1.Development and clinical translation of intelligent assistive devices for minimally invasive thoracic surgery
Jiwei ZHU ; Honghai MA ; Chunlin ZHOU ; Zhehao HE ; Tong SHEN ; Haojie YU ; Luming WANG ; Jian HU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1013-1022
Although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) offers clear advantages, including minimal trauma and rapid recovery, stable intraoperative visualization still depends heavily on the camera assistant. Traditional manual endoscope holding is therefore susceptible to several limitations, including image instability, assistant fatigue, and poor coordination with the primary surgeon. Operating in complex and confined anatomical spaces with a rigid thoracoscope further increases the demands on hand-eye coordination. Thoracoscopic camera-holding technology has progressively evolved from passive support systems to active camera holders and robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) platforms, and is now advancing toward artificial intelligence-driven tracking and intelligent control. Based on this, a series of devices, including multifunctional intelligent assistant arms and active camera-holding arms for thoracic surgery, have been developed and have attracted increasing attention. This article reviews the development of intelligent camera-holding assistant arms and discusses related advances and future directions in the field.
2.Current status and influencing factors of work readiness in patients returning to work after lung cancer surgery
Yuanyuan YIN ; Xingxia LONG ; Jie ZHANG ; Yanli, JI ; Ying ZHU ; Lijun HE ; Mei YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1079-1084
Objective To investigate the current status of work readiness and its influencing factors among patients returning to work after lung cancer surgery. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on young and middle-aged postoperative lung cancer patients who were treated at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to September 2023 and returned to their jobs. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire, readiness for return-to-work scale (RRTW), general self-efficacy scale (GSES), and simplified coping style questionnaire (SCSQ). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors affecting the work readiness of patients returning to work. Results A total of 219 patients were included, with 59 males and 160 females aged 18-60 years. Among the postoperative lung cancer patients returning to work, 73.1% were in the active maintenance stage of return-to-work readiness with a RRTW score of (17.59±1.48) points, and 26.9% were in the uncertain maintenance stage with a RRTW score of (16.22±1.50) points. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients aged≤30 years (OR=52.381), employees of enterprises and institutions (OR=7.682), agricultural, pastoral, fishery, forestry laborers (OR=15.665), positive coping (OR=5.043), those with higher self-efficacy (OR=1.157) and engaged in physically demanding work (OR=2.449) had higher return-to-work readiness, while patients with≥2 children (OR=0.055), self-payment (OR=0.044), and those working more than 40 hours per week (OR=0.122) had lower return-to-work readiness. Conclusion The return-to-work readiness of young and middle-aged postoperative lung cancer patients needs to be improved, and occupation, job nature, main coping styles, general self-efficacy and other factors are associated with return-to-work readiness.
3.Research progress on risk assessment and predictive early warning of severe perioperative complications in elderly lung cancer patients
Zixiao HE ; Ziyue LUO ; Ruihao ZHOU ; Yanbingshi WANG ; Le SHEN ; Guo CHEN ; Tao ZHU ; Lunxu LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1129-1141
With the aging population and the widespread implementation of lung cancer screening programs, an increasing number of elderly patients are undergoing curative lung resection. Due to diminished physiological reserve and complex comorbidities, this demographic exhibits a significantly higher incidence of severe perioperative complications (defined as Clavien-Dindo grade≥Ⅲ), which adversely affects both perioperative safety and long-term prognosis. In recent years, the research paradigm has shifted from univariate analysis toward multidimensional risk integration and the development of predictive models. This article systematically reviews the key risk factors for severe perioperative complications in elderly lung cancer patients, encompassing biological aging processes, frailty and sarcopenia, cardiopulmonary and renal functional reserves, inflammatory-immune and coagulation status, and perioperative interventions. Furthermore, it traces the evolution of risk assessment tools from traditional regression models to machine learning models that integrate multimodal data. The review also discusses common challenges in this field, including the standardization of outcome definitions, external validation, calibration assessment, and clinical translation. Future efforts should prioritize the deep integration of predictive tools with clinical decision support systems to establish a closed-loop care pathway from risk identification to stratified intervention, thereby effectively reducing complication rates and enhancing surgical outcomes for elderly lung cancer patients.
4.TAZ WW Domain-Mediated Regulation of Gluconeogenesis and Tumorigenesis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Interaction with the Glucocorticoid Receptor
Hongxiang HUANG ; Jinhong CHEN ; Xingyu TAO ; Peiyuan ZHONG ; Yanqiu MENG ; Sujuan PENG ; Wanying LUO ; Zhiyong HE ; Shuai LUO ; Xie ZHU ; Zhihui LU ; Li CHEN ; Yangyang LIU
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2026;41(2):267-287
Background:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC.
Methods:
TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.
Results:
TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression.
Conclusion
TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.
5.Discussion on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Esophageal Precancerous Lesions from the Perspective of "Turbidity Damaging the Clear and Harmonious"
Cong HE ; Tingting XU ; Yi WANG ; Jing KONG ; Xiao WANG ; Xiaosu WANG ; Shumiao FAN ; Shengliang ZHU ; Bingduo ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1397-1402
It is considered that "turbid pathogen damaging the clear, and the loss of clarity and harmony regulation" is the core pathogenesis of esophageal precancerous lesions, with turbid pathogen persisting throughout the disease course. Turbid pathogen encompasses qi turbidity, phlegm turbidity, stasis turbidity, and toxin turbidity, closely related to dietary indiscretion, emotional disharmony, spleen-stomach deficiency, and kidney deficiency failing to consolidate. Turbid pathogen undergoes a dynamic evolution process of qi constraint generating turbid→ phlegm-stasis transforming into toxin→turbidity toxin harming the healthy qi, corresponding to the pathological alterations of hypoxia, inflammation and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment. The overall therapeutic principle is to remove turbidity and restore clarity. In the early stage, targeting the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, the suggested treatment method is opening constraint and dispersing the block, regulating qi and remove turbidity, with emphasis on soothing liver and regulating stomach, raising the clear and directing the turbid downward. In the middle stage, targeting inflammatory microenvironment, the treatment aims to clear toxin and dissipate nodules, resolve stasis and eliminate turbid, emphasizing phlegm-stasis elimination, turbid-toxin resolution, and concurrent stomach qi protection. In the late stage, corresponding to immunosuppressive microenvironment, the method of boosting qi, nourishing yin, reinforcing healthy qi, and eliminating turbidity can be used, with focus on spleen-stomach tonification, kidney essence replenishment, and healthy qi reinforcement to expel pathogenic factors.
6.Molecular Mechanism of Liuwei Dihuangwan Regulating GPNMB Expression and Enhancing Autophagy in Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Yuxi LIU ; Zhongkang ZHU ; Songnan WANG ; Jiali LIU ; Ye YIN ; Jiarui MIAO ; Shunuo HE ; Danyu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):1-10
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on the autophagy function in the hippocampus of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) by regulating the expression of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB). Furthermore, it is designed to explore the mechanism of the method of tonifying the kidneys and replenishing essence in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsIn experiment 1, 24 5-month-old SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, and the low-, middle- and high-dose(0.59,1.18,2.36 g·kg-1) Liuwei Dihuangwan groups. At the same time, six 5-month-old senescence accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice were used as the control group. The learning and memory ability was evaluated through novel object recognition experiment. Serum cortisol (Cort), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the expression levels of hippocampal GPNMB, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) and autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot. In experiment 2, 18 SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, vector control group (Vector), and GPNMB overexpression group (GPNMBOE). Lentiviral vectors were stereotactically injected into the brain (2 μL per side in the GPNMBOE group). Western blot was used to detect the expression of the above target proteins in the hippocampus; In Experiment 3, 24 SAMP8 mice were randomly and equally divided into the model group, Liuwei Dihuangwan group, Liuwei Dihuangwan+negative control (NC) group, and Liuwei Dihuangwan+GPNMB silencing group (shGPNMB). Before drug treatment, the Liuwei Dihuangwan+NC group and the Liuwei Dihuangwan+shGPNMB group were injected with negative control and GPNMB silencing lentivirus, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of the above target proteins in the hippocampus. ResultsThe novel object discrimination index of mice in the model group was significantly lower than that of mice in the control group (P<0.01). The novel object discrimination index of mice in the medium- and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups was significantly higher than that of mice in the model group (P<0.01). Aggregated autolysosomes were observed in the normal hippocampus tissue by TEM. In the model group, mitochondria were dominant, and no typical characteristic autophagosomes were observed. In the low- and medium-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups, a small number of autolysosomes and autophagosomes with double-membrane structures were observed. In the high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group, the number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes was greater than that in the low- and medium-dose groups. The results of ELISA and Western blot showed that compared with the control group, the levels of serum Cort, ACTH, and urine 17-OHCS in the model group were substantially increased, while the expression of hippocampal ADAM10, Beclin1, and microtubule associated-protein light chain 3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ (LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ) was significantly decreased. The expression of GPNMB and ubiquitin binding protein p62 was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum Cort and ACTH levels in the low-, medium-, and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups were significantly reduced, while only the urine 17-OHCS level in the high-dose group was significantly reduced. The hippocampal GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ expression levels in the medium-, and high-dose groups of Liuwei Dihuangwan were significantly increased compared to the model group, whereas the expression of p62 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The above indicators showed a progressive trend among the three groups. Compared with the model group, the GPNMBOE group showed a significant increase in GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ expression, and a significant decrease in p62 expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ in the hippocampus of the Liuwei Dihuangwan group significantly increased, while the expression of p62 significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the Liuwei Dihuangwan group, the Liuwei Dihuangwan+shGPNMB group showed a significant decrease in GPNMB, ADAM10, Beclin1, LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ, and a significant increase in p62 expression (P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan can enhance hippocampal autophagy function and improve AD by upregulating GPNMB expression.
7.Intra-articular injection of different concentrations of silicon-based bioceramics in treatment of knee osteoarthritis in rats
Jingwen GUO ; Qingwei WANG ; Zijun HE ; Zihang HU ; Zhi CHEN ; Rong ZHU ; Yuming WANG ; Wenfei LIU ; Qinglu LUO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):288-295
BACKGROUND:Currently,treatment method for knee osteoarthritis includes oral medicine,joint cavity drug injection,and physiotherapy,but the curative effect is limited.Existing studies have confirmed that silicon-based bioceramics can promote cartilage and subchondral bone repair and vascular regeneration.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of different concentrations of silicon-based bioceramics injected into the knee joint cavity in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in rats.METHODS:Silicon-based bioceramics-calcium silicate was prepared.Twenty-five SD rats were randomly divided into five groups,with five rats in each group.The healthy group did not receive any intervention,and the modeling group,low-dose calcium silicate group,high-dose calcium silicate group,and saline group used anterior cruciate ligament transection to establish bilateral knee osteoarthritis models.Four weeks after modeling,0.05 mL of 50 and 100 mg/mL calcium silicate solution were injected into the knee joint cavity in the low-dose calcium silicate group and high-dose calcium silicate group,respectively,and 0.05 mL of saline was injected into the knee joint cavity in the saline group,once a week for 4 consecutive weeks.In the fifth week of administration,bilateral knee joint Micro-CT detection,knee joint cartilage hematoxylin-eosin staining,and modified Mankin score were performed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Micro-CT quantitative analysis showed that compared with the healthy group,the volume fraction and number of trabeculae of the medial tibial plateau in the modeling group decreased(P<0.05),and the separation of trabeculae increased(P<0.05).Compared with the modeling group,the volume fraction and number of trabeculae of the medial tibial plateau in the low-dose calcium silicate group and the saline group increased(P<0.05),and the separation of trabeculae decreased(P<0.05).(2)Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that the cartilage surface of the healthy group and the low-dose calcium silicate group was relatively smooth and flat,the chondrocytes were evenly distributed,without clustered chondrocytes,the tide line was complete,and the staining was uniform;the cartilage surface of the high-dose calcium silicate group was slightly uneven,the middle and deep cells were disordered,with a small number of clustered chondrocytes,the tide line was discontinuous,and the staining was uneven;the cartilage surface of the saline group and the modeling group was obviously rough,the cells were disordered,with a large number of clustered chondrocytes,the tide line disappeared,and the staining was uneven.The modified Mankin score of the healthy group was lower than that of the high-dose calcium silicate group,the saline group,and the modeling group(P<0.05).The modified Mankin score of the high-dose calcium silicate group and the low-dose calcium silicate group was lower than that of the saline group and the modeling group(P<0.05).(3)The results show that calcium silicate knee joint injection has a certain effect in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.Compared with 100 mg/mL calcium silicate solution,50 mg/mL calcium silicate solution can promote the recovery of subchondral bone and cartilage.
8.Signal mining for bleeding risk associated with the concomitant use of direct oral anticoagulants and triazole antifungals
Ziyang WU ; Ying ZHU ; Menghua ZHANG ; Na HE ; Qiong QIN ; Cheng XIE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1185-1189
OBJECTIVE To assess the bleeding risk signals associated with the concomitant use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and triazole antifungals, and to provide pharmacovigilance evidence for the safety evaluation and monitoring of combined clinical use. METHODS Adverse event reports involving the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals were extracted from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2025. Nine bleeding-related preferred terms (PTs) were selected. The Ω shrinkage measure, additive model, multiplicative model, and combined risk ratio method were employed to detect drug-drug interaction signals. The strength of positive signals was further analyzed based on the Ω shrinkage measure. RESULTS A total of 790 adverse event reports involving the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals were included, among which 229 reports involved nine bleeding-related PTs. A total of 13 signals were consistently identified as posit ive by all four methods. These signals involved six drug combinations: apixaban-fluconazole, apixaban-posaconazole, rivaroxaban-itraconazole, dabigatran etexilate-fluconazole, apixaban-voriconazole, and dabigatran etexilate-itraconazole. The Ω shrinkage measure showed that the apixaban-posaconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for bleeding ( Ω =2.73, Ω 025 =2.05) and hemoptysis ( Ω =2.17, Ω 025 =0.83); the apixaban-fluconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for hematoma ( Ω =2.30, Ω 025 =1.47) and hematuria ( Ω =1.71, Ω 025 =0.74); the rivaroxaban-itraconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for epistaxis ( Ω =2.01, Ω 025 =0.90) and hematoma ( Ω =1.93, Ω 025 =0.42); no positive Ω signals were observed for intracranial hemorrhage or upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. CONCLUSION S This study suggests that the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals may increase the risk of bleeding-related events, with differences in signal strength and signal distribution across various drug combinations. In clinical practice, particular attention should be paid to the concomitant use of apixaban or rivaroxaban with strong cytochrome P450 3A4 or P-glycoprotein inhibitors such as posaconazole and itraconazole. For other DOAC-triazole antifungal combinations, close monitoring for bleeding-related manifestations and timely adjustment of anticoagulation or antifungal regimens are also warranted.
9.Analysis of HPV Infection Characteristics and Influencing Factors for Lesion Grade in Patients with Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion and Cervical Cancer
Jingjing HAN ; Lijie ZHANG ; Ruyu CAI ; Haili LI ; He WANG ; Le DANG ; Hongda CHEN ; Ming'e LI ; Lan ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):156-165
To summarize the distribution characteristics of human papillomavirus(HPV) infection types in patients with cervical squamous intraepithelial lesion(SIL) and cervical cancer(CC), and to explore the impact of HPV vaccination, HPV infection types, and general clinical data on different grades of cervical lesions. Clinical data of women attending the gynecological colposcopy clinic of Shenzhen People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. Patients with HPV genotyping records and histopathologically diagnosed SIL or CC were included and divided into three groups based on pathological results: low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(LSIL) group, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL) group, and CC group. The distribution of high-risk HPV subtypes was analyzed among the three groups, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify influencing factors for high-grade cervical lesions. A total of 4162 patients were included, comprising 4057 cervical SIL patients(3317 LSIL and 740 HSIL) and 105 CC patients. The overall mean age was(39.9±11.2) years. The HPV infection rate was 95.1%(3959/4162), and 25.0%(1040/4162) of patients had received HPV vaccination. Among high-risk HPV infections, HPV 52, HPV 16, HPV 58, and HPV 18 were the most common subtypes. HPV 52 had the highest infection rate in the LSIL group(27.6%), while HPV 16 was the most prevalent in the HSIL group(45.3%) and CC group(64.9%). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that HPV vaccination( HPV infection is common in patients with SIL and CC, but the distribution of high-risk HPV subtypes varies among different grades of cervical lesions. It is recommended to strengthen cervical cancer screening and monitoring of key high-risk HPV infections in older and multiparous women in Shenzhen, and to continue promoting HPV vaccination.
10.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.

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