1.Identification of immune cell-related biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma using weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Dongyuan HE ; Bo CHEN ; Jingyao LIANG ; Haibo YE ; Xiaoxing YI ; Guangni LIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):751-758
Objective To identify immune cell-related biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Methods Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, a gene co-expression network was constructed for the TCGA-LUAD dataset using the "WGCNA" R package, and genes were clustered into different modules. Concurrently, the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumours using Expression data (ESTIMATE) algorithm was applied to the tumor samples in the TCGA-LUAD dataset. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to evaluate the biological functions of genes within the most significantly correlated module. Candidate hub genes from the key module were intersected with a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to identify the final hub genes. The prognostic performance of these hub genes and their correlation with immune cell infiltration were validated using Kaplan-Meier curves and the Tumor IMmune Estimation Resource (TIMER) algorithm. Finally, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted on the identified hub genes to construct a prognostic risk model. Results In the co-expression network, the brown module was found to be highly correlated with the ImmuneScore, StromalScore, and ESTIMATE Score. Five immune-related hub genes were identified: CD53, PLEK, SPI1, IL10RA, and C3AR1. Enrichment analysis of the brown module revealed that its genes were primarily enriched in GO terms such as "regulation of innate immune response" and KEGG pathways like the "NF-kappa B signaling pathway". Furthermore, the expression levels of these five hub genes were significantly and positively correlated with the infiltration abundance of various immune cells. The immune relevance of the model was validated by the Immunophenoscore (IPS) and the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score. Moreover, the established RiskScore demonstrated significant potential in predicting the response to immunotherapy. Conclusion These five immune-related key genes may serve as novel and effective potential therapeutic targets for LUAD immunotherapy, facilitating the development of personalized diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with LUAD.
2.Research progress in early caries management
ZHAO Mei ; LIANG Yutong ; HE Jinzhi ; CHENG Lei
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(6):585-594
Early caries confined to the enamel layer represent a critical window for achieving noninvasive intervention in caries management. Caries management has shifted from the traditional “drill-and-fill” model toward a modern paradigm centered on caries risk and lesion management. Based on contemporary concepts, this review systematically summarizes recent advances in early caries management, including caries risk assessment, early diagnosis, treatment strategy selection, and follow-up monitoring, while highlighting the major challenges currently being faced, and further reviewing and discussing the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in early caries management. In terms of risk management, conventional systems including the American Dental Association, Caries Management by Risk Assessment, Cariogram, and the Caries-Risk Assessment Tool remain mainstays in clinical practice. However, AI offers predictive capability through higher-dimensional data processing and the integration of numerous influencing factors, with the potential to improve the accuracy of risk stratification. For diagnosis, visual inspection, tactile examination, and bitewing radiography remain fundamental methods, yet their sensitivity for early caries—particularly proximal lesions—is limited. The application of optical technologies, including quantitative light-induced fluorescence, optical coherence tomography, near-infrared light transillumination, fiber-optic transillumination, and laser-induced fluorescence, enables digital characterization of caries lesions, providing a data foundation for demineralization assessment, lesion activity evaluation, and AI model development. The management of early caries primarily relies on noninvasive and minimally invasive approaches. Remineralization therapy is suitable for superficial lesions, resin infiltration offers the dual advantages of inhibiting lesion progression and improving aesthetics, and microabrasion and bleaching may serve as adjunctive aesthetic treatments. Emerging modalities such as laser, ozone, and photodynamic therapy have also demonstrated potential. Treatment decision-making should comprehensively consider lesion activity, patient caries risk status, demineralization depth, patient compliance, and treatment preferences. However, precise quantification of demineralization depth remains challenging, and standardized decision-making criteria are still lacking. Follow-up management should be individualized based on risk stratification, with attention to lesion changes, patient compliance, and the risk of recurrence. In summary, intelligent and precision-based approaches are expected to define the future of early caries management, and the application of AI in risk prediction, image analysis, and clinical decision support is anticipated to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of early caries diagnosis and treatment.
3.Effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation combined with upper limb intelligent robot training on upper limb function in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy
Mingdi LI ; Yin WANG ; Hewei ZHANG ; Mei HE ; Hongliang HUO ; Qin GU ; Guanjun LIANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):588-596
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) combined with upper limb intelligent robotic training on muscle tension, motor function and cortical excitability in children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy (USCP). MethodsFrom March, 2023 to December, 2024, 90 children with USCP admitted to Children's Hospital of Soochow University were selected and randomly divided into control group (n = 30), rPMS group (n = 30) and combined group (n = 30). The control group received conventional occupational therapy. The rPMS group received rPMS intervention followed by conventional occupational therapy. The combined group received rPMS followed by upper limb intelligent robot training, for four weeks. Before and after treatment, muscle tension of biceps brachii was assessed using the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS); upper limb motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and upper limb intelligent parameters; and cortical excitability was measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), including resting motor threshold (RMT) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude of the affected hemisphere. ResultsAfter treatment, MAS grades improved in all groups (|Z| > 3.523, P < 0.001), and the improvement in the combined group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05). Significant intra-group (F > 65.21, P < 0.001), inter-group (F > 17.94, P < 0.001) and interaction effects (F > 5.36, P < 0.01) were observed in FMA-UE scores, upper limb intelligent parameters and TMS parameters. Post Hoc analysis showed that the combined group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in FMA-UE scores, upper limb intelligent parameters, and TMS parameters compared with both the control and rPMS groups (all P < 0.01). Except for FMA-UE scores, the rPMS group showed significantly greater improvements than the control group in upper limb intelligent parameters (mechanical feedback, trajectory, and range of motion) and TMS parameters (RMT and MEP amplitude) (P < 0.05). ConclusionrPMS combined with upper limb intelligent robotic training can reduce upper limb muscle tension, improve motor function, and enhance cortical excitability in children with USCP.
4.Trends and gender differences in height and weight of primary and secondary school students in Shiyan City, 2015-2024
Peidong YANG ; Liang ZHAO ; Weidong HE ; Jie YANG ; Fang XU ; Rongmei WAN ; Feijia CHEN ; Jun ZHAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):90-93
bjective To analyze the growth trends of height and weight among primary and secondary school students, and explore the developmental characteristics and gender differences at different age groups, and to provide a scientific basis for adolescent health policy formulation. Methods Based on 675 175 health examination records of 227 978 students aged 6-17 years in Shiyan City from 2015 to 2024, a logistic growth model was employed to fit the curves of height and weight changes with age. Results From 2015 to 2024, height and weight showed steady increases across all age groups, exhibiting typical sigmoidal growth patterns. The growth rates varied across age groups: the younger age group (6-9 years) showed a moderate growth (annual height increase of 0.5-1.0 cm, weight increase of 0.03-0.06 kg/year), while the older age group (10-17 years) demonstrated a significant growth (annual height increase of 1.5-2.0 cm, weight increase of 0.22-0.38 kg/year). The growth rate curves displayed a unimodal distribution. The growth inflection points of male students occurred later than that of female students (height inflection point: 9.87 years for males vs. 8.98 years for females; weight inflection point: 10.70 years for males vs. 9.99 years for females). Female students experienced a more concentrated but shorter period of growth and development. The peak height growth rate was 7.40 cm/year at age 9 for females and 7.09 cm/year at age 10 for males, while the peak weight growth rate was 5.04 kg/year at age 10 for females and 5.27 kg/year at age 11 for males. Conclusion The physical development of primary and secondary school students in Shiyan City follows a logistic growth pattern, with significant gender differences and characteristics of adolescent growth spurts. Female students exhibit an earlier and more concentrated growth process.
5.Rectal Administration of Leek and Konjac-derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation
Ya-Ru ZHANG ; Yu-Jia WU ; Cheng-Bang LIANG ; Xin-He YU ; Yan MU ; Yan TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1224-1239
ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.
6.An Attention-weighted Tri-modal Ultrasound Network (TUS-Net) for Screening of Atypical Hepatocellular Carcinoma From LR-M Liver Nodules
He-Chong ZHANG ; Liang-Hui HUANG ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Shang-Lin JIANG ; Ying-Ying CHEN ; Ya-Guang ZENG ; Wei ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1485-1498
ObjectiveDiscriminating atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from other malignancies in liver nodules classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M (LR-M) remains a significant diagnostic challenge on conventional ultrasound examination. The LR-M category, originally intended to capture non-HCC malignancies, paradoxically contains up to 63% of atypical HCCs that deviate from classic enhancement patterns, leading to potential misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment planning. While deep learning has shown promise in HCC diagnosis, most existing models rely exclusively on single-modality ultrasound, overlooking the diagnostic benefits of integrating complementary information from multiple imaging sources. To address this gap, we propose a novel attention-weighted tri-modal ultrasound network (TUS-Net) that integrates contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), B-mode ultrasound (BUS), and time-intensity curves (TICs) to improve diagnostic accuracy for these clinically challenging lesions. MethodsOur framework incorporates a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (C3D) backbone to extract spatiotemporal features from CEUS videos, capturing dynamic vascular patterns critical for lesion characterization. To effectively fuse complementary modalities, we introduce a dual-channel feature fusion module (DCFFM) that adaptively combines features from CEUS and BUS through channel-wise attention mechanisms, allowing the model to dynamically weigh the contribution of each modality based on diagnostic relevance. Additionally, we propose a temporal intensity feature fusion module (TIFFM) that leverages quantitative hemodynamic information from TICs to guide the model’s attention toward diagnostically critical temporal phases, such as arterial wash-in and portal venous washout. The model is further enhanced by automated lesion localization using YOLOX and class activation mapping for interpretability, ensuring that predictions align with clinically meaningful imaging features. ResultsEvaluated on a tri-modal ultrasound dataset comprising 161 patients with pathologically confirmed LR-M nodules (131 atypical HCC and 30 non-HCC malignancies), our model achieved an accuracy of 86.83%, a sensitivity of 92.50%, a specificity of 75.50%, and an AUC of 89.32% in screening atypical HCC. Compared to single-modality baselines, TUS-Net demonstrated superior specificity, a clinically critical metric given the higher risk associated with misclassifying non-HCC malignancies. Ablation studies confirmed the contribution of each module, with the full model outperforming both standard C3D and 3D ResNet backbones integrated with attention mechanisms. A reader study involving junior and senior radiologists further validated the clinical utility of AI assistance, showing consistent improvements in specificity and inter-reader consistency, particularly for less experienced clinicians. ConclusionThese results surpass existing benchmark models and demonstrate the potential of our approach to enhance diagnostic precision in clinically specific cases. By intelligently fusing multi-modal ultrasound data with attention-guided mechanisms, TUS-Net offers a reliable and interpretable tool that holds promise for improving the non-invasive diagnosis of atypical HCC in challenging LR-M liver nodules.
7.Rectal Administration of Leek and Konjac-derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviates High-fat Diet-induced Obesity in Mice via Gut Microbiota Modulation
Ya-Ru ZHANG ; Yu-Jia WU ; Cheng-Bang LIANG ; Xin-He YU ; Yan MU ; Yan TAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1224-1239
ObjectiveObesity, a global chronic metabolic disease, is closely associated with disruptions in lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Current intervention strategies still have limitations in terms of safety and microecological regulation, necessitating the exploration of novel natural regulatory approaches. Based on the early pathological characteristics of obesity, this study innovatively employs a rectal delivery method alongside a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model to systematically evaluate the inhibitory effects, safety, and gut microbiota regulation mechanisms of leek-derived and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles on obesity development. By simulating early clinical intervention scenarios, this study aims to explore the preventive potential of plant-derived extracellular vesicles during the initial stages of obesity onset. MethodsExtracellular vesicles from leek and konjac were isolated using ultracentrifugation combined with density gradient centrifugation. Their nanoscale properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), leek-derived extracellular vesicles (LEVs), and konjac-derived extracellular vesicles (KEVs). Beginning simultaneously with HFD feeding, mice in the intervention groups received 20 g/L vesicles rectally every 3 d for 4 weeks. Body mass and body composition were monitored throughout. At endpoint, mouse serum, adipose tissue, and colonic contents were collected. Serum biochemical indices (lipid profile, liver and kidney function, cardiac markers) were assessed to evaluate safety and metabolic efficacy, while 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbial structure and diversity. ResultsDLS, NTA, and TEM confirmed that both LEVs and KEVs exhibited typical cup-shaped nanostructures with average particle sizes of approximately 284 nm and 223 nm, respectively. LEVs and KEVs treatment significantly suppressed HFD-induced weight gain and elevation of body-fat percentage (P<0.05), and reduced accumulation of abdominal white and epididymal adipose tissue. Serological analyses showed that both vesicles lowered total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, and ameliorated liver enzyme profiles (ALT, AST), demonstrating lipid-metabolic regulation and hepatoprotective effects. No hepatic, renal or cardiac dysfunction was observed, indicating favorable safety. Gut microbiota analyses revealed that vesicle intervention partially restored HFD-depleted microbial diversity and reshaped community structure. Notably, LEVs markedly increased the relative abundance of the beneficial taxon Lachnospiraceae at the family level, which is known for producing short-chain fatty acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt) functional prediction suggested that LEVs and KEVs modulated gut microbial functions through distinct mechanisms: LEVs downregulated pathways related to ribosomes and DNA replication while enhancing xenobiotic degradation, whereas KEVs tended to upregulate energy metabolism and protein synthesis toward healthy levels. ConclusionRectally administered LEVs and KEVs exhibit excellent safety and pronounced metabolic benefits during the early phase of obesity, suppressing weight gain, correcting lipid dysregulation, and exerting effects via modulation of gut microbial composition and function. This study provides systematic experimental evidence supporting plant-derived exosome-like vesicles as an early intervention strategy against obesity.
8.An Attention-weighted Tri-modal Ultrasound Network (TUS-Net) for Screening of Atypical Hepatocellular Carcinoma From LR-M Liver Nodules
He-Chong ZHANG ; Liang-Hui HUANG ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Shang-Lin JIANG ; Ying-Ying CHEN ; Ya-Guang ZENG ; Wei ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1485-1498
ObjectiveDiscriminating atypical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from other malignancies in liver nodules classified as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System category M (LR-M) remains a significant diagnostic challenge on conventional ultrasound examination. The LR-M category, originally intended to capture non-HCC malignancies, paradoxically contains up to 63% of atypical HCCs that deviate from classic enhancement patterns, leading to potential misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment planning. While deep learning has shown promise in HCC diagnosis, most existing models rely exclusively on single-modality ultrasound, overlooking the diagnostic benefits of integrating complementary information from multiple imaging sources. To address this gap, we propose a novel attention-weighted tri-modal ultrasound network (TUS-Net) that integrates contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), B-mode ultrasound (BUS), and time-intensity curves (TICs) to improve diagnostic accuracy for these clinically challenging lesions. MethodsOur framework incorporates a three-dimensional convolutional neural network (C3D) backbone to extract spatiotemporal features from CEUS videos, capturing dynamic vascular patterns critical for lesion characterization. To effectively fuse complementary modalities, we introduce a dual-channel feature fusion module (DCFFM) that adaptively combines features from CEUS and BUS through channel-wise attention mechanisms, allowing the model to dynamically weigh the contribution of each modality based on diagnostic relevance. Additionally, we propose a temporal intensity feature fusion module (TIFFM) that leverages quantitative hemodynamic information from TICs to guide the model’s attention toward diagnostically critical temporal phases, such as arterial wash-in and portal venous washout. The model is further enhanced by automated lesion localization using YOLOX and class activation mapping for interpretability, ensuring that predictions align with clinically meaningful imaging features. ResultsEvaluated on a tri-modal ultrasound dataset comprising 161 patients with pathologically confirmed LR-M nodules (131 atypical HCC and 30 non-HCC malignancies), our model achieved an accuracy of 86.83%, a sensitivity of 92.50%, a specificity of 75.50%, and an AUC of 89.32% in screening atypical HCC. Compared to single-modality baselines, TUS-Net demonstrated superior specificity, a clinically critical metric given the higher risk associated with misclassifying non-HCC malignancies. Ablation studies confirmed the contribution of each module, with the full model outperforming both standard C3D and 3D ResNet backbones integrated with attention mechanisms. A reader study involving junior and senior radiologists further validated the clinical utility of AI assistance, showing consistent improvements in specificity and inter-reader consistency, particularly for less experienced clinicians. ConclusionThese results surpass existing benchmark models and demonstrate the potential of our approach to enhance diagnostic precision in clinically specific cases. By intelligently fusing multi-modal ultrasound data with attention-guided mechanisms, TUS-Net offers a reliable and interpretable tool that holds promise for improving the non-invasive diagnosis of atypical HCC in challenging LR-M liver nodules.
9.Efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops for preventing dry eye after FS-LASIK
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1152-1162
AIM: To explore the efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine A(CsA)eye drops for preventing dry eye after femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK).METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled study, a total of 80 patients(80 eyes)who underwent FS-LASIK surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2025 to September 2025 were enrolled, and only the data from the right eye were included for analysis. Before surgery, these patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated sequence to a control group or an experimental group. All patients received standard postoperative treatment starting from postoperative day 1, including 0.5% levofloxacin eye drops, 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops, and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops(four times daily for 3 mo). The experimental group additionally received 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops in addition to the standard treatment. The following parameters were compared between the two groups preoperatively and at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively: ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, numerical rating scale(NRS)for ocular symptoms, lipid layer thickness(LLT), meibomian gland dropout score, Schirmer's Ⅰ test(SⅠt), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score, non-invasive tear breakup time(NIBUT), and tear meniscus height(TMH). Confocal microscopy was employed to evaluate corneal nerve parameters, including corneal nerve fiber density(CNFD), corneal nerve branch density(CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length(CNFL), and corneal total branch density(CTBD), and to count Langerhans cell density(DCD). In addition, levels of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)in the tear were measured using liquid chip technology.RESULTS: A total of 72 patients completed the final follow-up, including 37 patients(15 males, 22 females, mean age 24.05±4.00 y)in the experimental group, 35 patients(16 males, 19 females, mean age 23.77±3.71 y)in the control group. At 1 and 3 mo postoperatively, the experimental group showed significantly lower OSDI scores, NRS eye pain scores, and CFS scores(all P<0.01), and significantly higher NIBUT and TMH values, compared with the control group. Confocal microscopy revealed that DCD was significantly lower in the experimental group at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively, whereas CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, and CTBD were significantly higher at 3 mo postoperatively(all P<0.01). Analysis of tear inflammatory cytokines showed that the levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-9 were significantly lower in the experimental group at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively compared with the control group(all P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that OSDI and NRS scores were negatively correlated with NIBUT, corneal nerve parameters(CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, CTBD), and corneal sensitivity(all P<0.01), and positively correlated with CFS scores, tear inflammatory cytokines(IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-9), and DCD(all P<0.01). Tear inflammatory cytokines were negatively correlated with corneal nerve parameters, NIBUT, and corneal sensitivity(all P<0.01), and positively correlated with CFS scores and DCD(all P<0.01). No significant correlations were observed among the remaining parameters(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Prophylactic use of 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops significantly improves dry eye symptoms and signs, suppresses ocular surface inflammation, and promotes the restoration of tear film stability in patients after FS-LASIK. Through its dual anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative effects, cyclosporine A constitutes an effective adjuvant therapy for reestablishing ocular surface microenvironment homeostasis after refractive surgery.
10.TCM Syndrome Distribution Patterns and Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Comorbid with Metabolically Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Dingqi LI ; Liang HUANG ; Baixue LI ; Rui ZHAO ; Zhenglong ZHENG ; Yichen PENG ; Yu LIANG ; Caiying HE ; Jingdong CUI ; Zilin XIONG ; Xiyang LIU ; Quansheng FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):259-270
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the distribution patterns of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) comorbid with metabolically associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and analyze their correlation with clinical characteristics and the progression of liver fibrosis. MethodsA cross-sectional study method was employed, and 506 patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD who attended the Hepatology Outpatient Department of Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu from June 2024 to December 2024 were enrolled. General information, traditional Chinese medicine syndromes information, laboratory indicators, and imaging examination results were collected using case report forms (CRF). Tongue images of patients were acquired using a tongue diagnosis instrument, and tongue feature parameters were extracted using computer image processing technology. Frequency analysis, factor analysis, and cluster analysis, and other methods were used to explore syndrome categories and distribution patterns. Non-parametric tests were used to compare the differences in clinical characteristics among different syndromes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and the progression of liver fibrosis. ResultsThe main traditional Chinese medicine syndromes in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD were mainly dominated by damp-heat accumulation syndrome, liver stagnation and spleen deficiency syndrome, and phlegm-blood stasis syndrome, with damp-heat accumulation syndrome accounting for the highest proportion (41.89%). Compared with those without damp-heat accumulation syndrome, patients with damp-heat accumulation syndrome had significantly lower tongue proper H value, tongue coating H value, and tongue coating a* value (P<0.05), significantly higher tongue coating b* value (P<0.05), significantly increased levels of white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and glucose (GLU), increased CAP values (P<0.05), a higher proportion of males (P<0.05), and a younger age (P<0.05). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses show that age, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), diabetes, and damp-heat accumulation syndrome are independent risk factors for liver fibrosis (P<0.05), and that damp-heat accumulation syndrome is predominantly distributed in liver fibrosis stage F0-F1. ConclusionDamp-heat accumulation syndrome is a typical syndrome in patients with CHB comorbid with MAFLD, which is significantly associated with enhanced inflammatory response, metabolic disorders, and early liver fibrosis, and is a key link in disease progression. Clinical attention and early intervention are needed.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail