1.The Dual Role of p21 in Hormone-related Cancers and Its Therapeutic Implications
Jia-Wen LI ; Yang CHEN ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Yu-Kai MA ; Zhi-Yi GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):593-608
p21 (encoded by the CDKN1A gene) is a critical cell cycle regulatory protein endowed with versatile biological functions. In various sex hormone-related cancers, p21 exhibits a paradoxical dual role, capable of both inhibiting tumorigenesis and promoting cancer progression, exerting dual, often opposing, effects on cellular fate that are dictated by the specific context. The clinical targeting of p21 remains elusive, largely due to its functionally pleiotropic and context-dependent nature within intricate regulatory networks. During the initial, hormone-dependent phase of cancers like breast and prostate cancer, p21 expression and activity are largely governed by the transcriptional programs of estrogen or androgen receptor signaling. This hormonal regulation contributes to the control of tumor cell proliferation and underpins the initial efficacy of endocrine therapies. In contrast, as these diseases advance to late stages or evolve into non-hormone-dependent subtypes—exemplified by castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and specific forms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—these conventional hormonal control mechanisms often become dysfunctional or are entirely bypassed. This fundamental transition creates a critical therapeutic void, highlighting the urgent need to identify and exploit alternative molecular pathways to effectively target p21’s function. Promising strategies may include the precise modulation of its upstream transcriptional regulators, downstream effector proteins, or the intersecting parallel signaling networks that critically influence its activity. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the intricate and interconnected mechanisms that underpin the dual effects of p21 in sex hormone-related tumors. These mechanisms are categorized into three core, interrelated functional domains. (1) cell cycle regulation: p21 executes its canonical tumor-suppressive role by binding to and inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and by directly interacting with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), thereby inducing cell cycle arrest, predominantly at the G1/S checkpoint; (2) apoptosis modulation: p21 exerts a highly context-dependent influence on programmed cell death, functioning either as a pro-apoptotic agent under severe genotoxic stress or as a pro-survival factor by inhibiting apoptosis through interactions with proteins like Bcl-2; (3) hormonal and signaling crosstalk: p21 is an integral node within broader cellular networks, engaging in direct physical interactions with hormone receptors(e.g., AR, ER) and participating in complex feedback loops with key oncogenic pathways, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and p53. Critically, the role of p21 is not static but highly dynamic. It can undergo a functional switch from tumor-suppressive to tumor-promoting in response to therapeutic pressures, metabolic alterations, or evolving tumor microenvironment cues. These adaptive shifts are frequently implicated in the development of therapy resistance and disease recurrence, particularly in advanced, hormone-resistant cancers. By synthesizing these insights, this review aims to establish a coherent theoretical framework to guide the future development of novel therapeutic strategies that target the p21 pathway. It underscores the necessity of moving beyond a simplistic, binary view of p21 and emphasizes the forthcoming challenges, such as the discovery of reliable biomarkers to predict its functional state and the rational design of context-specific pharmacological modulators to selectively harness its therapeutic potential.
2.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
3.Long-term survival outcomes and prognostic factors following radical resection of pancreatic body and tail cancer:a retrospective analysis of 992 patients
Dong XU ; Yang WU ; Kai ZHANG ; Nan LYU ; Qianqian WANG ; Pengfei WU ; Jie YIN ; Baobao CAI ; Guodong SHI ; Jianzhen LIN ; Yazhou WANG ; Lingdi YIN ; Zipeng LU ; Min TU ; Jianmin CHEN ; Feng GUO ; Jishu WEI ; Junli WU ; Wentao GAO ; Cuncai DAI ; Yi MIAO ; Kuirong JIANG
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2026;64(1):46-54
Objective:To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients undergoing radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted on 992 patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic body and tail cancer at the Pancreatic Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2016 to June 2024. In this study, 577 (58.2%) were male and 415 (41.8%) were female,with an age of (65±9) years (range: 26 to 86 years). Follow-up continued until June 2024. Survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method,and prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.Results:Among 992 patients,open surgery was the predominant approach (89.1%, 884/992), and radical antegrade modular pancreatosplenectomy (RAMPS) was performed in 317 patients (32.0%). Combined organ resection,venous resection,and arterial resection were performed in 23.5%, 9.3%,and 11.2% of patients,respectively. The rates of R0, R1-1 mm, and R1-direct resections were 49.8% (494/992),41.5% (412/992), and 8.7% (86/992),respectively. Stage ⅡB was the most common TNM stage (32.2%,319/992). A total of 801 patients (80.8%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up period was 32.0(8.8) months(range:3.2 to 105.3 months),during which 508 patients (51.2%) died. The overall median survival (OS) was 26.4 months,with 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of 79.0%,40.0%, and 29.0%, respectively. In the recent five years (from 2020 to 2024), the median OS improved significantly to 34.1 months compared to 20.0 months from 2016 to 2019 ( P<0.01). Histological subtype analysis showed that the median OS time was 26.7 months for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=855),58.9 months for invasive intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC, n=32),and 15.7 months for adenosquamous carcinoma of pancreas (ASCP, n=73) ( P=0.001). Among PDAC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy significantly improved survival (29.1 months vs. 14.4 months, P<0.01);in IPMC patients, adjuvant chemotherapy also extended survival (65.7 months vs. 58.9 months, P=0.047). Although ASCP patients receiving chemotherapy had a longer median OS time than those without (18.8 months vs. 8.9 months),the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.151). Multivariate Cox regression analysis in PDAC patients indicated that adjuvant chemotherapy, R0 resection, T stage,N stage,and tumor differentiation were independent prognostic factors ( P<0.01). The median OS time by TNM stage was:not reached for stage ⅠA, 51.6 months for ⅠB, 25.5 months for ⅡA, 23.7 months for ⅡB, 23.0 months for Ⅲ, and 14.4 months for Ⅳ. The median OS time for R0,R1-1 mm,and R1-direct resections was 34.1,24.7,and 15.7 months,respectively ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Adjuvant chemotherapy,R0 resection,tumor stage,and differentiation are independent prognostic factors for pancreatic body and tail cancer.
4.Application of single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopy surgery in up-lobectomy
Pu ZHANG ; Ziliang LI ; Huan LIU ; Kang GUO ; Juan CHEN ; Jiangli SHANG ; Sanming DENG ; Kai CUI ; Wenhai LI ; Wuping WANG ; Xiaofei LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1240-1245
Objective To analyze the technical essentials of single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopic surgery, and to investigate its surgical efficacy and promotional value. Methods Clinical data of patients who consecutively underwent radical upper lobectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital from March 2023 to June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the surgical approach, patients were divided into two groups: the single-microport assisted group (underwent upper lobectomy via single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopy) and the traditional uniportal group (underwent traditional uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy). Clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 62 patients were enrolled. There were 30 patients in the single-microport assisted group, with a mean age of (57.4±10.8) years, and 32 patients in the traditional uniportal thoracoscopic group, with a mean age of (57.6±8.7) years. The baseline data were comparable between the two groups. All patients in both groups successfully underwent minimally invasive surgery without conversion to thoracotomy. The operative time in the single-microport assisted group was significantly shorter than that in the traditional uniportal group [(146.03±30.79) min vs. (171.41±36.41) min, P=0.004]. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in intraoperative blood loss, number of dissected lymph nodes, duration of chest tube drainage, postoperative pain score, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization cost, or incidence of postoperative complications (all P>0.05). Conclusion Single-microport assisted micro-uni-port thoracoscopic surgery for upper lobectomy can maximally integrate the advantages of three-port and uni-port VATS while effectively avoiding their disadvantages. It significantly shortens the operative time without increasing postoperative pain or complications, and represents a more minimally invasive, safer, and more convenient surgical approach.
5.Comparative efficacy of O-arm navigation-assisted and conventional posterior cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty via the intermuscular approach in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation
Zhe SHAO ; Wentao JIANG ; Kai SU ; Rundong GUO ; Long WANG ; Yili LI ; Xiaoteng LI ; Qiangqiang PAN ; Wei MEI ; Qingde WANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(3):259-266
Objective:To compare the efficacy of O-arm navigation-assisted and conventional posterior cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty (CEOL) via the intermuscular approach in the treatment of cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD).Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 60 CSCIWFD patients who were admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital from May 2021 to May 2023, with compression at C3-C6. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: 30 patients underwent O-arm navigation-assisted intermuscular approach CEOL (navigation-assisted group) and 30 patients underwent conventional intermuscular approach CEOL (conventional surgery group). Surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and total surgical blood loss were compared between the two groups. At 2 weeks postoperatively, CT scan was performed to evaluate the accuracy of hinge or open-door position preparation of the surgical segments. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for neck and shoulder pain and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were compared between the two groups preoperatively, at 2 weeks, 6 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Complication rates were also evaluated.Results:A total of 60 patients with CSCIWFD were included, comprising 35 males and 25 females, aged 35-77 years [(50.9±8.6)years]. All the patients were followed up for 12-24 months [(16.9±3.1)months]. The surgical duration and intraoperative blood loss were (121.6±17.9)minutes and (144.7±44.2)ml in the navigation-assisted group, shorter or less than (132.3±14.6)minutes and (178.7±48.7)ml in the conventional surgery group ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative drainage volume and total surgical blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). CT scan reviewed at 2 weeks postoperatively revealed that the accuracy rate of hinge and open-door position preparation of the surgical segments in the navigation-assisted group was 99.2% (119/120), significantly higher than 86.7% (104/120) in the conventional surgery group ( P<0.01). Before operation and at 2 weeks, 6 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, the VAS scores for neck and shoulder pain and JOA scores in the navigation-assisted group were 5.0(4.0, 7.0)points and (8.7±2.8)points, 3.0(2.0, 4.0)points and (10.2±2.5)points, 2.0(1.0, 2.0)points and (1 3.0±1.8)points, and 1.0(1.0, 2.0)points and (13.9±1.5)points respectively, while in the conventional surgery group, the VAS scores and JOA scores were 5.5(5.0, 6.3)points and (8.8±2.6)points, 4.0(3.0, 4.0)points and (10.4±2.5)points, 2.0(1.0, 3.0)points and (12.9±2.2)points, and 2.0(1.0, 2.0)points and (13.8±2.0)points ( P>0.05). Both groups showed improvement in neck and shoulder VAS scores and JOA scores at 2 weeks, 6 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, compared to preoperative scores ( P<0.05); further improvement was observed at 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up compared to that at 2 weeks postoperatively ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences between neck and shoulder VAS scores or JOA scores at 6 months postoperatively and at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). In the navigation-assisted group, 2 patients had axial neck-shoulder pain postoperatively, with a complication rate of 7% (2/30); while in the conventional surgery group, 7 patients had axial neck-shoulder pain and one patient developed cerebrospinal fluid leakage and low-pressure headache, with a complication rate of 27% (8/30) ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared to the conventional intermuscular approach, O-arm navigation-assisted intermuscular approach CEOL for CSCIWFD reduces surgical duration and intraoperative blood loss, improves the accuracy of hinge and open-door position preparation, and lowers complication rates.
6.CNV Encompassing SNP Detection by Cross-reactivity Probe
Xiao-Mei HU ; Chen ZHOU ; Pin-Zheng ZHANG ; Yang CHEN ; Jia-Wen LI ; Yu-Kai MA ; Jia-Qi WANG ; Zhi-Yi GUO
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):895-902
Copy number variation encompassing SNP plays an important role in IVD and precision medi-cine.As the most commonly used method,FISH could not overcome the probe cross-reactivity which is common when to detect SNP.Here we developed a quantitative and qualitative method on copy number variation encompassing SNP.In this study,the rs76711854 was used as an example to establish a quanti-tative method by advantage of probe cross-reactivity.The fragment encompassing rs76711854 and its downstream to 9 514 bp were amplified by PCR.The allelic genotypes were verified by Sanger sequen-cing.Different probes with or without cross-reactivity to be used via quantitative real-time PCR and digit-al PCR.The different clusters(2D)and fluorescence intensity layers(1D)exist by adding probe with cross-reactivity.The A/G ratio measured by digital PCR is 2︰1,which is verified by probe targeting to the SNP.The copy-number variant exists in the 9kb-long fragment upstream to the SNP of prostate cancer cell line but not in human endometrial adenocarcinoma cell line Ishikawa.The data suggest that there is a multi-copy variation at this locus in DU145 cells.The method applied here is based on one single cross-reactivity probe via digital PCR.
7.Expert Consensus on the Ethical Requirements for Generative AI-Assisted Academic Writing
You-Quan BU ; Yong-Fu CAO ; Zeng-Yi CHANG ; Hong-Yu CHEN ; Xiao-Wei CHEN ; Yuan-Yuan CHEN ; Zhu-Cheng CHEN ; Rui DENG ; Jie DING ; Zhong-Kai FAN ; Guo-Quan GAO ; Xu GAO ; Lan HU ; Xiao-Qing HU ; Hong-Ti JIA ; Ying KONG ; En-Min LI ; Ling LI ; Yu-Hua LI ; Jun-Rong LIU ; Zhi-Qiang LIU ; Ya-Ping LUO ; Xue-Mei LV ; Yan-Xi PEI ; Xiao-Zhong PENG ; Qi-Qun TANG ; You WAN ; Yong WANG ; Ming-Xu WANG ; Xian WANG ; Guang-Kuan XIE ; Jun XIE ; Xiao-Hua YAN ; Mei YIN ; Zhong-Shan YU ; Chun-Yan ZHOU ; Rui-Fang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(6):826-832
With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.
8.Analysis on key factors in quality control based on the model of EWM and DEMATEL for clinical laboratory instruments
Teng ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Shuo CAI ; Wei GUO
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(10):102-107
Objective:To analyze the key factors in quality control for clinical laboratory instrument by constructing an analysis framework of the model that entropy weight method(EWM)combines with decision laboratory analysis(DEMATEL),so as to obtain the key factors of quality control for clinical laboratory instrument,and provide a basis in formulating targeted quality control strategies for clinical laboratory instruments.Methods:Based on EWM,the entropy weight values of various factors of quality control for clinical laboratory instruments that produced influence on quality control for clinical laboratory instruments were obtained,and the DEMATEL was combined to determine the value of influence degree among different factors.The combined weight values of each factor were calculated to construct the analysis framework of the model that EWM combined with DEMATEL.Then,the main influencing factors were determined to formulate the model of management system of quality control for clinical laboratory instruments.Results:The management system of quality control for clinical laboratory instruments included 23 key factors of 5 aspects:performance and design of instruments,operators'training and skills,environmental factors,maintenance management,and mechanism of quality feedback.The combined weights of 10 factors,which included maintenance for instrument,operators'experience and proficiency,repair for instrument,operators'understanding for instrument performance,accuracy of instrument,mechanism of quality control and continuous feedback,stability of instrument,data security,suggestions of analyzing and optimizing data,and calibration for instrument,has a relatively high weight,and they were extremely key factors in the quality control for clinical laboratory instruments.Conclusion:The analysis framework of EWM combined with DEMATEL model can improve the accuracy and reliability of analyzing key factors of quality control for clinical laboratory instrument,and provide scientific basis in formulating targeted quality control strategies for clinical laboratory instrument,and help to promote continuous improvement and enhancement of quality control for clinical laboratory instrument.
9.A case of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair performed on a patient with severe atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation
Yi-jiang ZHOU ; Wei-cong XIA ; Kai WANG ; Jun LI ; Ya-wei CUI ; Kai-li WANG ; Yun MOU ; KUSHANI·REYIHAN ; Xiao-gang GUO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(4):236-240
Persistent atrial fibrillation and other factors can cause mitral and tricuspid annular dilation and leaflet regurgitation,leading to severe functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.Patients often experience significant heart failure symptoms and poor prognosis.For patients with severe mitral or tricuspid regurgitation who are at high risk or contraindicated for surgical procedures,transbronchial repair(TEER)is an important alternative therapy that can effectively reduce valve regurgitation and improve cardiac function;Although there is a lack of large-scale data on atrial functional reflux,existing experience still shows that TEER can significantly reduce reflux and improve patients'quality of life.However,double valve intervention therapy poses challenges,especially when combined with TEER repair,which is technically more complex,time-consuming,and carries higher risks.Foreign data shows that simultaneous or staged double valve intervention can safely improve cardiac function and increase survival rates,but the optimal intervention strategy still needs further research.Due to the fact that tricuspid TEER devices have not yet been launched in China,only staged treatment can be adopted at present.This case report shows a patient with severe atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation who underwent staged transcatheter edge to edge repair surgery successfully.During a 1-year follow-up,bilateral valve regurgitation continued to improve,indicating that staged repair of bilateral atrioventricular valve regurgitation through the catheter margin is a feasible and effective treatment option.
10.Implant restoration assisted by autonomous dental robot after upper jaw reconstruction
Zhenxing GUO ; Yue WANG ; Minmin ZHENG ; Jin TU ; Jianhua WEI ; Shizhu BAI ; Yimin ZHAO ; Kai JIAO
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(2):173-176
The left maxilla of a patient was resected because of tumor,and the defect was reconstruted with fibular transplantation.The autonomous dental implant robot technology was used to achieve precise implantation of multiple implants and immediate denture restoration within the limited left maxilla.The surgery was minimally invasive and efficient,and significantly reducing patient post-operative discomfort.The final restoration was completed 6 months after surgery.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail