1.Role of Macrophage Ferroptosis in Immune Evasion of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Research Progress on Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention
Jinxiang PENG ; Xiaojuan LI ; Man LU ; Xinhua XU ; Mengxian SHU ; Feng WU
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(4):316-324
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) develops within a profoundly immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), which limits the efficacy of immunotherapy. Polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) toward a pro-tumorigenic M2 phenotype is a major driver of immune escape. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death program, intersects with hepatic iron metabolism and immune regulation and thus offers promising points of therapeutic intervention. This review systematically elucidates the mechanistic role of TAM ferroptosis in HCC immune evasion and highlights a “bidirectional regulation” intervention strategy grounded in the Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principle of “fortifying healthy qi and eliminating pathogens” (Fuzheng Quxie). This strategy employs “eliminating pathogens” (Quxie) approaches to exploit the metabolic vulnerability of M2-like TAMs and precisely induce their ferroptosis. Moreover, it utilizes “fortifying healthy qi” (Fuzheng) approaches to protect M1-like TAMs and CD8+ T cells from oxidative damage. This parallel “induction-protection” paradigm demonstrates the unique advantages of TCM in systemically remodeling TIME through multitarget synergistic actions. Accordingly, precision regulation of TAM ferroptosis based on the Fuzheng Quxie theory represents a promising integrative Chinese-Western medicine strategy for overcoming current bottlenecks in HCC immunotherapy, although its clinical translational potential warrants further validation.
2.Research on integrating the red doctor spirit into the training system of military medical cadets under the “five arts” concept
Xiaojuan WU ; Yan WU ; Changyong MA ; Qiuju ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):263-267
The new synergistic education model integrating the “five arts” medical talent cultivation philosophy and the red doctor spirit could form a virtuous cycle of “spiritual guidance-technological breakthrough-spiritual reshaping” in the field of military medical education. Addressing the existing challenges in the process of military medical cadets’ training, such as mission awareness, humanistic care, battlefield rescue, and emergency response, this study proposed integrating the red doctor spirit, characterized by political steadfastness, healing the wounded and rescuing the dying, selfless devotion, relentless pursuit of excellence, and seeking truth and innovation, into the training system under the guidance of the “five arts” philosophy, including establishing a foundation through Daoist arts, forging the soul with benevolence, empowering through academia, tempering through technology, and nurturing the mind through artistry. A cultivation model was constructed featuring “moral education as the priority and cultivating through soul-forging; military spirit as the root and medical professionalism as the foundation and training for warfare; mastery in medicine for battlefield success and cultivating talent through rigorous scholarship.” Furthermore, through pathways including the optimization and implementation of the curriculum system, the enhancement and innovation of practical teaching, the development and training of the faculty team, and the improvement and innovation of the evaluation system, this model assisted in achieve the goal of cultivating compound talents with “the red medicine essence plus the five arts foundation.” These talents also built their foundation on the “five arts” philosophy, forge their spirit with the red doctor spirit, and was tempered with battlefield adaptability.
3.Ethical conflicts and codes of conduct for military physicians in battlefield settings
Qiuju ZHANG ; Dan LI ; Changyong MA ; Xiaojuan WU ; Hui JIANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(6):724-729
In the challenging and specific military environment, medical activities are not only confined to traditional medical care but must also adapt to the special requirements of military operations. Meanwhile, when military operations employ medical interventions for treatment and research, they introduce complexities and ethical considerations inherent in the medical domain. Against this backdrop, the ethical conflicts and moral dilemmas confronted by the special identity of military doctors have become an inevitable and urgent issue requiring resolution. The identities of doctors and soldiers, typically distinct, overlap and intersect in the role of the military doctors on the battlefield, inevitably giving rise to intricate ethical predicaments that frequently place them in arduous moral choices. The special considerations in behavioral decision-making, contradictions in value judgments, and the reconciliation of moral injury among military doctors in battlefield scenarios should be comprehensively considered based on factors such as professional codes of conduct, values and emotions, international law, and humanitarian principles. Military doctors should regard respecting life as the supreme principle, while also taking into account the protection needs of special groups, and adhering to the core concept of fairness and reasonableness, all of which should serve as the fundamental guidance for their behavioral standards.
4.Prevalence and influencing factor of high myopia with fundus lesions in active-duty military personel
Shuqi SONG ; Di HUANG ; Xiaojuan LI ; Xueying WANG ; Zhenzhen WU ; Yongfeng SUN
International Eye Science 2026;26(10):1860-1864
AIM:To investigate the prevalence of ocular fundus lesions among active-duty military personnel with high myopia and to analyze the associated influencing factors.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study. Subjects included military personnel with high myopia(≤-6.00 D)and elongated axial length(≥26 mm). A systematic evaluation protocol was implemented, consisting of standardized questionnaires, general physical health examinations, and comprehensive ophthalmic assessments. Optical coherence tomography(OCT)was used to screen for fundus lesions in highly myopic subjects, and the prevalence of related lesions was calculated. Axial length, refractive error, best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), and macular ganglion cell complex(GCC)thickness were measured. Univariate analysis was performed to compare differences in the above parameters between highly myopic subjects with and without concomitant fundus lesions. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was further applied to identify risk factors for fundus lesions.
RESULTS:A total of 134 male patients(268 eyes)were enrolled, with the mean age of 24.5±3.2 y. Of the 268 eyes, 123 eyes(45.9%)showed positive signs of fundus lesions. Among these, parapapillary blood flow density reduction was found in 84 eyes(31.3%), GCC thinning in 46 eyes(17.2%), drusen in 8 eyes(3.0%), optic disc edema in 7 eyes(2.6%), retinoschisis in 6 eyes(2.2%), and choroidal excavation in 3 eyes(1.1%). BCVA was significantly lower in highly myopic patients with retinoschisis than in those without retinoschisis(P<0.05).Univariate analysis showed that refractive error, axial length, and posterior scleral expansion were associated with the occurrence of fundus lesions(P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that axial length(OR=2.52, 95%CI: 1.67-3.80, P<0.001)and posterior scleral expansion(OR=3.12, 95%CI: 1.65-5.92, P<0.01)were significant risk factors for fundus lesions in highly myopic military personnel.
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of fundus lesions is relatively high among active-duty military personnel with high myopia. Peripapillary flow density reduction and GCC thinning are the most common manifestations in this population. Increased axial length and posterior scleral ectasia are significant contributing factors. It is recommended that OCT be incorporated into routine ophthalmic examinations for these military personnel, thereby providing a basis for the early detection and intervention of fundus lesions.
5.Microbial Culture Results and Pathogen Profiles of Donor Corneas in Eye Bank
Jianping JI ; Huicong HU ; Zhancong OU ; Rongrong CHEN ; Jiabi LIANG ; Nandan WU ; Xiaojuan DONG ; Ting HUANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):886-898
ObjectiveTo analyze the microbial culture positivity rate, pathogen spectrum, prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and differences among donor procurement sources in corneas from the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province, and to provide evidence for eye bank quality control and the prevention of post-keratoplasty infections. MethodsThis retrospective study included 7 442 donor corneas procured by the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province and used for keratoplasty at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, between 2018 and 2025. During surgery, donor corneoscleral rim tissue was excised for bacterial and fungal culture. Culture-positive specimens underwent microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Culture-positive corneas were compared across study years, pathogen categories, and donor procurement sources. ResultsOf the 7 442 donor corneas, 251 were culture-positive, corresponding to an overall culture positivity rate of 3.37%, with annual rates ranging from 1.50% to 5.31%. Among culture-positive corneas, 178 (70.92%) yielded bacteria alone, 72 (28.68%) yielded fungi alone, and 1 (0.40%) yielded both bacteria and fungi. Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the predominant fungal isolates. Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently isolated than Gram-positive bacteria. The most common bacterial isolates were Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. MDROs accounted for 75.47% of bacterial isolates, predominantly Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecium, and demonstrated an increasing trend over the study period. Donor corneas procured through the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP) had a higher culture positivity rate than those obtained through Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) (P<0.000 1). Among culture-positive donor corneas, the proportion of fungal culture-positive corneas was significantly higher in the HCRP group than in the OPO group (P=0.001 5), whereas the proportion of MDROs among bacterial culture-positive corneas was significantly higher in the OPO group than that in the HCRP group (P=0.005 2). ConclusionsThe overall culture positivity rate of donor corneas from the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province is relatively low, indicating that the risk of microbial contamination is controlled. However, pathogen profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns varies by procurement source. Ongoing microbiological and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, together with optimized donor risk assessment and timely reporting of culture results, may further improve eye bank quality management and help inform strategies for preventing post-keratoplasty infections.
6.Microbial Culture Results and Pathogen Profiles of Donor Corneas in Eye Bank
Jianping JI ; Huicong HU ; Zhancong OU ; Rongrong CHEN ; Jiabi LIANG ; Nandan WU ; Xiaojuan DONG ; Ting HUANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):886-898
ObjectiveTo analyze the microbial culture positivity rate, pathogen spectrum, prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and differences among donor procurement sources in corneas from the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province, and to provide evidence for eye bank quality control and the prevention of post-keratoplasty infections. MethodsThis retrospective study included 7 442 donor corneas procured by the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province and used for keratoplasty at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, between 2018 and 2025. During surgery, donor corneoscleral rim tissue was excised for bacterial and fungal culture. Culture-positive specimens underwent microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Culture-positive corneas were compared across study years, pathogen categories, and donor procurement sources. ResultsOf the 7 442 donor corneas, 251 were culture-positive, corresponding to an overall culture positivity rate of 3.37%, with annual rates ranging from 1.50% to 5.31%. Among culture-positive corneas, 178 (70.92%) yielded bacteria alone, 72 (28.68%) yielded fungi alone, and 1 (0.40%) yielded both bacteria and fungi. Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the predominant fungal isolates. Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently isolated than Gram-positive bacteria. The most common bacterial isolates were Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Enterococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. MDROs accounted for 75.47% of bacterial isolates, predominantly Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecium, and demonstrated an increasing trend over the study period. Donor corneas procured through the Hospital Cornea Retrieval Program (HCRP) had a higher culture positivity rate than those obtained through Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) (P<0.000 1). Among culture-positive donor corneas, the proportion of fungal culture-positive corneas was significantly higher in the HCRP group than in the OPO group (P=0.001 5), whereas the proportion of MDROs among bacterial culture-positive corneas was significantly higher in the OPO group than that in the HCRP group (P=0.005 2). ConclusionsThe overall culture positivity rate of donor corneas from the Eye Bank of Guangdong Province is relatively low, indicating that the risk of microbial contamination is controlled. However, pathogen profiles and antimicrobial resistance patterns varies by procurement source. Ongoing microbiological and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, together with optimized donor risk assessment and timely reporting of culture results, may further improve eye bank quality management and help inform strategies for preventing post-keratoplasty infections.
7.Familial type ⅣA hereditary hemochromatosis: A case report
Yanling FAN ; Yanmeng LI ; Zhen WU ; Lina WU ; Xiaojuan OU ; Jian HUANG ; Wei ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(9):2171-2175
Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a hereditary disease characterized by iron overload resulting from mutations in genes involved in iron metabolism. Type ⅣA HH, also known as classical ferroportin disease, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the SLC40A1 gene and has the clinical manifestations of a significant increase in serum ferritin, normal or low transferrin saturation, and marked iron deposition in the spleen. This article reports a case of type ⅣA HH with a significant asymptomatic increase in serum ferritin. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the severity of iron overload in the spleen was significantly higher than that in the liver; liver biopsy showed mild fatty liver disease and iron deposition in Kupffer cells; gene variation analysis identified a heterozygous mutation in SLC40A1 c.485_487del (p.Val162del). Screening of family members showed that the proband’s mother carried the same variation and had the manifestation of iron overload in the liver and spleen, which further confirmed the pathogenicity of this variation. This case highlights that type ⅣA HH often has an insidious onset and is frequently misdiagnosed. For patients with an unexplained persistent increase in serum ferritin, active genetic testing for HH should be considered, even in the presence of concurrent liver diseases, in order to realize early diagnosis and intervention.
8.Experience of Using Charcoal-Processed Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Gynecological Hemorrhagic Disorders
Xiaolan WU ; Zhaoling YOU ; Guiyun WANG ; Kailing WANG ; Xiaojuan YE ; Lingyu LIAO ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):308-311
Charcoal-processed traditional Chinese herbal medicine has various therapeutic effects, including astringing, hemostasis, anti-diarrhea, clearing heat, tonifying, and warming the interior. This paper summarizes the clinical application features, compatible experiences, dosages, and precautions for over 20 types of charcoal-processed herbal medicine in the treatment of gynecological bleeding disorders caused by dysfunctions such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometriosis, uterine incision pseudocavity, and vaginal bleeding resulting from threatened miscarriage. The charcoal-processed herbal medicine include Huangqin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) Charcoal, Dahuang (Rheum Palmatum) Charcoal, Cebai (Platycladus Orientalis) Charcoal, Diyu (Sanguisorba Officinalis) Charcoal, Daji (Cirsium Setosum) Charcoal, Xiaoji (Cirsium Japonicum) Charcoal, Shengdi (Rehmannia Glutinosa) Charcoal, Aiye (Artemisia Argyi) Charcoal, Paojiang (Zingiber Officinale) Charcoal, Xuduan (Dipsacus Asper) Charcoal, Duzhong (Eucommia Ulmoides) Charcoal, Qiancao (Rubia Cordifolia) Charcoal, Puhuang (Typha Angustifolia) Charcoal, Shanzha (Crataegus Pinnatifida) Charcoal, Jingjie (Schizonepeta Tenuifolia) Charcoal, Xueyu (Carthamus Tinctorius) Charcoal, Zonglyu (Areca Catechu) Charcoal, Wumei (Prunus Mume) Charcoal, Shudahuang (Rheum Officinale) Charcoal, Lianfang (Nymphaea Alba) Charcoal, Mianmaguanzhong (Clematis Armandii) Charcoal, and Oujie (Nelumbo Nucifera) Charcoal.
9.Factors influencing the physical activity of patients receiving a percutaneous coronary intervention soon after discharge
Qing WEN ; Xiaorong MAO ; Xiaoli TANG ; Haiyan WU ; Xiaojuan YANG ; Juan CHENG ; Qunhua MA
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(9):792-798
Objective:To analyze the physical activity level of patients treated with a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary artery disease in the early out-of-hospital recovery phase, and the factors influencing it.Methods:Patients who had been discharged within the previous 6 months after their first PCI treatment were surveyed using a general information questionnaire, the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Chinese version of the Tilburg Frailty Scale, the Social Support Rating Scale, and for their ability in the activities of daily living. Epidemiological descriptive methods were used to analyze the reported physical activity levels, and multifactoral logistic regression was applied to explore the influencing factors. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of the risk factors.Results:A total of 394 former patients were surveyed, including 117 (30%) reporting a low level of physical activity, 202 (51%) describing a moderate level and 75 (19%) claiming a high level. The univariate analysis revealed significant differences in physical activity levels among those of different ages, with different chronic co-morbidities, and with different frailty and self-care ability. Multifactoral logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, chronic co-morbidities, frailty and little self-care ability are significant predictors of a low level of physical activity. The area under the ROC curve for predicting the physical activity level by combining those four factors was 0.89 (95% CI 0.84-0.94), with a sensitivity of 0.89 and a specificity of 0.80. Conclusions:The physical activity level of patients treated with PCI for coronary disease is moderately low early after their release from the hospital. Targeted intervention to increase it is called for.
10.The predictive value of very low frequency power for the efficacy of vitamin D treatment in children with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Tong DONG ; Jin WANG ; Weixia WU ; Yan WANG ; Shaomin NIU ; Xiaojuan YAN ; Li MIN ; Huitao MENG ; Xiangyu DONG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(10):1115-1120
Objective:To explore the predictive value of very low frequency (VLF) for the efficacy of vitamin D treatment in children with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted. A total of 65 POTS children from the Department of Pediatrics of the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University from November 2023 to May 2024 were selected as the research subjects, while 102 healthy children from the same period were selected as the control group. The 25 (OH) D levels between POTS children and healthy children were compared. The frequency of eight main symptoms, including palpitations, headache, cold sweat, blurred vision, chest tightness, dizziness, fainting, and digestive discomfort in the POTS group were analyzed, the symptom scores of the orthostatic intolerance were calculated, and the parameters related to short-range heart rate variability (HRV) during the upright test, head-up tilt test (HUTT) were collected. The correlation between 25 (OH) D levels and symptom scores of orthostatic intolerance symptoms and HRV parameters in children with POTS were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. The total symptom scores of children with POTS were compared for 3 months before treatment and 2 months after treatment with vitamin D 800 U/d. The difference in score before and after treatment was ≥2 as responsive group, and the score difference before and after treatment was <2 as non-responsive group. The demographic characteristics including age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, as well as HRV parameters such as the standard deviation of nn intervals (SDNN), the standard deviation of the average NN intervals (SDANN), the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), very-low-frequency (VLF) were compared between the responsive group and non-responsive group. Multivariate Logistic regression was analyzed to screen independent influencing factors of vitamin D treatment efficacy for POTS. The marker molecules related to the efficacy of vitamin D treatment in children with POTS were analyzed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:A total of 167 children were included in this study. There were 65 children in the POTS group, 38 males and 27 females, with the age of (10.6±2.2) years. There were 102 healthy children in the control group, 53 males and 49 females, with the age of (11.2±1.8) years.There was no statistically significant difference in gender and age between the two groups (both P>0.05). The serum 25 (OH) D level in children in the POTS group was (37±18)nmol/L, lower than that in the control group (61±17)nmol/L ( P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D was positively correlated with VLF, SDNN and HF ( r=0.43, 0.65, 0.36, respectively, all P<0.05). Among the POTS children, there were 48 cases in responsive group and 17 cases in non-responsive group. Univariate analysis revealed that responsive group exhibited significantly lower values in age, SDNN, SDANN, and VLF compared to the non-responsive group (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age ( OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.08-2.01), SDNN ( OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.22) and VLF ( OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.15) were independent influencing factors in the effect of vitamin D in POTS children (all P<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of VLF predicting response to vitamin D treatment for POTS was 0.72 (95% CI 0.58-0.85, P=0.008). When the cutoff value was 1 272 ms 2, the sensitivity and specificity were both 70%. Conclusion:VLF may help predict the efficacy of vitamin D treatment in children with POTS.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail