1.Advances and challenges in drug design against dental caries: Application of in silico approaches.
Zhongxin CHEN ; Xinyao ZHAO ; Hanyu ZHENG ; Yufei WANG ; Linglin ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):101161-101161
Dental caries, a chronic disease characterized by tooth decay, occupies the second position in terms of disease burden and is primarily caused by cariogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, because of its acidogenic, aciduric, and biofilm-forming capabilities. Developing novel targeted anti-virulence agents is always a focal point in caries control to overcome the limitations of conventional anti-virulence agents. The current study represents an up-to-date review of in silico approaches of drug design against dental caries, which have emerged more and more powerful complementary to biochemical attempts. Firstly, we categorize the in silico approaches into computer-aided drug design (CADD) and AI-assisted drug design (AIDD) and highlight the specific methods and models they contain respectively. Subsequently, we detail the design of anti-virulence drugs targeting single or multiple cariogenic virulence targets of S. mutans, such as glucosyltransferases (Gtfs), antigen I/II (AgI/II), sortase A (SrtA), the VicRK signal transduction system and superoxide dismutases (SODs). Finally, we outline the current opportunities and challenges encountered in this field to aid future endeavors and applications of CADD and AIDD in anti-virulence drug design.
2.Advances and challenges in drug design against dental caries:Application of in silico approaches
Zhongxin CHEN ; Xinyao ZHAO ; Hanyu ZHENG ; Yufei WANG ; Linglin ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):1202-1214
Dental caries,a chronic disease characterized by tooth decay,occupies the second position in terms of disease burden and is primarily caused by cariogenic bacteria,especially Streptococcus mutans,because of its acidogenic,aciduric,and biofilm-forming capabilities.Developing novel targeted anti-virulence agents is always a focal point in caries control to overcome the limitations of conventional anti-virulence agents.The current study represents an up-to-date review of in silico approaches of drug design against dental caries,which have emerged more and more powerful complementary to biochemical attempts.Firstly,we categorize the in silico approaches into computer-aided drug design(CADD)and AI-assisted drug design(AIDD)and highlight the specific methods and models they contain respectively.Subsequently,we detail the design of anti-virulence drugs targeting single or multiple cariogenic virulence targets of S.mutans,such as glucosyltransferases(Gtfs),antigen Ⅰ/Ⅱ(AgⅠ/Ⅱ),sortase A(SrtA),the VicRK signal transduction system and superoxide dismutases(SODs).Finally,we outline the current opportunities and challenges encountered in this field to aid future endeavors and applications of CADD and AIDD in anti-virulence drug design.
3.Consistency of trichoscopic fields in androgenetic alopecia patients by using scalp medical pigmentation ink as visual marker
Yi ZHOU ; Xifei QIAN ; Chongxiang FAN ; Lu ZHU ; Jun ZHAO ; Zhongxin SUN ; Jufang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(5):500-506
Objective:To investigate the consistency of trichoscopic fields in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients by using scalp medical pigmentation (SMP) ink as visual marker, as well as the safety and durability.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with AGA who visited the Medical Cosmetology Center, Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine from April to August 2024. Trichoscopic images were captured immediately and three months after using SMP ink for visual marker. Each patient’s two trichoscopic images were imported into Photoshop CC 2019 software for processing to obtain the location information of the marker, the distance between the marker center and the image center, and pigments areas. Consistency of markers during repeated trichoscopy was evaluated by comparing distances between pigment center and image center. The difference in distance between the two time points (3-month distance minus immediate-post-marking distance) was defined as "distance difference". Patients were divided into the same-operator group and different-operator group based on whether the two trichoscopy examinations were performed by the same operator. The impact of operator changes on the consistency of markers during repeated trichoscopy was assessed by comparing the "distance difference" between the two groups. Additionally, patients were categorized into single-point, double-point, and triple-point groups according to the number of markers. The influence of marker quantity on consistency of the markers was evaluated by comparing the "distance difference" among these three groups. Pigment spread was assessed by comparing pigment actural area in repeated trichoscopic images. Adverse reactions and ink fading within three months were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software.The normal distribution measurement data was expressed as Mean ± SD, and the non-normal distribution measurement data was expressed as M ( Q1, Q3). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied for comparison of the distance between the marker center and the image center in the preceding and subsequent trichoscopic images. Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparison between the same-operator group and the different-operator group, and the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used for comparison among the single-point, double-point, and triple-point groups. The paired sample t-test was used for comparison of the pigment actural area during repeated measurements. P<0.05 indicated statistically significant differences. Results:A total of 22 male AGA patients (aged 24-43 years) were included, with 46 pigment points marked (8 single-point, 4 double-point, 10 triple-point). Same-operator and different-operator groups comprised of 13 and 9 patients, respectively. No significant difference was found in distances between marker center and image center immediately vs. 3 months post-marking [0.91 (0.62, 1.53) mm vs. 0.83 (0.62, 1.22) mm, Z=-0.83, P=0.408]. Comparisons of the "distance difference" between the same-operator and different-operator groups, and among the single-point, double-point, and triple-point groups, showed no statistically significant differences (all P> 0.05). Pigment areas increased by (0.11±0.12) mm 2 at 3 months ( t=-6.47, P<0.001). All pigments exhibited fading within 3 months but remained identifiable without touch-up. Adverse reactions were minimal: mild puncture-site bleeding was observed, with no pigment-related allergies, foreign-body reactions, or significant scarring. Conclusion:Single-point SMP pigment enables reliable and consistent visualization of trichoscopic measurement points in AGA patients, unaffected by operator changes. The method demonstrates clinical convenience, flexibility, high safety, and long-term durability.
4.Consistency of trichoscopic fields in androgenetic alopecia patients by using scalp medical pigmentation ink as visual marker
Yi ZHOU ; Xifei QIAN ; Chongxiang FAN ; Lu ZHU ; Jun ZHAO ; Zhongxin SUN ; Jufang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(5):500-506
Objective:To investigate the consistency of trichoscopic fields in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients by using scalp medical pigmentation (SMP) ink as visual marker, as well as the safety and durability.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with AGA who visited the Medical Cosmetology Center, Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine from April to August 2024. Trichoscopic images were captured immediately and three months after using SMP ink for visual marker. Each patient’s two trichoscopic images were imported into Photoshop CC 2019 software for processing to obtain the location information of the marker, the distance between the marker center and the image center, and pigments areas. Consistency of markers during repeated trichoscopy was evaluated by comparing distances between pigment center and image center. The difference in distance between the two time points (3-month distance minus immediate-post-marking distance) was defined as "distance difference". Patients were divided into the same-operator group and different-operator group based on whether the two trichoscopy examinations were performed by the same operator. The impact of operator changes on the consistency of markers during repeated trichoscopy was assessed by comparing the "distance difference" between the two groups. Additionally, patients were categorized into single-point, double-point, and triple-point groups according to the number of markers. The influence of marker quantity on consistency of the markers was evaluated by comparing the "distance difference" among these three groups. Pigment spread was assessed by comparing pigment actural area in repeated trichoscopic images. Adverse reactions and ink fading within three months were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software.The normal distribution measurement data was expressed as Mean ± SD, and the non-normal distribution measurement data was expressed as M ( Q1, Q3). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied for comparison of the distance between the marker center and the image center in the preceding and subsequent trichoscopic images. Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparison between the same-operator group and the different-operator group, and the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used for comparison among the single-point, double-point, and triple-point groups. The paired sample t-test was used for comparison of the pigment actural area during repeated measurements. P<0.05 indicated statistically significant differences. Results:A total of 22 male AGA patients (aged 24-43 years) were included, with 46 pigment points marked (8 single-point, 4 double-point, 10 triple-point). Same-operator and different-operator groups comprised of 13 and 9 patients, respectively. No significant difference was found in distances between marker center and image center immediately vs. 3 months post-marking [0.91 (0.62, 1.53) mm vs. 0.83 (0.62, 1.22) mm, Z=-0.83, P=0.408]. Comparisons of the "distance difference" between the same-operator and different-operator groups, and among the single-point, double-point, and triple-point groups, showed no statistically significant differences (all P> 0.05). Pigment areas increased by (0.11±0.12) mm 2 at 3 months ( t=-6.47, P<0.001). All pigments exhibited fading within 3 months but remained identifiable without touch-up. Adverse reactions were minimal: mild puncture-site bleeding was observed, with no pigment-related allergies, foreign-body reactions, or significant scarring. Conclusion:Single-point SMP pigment enables reliable and consistent visualization of trichoscopic measurement points in AGA patients, unaffected by operator changes. The method demonstrates clinical convenience, flexibility, high safety, and long-term durability.
5.Expert consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia in specified populations
Guihai CHEN ; Liying DENG ; Yijie DU ; Zhili HUANG ; Fan JIANG ; Furui JIN ; Yanpeng LI ; Chun-Feng LIU ; Jiyang PAN ; Yanhui PENG ; Changjun SU ; Jiyou TANG ; Tao WANG ; Zan WANG ; Huijuan WU ; Rong XUE ; Yuechang YANG ; Fengchun YU ; Huan YU ; Shuqin ZHAN ; Hongju ZHANG ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhengqing ZHAO ; Zhongxin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(8):841-852
Clinicians need to focus on various points in the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.This article prescribed the treatment protocol based on the unique features,such as insomnia in the elderly,women experiencing specific physiologi-cal periods,children insomnia,insomnia in sleep-breathing disorder patients,insomnia in patients with chronic liver and kidney dysfunction.It pro-vides some reference for clinicians while they make decision on diagnosis,differentiation and treat-ment methods.
6.Clinical research progress of dual orexin receptor antagonist lemborexant in the treatment of insomnia
Xiangxiang ZHAO ; Zhongxin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2022;55(6):659-664
In past two decades, understanding of the role of the orexin system in regulating sleep and wakefulness has increased rapidly. Lemborexant, as a dual orexin receptor antagonist, has been approved in some countries for the treatment of insomnia disorders. Existing studies have shown that its safety and tolerability are significantly superior to traditional hypnotic drugs, and it will be new option for treating insomnia disorders. This article reviews the pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety of lemborexant.
7.Influences of times of venous thromboembolism drug prophylaxis in deep vein thrombosis formation in patients with severe craniocerebral injury after surgical treatment
Zhongxin YANG ; Haibo LIU ; Tianquan ZHAO ; Kai YU ; Lie ZHANG ; Xiaoying CAO ; Yinjun FAN ; Xun XIA
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2022;21(10):1026-1029
Objective:To explore the influences of times of venous thromboembolism (VTE) drug prophylaxis in formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with severe craniocerebral injury after surgical treatment.Methods:Ninety patients with severe craniocerebral injury, admitted to our hospital from February 2021 to December 2021, were chosen in our study; they were divided into early group ( n=47, less than 48 h from the time of admission) and late group ( n=43, more than 48 h from the time of admission) according to the times of initiation for VTE drug prophylaxis (low molecular weight heparin calcium injection [LMWH] 100 IU/Kg was injected subcutaneously once a d). One week after injection, the DVT formation in the lower limbs, intracranial rebleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding and death were compared in the two groups. Results:The times of initiation for drug prophylaxis in the early group and late group were (28.91±4.50) h and (71.56±8.89) h. The DVT formation in the early group was significantly lower than that in the late group (12.8% vs. 34.9%, P<0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of intracranial rebleeding, mortality or gastrointestinal bleeding between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Early initiation of VTE drug prophylaxis can significantly reduce the incidence of DVT in patients with severe craniocerebral injury after surgical treatment, enjoying high safety.
8.Predictive value of bioelectrical impedance analysis-measured body fat to abnormal lipid profiles in children and adolescents: the optimal cut-off values of body fat
Hong CHENG ; Haibo LI ; Dongqing HOU ; Aiyu GAO ; Zhongxin ZHU ; Zhaocang YU ; Hongjian WANG ; Xiaoyuan ZHAO ; Pei XIAO ; Guimin HUANG ; Jie MI
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2021;36(1):36-41
Objective:To assess the predictive values of bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA)-measured body fat indices to abnormal lipid profiles, and to preliminary propose optimal cut-off values of body fat in children and adolescents.Methods:Children and adolescents, aged 6-16 years, were selected from 30 schools (8 primary schools, 21 middle schools and one 12-year education school) in Dongcheng, Tongzhou, Fangshan and Miyun districts of Beijing by adopting a stratified cluster sampling method from November 2017 to January 2018.Questionnaire survey, body mass index(BMI), body fat mass index (FMI), fat mass percentage (FMP) and four lipid profiles were conducted.Results:A total of 14 309 participants, aged (11.0±3.3) years, were enrolled in the analysis, with 49.9% boys.In boys and girls, the percentile values ( P60- P95) fitted by FMI and FMP with K-median-coefficient of variation(LMS) method were taken as the cutting points, and P75 values were selected as the cut-off points of excessive body fat for their better sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and area under curve (AUC) for identification of abnormal lipid profiles.Boys with FMI above P75 accounted for 28% of the total population, and controlling boys with FMI below P75 could prevent dyslipidemia of 8%-57%.FMI in girl population occupied about 26% of the above, and controlling FMI in girl population below this cut-off point may prevent dyslipidemia from 8%-42%.FMP observed similar results to FMI.Assessed by FMI or FMP with P75 cut-off values, adiposity performed better than BMI for recognizing abnormal lipid profiles in boys (AUC: 52.4%-69.6% vs.50.2%-67.1%, P<0.05) rather than in girls ( P>0.05). In addition, when FMI or FMP beyond P90, the specificity of each abnormal lipid profiles was around 90%. Conclusions:The recommend cut-off points for body fat may be to assess children′s adiposity, and can be applied in preventive activities.
9. Pathophysiology and cognitive behavioral therapy of chronic insomnia
Zhengqing ZHAO ; Yanpeng LI ; Xiaoxia XIANG ; Jianhua ZHUANG ; Zhongxin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2021;26(5):482-486
The occurrence and development of chronic insomnia involves subjective and objective factors, which can be classified as predisposing factors, precipitating factors and perpetuating factors. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) evolves from the pathopsychological analysis of chronic insomnia patients, and selectively combines the sleep hygiene, cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy to improve the symptoms of patients. With the popularity of internet, the digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia has an convenient advantage over the traditional therapy, and has become the focus of research. Researchers have proposed multiple therapies for chronic insomnia, including drug therapy and non-drug therapy, which improve the treatment effect of chronic insomnia from different perspectives.
10. Progress in clinical diagnosis and drug treatment of chronic insomnia
Yanpeng LI ; Zhengqing ZHAO ; Wenwen WANG ; Jianhua ZHUANG ; Zhongxin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2021;26(5):487-490
The clinical symptoms of chronic insomnia are various, the clinical diagnosis process needs to be combined with sleep parameters, daytime symptoms and psychological status of patients. Recently, the neuroimaging research suggests that chronic insomnia patients have certain structural changes and functional changes, which leads a new direction for the following research. The new drugs for the treatment of chronic insomnia, improving receptor specificity or increasing intervention targets, will provides more choices for patients.

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