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.Effect evaluation of pharmaceutical service based on root cause analysis combined with KAP theory on decreasing the protocol violations of investigational medicinal products rate in pediatric clinical trials
Chunyan GUO ; Yi ZHANG ; Yuxin YANG ; Yuguang LIANG ; Qian DING ; Qian WANG ; Chengyue ZHANG ; Yu SUN ; Peng GUO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1206-1210
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of pharmaceutical services guided by root cause analysis (RCA) in a problem-oriented manner combined with knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) theory on reducing the incidence of protocol violations of investigational medicinal products in pediatric clinical trials. METHODS A total of 617 participants from 69 drug clinical trial projects conducted in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2020 were selected as the control group, and 868 participants from 72 drug clinical trial projects from January 2022 to December 2025 as the observation group. RCA was performed on the protocol violations of investigational medicinal product in the control group to identify the types and underlying causes. The control group received routine pharmaceutical services for drug clinical trials, while the observation group was provided with precision pharmaceutical services from the three dimensions of knowledge, attitude and practice on the basis of routine pharmaceutical services, according to the root causes identified by RCA. The occurrence of investigational medicinal products protocol violations was compared between the two groups. RESULTS The total incidence of protocol violations of investigational medicinal products, as well as the incidences of minor and major protocol violations, were all significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group ( P <0.001). The main types of protocol violations in both groups included missed/under-/over-dosing of medications, non-adherence to administration time, failure to adjust dosage as required, and combined medication/vaccination in violation of the protocol. Regarding the responsible subjects of protocol violations, the incidences of protocol violations attributed to participants and their guardians as well as investigators and accidental factors were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group ( P <0.001, P <0.001, P =0.025). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of protocol violations caused by sponsor-related reasons between the two groups ( P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS Pharmaceutical services led by pharmacists, based on problem-oriented RCA and combined with KAP theory, can effectively reduce the protocol violations of investigational medicinal products rate in pediatric clinical trials, thereby safeguarding the safety and rights of study participants.
8.Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mucin-rich salivary gland tumors
GUAN Weihang ; LIU Cangwei ; GUO Hao ; LI Jinwei ; WANG Dandan ; QIAO Chunyan ; NIE Mengdong ; QU Ming ; SHI Ce
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):606-619
This paper systematically elaborates on the key points of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of salivary gland tumors characterized by a substantial amount of extracellular mucus as a main or prominent feature, and clarifies the core differential features. The term "mucus-rich" specifically denotes that mucus is a major component of the tumor, rather than a focal or minor one. This phenomenon is associated with distinct histogenetic mechanisms: it may result from specific genetic mutations (e.g., AKT1 E17K in mucinous adenocarcinoma) that drive ductal epithelial differentiation into mucus-secreting cells, or from myoepithelial cells secreting glycosaminoglycans that form a myxoid stroma. Salivary gland tumors with abundant extracellular mucus include mucinous cystadenoma, sialadenoma papilliferum-like intraductal papillary tumors, mucinous myoepithelioma, pleomorphic adenoma with mucin-rich stroma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma, mucin-rich salivary duct carcinoma and intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis of these tumors is complicated by the dual nature of extracellular mucus: while it is a defining feature of some entities, it can also obscure key diagnostic architectural features in others, leading to histological overlap and inconspicuous diagnostic areas. Given the frequent histological morphological overlap among these tumors, immunohistochemical findings and molecular characteristics have emerged as crucial differential diagnostic criteria. Core differential diagnostic points include the following: histologically, there must be meticulous identification of typical structures obscured by mucin (such as squamoid cells in mucoepidermoid carcinoma and apocrine features in salivary duct carcinoma); in immunohistochemical staining, CK20 is useful for distinguishing intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (positive) from mucinous adenocarcinoma (negative), while androgen receptor aids in differentiating salivary duct carcinoma (positive) from mucoepidermoid carcinoma (negative); and molecular testing plays a critical role in definitive diagnosis (e.g., the AKT1 E17K mutation for mucinous adenocarcinoma, MAML2 rearrangement for mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and MEF2C::SS18 fusion for microsecretory adenocarcinoma). This paper systematically summarizes the core pathological features and differential diagnostic points of mucin-rich salivary gland tumors, aiming to provide a practical reference for clinical pathological diagnosis.
9.Mechanism of Dingkun Dan in Promoting Ovarian Granulosa Cell Proliferation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via microRNA-30d-5p-Mediated Targeting of Smad2
Lan CHEN ; Xiaojing YAN ; Yuanpei LIAN ; Li ZHU ; Shikang ZHOU ; Dijun WANG ; Jiali CAI ; Chunyan YIN ; Ji CAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1750-1756
Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Dingkun Dan(DKD)in polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)by examining the effects of microRNA-30d-5p on ovarian granulosa cells(GCs).Methods A PCOS rat model was established using dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA).Normal rat GCs and PCOS rat GCs were cultured in vitro and divided into four groups:blank control group,model group,low-dose DKD group,and high-dose DKD group.After grouping,GCs viability was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay,GCs apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry,and the gene expression of transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),Smad2,Smad3,and microRNA-30d-5p in GCs was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),protein expression of TGF-β1,Smad2,and Smad3 in GCs was detected by Western Blot.Results Compared with the blank control group,the model group exhibited significantly decreased GCs viability,increased GCs apoptosis,upregulated mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β1,Smad2,and Smad3,and downregulated microRNA-30d-5p expression,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,both low-and high-dose DKD groups showed increased GCs viability,reduced GCs apoptosis,downregulated mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1 Smad2 and Smad3,elevated microRNA-30d-5p expression,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion DKD promotes GCs proliferation by targeting Smad2 via microRNA-30d-5p,suggesting a potential therapeutic role in PCOS-related ovulatory dysfunction.
10.Prospects for the development of space medicine experiments in China Space Station
Yinghui LI ; Zhaoxia LIU ; Lina QU ; Zhili LI ; GuangJun HE ; Chunyan WANG ; Zi XU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(3):189-198
Space medicine,as a comprehensive discipline ensuring the safety,health,and efficient performance of astronauts during manned space missions,focuses on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of multi-system physiological effects induced by extreme space environments and developing corresponding protective strategies.With China's space program transitioning into an application and development phase,space medical experiments—a critical domain within space applications—face significant opportunities and challenges.This paper reviews the international development trend in the field of medical experiments and the progress in China from perspectives including platform system construction,utilization of novel technologies,and scientific discoveries.It further outlines the engineering framework,guiding ideology,and key research directions for space medical experiments under China's Space Station Application and Development Project.Deliberations and prospects center on the in-depth analysis of the adaptation law of life in space flight,the application of big data and artificial intelligence technology,the emerging challenges it faces,and the scientific research organization models.This work aims to provide a reference for the development of space medical experiment field in China.


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