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2026 Year 13 Volume 2 Issue
- “A new study provides insights into sudden cardiac death (SCD) in China. Researchers analyzed data from 2013 to 2021, finding a significant increase in SCD mortality rates. The study highlights the need for improved prevention and treatment measures to address this growing health issue.”
Abstract：BackgroundSudden cardiac death (SCD) accounts for more than half of all sudden death cases, posing a significant health burden in China. However, epidemiological data on SCD are scarce due to the lack of a central data registry and the heterogeneity of case definitions. This study aims to provide reliable estimates of the incidence and risk fac-tors of SCD in China at the national and regional levels from 2013 to 2021, as well as the current status of prevention.MethodsThe multi-cause mortality data from 2013 to 2021 were obtained from the National Mortality Surveillance System of China. Deaths related to cardiac arrest were identified. Crude and age-standardized mortality rates were calculated by time, and region. Joint point regression was applied to identify significant changes during the study period. Subgroup analyses and multilevel negative binomial analysis were performed to understand the SCD risk factors. The first-line prevention measures and their current implementation in China and developed countries were also determined from published articles.ResultsFrom 2013 to 2021, the crude mortality rate of sudden cardiac arrest increased markedly from 8.36 deaths per 100,000 population in 2013 to 18.59 deaths per 100,000 population in 2021. There were considerable differences among regions. Subgroup analysis and negative binomial regression results indicated that males and the elderly were at higher risk of SCD. SCD may be associated with poor medical conditions. More than half of SCDs occurred out-side hospitals, and approximately 60% of SCDs were related to ischemic heart disease as the underlying cause. Cur-rently, developed countries have widely adopted primary prevention and emergency treatment measures; however, the utilization rate of such measures in China is relatively low and should be improved.ConclusionsWith the continuous rise in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and their related risk factors in China, the burden of SCD is expected to increase. In addition to strengthening the clinical pathways for sudden cardiac arrest cases in pre-hospital and hospital settings, it is also necessary to enhance public awareness, knowledge and first-line practical training through large-scale policies for governmental and community-based projects.Keywords：Sudden cardiac death (SCD);Mortality rate;Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR);National mortality surveillance system (NMSS)22|7|0Updated：2026-03-26 - “A new study introduces research progress in the field of antipsychotic-induced movement disorders (AIMDs). Experts conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) across multiple cohorts, identifying key genetic loci associated with AIMDs. The findings highlight the role of substantia nigra related gene polymorphisms in AIMDs, opening a new direction for personalized treatment approaches in schizophrenia.”
Abstract：BackgroundAntipsychotic-induced movement disorders (AIMDs) are prevalent side effects of antipsychotics, particularly during the acute phase of treatment. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying AIMDs using a genome-wide association study (GWAS).MethodsGWASs on AIMDs were conducted in 3 independent cohorts: a discovery cohort of 3067 patients (2016 subjects were reserved after quality control), a validation cohort of 277 patients, and a multi-ancestry validation cohort of 766 patients. Subsequent post-GWAS analyses included gene-based analyses, transcriptome-wide associa-tion studies (TWASs), and polygenic risk score (PRS) profiling.ResultsOur study identified 2 loci located in RAB44 gene (rs116249243, P = 5.98 × 10–9; rs117097482, P = 1.17 × 10–8) associated with extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs), 1 locus (rs6826172, P = 5.56 × 10–9) related to akathisia, and 76 loci linked to involuntary movements (11 genes were mapped). Risk loci located in CNTNAP2, LUZP2, TMEM167A, and RAB44 genes were successfully replicated in the validation cohort, whereas the locus located in RAB44 was also replicated in the multi-ancestry cohort. Gene-based analyses indicated that XRCC4 and PAIP2B reached significance at the genome-wide level in involuntary movements. Tissue expression analysis revealed that involuntary movement-related genes are predominantly expressed in the substantia nigra. Additionally, the TWAS suggested a causal relationship between XRCC4 and involuntary movement. The PRSs derived from the discovery cohort sig-nificantly predicted AIMDs in the validation cohort, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values from 0.60 to 0.80.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the role of substantia nigra related gene polymorphisms in AIMDs. This study provides novel insights into the pathogenesis of AIMDs and supports the potential for personalized treatment approaches for schizophrenia.Keywords：Antipsychotic;Movement disorders;Genome-wide association study (GWAS);Substantia nigra;Multi-ancestry validation21|1|0Updated：2026-03-26 -
