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Latest Issue
Volume 12 ， Issue 11 ， 2025
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Age-stratified associations between radiotherapy and SPMs for FPHNC:a population-based cohort study AI Introduction
“In a recent study, researchers investigated the age-stratified association between radiotherapy and the risk of second primary malignancies in head and neck cancer patients. The findings highlight the importance of considering patient age when making treatment decisions for head and neck cancer and suggest that long-term surveillance is necessary for high-risk groups.”
Abstract：BackgroundSecond primary malignancies (SPMs) account for over 30% of total deaths in head and neck cancer(HNC) patients. The increasing use of radiotherapy raises concerns about the elevated risk of radiation-associated SPMs. This study aimed to investigate the age-stratified association between radiotherapy and SPM risk in survivors of non-metastatic primary HNC.MethodsUsing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (2004−2015), incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were evaluated for solid and hematologic SPMs associated with radiotherapy within different age groups. Follow-up for hematologic and solid SPMs began 2 and 5 years, respec-tively, after the diagnosis of first primary HNC. The IRRs for SPMs were compared between radiotherapy-exposed and unexposed groups using multivariable modified Poisson regression. The SIRs were computed as the ratio of observed cancers in the cohort to expected cases derived from sex-, age-, and calendar year-matched general population incidence rates.ResultsThe study included 75, 209 2-year survivors, with 73.2% being male and a median age of 60 years. Of these, 58, 063 had survived 5 years or more. Radiotherapy was associated with an increased risk of solid SPMs [IRR = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08−1.24; P < 0.001]. The associations varied significantly among young (aged 15−39 years), middle-aged (aged 40 − 64 years), and elderly (aged 65−89 years) patients. Specifically, radiotherapy was associated with an increased risk of solid SPMs in middle-aged patients (IRR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.11−1.32; P < 0.001), and a decreased risk of hematologic SPMs in elderly patients (IRR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.60−0.99; P = 0.045). Compared with the general population, young patients had an elevated risk of radiotherapy-associated second primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma(SIR = 4.01, 95% CI 1.47−8.74). Middle-aged patients showed the highest SIR for SPMs in the bones/joints (SIR = 7.72, 95% CI 4.32−12.73), while elderly patients had the highest SIR for second primary esophageal malignancies (SIR = 3.87, 95% CI 2.91−5.05). Males were more likely to develop solid SPMs compared to females.ConclusionsThis study reveals an age-stratified association between radiotherapy and the risk of SPMs in HNC patients. These findings highlight the importance of considering patient age when making treatment decisions for HNC and suggest that long-term surveillance is necessary for high-risk groups.Keywords：Population-based cohort study;Head and neck cancer (HNC);Second primary malignancy (SPM);radiotherapy;Age62|1|0Updated：2026-01-27 -
The national and provincial prevalence and non-fatal burdens of diabetes in China from 2005 to 2023 with projections of prevalence to 2050 AI Introduction
“Reporting on the latest research in diabetes management, a study reveals significant temporal trends and geographical variations in diabetes prevalence and non-fatal burden across China from 2005 to 2023. Experts utilized the DisMod-MR model to estimate the non-fatal burdens, including prevalence and YLDs, and projected diabetes prevalence to 2050 under two scenarios. This research provides critical insights into diabetes prevention and management, laying a foundation for enhancing disease control and treatment outcomes.”
