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.Reliability evaluation of a digital multimedia system for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria
Feiyan JIN ; Nan WU ; Yanxian WANG ; Xiaofeng LIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):913-917
AIM: To evaluate the reliability of a digital multimedia system for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria.METHODS: This cross-sectional diagnostic study enrolled patients with refractive errors who visited Shantou Aier Eye Hospital from May 2023 to August 2025, presenting with symptoms of visual fatigue, undergoing myopia management, or receiving routine ophthalmic examinations, and who completed heterophoria testing during this period. All patients wearing full refractive correction underwent near-distance(0.4 m)horizontal heterophoria measurement in a random order using the digital multimedia system, the Von Graefe method, and the Maddox rod method. Two consecutive measurements were performed for each method. The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was used to analyze the measurement repeatability of each method, and Bland-Altman analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were employed to evaluate the consistency between the digital multimedia system and the two traditional methods.RESULTS: A total of 60 patients(120 eyes)were included, comprising 27 males and 33 females, with a mean age of 21.03±7.24 y. Repeatability analysis showed that the ICC for the digital multimedia system was 0.960(95%CI: 0.934-0.976), for the Von Graefe method was 0.979(95%CI: 0.964-0.987), and for the Maddox rod method was 0.956(95%CI: 0.926-0.973), all indicating excellent repeatability. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean difference of 0.367△ [95% limits of agreement(LoA): -2.97△ to 3.70△] between the Von Graefe method and the digital system, and a mean difference of 0.067△(95% LoA: -3.05△ to 3.19△)between the Maddox rod method and the digital system. Both differences were within the clinically acceptable range(difference <4△). Spearman correlation analysis showed positive correlations between the digital system and the Von Graefe method(rs=0.867)and between the digital system and the Maddox rod method(rs=0.777, all P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The digital multimedia system demonstrates high repeatability and good consistency with the traditional Von Graefe and Maddox rod methods for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria. It shows promise as a new and effective tool for clinical near-distance horizontal heterophoria measurement.
3.Qijia Rougan Decoction Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis Through miRNA-mRNA Network
Yumei WANG ; Peijie WU ; Shaoxiu JI ; Han YU ; Xiaohong ZUO ; Xiaofeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):84-90
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qijia Rougan decoction ameliorates liver fibrosis through amino acid/fatty acid metabolic reprogramming and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, based on the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and the interaction between metabolism and signaling pathways. MethodsSprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into four groups (n=8): control, model, and low-dose and high-dose (7.0, 28.0 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Qijia Rougan decoction. Liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). From week 9, drug intervention was implemented for 7 weeks. After the final administration, the pathological changes in the liver were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and picrosirius red (PSR) staining. An automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of biochemical indicators, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acid (TBA), albumin (ALB), and cholesterol (TC). High-throughput miRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DemiRs) during liver fibrosis. A miRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed to identify key targets, which were then subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The expression levels of selected DemiRs were validated by Real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed marked hepatic lobular necrosis, increased collagen deposition, significant fibrosis, elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TBA (P<0.01), and declined levels of ALB and TC (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Qijia Rougan decoction treatment reduced hepatic necrosis, collagen accumulation, and fibrosis, lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TBA (P<0.01), and raised the levels of ALB and TC (P<0.01). Integrated miRNA-seq and RNA-seq analysis identified 31 DemiRs (6 upregulated and 25 downregulated) and 498 targets. The expression trends of four selected DemiRs, including rno-miRNA-376b-3p, were consistent with sequencing results (R2=0.93). Functional annotation revealed that top 20 upregulated targets were enriched in amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, while top 20 downregulated targets were significantly associated with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and cancer progression. ConclusionQijia Rougan decoction alleviates liver fibrosis by reconstructing the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, promoting metabolic reprogramming, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings provide mechanism evidence supporting the multi-targeted antifibrotic effects of traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas.
4.Development and application of albumin-binding indocyanine green for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of lung cancer
Hongliang WU ; Ze TAO ; Hao YANG ; Hong ZHU ; LU Xiaofeng LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1101-1110
Objective To develop albumin-binding indocyanine green (ICG) and assess its potential for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and intraoperative navigation in lung cancer. Methods ABD-tri was recombinantly expressed by genetic engineering. Its albumin-binding capability was determined using size-exclusion chromatography, and its albumin-dependent binding to lung cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. ICG was conjugated to ABD-tri to generate the fluorescent probe ABD-tri-ICG. The potential of ABD-tri-ICG for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and imaging-guided tumor resection was evaluated in mice bearing subcutaneous tumor grafts of lung cancer. Results ABD-tri was highly expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and was purified to homogeneity via a simple affinity chromatography. ABD-tri bound both human and murine serum albumin, contributing to its binding to lung cancer cells. ICG was effectively conjugated to ABD-tri to produce the fluorescence probe ABD-tri-ICG after mixing and incubation at room temperature for 1 h. In mice bearing lung cancer tumor grafts, intravenously injected ABD-tri-ICG enabled clear visualization of tumors with diameters ranging from 5 to 7 mm within 0.5-24 h post-injection. The tumor grafts were resected under the guidance of ABD-tri-ICG-mediated near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Conclusion Intravenous injection of ABD-tri-ICG allows rapid and sustained visualization of lung cancer tumor grafts and enables intraoperative navigation in mice, warranting further evaluation on the clinical translation of ABD-tri-ICG.
5.Quality evaluation of methodological and reporting quality of clinical practice guidelines and expert consensuses on blood transfusion and blood utilization in china
Yumei YANG ; Yuting WU ; Yu TIAN ; Weifeng DING ; Jiaying WANG ; Lei YANG ; Aiyuan DU ; Xiaofeng PAN ; Xiaoshan LI ; Rong GAO ; Tingting WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(7):952-962
Objective: To evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of clinical practice guidelines or expert consensus on blood transfusion and blood use (BTBU) in China (hereinafter referred to as "guidelines/consensus"), providing reference for the development and updating of future BTBU guidelines/consensus. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Chinese databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Data-base, relevant guideline release platforms, and professional association websites. BTBU-related guidelines/consensus published between January 2006 and December 2025 were included. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, after completing literature screening and data extraction, three evaluators independently assessed the quality of the included literature using the Scientificity, Transparency, and Applicability of Guidelines Rating Tool (STAR), the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ), and the International Practice Guideline Reporting Standards (RIGHT). Results: A total of 29 documents were included, including 5 guidelines, 22 consensus statements, and 2 protocols. The results of the STAR assessment showed that the total score was (21.7±8.8)%. The domain score ratios for registration, research protocol, funding, working group, conflict of interest, clinical question, evidence, consensus method, recommendation, accessibility and other domains were (2.2±12.1)%, 0, (36.7±25.1)%, (18.3±7.6)%, (19.2±15.3)%, (16.6±23.1)%, (15.1±6.3)%, (9.6±21.2)%, (54.3±18.4)%, (31.7±10.4)% and (10.3±31.0)%, respectively. For the AGREE Ⅱ assessment, the methodological quality of 26 articles was rated Grade B and 3 articles Grade C. The results of the RIGHT assessment indicated that the overall reporting rate of all guidelines/consensuses was (65.3±4.0)%. Conclusion: The methodological and reporting quality of current expert guidelines/consensus on BTBU in China still need improvement, and guidelines and consensus should be strictly formulated and standardized according to the standards of STAR, AGREE II and RIGHT.
6.Identification of a JAK-STAT-miR155HG positive feedback loop in regulating natural killer (NK) cells proliferation and effector functions.
Songyang LI ; Yongjie LIU ; Xiaofeng YIN ; Yao YANG ; Xinjia LIU ; Jiaxing QIU ; Qinglan YANG ; Yana LI ; Zhiguo TAN ; Hongyan PENG ; Peiwen XIONG ; Shuting WU ; Lanlan HUANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Sulai LIU ; Yuxing GONG ; Yuan GAO ; Lingling ZHANG ; Junping WANG ; Yafei DENG ; Zhaoyang ZHONG ; Youcai DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1922-1937
The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.
7.Clinical study of self-help inflatable balloon for refractory benign upper digestive tract stricture
Qianqian DONG ; Wenbo LI ; Qun LI ; Zengyi MA ; Wenming WU ; Minghui WANG ; Jing WANG ; Feifei FAN ; Kuilin SUN ; Xiaofeng LIU
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(4):80-85
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of self-help inflatable balloon in the treatment of refractory benign upper digestive tract stricture.Methods From November 2022 to February 2024,10 patients with refractory benign upper digestive tract stricture underwent self-help inflatable balloon were retrospectively analyzed.Preoperative treatment,intraoperative and postoperative complications,dysphagia score before and after surgery,wearing time of external self-help inflatable balloon,and the clinical efficacy were evaluated.Results All the 10 patients received self-help inflatable balloon treatment.No complications such as bleeding and perforation occurred in all patients during the wearing of the balloon.The placement time of the balloon was 60~180 d,and the average wearing time was 104.9 d.Before surgery,nine cases had a stricture segment length less than 2 cm,and one case had a stricture segment length of 6 cm.The dysphagia score before surgery was(3.60±0.52),and the dysphagia score after removal of the self-help inflatable balloon was(0.60±0.52),and there was statistical significance in preoperative and postoperative comparison(P<0.05).The dysphagia score 3 months after removal of the external self-help inflatable balloon was(0.70±0.48),there was no significant difference in dysphagia score between the day after surgery and 3 months after surgery(P>0.05).The diameter of the stricture before and after operation was(5.09±2.02)mm and(10.35±0.73)mm respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Sore throat,wing of nose pain and balloon displacement were the most common adverse events,with 30.0%(3/10),50.0%(5/10)and 70.0%(7/10),respectively.Conclusion It is safe,effective and feasible to treat refractory benign upper digestive tract stricture with self-help inflatable balloon in vitro.It is worthy for clinical application.
8.Acute intermittent hypoxia down-regulates the expression of cofilin in the pre-B?tzinger complex of rats
Junjun KANG ; Naining LU ; Yuanyuan ZHU ; Xiaofeng HUANG ; Shengxi WU ; Yingying LIU
Chinese Journal of Neuroanatomy 2025;41(4):422-428
Objective:To explore the expression and ultrastructure distribution of cofilin and its potential mecha-nisms in postsynaptic mitochondrial anchoring and synaptic plasticity in the pre-B?tzinger complex(pre-B?tC)in rats.Methods:Using neurokinin 1 receptor(NK1R)as a morphological marker of the pre-B?tC,we examined the expres-sion and ultrastructure distribution of cofilin in pre-B?tC neurons of normoxic(NOR)and acute intermittent hypoxic(AIH)rats by combining Western blot,RT-qPCR,immunofluorescence,and immunoelectron microscopy.Results:Cofilin was expressed in the nuclei,somata and dendrites of NK1R-positive neurons in the pre-B?tC and its expression decreased after AIH intervention in this region detected.The results of immunoelectron microscopy showed that cofilin was expressed in the dendritic spines and postsynaptic filamentous or flocculent structures of pre-B?tC neurons.A total of 317 synapses were detected in pre-B?tC(NOR:122;AIH:195).In the NOR group,65.6%of the postsynaptic had cofilin expression,while in the AIH group,the proportion decreased to 47.2%.Combining with the role of cofilin in the regulation of actin severing,it is suggested that the severing effect of cofilin on postsynaptic actin is weakened af-ter AIH intervention,which may further enhance the postsynaptic mitochondrial anchoring.Conclusion:Cofilin,an ac-tin binding protein,plays a crucial role in regulating shearing and depolymerization of actin.Decreased cofilin expres-sion induced by AIH suggests an enhanced actin polymerization,which may be involved in the postsynaptic anchoring of mitochondria and the regulation of synaptic plasticity in the pre-B?tC.
9.Application progresses of ultrasound in mediating nanotherapy of tumors
Yangli LIU ; Wen WEN ; Rufang JIANG ; Xiaofeng WU ; Jian LIU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(5):351-354
Ultrasound-mediated sonodynamic therapy,chemodynamic therapy,immunotherapy and gene editing synergize the precise control of ultrasound with targeted properties of nanomaterials,hence promising for overcome the limitations of traditional cancer treatments.The advancements in ultrasound-mediated nanotherapy of tumors were reviewed in this article.
10.Ultrasonic-assisted alkaline dilution-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the determination of total bromine in whole blood
Yan GONG ; Yukang WU ; Yuanhua MENG ; Xiaofeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(1):68-71
Objective:To establish an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for the rapid determination of total bromine in whole blood, and to provide technical support for the monitoring of bromine exposure in occupational populations.Methods:In September 2023, 0.25 ml of whole blood sample was added with 0.25% tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution to a volume of 5.0 ml, ultrasonicated and homogenized, and then quantified by ICP-MS with rhodium solution as the online internal standard solution.Results:The linear relationship of bromine in blood was good within the range of 0~10.00 mg/L, with a correlation coefficient ( r) >0.999. The limit of detection of the method was 0.07 mg/L, and the quantification limit was 0.22 mg/L. The recoveries of the total bromine in whole blood were in the range of 95.5%-102.9%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were in the range of 3.1%-4.7% ( n=7) . Conclusion:An ICP-MS method was established for the rapid determination of total bromine in whole blood, which is accurate, simple, rapid, highly automated, and can be used for the determination of total bromine in whole blood of occupationally exposed people.

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