1.Clinical observation of radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment for conjunctivochalasis-induced epiphora
Xuan ZHENG ; Xiaozhao YANG ; Hua YANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Bo WANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):528-533
AIM: To evaluate the surgical outcomes and changes in the ocular surface microenvironment following radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment for conjunctivochalasis-induced epiphora.METHODS: Patients with epiphora primarily caused by conjunctivochalasis were enrolled. All patients had conjunctivochalasis of ≥grade II, and their symptoms showed no significant improvement after previous pharmacological treatment. All patients underwent radiofrequency minimally invasive correction of conjunctivochalasis, supplemented with artificial tears, anti-inflammatory therapy, and ocular surface repair treatment postoperatively. At 8 wk post-surgery, the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), eye redness, tear secretion, non-invasive tear break-up time, lipid layer thickness, tear ferning test, and conjunctival impression cytology were assessed to compare treatment efficacy and observe changes in the ocular surface microenvironment.RESULTS: A total of 43 cases(43 eyes)of conjunctivochalasis and with a main complaint of epiphora were included, including 23 males and 20 males, with a mean age of 64.69±3.36 years. The total effective rate of surgery was 91% at 8 wk postoperatively. Compared with preoperative values, the OSDI scores significantly decreased and the non-invasive tear break-up time was prolonged at 8 wk post-surgery(all P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in lipid layer thickness or tear secretion at 8 wk postoperatively(all P>0.05). The normal rate of chloramphenicol taste test increased from 21% preoperatively to 63% postoperatively; the normal rate of eye redness increased from 40% to 70%; normal rate of tear ferning grading improved from 30% to 63%; and normal conjunctival impression cytology grading increased from 21% to 74%.CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment is effective for conjunctivochalasis and is straightforward to perform. Patients with conjunctivochalasis often present with other ocular surface issues beyond conjunctivochalasis itself, such as insufficient tear secretion, reduced lipid layer thickness, and other dry eye-related problems. Therefore, a comprehensive approach emphasizing tear dynamics should be adopted during treatment.
2.Surveillance of Oncomelania hupensis snails following interruption of schistosomiasis transmission in Yunnan Province
Siqi NING ; Yi DONG ; Chunhong DU ; Lifang WANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Yuhe HE ; Hua JIANG ; Jiayu SUN ; Chunqiong CHEN ; Jiaqi YAN ; Jihua ZHOU ; Zongya ZHANG ; Hongqiong WANG ; Meifen SHEN ; Jing SONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(2):200-206
Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails in Yunnan Province fol-lowing interruption of schistosomiasis transmission, so as to provide the evidence for assessing the risk of schistosomiasis transmission and scientifically formulating the schistosomiasis surveillance program. Methods According to the requirements of the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Scheme (2020 Edition), O. hupensis snail surveillance data were collected from 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2024, including area of snail survey, area of snail habitats, area of re-emerging snail habitats, number of frames surveyed, number of frames with O. hupensis snails, number of O. hupensis snails captured, and number of living snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails were calculated. Changes in snail status over the 5-year period from 2020 to 2024 and the differences in snail distributions specified by epidemic intensity, environmental type, and vegetation type were analyzed. Results The areas of snail survey increased from 1 727.96 hm2 in 2020 to 3 894.45 hm2 in 2024 (peak) across 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province during the period from 2020 through 2024. The areas of snail habitats increased from 70.36 hm2 in 2020 to a peak in 2023 (172.04 hm2), followed by a reduction to 132.36 hm2 in 2024, and the areas of re-emerging snail habitats increased from 42.71 hm2 in 2020 to a peak in 2022 (78.43 hm2), followed by a reduction to 40.21 hm2 in 2024. The occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails increased from 1.24% (3 025/244 404) and (0.033 2 ± 0.038 7) snails/0.1 m2 in 2020 to peaks at 2.03% (6 231/307 563) and (0.066 9 ± 0.068 4) snails/0.1 m2 in 2023, followed by reductions to 1.04% (5 829/559 941) and (0.032 6 ± 0.057 7) snails/0.1 m2 in 2024, respectively. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of frames with snails over the 5-year study period (χ2 = 1 962.95, P < 0.05), and the occurrence of frames with snails reduced by 48.71% in 2024 relative to in 2023 (χ2 = 1 411.05, P < 0.005); however, there was no significant difference in the mean density of living snails over the 5 years (H = 5.310, P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 481.27, P < 0.05) and mean density of living snails (H = 6.872, P < 0.05) in schistosomiasis-endemic areas with different epidemic intensities. The occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 25.32 and 38.70, both P values < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = 28.55 and 49.96, both P values < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted and eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas without snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails (χ2 = 453.54, P < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = −56.97, P < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted areas with snails. O. hupensis snails were mainly distributed in paddy fields, dry farmlands and ditches; however, the occurrence of frames with snails (13.40%, 424/3 164) and mean density of living snails [(0.252 8 ± 0.158 7) snails/0.1 m2] were higher in ponds/weirs than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Rice, dry farmland crops and weeds were main vegetations in which O. hupensis snails were distributed, and the occurrence of frames with snails (2.29%, 7 111/310 140) and mean density of living snails [(0.072 3 ± 0.018 9) snails/0.1 m2] were higher in weeds than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Conclusions O. hupensis snails have been effectively controlled in Yunnan Province following implementation of integrated schistosomiasis control measures; however, there are still risk factors for schistosomiasis transmission, including reduced attention to schistosomiasis control and snail re-emergence. Improved control efforts and surveillance system construction and timely identification of risk factors of snail status and timely management are recommended to ensure the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination as scheduled.
