3.TGF-β1-engineered Biomimetic Platelet Nanoparticles for Targeted Therapy of Ischemic Stroke
Li-Qi CHEN ; Tian-Fang KANG ; Guo-Jun HUANG ; Ting YIN ; Ai-Qing MA ; Lin-Tao CAI ; Hong PAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):697-710
ObjectivePost-ischemic acute inflammation and the subsequent persistent dysregulation of the immune microenvironment represent major pathological drivers that aggravate neuronal injury and severely restrict functional recovery following ischemic stroke. Although current reperfusion therapies partially restore blood flow, they fail to effectively modulate the secondary inflammatory cascade and oxidative stress, which remain critical barriers to neurological restoration. To address this challenge, this study aimed to engineer and systematically evaluate a biomimetic nanosystem composed of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-loaded platelet membrane-camouflaged lipid nanoparticles (PLP). This nanosystem was designed to achieve dual lesion-targeted delivery and immune microenvironment remodeling. By verifying its spatiotemporal accumulation, anti-inflammatory activity, and neuroprotective efficacy, we sought to establish an integrated therapeutic strategy that simultaneously enables lesion targeting, immune regulation, and functional recovery after ischemic injury. MethodsThe physicochemical properties of PLP, including hydrodynamic particle size, zeta potential, structural stability, and morphology, were characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The preservation of platelet membrane-derived adhesion and immunoregulatory proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE through comparative analysis of protein band profiles between PLP and native platelet membranes. The in vitro biological activities of PLP were evaluated using two complementary cellular models. LPS-induced M1-polarized RAW264.7 macrophages were employed to assess inflammatory modulation, while oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced BV2 microglial cells and SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were utilized to investigate neuroinflammatory regulation and neuronal protection. For in vivo validation, a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mouse model was established to mimic ischemia-reperfusion injury. The spatiotemporal biodistribution and lesion-targeting capability of the PLP were monitored through live fluorescence imaging. Therapeutic efficacy was comprehensively evaluated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunofluorescence analysis, body weight monitoring, and neurological severity score (NSS) assessment. ResultsPLP nanoparticles displayed a uniform spherical morphology, nanoscale particle size distribution, and stable negative surface charge, indicating favorable colloidal stability and circulation potential. SDS-PAGE results confirmed the effective retention of key platelet membrane proteins associated with endothelial adhesion, immune evasion, and inflammatory regulation, demonstrating the successful biomimetic construction. Optimal therapeutic concentrations were determined in OGD/R-induced BV2 cells, where PLP exhibited excellent cytocompatibility and anti-inflammatory activity.In vitro experiments demonstrated that PLP significantly inhibited the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages toward the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype and markedly reduced neuronal apoptosis under ischemia-reperfusion conditions. In vivo fluorescence imaging revealed that PLP rapidly accumulated in the ischemic brain hemisphere and maintained prolonged retention for up to 7 d, suggesting enhanced lesion-specific targeting and sustained drug release. Compared with control group, PLP treatment significantly reduced cerebral infarct volume, attenuated reactive astrogliosis, improved weight recovery, and accelerated neurological functional restoration, as reflected by significantly improved NSS scores. ConclusionThis study establishes a multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform that integrates platelet membrane-mediated active targeting with the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective properties of TGF-β1. The PLP system enables rapid lesion homing and long-term retention while synergistically regulating the post-stroke inflammatory microenvironment by suppressing pro-inflammatory immune activation, reducing neuronal apoptosis, and limiting excessive astrocyte reactivity. Importantly, this study proposes a conceptually therapeutic paradigm that combines targeted delivery with immune microenvironment remodeling to achieve comprehensive neurovascular protection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence supporting the translational potential of biomimetic nanotherapeutics as next-generation precision interventions for ischemic stroke.
4.Dobutamine Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Patients With Anomalous Inter-Arterial Coronary Arteries
Pak Lun LAM ; Christie Ho Ting WONG ; Sonia Hiu Yin LAM ; Thomas Wei Lam YIP ; Yuen Hei MAK ; Carmen Wing Sze CHAN ; Stephen Chi Wai CHEUNG
Cardiovascular Imaging Asia 2026;10(1):11-19
Objective:
This study aims to review the application of dobutamine stress cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (DSCMR) for patients with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries.
Materials and Methods:
Consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries and DSCMR performed in a quaternary referral center from January 2020 to December 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Examination details, including medication and complications, were reviewed. Radiological findings, such as wall motion abnormality, perfusion defect and late myocardial enhancement were evaluated. Post-examination management and outcomes were assessed.
Results:
A total of 31 patients (17 females [54.8%]; age 53.6±11.7 years) with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries were included. Most patients (n=25, 80.6%) had anomalous right coronary artery. There were significant differences in peak heart rate (p<0.001) and blood pressure (p<0.001) when compared to the baseline. Only one patient (3.2%) experienced minor adverse event with chest pain during the examination. Her cardiac enzymes and electrocardiogram were normal. All other patients (n=30, 96.8%) had no examination-related complications. Left ventricular stroke volume (78.3 [interquartile range, IQR 15.8] mL) and ejection fraction (63.2% [IQR 9.2%]) were normal. No wall motion abnormality, perfusion defect nor late myocardial enhancement were identified. Median follow-up after DSCMR was 21.0 (IQR 28.0) months. One patient underwent reimplantation of right coronary artery due to recurrent syncope. Conservative management was adopted for all other patients (n= 30, 96.8%). Most (n=28, 90.3%) were asymptomatic post-examination. No major adverse cardiovascular events were reported.
Conclusion
DSCMR can be safely performed for patients with anomalous inter-arterial coronary arteries and can help guide management plan.
5.The role of health related physical fitness in the improvement of depressive symptoms through combined aerobic and resistance exercise among senior high school freshmen
ZHANG Ting, YIN Xiaojian, LIU Yuan, GUO Yaru, HONG Jun, LI Xiuping, ZHU Xiao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1132-1136
Objective:
To examine the effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on health related physical fitness (HPF) and depressive symptoms among senior high school freshmen, and to examine whether HPF mediates the relationship between exercise intervention and depressive symptoms, so as to provide a scientific basis for the coordinated promotion of mental health and physical fitness in schools.
Methods:
In March 2022, 190 senior high school freshmen from a secondary school of Suzhou in Anhui Province were selected by the random cluster sampling method and randomly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 99) and a control group ( n =91). The control group maintained routine activities, while the intervention group underwent a 10 week combined aerobic and resistance exercise program, three sessions per week, 40 minutes per session. Height, weight, standing long jump, sit ups, 20 m shuttle run, and sit and reach were measured before and after the intervention. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon test were employed to compare outcomes before and after the intervention, and mediation analysis was conducted.
Results:
After controlling for pre test scores, ANCOVA results showed that compared with the control group, the intervention group demonstrated the following post intervention changes: a lower body mass index of 0.1 kg/m 2 among girls; higher standing long jump (13.2 cm for boys, 7.4 cm for girls), higher sit ups (5.5 reps for boys, 3.7 reps for girls), higher 20 m shuttle run (7.4 times for boys, 5.1 times for girls), and higher sit and reach (3.2 cm for boys, 0.4 cm for girls) ( F =17.88-84.44); and lower CES-D scores (5.5 for boys, 4.0 for girls) ( Z =-2.51, -2.06) (all P <0.05). The indirect effect of HPF in the relationship between combined aerobic and resistance exercise and depressive symptoms was -2.11, supporting a partial mediation effect ( P < 0.01 ).
Conclusions
Combined aerobic and resistance exercise improves HPF and alleviates depressive symptoms to varying degrees among senior high school freshmen. HPF served as a partial mediator through which exercise intervention reduces depressive symptoms.
6.Lateral view fulcrum bending radiographs predict postoperative hypokyphosis after selective thoracic fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Victoria Yuk Ting HUI ; Jason Pui Yin CHEUNG ; Prudence Wing Hang CHEUNG
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):102-111
Methods:
Patients with Lenke 1 AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion were included. Standing and fulcrum bending radiographs on the coronal and sagittal planes were analyzed at preoperative, immediate, and 2-year postoperative periods. The primary outcome was postoperative hypokyphosis (T5–12 thoracic kyphosis [TK] <20°). Risk factors for postoperative hypokyphosis were identified by multivariate logistic regression, and the optimal cutoff for significant risk factors was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis.
Results:
In total, 156 patients were included in the analysis, of which 68 (43.6%) were hypokyphotic at 2-year follow-up. Low T5–12 TK on lateral view fulcrum bending films (immediate postoperative odds ratio [OR], 0.870; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.826–0.917; 2-year postoperative OR, 0.916; 95% CI, 0.876–0.959; p<0.001) and high convex side implant density (2-year postoperative OR, 1.749; 95% CI, 1.056–2.897; p=0.03) were significant risk factors for postoperative hypokyphosis. Other baseline demographic and surgical factors did not affect postoperative kyphosis correction. The T5–12 TK cutoff on fulcrum bending for 2-year postoperative hypokyphosis was 12.45° (area under the curve, 0.773; 95% CI, 0.661–0.820).
Conclusions
Fulcrum bending radiography is useful in assessing coronal and sagittal flexibility for preoperative planning. In patients with T5–12 kyphosis <12.5° on lateral view fulcrum bending radiographs, Ponte osteotomies or releases, or a decrease in convex side implant density should be considered to improve kyphosis restoration and reduce the risk of 2-year postoperative hypokyphosis.
7.Frequent association of malignant effusions in plasmablastic lymphoma:a single‑institutional experience of nine cases in Taiwan
Bo‑Jung CHEN ; Yu‑Ting KUO ; Sheng‑Tsung CHANG ; Khin‑Than WIN ; Shang‑Wen CHEN ; Sheng‑Yen HSIAO ; Yin‑Hsun FENG ; Yen‑Chuan HSIEH ; Shih‑Sung CHUANG
Blood Research 2025;60():22-
Purpose:
Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that is characterized by terminal B-cell differ‑ entiation. In the West, PBL usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiencies, particularly those induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We investigated the clinicopathological features of PBL at a single institute in Taiwan, where HIV infection is rare.
Methods:
This retrospective chart review identified PBL cases that were treated at a single institute in southern Tai‑ wan between 2008 and 2024.
Results:
We identified nine patients (four males and five females; median age 71 years). Of the eight patients tested for HIV, only one tested positive. Pathologically, the tumors showed plasmablastic morphology and immunopheno‑ type, and three (33%) cases tested positive for Epstein–Barr virus. Six (67%) patients presented with Stage IV disease, including five (56%) with malignant effusion. Six patients were treated with chemotherapy and the remaining three received only supportive care. During a median follow-up of 10 months, five patients died of progressive disease, two died of unrelated diseases, and two were alive with PBL relapse.
Conclusion
In Taiwan, PBL constitutes a rare and aggressive clinical condition and is frequently associated with malignant effusion. In contrast to Western patients, the PBL in most patients from Taiwan was unrelated to HIV infection.
8.A Milestone in Collaboration: The Journal of Chest Surgery Becomes the Joint Official Journal of the Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and the Taiwan Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Mong-Wei LIN ; Yi-Ting YEN ; Shah-Hwa CHOU ; Hsao-Hsun HSU ; Yin-Kai CHAO
Journal of Chest Surgery 2025;58(1):3-4
9.A Milestone in Collaboration: The Journal of Chest Surgery Becomes the Joint Official Journal of the Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and the Taiwan Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Mong-Wei LIN ; Yi-Ting YEN ; Shah-Hwa CHOU ; Hsao-Hsun HSU ; Yin-Kai CHAO
Journal of Chest Surgery 2025;58(1):3-4
10.Frequent association of malignant effusions in plasmablastic lymphoma:a single‑institutional experience of nine cases in Taiwan
Bo‑Jung CHEN ; Yu‑Ting KUO ; Sheng‑Tsung CHANG ; Khin‑Than WIN ; Shang‑Wen CHEN ; Sheng‑Yen HSIAO ; Yin‑Hsun FENG ; Yen‑Chuan HSIEH ; Shih‑Sung CHUANG
Blood Research 2025;60():22-
Purpose:
Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma that is characterized by terminal B-cell differ‑ entiation. In the West, PBL usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiencies, particularly those induced by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We investigated the clinicopathological features of PBL at a single institute in Taiwan, where HIV infection is rare.
Methods:
This retrospective chart review identified PBL cases that were treated at a single institute in southern Tai‑ wan between 2008 and 2024.
Results:
We identified nine patients (four males and five females; median age 71 years). Of the eight patients tested for HIV, only one tested positive. Pathologically, the tumors showed plasmablastic morphology and immunopheno‑ type, and three (33%) cases tested positive for Epstein–Barr virus. Six (67%) patients presented with Stage IV disease, including five (56%) with malignant effusion. Six patients were treated with chemotherapy and the remaining three received only supportive care. During a median follow-up of 10 months, five patients died of progressive disease, two died of unrelated diseases, and two were alive with PBL relapse.
Conclusion
In Taiwan, PBL constitutes a rare and aggressive clinical condition and is frequently associated with malignant effusion. In contrast to Western patients, the PBL in most patients from Taiwan was unrelated to HIV infection.


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