1.Recommendations for Standardized Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments
Qingyong ZHENG ; Donghua YANG ; Zhichao MA ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Yang LU ; Jingyu WANG ; Lina XING ; Yingying KANG ; Li DU ; Chunxiang ZHAO ; Baoshan DI ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):496-507
Animal experiments are an essential component of life sciences and medical research. However, the external validity and reliability of individual animal studies are frequently challenged by inherent limitations such as small sample sizes, high design heterogeneity, and poor reproducibility, which impede the effective translation of research findings into clinical practice. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis represent a key methodology for integrating existing evidence and enhancing the robustness of conclusions. Currently, however, the application of systematic reviews and meta-analysis in the field of animal experiments lacks standardized guidelines for their conduct and reporting, resulting in inconsistent quality and, to some extent, diminishing their evidence value. To address this issue, this paper aims to systematically delineate the reporting process for systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and to propose a set of standardized recommendations that are both scientific and practical. The article's scope encompasses the entire process, from the preliminary preparatory phase [including formulating the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) question, assessing feasibility, and protocol pre-registration] to the key writing points for each section of the main report. In the core methods section, the paper elaborates on how to implement literature searches, establish eligibility criteria, perform data extraction, and assess the risk of bias, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement, in conjunction with relevant guidelines and tools such as Animal Research: Reporting of in Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) and a risk of bias assessment tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). For the presentation of results, strategies are proposed for clear and transparent display using flow diagrams and tables of characteristics. The discussion section places particular emphasis on how to scientifically interpret pooled effects, thoroughly analyze sources of heterogeneity, evaluate the impact of publication bias, and cautiously discuss the validity and limitations of extrapolating findings from animal studies to clinical settings. Furthermore, this paper recommends adopting the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to comprehensively grade the quality of evidence. Through a modular analysis of the entire reporting process, this paper aims to provide researchers in the field with a clear and practical guide, thereby promoting the standardized development of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and enhancing their application value in scientific decision-making and translational medicine.
2.Discussion on the Treatment Formulas of Classical Prescriptions for Treating Type-2 Diabetes Secondary to Depression from the Theory of"Thirst Caused by Depression"
Zhichao ZHENG ; Mingze ZHENG ; Yujia LIU
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(2):235-240
[Objective]To explore the prevention and treatment of type-2 diabetes(T2DM)secondary to depression by using classical formulas,based on the theory of"thirst induced by depression"as described in the Huangdi Neijing,and systematically review relevant texts in traditional Chinese medicine literature.[Methods]Utilizing the"thirst induced by depression"theory from the Huangdi Neijing,this study employs literature research to analyze ancient texts such as Jingui Yaolue,Zhubing Yuanhou Lun and Shennong Bencao Jing for theoretical support regarding the causes,pathogenesis and transmission of depressive syndromes and consumption disorders.This foundation allows for an exploration of the mechanisms through which depressive syndromes lead to consumption and the therapeutic strategies for managing T2DM secondary to depression in clinical practice.Finally,a test case was attached to support it.[Results]The concept of"Yin syndrome"characterized by"weakened organ Qi"shares a common pathological basis with"consumption",particularly during the"weakened five organs"stage.The pathological progression is similar to that seen in the development of T2DM secondary to depression.Specifically,the"Yin syndrome"associated with"weakened organ Qi"may evolve into a consumption syndrome due to prolonged Qi stagnation and increasing heat.Therefore,based on the pathological sequence of"fluid deficiency—Qi stagnation—heat transformation",the entire pathological process of depression leading to T2DM can be categorized into three stages for diagnosis and treatment:"early stage—progressive stage—end stage".The attached test case was of hot Qi stagnation and fluid injury type depression,treated to relieve heat for notifying fluid,clearing Qi and relieving depression,administered with revised Lily Powder and achieved good curative effect.[Conclusion]In the early stage of depression leading to T2DM,the primary condition is fluid and blood deficiency,treated by nourishing fluids,with reference to the Baihe Dihuang Decoction.During the progressive stage,Qi stagnation predominates alongside fluid deficiency,treated by regulating Qi and resolving stagnation,with references to the Chaihu Baihe Decoction.In the end stage,characterized by internal heat,the treatment focuses on clearing heat and nourishing fluids,with representative formulas including Guolou Muli San and Baihe San,depending on the presence or absence of Qi stagnation.
3.Analysis of Differences in Cortical Activation Areas and Functional Connectivity During Speech in Young People Under Different Cognitive Loads
Zihui JIANG ; Xiuen CHEN ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Yongjun ZHENG ; Yunyun ZHANG ; Xiangyun LIU ; Liwen QIU ; Chenchen ZHANG ; Zhichao NING
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(1):40-45
Objective To investigate the differences in cortical activation and functional connectivity during speech under different cognitive loads in young individuals.Methods Twenty-one participants(mean age 21.9±1.33 years)were instructed to read short sentences embedded with color words under both congruent(where the color words matched the font color)and incongruent(where the color words did not match the font color)condi-tions.The color words required reading the font color instead of the word itself.Functional near-infrared spectros-copy(fNIRS)was utilized to analyze differences in cortical activation(changes in HbO concentration)and functional connectivity(Pearson correlation of HbO between brain regions)in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)and supplementary motor area(SMA)bilaterally.Results The fNIRS results revealed significant increase in HbO con-centration changes in the RDLPFC(t=3.4,P=0.003),LDLPFC(t=2.58,P=0.019),RSMA(t=3.59,P=0.002),and LSMA(t=4.06,P=0.001)under the incongruent condition compared to the congruent condition.Additionally,there was a significant enhancement in the correlation between RDLPFC and LDLPFC(t=2.44,P=0.025).However,the differences in correlation between left and right SMA,as well as between SMA and DLPFC,were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion These findings suggest that during speech under incongru-ent conditions,increased cognitive load leads to elevated cortical activation in the DLPFC and SMA,along with in-creased functional connectivity between the left and right DLPFC.
4.Analysis of Differences in Cortical Activation Areas and Functional Connectivity During Speech in Young People Under Different Cognitive Loads
Zihui JIANG ; Xiuen CHEN ; Jiejiao ZHENG ; Yongjun ZHENG ; Yunyun ZHANG ; Xiangyun LIU ; Liwen QIU ; Chenchen ZHANG ; Zhichao NING
Journal of Audiology and Speech Pathology 2025;33(1):40-45
Objective To investigate the differences in cortical activation and functional connectivity during speech under different cognitive loads in young individuals.Methods Twenty-one participants(mean age 21.9±1.33 years)were instructed to read short sentences embedded with color words under both congruent(where the color words matched the font color)and incongruent(where the color words did not match the font color)condi-tions.The color words required reading the font color instead of the word itself.Functional near-infrared spectros-copy(fNIRS)was utilized to analyze differences in cortical activation(changes in HbO concentration)and functional connectivity(Pearson correlation of HbO between brain regions)in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC)and supplementary motor area(SMA)bilaterally.Results The fNIRS results revealed significant increase in HbO con-centration changes in the RDLPFC(t=3.4,P=0.003),LDLPFC(t=2.58,P=0.019),RSMA(t=3.59,P=0.002),and LSMA(t=4.06,P=0.001)under the incongruent condition compared to the congruent condition.Additionally,there was a significant enhancement in the correlation between RDLPFC and LDLPFC(t=2.44,P=0.025).However,the differences in correlation between left and right SMA,as well as between SMA and DLPFC,were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion These findings suggest that during speech under incongru-ent conditions,increased cognitive load leads to elevated cortical activation in the DLPFC and SMA,along with in-creased functional connectivity between the left and right DLPFC.
5.Discussion on the Treatment Formulas of Classical Prescriptions for Treating Type-2 Diabetes Secondary to Depression from the Theory of"Thirst Caused by Depression"
Zhichao ZHENG ; Mingze ZHENG ; Yujia LIU
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(2):235-240
[Objective]To explore the prevention and treatment of type-2 diabetes(T2DM)secondary to depression by using classical formulas,based on the theory of"thirst induced by depression"as described in the Huangdi Neijing,and systematically review relevant texts in traditional Chinese medicine literature.[Methods]Utilizing the"thirst induced by depression"theory from the Huangdi Neijing,this study employs literature research to analyze ancient texts such as Jingui Yaolue,Zhubing Yuanhou Lun and Shennong Bencao Jing for theoretical support regarding the causes,pathogenesis and transmission of depressive syndromes and consumption disorders.This foundation allows for an exploration of the mechanisms through which depressive syndromes lead to consumption and the therapeutic strategies for managing T2DM secondary to depression in clinical practice.Finally,a test case was attached to support it.[Results]The concept of"Yin syndrome"characterized by"weakened organ Qi"shares a common pathological basis with"consumption",particularly during the"weakened five organs"stage.The pathological progression is similar to that seen in the development of T2DM secondary to depression.Specifically,the"Yin syndrome"associated with"weakened organ Qi"may evolve into a consumption syndrome due to prolonged Qi stagnation and increasing heat.Therefore,based on the pathological sequence of"fluid deficiency—Qi stagnation—heat transformation",the entire pathological process of depression leading to T2DM can be categorized into three stages for diagnosis and treatment:"early stage—progressive stage—end stage".The attached test case was of hot Qi stagnation and fluid injury type depression,treated to relieve heat for notifying fluid,clearing Qi and relieving depression,administered with revised Lily Powder and achieved good curative effect.[Conclusion]In the early stage of depression leading to T2DM,the primary condition is fluid and blood deficiency,treated by nourishing fluids,with reference to the Baihe Dihuang Decoction.During the progressive stage,Qi stagnation predominates alongside fluid deficiency,treated by regulating Qi and resolving stagnation,with references to the Chaihu Baihe Decoction.In the end stage,characterized by internal heat,the treatment focuses on clearing heat and nourishing fluids,with representative formulas including Guolou Muli San and Baihe San,depending on the presence or absence of Qi stagnation.
6.A case report of renal foreign-body
Xianshen SHA ; Zheng CHEN ; Zhichao LIN ; Zexiong GUO ; Yumin ZHUO
Chinese Journal of Urology 2024;45(9):709-710
Renal foreign-body is rare in clinical practice. This article reports a case of 12-year-old male patient who presented with intermittent right lumbar stabbing pain for one year. Physical and laboratory examinations showed no significant abnormalities. Enhanced CT and three-dimensional angiography indicated a metal object in the anterior superior pole of the right kidney. The patient had a history of consuming vermicelli frequently over the past year. Considering the medical history and clinical examinations, it was hypothesized that a foreign body had penetrated the duodenum and lodged into the kidney. A foreign body extraction was performed via 3D laparoscopy, confirming the object to be a 25 mm long metallic needle. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Follow-up at six months showed the patient to be in good condition.
7.Ginsenoside Rb1 induces hepatic stellate cell ferroptosis to alleviate liver fibrosis via the BECN1/SLC7A11 axis
Lin LIFAN ; Li XINMIAO ; Li YIFEI ; Lang ZHICHAO ; Li YEPING ; Zheng JIANJIAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(5):744-757
Liver fibrosis is primarily driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),a process associated with ferroptosis.Ginsenoside Rb1(GRb1),a major active component extracted from Panax ginseng,inhibits HSC activation.However,the potential role of GRb1 in mediating HSC ferroptosis remains un-clear.This study examined the effect of GRb1 on liver fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro,using CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and primary HSCs,LX-2 cells.The findings revealed that GRb1 effectively inactivated HSCs in vitro,reducing alpha-smooth muscle actin(a-SMA)and type Ⅰ collagen(Col1A1)levels.Moreover,GRb1 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo.From a mechanistic standpoint,the ferroptosis pathway appeared to be central to the antifibrotic effects of GRb1.Specifically,GRb1 promoted HSC ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro,characterized by increased glutathione depletion,malondialdehyde production,iron overload,and accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Intriguingly,GRb1 increased Beclin 1(BECN1)levels and decreased the System Xc-key subunit SLC7A11.Further experiments showed that BECN1 silencing inhibited GRb1-induced effects on HSC ferroptosis and mitigated the reduction of SLC7A11 caused by GRb1.Moreover,BECN1 could directly interact with SLC7A11,initiating HSC ferroptosis.In conclusion,the suppression of BECN1 counteracted the effects of GRb1 on HSC inactivation both in vivo and in vitro.Overall,this study highlights the novel role of GRb1 in inducing HSC ferroptosis and promoting HSC inactivation,at least partly through its modulation of BECN1 and SLC7A11.
8.Clinicopathological factors and clinical significance of No.12b lymph node metastasis in gastric antrum cancer
Bao ZHANG ; Guoliang ZHENG ; Yong ZHANG ; Yan ZHAO ; Haitao ZHU ; Tao ZHANG ; Yong LIU ; Zhichao ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2024;27(2):167-174
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological factors and clinical significance of (micro)metastasis in No.12b lymph node in patients with gastric antrum cancer.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study of data of 242 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma without distant metastasis, complete follow-up data, and no preoperative anti-tumor therapy or history of other malignancies. All study patients had undergone radical gastrectomy (at least D2 radical range) + No.12b lymph node dissection in the Department of Gastric Surgery of Liaoning Cancer Hospital from January 2007 to December 2012. Immunohistochemical staining with antibody CK8/18 was used to detect micrometastasis to lymph nodes. Patients with positive findings on hematoxylin and eosin stained specimens and/or CK8/18 positivity in No.12b lymph node were diagnosed as having No.12b (micro)metastasis and included in the No.12b positive group. All other patients were classified as 12b negative. We investigated the impact of No.12b (micro)metastasis by comparing the clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence free survival (RFS) of these two groups of patients and subjecting possible risk factors to statistical analysis.Results:Traditional hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that 15/242 patients were positive for No.12b lymph nodes and 227 were negative. A total of 241 negative No. 12b lymph nodes were detected. Immunohistochemical testing revealed that seven of these 241 No.12b lymph nodes (2.9%) were positive for micrometastasis. A further seven positive nodes were identified among the 227 nodes (3.1%) that had been evaluated as negative on hematoxylin–eosin-stained sections. Thus, 22 /242 patients' (9.1%) No.12b nodes were positive for micrometastases, the remaining 220 (90.9%) being negative. Factor analysis showed that No.12b lymph node (micro) metastasis is associated with more severe invasion of the gastric serosa (HR=3.873, 95%CI: 1.676-21.643, P=0.006), T3 stage (HR=1.615, 95%CI: 1.113-1.867, P=0.045), higher N stage (HR=1.768, 95%CI: 1.187-5.654, P=0.019), phase III of TNM stage (HR=2.129, 95%CI: 1.102-3.475, P=0.046), and lymph node metastasis in the No.1/No.8a/No.12a groups (HR=0.451, 95%CI: 0.121-0.552, P=0.035; HR=0.645, 95%CI:0.071-0.886, P=0.032; HR=1.512, 95%CI: 1.381-2.100, P=0.029, respectively). Survival analysis showed that the 5-year RFS of patients in the No.12b positive group was worse than that of those in the No.12b negative group (18.2% vs. 34.5%, P<0.001). Independent predictors of RFS were poorer differentiation of the primary tumor (HR=0.528, 95%CI:0.288-0.969, P=0.039), more severe serous invasion (HR=1.262, 95%CI:1.039-1.534, P=0.019), higher T/N/TNM stage (HR=4.880, 95%CI: 1.909-12.476, P<0.001; HR=2.332, 95%CI: 1.640-3.317, P<0.001; HR=0.139, 95%CI: 0.027-0.713, P=0.018, respectively), and lymph node metastasis in the No.12a/No.12b group(HR=0.698, 95%CI:0.518-0.941, P=0.018; HR=0.341, 95%CI:0.154-0.758, P=0.008, respectively). Conclusion:Detection of micrometastasis can improve the rate of positive lymph nodes. In patients with gastric antrum cancer, dissection of group No.12b lymph nodes may improve the prognosis of those with intraoperative evidence of tumor invasion into the serosa, more than two lymph node metastases, and suspicious lymph nodes in groups No.1 / No.8a / 12a.
9.Gene therapy strategies and prospects for neurofibromatosis type 1.
Tingting ZHENG ; Beiyao ZHU ; Zhichao WANG ; Qingfeng LI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2024;38(1):1-8
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the gene therapy strategies for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and related research progress.
METHODS:
The recent literature on gene therapy for NF1 at home and abroad was reviewed. The structure and function of the NF1 gene and its mutations were analyzed, and the current status as well as future prospects of the transgenic therapy and gene editing strategies were summarized.
RESULTS:
NF1 is an autosomal dominantly inherited tumor predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene, which impair the function of the neurofibromin and lead to the disease. It has complex clinical manifestations and is not yet curable. Gene therapy strategies for NF1 are still in the research and development stage. Existing studies on the transgenic therapy for NF1 have mainly focused on the construction and expression of the GTPase-activating protein-related domain in cells that lack of functional neurofibromin, confirming the feasibility of the transgenic therapy for NF1. Future research may focus on split adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery, oversized AAV gene delivery, and the development of new vectors for targeted delivery of full-length NF1 cDNA. In addition, the gene editing tools of the new generation have great potential to treat monogenic genetic diseases such as NF1, but need to be further validated in terms of efficiency and safety.
CONCLUSION
Gene therapy, including both the transgenic therapy and gene editing, is expected to become an important new therapeutic approach for NF1 patients.
Humans
;
Neurofibromatosis 1/pathology*
;
Neurofibromin 1/metabolism*
;
GTPase-Activating Proteins
;
Mutation
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Genetic Therapy
10.Advances and Challenges in the Research of Integration Methods of Animal Experimental Evidence
Qingyong ZHENG ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Zhichao MA ; Na WANG ; Molan LI ; Wenjing YANG ; Peirun WU ; Haidong WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(5):567-576
Integrating evidence from animal experiments is a critical component of biomedical research, providing essential prior information for in-depth investigations of disease mechanisms and new drug development. Animal models have played an irreplaceable role in simulating human diseases. However, the integration of evidence from animal experiments has faced numerous challenges, including insufficient emphasis, significant heterogeneity in study designs, high publication bias, and discrepancies with clinical research practices. This paper first identifies existing issues in the original research evidence from animal experiments, such as the selection and applicability of animal models, considerations in the design of experimental studies, and factors influencing the translation of animal experimental evidence. It then discusses various methods for integrating this evidence, including systematic review and meta-analysis, overview of systematic review/umbrella review, scoping review, and evidence mapping, while highlighting recent advancements in their application. Finally, the paper addresses the main challenges currently encountered in the integration of evidence from animal experiments and proposes targeted improvement strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of translating research outcomes into clinical practice and promoting the advancement of evidence-based medicine. By continuously optimizing original experimental research protocols and evidence integration practices, this work aims to establish a more efficient and scientific environment for the synthesis of evidence from animal experiments, ultimately contributing to clinical trials and human health.

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