3.Harnessing Machine Learning for Personalized Care of Patients With Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Yen-Ting GUO ; Ching-Ting TAN ; Chen-Chi WU ; Chun-Ying WANG ; Chein-Yu HUANG ; Tzu-Hsiang YANG ; Ting-Yi LEE ; Ting-Hua YANG ; Tien-Chen LIU ; Pey-Yu CHEN ; Pei-Hsuan LIN
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(2):194-204
Objectives:
. Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a significant cause of hearing loss. Intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) is commonly used as an initial or salvage treatment; however, the lack of a standardized treatment protocol has resulted in variability in clinical practice. In addition, no efficient prediction model currently exists to support personalized management. Therefore, this study aimed to develop tailored management strategies for ISSNHL using a machine-learning model.
Methods:
. This retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2020, with data analysis performed between January 2021 and March 2024. Patients were selected based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision criteria for ISSNHL, along with relevant medication and procedure codes. Patients with pure-tone audiogram results not meeting ISSNHL criteria, better initial hearing in the affected ear, an identifiable etiology, no post-treatment audiogram, or delayed treatment (>6 weeks) were excluded. We included 770 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL who received ITSI. The primary outcome was the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction performance. Recovery status was determined using the last pure-tone audiogram. Modeling was conducted on the Quanta for Medical Care AI platform using five machine-learning algorithms and a nested cross-validation framework, in which feature selection and hyperparameter tuning were performed in the inner folds and model performance was evaluated in the outer folds.
Results:
. A random forest classifier outperformed the other models in predicting hearing outcomes, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.788. Time to ITSI was the most influential treatment-related factor, with ITSI administered within 10 days of hearing loss being associated with better outcomes. This model can be used to provide personalized prognostic estimates under different treatment protocols.
Conclusion
. The machine-learning-based prediction model facilitates personalized treatment strategies and timely treatment adjustments for ISSNHL, thereby optimizing the likelihood of complete recovery.
4.Elucidating the Epigenetic Landscape of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Multi-Omics Analysis Revealing Novel CpG Sites and Their Association with Cardiometabolic Traits
Ren-Hua CHUNG ; Chun-Chao WANG ; Djeane Debora ONTHONI ; Ben-Yang LIAO ; Tzu-Sheng HSU ; Eden R. MARTIN ; Chao A. HSIUNG ; Wayne Huey-Herng SHEU ; Hung-Yi CHIOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2026;50(1):153-164
Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, multifactorial disease with a significant global burden. Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many T2DM-associated variants, most lie in non-coding regions, making it difficult to interpret their functional roles.
Methods:
We aimed to identify genetically regulated Cytosine–phosphate–Guanine (CpG) sites associated with T2DM by conducting a methylome-wide association study (MWAS), followed by Mendelian randomization (MR) and functional validation using human pancreatic cells and mouse models. MWAS was performed using summary statistics from large-scale GWAS and a DNA methylation (DNAm) prediction model to test associations between genetically predicted DNAm and T2DM.
