1.Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Stress Response in Patients Undergoing Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy
Yanan LI ; Zhengzuo WAN ; Xueliang DONG ; Shiyi TANG ; Xuelai YU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1071-1077
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on stress response in patients undergoing unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) and to identify optimal TEAS parameters. MethodsA total of 96 patients undergoing UBE were randomly grouped into total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) group, acupuncture-assisted anesthesia with continuous waves (AACW) group, and acupuncture-assisted anesthesia with sparse-dense waves (AASDW) group, with 32 patients per group. All groups were given a standardized TIVA protocol. In the AACW group (100 Hz continuous wave stimulation) and the AASDW group (2/100 Hz sparse-dense wave stimulation), TEAS intervention was applied to both bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) 30 minutes before TIVA induction and continued until the end of the surgery. In the TIVA group, electrodes were only connected without electrical stimulation. The stress response indicators including cortisol (Cor) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and bispectral index (BIS) at before anesthesia induction (T0), after tracheal intubation (T1), during laminectomy (T2), and 1 hour after surgery (T3) were compared across groups. The operation duration, anesthesia duration, extubation and recovery duration were recorded, as well as pain intensity including visual analogue scale (VAS), and sedation level (by Ramsay sedation score) at 2, 6, 12 hours after surgery, and postoperative complications. ResultsThe AACW group and AASDW group had lower ACTH and COR levels at T1, T2 and T3, as well as lower HR and MAP levels at T1 and T2 than TIVA group, with AASDW group being lower than AACW group (P<0.05). At T3, the AASDW group had higher BIS than TIVA group and AACW group (P<0.05). No significant difference in operation duration was observed (P>0.05). The AACW group and AASDW group had shorter anesthesia, extubation and recovery duration than TIVA group, with AASDW group being the shortest (P<0.05). The VAS scores at 2 h, 6 h, and 12 h after surgery in the AACW and AASDW groups were lower than those in the TIVA group, with the AASDW group showing significantly lower scores than the AACW group (P<0.05). The Ramsay sedation scores in the AASDW group were lower than those in the AACW group at 2 h and 6 h after surgery (P<0.05). The total incidence of complications in the AASDW group was 6.25% (2/32), significantly lower than 28.13% (9/32) in the TIVA group (P<0.05). ConclusionTEAS can effectively suppresses stress response in patients undergoing UBE, with the 2/100 Hz sparse-dense wave parameter being most effective, which can stabilize hemodynamics, accelerate recovery, improve postoperative sedation and analgesia quality, and reduces complications.
2.Investigating Molecular Mechanisms of Qijia Rougan Prescription and Its Key Effect or Ingredients Against Hepatic Fibrosis Based on Macrophage M2 Polarization
Li WEN ; Quansheng FENG ; Cen JIANG ; Baixue LI ; Dong WANG ; Jike LI ; Xia LI ; Fei WAN ; Yanfeng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):155-165
ObjectiveBased on the regulation of macrophage M2 polarization, this study aims to explore the molecular mechanism and action targets of the Qijia Rougan prescription and its key effector ingredients in anti-fibrosis, thereby providing a basis and reference for the development of new drugs for hepatic fibrosis. MethodsA rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of 40%CCl4, followed by oral administration of Qijia Rougan granules. The volume of collagen fibers was detected using Masson staining, the fibrosis markers Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA were detected using immunohistochemistry, the proportion of M2 macrophages was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of M2 macrophage phenotype markers CD163 and CD206 were detected using immunofluorescence double staining. Western blot was used to detect the levels of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB), interleukin-10 (IL-10), phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 (p-JAK1), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (p-STAT6). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of JAK1, STAT6, Arginase 1(Arg1), and Fizz1. Based on the theory of serum pharmacology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and WENN analysis were used to obtain the active ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to analyze the effector ingredients and their targets. The identified effector ingredients were interfered with IL-4-induced M2 polarization of RAW264.7 macrophage in vitro to validate the targets. ResultsQijia Rougan prescription significantly reduced the content of fibrosis markers α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ, as well as collagen fiber content (P<0.05). It decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages and the levels of related cytokines IL-10, TGF-β and PDGFB, and up-regulated the levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 (P<0.05). A total of 1 214 compounds were identified from Qijia Rougan prescription, medicated serum and blank serum, and 29 ingredients were finalized by Venn analysis, including 15 blood-entry prototypes and 14 drug metabolites. Molecular docking showed that enoxolone and berberine bound more strongly to JAK1, with binding free energies of -9.6 kcal·mol-1(1 cal≈4.184 J) and -9.1 kcal·mol-1, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that JAK1-enoxolone and JAK1-berberine exhibited stable simulation trajectories within 100 ns, with essentially identical conformations and high protein overlap before and after simulation. Their binding free energies were -25.18 5.0.81 kcal·mol-1 and -27.39 7.0.85 kcal·mol-1, respectively. The number of hydrogen bonds formed between JAK1 and enoxolone ranges from 0 to 5, and most of the time can be maintained at 2-3. In vitro intervention with enoxolone or berberine significantly reduced p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionQijia Rougan prescription inhibits M2 macrophage polarization in hepatic fibrosis. Enoxolone and berberine are the key effector ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription to inhibit macrophage M2 polarization through targeting JAK1 and modulating the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating hepatic fibrosis. This study provides a basis for prescription optimization, clinical application and new drug development, as well as a reference for monolithic anti-hepatic fibrosis research.
3.Tumor-Associated Macrophage Infiltration and PD-L1 Expression in Gastric Cancer According to a Modified TCGA-Based Classification
Boram SONG ; Dong-Hoe KOO ; Eo Jin KIM ; In-Gu DO ; Jinah CHU ; Kyungeun KIM ; Hyebin LEE ; Min-Jung KWON ; Jung Ho PARK ; Byung Ho SON ; Chang Hak YOO ; Seoung Wan CHAE
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2026;26(2):247-259
Purpose:
Although gastric cancer (GC) exhibits significant genomic heterogeneity, the clinical implications of its immune microenvironment remain poorly understood.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated patients with GC who underwent gastrectomies between 2011 and 2014. The tumors were analyzed for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (CD3), tumor-associated macrophages (CD68 and CD163), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Tumors were classified using the modified The Cancer Genome Atlas scheme, and their clinical characteristics were compared.
Results:
A total of 567 patients were classified into EBV (6%), MSI-H (10%), chromosomal instability-like (36%), and genomically stable-like (48%) subtypes. EBV tumors exhibited the highest PD-L1 expression (85%) and immune infiltration by CD3+ T cells (86%), CD68+ macrophages (58%), and CD163+ macrophages (40%). High CD68+ macrophage tumors were associated with advanced stages and worse 5-year disease-free survival (83% vs. 95%; P<0.001);however, this association was not independently significant after adjusting for the tumor-nodemetastasis stage. PD-L1 expression did not significantly affect the survival outcomes.
Conclusions
GC subtypes have distinct immune microenvironments that influence prognosis. Our findings highlight the prognostic and therapeutic potential of immune profiling in GC.
4.Safe use of hepatitis B surface antigenpositive grafts in liver transplantation:A nationwide study based on the KOTRY data
Sujin GANG ; YoungRok CHOI ; Kwang-Woong LEE ; Bong-Wan KIM ; Dong-Sik KIM ; Yang Won NAH ; Jongman KIM ; Jae Geun LEE ; Je Ho RYU ; Jaehong JEONG ; Geun HONG
Annals of Liver Transplantation 2026;6(1):41-55
Background:
In the era of nucleoside analogs (NA), we investigated the safety of using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive grafts in liver transplantation (LT) using nationwide KOTRY data.
Methods:
Among 4,265 adult LTs in the KOTRY registry (April 2014–January 2020), 20 (0.5%) used HBsAg(+) grafts. The S(+) group was compared with HBsAg-nega-tive groups, both HBcAb(+) (C[+]) and HBcAb(−) (SC[−]), using 1:1 propensity scorematching. Patient and graft survival were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis.Cox regression was used to identify prognostic factors.
Results:
No significant differences were observed in patient or graft survival be-tween S(+) and C(+) or SC(−) groups. Key prognostic factors for patient survivalincluded age, HCC, MELD score, ascites, and encephalopathy. For graft survival, HCC, preoperative HCC treatment, MELD score, ascites, and encephalopathy were significant. HBV recurrence occurred in the S(+) group, but did not compromise outcomes.
