1.Standardization Challenges in Outcome Evaluation Systems of Animal Experiments and Considerations for Core Outcome Set Construction Strategies
Qingyong ZHENG ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Chen TIAN ; Hui LIU ; Min TIAN ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Yating CUI ; Junfei WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):138-148
Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.
2.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
3.Advances in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Min LI ; Xin LIU ; Dandan YUAN ; Jianguo WANG ; Jiang CHEN ; Dan Gabriel DUDA
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(8):1618-1632
Primary liver cancer(PLC)is a prevalent malignancy with high incidence and mortality rates globally.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),primarily resulting from hepatitis B virus infections in Asia,constitutes most PLC cases.Despite advancements in targeted therapies and localized treatments,the 5-year survival rate remains low,indicating limited efficacy of current approaches.The advent of immunotherapy,particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs),has brought new hope for patients with PLC.However,the liver's unique immune microenvironment presents significant challenges to the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HCC.This article reviews recent research developments in liver cancer immunotherapy,focusing on ICIs,combination therapies,emerging treatments,and prospective future directions.
4.Impact of suture configuration and fixation type on biomechanical strength of rotator cuff repair:A factorial design study
Yinzhe CUI ; Zheng YAN ; Jia MA ; Zhefeng JIN ; Jiawen ZHAN ; Minshan FENG ; Guangwei LIU ; Jie YU ; Xu WEI ; Jiangtao SI ; Minghui ZHUANG ; Tao HAN ; Jianguo LI ; ZHANGKAIRUI ; Liguo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(9):729-737
Objective To explore the impact of suture configuration and fixation type on the biome-chanical strength of rotator cuff repair,using a factorial design study.Methods Sixteen fresh-frozen porcine shoulder samples were randomized into an anchorless double-row suture bridge transosseous su-tures(DS)group,an anchored double-row suture bridge transosseous-equivalent(DE)group,an an-chorless X-BOX construct transosseous sutures(XS)group,and an anchored X-BOX construct transos-seous-equivalent(XE)group,each of four,according to suture configuration(double-row suture bridge,traditional X-BOX construct)and fixation type(suture anchors,transosseous sutures).Then,their fatigue resistance(first-cycle excursion,gap length difference ratio,and the percentage of ex-posed footprints)and the failure strength(the maximum failure load and the re-tear type)were mea-sured using a biomechanical material testing machine.Results Different suture configurations affected failure strength(F=39.559,P<0.001),with the double-row suture bridge groups(693.07±58.35 N,746.76±138.57 N)showing significantly higher failure strength,compared to the traditional X-BOX groups(462.90±18.91 N,421.43±90.76 N).However,the fixation type did not significantly im-pact failure strength(F=1.161,P=0.302).Moreover,the suture configuration influenced the gap differ-ence ratio(F=7.781,P=0.016),but had no significant correlation with other fatigue resistance indica-tors(P>0.05).Meanwhile,failure strength and fatigue resistance were not correlated with fixation type,and the interaction between suture and fixation type(P>0.05).The incidence of failure types for the four suture configurations was as follows:Type I tendon tear:XS>XE>DS=DE;type II tendon tear:DS>XE>XS=DE;fixing material-related failure:DE>DS=XE=XS.Conclusion The failure strength and gap formation ratio in rotator cuff repair under fatigue loading are influenced by suture configuration,whereas no significant association has been observed with respect to fixation method,whether using transosseous sutures or suture anchors.
5.Research progress on the long-term effects of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Chenguan JIANG ; Yan LIU ; Zhou YANG ; Bingxin LI ; Jianguo ZHANG ; Lin SHI
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(4):733-741
Deep brain stimulation(DBS)has witnessed rapid advancement as a neurosurgical intervention over the past four decades,addressing movement disorders and a spectrum of neuropsychiatric conditions.Notably,subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation(STN-DBS)is widely implemented in the management of Parkinson's disease(PD)patients experiencing refractory motor fluctuations and complications,and has shown promise in ameliorating non-motor symptoms(NMS).However,the long-term efficacy of STN-DBS on NMS remains a subject of scholarly discourse.This review endeavors to synthesize current knowledge regarding the long-term impacts,underlying mechanisms,and future research directions of STN-DBS in the context of NMS in Parkinson's disease.
6.Analysis of the Interactive Effects between Diagnosis-Intervention Packet and Pre-Hospitalization Mode
Songsong TAN ; Yun SHU ; Jingjing WU ; Yuanzheng WANG ; Lisha SU ; Song HE ; Changhui LI ; Yan ZHA ; Daishun LIU ; Jianguo ZHU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(7):25-29
Objective Under the operation background of Diagnosis-Intervention Packet(DIP),whether there is interaction between reducing medical cost and average length of stay combined with pre-hospitalization mode,and whether there is difference between different departments and diseases in interaction.Methods Based on real-world data from 71 453 patients admitted to Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital from July to December 2021,a two-way analysis of variance was employed.When the interaction effect was statistically significant,parameter estimation was used to determine the magnitude and direction of the interaction effect,followed by subgroup analyses by department and disease.Results Without adjustment,both total medical costs and average length of stay exhibited a negative interaction effect(P<0.05).Subgroup analyses revealed that in terms of total medical costs,the effect size for the surgical system was 0.18%,lower than that for the internal medicine system(0.70%);for core diseases,it was 6.62%,lower than that for comprehensive diseases(7.71%).Regarding average length of stay,the effect size for the surgical system was 0.55%,better than that for the internal medicine system(0.22%);for core diseases,it was 8.70%,higher than that for comprehensive diseases(2.90%).Conclusion The combination of DIP payment reform and pre-admission management model demonstrates a synergistic effect,effectively reducing patients' medical costs and length of stay.This effect is influenced by disease complexity and the standardization of diagnostic and treatment processes.
7.Ecological adaptations of body weight and blood biochemical parameters in wild Macaca mulatta brevicaudus
Baozhen LIU ; Jun WANG ; Ruiping SUN ; Chengfeng WU ; Xinyuan ZHAO ; Jianguo ZHAO ; Jingli YUAN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(8):67-77
Objective To determine the body weights and blood physiological and biochemical indicators in the Macaca mulatta brevicaudus(M.m.brevicaudus),to provide a reference for the breeding of experimental animals.Methods A total of 180 wild M.m.brevicaudus(female and male)from the South Bay Macaque Reserve in Lingshui were selected as the research subjects.Body weights were measured using electronic scales and blood samples were collected.Routine blood indicators(red blood cell count,hemoglobin,white blood cell count,and platelet count)were detected using an automated blood cell analyzer,and biochemical indicators(alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,glucose,blood urea nitrogen)were measured using an automated biochemical analyzer.Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software for descriptive statistics,and differences in body weights and blood indicators between sexes and age groups were compared using t-tests.Results Adult male wild M.m.brevicaudus were significantly heavier than females(P<0.05);however,there were no significant differences in complete blood cell counts between female and male macaques(P>0.05).In terms of blood biochemical indicators,lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin levels differed significantly between female and male M.m.brevicaudus(P<0.05),but there were no significant differences in any other biochemical indicators.Conclusions This study established baseline data on the body weights and blood physiological and biochemical indicators of wild M.m.brevicaudus,providing a reference for their future breeding as experimental animals.
8.Progress on functional magnetic resonance imaging study of brain functional changes in Crohn's disease
Yuhan DONG ; Zongjun LYU ; Tingting FANG ; Haiyan LIU ; Jianguo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(2):154-157
Crohn's disease (CD) is a refractory and recurrent chronic inflammatory bowel disease with an unclear etiology. In addition to intestinal symptoms, the disease is often accompanied by various extraintestinal manifestations. Studies have found that abnormalities in central nervous system activity in CD patients are closely related to the brain-gut axis, which may be one of the reasons for the high incidence of adverse emotions such as anxiety and depression. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been widely used in the field of neurogastroenterology due to its non-invasiveness, high spatial resolution, and whole-brain coverage. This article reviews the application and progress of fMRI in CD brain functional study, aiming to comprehensively analyze and integrate the impact of the disease on brain function and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and future research.
9.Advances in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Min LI ; Xin LIU ; Dandan YUAN ; Jianguo WANG ; Jiang CHEN ; Dan Gabriel DUDA
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;34(8):1618-1632
Primary liver cancer(PLC)is a prevalent malignancy with high incidence and mortality rates globally.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),primarily resulting from hepatitis B virus infections in Asia,constitutes most PLC cases.Despite advancements in targeted therapies and localized treatments,the 5-year survival rate remains low,indicating limited efficacy of current approaches.The advent of immunotherapy,particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs),has brought new hope for patients with PLC.However,the liver's unique immune microenvironment presents significant challenges to the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HCC.This article reviews recent research developments in liver cancer immunotherapy,focusing on ICIs,combination therapies,emerging treatments,and prospective future directions.
10.Impact of suture configuration and fixation type on biomechanical strength of rotator cuff repair:A factorial design study
Yinzhe CUI ; Zheng YAN ; Jia MA ; Zhefeng JIN ; Jiawen ZHAN ; Minshan FENG ; Guangwei LIU ; Jie YU ; Xu WEI ; Jiangtao SI ; Minghui ZHUANG ; Tao HAN ; Jianguo LI ; ZHANGKAIRUI ; Liguo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(9):729-737
Objective To explore the impact of suture configuration and fixation type on the biome-chanical strength of rotator cuff repair,using a factorial design study.Methods Sixteen fresh-frozen porcine shoulder samples were randomized into an anchorless double-row suture bridge transosseous su-tures(DS)group,an anchored double-row suture bridge transosseous-equivalent(DE)group,an an-chorless X-BOX construct transosseous sutures(XS)group,and an anchored X-BOX construct transos-seous-equivalent(XE)group,each of four,according to suture configuration(double-row suture bridge,traditional X-BOX construct)and fixation type(suture anchors,transosseous sutures).Then,their fatigue resistance(first-cycle excursion,gap length difference ratio,and the percentage of ex-posed footprints)and the failure strength(the maximum failure load and the re-tear type)were mea-sured using a biomechanical material testing machine.Results Different suture configurations affected failure strength(F=39.559,P<0.001),with the double-row suture bridge groups(693.07±58.35 N,746.76±138.57 N)showing significantly higher failure strength,compared to the traditional X-BOX groups(462.90±18.91 N,421.43±90.76 N).However,the fixation type did not significantly im-pact failure strength(F=1.161,P=0.302).Moreover,the suture configuration influenced the gap differ-ence ratio(F=7.781,P=0.016),but had no significant correlation with other fatigue resistance indica-tors(P>0.05).Meanwhile,failure strength and fatigue resistance were not correlated with fixation type,and the interaction between suture and fixation type(P>0.05).The incidence of failure types for the four suture configurations was as follows:Type I tendon tear:XS>XE>DS=DE;type II tendon tear:DS>XE>XS=DE;fixing material-related failure:DE>DS=XE=XS.Conclusion The failure strength and gap formation ratio in rotator cuff repair under fatigue loading are influenced by suture configuration,whereas no significant association has been observed with respect to fixation method,whether using transosseous sutures or suture anchors.

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