1.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
2.Current Status and Optimization Strategies for Setting Objective Performance Criteria in Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi LAI ; Qian HUANG ; Xueyin CHEN ; Shaonan LIU ; Lihong YANG ; MIMAZHUOGA ; DAWA ; Zhijian LI ; Tuerxun WUFUER ; Xinfeng GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1461-1464
Current formulation of objective performance criteria (OPC) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) faces methodological challenges, including poor reporting quality, insufficient standardization of methods, limited comparability of study populations, and inadequate consideration of the genetic and environment particularities of ethnic minority populations. In response to these issues, this paper proposes optimization strategies for setting OPC in TCM, with particular attention to ethnic minority medicine. These include improving methodological techniques and statistical descriptions, ensuring transparency in meta-analyses and data sources; standardizing the estimation of point estimates and confidence intervals, and incorporating multidisciplinary expert consensus for value determination; introducing local real-world data from the same period, especially cohort study evidence, to compensate for the lack of high-quality randomized controlled trial data. Through process transparency and dynamic updating mechanisms, the credibility of OPC method can be enhanced, thereby providing methodological support for strengthening evidence-based research capacity in this field.
3.Bioinformatics Analysis of VIPR2 as A Biomarker for Immune Infiltration and Prognosis in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Ke ZHAO ; Lei LIU ; Guige WANG ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Libing YANG ; Chao GUO ; Cheng HUANG ; Yeye CHEN ; Shanqing LI
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(6):430-439
Objective To investigate the expression characteristics, prognostic value, and correlation with immune
4.Pathogenesis Evolution of Atherosclerosis Induced by Novel Turbid-toxin Microplastics from Perspective of "Body Fluids and Blood Stasis Mixing"
He GUO ; Ying YANG ; Yi ZHENG ; Zhichao CHEN ; Huan ZHANG ; Ying ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):253-260
From the theoretical perspective of "body fluids and blood stasis mixing", environmental microplastics (MPs) are conceptualized as a "novel turbid-toxin". This study aims to elucidate the complete pathogenic pathway through which MPs act as a key driving force (the "crucible" of pathogenesis) in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis (AS). By tracing the classical theories in the Chapter The Occurrence of All Diseases of Miraculous Pivot (Ling Shu), this paper clarifies the core connotations of "body fluids"-it not only refers to endogenous pathological fluids and lipid turbidity but also provides a theoretical basis for incorporating "exogenous turbid fluids", thereby laying a logical foundation for conceptualizing MPs as a "novel turbid-toxin". Meanwhile, the implications of "blood" (encompassing both blood quality abnormalities and blood stasis) and the dynamic process of "mixing" are elucidated. Drawing upon modern toxicological evidence, this paper demonstrates the high homology between MPs and "exogenous turbid-fluids" from three aspects: Morphology, toxicity, and invasion routes. The micro/nano-scale particle morphology of MPs enables mobility within the bloodstream. The multiple exposure pathways of MPs correspond to the traditional Chinese medicine understanding of pathogens invading through the mouth, nose, and skin. The characteristics of accumulating in vivo while inducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of MPs fully embody the pathogenic features-adhesion, binding, and vessel damage-of "turbid-toxin". On this basis, the dynamic pathogenesis of MP-induced AS is systematically interpreted. Initially, MPs with the "turbid-toxin" nature impair nutrient-defense harmony and cause endothelial dysfunction. Subsequently, as the core of "mixing", they interact with blood lipids and immune cells, generating heat and phlegm to form a major pathological hub of chronic inflammation. Ultimately, this process drives the coalescence of phlegm, stasis, and turbid-toxin into tangible plaques, evolving from stable lesions to vulnerable masses and accumulations. By integrating classical pathogenic model with contemporary environmental medicine, this study establishes an analytical framework that bridges macro-theory and micro-mechanisms for understanding the cardiovascular risks of MPs through an integrative Chinese-Western medicine lens.