Conclusion
In HBV-endemic regions, HBsAg(+) liver grafts can be safely used to expand the donor pool without compromising LT outcomes when combined with appropriate prophylaxis.
5.Real-World Efficacy of Intravesical Gemcitabine for BCG-Unresponsive Non–muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Hye Won LEE ; Eui Hyun JUNG ; Kyung Hwan KIM ; Hong Koo HA ; Jong Jin OH ; Seok Ho KANG ; Seung-hwan JEONG ; Hyeong Dong YUK ; Ji Eun HEO ; Won Sik HAM ; Eu Chang HWANG ; Seung Il JUNG ; Wan SONG ; Bumjin LIM ; Bumsik HONG ; Byung Chang JEONG ; Ho Kyung SEO
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):591-602
Purpose:
This study aimed to report the real-world outcomes of intravesical gemcitabine for bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)–unresponsive, high-risk, non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC) in Korean patients who were unable or unwilling to undergo radical cystectomy (RC).
Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study included 131 patients (median age, 69 years; 88.5% men) treated with intravesical gemcitabine for BCG-unresponsive HR-NMIBC at nine centers between May 2019 and April 2022. The primary endpoint was 1-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). The secondary endpoints included factors influencing RFS, progression-free survival (PFS), cystectomy- free survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors for recurrence were assessed using Cox regression models.
Results:
Patients were followed up for a median duration of 25 months, with carcinoma in situ (CIS) in 41.9% of the patients. The 1-year and 2-year RFS rates were 68% and 42%, while the 1-year and 2-year PFS rates were 87% and 77%, respectively. No significant factors influencing RFS were identified. Seventeen patients underwent RC during a median follow-up of 16 months, with the condition in three patients progressing to muscle-invasive disease on final pathological analysis. The 2-year CSS and OS rates were 98% and 97%, respectively. Intravesical gemcitabine was well-tolerated, with only seven patients (5.3%) unable to complete the full induction course.
Conclusion
Our research highlights the potential of intravesical gemcitabine as a viable bladder-sparing treatment option for BCG-unresponsive HR-NMIBC, providing real-world evidence on its safety, efficacy, and tolerability.
6.Study on the current status and pathway optimization of traditional Chinese medicine preparations record-filing management in medical institutions across different provinces
Chao LIN ; Chenjie SHU ; Chuchu WAN ; Yang DONG ; Mengting DI ; Huiying SHEN ; Bo ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1673-1678
OBJECTIVE To provide scientific reference for perfecting the record-filing management policy of traditional Chinese medicine preparations formulated via traditional processes for medical applications (hereinafter referred to as “TCM preparations”) in medical institutions, and further promote the sound development of the research and record-filing work of such preparations. METHODS A literature review combined with cross-sectional research was carried out. We collected policy documents and preparation information related to the record-filing of TCM preparations issued by national and provincial drug administration authorities on official websites during 2018-2025. A comparative analysis was conducted on the implementation and revision of core policy documents for the registration management of TCM preparations across provinces, the scope of record-filing dosage forms, conditions for rejection of record-filing, and exemptions for registration materials. Statistical analysis on the quantity and dosage forms of record-filing preparations in each province was conducted by means of data induction and trend chart plotting, and targeted suggestions were put forward to optimize the management pathway of record-filing. RESULTS CONCLUSIONS There was obvious heterogeneity in record-filing policies among provinces. Twelve provinces refined the applicable dosage forms for record-filing, fifteen provinces supplemented conditions for rejection of record-filing (16 items in total), and nine provinces expanded the scope of material exemptions. The number of recorded preparations presented a striking regional imbalance:Qinghai had the largest quantity of 4 269 varieties, while Hainan only had 14 varieties, with a gap of more than 300 times. The recorded preparations were mainly traditional dosage forms including pills (6 928 varieties) and powders (4 360 varieties). Only 12 provinces formulated the provincial catalog for TCM preparations allocation. In most regions, preparation circulation was only permitted within medical consortia, leading to a low transformation rate of scientific and technological achievements of preparations. It is recommended to optimize the record-filing management pathway from three aspects: strengthening policy standardization while maintaining flexibility, streamlining record-filing procedures and documentary requirements, and reinforcing technical support and achievement transformation. These measures can reduce regional policy differences, improve work efficiency of record-filing, and advance the standardized development and clinical value transformation of hospital-made TCM preparations.
7.Study on the current status and pathway optimization of traditional Chinese medicine preparations record-filing management in medical institutions across different provinces
Chao LIN ; Chenjie SHU ; Chuchu WAN ; Yang DONG ; Mengting DI ; Huiying SHEN ; Bo ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1673-1678
OBJECTIVE To provide scientific reference for perfecting the record-filing management policy of traditional Chinese medicine preparations formulated via traditional processes for medical applications (hereinafter referred to as “TCM preparations”) in medical institutions, and further promote the sound development of the research and record-filing work of such preparations. METHODS A literature review combined with cross-sectional research was carried out. We collected policy documents and preparation information related to the record-filing of TCM preparations issued by national and provincial drug administration authorities on official websites during 2018-2025. A comparative analysis was conducted on the implementation and revision of core policy documents for the registration management of TCM preparations across provinces, the scope of record-filing dosage forms, conditions for rejection of record-filing, and exemptions for registration materials. Statistical analysis on the quantity and dosage forms of record-filing preparations in each province was conducted by means of data induction and trend chart plotting, and targeted suggestions were put forward to optimize the management pathway of record-filing. RESULTS CONCLUSIONS There was obvious heterogeneity in record-filing policies among provinces. Twelve provinces refined the applicable dosage forms for record-filing, fifteen provinces supplemented conditions for rejection of record-filing (16 items in total), and nine provinces expanded the scope of material exemptions. The number of recorded preparations presented a striking regional imbalance:Qinghai had the largest quantity of 4 269 varieties, while Hainan only had 14 varieties, with a gap of more than 300 times. The recorded preparations were mainly traditional dosage forms including pills (6 928 varieties) and powders (4 360 varieties). Only 12 provinces formulated the provincial catalog for TCM preparations allocation. In most regions, preparation circulation was only permitted within medical consortia, leading to a low transformation rate of scientific and technological achievements of preparations. It is recommended to optimize the record-filing management pathway from three aspects: strengthening policy standardization while maintaining flexibility, streamlining record-filing procedures and documentary requirements, and reinforcing technical support and achievement transformation. These measures can reduce regional policy differences, improve work efficiency of record-filing, and advance the standardized development and clinical value transformation of hospital-made TCM preparations.
8.Management of Simple Hepatic Cyst: Is It Time to Change Our Paradigm to Early Non-Surgical Intervention?
Raed Mohammed ALGHAZAL ; Dong-Wan SEO
Korean Journal of Pancreas and Biliary Tract 2025;30(1):1-9
Hepatic simple cysts are common benign liver lesions frequently encountered in clinical practice. While the majority are asymptomatic and detected incidentally during imaging, approximately 5% of patients may experience symptoms, often related to the size and location of the cysts or the development of complications. Management of symptomatic cysts may involve percutaneous or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided aspiration with sclerotherapy, or surgical intervention, aimed at alleviating symptoms by reducing cystic volume. Solely aspirating cystic fluid tends to lead to complete cyst recurrence. Given the high recurrence rate, various management strategies have been proposed varying primarily in the choice of sclerosing agent (e.g., ethanol, tetracycline, polidocanol), infused volume, and retention time. Generally, these studies indicate good symptom improvement, reduced cyst volume, and a favorable safety profile. This review aims to revise the management approach for simple hepatic cysts by introducing two key changes based on recent practices. First, it advocates for a proactive management strategy, suggesting that intervention should not be delayed until cysts become symptomatic. Untreated growing cysts can lead to complications, making noninvasive management more challenging and increasing the likelihood of surgical intervention. Second, the review supports the use of sclerotherapy–either EUS-guided or percutaneous–as the first-line therapy for simple hepatic cysts, based on evidence demonstrating its effectiveness and safety. By addressing these changes, the review seeks to enhance current management strategies for simple hepatic cysts.
9.Effects of polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer/lysine-grafted graphene oxide nanoparticle composite scaffolds on osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3 cells
Shuangqi YU ; Fan DING ; Song WAN ; Wei CHEN ; Xuejun ZHANG ; Dong CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zuoli LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(4):707-712
BACKGROUND:How to effectively promote bone regeneration and bone reconstruction after bone injury has always been a key issue in clinical bone repair research.The use of biological and degradable materials loaded with bioactive factors to treat bone defects has excellent application prospects in bone repair. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer(PLGA)composite scaffold modified by lysine-grafted graphene oxide nanoparticles(LGA-g-GO)on osteogenic differentiation and new bone formation. METHODS:PLGA was dissolved in dichloromethane and PLGA scaffold was prepared by solvent evaporation method.PLGA/GO composite scaffolds were prepared by dispersing graphene oxide uniformly in PLGA solution.LGA-g-GO nanoparticles were prepared by chemical grafting method,and the PLGA/LGA-g-GO composite scaffolds were constructed by blending LGA-g-GO nanoparticles at different mass ratios(1%,2%,and 3%)with PLGA.The micromorphology,hydrophilicity,and protein adsorption capacity of scaffolds of five groups were characterized.MC3T3 cells were inoculated on the surface of scaffolds of five groups to detect cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The surface of PLGA scaffolds was smooth and flat under scanning electron microscope,while the surface of the other four scaffolds was rough.The surface roughness of the composite scaffolds increased with the increase of the addition of LGA-g-GO nanoparticles.The water contact angle of PLGA/LGA-g-GO(3%)composite scaffolds was lower than that of the other four groups(P<0.05).The protein adsorption capacity of PLGA/LGA-g-GO(1%,2%,and 3%)composite scaffolds was stronger than PLGA and PLGA/GO scaffolds(P<0.05).(2)CCK-8 assay showed that PLGA/LGA-g-GO(2%,3%)composite scaffold could promote the proliferation of MC3T3 cells.Alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red staining showed that the cell alkaline phosphatase activity in PLGA/LGA-g-GO(2%,3%)group was higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.05).The calcium deposition in the PLGA/GO and PLGA/LGA-g-GO(1%,2%,and 3%)groups was higher than that in the PLGA group(P<0.05).(3)In summary,PLGA/LGA-g-GO composite scaffold can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts,and is conducive to bone regeneration and bone reconstruction after bone injury.
10.Comparison of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring between propofol and remimazolam during total intravenous anesthesia in the cervical spine surgery: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Myoung Hwa KIM ; Jinyoung PARK ; Yoon Ghil PARK ; Yong Eun CHO ; Dawoon KIM ; Dong Jun LEE ; Kyu Wan KWAK ; Jongyun LEE ; Dong Woo HAN
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;78(1):16-29
Background:
Although total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and remifentanil is frequently used to optimize intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM), the exact effect of remimazolam on IONM remains unknown. Here, we compared the effects of propofol and remimazolam along with remifentanil on IONM during TIVA.
Methods:
In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 64 patients requiring IONM during cervical spine surgery were administered either propofol (Group P) or remimazolam (Group R). The preoperative latencies of the somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEP; N20 for the median nerve and P37 for the tibial nerve) were measured. SEP latencies and amplitudes and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were measured 30 min after anesthetic induction (T1), 30 min after surgical incision (T2), after laminectomy or discectomy (T3), immediately after plate insertion or pedicle screw fixation (T4), and before surgical wound closure (T5). The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the N20 latency changes measured at T1 and preoperatively.
Results:
The change in SEP latencies including N20 and P37 at T1 compared with preoperative time was not significantly different between Groups P and R. Except for the amplitude of the right abductor brevis, there was no significant group-by-time interaction effect for intraoperative MEP amplitudes or SEP latencies and amplitudes.
Conclusions
TIVA with remimazolam and remifentanil for cervical spine surgery yielded stable IONM, comparable to those observed with conventional TIVA with propofol and remifentanil. Further clinical trials are needed in other surgical contexts and with more diverse patient populations to determine the effects of remimazolam on IONM.

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