1.Construction of Organoid-on-a-chip and Its Applications in Biomedical Fields
Rui-Xia LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Yi LIU ; Long HUANG ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):293-308
Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.
2.Construction of Organoid-on-a-chip and Its Applications in Biomedical Fields
Rui-Xia LIU ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiao LI ; Yi LIU ; Long HUANG ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):293-308
Organoid-on-a-chip technology represents a promising interdisciplinary advancement that merges two cutting-edge biomedical platforms: stem cell-derived organoids and microfluidics-based organ-on-a-chip systems. Organoids are self-organizing three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures that mimic the key structural and functional features of in vivo organs. However, traditional organoid culture systems are often static, lacking dynamic environmental cues and suffering from limitations such as batch-to-batch variability, low stability, and low throughput. Organ-on-a-chip platforms, by contrast, utilize microfluidic technologies to simulate the dynamic physiological microenvironment of human tissues and organs, enabling more controlled cell growth and differentiation. By integrating the advantages of organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies, organoid-on-a-chip systems transcend the limitations of conventional 3D culture models, offering a more physiologically relevant and controllable in vitro platform. In organoid-on-a-chip systems, stem cells or pre-formed organoids are cultured in micro-engineered environments that mimic in vivo conditions, enabling precise control over fluid flow, mechanical forces, and biochemical cues. Specifically, these platforms employ advanced strategies including bio-inspired 3D scaffolds for structural support, precise spatial cell patterning via 3D bioprinting, and integrated biosensors for real-time monitoring of metabolic activities. These synergistic elements recreate complex extracellular matrix signals and ensure high structural fidelity. Based on structural complexity, organoid-on-a-chip systems are classified into single-organoid and multi-organoid types, forming a trajectory from unit biomimicry to systemic simulation. Single-organoid chips focus on highly biomimetic units by integrating vascular, immune, or neural functions. Multi-organoid chips simulate inter-organ crosstalk and systemic homeostasis, advancing complex disease modeling and PK/PD evaluation. This emerging technology has demonstrated broad application potential in multiple fields of biomedicine. Organoid-on-a-chip systems can recapitulate organ developmentin vitro, facilitating research in developmental biology. They mimic organ-specific physiological activities and mechanisms, showing promising applications in regenerative medicine for tissue repair or replacement. In disease modeling, they support the reconstruction of models for neurodegenerative, inflammatory, infectious, metabolic diseases, and cancers. These platforms also enable in vitro drug testing and pharmacokinetic studies (ADME). Patient-derived chips preserve genetic and pathological features, offering potential for precision medicine. Additionally, they reduce species differences in toxicology, providing human-relevant data for environmental, food, cosmetic, and drug safety assessments. Despite progress, organoid-on-a-chip systems face challenges in dynamic simulation, extracellular matrix (ECM) variability, and limited real-time 3D imaging, requiring improved materials and the integration of developmental signals. Current bottlenecks also include the high technical threshold for automation and the lack of standardized validation frameworks for regulatory adoption. Meanwhile, the concept of a “human-on-a-chip” has been proposed to mimic whole-body physiology by integrating multiple organoid modules. This approach enables systemic modeling of drug responses and toxicity, with the potential to reduce animal testing and revolutionize drug development. Future advancements in bio-responsive hydrogels and flexible biosensors will further empower these platforms to bridge the gap between bench-side research and personalized clinical interventions. In conclusion, organoid-on-a-chip technology offers a transformative in vitro model that closely recapitulates the complexity of human tissues and organ systems. It provides an unprecedented platform for advancing biomedical research, clinical translation, and pharmaceutical innovation. Continued development in biomaterials, microengineering, and analytical technologies will be essential to unlocking the full potential of this powerful tool.
3.Effect of Yang-Reinforcing and Blood-Activating Therapy on the Long-Term Prognosis for Dilated Cardio-myopathy Patients with Yang Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Shiyi TAO ; Jun LI ; Lintong YU ; Ji WU ; Yuqing TAN ; Xiao XIA ; Fuyuan ZHANG ; Tiantian XUE ; Xuanchun HUANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):53-59
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the long-term prognosis for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 371 DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. The yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was defined as the exposure factor. Patients were categorized into exposure group (186 cases) and non-exposure group (185 cases) according to whether they received yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy combined with conventional western medicine for 6 months or longer. The follow-up period was set at 48 months, and the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in both groups. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the impact of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy on the risk of MACE, and subgroup analysis was performed. Changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score were compared between groups at the time of first combined use of yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy (before treatment) and 1 year after receiving the therapy (after treatment). ResultsMACE occurred in 31 cases (16.67%) in the exposure group and 47 cases (25.41%) in the non-exposure group. The cumulative incidence of MACE in the exposure group was significantly lower than that in the non-exposure group [HR=0.559, 95%CI(0.361,0.895), P=0.014]. Cox regression analysis showed that yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy was an independent factor for reducing the risk of MACE in DCM patients [HR=0.623, 95%CI(0.396,0.980), P=0.041], and consistent results were observed in different subgroups. Compared with pre-treatment, the exposure group showed decreased TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score, reduced LVEDD, and increased LVEF and LVFS after treatment (P<0.05); in the non-exposure group, TCM syndrome score decreased, LVEF and LVFS increased, and LVEDD reduced after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the exposure group had higher LVEF and LVFS, smaller LVEDD, and lower TCM syndrome score and MLHFQ score compared with the non-exposure group (P<0.05). ConclusionCombining yang-reinforcing and blood-activating therapy with conventional western medicine can reduce the risk of MACE in DCM patients with yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, meanwhile improving their clinical symptoms, cardiac function, and quality of life.
4.Standardized diagnostic practice and analysis of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome
Xiaoyi LI ; Li HUANG ; Xiao ZHANG ; Junle WU ; Kankan DENG ; Bin XIAO ; Lihua XIA
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(2):201-206
Objective To analyze the core elements of standardized diagnosis of occupational carpal tunnel syndrome (OCTS). Methods Data of first reported OCTS case in Guangdong Province were retrospectively analyzed, including occupational exposure history, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, and on-site occupational health investigation results. Furthermore, standardized diagnostic approaches for such occupational diseases were explored. Results The patient worked in a garment manufacturing enterprise, engaged in fabric cutting. The patient had a occupational history of at least three consecutive years of repetitive right wrist work, holding a 15.2 kg electric cutting tool for a cumulative 6.6 hours per day, with awkward wrist movements repeated 13 times per minute. Clinical symptoms included numbness and reduced muscle strength in the areas of median nerve distribution of the right hand, which were aggravated during work and relieved after rest. Physical examination showed inability of right hand to perform fine motor opposition movements of the thumb with the index, middle, and ring fingers; decreased tactile, pain, vibration, graphesthesia, and kinesthetic sensations below the right wrist; and positive Tinel′s sign over the median nerve at the wrist crease level, Phalen′s test, and reverse Phalen′s test of right wrist. Both wrist high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography and nerve conduction studies and electromyography indicated damage to the right median nerve. However, only the findings from high-frequency color Doppler ultrasonography of the wrist meet the diagnostic criteria specified in GBZ 336-2025 Diagnostic Standard for Occupational Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. On-site occupational health investigation confirmed that the work involved typical repetitive wrist work, and three co-workers in similar positions exhibited comparable symptoms. The case was ultimately diagnosed as OCTS. Conclusion The definitive diagnosis of OCTS requires comprehensive evaluation of four core elements: a clear occupational exposure history, typical clinical symptoms and signs, characteristic objective examination findings, and quantitative on-site occupational health investigation data. Only when these four elements corroborate each other and non-occupational causative factors are excluded can a definitive diagnosis be made.
5.Revision strategies for failed atlantoaxial dislocation surgery
Zexing CHEN ; Xiaobao ZOU ; Xinzhao HUANG ; Junlin CHEN ; Rencai MA ; Zhishun XIAO ; Mandi CAI ; Hong XIA ; Xiangyang MA
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(17):1128-1136
Objective:To analyze the revision strategies for failed atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 145 patients who underwent revision surgery for AAD at the General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command of PLA between September 2009 and December 2023. The cohort included 74 males and 71 females, with a mean age of 43±16 years (range, 6-72 years). The initial surgical approaches were: anterior 31 cases, posterior 114 cases. Based on imaging assessments of immediate postoperative reduction and fusion status prior to revision, the cases of failure were classified into reduction-nonfusion type (22 cases), nonreduction-fusion type (31 cases), and nonreduction-nonfusion type (92 cases). Among the nonreduction-nonfusion cases, 39 had initial surgery with internal fixation for reduction, while 53 had initial surgery with simple decompression (posterior arch resection, foramen magnum decompression) without reduction. In the nonreduction-fusion cases, 8 cases had spot fusion and 23 had extensive fusion. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were compared before and after revision, and complication rates were observed.Results:All patients successfully underwent surgery. The revision approaches included: anterior (anterior fixation and fusion 52 cases, anterior implant removal combined anterior fixation and fusion 4 cases, transoral odontoidectomies 16 cases, anterior implant removal combined transoral odontoidectomy 2 cases), posterior (posterior fixation and fusion 2 cases, posterior implant removal combined posterior fixation and fusion 22 cases), and combined anterior-posterior (posterior implant removal combined anterior fixation and fusion 18 cases, anterior implant removal combined posterior fixation and fusion 25 cases, posterior implant removal combined transoral odontoidectomy 5 cases). Operative time was 254.20±107.63 min (range, 90-660 min), and blood loss was 218.83±172.17 ml (range, 20-800 ml). Except for 3 patients who died due to postoperative complications, all patients were followed up for a duration of 12±11 months (range, 3-60 months). Six patients who failed to achieve bony fusion after the initial revision surgery underwent a second revision due to poor reduction (1 case), infection (1 case), suboptimal implant position (3 cases), and graft nonunion (1 case). All three patients with bony fusion after the initial revision surgery underwent a second revision due to poor reduction. Following the second revision surgery, none of the 9 patients exhibited graft nonunion or spinal cord compression. The 136 successful initial revision cases had a final follow-up JOA score of 14.75±2.00, significantly higher than the preoperative score of 11.93±2.92 ( t=-18.869, P<0.001). Conclusions:Revision surgery for AAD should take into account the immediate postoperative reduction status and fusion status prior to revision. An appropriate revision strategy should be selected to achieve satisfactory reduction and bony fusion.
6.Development and reliability and validity test of the Ego Depletion Scale for Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Jiaxin YOU ; Rong XU ; Tian XIA ; Haishan HUANG ; Xiao LU ; Hong LIU ; Yan HUANG ; Qinghua LIU ; Xuna BIAN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(19):2371-2377
Objective To develop the Ego Depletion Scale for Type 2 Diabetes Patients and evaluate its reliability and validity,and to provide a specific assessment tool for evaluating ego-depletion in self-management.Methods Guided by the self-control strength model,the initial scale was constructed through literature review,semi-structured interviews,2 rounds of expert consultation,and a pilot survey.A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit 460 patients with Type 2 Diabetes from the endocrinology department of a tertiary hospital in Wuhan,Hubei Province,between April and July 2024.They were randomly divided into 2 subsets for exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.Results A total of 451 valid questionnaires were collected.Exploratory factor analysis extracted 6 common factors,with a cumulative variance contribution of 73.231%.In confirmatory factor analysis,an item was deleted due to failing to meet the standardized loading value criterion.The revised Ego Depletion Scale for Type 2 Diabetes Patients comprised 6 dimensions and 22 items.The total Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.911;split-half reliability was 0.744;the content validity index was 0.860.Correlation coefficients between the total score and scores of each dimension of the scale and the total score of the Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale ranged from 0.558 to 0.946(P<0.001).Conclusion The scale exhibits robust reliability and validity,serving as a scientifically instrument for assessing ego depletion in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
7.A novel anti-ischemic stroke candidate drug AAPB with dual effects of neuroprotection and cerebral blood flow improvement.
Jianbing WU ; Duorui JI ; Weijie JIAO ; Jian JIA ; Jiayi ZHU ; Taijun HANG ; Xijing CHEN ; Yang DING ; Yuwen XU ; Xinglong CHANG ; Liang LI ; Qiu LIU ; Yumei CAO ; Yan ZHONG ; Xia SUN ; Qingming GUO ; Tuanjie WANG ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Ya LING ; Wei XIAO ; Zhangjian HUANG ; Yihua ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1070-1083
Ischemic stroke (IS) is a globally life-threatening disease. Presently, few therapeutic medicines are available for treating IS, and rt-PA is the only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. In fact, many agents showing excellent neuroprotection but no blood flow-improving activity in animals have not achieved ideal clinical efficacy, while thrombolytic drugs only improving blood flow without neuroprotection have limited their wider application. To address these challenges and meet the huge unmet clinical need, we have designed and identified a novel compound AAPB with dual effects of neuroprotection and cerebral blood flow improvement. AAPB significantly reduced cerebral infarction and neural function deficit in tMCAO rats, pMCAO rats, and IS rhesus monkeys, as well as displayed exceptional safety profiles and excellent pharmacokinetic properties in rats and dogs. AAPB has now entered phase I of clinical trials fighting IS in China.
8.Effect of endometrial thickness on obstetric and neonatal outcomes of monoparous pregnancy in fresh cleavage-embryo transfer
Li-juan SUN ; Jia-ping PAN ; Shan-shan LIANG ; Mei-yuan HUANG ; Kai-li ZHU ; Xiao-ming TENG ; Hai-xia WU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(1):63-70
Objective To investigate the association of endometrial thickness(EMT)with obstetric and neonatal outcomes of monoparous pregnancy in fresh cleavage embryos transfer.Methods A total of 1 845 patients of monoparous pregnancy after fresh cleavage embryos transfer cycles from Jan 2016 to Mar 2022 at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital,Tongji Universtiy were analyzed retrospectively.Patients were categorized into three groups by EMT on transferation day:≤8 mm(group A),8-14 mm(group B)and≥14 mm(group C).The primary outcomes were preterm birth(PTB),birth weight and birth weight z-score,small-for-gestation age,large-for-gestation age,very low birth weight,low birth weight and macrosomia.The second outcomes were pregnancy and perinatal complications.The relationship between EMT and adverse neonatal outcomes was estimated by Logistic regression analysis.Results The rate of ectopic pregnancy was increased significantly in group A.No significant differences were found among the three groups in gestation age,birth weight,birth weight z-score,PTB,small for gestation age,large for gestation age,low birth weight,very low birth weight and macrosomia.Compared with group B,the odds of adverse neonatal outcomes did not show significant differences before and after adjustment in both group A and group C by Logistic regression analysis.Conclusion Thinner EMT in fresh cleavage embryos transfer is associated with higher rate of ectopic pregnancy,while it is not independently associated with adverse perinatal outcomes.
9.Investigation of fall risk in patients with Parkinson's disease and establishment and validation of a nomogram prediction model based on LASSO regression
Haiqiong HU ; Lixia LI ; Yu SHAO ; Yuanyuan HUANG ; Fajun XIAO ; Ke XIA
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(10):1338-1344
Objective:To investigate the risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease and establish and validate a prediction model.Methods:We selected 372 patients with Parkinson's disease at Sichuan Nanchong Mental Health Centre from January 2022 to Septem-ber 2023.The patients were divided in a 7:3 ratio into model group(260 cases)and validation group(112 cases).According to previ-ous literature and suspected factors found in clinical practice,we collected general information(sex,age,etc.)and disease-related factors(the duration of Parkinson's disease,the type of medications taken,etc.)that may be associated with falls in patients with Parkinson's disease.In the model group,between patients with and those without falls within 1 year as reported by the patients or their family members,potential predictors for falls were determined through comparison of general information and disease-related factors,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression,and multivariable logistic regression.Based on the significant factors,a nomogram model was established and validated.Results:In the model group,81(31.15%)of the 260 patients experienced falls.According to the LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression results,alcohol consumption,the type of medications,the score of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part Ⅲ(UPDRS-Ⅲ),the Berg Balance Scale score,the presence of arthritis,and the presence of osteoporosis were independent factors influenc-ing falls in patients with Parkinson's disease.The area under curve(AUC)of the receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC)for pre-dicting the risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease was 0.896(95%CI=0.856-0.935)in the model group and 0.883(95%CI=0.840-0.926)in the validation group.The calibration curve analysis results showed that the prediction curves of the model and valida-tion groups closely fitted the standard curves.The decision curve analysis results indicated that when the probability threshold for pre-dicting the fall risk in Parkinson's disease using the nomogram was 0.10-0.90,the net benefit rate of the patients was greater than 0.Conclusion:The risk of falls in patients with Parkinson's disease are mainly influenced by factors such as alcohol consumption and the type of medications.The nomogram model established in this study can be used to predict the fall risk in patients with Parkinson's disease.
10.Development of A High-performance Rectangular Ion Trap for Multi-reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
Xiao-Xia CHEN ; Yi REN ; Qi HUANG ; Da-Jun XIANG ; Chang-Wei LI ; Yi HONG ; Lei LI ; Zheng-Xu HUANG ; Mei LI ; Jing-Wei XU ; Zhen ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(1):38-46
As a new generation of time-of-flight mass spectrometry,multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MR-TOF-MS)has been increasingly applied in the fields such as nuclear physics,chemistry,and biology due to its ultra-high resolution and rapid analysis capabilities.However,the analytical performance of MR-TOF-MS largely depends on the ion bunch state entering the mass analyzer.In this study,a rectangular ion trap(RIT)was developed,designed and processed using printed circuit board technology,as an ion accumulating and focusing device for MR-TOF mass analyzer.Compared to traditional ion traps composed of two sets of planar electrodes,this RIT had higher voltage utilization efficiency,resulting in more efficient ion collection and focusing.The ions were cooled to a sufficiently small bunch for precise mass measurement with MR-TOF-MS mass spectrometry in only 1 ms of cooling time in the RIT,then orthogonally ejected to the MR-TOF mass spectrometer for mass analysis.Experimental results indicated that the working cycle,ion flux,and ion focusing state of the RIT fully met the requirements of the MR-TOF mass analyzer.When coupled with the MR-TOF mass analyzer,the RIT enabled MR-TOF-MS to achieve a mass resolution of 1.5×105.

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