1.Progress in artificial intelligence for predicting therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal injection
Xiaofeng WU ; Jiayi ZHANG ; Chunyan XIAO ; Yanshuang GENG ; Yonggang LIU ; Boxuan SONG ; Jiawei WANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):687-693
Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)therapy has been widely used, but the variability in its therapeutic efficacy limits individualized treatment. In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence(AI)has opened up new avenues for personalized treatment response prediction, and its core branches include machine learning(ML)and deep learning(DL). This review systematically retrieved and analyzed 41 relevant studies published up to April 2025. Comprehensive analysis reveals that AI predictive models are evolving from forecasting single endpoints(such as visual acuity or central retinal thickness)to integrating multi-dimensional endpoints(encompassing anatomical, functional, and treatment demand parameters)and generating predictive imaging outputs. In terms of technical approaches, DL models(28 studies, accounting for 68.3%)dominate this field due to their robust image interpretation capabilities, while ML models(10 studies, 24.4%)retain significant value in the analysis of structured clinical data. Cross-disease comparisons indicate that research efforts are most concentrated on age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)and diabetic macular edema(DME), with shared conceptual frameworks for model construction, yet distinct anatomical and functional indicators are prioritized for each disease. Currently, the field confronts several key challenges, including insufficient prospective clinical validation, limited model interpretability(the “black box problem”), and a scarcity of high-quality multi-center datasets. Moving forward, it is imperative to advance real-world validation and develop explainable AI techniques to expedite the clinical translation of these predictive models.
2.Efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection comorbid with gallbladder polyps
Qianqian NIU ; Huan CHEN ; Ying ZHENG ; Chunyan GOU ; Chen XU ; Li LI ; Xinxin WANG ; Jianping LIU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Xiuhui LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):304-311
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and safety of Babaodan Capsule (BBD) in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder comorbid with gallbladder polyps. MethodsA randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled single-center trial was conducted among 120 patients with chronic HBV infection who were admitted to Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, from August 2020 to April 2023, and they were divided into treatment group (BBD) and control group (placebo), with 60 patients in each group. The course of treatment was 24 weeks, and follow-up assessments were conducted every 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the number and maximum diameter of gallbladder polyps (assessed by ultrasound), and the secondary outcome measures included traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, blood lipid levels, and liver function parameters. The independent-samples t test or the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups; the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of ranked data between two groups; the generalized estimating equation was used to analyze repeated measures data. ResultsAfter 8 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly smaller diameter of polyps and a significantly lower number of polyps than the control group (Z=-1.76 and -1.80, both P<0.05), and after 24 weeks of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly higher polyp reduction rate than the control group (30.51% vs 10.91%, P<0.05). The subgroup analysis showed that patients receiving combined antiviral therapy, male patients, patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm, and patients with multiple polyps tended to achieve significantly greater benefits. At week 8 of treatment, the treatment group had a significantly better TCM syndrome score than the control group (Z=-2.35, P<0.05); after treatment, compared with the control group, the treatment group had a significantly greater increase in high-density lipoprotein (Z=-1.85, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (Z=-2.06, P <0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (Z=-2.13, P<0.05), total bilirubin (Z=-2.12, P<0.05), and direct bilirubin (Z=-3.09, P<0.05). No serious adverse events were reported in either group. ConclusionBBD can effectively reduce the size of gallbladder polyps, improve TCM syndrome score, and reduce the level of bilirubin in patients with chronic HBV infection with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, with a favorable safety profile, and it may be more suitable for patients receiving combined antiviral therapy and specific subgroups (male patients, patients with a diameter of polyps of <5 mm, and patients with multiple polyps.
3.Influenza surveillance results in Ordos City in 2017 - 2023
Xiaomin ZHANG ; Hongtao XIAO ; Sheng WANG ; Rong SUN ; Shangwu JIN ; Di ZHANG ; Jiming HAO ; Jialin LYU ; Chunyan YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):54-58
Objective To analyze the influenza-like illness (ILI) data in Ordos City from 2017 to 2023 and conduct nucleic acid detection of the virus to understand the local influenza epidemic situation, and to provide a reliable basis for influenza prevention and control in the city. Methods Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to identify virus subtypes in ILI throat swab samples. Comparisons of positive rates were conducted using the chi-square test, with a significance level of α=0.05. Results From 2017 to 2023, a total of 3,283,434 outpatient and emergency visits were recorded at the Ordos City Central Hospital, including 74,159 ILI cases, with an ILI proportion of 2.26%. The majority of ILI cases (74.43%) occurred in children aged 0~14 years old. The overall positive rate of influenza virus nucleic acid detection was 10.87%, with the highest proportion being subtype A (seasonal H3) at 43.03%. The highest detection rate was observed in the 5~14 years age group, with statistically significant differences in positive rates across age groups (χ2=155.638, P<0.001). Influenza peaks occurred mainly from November to March of the following year. From January to April, three types of influenza were prevalent alternately or mixed, while from October to December, subtype A (seasonal H3) predominated. Positive rates varied significantly across months (χ2=250.923, P<0.001). The temporal trends of ILI proportions and PCR-positive rates were consistent. Conclusion Influenza in Ordos City exhibits distinct seasonal and age distribution characteristics, with alternating or mixed circulation of three virus types. Continued efforts are needed to strengthen influenza surveillance, especially the prevention and control of influenza in infants and adolescents.
4.Effect of morin on alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice by regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway
Chunyan DING ; Ruijuan WANG ; Yijun WANG ; Liying MENG ; Guanglin FANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):902-907
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of morin on alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, morin group (40 mg/kg), SRT1720 (SIRT1 activator) group (5 mg/kg), and morin+EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor) group (40 mg/kg morin+7.5 mg/kg EX527), with 18 mice in each group. Except for control group, mice in other groups were subjected to silk ligation to establish periodontitis model. After successful modeling, mice in each group were treated with corresponding medicinal solutions or normal saline intragastrically or intraperitoneally, once a day, for two consecutive weeks. After the last medication, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured. The distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest was determined, and bone volume fraction and bone mineral density were calculated. Pathological changes of periodontal tissue were observed, and the number of osteoclasts was measured. mRNA expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in periodontal tissue, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as protein expressions of SIRT1, PGC-1α, and Nrf2 were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, the alveolar bone resorption and inflammatory cell infiltration in the periodontal tissues of mice were improved in morin group and SRT1720 group. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, the distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest, the number of osteoclasts in periodontal tissue, RANKL mRNA expression and the MDA level were decreased, shortened and reduced significantly ( P <0.05); however, serum level of IL-10, bone volume fraction and bone mineral density, OPG mRNA expression in periodontal tissue, SOD level and protein expressions of SIRT1, PGC-1α and Nrf2 were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with morin group, the above pathological changes were significantly aggravated in the morin+EX527 group; and the levels of quantitative indicators were markedly reversed ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Morin may inhibit alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway to reduce inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress.
5.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
6.Arginine Metabolic Disorder in Heart Failure Rats: Analysis Based on Targeted Metabolomics and Bioinformatics
Zeyu LI ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Zhengyu FANG ; Yurou ZHAO ; He XIAO ; Penghaobang LIU ; Haiming ZHANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Yanhong HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):229-237
ObjectiveThis study systematically analyzed the arginine metabolic dysregulation in the rat model of heart failure (HF), providing a modern scientific basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of HF and offering new insights for the prevention and treatment of HF with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsA thoracotomy was performed to ligate the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats, which induced acute myocardial ischemia and thus led to the development of post-myocardial infarction heart failure. The rats were divided into a sham surgery group and a model group, with eight rats in each group. Serum targeted metabolomics analysis was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQ-S), and the spatial distribution of metabolites in cardiac tissue was observed using airflow-assisted desorption electrospray ionizationmass spectrometry imaging (AFADESI-MSI). Targets associated with HF and arginine metabolism were screened from databases including GeneCards and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and enrichment analysis of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) was performed. Finally, molecular docking was conducted to verify the binding between core metabolic components and key targets, and potential TCMs were predicted based on the core pathways and targets. ResultsCompared with the sham surgery group, the levels of arginine and citrulline in the serum of model rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while those of proline, ornithine, creatine, creatinine and glutamate were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Cardiac mass spectrometry imaging showed a decreased abundance of arginine in the local myocardial tissue. Bioinformatics analysis identified 24 core functional targets, such as the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (HTR2A), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and enrichment analysis indicated that these targets were significantly involved in the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding activities between arginine, citrulline and HTR2A, as well as between creatine, creatinine and EGFR. Based on pathway-target prediction, potential TCM interventions, such as ginseng and magnolia, were identified. ConclusionThis study revealed characteristic arginine metabolic disorder in HF, and the core targets of HF were closely associated with the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway. It provides a modern biological interpretation of the pathogenesis of HF in TCM from the perspectives of metabolites and signaling pathways, and offers valuable insights for targeted therapy of HF and the development of TCM.
7.Progress in the application of exosomes in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy
Songguo DONG ; Chunyan SONG ; Xiaofeng HOU ; Weihua YANG ; Yun WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):235-241
Exosomes are ubiquitous in all types of body fluids, exhibiting a high degree of abundance and diversity. Given their distinctive structure and function, exosomes are involved in a range of life activities, including intercellular communication, material transport, and immune regulation. An increasing number of studies have identified exosomes as a source of diagnostic markers for diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, exosomes represent a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention, with promising clinical applications. This paper examines the diagnostic and therapeutic mechanisms of exosomes in diabetic retinopathy, reviews the advancements in exosomes-based diagnostics and therapeutics for diabetic retinopathy, and aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of clinical diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
8.Research progress in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):242-245
Central serous chorioretinopathy(CSC)is a macular disease predominantly affecting young to middle-aged adults, characterized by serous retinal detachment in the posterior pole, leading to symptoms such as decreased central vision, visual distortion, and color changes. The disease has a certain degree of self-limitation but can recur. The pathogenesis is still uncertain and the treatment is controversial. Commonly used treatments include medication, retinal laser, photodynamic therapy(PDT)and vitreous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)therapy which have emerged in recent years, but the treatment of recurrent CSC is still tricky. The purpose of this article is to review the current therapeutic approaches regarding CSC, with a view to providing a reference for clinical treatment.
9.Compatibility and comfort assessment of school desks and chairs in three cities in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):321-324
Objective:
To understand the subjective and objective comfort evaluations of students from different age groups on desks and chairs, so as to provide reference for standardized allocation and use of desks and chairs.
Methods:
From January to April 2024, a total of 2 446 students were selected from 26 schools in 13 districts (counties/cities) in Shanghai, Tianjin, and Wuxi from Jiangsu Province by using cluster random method, including students in kindergartens, primary schools, junior high schools,senior high schools, colleges and universities. Standardized procedures were used to measure the height and weight of participants, and the matching desks and chairs models were selected according to the height. The subjective comfort of students on matching desks and chairs was investigated, and their objective comfort was evaluated by using a self designed questionnaire. The χ 2 test was used to analyze the differences of subjective perception and objective evaluation in comfort between different types of desks and chairs.
Results:
About 84.1% of the students subjectively thought that large desks and small chairs were very comfortable or relatively comfortable, followed by large desks and chairs (75.7%), and the proportion of small desks and chairs was the lowest among the three types (46.2%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=722.46, P <0.01). The reporting rates of primary school, junior high school and senior high school students who subjectively considered large desks and chairs to be very comfortable/relatively comfortable were higher than that of other types of desks and chairs, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=297.49, 252.82, 343.67, P <0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the subjective comfort evaluation of different types of desks and chairs among kindergarten children ( χ 2=3.21, P >0.05), and 66.3% of the students in colleges and universities felt very comfortable/relatively comfortable when they used the matching standard desks and chairs. The objective evaluation results of the comfort for the three types of desks and chairs were consistent with the subjective evaluation, but the proportions of the objective evaluation as very comfortable/relatively comfortable were higher than that of the subjective evaluation ( χ 2=20.76- 813.47, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Large desks and chairs, as well as large desks with small chairs are perceived comfortable, while small desks and chairs are perceived less comfortable. It is recommended to match the large desks and chairs or large desks and small chairs that are suitable for them according to the "standard", to promote physical and mental health of students.
10.Comfort assessment of school desks and chairs ergonomics among students with different body types
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):325-329
Objective:
To investigate the differences in the comfort of desks and chairs furniture among students with different body types according to the standard, so as to provide a reference for guiding students with overweight and obesity to choose the correct study furniture and revising the standards.
Methods:
From January to April 2024, 2 443 students from 26 schools in 13 districts (counties/cities) in Shanghai, Tianjin, and Jiangsu Province were selected by the cluster random sampling method to conduct physical examination. The subjective and objective evaluations of the comfort of height matched desks and chairs were investigated. The students were divided into non overweight, overweight, and obesity groups according to relevant criteria, and stratified analysis was performed. The χ 2 test was used to analyze differences in the comfort evaluations of desks and chairs among students with different body types.
Results:
Among the 2 443 students surveyed, 16.7% and 12.6% were respectively classified as overweight and obese. All students assigned the highest comfort ratings to large desks and small chairs (84.1%), and consistency was observed between students subjective and objective evaluations. The reporting rate of samll desks and chairs of obesity students subjective evaluation was lower (36.8%) than that of overweight and non overweight/obesity students (52.1%, 48.0%) ( χ 2=14.63, P <0.01). The overweight and obese group of primary school students had a worse evaluation of the comfort of large desks and chairs and small desks and chairs than those of the non overweight and obese groups( χ 2=15.78, 7.63, P <0.05). Among high school students, the overweight and obese group had worse evaluation of the comfort of large desks and chairs, as well as large desks and small chairs, than those of the non-overweight and obese groups( χ 2=9.62, 11.77, P <0.05). The objective evaluations revealed low compliance ratings on the posture of the thighs and calves for naturally forming an angle greater than 90° (55.6%), and headroom height under the table (50.3%) with small desks and chairs ( χ 2=94.05, 166.47, P <0.05).
Conclusions
Compared with non overweight/obese students, students with overweight and obese students report poor comfort evaluations of height matched desks and chairs. Revision of the standard should consider the body types of students, and evaluations of the comfort of desks and chairs furniture by students with overweight and obesity should be improved.


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