5.Effects of three internal fixation techniques on biomechanics of adjacent segment degeneration in lumbar interbody fusion
ABUDUSALAMU·TUOHETI ; Yang XIAO ; Yixi WANG ; MUSITAPA·MIJITI ; Qihao CHEN ; MAIMAITIMING·SAIYITI ; Hailong GUO ; PAERHATI·REXITI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):586-595
BACKGROUND:In 2019,the modified cortical bone trajectory technique was proposed by our team,significantly improving traditional methods.Previous studies have highlighted its superior biomechanical properties for segment fixation.However,a comprehensive systematic analysis of its specific biomechanical effects on adjacent segment degeneration is lacking,particularly regarding its influence on range of motion and intervertebral disc stress in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion techniques.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biomechanical effects of modified cortical bone trajectory screw techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.METHODS:CT scans were performed on three human cadaver specimens to establish and validate three-dimensional intact finite element models of the L1-S1 segment.For each of these,the posterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with three different fixation techniques was reconstructed at the L4-L5 segment.The L4-L5 segment was fixed using three different internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws).The range of motion and von Mises stress of the intervertebral disc of the L3-L4 and L5-S1 segments were recorded with a 400 N compressive load and 7.5 N moments in flexion,extension,left-right bending,and left-right rotation.The impacts of the three internal fixation techniques on adjacent segment degeneration in the two kinds of fusion were compared and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group showed a reduced range of motion on adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)under six loading conditions compared to both the cortical bone trajectory screw group and traditional bone trajectory screw group.Specifically,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw group significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared to the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.005),while the stress on the intervertebral disc in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)exhibited greater dispersion.Similarly,the cortical bone trajectory screw group also significantly reduced the maximum stress on the intervertebral disc in the superior adjacent segment(L3-L4)during extension compared with the traditional bone trajectory screw group(P=0.03).(2)Compared with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion,the three internal fixation techniques(modified cortical bone trajectory,cortical bone trajectory,and traditional pedicle screws)showed a trend of reduced range of motion in the inferior adjacent segment(L5-S1)under six loading conditions.In contrast,the maximum stress on the intervertebral discs in both the superior and inferior adjacent segments(L3-L4,L5-S1)exhibited an increasing trend in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model.(3)It is concluded that in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion model,the modified cortical bone trajectory screw exhibited superior biomechanical properties in reducing the range of motion at adjacent segments,which may have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration.
6.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.
7. Exploration and Practice of a Generative AI-assisted Four-dimensional Integration Platform of “Teaching, Learning, Evaluation, and Research” for The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Courses
Pan CHEN ; Yang XI ; Xiao-Feng JIN ; De-Sen SUN ; Qiang CHEN ; Jun-Ming GUO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):789-800
ObjectiveBiochemistry and Molecular Biology, a discipline that elucidates life phenomena at the molecular level, serves as a core foundational course in medical education. It provides the theoretical basis for studying other basic and clinical medical subjects, as well as for understanding pathogenesis, disease diagnosis, and treatment. However, its complex content and highly abstract concepts have posed a dual challenge to traditional teaching models: “inefficient instruction” and “inadequate learning outcomes”. Within limited classroom hours, how to engage students and stimulate their intrinsic motivation, and how to help them recognize, understand, and develop a passion for biochemistry from the perspective of the discipline’s essence, have long been key focuses of curriculum research. MethodsUsing the lipid metabolism chapter as an example, this study employs “Rain Classroom”, a generative artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted platform, to support education in four dimensions: teaching, learning, evaluation, and research. In teaching, it assists instructors through virtual experiments, lesson preparation support, knowledge mapping, and assignment design. For learning, it serves as an intelligent study assistant for students, providing automated assignment review, enabling educational resource sharing, and facilitating personalized learning pathways. In evaluation, the platform automates assignment grading, analyzes student performance data, and offers diagnostic feedback and teaching recommendations. In research, it aids educators in collecting and analyzing teaching data, as well as searching for and summarizing relevant literature. ResultsThe results indicate that an educational model integrating teacher-led instruction, student-centered learning, and generative AI assistance significantly enhances teaching quality, students’ self-directed learning abilities, and knowledge mastery. Furthermore, with the support of generative AI, curriculum-based ideological education—focusing on cutting-edge disciplinary advances and topical medical issues—helps cultivate students’ medical spirit of “honoring life and healing the wounded”, thereby fostering the establishment of appropriate professional values. Finally, while generative AI presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education, this study also analyzes potential risks in its teaching applications, emphasizing the need for both instructors and students to avoid over-reliance and to ensure that technological tools consistently serve the fundamental goals of education. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that integrating generative AI, specifically via the “Rain Classroom” platform, can effectively enhance biochemistry education. By supporting teaching, learning, evaluation, and research, this approach improves both educational effectiveness and student outcomes. It also facilitates the incorporation of cutting-edge knowledge and professional ethics, nurturing a patient-centered mindset. Additionally, the study addresses potential implementation risks to ensure that such technological tools remain aligned with the core purpose of education.
8.Analysis of the changes in intestinal microbiota of patients with moderate to severe acne based on 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology
Shichao JIANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Zheng CHEN ; Song QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Birong GUO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):98-103
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between acne vulgaris and gut microbiota. MethodsA total of 29 clinical cases diagnosed with moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris and 26 healthy individuals as control subjects were recruited. Fecal specimens were collected from all participants, and further analysis of gut microbial communities was performed by leveraging high-throughput sequencing techniques that target the hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA genes. ResultsAssociations between acne vulgaris and alterations in gut microbiota were identified. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota exhibited a statistically significant elevation in the acne vulgaris cohort when compared with the healthy control group (P<0.01), while Cyanobacteria was significantly lower in the acne group (P<0.01). At the genus level, the top five different bacterial taxa in both groups were Bacteroides, Escherichia⁃Shigella, Klebsiella, Roseburia, and Parabacteroides. Among them, Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Parabacteroides were more abundant in acne patients. Linear discriminant analysis identified five biomarkers all belonging to the Bacteroidota phylum in the acne and control groups. These biomarkers belong to the phylum Bacteroidetes. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the composition of intestinal microbiota between acne patients and healthy people. Changes in the richness of specific bacterial genera may become new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of acne.
9.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
10.Preliminary application of histological evaluation of donor pancreas biopsy tissue in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation
Jiao WAN ; Hui GUO ; Jiali FANG ; Guanghui LI ; Luhao LIU ; Yunyi XIONG ; Wei YIN ; Tong YANG ; Junjie MA ; Zheng CHEN
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):250-256
Objective To preliminarily investigate the safety and efficacy of donor pancreas needle biopsy in simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 7 cases undergoing donor pancreas biopsy were collected retrospectively. All cases underwent donor pancreas biopsy before or during simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation. Frozen section or paraffin sectioning techniques were used for tissue preparation, and hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining were performed to histologically evaluate the donor pancreas. The quality of donor pancreas was comprehensively assessed by combining histological findings with the donor's clinical data. Postoperative follow-up data of 5 simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant recipients were collected to summarize the safety of donor pancreas biopsy and the prognosis of transplant recipients. Results The 7 pancreas donors were aged 28 to 62 years, with a body mass index ranging from 20.76 to 27.68 kg/m2. Liver ultrasound indicated fatty liver in 3 cases, while pancreatic ultrasound did not reveal any significant abnormalities. Among them, biopsy was performed on 2 donors after completion of pancreatic procurement and processing, and the frozen section histology showed moderate acute pancreatitis changes (edema of acinar cells, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration). Combined with a serum amylase level elevated more than 3 times the upper limit of normal value, these two donor pancreases were finally discarded. The remaining 5 cases underwent biopsy immediately after pancreatic vascular anastomosis during simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation, and histological evaluation was performed on paraffin-embedded sections. No biopsy-related complications (such as bleeding, pancreatic fistula, etc.) occurred after transplantation. One recipient died of severe infection 2 months after transplantation, while the other 4 recipients were followed up for more than 5 years, with well-functioning transplant kidneys and pancreases. Conclusions Donor pancreas biopsy is relatively safe, and the risk of biopsy-related complications after transplantation is controllable. Comprehensive assessment of donor pancreas quality by combining histological evaluation with the donor's clinical indicators is conducive to improving the accuracy of donor pancreas selection and organ utilization.

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