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.Research progress on the effects of different myopia prevention and control methods on choroid
Shangzhu ZHANG ; Jiawei WANG ; Ruijie XI ; Song CHAI
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):70-75
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the prevalence of myopia at younger ages in China. Numerous studies have investigated methods for preventing and controlling myopia, including orthokeratology, low-concentration atropine eye drops, light therapy, posterior scleral reinforcement, and traditional Chinese medicine. These approaches can modulate choroidal thickness, blood flow, and target various molecular mechanisms. Orthokeratology and low-concentration atropine demonstrate a thickening effect on the choroid and regulate choroidal blood flow; the use of multi-point defocus control lenses also shows promise in thickening the choroid; the influence of light and light feeding therapy on myopia prevention and control is also reflected in the choroidal thickness and blood flow; and the traditional Chinese medicine has shown good prospect in influencing the microstructure of the choroid for myopia prevention and control. However, the long-term effects of various prevention and control measures on the choroid still need to be explored with a large sample size. This article provides an overview of various methods used to regulate the choroid and prevent myopia. The mechanisms by which these interventions act on the choroid are described to provide new insights and identity novel clinical strategies for myopia management.
3.Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Enhancing Neurological Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury via GPX4-ACSL4 Axis
Luchun XU ; Guozheng JIANG ; Yukun MA ; Jiawei SONG ; Yushan GAO ; Guanlong WANG ; Jiaojiao FAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Xing YU ; Xiangsheng TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):20-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, model group, low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (12.5 g·kg-1), high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (25 g·kg-1), and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group (25 g·kg-1 + 5 g·kg-1 RSL3). The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Nissl, and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein (MBP), GPX4, and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores (P<0.01), severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue, and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition, the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells (P<0.01), reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 (P<0.01), lower levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01). Moreover, compared to the sham operation group, the model group had elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01), along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage, reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased neuronal survival, and more intact myelin structures. Additionally, mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01) and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01) and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis, reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress, and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.
4.Analysis on Clinical Trial Registration Status of TCM for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy
Jiawei ZHANG ; Zhifen ZHAO ; Xiangge REN ; Peidong ZHAO ; Shoudao LI ; Tengfei SONG ; Wensheng ZHAI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):73-79
Objective To analyze the current status of clinical trial registration in the TCM treatment of diabetic nephropathy(DN);To provide references for the registration and implementation of relevant clinical trials.Methods Clinical trials about TCM treatment for DN registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(ChiCTR)and the U.S.Clinical Trial Registry(ClinicalTrials.gov)from their inception to August 18,2024 were retrieved.The following information was analyzed:registration year,geographical distribution,funding sources,TCM syndrome patterns of participants,number of research centers,sample size,study type,study design,randomization method,blinding method,intervention measures,outcome indicators and safety indicators.Results A total of 88 clinical trials were included,comprising 79 interventional studies and 9 observational studies.The number of registrations has increased annually.The domestic registered trials were distributed across 17 provincial-level administrative regions in China,with Beijing and Shanghai having the highest number of registrations.The primary sources of funding were local and national government funds.The most common TCM syndrome pattern among participants was qi-yin deficiency with blood stasis.Most trials were single-center studies,with the majority having a sample size between 31 and 60.The predominant study type was interventional,mostly randomized controlled trials(RCTs),with simple randomization being the most frequently used method.31 trials reported blinding methods,with double-blinding being the most common.The intervention measures were mostly oral Chinese patent medicines or TCM compounds,and the outcome indicators were mainly efficacy indicators,with less safety indicators.Conclusion The number of registered clinical trials on TCM treatment for DN has increased annually;however,the overall number remains limited.There is uneven regional distribution and incomplete registration information for various factors such as randomization methods,blinding methods,number of research centers,intervention measures,and outcome indicators.
5.National clinical three-tiered surveillance and stratified precision detection report on respiratory infectious pathogens in 2024
Jingwen AI ; Jikui DENG ; Min DONG ; Xiaohong GAO ; Jiawei GENG ; Xiaoli HU ; Zhu JIN ; Hongyan LIU ; Yongzhong LI ; Xi LIU ; Yuanwang QIU ; Lihong QU ; Binhuang SUN ; Wei SONG ; Hongyu WANG ; Junping WANG ; Sen WANG ; Xiaoming XIONG ; Daokun YANG ; Liaoyun ZHANG ; Yanliang ZHANG ; Xianghong ZHOU ; Wenhong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(2):79-89
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of respiratory pathogens in China.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study, which encompassed 19 core units of the clinical pathogen network and established a three-tiered clinical pathogen surveillance system. Thirty respiratory samples were collected every two weeks from various units from January to December 2024, and the clinical and pathogen diagnostic information were gathered. A total of 11 864 samples were tested using this system. The tier-1 clinical pathogen surveillance system covered influenza A virus (Flu-A), influenza B virus (Flu-B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The tier-2 clinical pathogen surveillance system focused on 18 key respiratory pathogens. The tier-3 clinical pathogen surveillance system further clarified whether any emerging infectious diseases had occurred.Results:The tier-1 clinical pathogen surveillance system showed Flu-A predominated in December, Flu-B predominated in January, SARS-CoV-2 peaked in March and August, whereas RSV circulated sporadically throughout the year. Geographic trends were broadly consistent across the seven major regions, although Flu-A detection in December was notably higher in Northeast China (48.1%(111/231)) and East China (36.2%(148/409)), and RSV detection was concentrated in the Northwest and South China from January to March. Data from the tier-2 clinical pathogen surveillance system indicated that Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, rhinovirus, and adenovirus were detected year-round, of these, Streptococcus pneumoniae and rhinovirus showed elevated positive detection rates from August to September, while adenovirus peaked in January. Legionella pneumophila was not detected throughout the year, and other pathogens fluctuated throughout the year without a consistent pattern. The predominant etiologic agents of pediatric pneumonia were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (35.0%(105/300)), rhinovirus (25.7%(77/300)), and adenovirus (17.3%(52/300)), whereas adult pneumonia was mainly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (10.5%(29/277)), Staphylococcus aureus (6.9%(19/277)), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (6.9%(19/277)), and Flu-A (6.1%(17/277)). The tier-3 clinical pathogen surveillance system did not identify any emerging respiratory pathogens. Conclusion:Respiratory pathogens in China in 2024 exhibit distinct temporal and spatial distribution patterns and vary among different populations.
6.Evaluation value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with automatic volumetric ultrasound in efficacy assessment of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Quan YUAN ; Canxu SONG ; Pihua HAN ; Yan TIAN ; Nan CHEN ; Huxia WANG ; Jiawei BAO
Journal of Chinese Physician 2025;27(10):1504-1509
Objective:To analyze the evaluation value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with automatic volumetric ultrasound in the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 98 female patients with breast cancer admitted to Shaanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital from January to December 2022. All patients received 4 cycles of NAC, and underwent conventional ultrasound, automatic volumetric ultrasound, CEUS, and histopathological examination before and after treatment. Based on the post-treatment histopathological efficacy, patients were divided into the effective group ( n=67) and the ineffective group ( n=31). The CEUS and automatic volumetric ultrasound parameters before and after treatment, as well as the evaluation efficacy of these two types of parameters for NAC efficacy in breast cancer, were compared. The value of CEUS combined with automatic volumetric ultrasound in evaluating NAC efficacy for breast cancer was analyzed. Results:After NAC treatment, the CEUS parameters [time to peak (TTP) and arrival time (AT) of contrast agent] were longer than those before treatment, while the peak intensity (PI) was lower than that before treatment (all P<0.05); the automatic volumetric ultrasound parameters (tumor volume, area, thickness, length, and width) after NAC treatment were all smaller than those before treatment (all P<0.05). After treatment, the PI, volume, area, thickness, length, and width in the effective group were significantly smaller than those in the ineffective group, while the TTP and AT were significantly longer than those in the ineffective group (all P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of CEUS parameters and automatic volumetric ultrasound parameters for predicting effective NAC efficacy in breast cancer was 0.837(0.749-0.904) and 0.864(0.780-0.925), respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two ( P=0.674). The AUC of the combined parameters for predicting effective NAC efficacy was 0.942(0.875-0.979), which was significantly higher than that of CEUS parameters or automatic volumetric ultrasound parameters alone ( Z=2.947, 2.135, P=0.003, 0.033). Conclusions:The combination of CEUS and automatic volumetric ultrasound parameters has high value in the efficacy evaluation of NAC for breast cancer and can be used as a clinical reference.
7.Du Meridian electroacupuncture inhibits ferroptosis and promotes neurorepair in rats with acute cervical spinal cord injury
Rongyan SUN ; Luchun XU ; Guozheng JIANG ; Jiawei SONG ; Yukun MA ; Jiaojiao FAN ; Guanlong WANG ; Yongdong YANG ; Xing YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(29):6228-6236
BACKGROUND:Recent studies have shown that Du Meridian electroacupuncture has a unique effect on alleviating spinal cord injury,but the underlying mechanisms require further clarification.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effects and the associated action mechanisms of Du Meridian electroacupuncture on ferroptosis after cervical spinal cord injury in rats.METHODS:One hundred SD rats were randomly divided into sham,model,Du Meridian electroacupuncture,RSL3,and Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 groups.The sham group underwent only laminectomy.The other four groups were subjected to cervical spinal cord injury by the Allen method.The Du Meridian electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture after cervical spinal cord injury.The RSL3 group received intraperitoneal injections of glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibitor RSL3 after cervical spinal cord injury.The Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 group received both electroacupuncture and RSL3 intervention after cervical spinal cord injury.Samples were collected on postoperative days 7 and 28 to assess motor function,histological morphology,neuronal survival,glial scar formation,oxidative stress levels,Fe2+content,glutathione peroxidase 4,and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 expression.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Finally,90 rats completed the follow-up experiment,with 18 rats in each group.(2)FLS and BBB scores were significantly higher in the Du Meridian electroacupuncture group compared with the model and Du Meridian electroacupuncture+RSL3 groups(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the model group,Du Meridian electroacupuncture improved cervical spinal cord tissue morphology and mitochondrial ultrastructure,while these effects were inhibited by RSL3.(4)Du Meridian electroacupuncture increased the expression of microtubule-associated protein 2,glutathione peroxidase 4,glutathione,and superoxide dismutase(P<0.05)and reduced the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein,long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4,reactive oxygen species,malondialdehyde,and Fe2+compared with the model group(P<0.05).However,RSL3 reversed the inhibitory effects of Du Meridian electroacupuncture on ferroptosis,lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.(5)The results suggest that Du Meridian electroacupuncture inhibits ferroptosis by regulating the glutathione peroxidase 4/long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 axis,thereby reducing secondary neuronal damage and glial scar formation after cervical spinal cord injury and improving neurological function.
8.Cytoplasmic and nuclear NFATc3 cooperatively contributes to vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction and drives aortic aneurysm and dissection.
Xiu LIU ; Li ZHAO ; Deshen LIU ; Lingna ZHAO ; Yonghua TUO ; Qinbao PENG ; Fangze HUANG ; Zhengkun SONG ; Chuanjie NIU ; Xiaoxia HE ; Yu XU ; Jun WAN ; Peng ZHU ; Zhengyang JIAN ; Jiawei GUO ; Yingying LIU ; Jun LU ; Sijia LIANG ; Shaoyi ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3663-3684
This study investigated the role of the nuclear factor of activated T cells c3 (NFATc3) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoplasmic and nuclear NFATc3 levels were elevated in human and mouse AAD. VSMC-NFATc3 deletion reduced thoracic AAD (TAAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression in mice, contrary to VSMC-NFATc3 overexpression. VSMC-NFATc3 deletion reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and maintained the VSMC contractile phenotype. Nuclear NFATc3 targeted and transcriptionally upregulated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and MMP2, promoting ECM degradation and AAD development. NFATc3 promoted VSMC phenotypic switching by binding to eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) and inhibiting its phosphorylation in the VSMC cytoplasm. Restoring eEF2 reversed the beneficial effects in VSMC-specific NFATc3-knockout mice. Cabamiquine-targets eEF2 and inhibits protein synthesis-inhibited AAD development and progression in VSMC-NFATc3-overexpressing mice. VSMC-NFATc3 promoted VSMC switch and ECM degradation while exacerbating AAD development, making it a novel potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating AAD.
9.Problems and countermeasures in palliative care education for medical students
Qiuju YANG ; Jiawei SONG ; Haowei ZHANG ; Di LIU ; Bin GUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(7):937-942
Palliative care is a way to help end-of-life populations improve their quality of life, and its development in practice cannot be separated from the level of education in palliative care. At present, some medical schools in palliative care education compared with western developed countries have problems such as imperfect construction of hospice curriculum system, lack of medical students’ hospice knowledge; insufficient interdisciplinary teaching faculty, weak palliative care awareness of medical students; single teaching evaluation mode; weak palliative care practice teaching links. To this end, it is necessary to improve the palliative care curriculum system, explore rich and diverse teaching methods; strengthen interdisciplinary teaching and faculty development, enhancing the awareness of palliative care among medical students;establish a scientific and effective evaluation method, carry out multi-dimensional dynamic assessment; expand the palliative care practice teaching base, and accurately improve the practical skills of medical students in palliative care, and other countermeasures to improve the level of palliative care education, and to help the strategy of Healthy China.
10.Bibliometric analysis of researches on glucocorticoids use in systemic lupus erythematosus from 2004 to 2024
Jie BAI ; Liming DONG ; Zhihui SONG ; Jiawei WANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(7):815-823
Objective To conduct a visual analysis of the research hotspots and trends of glucocorticoids in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)both domestically and internationally.Methods The relevant literature from 2004 to 2024 on glucocorticoids use in SLE were retrieved in Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang Data and VIP databases.CiteSpace 6.3.R6 software was used to conduct bibliometric analysis of the number of publications,authors,research institutions,and keywords,and to draw knowledge maps.Results A total of 4,124 literature were retrieved,and 1,491 English literature and 593 Chinese literature were screened and included.The overall trend of English publications was increasing,while the number of Chinese publications declined in recent years.China is the most active country in this research field,but the research among authors and institutions was more dispersed.The results of keyword analysis showed that how to reduce the adverse reactions of glucocorticoids and special populations was the hotspots of research,with keywords such as"rheumatoid arthritis""damage""belimumab""children""pregnancy".Future research trends would be likely to focus on the assessment of treatment efficacy,prolonged remission,and reduction of disease-related injuries,with emergent keywords such as"validation""prolonged remission""treatment efficacy""renal function"Conclusion The use of glucocorticoids in the treatment of SLE continues to be the focus of the research,but with the increasing concern about adverse reactions,the research focus is gradually moving towards optimizing treatment regimens and exploring novel therapies.Future research needs to focus more on individualized treatment,long-term efficacy assessment and clinical application of emerging therapies.

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