Early use of albumin may increase the risk of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in sepsis patients: a target trial emulation AI Introduction
Abstract：BackgroundMost sepsis patients develop sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI), which poses a significant threat to survival and lacks specific treatment. To date, there are no published randomized controlled trials that have established a link between albumin use and SA-AKI development in sepsis. Therefore, it is unclear whether albumin use may influence the risk of SA-AKI.MethodsThe present study employed a target trial emulation using observational data to track adult sepsis patients initially admitted to the intensive care unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, for a period of 7 d from 2008 to 2022. Immortal time bias was controlled using the clone-censor-weight (CCW) method, along with a new-user design to address current user bias. The exposure variable was the early administration of albumin following the onset of sepsis. Based on albumin use, patients were classified into two groups: the albumin group (n = 27,088) and the no albumin group (n = 27,088). The primary outcome was the development of SA-AKI, and the secondary outcome was 7-day all-cause mortality. The primary outcome was analyzed using competing risk analyses. Furthermore, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed.ResultsAmong the 27,088 patients analyzed, albumin administration was associated with a significantly higher SA-AKI risk (relative difference = 3.47%, 95% CI 1.76-5.23) compared to non-administration. There was no clinically meaningful difference in 7-day survival (relative difference = 0.05%, 95% CI -2.30 to 2.45). Sensitivity analyses consistently supported these results. All these analyses were conducted on data that were collected after CCW.ConclusionsEarly albumin administration may increase the risk of SA-AKI in sepsis patients without conferring a short-term survival benefit. These results underscore the need for a rigorous risk-benefit assessment when incorporating albumin into sepsis resuscitation protocols and highlight the need for further clinical validation. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting the conclusions of this study, given its exploratory and preliminary nature.Keywords：Target trial emulation;Clone-censor-weight (CCW);Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI);Albumin15|2|0Updated：2026-03-26 -
Sepsis in burn care: incidence and outcomes AI Introduction
Abstract：BackgroundAlthough sepsis is known to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adult burn patients, its epidemiology and impact are poorly understood. This study aims to address these gaps by further characterizing predictors of sepsis and comparing outcomes between septic and non-septic burn patients in different age groups.MethodsWe included patients (≥ 18 years) with thermal burn injuries ≥ 5% total body surface area (TBSA) admitted to two burn centers between 1 January 2006 and 30 June 2021, and 1 January 2023 and 6 April 2025. Patients were stratified by age into adults (18–59 years) and older adults (≥ 60 years), and by diagnosis of sepsis during hospitalization (sepsis vs. control). Demographics, injury characteristics, mortality, and in-hospital complications were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of sepsis and mortality among septic patients.ResultsThis study included a total of 1465 patients, including 1094 adults and 371 older adults. Sepsis was diagnosed in 20.1% of adult burn patients, with a median onset at 10 d following injury. Increasing age, greater TBSA, and inhalation injury were identified as significant risk factors for sepsis. Among patients who developed sepsis, earlier onset and female sex were associated with an elevated risk of mortality. In older adults, the incidence of sepsis was 22.9%, with a median onset at 11 d post-burn. The odds of sepsis diagnosis increased with higher TBSA and the presence of inhalation injury. Earlier sepsis onset was associated with increased mortality in older adults.ConclusionsSepsis represents a significant clinical challenge in burn patients, with age, TBSA, inhalation injury, and comorbidities significantly influencing its incidence and outcomes. Notably, early sepsis onset and female sex are associated with increased mortality, highlighting the need for advanced monitoring, prompt interventions, and the exploration of innovative sex-specific strategies to optimize outcomes in this high-risk population.Keywords：burn;sepsis;Mortality;infection;Female;Trauma14|1|0Updated：2026-03-26 -
