1.Meconium containing intestinal structures: a histological study using human fetuses
Jun ZHANG ; Zhe-Wu JIN ; Feng HAN ; Ye XU ; Gen MURAKAMI ; Masahito YAMAMOTO ; Shogo HAYASHI
Anatomy & Cell Biology 2026;59(1):105-114
Meconium is changed from defoliated intestinal villi with apoptosis. A meconium corpuscle is a limited architecture in the meconium at the light microscopic level. In histological and immunohistochemical sections of the abdomen from 40 fetuses at 20–31 weeks of gestation, we found 12 fetuses with meconium and examined the architecture.A solid or loose meconium was seen depending on sites. The solid meconium in the colon and rectum contained numerous spherical or rugby ball-like corpuscles comprising of a core with tightly-packed atrophied cells and a laminar fibrous sheath.The solid meconium surrounded and incorporated villi that maintained the original architecture. The loose meconium was seen not only in the stomach and duodenum but also, depending on specimens, in the colon and rectum. It was composed of a large mucosal fold, a single small villus and/or fragmented epithelia. Notably, these mucosal tissues still contained chromogranin-positive gastrointestinal cells and cytokeratin-positive epithelia. A large ring-like meconium was composed of the entirely circular mucosa or epithelia that seemed to be detached along the muscularis mucosae or the basal lamina.A sheath-like fibrous structure in meconium seemed to originate from the lamina propria and basal lamina of villi. A defoliation of villi with apoptosis seemed difficult to explain a detachment of the entirely circular mucosa or epithelia in large fetuses examined. The latter event might require a specific mechanism such as an in utero intussusception in which a proximal side of the colon was invaginated into the distal lumen.
2.Guidelines for the perioperative diagnosis and treatment of oncogene-driven non-small cell lung cancer (2026)
Weidong WANG ; Yongbin LIN ; Hui TIAN ; Gaofeng LI ; Shun XU ; Yongde LIAO ; Haitao MA ; Junfeng LIU ; Chundong GU ; Xiaolong YAN ; Shumin WANG ; Daqiang SUN ; Jianyang LIU ; Tao XUE ; Shaohua MA ; Zhigang LI ; Shuanghu YUAN ; Gen LIN ; Ling CAI ; Jianping ZHOU ; Wenzhao ZHONG ; Naixin LIANG ; Yi HAN ; Junfeng WANG ; Weidong ZHANG ; Xin WANG ; Lianjuan CHEN ; Lunxu LIU ; Xiuyi ZHI ; Lanjun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1337-1353
Lung cancer constitutes the most prevalent and lethal malignant tumor in China. Approximately 85% of lung cancer diagnoses correspond to the non-small cell histological subtype [non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]. Despite surgery being the mainstay for early-stage disease, postoperative recurrence remains high and adjuvant chemotherapy offers limited benefit. In recent years, targeted therapy has demonstrated substantial advantages in driver mutation-positive NSCLC. To this end, the Lung Cancer Medical Education Committee of the Chinese Medical Education Association developed guidelines based on a systematic review of evidence through November 2025, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach and a modified Delphi method. Focusing on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and addressing ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1), B-Raf proto-oncogene serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) exon 14 (METex14) skipping, the guideline covers molecular testing, neoadjuvant/adjuvant therapy, perioperative strategies, minimal residual disease monitoring, and postoperative surveillance. It defines testing requirements, specifies stage-directed and subtype-specific treatments, and standardizes minimal residual disease monitoring. These recommendations emphasize precision and feasibility to improve survival and quality of life.
3.Postoperative lower limb ischemic necrosis following xenogeneic heart transplantation from gene-edited pigs to rhesus macaques
Xianzhi WANG ; Zhipeng REN ; Ziqiang DAI ; Rong ZHOU ; Gen ZHANG ; Jie YAN ; Yulong GUAN ; Guangyu PAN ; Xingzhuang HE ; Tingting LIU ; Shangxuan LI ; Guanzheng CUI ; Chenghong LAI ; Dengke PAN ; Dianyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1474-1481
Objective To investigate the causes and management strategies for lower limb ischemic necrosis following xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation from a multigene-edited pig to a rhesus monkey. Methods A xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation was performed on December 16, 2023, at the Institute of Experimental Animals of Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, using a quintuple-gene-edited pig as the donor and a rhesus monkey as the recipient. On postoperative day (POD) 9, the recipient monkey underwent left lower limb amputation due to ischemic necrosis. Blood samples were collected at various time points after transplantation for analysis of hematologic parameters, liver and renal function, myocardial enzymes, and coagulation profiles. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) were used to evaluate anastomotic patency and cardiac structure. Immunological assays, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and IgG/IgM antibody detection, combined with clinical observations, were employed to assess rejection type and therapeutic response. Results The recipient monkey survived for 46 days after transplantation. Echocardiography demonstrated preserved biventricular systolic function in the recipient’s native heart, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) consistently exceeding 50%. In the donor pig heart, left ventricular endocardial thickening was noted on POD 9, followed by right ventricular endocardial thickening on POD 24, while LVEF remained around 35%. No hyperacute or acute rejection was detected immunologically. CDC positivity ranged between 3.4% and 5.1%, with IgG/IgM antibody binding trends consistent with CDC results. Following amputation, the recipient exhibited elevated inflammatory markers, coagulopathy, and reactive thrombocytosis, which later normalized. Immunohistochemical staining of the necrotic limb revealed arterial and venous thrombosis; however, no T-cell or B-cell infiltration was observed in vascular structures, thrombi, nerves, muscles, fascia, or skin tissues, with CD3 and CD20 staining both negative. Conclusion Limb ischemia after xenogeneic heart transplantation may be associated with lower extremity vascular thrombosis triggered by local trauma in the context of transplantation-induced inflammatory activation and coagulation dysfunction. While no clear lymphocyte-mediated rejection was observed, further studies are needed to explore the potential role of non-lymphocyte-mediated immune mechanisms.
6.Predicting the surgical difficulty,complications and prognosis of kidney tumors based on anatomical features:advances in renal tumor scoring systems
Gen LI ; Yuhao YU ; Xuexing FAN ; Jincheng LI ; Jiasong LI ; Pugui LI ; Xiaopen CHEN ; He WANG ; Geng ZHANG ; Yong WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):355-363
Renal tumor scoring systems can describe the anatomical characteristics of renal tumors. It is an important standard to evaluate the surgical complexity and to evaluate the surgical complexity and feasibility of partial nephrectomy. Scholars at home and abroad have established various scoring systems based on different anatomical parameters,such as R.E.N.A.L.,PADUA,C-Index,which are used to guide the clinical selection of surgical modalities,and predict perioperative complications and prognosis. In this paper,various scoring systems are grouped into three major categories according to their functions:prediction of surgical complexity,prediction of complications,and prediction of prognosis. The contents,characteristics and clinical application value of various renal tumor scoring systems are introduced in detail to guide urologists,enhance their surgical decision-making ability,and improve the clinical outcomes.
7.Clinical Value of Tumor-Stroma Ratio Combined with KRAS/NRAS/BRAF Gene Status in Prognostic Assessment of Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Ziyang ZHANG ; Yuanfei LI ; Yuntong GUO ; Gen ZHU ; Guang YANG ; Yu WANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(8):676-681
Objective To investigate the clinical value of tumor-stroma ratio (TSR) in combination with KRAS, BRAF, NRAS, and microsatellite status for prognostic assessment of patients with colorectal cancer. Methods A total of 51 colorectal cancer cases meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. TSR levels were evaluated through optical microscopy. The KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutation profiles and microsatellite status were determined in accordance with genetic testing results. Clinical data, pathological characteristics, and survival outcomes were systematically recorded. Results Among the 51 patients with colorectal cancer, 19 (37.3%) were categorized into the low stromal group and 32 (62.7%) into the high stromal group. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in drug resistance, M stage, TNM stage, neural invasion, and microsatellite status (P<0.05). Compared with patients exhibiting high TSR, those with low TSR demonstrated significantly increased recurrence rates (5 vs. 21 cases, P=0.007), shortened disease-free survival (34.21 vs. 14.34 months, P=0.001), and reduced overall survival (38.79 vs. 23.09 months, P=0.021). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified N stage, M stage, TNM stage, neural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and TSR as independent risk factors for disease-free survival. N stage, M stage, neural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and TSR emerged as independent prognostic factors for overall survival (P<0.05). Although the combined models of TSR with KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and microsatellite status, respectively, demonstrated overall statistical significance (P<0.05), none of the dummy variables in these models reached individually statistical significance (P>0.05), and therefore cannot be considered independent prognostic factors. Conclusion TSR serves as an independent predictor of poor prognosis in advanced colorectal cancer, with patients exhibiting low TSR demonstrating a significantly higher risk of recurrence and metastasis than those with high TSR. For patients with colon cancer undergoing first-line palliative chemotherapy after postoperative recurrence, histopathological assessment of TSR in primary tumor sites holds prognostic value and may serve as a relevant factor for evaluating treatment resistance in clinical management.
9.Artificial intelligence-enabled discovery of a RIPK3 inhibitor with neuroprotective effects in an acute glaucoma mouse model.
Xing TU ; Zixing ZOU ; Jiahui LI ; Simiao ZENG ; Zhengchao LUO ; Gen LI ; Yuanxu GAO ; Kang ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(2):172-184
BACKGROUND:
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death caused by acute ocular hypertension is an important characteristic of acute glaucoma. Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) that mediates necroptosis is a potential therapeutic target for RGC death. However, the current understanding of the targeting agents and mechanisms of RIPK3 in the treatment of glaucoma remains limited. Notably, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have significantly advanced drug discovery. This study aimed to discover RIPK3 inhibitor with AI assistance.
METHODS:
An acute ocular hypertension model was used to simulate pathological ocular hypertension in vivo . We employed a series of AI methods, including large language and graph neural network models, to identify the target compounds of RIPK3. Subsequently, these target candidates were validated using molecular simulations (molecular docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity [ADMET] prediction, and molecular dynamics simulations) and biological experiments (Western blotting and fluorescence staining) in vitro and in vivo .
RESULTS:
AI-driven drug screening techniques have the potential to greatly accelerate drug development. A compound called HG9-91-01, identified using AI methods, exerted neuroprotective effects in acute glaucoma. Our research indicates that all five candidates recommended by AI were able to protect the morphological integrity of RGC cells when exposed to hypoxia and glucose deficiency, and HG9-91-01 showed a higher cell survival rate compared to the other candidates. Furthermore, HG9-91-01 was found to protect the retinal structure and reduce the loss of retinal layers in an acute glaucoma model. It was also observed that the neuroprotective effects of HG9-91-01 were highly correlated with the inhibition of PANoptosis (apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis). Finally, we found that HG9-91-01 can regulate key proteins related to PANoptosis, indicating that this compound exerts neuroprotective effects in the retina by inhibiting the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis.
CONCLUSION
AI-enabled drug discovery revealed that HG9-91-01 could serve as a potential treatment for acute glaucoma.
Animals
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Glaucoma/metabolism*
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Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology*
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Mice
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Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism*
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Artificial Intelligence
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Retinal Ganglion Cells/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Male
10.Development of oral preparations of poorly soluble drugs based on polymer supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery technology.
Xu-Long CHEN ; Jiang-Wen SHEN ; Wei-Wei ZHA ; Jian-Yun YI ; Lin LI ; Zhang-Ting LAI ; Zheng-Gen LIAO ; Ye ZHU ; Yue-Er CHENG ; Cheng LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4471-4482
Poor water solubility is the primary obstacle preventing the development of many pharmacologically active compounds into oral preparations. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems(SNEDDS) have become a widely used strategy to enhance the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs by inducing a supersaturated state, thereby improving their apparent solubility and dissolution rate. However, the supersaturated solutions formed in SNEDDS are thermodynamically unstable systems with solubility levels exceeding the crystalline equilibrium solubility, making them prone to drug precipitation in the gastrointestinal tract and ultimately hindering drug absorption. Therefore, maintaining a stable supersaturated state is crucial for the effective delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Incorporating polymers as precipitation inhibitors(PPIs) into the formulation of supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems(S-SNEDDS) can inhibit drug aggregation and crystallization, thus maintaining a stable supersaturated state. This has emerged as a novel preparation strategy and a key focus in SNEDDS research. This review explores the preparation design of SNEDDS and the technical challenges involved, with a particular focus on polymer-based S-SNEDDS for enhancing the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. It further elucidates the mechanisms by which polymers participate in transmembrane transport, summarizes the principles by which polymers sustain a supersaturated state, and discusses strategies for enhancing drug absorption. Altogether, this review provides a structured framework for the development of S-SNEDDS preparations with stable quality and reduced development risk, and offers a theoretical reference for the application of S-SNEDDS technology in improving the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
Solubility
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Administration, Oral
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Polymers/chemistry*
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Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
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Humans
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Emulsions/chemistry*
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Biological Availability
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Animals
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Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage*

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