1.Attach great importance to the construction and improvement of the death determination system and work processes in medical institutions
Feng HUO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiaomei ZHAI ; Hongtao ZHAO ; Xiaona WU
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):364-371
Clinical death refers to the permanent cessation of life functions. This article reviews the definition of clinical death and the various scenarios in which it occurs, classifies the process of clinical death, and discusses the criteria for determining uncontrollable cardiac death, controllable cardiac death and the criteria and workflow for determining brain death. It elaborates on the relationship between brain death and death, and proposes the areas to note when standardizing the medical documentation of death cases. Based on this, it introduces the content of the management system and workflow construction for death determination in medical institutions, including management structure, personnel qualifications, document norms, quality control system and training mechanism. Paying attention to the construction of the management system and workflow for death determination in medical institutions is of great significance for ensuring medical quality and safety, promoting the healthy development of organ donation, and maintaining the seriousness of legal and ethical practices.
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.Analysis of diagnosis and treatment of Epstein-Barr virus-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB type) after kidney transplantation
Yan LI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Tong XU ; Guohui WANG ; Ruochen QI ; Dongjuan WU ; Kepu LIU ; Weijun QIN ; Shuaijun MA
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):257-265
Objective To analyze the clinical and therapeutic characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-negative posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the context of specific cases and literature. Methods A case of EBV-negative DLBCL (GCB type) after kidney transplantation is reported. The patient was a 45-year-old male who underwent living-related kidney transplantation in 2016 and has been receiving triple immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone since then. In 2024, the patient presented with intermittent fever, night sweats and gastrointestinal symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic pathology, immunohistochemical staining and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The R-CDOP regimen (rituximab + cyclophosphamide + liposomal doxorubicin + vincristine + dexamethasone) was used for treatment. Results The patient was diagnosed with EBV-negative DLBCL (GCB type, Ann Arbor stage Ⅳ B). After 4 cycles of R-CDOP chemotherapy, the efficacy assessment was partial remission, and the transplant kidney function remained stable. Conclusions For EBV-negative PTLD after kidney transplantation, it is necessary to break through the "virus-dependent" diagnostic thinking. In clinical practice, the focus should be on protecting the transplant kidney, and individualized treatment plans should be developed for patients.
4.Effects of neoeriocitrin on alveolar bone loss and gut microbiota in mice with periodontitis
WU Yu ; YUAN Zhiyao ; ZHANG Yangheng ; YAN Fuhua
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):226-236
Objective:
To investigate the inhibitory effect of neoeriocitrin (Neo) on ligature-induced experimental periodontitis in mice and evaluate its biosafety, providing experimental evidence for novel candidate drugs in periodontitis treatment.
Methods:
This study has been approved by the Animal Welfare and Ethical Safety Committee. A periodontitis model was established in C57BL/6J mice using silk ligation. The mice were divided into control, periodontitis model, and three Neo treatment groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg Neo). After 2 weeks of intervention, alveolar bone resorption was analyzed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT); periodontal tissue pathological changes were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining; osteoclasts were counted using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining; serum inflammatory factor levels [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10)] were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; gut microbiota changes were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing; and biosafety was assessed through HE staining of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and colon, as well as zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) immunohistochemical staining of the colon.
Results:
Compared with the periodontitis model group, the 10 mg/kg Neo treatment group showed significantly alleviated alveolar bone resorption, manifested as reduced cementoenamel junction to alveolar bone crest distance, increased bone mineral density, bone volume fraction, and trabecular thickness. Additionally, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, improved collagen fiber arrangement, and a significantly decreased number of osteoclasts were observed in periodontal tissues. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 were also reduced. Furthermore, 10 mg/kg Neo intervention modulated the gut microbiota structure without causing significant multi-organ toxicity or impairing intestinal barrier function.
Conclusion
Neo can effectively mitigate the progression of experimental periodontitis by inhibiting alveolar bone resorption, reducing periodontal tissue inflammation, modulating systemic immunity, and improving gut microbiota. With good biosafety, Neo is a promising candidate drug for the treatment of periodontitis.
5.Evaluation of Pulmonary Air-Blood Barrier Damage in Ulcerative Colitis Inflammatory Cancer Transformation Model Mice:Based on the "Lung-Intestine Correlation" Theory
Huiyan XU ; Haimei ZHANG ; Xinyu ZHAN ; Fanwu WU ; Yongsen JIA ; Chenxi WU ; Lingyu KONG ; Xin YAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):776-783
ObjectiveTo dynamically observe and evaluate the damage to the pulmonary air-blood barrier in mice during the inflammatory cancer transformation process of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on the "lung-intestine correlation" theory. MethodsSixty-five C57BL/6 mice were divided into a normal group (n=25) and a model group (n=40) using a random number table. Azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) method was used to establish a mouse model of UC inflammation cancer transformation in the modeling group. According to the tissue collection time points at 5, 8, 11, 13, and 15 weeks, the normal group mice were randomly divided into the normal 5w, 8w, 11w, 13w, and 15w groups. The model group mice, 10 mice of which died after the first cycle of DSS administration, were randomly divided into model 5w, 8w, 11w, 13w, and 15w groups. During the experiment, the general condition of the mice was observed daily, and their body weight was measured weekly. At the corresponding tissue collection time points, the colon length of each group was measured. Histopathology of mouse lung and colon tissues was examined using HE staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect changes in the positive expression of tight junction protein (ZO-1), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and cytoskeletal protein (F-actin) in lung and colon tissues. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), and Cysteine aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3) in lung tissues. Western Blot was employed to measure protein levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin in lung tissues. ResultsCompared to the normal group at the same time point, the mice in the model group at each time point generally had poorer conditions, with weight loss and shortened colon length (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the model 5w group, there was significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon tissue; in the model 8w group, there was mild atypical hyperplasia; in the model 11w group, the crypt structure was disordered, and moderate to severe atypical hyperplasia occurred; in the model 13w and 15w groups, tumors appeared. Pulmonary interstitial lesions, inflammation, vasculitis, and fibrosis were observed at all stages of UC inflammation cancer transformation. The protein levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin, as well as Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung tissue decreased during the acute inflammatory recovery period, atypical hyperplasia period, and canceration period, while the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA increased; the expressions of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin proteins in colon tissue decreased during the acute inflammatory recovery period, atypical hyperplasia period, and canceration period (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared to the model 5w group, the ZO-1 and F-actin protein levels and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung tissue in the other model groups increased in the atypical hyperplasia period and canceration period, while the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA decreased; the expression of ZO-1 protein in colon tissue increased in the canceration period, and the expression of VE-cadherin protein decreased in the atypical hyperplasia period (P<0.01 or P<0.05). ConclusionIn the process of "inflammatory response-atypical hyperplasia-carcinogenesis" in UC inflammatory cancer transformation mice, there were damage to air-blood barrier.
6.Association between physical activity level and dyslipidemia among freshmen of a medical college
Yushuang LUO ; Yan WANG ; Yanli LIU ; Jin ZHANG ; Minghui HE ; Wanhong HE ; Juan WU ; Yihan GU ; Chenyang ZHENG ; WANG WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):170-174
Objective To investigate the association between physical activity levels and blood lipids among college freshmen, and to provide scientific evidence for the health management of college freshmen. Methods An electronic questionnaire survey on physical activity was conducted on freshmen of a university, and fasting blood biochemical indicators were detected. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form was used to evaluate the physical activity levels of the participants. Dyslipidemia was defined as an abnormality in any one of the following serum lipid parameters: total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), or non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Binary logistic regression and stratified analyses were employed to explore the relationship between physical activity and blood lipids. Results A total of 3 401 participants were included, with an average age of 18.45 ± 0.92 years, and 60.5% were female. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 17.7%, with a higher rate among males (22.1%) than females (14.8%). After adjusting for confounding factors related to blood lipids, high-intensity physical activity was negatively associated with the risk of elevated LDL-C among males (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–0.99, P = 0.049). Conclusion Among freshmen at a medical college in Hubei Province, high-intensity physical activity is negatively associated with the risk of elevated LDL-C in males, but this association needs to be further confirmed by larger prospective cohort studies.
7.LU Fang's Clinical Experience in Differentiation and Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from the Perspective of Heat-Toxin and Blood-Stasis in the Collaterals
Yingchao NIU ; Yongzhu PIAO ; Xiang GENG ; Zhihui GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Huibin WU ; Zhilong WANG ; Shuangshuang GE ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):16-20
This paper summarizes Professor LU Fang's clinical experience in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on the differentiation and treatment of heat-toxin and blood-stasis in the collaterals. SLE is generally characterized by deficiency in origin with excess in manifestation. The core pathogenesis is heat-toxin obstructing the collaterals. During the acute active stage, the predominant pattern is blazing heat-toxin causing blood stasis, while in the chronic remitting stage, the main pattern is toxic stasis blocking the collaterals with qi and yin deficiency. Clinical treatment follows the basic principle that treat with salty-cold herbs, when heat invades internally and that assist with acrid-dispersing herbs when stasis obstructs the collaterals. The self-formulated Yimian Decoction (抑免汤) serves as the base formula and is applied in stages. During the acute active stage, it is often combined with herbs for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and resolving stasis, and unblocking the collaterals. In the chronic remitting stage, it is often combined with herbs for activating blood circulation and unblocking the collaterals, as well as tonifying qi and nourishing yin.
8.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.
9.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
10.The Role of Lysosomal Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapies
Yue-Yan WU ; Xin CHEN ; Ce-Fan ZHOU ; Jing-Feng TANG ; Rui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):609-622
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal cancer with high morbidity rates worldwide. It is a major threat to public health in China, due to the combination of known and new risk factors, such as endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV), dietary aflatoxin exposure, and the occurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Although many methods for surveillance and multimodal therapies, such as surgery, local ablation, transarterial therapy, and new systemic agents, have been available, the survival rates of HCC remains poor. They have very limited durable responses, long post-treatment recurrence rates, and high resistance to treatment. This reflects an imperfect picture of the biological cause of the disease and a need for new mechanistic or targeted techniques. A significant characteristic of HCC, in common with other aggressive cancers, is the presence of reprogrammed, hyperactive cell metabolism. Tumor cells hijack metabolic pathways to promote their uncontrolled growth, stress survival, invasion and metastasis. While classical mechanisms such as the Warburg effect, lipid metabolism and glutamine utilization have been understood, the lysosome, which was once viewed as a static “waste disposal unit” to remove old organelles and proteins, is instead a dynamic signaling and metabolic core. The lysosomes incorporate nutrients, energy and stress signals by master regulators such as mTORC1 (activated on its surface) that balance anabolic growth and catabolic recycling to the cellular demands. In HCC, lysosomes are not passive, but are highly active and dysregulated. HCC cells upregulate lysosomes, which scavenge intracellular components via enhanced autophagy and engulf extracellular proteins via macropinocytosis, crucial for survival in the nutrient-poor, hypoxic tumor microenvironment. In addition to metabolism, lysosomes exhibit pro-invasive functions by secreting hydrolases to remodel the extracellular matrix, promote angiogenesis, and suppress stromal immune cells to foster a pro-tumor microenvironment. In a clinical context, lysosomes play an important role in therapeutic resistance: they sequester and inactivate chemotherapeutics via lysosomal sequestration, and enhanced autophagic flux protects the cell from therapy-induced damage, contributing to relapse, as lysosomal dysfunction is a key cause of treatment failure. This makes lysosomes promising yet challenging therapeutic targets in HCC. Recent preclinical and early clinical studies investigate multiple strategies to exploit the susceptibility of lysosomes: lysosome-specific agents, alkalinizing the lysosome lumen or inducing membrane permeabilization and lysosome-dependent cell death; pharmacological inhibition of key lysosomal enzymes or autophagy to impair nutrient recycling and stress adaptation; smart nanotherapeutic agents or antibody-drug conjugates, specifically activated in the acidic lysosomal environment or utilizing lysosomal pathways for efficient intracellular drug release; and combination strategies of lysosome-targeting agents with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy to overcome resistance and achieve synergistic antitumor effects. In summary, our review systematically presents the role of lysosomes in HCC, from metabolic reprogramming and microenvironmental adaptation to therapeutic resistance. By synthesizing the latest mechanistic insights and preclinical advances, this review highlights the indispensable role of lysosomes in the complex HCC biological network, emphasizing that an in-depth understanding of this dynamic organelle holds great promise for developing innovative, targeted therapies, offering new hope for improving the poor prognosis of global HCC patients.


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