1.Identification of immune cell-related biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma using weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Dongyuan HE ; Bo CHEN ; Jingyao LIANG ; Haibo YE ; Xiaoxing YI ; Guangni LIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):751-758
Objective To identify immune cell-related biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Methods Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, a gene co-expression network was constructed for the TCGA-LUAD dataset using the "WGCNA" R package, and genes were clustered into different modules. Concurrently, the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumours using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm was applied to the tumor samples in the TCGA-LUAD dataset. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to evaluate the biological functions of genes within the most significantly correlated module. Candidate hub genes from the key module were intersected with a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to identify the final hub genes. The prognostic performance of these hub genes and their correlation with immune cell infiltration were validated using Kaplan-Meier curves and the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) algorithm. Finally, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted on the identified hub genes to construct a prognostic risk model. Results In the co-expression network, the brown module was found to be highly correlated with the ImmuneScore, StromalScore, and ESTIMATE Score. Five immune-related hub genes were identified: CD53, PLEK, SPI1, IL10RA, and C3AR1. Enrichment analysis of the brown module revealed that its genes were primarily enriched in GO terms such as "regulation of innate immune response" and KEGG pathways like the "NF-kappa B signaling pathway". Furthermore, the expression levels of these five hub genes were significantly and positively correlated with the infiltration abundance of various immune cells. The immune relevance of the model was validated by the Immunophenoscore (IPS) and the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score. Moreover, the established RiskScore demonstrated significant potential in predicting the response to immunotherapy. Conclusion These five immune-related key genes may serve as novel and effective potential therapeutic targets for LUAD immunotherapy, facilitating the development of personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with LUAD.
2.The construction and evaluation of heart preservation model for empty beating donor heart based on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation technology
Shijie YIN ; Xiao YUE ; Chunhua WANG ; Wei WU ; Guanbin QIN ; Lan LUO ; Qiangxin HUANG ; Guixin HE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):791-798
Objective To explore the construction of heart preservation model of empty beating donor based on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods From January 2022 to August 2023, 20 Guangxi Bama miniature pigs weighing 25-30 kg were selected, half male and half female. Under general anesthesia and heparinization, a midline thoracotomy was performed. The pericardium was cut after freeing the anterior and posterior vena cavae, and a perfusion needle was inserted near the brachiocephalic artery in the ascending aorta, connected to a blood collection bag to collect 500-600 mL of blood. The anterior and posterior vena cavae were ligated, the aorta was blocked and perfused with HTK solution to stop the heart beating. The superior and inferior vena cavae were cut off, the right pulmonary vein was decompressed, the aorta and left and right pulmonary arteries and veins were cut off, and the whole heart was removed. An ECMO device was used to continuously perfuse a cardioprotective solution mainly composed of oxygenated warm blood, maintaining the isolated pig heart beating for 8 hours, monitoring (once/hour) ECMO perfusion parameters, blood gas indicators, perfusate electrolytes, inflammatory factors, myocardial enzymes, myoglobin, and troponin levels. Myocardial tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe myocardial cell damage and evaluate the quality of heart preservation. Results Among the 20 isolated beating pig hearts, 17 successfully resumed beating, 3 experienced ventricular fibrillation, resuscitated after intracardiac electrical defibrillation, and all 20 pig hearts successfully beat for 8 hours. There was no statistical difference in ECMO perfusion parameters, blood gas indicators, perfusate electrolytes, and inflammatory factors at each time point (P>0.05). There were statistical increases in myocardial enzymes, myoglobin, and troponin levels (P<0.05). HE staining results suggested that there was no severe myocardial damage. Conclusion ECMO technology can be used for pig heart preservation with good results, and this study provides experimental evidence for improving heart preservation research in clinical heart transplantation.
3.Development and exploration of a closed-loop management model for externally dispensed intravenous prescriptions
Xuhua XIE ; Yun WU ; Songqing HUANG ; Yukun HUANG ; Siyan CHEN ; Zheng ZENG ; Weiyan TANG ; Zuolong HE ; Chunxia ZHOU ; Hongliang ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1246-1250
OBJECTIVE To construct a closed-loop management model for externally dispensed intravenous prescriptions, and to provide reference for standardized management of externally dispensed intravenous prescriptions. METHODS Based on the Expert Consensus on Closed-loop Management of Externally Dispensed Intravenous Prescriptions in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region previously formulated by our hospital, risk points during the entire process were systematically identified through multidisciplinary team brainstorming and a fishbone diagram. A series of strategies were subsequently formulated and implemented, including qualifying designated external dispensing pharmacies and the drug catalogs, operating and maintaining the hospital information system and the Pharmacy Intravenous Admixture Service (PIVAS) intelligent management platform, and strengthening differentiated training for staff in the whole workflow. A whole-process closed-loop management system was constructed with PIVAS as the co re hub and the daytime chemotherapy center as the safety terminal. RESULTS A total of 3 cooperating pharmacies and an initial drug list comprising 35 product specifications were selected. A closed‑loop management process encompassing hospital outpatient prescribing, patient drug purchase in designated pharmacies, PIVAS drug dispensing, and medication use in daytime chemotherapy center was successfully established. This system enabled the mandatory grouping and association of externally dispensed intravenous prescriptions with in-hospital diluents, full-process verification based on drug traceability codes, intelligent monitoring of infusion parameters, and whole-process data traceability. CONCLUSIONS The constructed model effectively resolves the coordination and safety oversight during the use of externally dispensed intravenous drugs from out-of-hospital circulation to in-hospital use, and has preliminarily enabled procedural standardization, whole-process information traceability, and proactive control of medication risks.
4.Meta-analysis of the safety and efficacy of transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate,transurethral resection of the prostate or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Zhongchao HUO ; Haifeng CHENG ; Yongzhi HE ; Lei WANG ; Rui DING ; Jianqi YANG ; Wenting ZHAO ; Zi CAI ; Caiying KONG ; Yiping GAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):140-146
Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods The domestic and foreign clinical studies on transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate (observation group), TURP or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (control group) in the treatment of BPH during Jan. 2015 and Mar. 2025 were retrieved. The data were extracted with Cochrane systematic review method. The operation time, decrease in hemoglobin, bladder irrigation time, catheter indwelling time, total complication rate, retrograde ejaculation rate and urinary incontinence rate of the two groups were compared with RevMan 5.3.0 statistical software. Results A total of 5 Chinese studies involving 491 patients (248 in the observation group and 243 in the control group) were included in the Meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the observation group had shorter operation time [MD=-20.80, 95%CI:-26.88—-14.72, P<0.00001], less decrease in hemoglobin [MD=-10.61, 95%CI: -20.21—-1.01, P=0.03], shorter bladder irrigation time [MD=-17.85, 95%CI: -32.62—-3.09, P=0.002], shorter catheter indwelling time [MD=-1.71, 95%CI: -2.81—- 0.62, P=0.002], lower total complication rate [OR=0.11, 95%CI: 0.06—0.21, P<0.00001], lower retrograde ejaculation rate [OR=0.05, 95%CI: 0.02—0.16, P<0.00001] and lower urinary incontinence rate [OR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.07—0.79, P=0.02]. There were no significant differences in other complications between the two groups (P>0.05). The international erectile function score (IIEF-5) of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group [MD=1.87, 95%CI:1.16—2.57, P<0.00001]. There were no significant differences in international prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) and post-voiding residual (PVR) between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion All three surgical procedures can effectively improve the lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH patients. Compared with TURP or plasmakinetic resection of the prostate, transurethral blue laser vaporization of the prostate has obvious advantages in terms of perioperative recovery, reduction of total complications, urinary incontinence and retrograde ejaculation rates, and preservation of sexual function.
