1.Application advances, ethical dilemmas, and future directions of large language models in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment
Zhizhen REN ; Yufan XI ; Xu ZHU ; Yijie LUO ; Geting HUANG ; Junqiao SONG ; Xiuyuan XU ; Nan CHEN ; Qiang PU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):353-362
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coupled with the substantial workload, the clinical management of lung cancer is challenged by the critical need to efficiently and accurately process increasingly complex medical information. In recent years, large language models (LLMs) technology has undergone explosive development, demonstrating unique advantages in handling complex medical data by leveraging its powerful natural language processing capabilities, and its application value in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is continuously increasing. The paper systematically analyzes that the exceptional potential of LLMs in lung cancer auxiliary diagnosis, tumor feature extraction, automatic staging, progression/outcome analysis, treatment recommendations, medical documentation generation, and patient education. However, they face critical technical and ethical challenges including inconsistent performance in complex integrated decision-making (e.g., TNM staging, personalized treatment suggestions) and "black box" opacity issues, along with dilemmas such as training data biases, model hallucinations, data privacy concerns, and cross-lingual adaptation challenges ("data colonization"). Future directions should prioritize constructing high-quality multimodal corpora specific to lung cancer, developing interpretable and compliant specialized models, and achieving seamless integration with existing clinical workflows. Through dual drivers of technological innovation and ethical standardization, LLMs should be prudently advanced for holistic lung cancer management processes, ultimately promoting efficient, standardized, and personalized diagnosis and treatment practices.
2.Experts consensus on appropriate technologies for three-generation family cohort study
NI Saili ; TANG Jinling ; SHU Qiang ; ZHU Shankuan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):1-9
Establishing a three-generation family cohort enables the investigation of the effects of genetic, epigenetic, lifestyle, and parenting factors in the grandparental (F0) and parental (F1) generations on the growth, development, and disease onset and progression of the offspring (F2). It facilitates further exploration of the biological mechanisms underlying the impact of intergenerational factors on the health of the offspring (F2), providing evidence for the formulation of public health policies and measures related to child health management and infant and young child care. Currently, the development of multi-generational cohorts in China remains in a preliminary stage, with no systematic multi-generational research framework yet established. Drawing on prior evidence-based scientific research, existing cohort studies, and the practical experience of multidisciplinary experts in maternal and child health, this consensus defines the scope of three-generation family cohorts regarding their definition, significance, key technologies, and application scenarios. It provides technical recommendations for establishing relevant cohorts, aiming to support research areas such as the intergenerational transmission of childhood diseases, the maternal intrauterine environment, and the tracing of family rearing environments. This will facilitate the early prevention and control of diseases manifesting in childhood and adulthood, ultimately promoting the comprehensive and healthy development of children.
3.Ameliorative effects of Imperatae Rhizoma extract against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury and its molecular mechanisms
Huan LUO ; Qiang WANG ; Youjun ZHU ; Chunrong TAO ; Yang MAO ; Defeng LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1559-1566
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effects of Imperatae Rhizoma (RI) extract against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial injury and its potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to screen for target overlap between the predicted core targets of RI’s active components and targets associated with myocardial injury, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Based on the network pharmacology results, a DOX-induced myocardial injury mouse model was established using male C57BL/6J mice to observe the effects of RI extract [1 g/(kg·d)] on the survival rate, body weight, and cardiac damage. A DOX-injured HL-1 cardiomyocyte model was established to assess the effects of different mass concentrations of RI extract (50, 100, 200 μg/mL) on mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and expression of the relevant target proteins. The mechanism was validated by transfecting with small interfering RNA of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). RESULTS A total of 58 overlapping targets were screened, which