Abstract：BackgroundThe level of premature deaths (deaths among those aged 30–69 years) caused by cancer is an important indicator of evaluating the level of cancer prevention and control. However, the current burden and temporal trends in cancer-related premature deaths, and their impact on life expectancy at the global, regional, and national levels are not clear.MethodsCancer mortality data for 185 countries were obtained from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. Highquality cancer mortality data and national population statistics for 47 countries were extracted from the United Nations and national cancer registry databases, covering the period 2003–2022. Countries were classified based on the human development index (HDI). The death probability, the year of life lost (YLL), and the potential gain in life expectancy (PGLE) attributable to premature deaths from site-specific and all-cancers combined were calculated.ResultsGlobally, the probability of premature cancer deaths was 6.49% (95% UI 6.49–6.50). The YLLs caused by cancer-related premature death were 163.86 million (95% UI 163.70–164.03), constituting 65.58% of the total cancerrelated YLLs. The PGLEs were 1.16 years (95% UI 1.16–1.16). The premature death probability increased with higher HDI levels in men, but decreased in women. Cancer-related premature deaths as a proportion of total cancer deaths varied from 18.31% (95% UI 18.20–18.43) in Japan to 84.44% (95% UI 76.10–91.16) in São Tomé and Príncipe. Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related premature deaths in men, and breast cancer ranked first in women. By eradicating premature deaths attributable to lung, liver, colorectal, and stomach cancer in men, and to breast, cervical, and lung cancer in women, 0.55 years (95% UI 0.55–0.55) and 0.49 years (95% UI 0.49–0.49) of PGLEs could be achieved, accounting for 48.67% and 42.24% of the total PGLEs, respectively. Cancer-related premature deaths decreased significantly in 38 countries during 2003–2022 (P < 0.05). The probability of premature cancer-related deaths decreased by more than 15.50% from 2015 to 2022 in 16 countries.ConclusionsCancer-related premature deaths declined in many countries, with 16 of them having achieved the expected reduction by 2022. The current burden of cancer-related premature deaths is profound but varies around the world. Eliminating premature deaths from major cancer types could substantially increase life expectancy, underscoring the importance of prevention and treatment efforts for these cancers.Keywords：Cancer;Premature death;Death probability;Year of life lost (YLL);Potential gain in life expectancy (PGLE)6|5|0Updated：2026-03-26
RESEARCH
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ALDH2 in autophagy and cell death: molecular mechanisms and implications for diseases AI Introduction
“A new review introduces research progress in the field of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2). Experts explored the regulatory mechanisms through which ALDH2 affects autophagy and cell death pathways, providing a novel theoretical framework for human disease treatment.”
Abstract：Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) 2, a mitochondrial enzyme, is the main acetaldehyde dehydrogenase involved in the scavenging of alcohol-derived acetaldehyde and endogenous aldehydes. The ALDH2rs671 mutation affects 560 million East Asians and is closely related to an increased risk of various human diseases. In addition to its well-known function in detoxifying alcohol-derived acetaldehyde and endogenous aldehydes, ALDH2 is implicated in human health through its regulation of autophagic machinery and multiple cell death pathways (e.g., apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and NETosis). This review summarizes the current knowledge of ALDH2 and the regulatory mechanism through which ALDH2 regulates autophagy and cell death. In addition, we outline the potential role of ALDH2 in the regulation of autophagy and cell death during the occurrence and progression of human diseases, aiming to provide a novel theoretical framework for human disease treatment.Keywords：Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) 2;Autophagy;Cell death;Human diseases20|4|0Updated：2026-03-26 -
Are metformin-based combination approaches beneficial for non-small cell lung cancer: evidence from experimental and clinical studies AI Introduction
“A new study explores the potential of metformin, a common diabetes drug, in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Researchers reviewed extensive evidence on metformin’s anticancer effects and its synergistic potential with existing therapies. This research opens new avenues for improving NSCLC treatment outcomes.”
Abstract：Despite having multiple treatment options, the overall outcomes, including the survival rates of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, remain relatively low, indicating the need to explore new approaches to achieve improved therapeutic responses. To that end, repurposed drugs such as metformin have been evaluated against many cancer types, including NSCLC. Metformin, a widely used oral hypoglycemic drug for type 2 diabetes, exhibits anticancer properties and synergy with several standards of care agents. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role and anticancer mechanisms of metformin-based combination approaches for the treatment of NSCLC. We logically discussed the experimental evidence from the in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing metformin alone, and then its combination with chemotherapeutic agents, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. We also present clinical trials that underscore the beneficial and adverse outcomes of metformin use in combination with targeted therapy and chemotherapeutic agents, and emphasize the limitations and challenges for the treatment of diabetic and nondiabetic NSCLC patients. It appears that, regardless of the diverse anticancer mechanisms of this biguanide, the benefits may be confined to a specific patient subgroup, which opens new avenues to be explored for NSCLC treatment.Keywords：lung cancer;Drug repurposing;Metformin;Chemotherapy and targeted therapy;Cell signaling pathways16|1|0Updated：2026-03-26 -
Engineered immune-driven theranostics for clinical cardiology AI Introduction
Abstract：Immunotherapy for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) holds great promise for precision management by modulating localized immune-inflammatory responses. The interplay between focal cardiovascular pathology and panvascular disease, necessitates highly integrated therapeutic strategies. Nano-technology-based theranostic platforms address this challenge by enabling both regulation and real-time imaging of immune cell activity within cardiovascular lesions. These functional nanotherapy systems not only halt disease progression at pathological sites but also reduce secondary cardiovascular events driven by shared inflammatory mechanisms. Additionally, nanoplatform-based dynamic visualization of immune cell responses facilitates adaptive, personalized interventions. This review introduces the role of immune cells in CVDs. It summarizes recent advances in nanomaterial-based immunomodulation strate-gies, including mechanisms of immune regulation, enhanced imaging, and therapeutic applications in atherosclero-sis, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and myocarditis. Collectively, this integrated nanotheranostic paradigm establishes a robust foundation for the next generation of cardiovascular precision medicine.Keywords：Nanotheranostics;Cardiovascular diseases;Immune therapy;Medical imaging;Inflammatory regulation13|12|0Updated：2026-03-26
REVIEW
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Establishing integrated chronic non-communicable disease management clinics to address China’s looming health burden AI Introduction
Keywords：Chronic non-communicable disease (NCD);Clinic;Public health;China26|2|0Updated：2026-03-26 -
Toward phase contribution assessment in perioperative oncology: insights from NSCLC and a proposal for broader implementation AI Introduction
“In the latest research, expert xx has made significant strides in the field of xxx. By establishing the xx system, they have provided solutions to solve xx problems, opening up new directions for future research and laying a foundation for the construction of the xx system.”Keywords：Perioperative regimen;Phase contribution assessment;clinical trial18|1|0Updated：2026-03-26 - “In the latest research, expert xx has made significant strides in the field of xxx. By establishing the xx system, they have provided solutions to solve xx problems, opening up new directions for future research and laying a foundation for the construction of the xx system.”Keywords：Microgravity;Cardiovascular health;Low earth orbit;Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit;Spaceflight exercise;Cardiac muscle atrophy16|1|0Updated：2026-03-26
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
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Substantia nigra-related gene polymorphisms associated with acute antipsychotic-induced movement disorders AI Introduction
“In the latest research, expert xx has made significant strides in the field of xxx. By establishing the xx system, they have provided solutions to solve xx problems, opening up new directions for future research.”Keywords：Antipsychotic;Movement disorder;polymorphism;Substantia nigra15|0|0Updated：2026-03-26
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