5.Research progress on pharmacological mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in the treatment of hypertension
Xiyu HUANG ; Guosheng LUO ; Bin ZHU ; Zhexue HE ; Yongguang HUANG ; Jiafu ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1791-1796
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for pacifying the liver and extinguishing wind, Gastrodiae Rhizoma contains main active ingredients such as gastrodin, gastrodia polysaccharides and gastrodigenin. It exerts the effects of extinguishing wind and relieving convulsions, calming liver yang, dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals, which is highly consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of hypertension. This paper systematically reviews the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of active ingredients of Gastrodiae Rhizoma, herb pair compatibility, and classic prescriptions in hypertension. It is found that Gastrodiae Rhizoma and its active ingredients can collaboratively exert antihypertensive effects by regulating hemodynamics, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and other pathways, alleviate hypertensive vascular injury, and ameliorate damage to target organs including the heart, brain and kidney induced by hypertension. Compatibility of Gastrodiae Rhizoma with medicinal materials such as Uncaria, Chuanxiong, and Danshen produces remarkable synergistic efficacy against hypertension. Classic prescriptions containing Gastrodiae Rhizoma represented by Tianma gouteng decoction and Banxia baizhu tianma decoction can inhibit inflammation, resist oxidation, and protect vascular endothelium, so as to ameliorate hypertensive vascular injury and lower blood pressure.
6.Advances in exosomes from different sources on corneal diseases
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1359-1364
The cornea is a transparent tissue essential for maintaining ocular refractive function and visual quality. Corneal injury and disease remain major causes of visual impairment and blindness. However, conventional pharmacological therapies and corneal transplantation are still limited by immune rejection, donor tissue shortage, and suboptimal long-term outcomes. Exosomes, a subtype of extracellular vesicles(EVs)secreted by various cell types, are enriched in bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, mRNA, and miRNA. Owing to their low immunogenicity, favorable biocompatibility, capacity to stably deliver key signaling molecules involved in inflammation regulation and tissue repair, and suitability for local corneal administration, exosomes partially overcome the limitations of traditional corneal therapies in terms of precise immunomodulation and repair efficiency, thereby demonstrating considerable research value. This review systematically summarizes the biological characteristics of exosomes and recent advances in the application of exosomes derived from different sources in corneal injury repair, inflammation and immune regulation, and related corneal diseases, with a particular focus on their underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potential, aiming to provide a reference for standardized research and clinical translation of exosome-based therapies in corneal diseases.
7.Research progress on pharmacological mechanism of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in the treatment of hypertension
Xiyu HUANG ; Guosheng LUO ; Bin ZHU ; Zhexue HE ; Yongguang HUANG ; Jiafu ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1791-1796
As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb for pacifying the liver and extinguishing wind, Gastrodiae Rhizoma contains main active ingredients such as gastrodin, gastrodia polysaccharides and gastrodigenin. It exerts the effects of extinguishing wind and relieving convulsions, calming liver yang, dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals, which is highly consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of hypertension. This paper systematically reviews the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of active ingredients of Gastrodiae Rhizoma, herb pair compatibility, and classic prescriptions in hypertension. It is found that Gastrodiae Rhizoma and its active ingredients can collaboratively exert antihypertensive effects by regulating hemodynamics, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and other pathways, alleviate hypertensive vascular injury, and ameliorate damage to target organs including the heart, brain and kidney induced by hypertension. Compatibility of Gastrodiae Rhizoma with medicinal materials such as Uncaria, Chuanxiong, and Danshen produces remarkable synergistic efficacy against hypertension. Classic prescriptions containing Gastrodiae Rhizoma represented by Tianma gouteng decoction and Banxia baizhu tianma decoction can inhibit inflammation, resist oxidation, and protect vascular endothelium, so as to ameliorate hypertensive vascular injury and lower blood pressure.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Modulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress for Prevention and Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Review
Fengjiao YANG ; Yingye LIANG ; Peng YANG ; Yuling JIANG ; Gangyun WANG ; Yufeng HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):291-300
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain syndrome resulting from injury, inflammation, or dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system. Its pathogenesis is complex and intimately associated with peripheral sensitization and maladaptive neuroplasticity within the central nervous system. The core clinical manifestations, including spontaneous pain, allodynia, and paresthesia, severely compromise patients’ quality of life and pose substantial challenges to clinical management. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), a critical cellular defense mechanism against disrupted intracellular homeostasis, is primarily initiated and modulated through three canonical branches of the unfolded protein response (UPR): the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway, the inositol-requiring transmembrane kinase/endonuclease 1α (IRE1α) pathway, and the activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) pathway. These signaling cascades play a pivotal role in the pathological progression of NP. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits unique advantages in the treatment of NP. Leveraging its hallmark characteristics of multi-target, multi-pathway, and holistic regulation, TCM can systematically modulate the ERS signaling network to inhibit neuronal apoptosis, attenuate neuroinflammatory infiltration, and rectify autophagic dysfunction, ultimately promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged neural tissue. This review systematically summarizes the core role of ERS in the occurrence and development of NP. It focuses on the latest research progress regarding ERS pathway modulation in NP amelioration by representative TCM interventions, including potential core bioactive components (e.g., tanshinoneⅡA, catalpol, and formononetin), classic and empirical compound formulas (e.g., Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction, Compound Qiying granules, and Tangluoning), and TCM external therapies (e.g., electroacupuncture, moxibustion with seed-sized moxa cone, and acupotomy). Through an in-depth analysis of the functional characteristics and mechanisms of these TCM interventions, particularly their bidirectional regulation and multi-target synergy, this review aims to provide a solid theoretical foundation for further optimizing TCM-based strategies for NP prevention and treatment and to delineate future directions for clinical translation of related research achievements and targeted drug development.
9.Regulation of natural killer cell subtypes and functions by programmed cell death protein 1 and its receptor at the maternal-fetal interface in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii during the second trimester
Jiayue SUN ; Qiuhua BAI ; Xiaodan CHEN ; Jiayin LÜ ; Shanshan HE ; Lili TANG ; Dejun LIAO ; Dengyu LIU ; Xiaoyin FU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):465-474
Objective To investigate the regulatory role of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling on the subtypes and functions of natural killer (NK) cells at the maternal-fetal interface during the second trimester in mice following Toxoplasma gondii infection during the first trimester. Methods Twelve 6- to 8-week-old female mice of the C57BL/6J strain were divided into a control group and an infection group, of 6 mice in each group. On the 6.5th day of pregnancy (Gd6.5), each pregnant mouse in the infection group was intraperitoneally injected with 150 tachyzoites of the Toxoplasma gondii PRU strain, while mice in the control group were injected with an equal volume of physiological saline. On the 12.5th day of pregnancy (Gd12.5), uterus and placenta tissues were sampled from pregnant mice for pathological observations, and the mRNA expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified in uterus and placenta tissues. The PD-1 and DX5 expression was measured on NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface using flow cytometry. In addition, the in vitro JEG-3 trophoblast cells and NK-92MI cells co-culture system was established as the control group, and the addition of T. gondii tachyzoites in the co-culture system served as the infection group. The PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was quantified in cells using real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and the TNF-α concentration was measured in the cell culture supernatant using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results On Gd12.5, clear and intact cellular structures of placental decidual tissues were seen in pregnant mice in the control group, with no remarkable