1.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
2.Risk prediction models of early diagnosis of prostate cancer based on machine learning algorithms
Wuxue LI ; Tianhe ZHANG ; Xinghua ZHAO ; Changbao XU ; Haiyang WEI ; Zixu ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(3):249-257
Objective To construct prostate cancer(PCa)prediction models based on machine learning algorithms, so as to improve the accuracy of early diagnosis of PCa. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 504 patients who underwent prostate biopsy at our hospital during Jan. 2020 and Nov. 2024. Patients' age, body mass index(BMI), history of hypertension, diabetes and smoking, total prostate-specific antigen(tPSA), free prostate-specific antigen(fPSA), f/tPSA, prostate volume(PV), neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR), Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)score, digital rectal examination(DRE)results, and pathological findings were collected. The patients were divided into the training and testing sets at a ratio of 7:3. Ten early diagnosis prediction models of PCa were constructed using 10 supervised machine learning algorithms. Model performance was evaluated and validated using metrics including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis(DCA). SHAP analysis was used to interpret the models, and to clarify the importance of each feature and the basis for model decisions. Results All models showed good predictive value, with the gradient boosting machine(GBM)model performing the best(AUC=0.905, accuracy=84.1%, sensitivity=90.2%, specificity=80.0%). Calibration curves indicated good calibration and fitting of the GBM model, while DCA demonstrated favorable clinical net benefits. SHAP analysis identified the most significant features affecting PCa occurrence in descending order:tPSA, f/tPSA, PIRADS score, PV, age, and DRE. Conclusion The GBM model exhibits the optimal performance among the 10 models. The importance of features for predicting the occurrence of PCa, from the highest to the lowest, is as follows:tPSA, f/tPSA, PIRADS score, PV, age, and DRE.
3.Efficacy of intelligent temperature-pressure-controlled flexible ureteroscopy combined with negative-pressure suction sheath lithotripsy in the treatment of ≤2.5 cm upper urinary tract stones
Xiaofu WANG ; Yunxiang ZHANG ; Xinyu SHI ; Yongli ZHAO ; Changbao XU ; Changwei LIU ; Haiyang WEI ; Xinghua ZHAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(4):311-314
Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intelligent temperature-pressure-controlled flexible ureteroscopy combined with negative-pressure suction sheath lithotripsy in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones ≤2.5 cm. Methods: The clinical data of 225 patients with ≤2.5 cm upper urinary tract stones treated with this surgical method in our department during Aug. 2023 and Jul. 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the dual-control group (n=36) and conventional group (n=189) according to whether or not the intelligent temperature and pressure control device was used during operation. In the dual-control group,the intraoperative temperature and pressure in the renal pelvis were monitored and controlled in real time by the temperature and pressure sensors distributed at the end of the ureteral soft lens. The perioperative parameters,stone-removal rate,complication rate and renal function were compared between the two groups. Results: All operations were successfully completed in both groups. The postoperative procalcitonin (PCT) level [(22.75±5.85) ng/L vs. (29.08±6.60) ng/L,P=0.001],difference in the white blood cell (WBC) level [(0.24±2.12)×10
cells/L vs. (1.19±2.17)×10
cells/L,P=0.016],incidence of fever (2.8% vs. 16.9%,P=0.028) and overall complication rate (5.6% vs. 19.6%,P=0.042) were significantly lower in the dual-control group than in the conventional group,while the stone-clearance rate was slightly higher (88.9% vs. 82.5%,P=0.346),with no significant difference. Conclusion: For upper urinary tract stones ≤2.5 cm,intelligent temperature-pressure-controlled ureteroscopy combined with negative-pressure suction sheath lithotripsy has a satisfactory stone-removal rate and a low rate of complications,which is worthy of clinical promotion.
4.Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous diseases in the elderly
Yu ZHAO ; Jichun ZHAO ; Lan ZHANG ; Jianhua HUANG ; Pingfan GUO ; Tao WANG ; Yongjun LI ; Haiyang WANG ; Quan CHEN
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(6):1097-1108
The incidence of chronic venous disease(CVD)is significantly higher in the elderly population compared to non-elderly individuals,with more severe disease manifestations.Additionally,elderly CVD patients often have comorbid conditions such as cardiovascular diseases,making the evaluation process more complex and increasing treatment difficulty.Currently,there are no established recommendations in China for the diagnosis and treatment of CVD in individuals aged 60 and above.Against this backdrop,the Peripheral Vascular Disease Management Branch of the Chinese Geriatric Society has developed the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Venous Disease in the Elderly based on domestic and international guidelines,relevant evidence-based medical research,and the physiological and clinical characteristics of the elderly population in China.This consensus aims to provide an important reference for improving the diagnosis and treatment of CVD in elderly patients in China.
5.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
6.Combining proprioceptive training with core stability training improves the balance and lower limb motor functioning of burns patients
Haiyang ZHAO ; Juntao HAN ; Jiaqi LIU ; Dahai HU ; Qin ZHOU ; Chan ZHU ; Jin XU ; Bowen ZHANG ; Zongshi QI
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(5):425-429
Objective:To observe any influence of combining proprioceptive training with core stability training in rehabilitation motor functioning and balance after extensive burns.Methods:Sixty patients with lower limb motor and balance disorders after extensive burns were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups underwent skin grafting on the lower limbs. After the wounds had healed, both groups were given routine rehabilitation treatment, including joint stretching and muscle strength training, but the treatment group was additionally provided with proprioception and core stability training. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, both groups′ lower limb motor function and walking ability were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (L-FMA), and static and dynamic balance were quantified using Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC). The duration of standing on one leg with the eyes closed was recorded, along with Timed " Up & Go" Test (TUGT) times. After the treatment, each patient′s satisfaction was assessed using a self-designed questionnaire.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average L- FMA and FAC scores after the treatment, as well as in the ability to stand on one leg with the eyes closed. The average TUGT time in both groups was shorter, but there had been significantly greater improvement of the treatment group than among the controls. Reported satisfaction was significantly higher among the treated group than among the controls.Conclusions:Supplementing basic rehabilitation with proprioception training and core stability training can further improve the motor functioning, balance and walking of persons who have suffered extensive burns.
7.Gut microbiota modulates immune reconstitution in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Haiyang LU ; Weili ZHAO ; Xiaoxia HU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(5):628-633
As a symbiotic microbial community within the human body,the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in modulating various physiological processes,including metabolism,immunity,and endocrine function.During allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT),the hematopoietic and immune systems undergo significant changes,which are also influenced by the gut microbiota.Specifically,regarding hematopoietic function,the gut microbiota facilitates the multi-lineage differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells via NOD1-STATs and TLRs-MyD88 signaling pathways,and promotes rapid granulomonocytic lineage differentiation under infection stress.Consequently,early-stage primary graft dysfunction following transplantation may be associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis.In terms of immune function,the gut microbiota enhances the expression of antigen-presenting molecules on intestinal epithelial cells,thereby initiating acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD)in the gastrointestinal tract.Moreover,the gut microbiota regulates intestinal immune function through metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids,bile acids,and indole derivatives.Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota can lead to disrup-tion of the intestinal mucus barrier and immune barrier functions,further promoting the onset and progression of aGVHD in the gastrointestinal tract.Therefore,targeting the gut microbiota has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy and has been clinically applied.Notably,fecal microbiota transplantation combined with immunosuppressive therapy has shown significant efficacy in alleviating clinical severity and improving prognosis in steroid-refractory aGVHD,demonstrating high safety and manageable adverse reactions,representing a novel breakthrough in its treatment.
8.Epidemiological study on traditional Chinese medicine treatment for inflammatory bowel disease in Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023
Chujun NI ; Zexing LIN ; Haiyang JIANG ; Jie WU ; Peizhao LIU ; Jiaqi KANG ; Chengliang QIAN ; Haiqing LIU ; Liting DENG ; Huan YANG ; Chenling WU ; Yun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):318-325
Objective:To explore patterns of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Jiangsu Province, China from 2019 to 2023.Methods:Using data from the IBD health data platform of the National Healthcare Big Data (Eastern) Center, a retrospective cohort study was conducted. We performed descriptive analyses on hospitalised patients diagnosed with IBD between 2019 and 2023, who received TCM treatment.Results:The study included 11 095 case records from 4 760 patients, with TCM diagnoses primarily indicating diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Ulcerative colitis (UC) accounted for 4 782 hospitalizations (3 103 patients), while Crohn's disease (CD) accounted for 6 313 hospitalizations (1 657 patients). Patient demographics showed a trend towards younger age and a higher proportion of males. Treatment utilisation was highest in southern Jiangsu compared with the central and northern regions. In terms of disease burden, all treatment costs showed a downward trend. In terms of external TCM therapies, UC patients tend to prefer plasters and enemas, while CD patients are more inclined to use acupuncture. Regarding herbal medicine, licorice, white atractylodes, and white peony root are commonly used single herbs for IBD patients.Conclusions:The number of IBD patients treated with TCM in Jiangsu Province has steadily increased from 2019 to 2023. It is important to identify effective TCM treatment methods to reduce the burden of patients.
9.Preoperative prediction of factors associated with impacted ureteral stones and construction of a nomogram model
Xinyu SHI ; Haiyang WEI ; Changbao XU ; Wuxue LI ; Xiaofu WANG ; Tianhe ZHANG ; Zhiheng HUANG ; Xinghua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(9):669-675
Objective:To explore the predictive factors for ureteral stone impaction preoperatively and to construct a nomogram prediction model for impacted ureteral stones.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 209 patients with ureteral stones treated at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2023 to June 2024. There were 164 males(78.5%)and 45 females(21.5%). The age was 49(47,57)years,and the body mass index(BMI)was 25.10(23.55,27.24)kg/m2. Of the patients,85(40.7%)had comorbid hypertension and 85(40.7%)had comorbid diabetes. Stones were located on the left side in 124 patients(59.3%)and on the right side in 85 patients(40.7%). Hydronephrosis was present in 169 patients(80.9%),and urine culture was positive in 29 patients(13.9%). Patients were divided into impacted and non-impacted groups based on the presence or absence of ureteral stone impaction. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictive factors for impacted ureteral stones. A nomogram model was constructed based on these results. The performance of the predictive model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,calibration plots,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results:Among the 209 patients in this study,85(40.7%)experienced ureteral stone impaction. The impacted group had a significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)than the non-impacted group(3.91 ± 2.05 vs. 3.25 ± 2.10, P = 0.024),a higher rate of hydronephrosis[81.2%(69/85)vs. 80.6%(100/124), P = 0.002],larger stone surface area[(64.96 ± 39.96)mm2 vs.(51.86 ± 39.80)mm2, P = 0.021],greater ureteral wall thickness(UWT)[(3.96 ± 1.37)mm vs.(3.06 ± 1.33)mm, P < 0.001],and a higher ratio of the upper ureter diameter(D1)to the lower ureter diameter(D2)(DDR)(2.87 ± 1.58 vs. 2.00 ± 0.99, P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that NLR,hydronephrosis,stone length,stone surface area,UWT,D1,D2,and DDR were statistically significant( P < 0.05). After multivariate logistic regression analysis,the following items were identified as independent predictors of impacted ureteral stones:NLR( OR = 1.205,95% CI 1.026 - 1.415, P = 0.023),hydronephrosis( OR = 1.840,95% CI 1.236 - 2.740, P = 0.003),stone length( OR = 1.587,95% CI 1.142 - 2.206, P = 0.006),ureteral wall thickness(UWT)( OR = 1.643,95% CI 1.263 - 2.136, P < 0.001),and DDR( OR = 2.907,95% CI 1.040 - 8.130, P = 0.042).Based on these independent predictive factors,a nomogram prediction model for impacted ureteral stones was constructed. The area under the ROC curve was 0.797(95% CI 0.737 - 0.858),and the calibration curve showed good consistency. The decision curve suggested that the model had good clinical net benefit. Conclusions:NLR,hydronephrosis,stone length,UWT,and DDR are all independent predictors for impacted ureteral stones. The nomogram model constructed based on these factors has good predictive performance.
10.Current status of basic and translational research on heat stress-induced damage to the testicular spermatogenic microenvironment
Sirui ZHANG ; Haiyang ZHAO ; Hui WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(10):932-941
Heat stress(HS)is a critical factor contributing to male infertility,primarily by disrupting the testicular spermatogenic microenvironment,leading to oligospermia,asthenospermia,teratospermia and other male healthcare con-cerns.Sertoli cells are the major components of spermatogenic microenvironment and the blood-testis barrier(BTB),provi-ding structural and nutritional support for spermatogenesis.HS impairs the structure and function of Sertoli cells and the BTB,disrupts the spermatogenesis,and damages other testicular cells and extracellular matrix components.Current re-search predominantly employs surgical or environmental simulation models.A large number of studies have found that natu-ral compounds and traditional Chinese medicines exhibit therapeutic potential through antioxidant,anti-apoptotic,and hor-mone synthesis-regulating mechanisms.Patent and market translation efforts focus on optimizing formulars and developing novel antioxidant molecules.This review systematically summarizes the mechanisms of HS-induced reproductive damage,advances in basic research,and translational progress,aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for clinical diagnosis,treatment,and product development,while enhancing awareness of male reproductive health protection.

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