1.Multi-dimensional Holographic Characterization of Zhejiang Characteristic Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma with Nine-time Repeating Steaming and Processing
Xin WU ; Cuiwei CHEN ; Qiao YU ; Chao FENG ; Hongyan ZHANG ; Yan CHEN ; Caihua SUN ; Gang CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):197-205
ObjectiveHistorically documented Zhejiang Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(Baizhu) possesses premium characteristics such as phoenix-like head and crane-like neck, pronounced sweetness, and fragrant aroma. However, its current market circulation is low, and the processed products with Zhejiang-style characteristics are at the risk of being lost. This study aims to preserve the ancient Zhejiang-style processing techniques and evaluate them using modern scientific methods. MethodsMultidimensional intelligent sensory evaluation was used to digitally characterize the "quality-structure" of the external appearance of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu medicinal materials(intermediate processed products) and the "odor-taste" of the internal quality of its decoction pieces(slices), and the appearance parameters were digitally characterized by colorimeter, texture analyzer, electronic nose and electronic tongue, the chemical composition was analyzed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Then, cluster analysis on the differences in odor between the medicinal materials(intermediate processed products) and decoction pieces(slices) of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu was conducted, as well as the differences in taste between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of the decoction pieces(slices), and the correlation analysis of chroma value-alcohol-soluble extract content-component response value. ResultsThe nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu had a dark brown to black epidermis, a brownish-yellow to brownish-gray cross-section, a slightly tough texture, a faint odor, and a slightly sweet, bitter and pungent taste. Texture analyzer measurements revealed minimal adhesion and maximum recovery in the middle section of the characteristic processed Baizhu, consistent with the processing endpoint of thorough steaming and cooking. The head section showed the highest internal hardness, elasticity and chewiness, indicating a denser texture in this area. The electronic nose sensor could clearly distinguish the difference between the medicinal materials and its decoction pieces, with a more significant clustering effect at 60 ℃ for 30 minutes compared to ambient temperature headspace for 2 hours, highlighting the significant impact of the baking degree before slicing on the quality. The electronic tongue taste signal map clearly distinguished the differences between water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu decoction pieces, and the addition of auxiliary materials during processing could enhance its alcohol-soluble extract content. A total of 82 chemical components were identified in the characteristic processed Baizhu. After processing, the contents of 58 components increased, while 24 components decreased. Correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations(P<0.01) between ethanol-soluble extract content and colorimetric values of brightness(L*), yellow-bule value(b*), and total color difference(E*ab). E*ab showed marked negative correlations(P<0.05) with the response values of isochlorogenic acid A and C. ConclusionThis study establishes a modern intelligent sensory evaluation model for multidimensional holographic characterization of nine-steamed and nine-processed Baizhu, clarifying the correlation between increased isochlorogenic acid content and the visual color appearance after different steaming cycles, as well as its intrinsic alcohol-soluble extracts. This provides a reference for quality evaluation and processing standards of the Zhejiang-style characteristic processed products.
2.COLEC12high tumor-associated macrophages orchestrate lenvatinib resistance and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma via paracrine NRG1-HER2/HER3 signaling
Jianxing ZHANG ; Liang QIAO ; Zongfeng WU ; Dinglan ZUO ; Shanshan HUANG ; Shaoru LIU ; Zhenkun HUANG ; Yi ZENG ; Yu LI ; Yichuan YUAN ; Chenwei WANG ; Wei HE ; Jiliang QIU ; Yunfei YUAN ; Yi NIU ; Binkui LI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):772-786
Background/Aims:
Lenvatinib resistance remains a critical barrier in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. However, the underlying mechanisms and strategies for reversing resistance remain incompletely understood.
Methods:
Integrated transcriptomics of lenvatinib-resistant patient tumors and an acquired-resistance murine model identified a novel macrophage subpopulation. Functional validation employed CRISPR-SAM screening, conditioned medium (CM) assays, subcutaneous/orthotopic xenografts, patient-derived organoids (PDOs), and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Mechanistic studies included ChIP-qPCR, co-immunoprecipitation, and pharmacologic targeting. Clinical relevance was assessed in a retrospective cohort.
Results:
Resistant HCC exhibited significant enrichment of a COLEC12high TAM subset , which correlated with poor survival and treatment response. These TAMs secreted neuregulin-1 (NRG1) , activating HER2/HER3-AKT signaling in tumor cells to drive cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance. Mechanistically, in TAMs COLEC12 sequestered STAT1 in the cytoplasm, preventing its phosphorylation, and thereby derepressing STAT3-mediated NRG1 transcription. Depletion of NRG1 reversed the stemness phenotypes and resensitized tumors to lenvatinib both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, high NRG1 expression predicted an inferior lenvatinib response and shorter survival. Crucially, the bispecific anti-HER2/HER3 antibody zenocutuzumab restored lenvatinib efficacy in PDOs, PDXs, and murine models.
Conclusions
Our work establishes the COLEC12high TAM/NRG1 axis as a master regulator of therapeutic resistance and identifies NRG1 as a predictive biomarker, providing a clinically actionable strategy to overcome lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
3.Expert consensus on the application of artificial intelligence in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment (2026 edition)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Haibo WANG ; Yi HU ; Hao ZHANG ; Jigang DAI ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Zihao CHEN ; Hongxia TIAN ; Lunxu LIU ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Zongyang YU ; Zhenbin QIU ; Yihua SUN ; Jing HU ; Yuhang SHI ; Zhifei GUO ; Peng ZHANG ; Kezhong CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(06):848-856
With the continuous deepening of the concept of precision diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer, how to achieve higher efficiency and accuracy in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways in clinical practice has become an important issue that urgently needs to be overcome. The current clinical difficulty lies in the fact that despite continuous advancements in imaging and molecular diagnostic technologies, there are still limitations in manual efficiency and subjective experience when it comes to massive data analysis and multi-scale feature extraction. Artificial intelligence (AI), especially algorithm systems based on deep learning, is an innovative technology capable of deeply empowering medical big data. This method utilizes algorithms such as convolutional neural networks, combined with radiomics, pathomics, and multi-modal data fusion analysis, demonstrating immense potential in early precise detection and benign-malignant differentiation of pulmonary nodules, digital pathological subtype recognition and non-invasive prediction of driver genes, precise 3D surgical planning and automatic delineation of radiotherapy target volumes, as well as dynamic risk warning during follow-up. This innovative technology provides a brand-new solution for realizing intelligent and individualized lung cancer diagnosis and treatment models. This consensus, based on the latest evidence from evidence-based medicine and combined with the development trends in the AI field and real-world clinical needs, was ultimately formed by gathering the consensus opinions of multidisciplinary experts in radiology, pathology, thoracic surgery, and other fields. The main content covers the application specifications of AI in the three core scenarios of lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, the technical standards for data collection and algorithm validation, as well as the ethical and regulatory challenges faced at the current stage. It aims to clarify the applicable boundaries of AI as a clinical auxiliary decision support tool, providing scientific guidance and standardized exploration directions for peers currently engaged in or planning to carry out AI-assisted clinical diagnosis, treatment, and translation of lung cancer.
4.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
5.Development and reliability and validity testing of a patient-reported symptom and function scale for patients with pectus excavatum after the Nuss procedure
Qibin CHEN ; Liang XIE ; Dongkun ZHANG ; Cheng DENG ; Yong TANG ; Yinghong WU ; Qiuling SHI ; Guibin QIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1234-1239
Objective To develop a symptom and function assessment scale for patients after Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum and to test its reliability and validity. Methods Following the principles and procedures of patient-reported outcome (PRO) scale development stipulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an initial draft was formed through literature analysis, qualitative interviews, and Delphi expert consultation. The preliminary draft was used to conduct a pre-survey on patients who underwent Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, and the reliability and validity of the scale were tested. Results A preliminary PRO-based symptom and function scale was constructed, covering two domains: symptoms and impact on daily functions. The symptom dimension included six items: chest tightness, palpitations, pain, shortness of breath, foreign body sensation of the steel plate, and distress; while the impact on daily functions included four items: difficulty in getting out of bed or lying down, raising arms, bending over, and standing or sitting for a long time. A total of 73 patients who underwent Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum were included in the questionnaire survey, with 70 valid questionnaires collected, including 64 males and 6 females, with 56 patients aged 12-17 years and 14 patients ≥18 years. Through exploratory factor analysis, two common factors were extracted, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 70%. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the scale was 0.917. Conclusion The scale developed in this study has good reliability and validity, high reliability and stability, and can be used as an evaluation tool for the recovery status of patients after Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum.
6.Key influencing factors and improvement strategies of prognosis in lung transplant recipients
Mengting ZHANG ; Xiaoshan LI ; Ting QIAN ; Lin MAN ; Min XIONG ; Shiqiang XUE ; Yetian QIAO ; Lin ZHU ; Jingyu CHEN ; Bo WU
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(5):875-882
In recent years, remarkable advances have been made in lung transplantation regarding donor evaluation, perioperative support, and immune regulation, laying a foundation for improving the long-term survival of recipients. The rational application of extended criteria donor lungs and the popularization of ex vivo lung perfusion technology have enhanced the utilization efficiency and safety of marginal donor lungs. Refined assessment of risk factors such as donors’ smoking history and infectious status has reduced the incidence of primary graft dysfunction and postoperative infection. In terms of recipient management, individualized assessment systems have been gradually optimized. The standardized application of intraoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques have effectively alleviated perioperative injuries. The optimization of postoperative immunosuppressive regimens and advances in rejection monitoring technologies have further improved the long-term survival of grafts. Nevertheless, chronic graft dysfunction and recurrent or refractory infections remain the major bottlenecks restricting long-term prognosis. Future research should focus on expanding donor sources, improving the repair quality of marginal donor lungs, promoting precise immunosuppression and anti-infection strategies, and comprehensively enhancing the long-term survival rate and quality of life of lung transplant recipients.
7.Effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction on Piezo1-YAP Signaling Axis and Macrophage Polarization in Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis
Chao LEI ; Yanbo LI ; Houyan ZHANG ; Meng QIAO ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):142-152
ObjectiveTo validate the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and to investigate its correlations with the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1)-Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanical signaling axis and macrophage polarization. MethodsFifty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized into a blank control group, a 4-week model group, a 6-week model group, a 8-week model group, a positive drug (silymarin, 55 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) YQSH groups. Except the 6-week model group (n=12), each of the other groups had 6 mice. Mice in other groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injections of 10% CCl4 twice weekly for the modeling of liver fibrosis. Drug interventions began one week after the initial modeling through gavage, and the blank control and model groups received 0.2 mL of normal saline via gavage. The histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), and collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 in the liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. Co-localization of Piezo1 with YAP1, and YAP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The proportions of M1-type (F4/80+CD80+) and M2-type (F4/80+CD206+) macrophages in the liver tissue were examined by flow cytometry. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed through transcriptomic sequencing. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited gradually worsened liver fibrosis at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. The 6- and 8-week model groups showcased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of both Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model groups, treatment with YQSH improved the liver function (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated liver fibrosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition (P<0.01). Furthermore, the treatment downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the ratio of CD80 (M1-type)/CD206 (M2-type) macrophage proteins (P<0.01). The IF assay showed co-localization of YAP1 with Piezo1 and iNOS. Compared with the model groups, YQSH treatment downregulated the expression of Piezo1, YAP1, and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to the Hippo signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThe anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of the Piezo1-YAP signaling axis and regulation of macrophage polarization.
8.Effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu Decoction on Piezo1-YAP Signaling Axis and Macrophage Polarization in Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis
Chao LEI ; Yanbo LI ; Houyan ZHANG ; Meng QIAO ; Qingjuan WU ; Wenliang LYU ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):142-152
ObjectiveTo validate the therapeutic effect of Yinqi Sanhuang Jiedu decoction (YQSH) on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and to investigate its correlations with the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (Piezo1)-Yes-associated protein (YAP) mechanical signaling axis and macrophage polarization. MethodsFifty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomized into a blank control group, a 4-week model group, a 6-week model group, a 8-week model group, a positive drug (silymarin, 55 mg·kg-1·d-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose (8.325, 16.65, 33.3 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) YQSH groups. Except the 6-week model group (n=12), each of the other groups had 6 mice. Mice in other groups except the blank control group received intraperitoneal injections of 10% CCl4 twice weekly for the modeling of liver fibrosis. Drug interventions began one week after the initial modeling through gavage, and the blank control and model groups received 0.2 mL of normal saline via gavage. The histopathological changes and collagen deposition in the liver were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as serum levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), and collagen type Ⅳ (Ⅳ-C), were measured. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the liver tissue were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 in the liver tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), respectively. Co-localization of Piezo1 with YAP1, and YAP1 with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The proportions of M1-type (F4/80+CD80+) and M2-type (F4/80+CD206+) macrophages in the liver tissue were examined by flow cytometry. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed through transcriptomic sequencing. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the model group exhibited gradually worsened liver fibrosis at the 4th, 6th, and 8th weeks. The 6- and 8-week model groups showcased inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the liver (P<0.01) and upregulated protein levels of both Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model groups, treatment with YQSH improved the liver function (P<0.05, P<0.01), alleviated liver fibrosis (P<0.05, P<0.01), and reduced intrahepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition (P<0.01). Furthermore, the treatment downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of Piezo1 and YAP1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased the ratio of CD80 (M1-type)/CD206 (M2-type) macrophage proteins (P<0.01). The IF assay showed co-localization of YAP1 with Piezo1 and iNOS. Compared with the model groups, YQSH treatment downregulated the expression of Piezo1, YAP1, and iNOS (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to the Hippo signaling pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionThe anti-liver fibrosis effect of YQSH may be related to its inhibition of the Piezo1-YAP signaling axis and regulation of macrophage polarization.
9.Principles, technical specifications, and clinical application of lung watershed topography map 2.0: A thoracic surgery expert consensus (2024 version)
Wenzhao ZHONG ; Fan YANG ; Jian HU ; Fengwei TAN ; Xuening YANG ; Qiang PU ; Wei JIANG ; Deping ZHAO ; Hecheng LI ; Xiaolong YAN ; Lijie TAN ; Junqiang FAN ; Guibin QIAO ; Qiang NIE ; Mingqiang KANG ; Weibing WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Zhigang LI ; Zihao CHEN ; Shugeng GAO ; Yilong WU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):141-152
With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.
10.Ethical considerations on the be-welling of offspring born from assisted reproductive technology
Hongping WU ; Caihong MA ; Rong LI ; Jie QIAO ; Ping LIU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(5):663-667
In recent years, the number of special clinical cases related to assisted reproductive technology (ART) for pregnancy has been on the rise annually. For example, gamete donation, assisted reproduction for couples of advanced maternal ages, and the ownership and disposition of embryos when one or both partners pass away, all involve the health of offspring and conflicts of interest in the implementation of ART. Although China’s ethical principles for ART include the protection of the offspring, the detailed rules are vague and urgently need to be supplemented and improved. In addition, the clinical application of ART lacks legislative collaborative governance. The corresponding administrative departments, practitioners, and infertile couples should work together. Starting from the perspective of focusing on the well-being of offspring born from the clinical application of ART, while conducting clinical research to address technical challenges, efforts should be made to overcome ethical dilemmas in the application of technology, comprehensively consider the well-being of offspring born from assisted reproductive treatments and help them seek the best care to promote their healthy growth.


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