.7%when BA/HC threshold was 0.465.(3)Shoulder dystocia group had neonatal weight close to non-shoulder dystocia group(P>0.05),but higher BA/BPD,BA/HC and BA-BPD(P<0.05).ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity were 100.0%and 66.8%for shoulder dystocia when BA threshold was 15.45 cm,100.0%and 80.6%when BA/BPD threshold was 1.695,100.0%and 81.6%when BA/HC threshold was 0.475,and 100.0%and 76.0%when the threshold difference between BA and BPD was 6.35 cm.Conclusion Fetal BA,BA/BPD,BA/HC,BA/AC and BA-BPD may be effective predictors of shoulder dystocia and macrosomia.
7.One-pot Synthesis of Sulfhydryl-protected Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters and Its Application in Detection of Tetracycline
Xi-Liang YANG ; Ya-Ya KUANG ; Zi-Tao LI ; Qiu-E CAO ; Chuan-Hua ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(9):1486-1495
Water-soluble silver nanoclusters(DHLA-AgNCs)with red fluorescence emission were synthesized using silver nitrate(AgNO3)as silver source,dihydrolipoic acid(DHLA)as ligand and sodium borohydride(NaBH4)as reducing agent by one-pot method.Based on the selective quenching of DHLA-AgNCs by tetracycline(TC),a rapid and selective fluorescence analysis method for detection of TC was constructed by monitoring the fluorescence intensity change at 650 nm.Under the optimal detection conditions,the fluorescence quenching efficiency of DHLA-AgNCs showed good linear relationship with concentration of TC within the range of 10.0-120.0 μmol/L,and the limit of detection(LOD)was 0.39 μmol/L.This method was successfully applied to detection of TC in milk samples,with spiked recoveries ranging from 99.5%to 102.5%,and relative standard deviations(RSDs)less than 5%.This method had the advantages of simplicity,rapidity,strong specificity and low cost,and thus provided a simple and feasible strategy for selective detection of TC.
8.Exploration on the treatment of outlet obstructive constipation with chiropractic therapy based on the theory of "bone strengthening and tendon softening"
Mengyi RUAN ; E LI ; Suyu LAI ; Yi YANG ; Bing REN ; Fei JIA ; Xiaofeng WANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):760-765
Chiropractic therapy is a therapeutic approach for regulating the spine and is widely employed in clinical practice for multiple disorders, including constipation. The theory of "bone strengthening and tendon softening" originated from Huang Di Nei Jing, holding that bones maintain normal anatomical forms and relative positional relationships, and tendons are supple and free from damage. Only when the structures and functions of both are normal can the human body sustain normal physiological activities. In accordance with this theory, clinical treatment mainly aims at adjusting the relationship between tendons and bones and restoring the balance between them to address diseases. Based on the theory of "bone strengthening and tendon softening" and taking the essence of "tendons" as the starting point, this article explored the pathogenic mechanism of outlet obstructive constipation and the clinical application of chiropractic therapy in the treatment of outlet obstructive constipation. Pathological changes of the musculotendinous meridians and abnormal spinal structures are significant pathogenic factors for outlet obstructive constipation. Therefore, in clinical practice, spinal techniques such as guided manipulation, massage, and reconstructive techniques can be used to soften muscles, correct bones, and regulate intestinal stagnation.
9.Application of IFN-induced protein 44-like gene methylation detection by methylation sensitive-high resolution melting in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Qian CHEN ; Dong′e TANG ; Yue MENG ; Lijun ZHANG ; Song HE ; Zihua YANG ; Xiaoping HONG ; Yang CUI ; Tieying HOU ; Yong DAI ; Yongzhe LI
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2025;29(8):639-644
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of methylation sensitive-high resolution melting curve (MS-HRM) detection of IFN-induced protein 44-like (IFI44L) gene methylation in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as the relationship between IFI44L gene markers and the early onset of SLE.Methods:From February 2020 to September 2022, the MS-HRM was used to detect the methylation level of the IFI44L gene in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 602 SLE patients and 524 other autoimmune disease patients (excluding SLE) from Beijing Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital, and Shenzhen People′s Hospital, totaling 1 126 patients. Compared with the 2012 SLICC criteria, the suspected cases were followed up for 6 months until the onset and clinical diagnosis of SLE were confirmed. The measurement data of normal distribution were expressed as mean±SD, and the consistency analysis was performed using the Kappa consistency test. The clinical diagnostic efficacy indicators were calculated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:RR (95% CI) of early suspected cases was 17.06 (9.43, 30.82). The results of IFI44L gene methylation level were in good agreement with the 2012 SLICC criteria, and the sensitivity, specificity and total coincidence rate were 90.53%, 92.56% and 91.47%, respectively. The Kappa value (95% CI) was 0.829(0.796, 0.862) ( P<0.001). The diagnostic efficiency of IFI44L gene methylation level ( Kappa value 0.817) was superior to anti-nuclear antibody, anti-SM antibody and anti-dsDNA antibody ( Kappa value 0.418, 0.216 and 0.440, respectively). The Kappa values (95% CI) of methylation between MS-HRM and pyrosequencing was 0.861(0.806, 0.916), P<0.001. Conclusion:The hypomethylation of IFI44L gene methylation level detected by MS-HRM is closely related to the occurrence and development of SLE, and its diagnostic performance is better than that of three autoantibodies in SLE diagnosis, which can be used for the early diagnosis of SLE.
10.Abemaciclib plus non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant in women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer: Final results of the randomized phase III MONARCH plus trial.
Xichun HU ; Qingyuan ZHANG ; Tao SUN ; Yongmei YIN ; Huiping LI ; Min YAN ; Zhongsheng TONG ; Man LI ; Yue'e TENG ; Christina Pimentel OPPERMANN ; Govind Babu KANAKASETTY ; Ma Coccia PORTUGAL ; Liu YANG ; Wanli ZHANG ; Zefei JIANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1477-1486
BACKGROUND:
In the interim analysis of MONARCH plus, adding abemaciclib to endocrine therapy (ET) improved progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) in predominantly Chinese postmenopausal women with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC). This study presents the final pre-planned PFS analysis.
METHODS:
In the phase III MONARCH plus study, postmenopausal women in China, India, Brazil, and South Africa with HR+/HER2- ABC without prior systemic therapy in an advanced setting (cohort A) or progression on prior ET (cohort B) were randomized (2:1) to abemaciclib (150 mg twice daily [BID]) or placebo plus: anastrozole (1.0 mg/day) or letrozole (2.5 mg/day) (cohort A) or fulvestrant (500 mg on days 1 and 15 of cycle 1 and then on day 1 of each subsequent cycle) (cohort B). The primary endpoint was PFS of cohort A. Secondary endpoints included cohort B PFS (key secondary endpoint), ORR, overall survival (OS), safety, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
RESULTS:
In cohort A (abemaciclib: n = 207; placebo: n = 99), abemaciclib plus a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor improved median PFS vs . placebo (28.27 months vs . 14.73 months, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.476; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.348-0.649). In cohort B (abemaciclib: n = 104; placebo: n = 53), abemaciclib plus fulvestrant improved median PFS vs . placebo (11.41 months vs . 5.59 months, HR: 0.480; 95% CI: 0.322-0.715). Abemaciclib numerically improved ORR. Although immature, a trend toward OS benefit with abemaciclib was observed (cohort A: HR: 0.893, 95% CI: 0.553-1.443; cohort B: HR: 0.512, 95% CI: 0.281-0.931). The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events in the abemaciclib arms were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia (both cohorts), and lymphocytopenia (cohort B). Abemaciclib did not cause clinically meaningful changes in patient-reported global health, functioning, or most symptoms vs . placebo.
CONCLUSIONS:
Abemaciclib plus ET led to improvements in PFS and ORR, a manageable safety profile, and sustained HRQoL, providing clinical benefit without a high toxicity burden or reduced quality of life.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02763566).
Humans
;
Female
;
Fulvestrant/therapeutic use*
;
Breast Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Aminopyridines/therapeutic use*
;
Benzimidazoles/therapeutic use*
;
Middle Aged
;
Aromatase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
;
Aged
;
Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism*
;
Adult
;
Letrozole/therapeutic use*
;
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
;
Anastrozole/therapeutic use*


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