were enriched in biological processes such as hormone response and hypoxia response, as well as pathways including apoptosis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pyruvate metabolism. Key target proteins, such as ESR1, were also identified. Animal experiments confirmed that the survival rate of mice in the DOX+RI group was obviously higher than that in the DOX group, with a slower rate of weight loss and improved pathological changes, such as cardiac atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration, compared to the DOX group. Cell experiments showed that, compared with the DOX group, the DOX+RI groups exhibited significantly increased or upregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, relative ATP levels, and mRNA expressions of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3A (IDH3A), succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), as well as mRNA and protein expressions of ESR1; conversely, relative ROS levels and apoptosis rates were significantly reduced ( P <0.05). Following ESR1 knockdown, the anti-apoptotic effect of the RI extract on cardiomyocytes was significantly attenuated ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The RI extract may alleviate DOX-induced myocardial injury by activating the ESR1 signaling pathway, improving mitochondrial function, and inhibiting excessive ROS production and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
4.Incidence and influencing factors of major low anterior resection syndrome within six months after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer patients
Minjing SHEN ; Chunxia REN ; Lin SUN ; Lei LIU ; Yaodong ZHU ; Qiang ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):914-922
ObjectiveTo explore the incidence of major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) within six months after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer and to analyze its associated factors. MethodsClinical records, postoperative rehabilitation data and LARS scores were collected from 889 patients at 3 months postoperatively and from 844 patients at 6 months postoperatively. Patients were divided into a major LARS group and a non-major LARS group. Multivariable Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with major LARS at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and the predictive value of the models was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). ResultsAmong patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, 247 patients (27.8%) had major LARS at 3 months postoperatively and 181 patients (21.4%) at 6 months postoperatively. Multivariable Logistic regression showed that Kegel exercises, preoperative radiotherapy, anastomotic leakage, a tumor distance from the anal verge of ≤5 cm, and an anastomotic distance from the anal verge of ≤5 cm were independent factors for major LARS at 3 months postoperatively (P<0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, occasional Kegel exercises during 0~3 months, Kegel exercises during 4~6 months, hydrotherapy during 4~6 months, preoperative chemotherapy, a tumor distance from the anal verge of ≤5 cm, and an anastomotic distance from the anal verge of ≤5 cm were independent factors (P<0.05). The models at 3 and 6 months postoperatively showed goodness-of-fit test P values of 0.986 and 0.517 and area under the curve (AUCs) of 0.843 and 0.870, indicating good predictive value. ConclusionThe incidence of major LARS within six months after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer is relatively high, and greater attention should be paid to patients who receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy, develop anastomotic leakage, or have tumor and anastomotic distances from the anal verge of ≤5 cm. Patients should also be advised that early postoperative Kegel exercises and hydrotherapy may reduce the incidence of major LARS.
5.Non-small cell lung cancer with BRAF mutation treated with neoadjuvant targeted therapy followed by surgery: A case report
Yingze NING ; Chutong LIN ; Xiang ZHU ; Guangliang QIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1149-1152
This study reports a case of a 56-year-old female patient with BRAF-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who successfully underwent radical surgery after neoadjuvant targeted therapy with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib combined with the MEK inhibitor trametinib. The chest drainage tube was removed 2 days postoperatively, and the patient was discharged smoothly. Postoperative pathology indicated invasive adenocarcinoma, moderately to highly differentiated, with 80% being lepidic type, and the maximum tumor diameter was 4 cm. No vascular tumor thrombus, vascular invasion, nerve invasion, spread through air spaces, pleural invasion, or lymph node metastasis were observed. The postoperative staging was ypT2aN0M0. The patient continued with adjuvant treatment with dabrafenib combined with trametinib postoperatively, and no signs of recurrence were found in the follow-up examination six months after surgery.
6.Application value of simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infection
Ying CAI ; Zhibin YANG ; Yang LUO ; Cong WANG ; Yongfen ZHU ; Ze LI ; Rusong YANG ; Qiang WU ; Wenbin DONG ; Shifu LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1287-1293
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies and regimens in the treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection. MethodsThis multicenter prospective real-world study was conducted among 198 patients with HIV/HCV co-infection who received hepatitis C treatment in 10 designated primary hospitals for hepatitis C in Yuxi, China from July 2023 to June 2024, and according to whether genotype detection was performed, they were divided into genotype detection group with 122 patients and non-genotype detection group with 76 patients. The patients were observed in terms of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12), safety, and liver biochemical parameters. Propensity score matching was used to match the two cohorts, using caliper matching (caliper value = 0.02) at a ratio of 1∶1. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAmong the 122 patients in the genotype detection group, 63.11% (77/122) had genotype 3, while the non-genotype detection group had 76 patients; both groups achieved an SVR12 rate of 100%. From baseline to 12 weeks after treatment, both groups had a significant increase in the serum level of albumin, significant reductions in the serum levels of total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alpha-fetoprotein, and a significant reduction in FibroScan value (all P<0.05). A total of 54 patients (27.27%) experienced at least one adverse reaction, and anemia was the most common adverse reaction (38 patients, 19.19%), with an incidence rate of 50.00% (33/66) in patients with liver cirrhosis. HIV viral load remained <50 IU/mL before and after treatment, and there was no significant change in CD4+ T lymphocyte count after treatment (Z=-0.969, P=0.202). Compared with the genotype detection group, the non-genotype detection group had a significantly shorter time from positive HCV RNA testing to treatment initiation (4±2 days vs 19±4 days, t=5.321, P<0.05) and significantly lower testing costs (618±97 yuan vs 789±129 yuan, t=3.661, P<0.05). ConclusionFor patients with HIV/HCV co-infection, the simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies can achieve a relatively high SVR12 rate, improve biochemical indicators, and effectively reduce time cost and economic burden, with a favorable safety profile.
7.Effect Mechanism and Law of Sterilization by 60Co-γ Ray Irradiation on Chemical Composition of Chinese Materia Medica: A Review
Tingting ZHU ; Jian RANG ; Rangyanpo LUO ; Rui GU ; Yue YANG ; Si LU ; Shihong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):306-314
60Co-γ ray irradiation has the unique advantages of high efficiency, strong penetration, operation at room temperature and no residue, which has been widely used in the sterilization of Chinese medicinal materials, decoction pieces, Chinese patent medicine. However, the irradiation effect may cause changes in the content of chemical components in Chinese materia medica or the emergence of new radiolysis products, leading to reduced efficacy and uncontrollable safety risks. This paper reviewed the relevant literature at home and abroad, summarized the effect of irradiation sterilization on various types of chemical compositions of Chinese medicinal materials and their preparations, and analyzed and explored the rule of change. The results showed that the content changes of various chemical components in Chinese materia medica after 60Co-γ ray irradiation sterilization varied. The contents of most flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids and quinones decreased after irradiation, and the degree of decrease increased with the elevated irradiation dose. The contents of lignans, alkaloids, isoflavones and some terpenoids did not change significantly before and after irradiation, while the content changes of triterpenoid saponins, dihydroflavonols, chalcones, sugars and glycosides after irradiation were not yet uniform. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to the compositional changes of irradiated Chinese medicines, strengthen the research on the standards of irradiated Chinese medicines, and standardize the irradiation and sterilization of Chinese medicines in order to promote the healthy and rational application of irradiated Chinese medicines.
8.Occupational health literacy among key populations in Jinhua City
CHEN Qiang ; GUO Zhen ; ZHU Wei ; HE Xiaoqing ; ZHU Binbin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):747-750,756
Objective:
To investigate the occupational health literacy (OHL) level and its influencing factors of key populations in Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a basis for promoting occupational health.
Methods:
The front-line workers of 7 secondary industry enterprises (institutions) and 15 tertiary industry enterprises (institutions) in Jinhua City were selected from April to October 2023 using a stratified random cluster sampling method. Date of gender, age, length of service, and OHL were collected using the National Occupational Health Literacy Monitoring Survey for Key Population Personal Questionnaire. Factors affecting OHL level among key populations were identified using multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 3 305 people were investigated, including 1 750 males (52.95%) and 1 555 females (47.05%). The median age and the length of service were 37 (interquartile range, 17) and (interquartile range, 9) years, respectively. The level of OHL was 45.63%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified gender (female, OR=1.675, 95%CI: 1.428-1.964), educational level (junior high school, OR=1.499, 95%CI: 1.089-2.063; high school, OR=1.905, 95%CI: 1.361-2.667; junior college, OR=4.065, 95%CI: 2.858-5.782; bachelor degree and above, OR=5.087, 95%CI: 3.597-7.194), personal monthly income (3 000-< 5 000 yuan, OR=1.373, 95%CI: 1.035-1.821; 5 000-<7 000 yuan, OR=1.653, 95%CI: 1.230-2.220; ≥7 000 yuan, OR=1.798, 95%CI: 1.322-2.447) and length of service (2-<6 years, OR=1.265, 95%CI: 1.032-1.551; 6-<11 years, OR=1.517, 95%CI: 1.184-1.943; ≥11 years, OR=1.337, 95%CI: 1.040-1.719) as factors affecting OHL level among key populations.
Conclusions
The OHL level of the key populations in Jinhua City is related to gender, age, education level, personal monthly income, and length of service. It is necessary to strengthen the occupational health education and health promotion of the key populations.
9.Interpretation of 2024 EACTS guidelines on perioperative medication in adult cardiac surgery
Yunpeng ZHU ; Heng ZHANG ; Mengyuan HAN ; Jiawei HAN ; Zhe ZHENG ; Qiang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(09):1216-1224
The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) has recently updated and published the "2024 EACTS guidelines on perioperative medication in adult cardiac surgery". Based on the latest evidence, the guidelines have been updated in multiple aspects including underlying disease management, antithrombotic medication, arrhythmia treatment and other supportive care, etc. This paper aims to summarize and interpret the guidelines, in order to promote clinicians’ understanding and optimize perioperative medical treatment in adult cardiac surgery.
10.Trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in cancer registration areas of Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020
ZHU Qiang ; DAI Dan ; MENG Qinglian ; LÜ ; Yili ; DOU Lianjie ; DOU Tingting ; WANG Huadong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(10):991-996
Objective:
To investigate the trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer in cancer registration areas of Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020, so as to provide the basis for formulating prevention and control measures.
Methods:
The incidence and mortality data of esophageal cancer in Anhui Province from 2014 to 2020 was collected through the Cancer Registry in Anhui Province. The crude incidence and crude mortality were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized rate was standardized using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000. The trends in incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer were analyzed using the average annual percent change (APPC), stratified by genders, urban/rural areas, and ages.
Results:
In Anhui Province, the rank of esophageal cancer incidence dropped from the third in 2014 to the sixth in 2020. Concurrently, the crude incidence and Chinese population-standardized incidence declined from 28.74/100 000 and 20.74/100 000 to 19.23/100 000 and 10.59/100 000, respectively (AAPC=-5.846%, -9.658%, both P<0.05). The mortality rank remained stable at the fourth in 2014 and 2020, while the crude mortality and Chinese population-standardized mortality decreased from 19.96/100 000 and 14.09/100 000 to 16.00/100 000 and 8.41/100 000, respectively (AAPC=-3.542%, -7.784%, both P<0.05). The Chinese population-standardized incidence (AAPC=-9.682%, -9.188%, -6.175% and -12.575%, all P<0.05) and Chinese population-standardized mortality (AAPC=-7.734%. -7.447%. -5.366% and -10.209%, all P<0.05) showed declining trends in males, females, urban, and rural areas, respectively. From 2014 to 2020 in Anhui Province, the crude incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer generally increased with age. However, significant declining trends were observed in crude incidence (AAPC=-12.779%, -11.701%, -11.955% and -5.751%, all P<0.05) and crude mortality (AAPC=-12.255%, -11.120%, -10.985% and -5.751%, all P<0.05) for the age groups of 40-<50, 50-<60, 60-<70, 70-<80 years. A significant declining trend in crude incidence was also seen in the ≥80 years group (APPC=-6.334%, P<0.05), but the trend in crude mortality was no statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusion
In registration areas of Anhui Province, the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer exhibited a declining trend from 2014 to 2020, calling for focused attention on the middle-aged and elderly population and enhanced health behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol control.


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