1.Ethical reflections on the clinical application of medical artificial intelligence
Fangfang CUI ; Zhonglin LI ; Xianying HE ; Wenchao WANG ; Yuntian CHU ; Xiaobing SHI ; Jie ZHAO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):159-165
Medical artificial intelligence (AI) is a new type of application formed by the combination of machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and other technologies with clinical medical treatment. With the continuous iteration and development of relevant technologies, medical AI has shown great potential in improving the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment, and service quality, but it also increases the possibility of triggering ethical issues. Ethical issues resulting from the clinical application of medical AI were analyzed, including the lack of algorithmic interpretability and transparency of medical AI, leading to information asymmetry and cognitive discrepancies; the concerning status of security and privacy protection of medical data; and the complex and unclear division of responsibilities due to the collaborative participation of multiple subjects in the clinical application of medical AI, resulting in increased difficulty in the identification of medical accidents and clarification of responsibilities. The paper proposed the principles of not harming patients’ interests, physician’s subjectivity, fairness and inclusiveness, and rapid response. It also explored the strategies and implementation paths for responding to the ethical issues of medical AI from multiple perspectives, including standardizing the environment and processes, clarifying responsibility attribution, continuously assessing the impact of data protection, guaranteeing data security, ensuring model transparency and interpretability, carrying out multi-subject collaboration, as well as the principles of being driven by ethical values and adhering to the “human health-centeredness.” It aimed to provide guidance for the healthy development of medical AI, ensuring technological progress while effectively managing and mitigating accompanying ethical risks, thereby promoting the benign development of medical AI technology and better serving the healthcare industry and patients.
2.Key technologies and challenges in online adaptive radiotherapy for lung cancer.
Baiqiang DONG ; Shuohan ZHENG ; Kelly CHEN ; Xuan ZHU ; Sijuan HUANG ; Xiaobo JIANG ; Wenchao DIAO ; Hua LI ; Lecheng JIA ; Feng CHI ; Xiaoyan HUANG ; Qiwen LI ; Ming CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(13):1559-1567
Definitive treatment of lung cancer with radiotherapy is challenging, as respiratory motion and anatomical changes can increase the risk of severe off-target effects during radiotherapy. Online adaptive radiotherapy (ART) is an evolving approach that enables timely modification of a treatment plan during the interfraction of radiotherapy, in response to physiologic or anatomic variations, aiming to improve the dose distribution for precise targeting and delivery in lung cancer patients. The effectiveness of online ART depends on the seamless integration of multiple components: sufficient quality of linear accelerator-integrated imaging guidance, deformable image registration, automatic recontouring, and efficient quality assurance and workflow. This review summarizes the present status of online ART for lung cancer, including key technologies, as well as the challenges and areas of active research in this field.
Humans
;
Lung Neoplasms/radiotherapy*
;
Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted/methods*
3.Research progress on impacts of air pollutants, gut microbiota, and seminal microbiota on semen quality
Wenchao XIA ; Jiahua SUN ; Yuya JIN ; Ruixin LUO ; Ruyan YAN ; Yuming GUI ; Yongbin WANG ; Fengquan ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Weidong WU ; Huijun LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):1003-1008
In recent years, China has been facing the dual challenges of declining fertility rates and births, with male reproductive health issues, especially the decline in semen quality, identified as a pivotal contributor to this phenomenon. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence indicates that air pollutants, an increasingly severe environmental problem, can damage semen quality not only directly through their biological toxicity but also indirectly by disrupting the composition of microbial communities in the gut and semen, thereby dysregulating immune function, endocrine homeostasis, and oxidative stress responses. The gut microbiota and semen microbiota, as important components of the human microecosystem, play crucial roles in maintaining reproductive health. This article comprehensively reviewed the research progress on the potential effects of air pollutants (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants), gut microbiota, and semen microbiota on semen quality. Specifically, it elucidated the mechanisms of interaction between these factors and explored how they affect male fertility.
4.Superior Characteristics of Gingival Contour Shape with a Modified Anatomic Healing Abutment for Mandibular First Molar Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Wenchao Li ; Batbayar B ; Damdindorj B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):171-177
Background:
Implant restoration necessitates meticulous attention to the profile, and texture of gingival soft tissue. The
healing abutment plays a critical role as a gingival shaping tool, with its neck design significantly impacting soft tissue
profile and crown aesthetics.
Aim:
This study explores the impact of a modified anatomic healing abutment (MAHA) on morphological changes in
gingival soft tissue and patient satisfaction following mandibular first molar implant restoration.
Materials and Methods:
Thirty patients with a single missing mandibular first molar undergoing implant repair were
randomly assigned to either the control group (n=15) or the experimental group (n=15). The experimental group received
a MAHA post-dental implantation, while the control group received a standard healing abutment. Both groups underwent
crown restoration after 2 months. Peri-implant soft tissue index, Pink Esthetic Score (PES), and patient satisfaction were
assessed at postoperative day (T0), 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). Independent sample t-tests were
conducted with a significance level of α=0.05, where P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance
Results:
No significant differences in peri-implant soft tissue index were observed between the experimental and control
groups at T0, T1, T2, and T3 (P>0.05). The mean PES value in the experimental group exceeded that of the control group
at T0, T1, and T2 (P < 0.05). VAS scores showed no significant differences between the groups at T0, T1, and T3 (P>0.05),
but at T2, the experimental group exhibited higher satisfaction levels than the control group (P < 0.05)
Conclusion
The modified anatomic healing abutment for a mandibular first molar implant demonstrates superior soft
tissue contouring compared to the standard healing abutment, leading to heightened patient satisfaction during prosthesis
wear. Clinical Significance: The use of a MAHA in mandibular first molar implant restorations can enhance soft tissue
contour and improve early esthetic outcomes without compromising peri-implant health. This approach also contributes
to increased patient satisfaction during the prosthetic phase, supporting its clinical application for optimizing both functional and esthetic results in implant dentistry.
5.Ultrasound-guided needle knife release with different pathways for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Zhaobao LI ; Song HE ; Longyu XIE ; Hehuizi BAI ; Dejun CHENG ; Wenchao ZHANG ; Mingyong HUANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(1):21-26
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided needle knife release with different pathways for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
METHODS:
Sixty CTS patients were randomly divided into a transverse group and a longitudinal group, with 30 patients in each group. The transverse group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above and below the median nerve along the short axis, while the longitudinal group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above the median nerve along the long axis. The patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Levine scores, and median nerve cross-section area (CSA) were assessed before treatment, on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment. The median nerve conduction indexes (motor conduction: latency [Lat], amplitude[Amp], motor conduction velocity [MCV]; sensory conduction: Lat, Amp, sensory conduction velocity [SCV]) were evaluated before treatment and on the 30th day after treatment.
RESULTS:
Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, Levine scores, and median nerve CSA were reduced in both groups on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment (P<0.05); the transverse group showed lower VAS and Levine scores and smaller CSA than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). On the 30th day after treatment, motor and sensory Lat was reduced (P<0.05), motor and sensory Amp was increased (P<0.05), and MCV and SCV were faster (P<0.05) in both groups. The transverse group had shorter Lat, higher Amp, and faster MCV and SCV than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The ultrasound-guided needle knife release with transverse and longitudinal pathways could both effectively alleviate pain and improve median nerve conduction in CTS patients, with the transverse pathway showing superior efficacy to longitudinal pathway.
Humans
;
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/therapy*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Adult
;
Median Nerve/physiopathology*
;
Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Neural Conduction
;
Aged
;
Ultrasonography
7.Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus: A 20-year retrospective study.
Hongda LI ; Wenchao LI ; Zhenzhen WANG ; Shan CAO ; Pengcheng HUAI ; Tongsheng CHU ; Baoqi YANG ; Yonghu SUN ; Peiye XING ; Guizhi ZHOU ; Yongxia LIU ; Shengli CHEN ; Qing YANG ; Mei WU ; Zhongxiang SHI ; Hong LIU ; Furen ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(10):1239-1241
8.Effect of heterologous expression of Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene SqME on photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation in tobacco leaves.
Yizhen LIU ; Mengyuan LI ; Zhanqian LI ; Yushuang GUO ; Jingfang JI ; Wenchao DENG ; Ze YANG ; Yan SUN ; Chunhui ZHANG ; Jin'ai XUE ; Runzhi LI ; Chunli JI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2829-2842
Microalgae possess high photosynthetic efficiency, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass, serving as excellent biological resources for large-scale cultivation. Malic enzyme (ME), a ubiquitous metabolic enzyme in living organisms, catalyzes the decarboxylation of malate to produce pyruvate, CO2, and NAD(P)H, playing a role in multiple metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis. In this study, we identified the Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene (SqME) and its biological functions, aiming to provide excellent target genes for the genetic improvement of higher plants. Based on the RNA-seq data from S. quadricauda under the biofilm cultivation mode with high CO2 and light energy transfer efficiency and small water use, a highly expressed gene (SqME) functionally annotated as ME was cloned. The physicochemical properties of the SqME-encoded protein were systematically analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The subcellular localization of SqME was determined via transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The biological functions of SqME were identified via genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum, and the potential of SqME in the genetic improvement of higher plants was evaluated. The ORF of SqME was 1 770 bp, encoding 590 amino acid residues, and the encoded protein was located in chloroplasts. SqME was a NADP-ME, with the typical structural characteristics of ME. The ME activity in the transgenic N. tabacum plant was 1.8 folds of that in the wild-type control. Heterologous expression of SqME increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 20.9%, 26.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The transgenic tobacco leaves showed an increase of 54.0% in the fluorescence parameter NPQ and a decrease of 30.1% in Fo compared with the control. Moreover, the biomass, total lipids, and soluble sugars in the transgenic tobacco leaves enhanced by 20.5%, 25.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the starch and protein content in the transgenic tobacco leaves decreased by 22.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Collectively, the SqME-encoded protein exhibited a strong enzymatic activity. Heterologous expressing of SqME could significantly enhance photosynthetic protection, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in the host. Additionally, SqME can facilitate carbon metabolism remodeling in the host, driving more carbon flux towards lipid synthesis. Therefore, SqME can be applied in the genetic improvement of higher plants for enhancing photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation. These findings provide scientific references for mining of functional genes from S. quadricauda and application of these genes in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Nicotiana/genetics*
;
Photosynthesis/physiology*
;
Malate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis*
;
Plant Leaves/genetics*
;
Scenedesmus/enzymology*
;
Carbon Cycle/genetics*
;
Lipid Metabolism/genetics*
;
Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*
9.Comparative study on the effects of different acupuncture technique on macrophage polarization in a mouse model of simple endometrial hyperplasia
Junya LIU ; Yunfeng LI ; Jing LYU ; Wenchao ZHENG ; Guang ZUO ; Xuesong WANG ; Xisheng FAN ; Juncha ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Xuxin LI ; Xifen ZHANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(9):1203-1210
Objective We aimed to observe the differences in the effects of different acupuncture technique on the endometrium of mice with simple endometrial hyperplasia model and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods According to the random number tables,32 female C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank control group,a model group,a quick needle group and a retaining needle group,with 8 mice in each group. A mouse model of simple endometrial hyperplasia was established using bilateral ovariectomy combined with estrogen loading. In the quick needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral for "Yinbai"(SP1) points and withdrawn immediately,with the treatmeat performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. In the retaining needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral "Yinbai"(SP1) points and the needles were retained for 15 min each time,with the treatment also performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. After the intervention,samples were collected. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes in the mouse uterine tissue;ELISA was used to detect serum estradiol level;flow cytometry was used to detect the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages(M1/M2) and immunohistochemical method was used to measure the expression of CD86 and CD206 in uterine tissue;and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in uterine tissue. Results The endometrium of mice in the model group showed simple hyperplasia. Compared with the blank control group,the endometrium of the model group was thickened (P<0.01);the level of estradiol in the serum was increased (P<0.01);M1/M2 in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),the expression of CD86 was decreased (P<0.01),and the positive expression of CD206 was increased (P<0.01);and the level of IFN-γ protein expression in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),and the expression of IL-13 protein was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the endometrial thicknesses of the quick needle group and the retaining needle group were reduced (P<0.05),the levels of estradiol in serum were reduced (P<0.05),M1/M2 in uterine tissues increased (P<0.01),and the reduction of CD206 positive expression,and IL-13 protein expression reduced (P<0.01);the level of CD86 positive expression,IFN-γ protein expression increased (P<0.01). Compared with the quick needle group,IL-13 protein expression increased in the retaining needle group (P<0.01).Conclusion Both quick needle and retaining needle may be through the regulation of the expression of IFN-γ and IL-13,thus prompting the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1 type,inhibiting the pro-cell proliferative ability and tissue repair ability of M2 type macrophages,thus reducing the degree of endometrial hyperplasia,and the quick needle group was superior to the retaining needle group in regulating the expression of IL-13.
10.Research on health responsibility in community chronic disease management for the elderly
Shuxin HAO ; Wenchao FAN ; Yuqing MI ; Jinbao YUAN ; Wei LI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;37(12):1473-1477
Objective:To analyze the health responsibilities of both the supply and demand sides in the process of community chronic disease management for the elderly,as well as to provide a reference for the fulfillment of the health responsibilities of both the supply and demand sides in the process of chronic disease management.Methods:Elderly people were extracted as research subjects from communities,that were under the jurisdiction of the 27 community health service centers we selected.By using the method of questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews,this paper analyzed the health responsibilities of both the supply and demand sides from the perspective of chronic diseases and health awareness among the elderly,self-management responsibilities of the elderly,and the health responsibility of community health service institutions.Results:There was still room for improvement in the fulfillment of health responsibilities by both the supply and demand sides,and the ability of elderly people to fulfill self-management responsibilities needs to be improved.Under the guidance of the three-level prevention theory,there were varying degrees of deficiencies in the fulfillment of health responsibilities by community health service institutions in all dimensions.Conclusion:It is suggested to clarify the health responsibilities of both the supply and demand sides for chronic disease management,with the goal of achieving the health of the elderly population,to complete both the supply and demand sides to jointly build an interactive model of health responsibility of chronic disease management in the elderly community,and to realize the health co-construction and sharing.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail