1.Endoscopic lumbar canal decompression for upper lumbar spinal stenosis:a comparison of biomechanical stability of three surgical models
Jingbo MA ; Guangnan YANG ; Jiang LIU ; Qiang JIANG ; Hanshuo ZHANG ; Jiaheng HAN ; Yu DING
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):577-585
BACKGROUND:Upper lumbar spinal stenosis is a multifactorial degenerative disorder of the spine.For narrowing of the spinal canal in the upper lumbar region(L1-L4),surgical decision-making is particularly complex.Existing minimally invasive surgeries each have their own advantages and limitations.Currently,there are few reports on biomechanical comparison and finite element analysis of different surgical methods for the treatment of high lumbar spinal stenosis.OBJECTIVE:To analyze the biomechanical impact of endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression,transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression,and cross-overtop decompression in the treatment of upper lumbar spinal stenosis using endoscopy,and to verify the reliability and effectiveness of these three surgical techniques in treating upper lumbar spinal stenosis,providing a biomechanical basis for clinical decision-making.METHODS:The CT images of the lumbar spine of a healthy volunteer were selected,and the finite element model M0 of the normal lumbar L1-L5 segments was established using Mimics,Geomagic,Solid works,and Ansys software.The L2-L3 segment,representing upper lumbar characteristics,was chosen.Based on this model,the surgical models for endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression(M1),transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression(M2),and cross-overtop decompression(M3)were established.Using software,the changes in the range of motion of the entire lumbar segment and the maximum Von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs were simulated and evaluated for each group of models under six loading conditions:flexion,extension,left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with model MO,the range of motion in M1,M2,and M3 increased under all six conditions,with M1 showing a greater increase.(2)M1 and M2 demonstrated significant increases in range of motion under forward bending,extension,and right rotation,while the increase under other conditions remained below 7%.(3)Compared with model M3,model M1 exhibited slightly increased overall joint range of motion during extension and left bending,while no significant changes were observed in other aspects,and the L1-L5 lumbar segments did not reach an unstable state.(4)In model M1,the maximum Von Mises stress of the intervertebral discs increased most significantly under flexion and extension loading conditions.However,under left lateral bending,right lateral bending,left rotation,and right rotation loading conditions,the increase did not exceed 5%.(5)These findings suggest that due to the sagittal anatomical characteristics of the facet joints,the unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression technique,while decompressing,involves resection of more facet joints,which impacts overall segmental stability.The transforaminal endoscopic lumbar decompression technique is suitable for patients with foraminal stenosis but cannot achieve complete decompression for those with severe ventral central stenosis.The Cross-Overtop technique effectively enlarges the volume of the central canal and lateral recess,optimizing decompression,and shows unique advantages in treating upper lumbar spinal stenosis.
2.Risk prediction models of recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Weijie YU ; Dongdong CAO ; Tianci GUO ; Puyu NIU ; Jialin YANG ; Simin WANG ; Aifeng LIU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(3):749-759
OBJECTIVE:Postoperative recurrence is a common complication of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy for lumbar disc herniation,which can significantly increase the risk of reoperation.A well-performing risk prediction model can help identify high-risk groups early and prevent postoperative recurrence.This study systematically evaluated the risk prediction model for postoperative recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy to provide a reference for surgical decision-making.METHODS:The PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP,and CBM were electronically searched to collect studies on the recurrence risk prediction models after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy from inception to July 1,2024.Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted data.The models' risk of bias,applicability,and report quality were assessed using prediction model risk of bias assessment tool(PROBAST)and Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis(TRIPOD)tools,respectively.Meta-analysis of postoperative recurrence rate of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy and related predictors was performed using Revman 5.4 software.RESULTS:(1)A total of 15 studies were included,all of which were retrospective studies,including 24 models for predicting the risk of recurrence after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy.(2)The PROBAST evaluation results indicated that all 15 studies exhibited a high risk of bias.Regarding applicability,two studies demonstrated a low risk,while 13 presented a high risk.(3)Regarding the TRIPOD reporting quality,the overall quality across the 15 studies was low.The primary reasons for this low compliance included the failure to report blinding,a lack of explanation for the sample size calculation method,lack of detailed description of missing data processing methods,and lack of information such as introduction to the model used.(4)Furthermore,the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model ranged from 0.684 to 0.972,with the number of potential predictor variables varying from 15 to 28.(5)The results of meta-analysis showed that the postoperative recurrence rate of lumbar disc herniation patients treated with percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy was 12%(95%CI=9.0%-15.0%),Modic changes(OR=6.72,95%CI=3.90-11.59),body mass index(OR=1.28,95%CI=1.10-1.49),work intensity(OR=3.22,95%CI=1.85-5.59),age(OR=2.28,95%CI=1.50-3.48),and smoking history(OR=2.65,95%CI=1.75-4.00)were independent influencing factors for postoperative recurrence of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The overall predictive performance of the recurrence risk prediction models after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy is satisfactory;however,the model exhibits a high overall risk of bias and applicability,coupled with low reporting quality.Additionally,there is a lack of prospective research and external validation.Future,risk prediction models should consider factors such as Modic changes,body mass index,work intensity,age,and smoking history as potential predictors.
3.Research progress on oral microecological imbalance and intervention strategies after radiotherapy for head and neck tumors
LIU Xue ; LI Yufei ; YANG Xinyao ; LI Hao ; ZHANG Ailin ; CUI Lei ; HUANG Zhengwei ; HOU Lili
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(4):385-394
Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for head and neck tumors. However, while effectively killing tumor cells, it significantly disrupts the homeostasis of the oral microecology, which is closely associated with various complications such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Literature review indicates that as radiotherapy doses accumulate and treatment durations extend, the richness and diversity of the oral microbiota show a declining trend, with the genus Streptococcus decreasing most markedly. In contrast, radiotherapy selectively promotes the proliferation of bacterial phyla such as Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, which are rich in opportunistic pathogens. Mechanistically, radiotherapy activates the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, triggering chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging the epithelial barrier, suppressing local immunity, and causing damage to organs such as the salivary glands. It can also induce systemic diseases via the oral-gut axis, forming a multi-level, interconnected pathogenic network. In terms of interventions, treatment strategies including probiotics and prebiotics have shown promising efficacy against side effects such as radiation-induced oral mucositis. Saliva-based oral microbiota transplantation is an emerging strategy that is expected to become widely utilized for restoring oral microecological balance. Existing interventions provide preliminary pathways for clinical practice, but this field still faces several key scientific questions. The association between oral microecology and systemic diseases remains largely correlative, lacking causal evidence. Furthermore, critical parameters for oral microbiota transplantation, such as donor screening criteria, transplantation protocols, and long-term safety, are not yet well-defined. Therefore, future research should focus on conducting large-scale clinical trials to establish standardized protocols and safety evaluation systems for oral microecological interventions, and explore combined treatment therapies such as probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiota transplantation to advance the development of personalized precision modulation. These will enable more effective management of radiotherapy-induced oral microecological dysbiosis and improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck tumors.
4.Advancement of functional peptides: Promising candidates for antituberculosis therapeutics
Bojie LIN ; Siqi LIN ; Jiayi YANG ; Xuanyu YANG ; Shuhui WANG ; Yuting LIU ; Qianqian ZHANG ; Junfa XU ; Jiang PI ; Fen YANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):24-32
Tuberculosis (TB), a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is primarily airborne and remains a global health problem, especially in resource-limited countries and regions. The emergence of drug resistance in M. tuberculosis has rendered the existing means ineffective in the treatment of TB. Therefore, research in new therapeutic directions has become imperative. In this review, we outline functional peptides in terms of the mechanisms of action, anti-TB attempts, advantages and disadvantages, and latest advances, aiming to analyze the research progress in anti-TB peptides. Furthermore, we investigate the potential applications of bioactive compounds found in traditional Chinese Medicine within the context of peptides.
5.Study on image detection and target recognition based on traditional Chinese medicine
Tianchi MAO ; Xing SUN ; Jiayin ZHU ; An LIU ; Yang LI ; Jingang MA ; Cong GUO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):73-80
Background: Chinese herbal pieces are an essential component of traditional Chinese medicine. Accurate identification and classification of these materials are crucial in clinical practice. Objective: This study aims to enhance the recognition efficiency of Chinese herbal pieces using deep learning technology, while addressing the limitations of traditional manual classification methods in terms of both quality and efficiency. Methods: A comprehensive dataset containing 201 types of Chinese herbal pieces was established. Based on Real-time Detection Transformer (RT-DETR), we designed and integrated a Feature-focused Diffusion Network (FDN), resulting in an improved model termed RT-DETR-FDN. The proposed FDN includes a Feature-focus Module and a feature diffusion mechanism, enabling the model to capture more extensive feature information from Chinese herbal pieces and diffuse it across multiple detection scales. Results: Experimental results show that RT-DETR-FDN achieved a precision of 0.925, a recall of 0.943, and an mAP50-95 of 0.851. In addition, the model was compared with representative You Only Look Once series models commonly used in object detection. Compared with these models, RT-DETR-FDN achieved higher recognition accuracy while maintaining a lightweight architecture. Conclusion: This study integrates deep learning with traditional Chinese medicine, providing a more effective solution for the recognition of Chinese herbal pieces.
6.Integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) based effectiveness evaluation of a multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine formula: Taking Xiaoyao San as an example
Caiping HE ; Ye LUO ; Zhiqi LI ; Haocheng YANG ; Lu LIU ; Yingjie XU ; Xiaoyan CHEN ; Siqi HUANG ; Jincai WEN ; Xiaoyan ZHAN ; Zhaofang BAI ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiaohe XIAO
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):96-103
The study focuses on the concept of multifunctional traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas and aims to evaluate the efficacy of the classical formula Xiaoyao San (逍遥散). Study employs the integrated evidence chain (Eff-iEC) method to organize, integrate, and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in treating different diseases with the same therapy, and to investigate the feasibility of using Eff-iEC to evaluate the multifunctionality of TCM formulas. The evaluation covered Xiaoyao San's therapeutic effects on depression, premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Concurrently, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used for evaluation, and authoritative medical documents were incorporated to corroborate the recognition of Xiaoyao San within the medical community. Depression and menopausal syndrome received higher ratings than other conditions in the Eff-iEC, GRADE, and Medical Community Recognition assessments. The Eff-iEC evidence grade for Xiaoyao San was rated as "High" or above for chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and menopausal syndrome. Premenstrual syndrome received a "Moderate +" rating. The GRADE evidence level was "Low-〇〇⨁⨁" for depression, premenstrual syndrome, and chronic hepatitis; "Moderate-〇⨁⨁⨁" for dyspepsia and menopausal syndrome; and "Very Low-〇〇〇⨁" for irritable bowel syndrome. Depression and menopausal syndrome had the highest inclusion frequency, appearing in all 4 categories. Premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, and dyspepsia are not recommended in Western medical guidelines, but they are included in TCM guidelines, the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List, and the China National Essential Drug List. Irritable bowel syndrome appears only in the China National Basic Medical Insurance Drug List and China National Essential Drug List. The evaluation results obtained using the Eff-iEC method align with Medical Community Recognition, providing an objective and comprehensive assessment of Xiaoyao San's efficacy. The findings suggest that Xiaoyao San has strong evidence for treating depression and menopausal syndrome. However, further experimental and clinical trials are needed to assess its efficacy in treating premenstrual syndrome, chronic hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. These results support the clinical efficacy and rational use of Xiaoyao San, expand the application scope of the Eff-iEC method, and offer valuable insights and methodological references for the comparative evaluation of multifunctional TCM formulas.
7.ZFX promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by regulating Nectin-4 expression through the PI3K/AKT pathway
LONG Yuanfeng1, 2 ; YANG Yan3 ; BIAN Yuhang1 ; DENG Yubin1 ; CHEN Qiaoling1 ; YANG Hang1 ; ZHANG Ruolan1 ; ZHAO Quanneng1 ; YANG Mi1 ; BIE Jun1 ; SONG Guiqin1 ; LIU Kang1
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(4):408-417
[摘 要] 目的:探讨X连锁锌指蛋白(ZFX)通过Nectin-4表达影响食管鳞状细胞癌(ESCC)进展的分子机制及其对PI3K/AKT信号通路的激活作用。方法:收集2022年8月至2023年7月在南充市中心医院手术切除的30对ESCC组织及癌旁组织标本。采用人食管上皮细胞HET-1A及ESCC细胞KYSE-30、KYSE-150、KYSE-410、KYSE-510和TE-1。基于2018年至2019年收集的6例ESCC配对标本转录组测序数据筛选Nectin-4,通过TIMER2.0数据库、RT-qPCR和WB法、免疫组织化学(IHC)检测ESCC组织及细胞中Nectin-4的表达水平。采用shRNA技术在KYSE-410和KYSE-510细胞中敲低Nectin-4,通过CCK-8、克隆形成、划痕愈合及Transwell实验检测敲低Nectin-4对细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的影响,采用WB法检测敲低Nectin-4对细胞PI3K/AKT通路及EMT相关蛋白表达水平的影响。通过生物信息学预测并结合双萤光素酶报告基因实验,鉴定并验证ZFX作为Nectin-4的上游转录调控因子。结果:综合分析显示,ESCC组织及细胞系中Nectin-4表达显著高于癌旁组织及HET-1A细胞(均P < 0.01)。功能研究表明,敲低Nectin-4显著抑制KYSE-410和KYSE-510细胞的增殖活性、克隆形成能力,以及迁移和侵袭能力(均P < 0.01)。机制方面,敲低Nectin-4时细胞中E-cadherin表达上调、N-cadherin下调(均P < 0.01),并抑制PI3K/AKT通路相关蛋白的磷酸化水平(P < 0.01)。结论: ZFX通过上调Nectin-4表达激活PI3K/AKT信号通路促进ESCC进展,为ESCC的治疗提供了潜在的新靶点。
8.5G-enabled remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery: Clinical outcomes, current challenges, and future perspectives
Wenlong CHEN ; Jiyong YANG ; Yaling LIU ; Zhuang ZUO ; Changhao QUE ; Li DOU ; Yunjiu GOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):698-709
With the integration of 5G communication technology and robotic surgical systems, remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery is overcoming geographical barriers, offering an innovative approach to addressing the uneven distribution of medical resources. This study conducted a systematic literature review—using databases such as PubMed and CNKI, with the search period extending up to 2025—incorporating clinical studies, case reports, and review articles to comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of 5G-enabled remote robot-assisted thoracic surgery (5G-RRATS). The analysis also examined current technological limitations and potential future development trajectories. Existing evidence indicates that, given adequate technical support, 5G-RRATS can achieve perioperative outcomes comparable to those of conventional local robotic surgeries across procedures including pulmonary wedge resection, lobectomy, and esophagectomy. Furthermore, it demonstrates potential advantages in minimizing surgical incisions and reducing intraoperative blood loss. Nevertheless, challenges related to network stability, latency control, interdisciplinary collaboration between medical and engineering teams, and legal, regulatory, and ethical considerations continue to hinder widespread clinical adoption. Looking ahead, the emergence of a "one-to-many" remote surgical model, combined with the integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies, as well as advancements in low-orbit satellite communications, may enable 5G-RRATS to further advance precision and efficiency in thoracic surgery, thereby facilitating equitable access to high-quality care for a broader patient population.
9.Efficacy of MitraClip in functional versus degenerative mitral regurgitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Xuhua LI ; Qiyuan BAI ; Zhili WEI ; Shidong LIU ; Hao CHEN ; Yang CHEN ; Bing SONG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):807-814
Objective To systematically evaluate the differences in outcomes between functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) and degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) in patients treated with transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using the MitraClip device. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, the CNKI, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and the CBM from their inception to January 2024. Two researchers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. The quality of cohort studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 software. Results A total of 13 cohort studies involving 6 402 patients were included, comprising 4 161 patients in the FMR group and 2 241 in the DMR group. All included studies had NOS scores of ≥6 points. The meta-analysis revealed that compared to the DMR group, the FMR group had a higher 1-year all-cause mortality rate [OR=1.53, 95%CI (1.30, 1.81), P<0.01] and a higher 1-year rehospitalization rate for heart failure [OR=1.90, 95%CI (1.60, 2.26), P<0.01]. Conversely, the FMR group had a lower post-procedural mean transmitral gradient [SMD=–0.47, 95%CI (–0.65, –0.30), P<0.01] and a lower rate of subsequent mitral valve surgery [OR=0.41, 95%CI (0.20, 0.83), P=0.01]. Conclusion Following MitraClip therapy, patients with FMR exhibit favorable short-term outcomes, but their mid- to long-term outcomes are inferior to those of patients with DMR. When determining the treatment strategy with MitraClip, the specific etiology of mitral regurgitation should be considered for a more accurate prediction of therapeutic efficacy and prognosis.
10.Emphasizing commercial determinants of health and the childhood obesogenic environment
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):609-613
Abstract
To systematically investigate the childhood obesogenic environment from environmental and institutional perspectives, the study reviews the historical evolution of the commercial determinants of health (CDoH) theory. Focusing on three dimensions—products, marketing, and the social environment, it characterizes the contemporary childhood obesogenic environment, summarizes and compares relevant international regulatory policies, and proposes future research priorities and practical policy directions. The study aims to provide a system based theoretical foundation and actionable policy pathways for childhood obesity prevention and control in China.


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