1.Application advances, ethical dilemmas, and future directions of large language models in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment
Zhizhen REN ; Yufan XI ; Xu ZHU ; Yijie LUO ; Geting HUANG ; Junqiao SONG ; Xiuyuan XU ; Nan CHEN ; Qiang PU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):353-362
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Coupled with the substantial workload, the clinical management of lung cancer is challenged by the critical need to efficiently and accurately process increasingly complex medical information. In recent years, large language models (LLMs) technology has undergone explosive development, demonstrating unique advantages in handling complex medical data by leveraging its powerful natural language processing capabilities, and its application value in the field of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment is continuously increasing. The paper systematically analyzes that the exceptional potential of LLMs in lung cancer auxiliary diagnosis, tumor feature extraction, automatic staging, progression/outcome analysis, treatment recommendations, medical documentation generation, and patient education. However, they face critical technical and ethical challenges including inconsistent performance in complex integrated decision-making (e.g., TNM staging, personalized treatment suggestions) and "black box" opacity issues, along with dilemmas such as training data biases, model hallucinations, data privacy concerns, and cross-lingual adaptation challenges ("data colonization"). Future directions should prioritize constructing high-quality multimodal corpora specific to lung cancer, developing interpretable and compliant specialized models, and achieving seamless integration with existing clinical workflows. Through dual drivers of technological innovation and ethical standardization, LLMs should be prudently advanced for holistic lung cancer management processes, ultimately promoting efficient, standardized, and personalized diagnosis and treatment practices.
2.Experts consensus on appropriate technologies for three-generation family cohort study
NI Saili ; TANG Jinling ; SHU Qiang ; ZHU Shankuan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):1-9
Establishing a three-generation family cohort enables the investigation of the effects of genetic, epigenetic, lifestyle, and parenting factors in the grandparental (F0) and parental (F1) generations on the growth, development, and disease onset and progression of the offspring (F2). It facilitates further exploration of the biological mechanisms underlying the impact of intergenerational factors on the health of the offspring (F2), providing evidence for the formulation of public health policies and measures related to child health management and infant and young child care. Currently, the development of multi-generational cohorts in China remains in a preliminary stage, with no systematic multi-generational research framework yet established. Drawing on prior evidence-based scientific research, existing cohort studies, and the practical experience of multidisciplinary experts in maternal and child health, this consensus defines the scope of three-generation family cohorts regarding their definition, significance, key technologies, and application scenarios. It provides technical recommendations for establishing relevant cohorts, aiming to support research areas such as the intergenerational transmission of childhood diseases, the maternal intrauterine environment, and the tracing of family rearing environments. This will facilitate the early prevention and control of diseases manifesting in childhood and adulthood, ultimately promoting the comprehensive and healthy development of children.
3.Ameliorative effects of Imperatae Rhizoma extract against doxorubicin-induced myocardial injury and its molecular mechanisms
Huan LUO ; Qiang WANG ; Youjun ZHU ; Chunrong TAO ; Yang MAO ; Defeng LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(12):1559-1566
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effects of Imperatae Rhizoma (RI) extract against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced myocardial injury and its potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to screen for target overlap between the predicted core targets of RI’s active components and targets associated with myocardial injury, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Based on the network pharmacology results, a DOX-induced myocardial injury mouse model was established using male C57BL/6J mice to observe the effects of RI extract [1 g/(kg·d)] on the survival rate, body weight, and cardiac damage. A DOX-injured HL-1 cardiomyocyte model was established to assess the effects of different mass concentrations of RI extract (50, 100, 200 μg/mL) on mitochondrial membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, and expression of the relevant target proteins. The mechanism was validated by transfecting with small interfering RNA of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). RESULTS A total of 58 overlapping targets were screened, which were enriched in biological processes such as hormone response and hypoxia response, as well as pathways including apoptosis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pyruvate metabolism. Key target proteins, such as ESR1, were also identified. Animal experiments confirmed that the survival rate of mice in the DOX+RI group was obviously higher than that in the DOX group, with a slower rate of weight loss and improved pathological changes, such as cardiac atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration, compared to the DOX group. Cell experiments showed that, compared with the DOX group, the DOX+RI groups exhibited significantly increased or upregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, relative ATP levels, and mRNA expressions of isocitrate dehydrogenase 3A (IDH3A), succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), as well as mRNA and protein expressions of ESR1; conversely, relative ROS levels and apoptosis rates were significantly reduced ( P <0.05). Following ESR1 knockdown, the anti-apoptotic effect of the RI extract on cardiomyocytes was significantly attenuated ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The RI extract may alleviate DOX-induced myocardial injury by activating the ESR1 signaling pathway, improving mitochondrial function, and inhibiting excessive ROS production and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
4.Incidence and influencing factors of major low anterior resection syndrome within six months after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer patients
Minjing SHEN ; Chunxia REN ; Lin SUN ; Lei LIU ; Yaodong ZHU ; Qiang ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):914-922
ObjectiveTo explore the incidence of major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) within six months after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer and to analyze its associated factors. MethodsClinical records, postoperative rehabilitation data and LARS scores were collected from 889 patients at 3 months postoperatively and from 844 patients at 6 months postoperatively. Patients were divided into a major LARS group and a non-major LARS group. Multivariable Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with major LARS at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, and the predictive value of the models was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). ResultsAmong patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer, 247 patients (27.8%) had major LARS at 3 months postoperatively and 181 patients (21.4%) at 6 months postoperatively. Multivariable Logistic regression showed that Kegel exercises, preoperative radiotherapy, anastomotic leakage, a tumor distance from the anal verge of ≤5 cm, and an anastomotic distance from the anal verge of ≤5 cm were independent factors for major LARS at 3 months postoperatively (P<0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, occasional Kegel exercises during 0~3 months, Kegel exercises during 4~6 months, hydrotherapy during 4~6 months, preoperative chemotherapy, a tumor distance from the anal verge of ≤5 cm, and an anastomotic distance from the anal verge of ≤5 cm were independent factors (P<0.05). The models at 3 and 6 months postoperatively showed goodness-of-fit test P values of 0.986 and 0.517 and area under the curve (AUCs) of 0.843 and 0.870, indicating good predictive value. ConclusionThe incidence of major LARS within six months after sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer is relatively high, and greater attention should be paid to patients who receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy, develop anastomotic leakage, or have tumor and anastomotic distances from the anal verge of ≤5 cm. Patients should also be advised that early postoperative Kegel exercises and hydrotherapy may reduce the incidence of major LARS.
5.Non-small cell lung cancer with BRAF mutation treated with neoadjuvant targeted therapy followed by surgery: A case report
Yingze NING ; Chutong LIN ; Xiang ZHU ; Guangliang QIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1149-1152
This study reports a case of a 56-year-old female patient with BRAF-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who successfully underwent radical surgery after neoadjuvant targeted therapy with the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib combined with the MEK inhibitor trametinib. The chest drainage tube was removed 2 days postoperatively, and the patient was discharged smoothly. Postoperative pathology indicated invasive adenocarcinoma, moderately to highly differentiated, with 80% being lepidic type, and the maximum tumor diameter was 4 cm. No vascular tumor thrombus, vascular invasion, nerve invasion, spread through air spaces, pleural invasion, or lymph node metastasis were observed. The postoperative staging was ypT2aN0M0. The patient continued with adjuvant treatment with dabrafenib combined with trametinib postoperatively, and no signs of recurrence were found in the follow-up examination six months after surgery.
6.Application value of simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infection
Ying CAI ; Zhibin YANG ; Yang LUO ; Cong WANG ; Yongfen ZHU ; Ze LI ; Rusong YANG ; Qiang WU ; Wenbin DONG ; Shifu LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1287-1293
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies and regimens in the treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection. MethodsThis multicenter prospective real-world study was conducted among 198 patients with HIV/HCV co-infection who received hepatitis C treatment in 10 designated primary hospitals for hepatitis C in Yuxi, China from July 2023 to June 2024, and according to whether genotype detection was performed, they were divided into genotype detection group with 122 patients and non-genotype detection group with 76 patients. The patients were observed in terms of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12), safety, and liver biochemical parameters. Propensity score matching was used to match the two cohorts, using caliper matching (caliper value = 0.02) at a ratio of 1∶1. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsAmong the 122 patients in the genotype detection group, 63.11% (77/122) had genotype 3, while the non-genotype detection group had 76 patients; both groups achieved an SVR12 rate of 100%. From baseline to 12 weeks after treatment, both groups had a significant increase in the serum level of albumin, significant reductions in the serum levels of total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alpha-fetoprotein, and a significant reduction in FibroScan value (all P<0.05). A total of 54 patients (27.27%) experienced at least one adverse reaction, and anemia was the most common adverse reaction (38 patients, 19.19%), with an incidence rate of 50.00% (33/66) in patients with liver cirrhosis. HIV viral load remained <50 IU/mL before and after treatment, and there was no significant change in CD4+ T lymphocyte count after treatment (Z=-0.969, P=0.202). Compared with the genotype detection group, the non-genotype detection group had a significantly shorter time from positive HCV RNA testing to treatment initiation (4±2 days vs 19±4 days, t=5.321, P<0.05) and significantly lower testing costs (618±97 yuan vs 789±129 yuan, t=3.661, P<0.05). ConclusionFor patients with HIV/HCV co-infection, the simplified diagnosis and treatment strategies can achieve a relatively high SVR12 rate, improve biochemical indicators, and effectively reduce time cost and economic burden, with a favorable safety profile.
7.Generation of Cynomolgus and Rhesus Monkey Models Carrying the BMPR1BFecB Variant
Chunyang LI ; Xingchen LIU ; Yuzhuo LI ; Yong LU ; Yan WANG ; Changshan GAO ; Yanhong NIE ; Xinyan BIAN ; Chao HU ; Jiaqiao ZHU ; Qiang SUN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):467-475
ObjectiveTo generate cynomolgus and rhesus monkey models carrying the Booroola fecundity (FecB) variant of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B (BMPR1B) gene (designated BMPR1BFecB) using adenine base edit technology and to explore genetic improvement strategies for enhancing the reproductive performance of laboratory macaques. MethodsFour single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the BMPR1B c.746A>G locus in cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys. The sgRNAs were combined with the ABE8e-SpRY base editor, and the resulting editing complexes were microinjected into zygotes of both macaque species. Following in vitro culture of the injected embryos, nested PCR amplification was performed to detect the base-editing efficiency at the target site to screen for highly efficient sgRNAs. Subsequently, normally developing gene-edited embryos were transferred into the oviducts of surrogates. Seven days after birth, ear skin or peripheral blood samples were collected from the newborn monkeys for genotyping and mosaicism analysis, and the growth, development, and health status of the gene-edited monkeys were monitored. ResultsAmong the four candidate sgRNAs, sgRNA4 was identified as achieving 100% editing efficiency at the c.746A>G site. A total of 17 live monkey offspring were obtained via embryo transfer, including 8 cynomolgus monkeys and 9 rhesus monkeys. Genotyping results showed that all 8 newborn cynomolgus monkeys carried the c.746A>G point mutation, with an editing efficiency of 100% (8/8), of which 37.50% (3/8) were mosaics. Among the 9 newborn rhesus monkeys, 8 individuals carried the c.746A>G mutation, with an editing efficiency of 88.89% (8/9), of which 75.00% (6/8) were mosaics. ConclusionThe ABE8e-SpRY base-editing system enables precise editing at the c.746A>G (p.Q249R) locus of the BMPR1B gene in both cynomolgus and rhesus monkey embryos, resulting in the successful establishment of laboratory monkey models carrying the BMPR1BFecB variant. These models provide a valuable foundation for future studies of the regulatory role of the BMPR1BFecB variant in reproductive performance at the non‑human primate level, as well as for exploring genetic improvement strategies to enhance reproductive performance in laboratory monkeys.
8.Effect and mechanisms of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on aging spleen in elderly tree shrews
Li YE ; Chuan TIAN ; Xiaojuan ZHAO ; Mengdie CHEN ; Qianqian YE ; Qiang LI ; Zhuyin LIAO ; Ye LI ; Xiangqing ZHU ; Guangping RUAN ; Zhixu HE ; Liping SHU ; Xinghua PAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4000-4010
BACKGROUND:Spleen has the functions of blood storage,hematopoiesis,and immunity.With the increase of age,the structural degeneration and functional decline of spleen lead to the impairment of immune system function,thus accelerating the aging process of the body.The treatment of spleen aging in tree shrews with highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells has not been reported. OBJECTIVE:To explore the intervention effect and mechanism of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on spleen aging in tree shrews. METHODS:Highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were isolated,cultured,and obtained from the umbilical cord tissue of newborn tree shrews by caesarean section.The differentiation abilities of adipogenesis,osteogenesis,and chondrogenesis were detected by three-line differentiation kit.Cell cycle and surface markers were detected by flow cytometry.The second generation of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells were transfected with Genechem Green Fluorescent Protein with infection complex values of 100,120,140,160,180,and 200,respectively,to screen the best transfection conditions.After transfection,the fourth generation of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells was injected into the tail vein of tree shrews in the elderly treatment group.The young control group and the aged model group were not given special treatment.After 4 months of treatment,the spleen tissue was taken and the structure of the spleen was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.β-Galactosidase staining was used to detect the activity of aging-related galactosidase.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression levels of p21 and p53 proteins.Ki67 and PCNA immunofluorescence staining was used to detect cell proliferation activity.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression levels of spleen autophagy protein molecules Beclin 1 and APG5L/ATG5.Reactive oxygen species fluorescence staining was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species in spleen tissue.CD3 immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the change of the proportion of total T lymphocytes.The secretion levels of interleukin 1β and transforming growth factor β1 in spleen were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The distribution of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells labeled with green fluorescent protein in spleen tissue was observed by DAPI double staining of nucleus. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells grew in a short spindle shape with fish-like growth,with a large proportion of G0/G1 phase,and had the potential to differentiate into adipogenesis,osteogenesis,and chondrogenesis.(2)Multiplicity of infection=140 and transfection for 72 hours were the best conditions for labeling tree shrews highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells with Genechem Green Fluorescent Protein.(3)Compared with the aged model group,in the aged treatment group,the spleen tissue cells of tree shrews were arranged closely,and the area of white pulp was increased(P<0.01);the boundary between red pulp and white pulp was clear;the proportion of germinal centers did not show statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The activity level of galactosidase related to spleen tissue aging was decreased(P<0.001),and the expression levels of aging protein molecules p21 and p53 were down-regulated(P<0.001).The expression levels of proliferation-related molecules Ki67 and PCNA were up-regulated(P<0.001,P<0.05);expression levels of autophagy-related molecules Beclin 1 and APG5L/ATG5 were up-regulated(P<0.001),and the content of reactive oxygen species decreased(P<0.001),and the proportion of CD3+T cells increased(P<0.05).The secretion level of interleukin 1β in the aging-related secretion phenotype decreased(P<0.001);no significant difference was found in transforming growth factor β1 level(P>0.05).Compared with the young control group,the above indexes were significantly different in the elderly treatment group(P<0.05).(4)Green fluorescent cells labeled with green fluorescent protein were observed in spleen tissue of tree shrews the elderly treatment group by frozen tissue section observation.The results show that intravenous infusion of highly active umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells can migrate to spleen tissue,inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species,down-regulate the expression of aging-related proteins,induce autophagy,promote cell proliferation,reduce chronic inflammation,and then improve the structure and function of spleen tissue.
9.Current Status and Correlated Factors of Fall Risk Among Chinese Elderly Aged 60-79:A 2024 Nationwide Cross-Sectional Analysis
Jiarong ZHU ; Jingjing WANG ; Chaoqun FAN ; Xu ZHANG ; Qiang FENG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):606-616
To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of fall risk among Chinese older adults, and to examine the roles of urban-rural differences, regional disparities, physical health status, and psychosocial factors in falls among this population, thereby providing evidence for tailored fall prevention strategies. Using data from the 2024 National Routine Physical Fitness Surveillance, a multi-stage stratified sampling method was employed to recruit community-dwelling older adults aged 60-79 years across China. High fall-risk individuals were identified using the Chinese version of the self-rated fall risk questionnaire, while demographic, physical health, and psychological indicators were collected via questionnaires and objective measurements. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with province as a random effect was used to analyze fall risk factors. Among 7000 eligible participants (male: 44.2%, female: 55.8%), the sample comprised 2124 (60-64 years), 2014 (65-69 years), 1660 (70-74 years), and 1202 (75-79 years) individuals, with 58.4% from rural and 41.6% from urban areas. A total of 733(10.5%) were identified as high fall-risk, with higher prevalence among females (10.9%), urban residents (11.5%), and the oldest age group (75-79 years: 12.4%). GLMM random-intercept logistic regression revealed that advanced age ( The prevalence of high fall risk among Chinese community-dwelling older adults aged 60-79 years is 10.5%. Fall risk demonstrates significant associations with multiple factors including muscle strength, movement patterns, sleep quality, and social support. Strategies enhancing grip strength, promoting regular exercise and high-intensity leisure activities, improving sleep quality, fostering spousal support, and boosting life satisfaction may substantially reduce fall risk in this population.
10.Association Between Abnormal Body Weight and Physical Fitness Levelsin Chinese Older Adults: Findings from the 5th National PhysicalFitness Surveillance in China
Chaoqun FAN ; Mei WANG ; Qiang FENG ; Jingjing WANG ; Dongming WU ; Zonghao SUN ; Jiarong ZHU ; Yini WU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):617-626
Based on the data from the 5th National Physical Fitness Surveillance in China, this study aimed to explore the relationship between abnormal body weight and physical fitness levels in older adults. The study included adults aged 60-79 years from the 5th National Physical Fitness Surveillance database. Body weight was categorized into four groups—underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity—based on body mass index (BMI), with underweight, overweight, and obesity classified as abnormal weight. Physical fitness indicators such as cardiorespiratory endurance (number of 2-minute high-knee steps), lower limb muscle strength (number of 30-second chair stands), flexibility (sit-and-reach test), balance ability (eyes-closed single-leg stance time), and reaction ability (choice reaction time) were collected. Each physical fitness indicator was divided into four levels (excellent, good, pass, and fail) based on quartile cutoffs. After adjusting for demographic factors (including age, sex, urban/rural residence, education level, pre-retirement occupation, marital status, exercise habits, smoking, sleep quality, and self-rated fitness), binary Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between physical fitness indicators and abnormal weight. A total of 39 927 older adults aged 60-79 years were included, comprising 19 777 men (49.5%) and 20 150 women (50.5%), with a mean age of 69.2±5.6 years. The prevalence rates of underweight, overweight, and obesity were 2.3%, 41.8%, and 16.7%, respectively, with underweight prevalence significantly increasing with age ( Chinese older adults aged 60-79 years face a dual burden of underweight and overweight/obesity. Poor cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength (in women) are significantly associated with abnormal weight. Maintaining good cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle strength may help improve abnormal weight status in older adults.


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