1.Antibacterial properties of piezoelectric materials and their applications in stomatology
ZHANG Shujun ; WANG Xiuqing ; HUANG Xiaojing
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):86-95
Microbial infections are a prevalent challenge in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Antibiotic therapy faces clinical limitations due to its single-target mechanism and tendency to induce resistance with repeated use, necessitating novel antibacterial strategies. Stimuli-responsive antibacterial materials, whose antimicrobial activity can be modulated by external stimuli, offer advantages such as remote controllability, potential for localized precision treatment, and a reduced risk of inducing resistance. Among these materials, mechanical force-triggered piezoelectric materials exhibit significant antibacterial activity in the biomedical field owing to their unique piezoelectric effect, excellent stability, and good biocompatibility. Research has shown that piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in response to external forces, which enables antibacterial effects without requiring an external power source. The underlying mechanisms primarily include direct electric field effects, generation of reactive oxygen species, and immune modulation. Preliminary applications in treating oral infections (e.g., dental caries, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis) have confirmed their stability and biocompatibility, establishing a foundation for clinical translation. However, long-term efficacy and biosafety in the complex oral microenvironment require further validation. Future research should focus on optimizing material preparation protocols to enhance antibacterial efficacy and stability, further investigating the underlying antimicrobial mechanisms, and systematically evaluating their therapeutic outcomes and safety profiles across various types of oral infections. This review summarizes the antibacterial effects, mechanisms, stability, safety, and research progress of piezoelectric materials in the stomatologic field, aiming to provide new insights for further research and application in this area.
2.Short-term efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for persistent ocular hypertension in acute angle-closure glaucoma
Qiaoyun LI ; Yong JIA ; Baike ZHANG ; Xiaojing GUO ; Cong LU ; Xinli WEI ; Xuemin TIAN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):706-710
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation(TSCP)in the management of persistent ocular hypertension after an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with persistent ocular hypertension after an acute AACG attack at the No.988 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese PLA between September 2023 and September 2024. All patients underwent low-dose TSCP using a semiconductor diode laser. Subsequent cataract surgery combined with goniosynechialysis was performed once intraocular pressure(IOP)was stabilized. Changes in anterior chamber depth(ACD), best-corrected visual acuity(VA), and IOP were compared before and after TSCP, as well as before and after phacoemulsification. Post-TSCP complications were also documented.RESULTS: A total of 21 patients(21 eyes)were enrolled, including 8 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 67.95±7.25 y. Compared with pre-cyclophotocoagulation values, ACD increased significantly at 3 d post-TSCP(1.49±0.18 vs 1.22±0.21 mm; P<0.001). BCVA and IOP decreased significantly at 1 d post-TSCP, pre-phacoemulsification, 1 wk post-phacoemulsification, and 1 mo post-phacoemulsification compared with pre-TSCP IOP(all P<0.01). Regarding postoperative complications, 2 eyes experienced pain on the day of the procedure, 5 eyes developed mild corneal endothelial folds, 2 eyes exhibited moderate anterior chamber inflammatory reaction, and 12 eyes showed shallow ciliary body detachment. No serious complications occurred during the 1-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION:Low-dose TSCP appears to be an effective bridging therapy for patients with persistent ocular hypertension following an AACG attack. It facilitates rapid IOP reduction, alleviates symptoms, and helps preserve visual function with a favorable safety profile, thereby reducing the risks associated with subsequent intraocular surgery.
3.Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis Multimorbidity from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral Theory
Xiaojing GUO ; Jiuli DING ; Hongyuan SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):280-287
The multimorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has drawn increasing attention, as both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and progressive bone destruction. Modern research confirms that PD is a significant risk factor for RA development, and their coexistence mutually exacerbates disease progression. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) currently lacks a systematic theoretical explanation for this complex multimorbid relationship. This study, based on the TCM theory of abnormal collateral, thoroughly examines the intrinsic connection between RA and PD multimorbidity, proposing "abnormal collateral as the pivot, with accumulated toxins eroding bone" as the core TCM pathogenesis. The research elucidates PD as the "origin of abnormal collateral", where its pathogens act as toxic factors that invade the joints through collaterals, triggering RA via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry. The dynamic pathological progression of RA-PD multimorbidity can be described as follows: the displacement of Ying and Wei at the microscopic level manifests as immune hyperactivation, leading to collateral malnutrition; heat-toxins traversing collaterals induce collateral hyperactivity, resulting in pathological angiogenesis; ultimately, toxin accumulation at the pivotal abnormal collateral site erodes bone, activating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway-driven osteoclast differentiation. This theoretical framework innovatively integrates modern findings in oral microbiology, immune-inflammation, and bone metabolism, offering a holistic and dynamic perspective to understand the complexity of multimorbidity. Given the limited efficacy of current periodontal treatments for RA and the scarcity of reported TCM compound interventions for multimorbidity, the abnormal collateral theory proposes a systematic intervention strategy centered on "governing diseases through collaterals and regulating collaterals with herbs", along with TCM therapeutic principles such as "unblocking, clearing, and nourishing collaterals". Potential herbal treatments for multimorbidity are also highlighted. Future research should focus on refining TCM syndrome patterns in multimorbid patients and leveraging omics technologies for deeper exploration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and research direction for TCM in addressing complex multimorbid conditions.
4.Analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis Multimorbidity from Perspective of Abnormal Collateral Theory
Xiaojing GUO ; Jiuli DING ; Hongyuan SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Min LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):280-287
The multimorbidity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has drawn increasing attention, as both conditions are characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and progressive bone destruction. Modern research confirms that PD is a significant risk factor for RA development, and their coexistence mutually exacerbates disease progression. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) currently lacks a systematic theoretical explanation for this complex multimorbid relationship. This study, based on the TCM theory of abnormal collateral, thoroughly examines the intrinsic connection between RA and PD multimorbidity, proposing "abnormal collateral as the pivot, with accumulated toxins eroding bone" as the core TCM pathogenesis. The research elucidates PD as the "origin of abnormal collateral", where its pathogens act as toxic factors that invade the joints through collaterals, triggering RA via mechanisms such as molecular mimicry. The dynamic pathological progression of RA-PD multimorbidity can be described as follows: the displacement of Ying and Wei at the microscopic level manifests as immune hyperactivation, leading to collateral malnutrition; heat-toxins traversing collaterals induce collateral hyperactivity, resulting in pathological angiogenesis; ultimately, toxin accumulation at the pivotal abnormal collateral site erodes bone, activating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) signaling pathway-driven osteoclast differentiation. This theoretical framework innovatively integrates modern findings in oral microbiology, immune-inflammation, and bone metabolism, offering a holistic and dynamic perspective to understand the complexity of multimorbidity. Given the limited efficacy of current periodontal treatments for RA and the scarcity of reported TCM compound interventions for multimorbidity, the abnormal collateral theory proposes a systematic intervention strategy centered on "governing diseases through collaterals and regulating collaterals with herbs", along with TCM therapeutic principles such as "unblocking, clearing, and nourishing collaterals". Potential herbal treatments for multimorbidity are also highlighted. Future research should focus on refining TCM syndrome patterns in multimorbid patients and leveraging omics technologies for deeper exploration, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and research direction for TCM in addressing complex multimorbid conditions.
5.Research progress on drug delivery by ophthalmic microneedle
Han LIU ; Lanyue ZHANG ; Qiang SHEN ; Xiaojing PENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):367-372
The presence of physiological barriers in the eye (both external and internal) makes conventional ophthalmic medications (eye drops, ointments, gels, etc.) less bioavailable and difficult to reach the posterior segment of the eye. Although intravitreal injection can deliver drugs to the posterior segment of the eye, it has disadvantages such as infection, injury, and poor tolerance. Ophthalmic microneedle breaks through the intra- and extra-ocular barriers, enabling the drug to reach the target site accurately and to be released continuously greatly avoiding intraocular infections and injuries, and improving the bioavailability of the drug, which has obvious advantages as an ophthalmic drug delivery tool. Ophthalmic microneedle can be classified into hollow microneedle, dissolving microneedle, and coated microneedle according to the usage methods. Each type of microneedle has its own advantages and has shown satisfactory performance in the treatment of diseases such as bacterial and fungal keratitis, glaucoma, exudative age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, non-infectious uveitis, corneal neovascularization, and even choroidal melanoma.
6.Key points of ethical governance in the clinical application of new biomedical technology
Ping YUAN ; Hongjuan LI ; Xiaojing LI ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Qiongge ZHANG ; Hongyu WANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):89-94
Given the current ethical issues such as unknown high risks in the clinical application of new biomedical technology, thus, medical institutions need to establish new technology management systems, including clarifying the concept, the assessment and admission mechanism, and ethical management systems of new technology. According to the direction of the development of new technology in the medical institution, the ethics review committee should also perfect the management system of ethics committees and the professional composition of ethics review committee members, improve the ability of ethics committee members to evaluate new biomedical technology, increase the assessment of ethical risks of new technology in the preliminary review stage, strengthen the requirements for emergency plan formulation, as well as set the frequency of the follow-up review based on the risk level of new technology. The ethics review committee should work together with the medical management department to formulate an ethical standardization training system for the clinical application of medical technology in the institution, and regularly conduct training for all staff, to promote medical workers’ understanding of the management requirements of biomedical technologies. Different types of new biomedical technology have different ethical risks. Therefore, the medical management departments and ethics review committees of medical institutions should formulate specific management rules based on the characteristics of new technology types. However, it should be noted that when new biomedical technology generally is first introduced into clinical practice, there are often issues regarding fairness and justice in the use of the technology.
7.Clinical Advantages and Key Research Points of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Cong SUN ; Yujiang DONG ; Hongmei GAO ; Qing WEI ; Menghe ZHANG ; Xiaojing SHI ; Liya FENG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):133-138
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy has unique clinical advantages in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, mainly reflected in five aspects, improving quality of life, enabling early diagnosis and treatment, promoting cardiac rehabilitation, making up for the limitations of Western medicine, and improving the success rate of catheter ablation. However, there is insufficient evidence in current clinical research. Based on the current status of TCM research in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, it is suggested that future studies should focus on standardized research on syndrome differentiation and classification. This can be achieved through clinical epidemiological surveys, expert consensus, and other methods to establish a unified syndrome differentiation and classification standard for atrial fibrillation. Clinical efficacy evaluation indicators should be standardized, and core outcome measures for clinical research on TCM treatment of atrial fibrillation should be developed through systematic reviews, patient interviews, and other methods. Additionally, clinical research design, implementation, and data management should be improved. By leveraging modern information technologies such as artificial intelligence, the scientific and standardized nature of TCM intervention research on atrial fibrillation can be enhanced, ultimately improving the quality of research.
8.Influence of hybridization probe capture and amplicon library construction methods on HLA genotyping resolution level
Xiaoni YUAN ; Tengteng ZHANG ; Yang LI ; Xue JIANG ; Tianjie YANG ; Xiaojing BAO ; Jun HE
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):303-308
[Objective] To compare next generation sequencing (NGS) library construction technology between probe hybridization capture and amplicon methods, and analyze the influencing factors of HLA genotyping resolution level and its prospects in clinical applications. [Methods] A total of 207 clinical samples with known typing results and samples from the proficiency testing plan were selected. The conformity rate of HLA genotyping results, allele coverage and typing data analysis indicators were confirmed, and the effects of two library construction methods on the level of HLA genotyping discrimination were compared. [Results] The concordance rate of 207 samples with the feedback results of PT or prior well-characterized HLA genotypes was 100%. Among them, 91 samples were captured using hybridization probe capture method. Compared with the original amplicon method, the hybridization probe capture method can distinguish the alleles of DRB1 and DPB1 that cannot be determined in 13 samples. The allelic imbalance of DRB1, DPA1, and DQB1 loci in 6 samples was resolved. Three samples were found to have missed detection of alleles at the DQA1 and DQB1 loci. [Conclusion] The performance indicators of hybridization probe capture and amplicon performance confirmation meet the requirements of clinical detection of HLA genotyping, which provides an experimental method and basis for clinical application.
