1.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.
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.Intervention effect of school based salt reduction health education on knowledge attitude behavior and urinary sodium among primary school students
YANG Zheng, XU Jie, MAO Tao, CHENG Luyao, YANG Zeguang, QU Chen, ZHEN Shiqi, LIN Jiajin, ZHANG Yang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):637-641
Objective:
To evaluate the intervention effect of school based salt reduction health education, so as to provide a scientific basis for constructing a more effective and sustainable salt reduction intervention model for children.
Methods:
According to a randomized controlled trial design, in June 2022, probability proportional to size sampling was used to select 501 second grade students (248 in the control group and 253 in the intervention group) from 10 primary schools in Zhenjiang (intervention group) and 10 primary schools in Yangzhou (control group), Jiangsu Province. An one year school based salt reduction health education intervention was implemented. This included 20 online and 8 offline health education sessions, monitoring of salt consumption in the canteen, and the establishment of a salt reduction environment on campus. The control group received no additional salt reduction interventions. A questionnaire survey and 24 hour urinary sodium test were conducted before and after the intervention. The difference in differences method was used to evaluate the intervention effect.
Results:
After the intervention, the intervention group showed significant net intervention effects in knowledge aspects, including knowing that primary school students consume less salt than adults ( OR=3.55,95%CI =1.69-7.47), daily salt intake of primary school students ( OR=6.64,95%CI =3.71-11.87), long term high salt intake leading to hypertension ( OR=6.83,95%CI =3.93-11.91), low salt intake not causing hair graying ( OR= 1.66 ,95%CI =1.00-2.75), salt content in food labels ( OR=4.56,95%CI =2.63-7.91), and common high salt foods ( OR=3.39,95%CI =1.87-6.14) (all P <0.05). In terms of attitude, the net intervention effect for having a positive attitude toward using less salt in home cooking was significantly increased ( OR=1.88,95%CI =1.13-3.12, P <0.05). There were no statistically significant net intervention effects for salt reduction related behaviors (all P >0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the changes of 24 hour urinary sodium between the intervention group and the control group before and after intervention ( P >0.05).
Conclusions
School based salt reduction health education effectively improves students salt reduction knowledge and attitudes but has a limited effect on behavior change. The home-school collaboration should be strengthened, and the dietary environment should be optimized simultaneously.
4.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
5.Analyses of comorbidity patterns of chronic metabolic diseases among residents aged 35‒75 years in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province
Yuqi WANG ; Jie HUANG ; Bo CAI ; Yarong HAN ; Ling LIN ; Xingxing FANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(3):187-192
ObjectiveTo analyze the comorbidity patterns of chronic metabolic diseases and their influencing factors among residents aged 35‒75 years old in Nantong City of Jiangsu Province, and to provide theoretical support for the prevention and control of comorbidities. MethodsThe permanent residents aged 35‒75 years from the Comprehensive Prevention and Control Project of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases in Nantong City from 2021 to 2024 were selected as the research subjects. Clustering analysis and association rule were used to investigate the comorbidity patterns of chronic metabolic diseases, and their influencing factors were identified through logistic regression analyses. ResultsThe prevalence of comorbidity of chronic metabolic diseases among residents aged 35‒75 years in Nantong City was 47.40%. Among comorbidity patterns based on disease counts, the prevalence of hypertension+dyslipidemia was highest in binary comorbidity patterns (6.25%), while that of hypertension+dyslipidemia+obesity was highest in ternary comorbidity patterns (4.01%). Association rules showed that in both binary and ternary comorbidity patterns, the confidence level was highest for obesity+hypertension (72.70%) and obesity+dyslipidemia+hypertension (74.54%). Renal insufficiency formed an independent cluster in cluster analyses. Logistic regression analyses revealed that, compared with the non-comorbidity group, males (OR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.69‒2.91), advanced age (45‒54 years, OR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.02‒1.88; 55‒64 years, OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.14‒2.23; 65‒75 years, OR=2.34, 95%CI: 1.58‒3.47), and low physical activity (OR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.10‒1.65) were influencing factors for metabolic disease comorbidity. ConclusionIn the comorbidity patterns of chronic metabolic diseases among residents aged 35‒75 years in Nantong City, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia interact with each other. Individuals with obesity are more prone to diseases such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Prevention and control of chronic metabolic diseases should be strengthened for males, individuals with low physical activity and advanced age.