Abstract：BackgroundChina accounts for one-quarter of the world’s diabetes population, with significant subnational dispari-ties. However, none of the available data have provided comprehensive estimates and projections at both regional and national levels in diabetes prevention and management. This study aimed to explore the temporal trends and geographical variations in the prevalence and non-fatal burden of diabetes by age and sex across China from 2005 to 2023, and to forecast diabetes prevalence through 2050.MethodsWe conducted a population-based study based on the nationally representative surveys, and literature reviews. Using the DisMod-MR model and Chinese-specific disease disability weights, we estimated the non-fatal bur-dens of diabetes, including prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs), across sexes, age groups, and locations. The temporal trend change was measured as the average annual percent change. The effect of the Human Develop-ment Index on burdens was assessed by applying Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. We further projected diabetes prevalence to 2050 under two scenarios, the natural trend and the effective intervention on body mass index (BMI).ResultsIn 2023, an estimated 233 million individuals in China were living with diabetes. Compared to 2005, the age-standardized rate (ASR) of prevalence has increased by nearly 50%, from 7.53% (95% CI 7.00–8.10%) to 13.7% (95% CI 12.6–14.8%) in 2023. The ASR of YLDs was estimated at 19.1 per 1000 population (95% CI 18.6–19.5) in 2023, compared to 10.5 per 1000 population in 2005. The ASR of prevalence and YLDs was consistently higher in males than in females. The provinces with the highest diabetes prevalence and disease burden were Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai. Our forecast results suggest that if existing trends continue, the prevalence of obesity will reach 29.1% (95% CI 22.2–38.2%) nationally by 2050, with some provinces in the northern region observing a prevalence of over 40%. Conversely, if effective obesity interventions were implemented, the growth in diabetes prevalence could potentially be suppressed by nearly 50%.ConclusionsThe health burden and economic cost associated with diabetes are profound. There is an urgent need to scale up preventive efforts and improve population awareness to enhance disease management and achieve optimal treatment outcomes.Keywords：Diabetes;Prevalence;Years lived with disability (YLDs);China;Subnational65|2|0Updated：2026-01-27 -
Social jetlag elicits fatty liver via perturbed circulating prolactin rhythm-mediated circadian remodeling of hepatic lipid metabolism AI Introduction
“In the field of metabolic disorders, researchers have made significant progress. Experts have established the causal mechanism of social jetlag-induced fatty liver, which provides a new direction for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.”
Abstract：BackgroundThe prevalence of circadian misalignment, particularly social jetlag (SJL), contributes significantly to the epidemic of metabolic disorders. However, the precise impact of SJL on the liver has remained poorly elucidated.MethodsThe rhythmicity of circulating prolactin (PRL) was evaluated in subjects with SJL and mice under SJL. The causative mechanism of SJL on fatty liver was explored using jetlag model in wild-type and Prl−/− mice. Luciferase reporter assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis were used to study the transcriptional mechanism of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α on PRL. RNA-seq on human and mice liver as well as circadian analysis were used to study the mechanism of SJL-associated desynchronized PRL on hepatic lipid metabolism. The therapeutic effect of PRL intervention on SJL-induced mice at different time points was compared.ResultsSJL increases the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), mediated by the disruption of the rhythmicity of serum PRL. In particular, SJL inhibits the rhythmic transcription of PRL in the pituitary, leading to desynchronized PRL levels in circulation. Under jetlag conditions, the rhythmicity of the hepatic PRL signaling pathway was significantly dampened, which resulted in increased lipogenesis via inhib-ited hepatic mitogen-activated protein kinase/cyclin D1 expressions. Notably, PRL treatment at PRL nadir in jetlagged mice decreased hepatic lipid content and liver injury markers to a greater extent compared with conventional PRL administration.ConclusionsReprogrammed hepatic PRL signaling pathway with concomitant dysregulated lipid metabolism homeostasis was the causative mechanism of fatty liver under SJL, which was mediated through derailed serum PRL rhythm. Restoration of PRL rhythm could effectively alleviate SJL-induced fatty liver, providing new insight into treat-ing MASLD.Keywords：Social jetlag;Prolactin;Circadian rhythm;Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)58|1|0Updated：2026-01-27 -
Diagnostic efficacy of fecal-based miR-92a for advanced colorectal neoplasia: a prospective multicenter screening trial AI Introduction
“In a prospective multicenter screening trial, miR-92a demonstrated better sensitivity, NNS, Youden index and AUC as compared with FIT for advanced colorectal neoplasia screening. Using miR-92a appears to be more efficient for population-based screening programs, and screening sensitivity can be further enhanced if conditionally used in combination with FIT.”
Abstract：BackgroundMore efficacious, noninvasive screening methods are needed for advanced colorectal neoplasia. miR-92a is a reliable and reproducible biomarker for early colorectal cancer detection in stool samples. We com-pared the diagnostic efficacies of miR-92a, immunochemical fecal occult blood testing (FIT), and their combination(FIT + miR-92a) in a prospective multicenter screening trial.MethodsOverall, 16,240 participants aged 30–75 years were enrolled between April 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023. A total of 15,586 participants returned samples available for both FIT and miR-92a tests. All those with positive, and a random selection of those with negative screening tests were recommended to undergo colonoscopy. Follow-ups were performed until participants completed the colonoscopic examination. A total of 1401 screen-positive and 2079 randomly selected screen-negative individuals completed colonoscopies. Primary outcomes included sensitivity, number needed to screen (NNS), Youden index and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) for advanced adenomas and colorectal cancer [advanced neoplasia (AN)] for each screening modality in the diagnostic performance analysis.ResultsColonoscopy was performed in 3480 individuals. The colonoscopy compliance rate was 47.8% for screenpositive individuals. The sensitivity of miR-92a versus FIT for AN was 70.9% versus 54.3% (P < 0.001), NNS was 24.7 versus 32.2 (P = 0.001), Youden index was 47.9% versus 35.0% (P < 0.001), AUC was 0.74 versus 0.67 (P = 0.010). FIT + miR-92a had a sensitivity of 85.4%, an NNS of 20.5, a Youden index of 47.9% and an AUC of 0.74 for AN.ConclusionsFor AN screening, miR-92a demonstrated better sensitivity, NNS, Youden index and AUC as compared with FIT. Compared with FIT, using miR-92a appears to be more efficient for population-based screening programs. Screening sensitivity for AN can be further enhanced if conditionally used in combination with FIT.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registration Number: ChiCTR2200065415.Keywords：Advanced neoplasia;Colorectal cancer;Immunochemical fecal occult blood testing;MiR-92a;screening50|1|0Updated：2026-01-27 -
Performance of GPT-4 for automated prostate biopsy decision-making based on mpMRI: a multi-center evidence study AI Introduction
“Reporting on the latest advancements in prostate cancer detection, a multi-center study introduces its research progress in the field of AI-assisted prostate biopsy decision-making. Expert researchers established the GPT-4 system, which provides solutions to solve ambiguous biopsy decisions for patients with moderate PI-RADS scores, opening up a new direction for AI implementation in medical scenarios.”
Abstract：BackgroundMultiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has significantly advanced prostate cancer(PCa) detection, yet decisions on invasive biopsy with moderate prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) scores remain ambiguous.MethodsTo explore the decision-making capacity of Generative Pretrained Transformer-4 (GPT-4) for automated prostate biopsy recommendations, we included 2299 individuals who underwent prostate biopsy from 2018 to 2023 in 3 large medical centers, with available mpMRI before biopsy and documented clinical-histopathological records. GPT-4 generated structured reports with given prompts. The performance of GPT-4 was quantified using confusion matrices, and sensitivity, specificity, as well as area under the curve were calculated. Multiple artificial evaluation procedures were conducted. Wilcoxon’s rank sum test, Fisher’s exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons.ResultsUtilizing the largest sample size in the Chinese population, patients with moderate PI-RADS scores (scores 3 and 4) accounted for 39.7% (912/2299), defined as the subset-of-interest (SOI). The detection rates of clinically sig-nificant PCa corresponding to PI-RADS scores 2-5 were 9.4, 27.3, 49.2, and 80.1%, respectively. Nearly 47.5% (433/912)of SOI patients were histopathologically proven to have undergone unnecessary prostate biopsies. With the assis-tance of GPT-4, 20.8% (190/912) of the SOI population could avoid unnecessary biopsies, and it performed even bet-ter [28.8% (118/410)] in the most heterogeneous subgroup of PI-RADS score 3. More than 90.0% of GPT-4 -generated reports were comprehensive and easy to understand, but less satisfied with the accuracy (82.8%). GPT-4 also dem-onstrated cognitive potential for handling complex problems. Additionally, the Chain of Thought method enabled us to better understand the decision-making logic behind GPT-4. Eventually, we developed a ProstAIGuide platform to facilitate accessibility for both doctors and patients.ConclusionsThis multi-center study highlights the clinical utility of GPT-4 for prostate biopsy decision-making and advances our understanding of the latest artificial intelligence implementation in various medical scenarios.Keywords：Prostate biopsy;Generative Pretrained Transformer-4 (GPT-4);Decision-making;prostate cancer;Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI)51|1|0Updated：2026-01-27
RESEARCH
- “In the field of bone tissue engineering, this review explores the anatomy and functions of intraosseous blood vessels and nerve fibers, highlighting their roles in bone development, metabolism, and repair. It covers innovative strategies for accelerating the intrabony neurovascular system over the past decade, providing solutions to develop novel neurovascularized biomaterials and accelerate their translation into clinical practice.”
Abstract：Bone tissue relies on the intricate interplay between blood vessels and nerve fibers, both are essential for many physi-ological and pathological processes of the skeletal system. Blood vessels provide the necessary oxygen and nutrients to nerve and bone tissues, and remove metabolic waste. Concomitantly, nerve fibers precede blood vessels dur-ing growth, promote vascularization, and influence bone cells by secreting neurotransmitters to stimulate osteogen-esis. Despite the critical roles of both components, current biomaterials generally focus on enhancing intraosseous blood vessel repair, while often neglecting the contribution of nerves. Understanding the distribution and main functions of blood vessels and nerve fibers in bone is crucial for developing effective biomaterials for bone tissue engineering. This review first explores the anatomy of intraosseous blood vessels and nerve fibers, highlighting their vital roles in bone embryonic development, metabolism, and repair. It covers innovative bone regeneration strate-gies directed at accelerating the intrabony neurovascular system over the past 10 years. The issues covered included material properties (stiffness, surface topography, pore structures, conductivity, and piezoelectricity) and acellular biological factors [neurotrophins, peptides, ribonucleic acids (RNAs), inorganic ions, and exosomes]. Major challenges encountered by neurovascularized materials during their clinical translation have also been highlighted. Furthermore, the review discusses future research directions and potential developments aimed at producing bone repair materials that more accurately mimic the natural healing processes of bone tissue. This review will serve as a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians in developing novel neurovascularized biomaterials and accelerating their translation into clinical practice. By bridging the gap between experimental research and practical application, these advance-ments have the potential to transform the treatment of bone defects and significantly improve the quality of life for patients with bone-related conditions.Keywords：biomaterials;Blood vessels;Bone;nerve;Neurovascularization36|2|0Updated：2026-01-27 -
Nanozyme-driven multifunctional dressings:moving beyond enzyme-like catalysis in chronic wound treatment AI Introduction
“Nanozymes, engineered nanoscale materials with enzyme-like activities, are promising candidates for chronic wound treatment. Expert xx established the nanozyme-based catalytic system, which provides solutions to solve chronic wound healing problems.”
Abstract：The treatment of chronic wounds presents significant challenges due to the necessity of accelerating healing within complex microenvironments characterized by persistent inflammation and biochemical imbalances. Factors such as bacterial infections, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress disrupt cellular functions and impair angiogenesis, substantially delaying wound repair. Nanozymes, which are engineered nanoscale materials with enzyme-like activities, offer distinct advantages over conventional enzymes and traditional nanomaterials, making them promising candidates for chronic wound treatment. To enhance their clinical potential, nanozyme-based catalytic systems are currently being optimized through formulation advancements and preclinical studies assessing their biocompatibility, anti-oxidant activity, antibacterial efficacy, and tissue repair capabilities, ensuring their safety and clinical applicability. When integrated into multifunctional wound dressings, nanozymes modulate reactive oxygen species levels, pro-mote tissue regeneration, and simultaneously combat infections and oxidative damage, extending beyond conventional enzyme-like catalysis in chronic wound treatment. The customizable architectures of nanozymes enable precise therapeutic applications, enhancing their effectiveness in managing complex wound conditions. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the incorporation of nanozymes into wound dressings, detailing fabrication methods and emphasizing their transformative potential in chronic wound management. By identifying and addressing key limitations, we introduce strategic advancements to drive the development of nanozyme-driven dressings, paving the way for next-generation chronic wound treatments.Keywords：Nanozyme;Enzyme-like activities;Reactive oxygen species regulation;Chronic wound therapy;Multifunctional wound dressing31|0|0Updated：2026-01-27 -
γ neuromodulations: unraveling biomarkers for neurological and psychiatric disorders AI Introduction
“In the field of neurological and psychiatric disorders, γ neuromodulation has made significant progress. Expert researchers have verified the critical role of γ oscillations in various brain disorders, which provides solutions to alleviate cognitive and behavioral symptoms linked to disrupted communication.”
Abstract：γ neuromodulation has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing neurological and psychiatric disorders, par-ticularly in regulating executive and cognitive functions. This review explores the latest neuromodulation techniques, focusing on the critical role of γ oscillations in various brain disorders. Direct γ neuromodulation induces γ-frequency oscillations to synchronize disrupted brain networks, while indirect methods influence γ oscillations by modulat-ing cortical excitability. We investigate how monitoring dynamic features of γ oscillations allows for detailed evalu-ations of neuromodulation effectiveness. By targeting γ oscillatory patterns and restoring healthy cross-frequency coupling, interventions may alleviate cognitive and behavioral symptoms linked to disrupted communication. This review examines clinical applications of γ neuromodulations, including enhancing cognitive function through 40 Hz multisensory stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease, improving motor function in Parkinson’s disease, controlling seizures in epilepsy, and modulating emotional dysfunctions in depression. Additionally, these neuromodulation strategies aim to regulate excitatory-inhibitory imbalances and restore γ synchrony across neurological and psychi-atric disorders. The review highlights the potential of γ oscillations as biomarkers to boost restorative results in clini-cal applications of neuromodulation. Future studies might focus on integrating multimodal personalized protocols, artificial intelligence (AI) driven frameworks for neural decoding, and global multicenter collaborations to standardize and scale precision treatments across diverse disorders.Keywords：γ oscillations;Neuromodulation;Cross frequency coupling;Deep brain stimulation (DBS);Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS);neurological disorders;Psychiatric disorders22|0|0Updated：2026-01-27
REVIEW
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Global burden and cross-country inequalities in urinary tumors from 1990 to 2021 and predicted incidence changes to 2046 AI Introduction
“In the field of xxx, expert xx has made significant research progress. By establishing the xx system/exploring the xx topic/verifying the xx conjecture, xx has provided solutions to solve xx problems/open up a new direction for xx research/lay a foundation for the construction of the xx system.”
Keywords：Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs);Health inequality;Global Burden of Disease;Urinary tumors31|0|0Updated：2026-01-27 -
Stem cell-derived co-grafts contribute to retinal reconstruction and visual functional improvement in a laser damaged rat model AI Introduction
“In the field of xxx, expert xx has made significant research progress. By establishing the xx system/exploring the xx topic/verifying the xx conjecture, xx has provided solutions to solve xx problems/open up a new direction for xx research/lay a foundation for the construction of the xx system.”
Keywords：Stem cell-based therapy;Retinal organoids;Retina laser damage;Retinal degenerative disease;Retinal pigment epithelium;Retinal transplantation;Co-graft21|0|0Updated：2026-01-27
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
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Unresolved questions in the application of artificial intelligence virtual cells for cancer research AI Introduction
“In the field of xxx, expert xx has made significant research progress. By establishing the xx system/exploring the xx topic/verifying the xx conjecture, they have provided solutions to address xx problems/open up a new direction for xx research/lay a foundation for the construction of the xx system.”Keywords：Artificial intelligence (AI);Cancer;Cells;Oncology22|0|0Updated：2026-01-27 -
Building "walls" to stop pathogens:neutrophils play a role in the repair of extracellular matrix AI Introduction
“In the field of xxx, expert xx has made significant research progress. By establishing the xx system/exploring the xx topic/verifying the xx conjecture, xx has provided solutions to solve xx problems/open up a new direction for xx research/lay a foundation for the construction of the xx system.”
Keywords：Matrix-producing neutrophils;Circadian regulation;Skin barrier function;Wound healing;TGF-β signaling26|0|0Updated：2026-01-27
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