9.Development and application of a three-dimensional digital visualization system for children's neck acupoints
Xiaojing AO ; Kun LI ; Yuhang LIU ; Xiaoxuan YANG ; Xing WANG ; Zhijun LI ; Xiaoyan REN ; Shaojie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1834-1840
BACKGROUND:Currently,there have been studies on three-dimensional digitalization and visualization systems for adult acupoints,but there are not many reports on the visualization of pediatric acupoints based on real pediatric digital sectional anatomical datasets. OBJECTIVE:To design and develop a digital three-dimensional visualization system for children's neck acupoints,to provide a basis for acupuncture and moxibustion,meridian and acupoint science teaching,clinical practice,acupuncture manipulation practice,and acupuncture safety research,and to provide a basis for the development of children's acupoint simulation system. METHODS:Based on a real cross-sectional anatomical dataset of pre-school boys,a three-dimensional digital virtual anatomical model of the neck region of children and internal multi-organ three-dimensional reconstruction were completed using PhotoShop 2021 and Digihuman Reconstruction System software.A database of 11 acupoints was compiled,including Fengfu and Fengchi,using the Unity database language.A three-dimensional model of children's neck anatomy,acupoint database,and writing acupuncture operation codes were integrated in Unity3D software.A three-dimensional digital visualization system for children's neck acupoints was successfully created,which integrated simulation acupoint positioning,three-dimensional acupoint anatomy,acupuncture training,clinical teaching,and acupuncture safety research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)This study was based on real child specimens.Manual layer by layer segmentation of cross-sectional images was used to ensure the accuracy of the three-dimensional model to the greatest extent possible.The 3D software Digihuman Reconstruction System was utilized to extract and save independent segmentation data.PhotoShop 2021 software was collaborated with to complete dozens of three-dimensional reconstruction anatomical models of the outer skin of the neck and its internal bone structure,cervical spinal cord,blood vessels and nerves,muscles,and ligaments in children.The basic morphology and overall contour integrity verification of each independent structure were completed in MeshLab software.The 3-material research 13.0 software was applied for final fine tuning and anatomical position confirmation,successfully simulating and restoring the true anatomical morphology of the neck of preschool children.(2)Based on and referring to the national standards of the People's Republic of China,a database of commonly used acupoints in children's neck region was collected and organized,including their names,meridians,positioning,local anatomy,needle insertion levels,acupuncture methods,acupuncture accidents and prevention,acupoint indications,and two-dimensional anatomical sectional images.(3)Unity3D software was employed to integrate the three-dimensional model of children's neck,acupuncture simulation operation,and acupoint database,and a three-dimensional digital children's neck acupoint acupuncture visualization system was successfully constructed.The system displayed information on children's neck acupoints,two-dimensional and three-dimensional anatomical structures,and achieved two-dimensional and three-dimensional acupuncture simulation functions and acupuncture safety research functions for children's neck acupoints.Based on the ultra-thin sectional anatomical dataset of real child specimens,the first three-dimensional digital and visualization system for acupoints in the neck region of children had been constructed.Compared with previous acupoint acupuncture systems,it is more in line with the anatomical and morphological development characteristics of Asian children and has high application value in the fields of acupuncture safety research,clinical teaching,and acupuncture simulation training.
10.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.


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