Results:
We identified 111 CpG sites significantly associated with T2DM in Europeans, including 8 novel sites near genes not previously linked to T2DM. These findings were replicated in independent datasets. Many CpGs also showed associations with cardiometabolic traits, highlighting shared epigenetic mechanisms. Trans-ethnic MR analysis confirmed consistent effects for six CpGs in East Asians. Functional analysis revealed that several CpGs regulate gene expression in human pancreatic α- and β-cells. Among them, 2´-5´-oligoadenylate synthetase like (OASL) expression, regulated by a significant CpG, was differentially expressed in α-cells of T2DM cases compared to controls. Supporting evidence from mouse models suggests a role for OASL in glucose regulation.
Conclusion
Our study identifies novel genetically regulated CpG sites associated with T2DM risk and highlights OASL as a potential epigenetic regulator of glucose metabolism in α-cells. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the epigenetic architecture of T2DM and suggest potential targets for cross-ethnic biomarker development and therapeutic intervention.
5.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
6.Study on quality standards of Liuwei Runfu oil recipe
Yue HU ; Yi WANG ; Minghua MA ; Fulun LI ; Hua NIAN ; Jianyong ZHU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(7):353-357
Objective To establish a standardized quality criterion for the formula of the Liuwei Runfu oil recipe. Methods The qualitative identification of the components, such as Cannabis sativa, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Angelica sinensis, Coix lacryma-jobi, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, was conducted by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The concentration of Senkyunolide A, ligustilide, and linoleic acid was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results The TLC identification results demonstrated excellent differentiation and high selectivity, without any disruption from the negative samples. The reference standard for Senkyunolide A exhibited excellent linearity in the range of 25 to 300 µg (r=0.9999), with an average recovery rate of 102.3% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.3%. The ligustilide reference standard exhibited strong linearity between the concentrations of 0.6875 and 8.25 µg (r=0.9993), with an average recovery rate of 100.1% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.8%. The linoleic acid reference standard demonstrated strong linear correlation within the range of 2.8125 to 33.75 µg (r=0.9990), with an average spiking recovery rate of 102.7% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.7%. Conclusion The established method with strong specificity was simple,accurate,reliable,which coulod provide a reference for the quality control of the Liuwei Runfu oil recipe.
7.Effects of Modified Guomin Decoction (加味过敏煎) on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Quality of Life in Patients with Mild to Moderate Atopic Dermatitis of Heart Fire and Spleen Deficiency Pattern:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Jing NIE ; Rui PANG ; Lingjiao QIAN ; Hua SU ; Yuanwen LI ; Xinyuan WANG ; Jingxiao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Yunong WANG ; Yue LI ; Panpan ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1031-1037
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Modified Guomin Decoction (加味过敏煎, MGD) in patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency, and to explore its possible mechanisms. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 72 patients with mild to moderate AD and the TCM pattern of heart fire and spleen deficiency were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 36 cases in each group. The treatment group received oral MGD granules combined with topical vitamin E emulsion, while the control group received oral placebo granules combined with topical vitamin E treatment. Both groups were treated twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pruritus, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores, Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and serum biomarkers, including interleukin-33 (IL-33), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), immunoglobulin E (IgE), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were compared before and after treatment. Safety indexes was also assessed. ResultsThe total clinical effective rates were 77.78% (28/36) in the treatment group and 38.89% (14/36) in the control group, with cure rates of 19.44% (7/36) and 2.78% (1/36), respectively. The treatment group showed significantly better clinical outcomes compared to the control group (P<0.05). The treatment group exhibited significant reductions in total TCM syndrome scores, including erythema, edema, papules, scaling, lichenification, pruritus, irritability, insomnia, abdominal distension, and fatigue scores, as well as reductions in VAS, DLQI, SCORAD, and serum IgE and IL-33 levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly better improvements in all indicators except for insomnia (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionMGD is effective and safe in treating mild to moderate AD patients with heart fire and spleen deficiency pattern. It significantly alleviates pruritus, improves TCM syndromes and quality of life, and enhances clinical efficacy, possibly through modulation of immune responses.
8.Advancement in the mechanism and influencing factors of retinal displacement after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery
Shengnan LI ; Li WANG ; Xiaojing YI ; Hua WANG ; Hui REN
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):924-927
Retinal displacement refers to the strong fluorescent lines parallel to the retinal vessels that are detected through autofluorescence examination after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)surgery. Actually, even if patients with RRD achieve macroscopic structural reattachment after the operation, the visual function of some patients remains suboptimal. This is associated with the incomplete recovery of retinal function, and retinal displacement is one of the critical influencing factors. This paper reviews the related concepts of retinal displacement and systematically summarizes the incidence of retinal displacement after RRD surgery and its impact on function, the possible mechanisms of retinal displacement, and the influence of various factors on the occurrence of retinal displacement reported in the recent 5 a. It is conducive to enabling surgeons to conduct better design and planning for retinal reattachment surgeries, then achieve higher integrity of retinal function recovery, and enable patients to obtain better postoperative visual function.
9.Effect of neutrophil elastase inhibitor on acute respiratory distress syndrome in children
Hua ZHANG ; Weikai WANG ; Zhangyan GUO ; Yanqiang DU ; Yong ZHOU ; Yi WANG
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(1):55-60
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of neutrophil elastase inhibitor in children with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods:A total of 168 children with moderate to severe ARDS who were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit,the Affiliated Children′s Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University and Children's Emergency Center of Gansu Provincial Central Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected. Eighty-seven children receiving neutrophil elastase inhibitors were treated as the treatment group and 81 children receiving conventional treatment as the control group. The dynamic changes of general data,clinical indicators and ventilator parameters at 24 h,48 h and 72 h were compared between the two groups. Mortality at 28 days was the primary endpoint. Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-Rank test were used to evaluate cumulative survival.Results:There was no significant difference in general information and clinical characteristics between the two groups.Compared with the control group,arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO 2)/fraction of inspired oxygen(FiO 2)in the treatment group increased significantly at 48 h[(160.28±5.90)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)vs(141.04±4.01)mmHg, P<0.05]and 72 h[(227.58±6.85)mmHg vs(180.86±4.08)mmHg, P<0.05],and the differences were statistically significant.The platform pressure in the treatment group were lower than that of the control group at 24 h[(28.18±3.95)cmH 2O(1cmH 2O=0.098 kPa)vs(30.15±7.75)cmH 2O, P<0.05],48 h[(25.56±4.06)cmH 2O vs(29.07±5.01)cmH 2O, P<0.05],72 h[(24.95±2.82)cmH 2O vs(27.12±6.51)cmH 2O, P<0.05],and the differences were statistically significant. IL-8 in the treatment group were lower than that of the control group at 48 h[(78.26±14.05)ng/L vs(86.02±15.01)ng/L, P<0.05]and 72 h[(58.38±15.56)ng/L vs(68.68±18.05)ng/L, P<0.05],and the differences were statistically significant.The survival curve showed that the cumulative survival rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant( χ2=4.549, P=0.033). Conclusion:Neutrophil elastase inhibitors can reduce the lung injury of ARDS patients by inhibiting the inflammatory response induced by neutrophils,and ultimately improve the prognosis of the disease.
10.Clinical efficacy comparison of ileal conduit,flap embedding method,and traditional cutaneous ureteros-tomy in patients with bladder cancer
Xufeng YU ; Meimian HUA ; Shuxiong ZENG ; Wei HE ; Ziwei WANG ; Qing CHEN ; Chen ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Yi WANG ; Chuanliang XU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(10):1517-1524
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of different urinary diversions,specifically exploring whether the flap embedding technique can improve bladder cancer patients'quality of life and reduce the incidence of related complications.Methods 63 bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy with urinary diver-sion,between December 2022 and December 2023,were divided into three groups:Ileal conduit group(n=21),flap embedding technique group(n=21),and traditional cutaneous ureterostomy group(n=21).General clini-cal data,surgical data,preoperative and postoperative renal function indicators,incidence of complications within 6 months postoperatively,and quality of life scores were compared among the groups.Results The operative time in the ileal conduit group was longer than that in the other two groups(P<0.05).The quality of life scores in the flap embedding technique group were superior to those in the traditional cutaneous ureterostomy group(P<0.05),but no significant difference was found compared to the ileal conduit group(P>0.05).In terms of postoperative complications,the incidence of intestinal obstruction in the flap embedding technique group was lower than that in the ileal conduit group(P<0.05),and the rate of reinsertion of a single-J stent for hydronephrosis in the flap embedding technique group was lower than that in the traditional cutaneous ureterostomy group(P<0.05).Postop-erative serum creatinine levels in the traditional cutaneous ureterostomy group were significantly higher than preop-erative levels(P<0.05),while no significant differences in renal function indicators were observed in the other two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The flap embedding technique significantly improves patients'quality of life and reduces the incidence of postoperative complications.It is worthy of further promotion in clinical practice.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail