1.Evaluation of the performance of the artificial intelligence - enabled snail identification system for recognition of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and Tricula
Jihua ZHOU ; Shaowen BAI ; Liang SHI ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Chunhong DU ; Jing SONG ; Zongya ZHANG ; Jiaqi YAN ; Andong WU ; Yi DONG ; Kun YANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):55-60
Objective To evaluate the performance of the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled snail identification system for recognition of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and Tricula in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province. Methods Fifty O. hupensis robertsoni and 50 Tricula samples were collected from Yongbei Township, Yongsheng County, Lijiang City, a schistosomiasis-endemic area in Yunnan Province in May 2024. A total of 100 snail sample images were captured with smartphones, including front-view images of 25 O. hupensis robertsoni and 25 Tricula samples (upward shell opening) and back-view images of 25 O. hupensis robertsoni and 25 Tricula samples (downward shell opening). Snail samples were identified as O. hupensis robertsoni or Tricula by schistosomiasis control experts with a deputy senior professional title and above according to image quality and morphological characteristics. A standard dataset for snail image classification was created, and served as a gold standard for recognition of snail samples. A total of 100 snail sample images were recognized with the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system based on a WeChat mini program in smartphones. Schistosomiasis control professionals were randomly sampled from stations of schistosomisis prevention and control and centers for disease control and prevention in 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts, cities) of Yunnan Province, for artificial identification of 100 snail sample images. All professionals are assigned to two groups according the median years of snail survey experiences, and the effect of years of snail survey experiences on O. hupensis robertsoni sample image recognition was evaluated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Youden’s index and the area under the curve (AUC) of the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification were calculated for recognition of snail sample images. The snail sample image recognition results of AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification were compared with the gold standard, and the internal consistency of artificial identification results was evaluated with the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha. Results A total of 54 schistosomiasis control professionals were sampled for artificial identification of snail sample image recognition, with a response rate of 100% (54/54), and the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s index, and AUC of artificial identification were 90%, 86%, 94%, 0.80 and 0.90 for recognition of snail sample images, respectively. The overall Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of artificial identification was 0.768 for recognition of snail sample images, and the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was 0.916 for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images and 0.925 for recognition of Tricula snail sample images. The overall accuracy of artificial identification was 90% for recognition of snail sample images, and there was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni (86%) and Tricula snail sample images (94%) (χ2 = 1.778, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images with upward (88%) and downward shell openings (92%) (χ2 = 0.444, P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images between schistosomiasis control professionals with snail survey experiences of 6 years and less (75%) and more than 6 years (90%) (χ2 = 7.792, P < 0.05). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUC of the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system were 88%, 100%, 76% and 0.88 for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images, and there was no significant difference in the accuracy of recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images between the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification (χ2 = 0.204, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images with upward (90%) and downward shell openings (86%) (χ2 = 0.379, P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images between schistosomiasis control professionals with snail survey experiences of 6 years and less and more than 6 years (χ2 = 5.604, Padjusted < 0.025). Conclusions The accuracy of recognition of snail sample images is comparable between the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification by schistosomiasis control professionals, and the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system is feasible for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni and Tricula in Yunnan Province.
2.Immune Checkpoints Mediate Tumor Immune Regulation through Metabolic Pathways.
Weiguang DU ; Xiyang TANG ; Yulong ZHOU ; Mengchao LI ; Ze JIN ; Jiaqi DOU ; Jinbo ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(3):213-220
Immune checkpoints include a series of receptor-ligand pairs that play a key role in the proliferation, activation, and immune regulatory responses of immune cells. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) have achieved good therapeutic effects in clinical practice, some patients still experience ineffective treatment and immune resistance. A large amount of evidence has shown that immune checkpoint proteins are related to cell metabolism during immune regulation. On the one hand, immune checkpoints connect to alter the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells to compete for nutrients required by immune cells. On the other hand, immune checkpoints regulate the metabolic pathways of immune cells, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) to affect the activation of immune cells. Based on a review of the literature, this article reviews the mechanisms by which PD-1, CTLA-4, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) regulate cell metabolic reprogramming, and looks forward to whether targeting the ligand-receptor pairs of immune checkpoints in a "dual regulation" manner and inhibiting metabolic pathways can effectively solve the problem of tumor immune resistance.
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Humans
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Neoplasms/genetics*
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Metabolic Networks and Pathways/immunology*
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Animals
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Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology*
3.Bacterial extracellular vesicles for gut microbiome-host communication and drug development.
Dingfei QIAN ; Peijun XU ; Xinwei WANG ; Chong DU ; Xiao ZHAO ; Jiaqi XU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1816-1840
As the intricate interplay between microbiota and the host garners increasing research attention, a significant parallel surge has emerged in the investigation of intestinal bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs). Most intestinal bacteria secrete BEVs, which harbor specific cargo molecules and exhibit diverse functions, encompassing interactions among bacteria themselves and between bacteria and the host. These interactions can either bolster host health or contribute to various pathologies. By integrating the characteristics of BEVs, we summarized the current research landscape, delving into the intricate interplay between BEVs and different diseases. Furthermore, we offer a succinct overview of the challenges faced in BEVs-based research, encompassing separation, detection, engineering for drug purposes, clinical diagnostics, safety, and future study. In essence, these summaries may serve as invaluable guides for BEVs as communication tools between the gut microbiome and host, ultimately propelling the discovery of novel studies and drug discovery.
4.Effect of Coptisine on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis Rats
Jie WANG ; Pengli DU ; Jiaqi DONG ; Yuewei YANG ; Yunxiao GAO ; Hongyu MA ; Xuemei JIA ; Yuxi GUO ; Bolin LI ; Qian YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(18):117-124
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of coptisine on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in rats based on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodA CAG rat model was induced by multiple factors, including sodium salicylate, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), and irregular feeding. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, folic acid group, and high- and low-dose coptisine groups. The high- and low-dose coptisine groups were given coptisine (50, 10 mg·kg-1, respectively), and the folic acid group was given folic acid at 2 mg·kg-1 for 60 days. The pathological changes were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells was observed by electron microscopy. Serum pepsinogen Ⅰ (PGⅠ), pepsinogen Ⅱ (PGⅡ), and PGⅠ/PGⅡ ratio (PGR) were detected by immunoturbidimetry. Serum gastrin-17 (G-17) level was detected by radioimmunoassay. The content of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELSIA). Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of TGF-β1, PI3K, phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), mTOR, and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) in gastric mucosa. The mRNA levels of TGF-β1, PI3K, Akt, mTOR, PTEN, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ), and Beclin-1 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group showed atrophy and reduced number of intrinsic glands in the gastric mucosal tissues, as well as inflammatory cell infiltration. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells in the model group displayed nuclear condensation, reduced and swollen mitochondria, and abnormal structure. The serum levels of G-17, PGⅠ, PGR, and the protein and mRNA levels of PTEN in gastric tissues were significantly lower in the model group (P<0.01), while serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and the protein and mRNA levels of TGF-β1, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in gastric tissues were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, various drug intervention groups showed different degrees of improvement in pathological damage and gastric mucosal cell ultrastructure, significantly increased serum levels of G-17, PGⅠ, and PGR (P<0.05,P<0.01), and significantly decreased levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05,P<0.01). The high-dose coptisine group significantly downregulated the protein and mRNA levels of TGF-β1, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBerberine has a therapeutic effect on CAG in rats, possibly exerting a protective effect on gastric mucosa by inhibiting inflammation and blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
5.Progress of interruption of schistosomiasis transmission and prospects in Yunnan Province
Yun ZHANG ; Lifang WANG ; Xiguang FENG ; Mingshou WU ; Meifen SHEN ; Hua JIANG ; Jing SONG ; Jiayu SUN ; Chunqiong CHEN ; Jiaqi YAN ; Zongya ZHANG ; Jihua ZHOU ; Yi DONG ; Chunhong DU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(4):422-427
Schistosomiasis was once hyper-endemic in Yunnan Province. Following concerted efforts for over 70 years, remarkable achievements have been made for schistosomiasis control in the province. In 2004, the Mid- and Long-term Plan for Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control in Yunnan Province was initiated in Yunnan Province, and the target for transmission control of schistosomiasis was achieved in the province in 2009. Following the subsequent implementation of the Outline for Key Projects in Integrated Schistosomiasis Control Program (2009—2015) and the 13th Five - year Plan for Schistosomiasis Control in Yunnan Province, no acute schistosomiasis had been identified in Yunnan Province for successive 12 years, and no local Schistosoma japonicum infections had been detected in humans, animals or Oncomelania hupensis snails for successive 6 years in the province by the end of 2020. The transmission of schistosomiasis was interrupted in Yunnan Province in 2020. This review summarizes the history of schistosomiasis, changes in schistosomiasis prevalence and progress of schistosomiasis control in Yunnan Province, and proposes the future priorities for schistosomiasis control in the province.
6.Prediction of potential geographic distribution of Oncomelania hupensis in Yunnan Province using random forest and maximum entropy models
Zongya ZHANG ; Chunhong DU ; Yun ZHANG ; Hongqiong WANG ; Jing SONG ; Jihua ZHOU ; Lifang WANG ; Jiayu SUN ; Meifen SHEN ; Chunqiong CHEN ; Hua JIANG ; Jiaqi YAN ; Xiguang FENG ; Wenya WANG ; Peijun QIAN ; Jingbo XUE ; Shizhu LI ; Yi DONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2024;36(6):562-571
Objective To predict the potential geographic distribution of Oncomelania hupensis in Yunnan Province using random forest (RF) and maximum entropy (MaxEnt) models, so as to provide insights into O. hupensis surveillance and control in Yunnan Province. Methods The O. hupensis snail survey data in Yunnan Province from 2015 to 2016 were collected and converted into O. hupensis snail distribution site data. Data of 22 environmental variables in Yunnan Province were collected, including twelve climate variables (annual potential evapotranspiration, annual mean ground surface temperature, annual precipitation, annual mean air pressure, annual mean relative humidity, annual sunshine duration, annual mean air temperature, annual mean wind speed, ≥ 0 ℃ annual accumulated temperature, ≥ 10 ℃ annual accumulated temperature, aridity and index of moisture), eight geographical variables (normalized difference vegetation index, landform type, land use type, altitude, soil type, soil textureclay content, soil texture-sand content and soil texture-silt content) and two population and economic variables (gross domestic product and population). Variables were screened with Pearson correlation test and variance inflation factor (VIF) test. The RF and MaxEnt models and the ensemble model were created using the biomod2 package of the software R 4.2.1, and the potential distribution of O. hupensis snails after 2016 was predicted in Yunnan Province. The predictive effects of models were evaluated through cross-validation and independent tests, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), true skill statistics (TSS) and Kappa statistics were used for model evaluation. In addition, the importance of environmental variables was analyzed, the contribution of environmental variables output by the models with AUC values of > 0.950 and TSS values of > 0.850 were selected for normalization processing, and the importance percentage of environmental variables was obtained to analyze the importance of environmental variables. Results Data of 148 O. hupensis snail distribution sites and 15 environmental variables were included in training sets of RF and MaxEnt models, and both RF and MaxEnt models had high predictive performance, with both mean AUC values of > 0.900 and all mean TSS values and Kappa values of > 0.800, and significant differences in the AUC (t = 19.862, P < 0.05), TSS (t = 10.140, P < 0.05) and Kappa values (t = 10.237, P < 0.05) between two models. The AUC, TSS and Kappa values of the ensemble model were 0.996, 0.954 and 0.920, respectively. Independent data verification showed that the AUC, TSS and Kappa values of the RF model and the ensemble model were all 1, which still showed high performance in unknown data modeling, and the MaxEnt model showed poor performance, with TSS and Kappa values of 0 for 24%(24/100) of the modeling results. The modeling results of 79 RF models, 38 MaxEnt models and their ensemble models with AUC values of > 0.950 and TSS values of > 0.850 were included in the evaluation of importance of environmental variables. The importance of annual sunshine duration (SSD) was 32.989%, 37.847% and 46.315% in the RF model, the MaxEnt model and their ensemble model, while the importance of annual mean relative humidity (RHU) was 30.947%, 15.921% and 28.121%, respectively. Important environment variables were concentrated in modeling results of the RF model, dispersed in modeling results of the MaxEnt model, and most concentrated in modeling results of the ensemble model. The potential distribution of O. hupensis snails after 2016 was predicted to be relatively concentrated in Yunnan Province by the RF model and relatively large by the MaxEnt model, and the distribution of O. hupensis snails predicted by the ensemble model was mostly the joint distribution of O. hupensis snails predicted by RF and MaxEnt models. Conclusions Both RF and MaxEnt models are effective to predict the potential distribution of O. hupensis snails in Yunnan Province, which facilitates targeted O. hupensis snail control.
7.Construction of Meridian and Collateral Homeostasis Model from Phenomics
Jiaqi SUN ; Luxia JIANG ; Zheng YU ; Zhenmei DU ; Shengyan ZHANG ; Yusheng TANG ; Ziqian WANG ; Xianfeng CAO ; Chuanbiao WEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):990-995
By applying "homeostasis" to the study of the meridian and collateral system, the concept of meridian and collateral homeostasis has been proposed which refers to a balanced and stable state of meridian and collateral system, and plays an important role in maintaining body health and can provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Phenomics realizes the cross-scale correlation from micro-phenotypic data, such as genome, proteome, and metabolome, to macro-phenotypic data, such as physiological state, behavioral activities, and external manifestations. From the perspective of phenomics, this paper proposes a meridian and collateral homeostasis dynamic mapping model of "macroscopic signs and microscopic expression". This model combines macro signs such as the four examinations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), biophysical indicators of acupoints, and micro expression information such as genes, proteins, and metabolism, and systematically investigates the relationship between meridian and collateral homeostasis and health and disease, thereby providing ideas and references for the identification of pre-disease states as well as precise diagnosis and treatment in TCM.
8.Tibetan medicine Twelve Flavors Yishou San alleviated lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury through inhibiting neutrophil infiltration
Wenling RONG ; Yaxuan LI ; Yanfei HONG ; Jiaqi CUI ; Jing FENG ; Zhulang CHU ; Guiying PENG ; Qingjia REN ; Qinghong DU
China Modern Doctor 2024;62(33):56-63,124
Objective To explore the immune mechanism of Tibetan medicine Twelve Flavors Yishou San in intervening with acute lung injury.Methods Construct a lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury rat model and treated it with Twelve Flavors Yishou San.The intervention effect of Twelve Flavors Yishou San on LPS induced acute lung injury was determined through lung pathological sections and blood gas analysis.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin(IL)-10 in rat's bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.Flow cytometry was used to detect changes in immune cells in rat's bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,lungs,spleen and peripheral blood.Results LPS successfully induced an acute lung injury model in rats,and Twelve Flavors Yishou San could alleviate the exudation of inflammatory cells,elevated oxygen partial pressure in LPS induced acute lung injury to varying degrees.The ELISA results of rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed that compared with normal control group,the TNF-α level in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of rats with acute lung injury was increased and the IL-10 level was decreased,while the Twelve Flavors Yishou San could alleviate this effect.The results of flow cytometry showed that Twelve Flavors Yishou San could significantly reduce neutrophil infiltration in rat bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,but had no significant effect on macrophages and adaptive immune response.Conclusion Twelve Flavors Yishou San can alleviate LPS induced acute lung injury by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration,providing an important experimental basis for fully understanding the therapeutic mechanism of Twelve Flavors Yishou San.
9.Mediating roles of stress perception between personality traits and negative experience in nurses as second victim
Zhuoqing DENG ; Xiaohong ZHANG ; Fang HE ; Shu ZHANG ; Rongxin DU ; Jiaqi CHEN
Modern Clinical Nursing 2024;23(4):7-14
Objective To investigate the impact of influence of personality traits of nurses as second victim and negative experience of nurses in adverse event and explore the intermediary roles of stress perception in influencing mechanism of negative experience.Methods Between March and April 2023,a convenience sampling method was employed to select 560 nurses from 3 general hospitals in Taiyuan City to conduct the study.The selected nurse all had experienced adverse events within last 3 months.The survey employed a general information questionnaire,Chinese big five personality questionnaire,second victim experience and support scale and Chinese version of stress perception scale.Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the personality traits of nurses as second victim(specifically neuroticism),negative experiences and stress perception.The mediating role of stress perception between the neuroticism of nurses as second victim and negative experiences of nurses was analysed using PROCESS plug-in with the Bootstrap method.Results All of 560 distributed questionnaires were recovered,with a 100.00%of response rate.Personality traits of nurses as second victim were ranked in descending order with rigor,agreeableness,openness,neuroticism and extroversion.Both negative experiences and stress perception had higher scores(40.25±10.64 and 30.25±5.98,respectively).Neurotic personality in nurses as second victim was positively correlated with negative experience(r=0.528,P<0.01)and stress perception(r=0.594,P<0.01).Negative experiences showed a positive correlation with stress perception(r=0.339,P<0.01).Neurotic personality of nurses as second victim had a significant direct impact on negative experiences[β=0.519,95%CI:0.318-0.720].As one of the stress perception dimensions,tension played a partial mediating role between neurotic personality in nurses as second victim and negative experience[β=0.148,95%CI:0.006-0.300],and a mediating effect percentage of 22.70%.Conclusions The neurotic personality of nurses as second victim can directly affect the negative experiences,either independently or in conjunction with tension.Nursing managers and nurses as second victims can reduce the negative experiences in adverse events by addressing higher neurotic personality and alleviating tension.
10.Regulation of Immune Function of Cyclophosphamide-induced Immunosuppressed Mice by Five Plant Polysaccharides: A Network Meta-analysis
Hongtai XIONG ; Jiaqi HU ; Yanyuan DU ; Liu CAI ; Honggang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(6):210-221
ObjectiveTo compare the regulatory effects of five plant polysaccharides on immune function of cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice by network Meta-analysis, to provide evidence for the clinical application of polysaccharides and the development of effective polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. MethodSeven databases including PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched, and studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the risk of bias tool of Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE), and the data were analyzed using RStudio and StataSE 17. ResultA total of 62 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, involving 1 512 mice and five plant polysaccharides: Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), lentinan (LNT), Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP), Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCC), and Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPP). The network Meta-analysis showed that APS ranked first in increasing spleen index (mean deviation (MD)=3.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.10, 5.96]), thymus index (MD=1.98, 95%CI [1.55, 2.54]) and T helper cells (CD4+)/T suppressor cells (CD8+) (MD=1.63, 95%CI [1.13, 2.37]), while CPP ranked first in up-regulating the number of peripheral blood leukocytes (MD=24.16, 95%CI [8.21, 71.12]), macrophage phagocytosis index (MD=2.52, 95%CI [1.32, 4.82]) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) content (MD=1.79, 95%CI [1.12, 2.85]). ConclusionAll the five plant polysaccharides can regulate the immune function of immunosuppressed mice. Among them, APS has advantages in elevating spleen index, thymus index and CD4+/CD8+, while CPP focuses on increasing the number of peripheral blood leukocytes, macrophage phagocytosis index and IgM content. Due to limited number and quality of included studies, the conclusions needs to be further verified with large samples and high-quality studies.

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