6.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
7.Establishment and application of the method for plasma concentration determination of lamotrigine,levetiracetam and perampanel in children with epilepsy
Wenlin SONG ; Ying ZHOU ; Haoran CHEN ; Ziyue LIN ; Yan LI ; Jie LIU ; Taiwei JIN ; Xuqiang ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1313-1317
OBJECTIVE To establish a method for simultaneous determination of plasma concentration of lamotrigine(LTG), levetiracetam(LEV) and perampanel(PER) in children with epilepsy and apply this method in clinical practice. METHODS Plasma proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile. Using PER-D 5 as internal standard, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was adopted. The determination was performed on ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 C 18 column with mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid with 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate-acetonitrile (gradient elution) at the flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The column temperature was 40 ℃, and sample size was 5 μL. The analysis time was 5 min. The electrospray ionization source and multiple reaction monitoring mode were used for positive ion scanning. The ion pairs used for quantitative analysis of LTG, LEV, PER and internal standard were m / z 255.9→144.9, m / z 171.1→126.1, m / z 350.1→219.0 and m / z 354.9→220.2, respectively. The steady-state trough concentrations of the aforementioned drugs in the plasma of 14 pediatric epilepsy patients receiving combination therapy were determined using the same UPLC-MS/MS method as above. RESULTS The linear ranges of LTG, LEV and PER were 0.15-24 μg/mL ( R 2 >0.993), 0.312 5-50 μg/mL ( R 2 >0.997) and 6.25-1 000 ng/mL ( R 2 >0.997), respectively. The lower limits of quantification were 0.15 μg/mL, 0.312 5 μg/mL and 6.25 ng/mL, respectively. RSDs of intraday and interday precision tests of the three drugs were no more than 9.83%, and the accuracies (relative errors) were between -9.33% and 13.72%( n =6 or n =18); the average extraction recovery rates were 86.4%-97.9%, and the average matrix effects were 86.9%-110.0% ( n =6). The absolute values of the relative errors in the stability tests were all below 15%. The steady-state trough concentrations of LTG, LEV and PER were (5.64±4.03)μg/mL, (10.67±8.78)μg/mL and(450.20±251.27)ng/mL, respectively; the rates of achieving target trough concentrations were 71.4%, 37.5% and 84.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The established UPLC-MS/MS method is specific, rapid and suitable for the plasma concentration monitoring in epileptic children receiving combination therapy.
8.Preliminary Outcomes of Endoscopic Spine Surgery Adoption at a Singapore Tertiary Hospital: A Multisurgeon Experience
John Wen Cong THNG ; Nicholas WONG ; Kai Lin LEE ; Wu Jie TOH ; Haobin CHEN ; Ghim Hoe NEO ; Yilun HUANG
Journal of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Technique 2026;11(1):95-104
Objective:
This study characterizes the demographic and clinical profiles of patients undergoing unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery (UBE ESS) for lumbar decompression/discectomy at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. It examines service implementation across multiple senior surgeons, evaluates preliminary clinical outcomes, and describes the learning curve observed during early adoption among surgeons already experienced in minimally invasive spine surgery, benchmarked against international standards. In the context of increasing global uptake of endoscopic techniques, this work provides evidence to inform institutional adoption and surgeon training. This analysis forms part of a multi-paper series comparing surgeon experience and patient outcomes between conventional minimally invasive approaches and UBE ESS for lumbar decompression/discectomy.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective review of 111 patients who underwent UBE lumbar decompression/discectomy at a public tertiary hospital between October 2022 and April 2024. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, presenting symptoms, operative details, and clinical outcomes, including visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) health domains, were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results:
The mean patient age was 56.8 years, with a slight female predominance (54.1%). Statistically significant improvements were observed in VAS scores for both back and leg pain (p<0.05), alongside significant gains in SF-36 domains including physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, and social functioning. Operative times decreased progressively with increasing case volume, consistent with the presence of a procedural learning curve.
Conclusion
UBE ESS for lumbar decompression/discectomy is a safe and efficacious technique that can be successfully adopted by spinal surgeons with prior minimally invasive surgical experience. Operative time demonstrates a meaningful reduction once the initial learning curve has been overcome. ESS provides a reproducible option for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease in the tertiary hospital setting in Singapore, with outcomes comparable to established international benchmarks. Future work will include long-term follow-up of this patient cohort and direct comparison with conventional minimally invasive techniques in subsequent studies.
9.Reactive and Enzyme-activated Probe Strategies for Imaging Acute Kidney Injury
Ru-Long CHEN ; Ting-Fei XIE ; Jin-Xin ZHANG ; Jia-Ting CHEN ; Jie LI ; Peng-Fei ZHANG ; Ji-Hong CHEN ; Lin-Tao CAI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1622-1637
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a prevalent and life-threatening clinical syndrome characterised by a rapid decline in renal function and diverse pathological etiologies. The condition has been demonstrated to be associated with elevated mortality rates and an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. At present, clinicians depend heavily on conventional functional markers, such as serum creatinine and urine output, for the diagnosis and staging of the disease. It is evident that these conventional indicators characteristically manifest a considerable temporal delay and only undergo modification subsequent to considerable tissue damage. This severely restricts the timeframe for early detection and timely therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, standard markers fail to provide specific biological information regarding the underlying cellular injury mechanisms. The utilisation of advanced probe technologies in molecular imaging offers a robust alternative to overcome these inherent diagnostic limitations.This comprehensive review systematically evaluates recent progress in the design and application of two primary categories of molecular imaging tools for acute kidney disease, specifically reactive probes and enzyme-activated probes. Reactive probes are engineered to specifically interact with redox-active chemical species, including hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid, and sulfur dioxide. Because oxidative stress constitutes a primary early event in acute renal tubular damage, these probes enable researchers and clinicians to visualize early cellular injury and radical accumulation well before global renal functional decline becomes evident. We discuss the application of these reactive probes across multiple imaging modalities including fluorescence imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and photoacoustic techniques. Photoacoustic imaging combines high spatial resolution with deep tissue penetration and has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide diagnostic alerts up to 12 h before any detectable rise in serum creatinine levels. Additionally, specific reactive probes have shown promising translational potential when tested by high-throughput screening in clinical human urine samples. Enzyme-activated probes target the specific catalytic activity of disease-relevant enzymes. These include well-documented renal tubular structural biomarkers such as NAG, GGT, and ALP, along with apoptosis-related caspases and specific nitroreductases. By responding only to enzymatic cleavage, these tools provide highly specific and pathology-directed imaging readouts. Recent structural design strategies in this field have advanced significantly beyond single-enzyme detection. Researchers are now focusing on sophisticated dual-target recognition to minimize background noise, multimodal integration to cross-validate imaging signals, and theranostic applications where probes simultaneously deliver diagnostic feedback and therapeutic agents to injured tissues. Nanotechnology serves as a fundamental enabler for realizing these advanced probe functions. By precisely optimizing nanoparticle parameters such as hydrodynamic size, surface charge, and targeting ligands, researchers can achieve amplified signal output, highly precise kidney delivery, and protection against premature degradation in the systemic circulation. For example, modifying surface charges can significantly enhance the active uptake of nanoprobes by damaged renal tubular epithelial cells.While preclinical probe development has progressed rapidly, moving these technologies into routine clinical practice remains a major challenge. We analyze the translational feasibility and current obstacles from biological, technological, and regulatory perspectives. Although biological targets such as KIM-1, FAP, and ALP have been validated in extensive patient cohorts, practical barriers severely limit their immediate clinical application. These obstacles involve complex changes in in vivo pharmacokinetics. During an acute injury episode, the extreme drop in the glomerular filtration rate alters probe clearance and can cause unwanted systemic accumulation or confusing background imaging signals. Other major hurdles include a lack of comprehensive long-term toxicity data and the absence of standardized manufacturing protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Future successful translation will require rigorous multi-center clinical studies to confirm the true diagnostic value of these probes over traditional markers. Researchers must also establish strict standardization of imaging procedures and comprehensive safety evaluations. Ultimately, this review provides a thorough reference framework for designing clinically translatable molecular probes and building a precision diagnostic imaging system for acute kidney injury.
10.Risk Assessment for Ramadan Fasting in People With Diabetes in Hospital-Based Diabetes Clinics Using the Updated 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator
Raja Nurazni Raja Azwan ; Chin Voon Tong ; Lisa Mohamed Nor ; Marisa Khatijah Borhan ; Syarifah Syahirah Syed Abas ; Poh Shean Wong ; Ying Jie Tan ; Shartiyah Ismail ; Eunice Yi Chwen Lau ; Yueh Chien Kuan ; Noor Hafis Md Tob ; Shu Teng Chai ; Pei Lin Chan ; Xe Hui Lee ; Wei Wei Ng ; Jin Hui Ho ; Miza Hiryanti Zakaria ; Rabeah Md Zuki ; Wan Mohd Hafez Wan Hamzah ; Melissa Vergis ; Choon Peng Sun ; Vanusha Devaraja Pillai ; Chee Koon Low ; Shazatul Reza Mohd Redzuan ; Xin-Yi Ooi ; Siti Sanaa Wan Azman ; Deviga Lachumanan ; Saiful Shahrizal Shudim ; Zanariah Hussein
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):42-43
Introduction:
The 2021 IDF-DAR risk calculator had been previously
evaluated in multiple studies and subsequently widely
accepted and applied in clinical practice as a practical
standardized tool for patient risk stratification. Recently
updated, the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk calculator enables a more individualized, evidence-related evaluation of patientrelated and disease-related risk factors, incorporating
modern diabetes technologies, including continuous
glucose monitoring (CGM), automated insulin delivery
(AID) systems, and advanced insulin formulations to
enhance risk stratification. This tool allows medical
professionals to tailor Ramadan practices based on overall
factors toward promoting safe fasting.
Methodology:
This prospective multicentre observational study recruited
adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes attending public
hospitals nationwide. People with diabetes (PwD) intending
to perform Ramadan fasting were invited to participate
and assessed using the 2026 IDF-DAR Risk Calculator in
the 6-week pre-Ramadan period between 30th January and
19th March 2026.
Results:
A total of 458 PwD were evaluated and stratified into low
(15.7%), moderate (41%), and high risk (43.3%) categories.
Most participants had Type 2 diabetes (83.6%), with 60.3%
having a disease duration exceeding 10 years and 43%
exhibiting poor glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c >9%).
Insulin therapy was used by 76.4% of participants, including
two individuals with Type 1 diabetes using AID systems.
Most participants reported no recent hypoglycemia (76.4%),
81.0% performed glucose monitoring, and 3.3% used CGM.
Severe comorbidities were uncommon, with 1.1% having
unstable macrovascular disease and 4.4% advanced chronic
kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30).
Notably, 72.2% received structured Ramadan education.
Conclusion
Majority of PwD attending tertiary diabetes clinics were
in the moderate- to high-risk category and intended to
fast despite medical advice against fasting in some cases.
Although most participants were on insulin therapy,
hypoglycemia was low in the pre-Ramadan period.
Integration of modern technologies, advanced insulin
therapies, and structured education may support safer
fasting practices.
Risk Assessment
;
Diabetes Mellitus
;
Hospitals
;
Fasting


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