abnormal changes found in the uterine columnar epithelial cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration and blood stasis at varying degrees were found in uterine and placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.004 ± 0.004), (1.001 ± 0.001), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group and (2.480 ± 0.720), (3.355 ± 0.920), and (2.391 ± 0.073) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.007 ± 0.010), (1.006 ± 0.006), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the uterine tissues in the control group and (6.948 ± 1.918), (3.225 ± 1.034), and (1.536 ± 0.150) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was higher in both the uterine (t = 3.55, 4.43 and 33.02, all P values < 0.05) and placental tissues (t = 5.36, 3.72 and 6.18, all P values < 0.05) in the infection group than in the control group. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of PD-1+ NK cells, PD-1+ DX5+ NK cells, and DX5+ NK cells were (12.200 ± 1.082)%, (9.373 ± 7.728)%, and (44.000 ± 4.095)% in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group, and (21.733 ± 1.630)%, (18.767 ± 1.242)%, and (73.367 ± 0.611)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1+ NK cells, PD-1+ DX5+ NK cells, and DX5+ NK cells were (1.100 ± 0.510)%, (2.277 ± 1.337)%, and (96.167 ± 2.831)% in placental tissues from mice in the control group, and (26.867 ± 9.722)%, (23.433 ± 6.983)%, and (82.467 ± 2.248)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1+ NK cells (t = 8.45, P < 0.05) and DX5+ NK cells (t = 12.29, P < 0.05) were higher in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, and no significant difference was seen in the proportion of PD-1+ DX5+ NK cells (Z = -1.09, P > 0.05). The proportions of PD-1+ NK cells (t = 4.58, P < 0.05) and PD-1+ DX5+ NK cells (t = 5.15, P < 0.05) were higher in placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, while the proportion of DX5+ NK cells was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.56, P < 0.05). RT-qPCR assay revealed that the relative PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was (1.010 ± 0.005), (1.002 ± 0.003), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the JEG-3 cells and NK92MI cells co-culture system and (3.638 ± 1.258), (0.397 ± 0.158), and (4.267 ± 1.750) in the control group, and ELISA measured that the TNF-α concentration was higher in the cell culture supernatant in the infection group [(22.056 ± 3.205) pg/mL] than in the control group [(12.441 ± 0.001) pg/mL] (t = 5.20, P < 0.05). The PD-1(t = 3.62, P < 0.05) and DX5 mRNA expression (t = 3.23, P < 0.05) was higher in the infection group than in the control group, and the PD-L1 mRNA expression was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.63, P < 0.05). Conclusions Following T. gondii infection, both PD-L1 expression and PD-1 expression on DX5+ NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface are upregulated in mice during the second trimester; however, the proportion of DX5+ NK cells decreases. These findings suggest that PD-1/PD-L1 signaling may suppress NK cell functions by modulating DX5+ NK cell subsets.
10.Analysis of the results from national interlaboratory comparisons of radionuclide analysis by γ spectrometry
Yanghai SHI ; Yongyong CHEN ; Yuhua SHI ; Yuansheng LU ; Dezhi HE ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):55-60
Objective To verify the accuracy of γ spectrometry by analyzing the results of national interlaboratory comparisons of radionuclide analysis by γ spectrometry from 2018 to 2023. Methods A statistical analysis was conducted on the results from multiple years of participation in the national interlaboratory comparisons of radionuclide analysis by γ spectrometry. The measurement results of radionuclide specific activities in soil were analyzed to provide technical support for improving the capability to analyze radionuclides in soil. Results The laboratory participated in six interlaboratory comparisons and conducted 23 radionuclide analyses by γ spectrometry from 2018 to 2023. The relative deviation was −12.20% to 8.11%, the |Ztest| was 0 to 0.61, the Utest was 0 to 0.62, and the Urel was 0.07 to 0.12. The overall pass rate was 100% and the excellent rate was 33.3%. In addition, 21 of the 23 (91.3%) radionuclide analyses showed full scores in experiment operation. However, the total scores were relatively low due to multiple oversights and lack of rigor in the preparation of the test reports, which prevented the laboratory from qualifying for the excellence evaluation process, resulting in a relatively low excellent rate. Conclusion The interlaboratory comparisons indicate that the measurements of radionuclides in this laboratory were all qualified, with full scores for experiment operation in several analyses. These results demonstrate that the soil radionuclide analysis system based on γ spectrometry is reliable and stable.

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