1.Construction and Practice of AI-Based Triadic Interactive Teaching Model for Surgical Animal Surgery
Kaikai MAO ; Xiu LI ; Chen ZHOU ; Jianfeng SANG ; Meng WANG ; Guang ZHANG ; Xiaozhi ZHAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):288-296
ObjectiveIn the context of the digital transformation of education, this study aims to construct a triadic interactive teaching model for surgical animal surgery in clinical medicine using modern information technology. It explores the effectiveness of different teaching methods in improving students' practical skills, aseptic awareness, and teamwork abilities, providing a reference for the reform of clinical practice education. MethodsA quasi-experimental research design was adopted. A total of 80 students from the eight-year clinical medicine program at Nanjing University were selected, including the Class of 2020 (control group, n=40) and the Class of 2021 (experimental group, n=40). The control group received traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group implemented the "Teacher-Student-AI" triadic interactive teaching model. This model utilized a smart teaching platform for personalized pre-class preparation , as well as data-driven post-class review and feedback throughout the entire teaching process. The "assessment indicators and scoring criteria for the surgical animal surgery course" were used to evaluate teaching effectiveness, with independent samples t-tests used for statistical analysis. ResultsPre-course assessments revealed no statistically significant differences in baseline theoretical knowledge or practical skills between the two groups (P>0.05). Upon completion of the course, the experimental group achieved higher scores than the control group across three key dimensions: practical skills (47.98±1.34 vs 46.92±2.51, P=0.022), aseptic awareness (17.84±1.16 vs 16.94±2.29, P=0.029), and teamwork (16.82±1.44 vs 15.95±1.22, P=0.004). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the scores for humane care awareness between the two groups (8.24±0.70 vs 8.16±0.53, P=0.589). ConclusionThe AI-based triadic interactive teaching model can, to some extent, address the limitations of traditional surgical animal surgery education. It plays a positive role in enhancing medical students' surgical skills, aseptic awareness, and collaborative abilities. This model facilitates the transition from traditional to personalized teaching and offers a practical framework for the digital reform of clinical practice education.
2.Surveillance of schistosomiasis in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024
Wei LI ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Liang SHI ; Tao WANG ; Yun FENG ; Lu LIU ; Kun YANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):8-13
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of schistosomiasis surveillance in Jiangsu Province during the stage moving from transmission control to transmission interruption, and to analyze the current risk and challenges, so as to provide the evidence for achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination. Methods Schistosomiasis surveillance data were collected from Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, and the endemic areas, Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock, Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution and implementation of integrated interventions were descriptively analyzed. In addition, the trends in areas with snails, seroprevalence of human S. japonicum infections and numbers of advanced schistosomiasis cases were assessed using a Joinpoint regression model. Results The endemic areas of schistosomiasis continued to shrink in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, with the number of schistosomiasis-eliminated counties (cities, districts) increasing from 53 (75.71%) to 63 (96.92%), and interruption of schistosomiasis transmission was achieved across the province. A total of 4 600 300 person-times were tested for serum antibodies against S. japonicum, with 28 719 person-times positive detected; and 616 500 person-times were tested S. japonicum infections among local residents in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2024, with only 3 egg-positives detected, and no egg-positives found since 2017. A total of 187 600 herd-times were tested for schistosomiasis in livestock, and no S. japonicum infections were found. O. hupensis snail survey was performed covering 1 018 408.97 hm2, and a total of 35 556.35 hm2 was found with snail-infested habitats, including 174.40 hm2 of emerging snail-infested habitats. A total of 1 102 800 O. hupensis snails were identified for S. japonicum infections, and no infections were found. The areas of snail-infested habitats appeared a tendency towards a rise in Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023 (APC = 23.67%, P < 0.05), and the actual areas of snail-infested habitats appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2015 (APC = −22.77%, P < 0.05), and towards a rise from 2015 to 2023 (APC = 9.76%, P < 0.01). The seroprevalence of anti-S. japonicum antibodies appeared a tendency towards a decline among residents in Jiangsu Province from 2017 to 2023 (APC = −14.92%, P < 0.01). In addition, the number of newly diagnosed advanced schistosomiasis cases appeared a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2024 (APC = −12.02%, P < 0.01), and the numbers of advanced schistosomiasis patients requiring treatment showed a tendency towards a decline from 2012 to 2021 (APC = −10.56%, P < 0.01) and from 2021 to 2023 (APC = −20.06%, P < 0.01). Conclusions Great progresses had been achieved in schistosomiasis control in Jiangsu Province following transmission control, and transmission interruption had been achieved; however, there are still snail-infested habitats. High-intensity surveillance and integrated control are required to be maintained to advance the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Jiangsu Province.
3.Transcriptomic responses of Bulinus globosus to extreme temperature and drought stress
Xinyao WANG ; Dandan PENG ; Ying YANG ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Kun YANG ; Shizhu LI ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):29-37
Objective To examine the impact of extreme temperature and drought stress on the survival of Bulinus globosus, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for the genomic research of Bulinus in absence of reference genes. Methods B. globosus snail samples were collected from Kiwani Shehia in Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and offspring snails were obtained through laboratory breeding and reproduction. A total of 120 10-week-old B. globosus snails from the same generation were selected and randomly assigned into four groups, including the high-temperature drought (HD) group, normal temperature drought (D) group, low-temperature drought (LD) group, and the control (C) group, of 30 snails in each group. Snails in HD, D, and LD groups were placed in beakers containing dry soil at the bottom and subsequently housed in climate chambers at 35, 26 ℃, and 10 ℃, respectively, while snails in Group C were maintained in 500 mL petri dishes containing dechlorinated tap water at 26 ℃. Following 3 days of breeding, living snails in each group were collected, and soft tissues were dissected and isolated. Total RNA was extracted from snail soft tissues for library construction, followed by high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina HiSeq 4000 sequencing system. De novo transcriptome assembly was performed using the Trinity software, and the longest transcripts were selected as unigenes. Gene functional annotations of unigenes were conducted using the Diamond software against Gene Ontology (GO) knowledgebase, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database, NCBI non-redundant (NR) protein sequences database, Protein Family (Pfam) database, and UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot (Swiss-Prot) knowledgebase. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed using the topGO and clusterProfiler software, respectively. In addition, four relevant genes were selected for validation using a real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) assay to verify the reliability of transcriptome sequencing results. Results Following 3 days of breeding, there were 7, 20, 28, and 30 survival B. globosus snails in HD, LD, D, and C groups, with corresponding survival rates of 23.33% (7/30), 66.67% (20/30), 93.33% (28/30), and 100.00% (30/30), respectively (χ2 = 52.72, P < 0.001). De novo transcriptome assembly generated 176 942 unigenes, with annotation rates of 0.98%, 13.49%, 26.46%, 12.48%, and 14.39% against GO knowledgebase, KEGG pathway database, NR protein sequences database, Pfam database, and Swiss-Prot knowledgebase, respectively. There were 33 up-regulated and 72 down-regulated genes in Group D, 483 up-regulated and 815 down-regulated genes in Group HD, and 245 up-regulated and 172 down-regulated genes in Group LD relative to in Group C. Following removal of overlapping genes across groups and unmatched genes, 11 candidate genes were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed 3 heat shock protein (HSP)-related DEGs in these 11 candidate genes, which were annotated as HSP12.2, HSP70, and HSP20 genes and were all significantly up-regulated in each treatment group. Three immune and nervous system-related DEGs were identified, and were all significantly down-regulated in each treatment group, which were involved in the neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein pathway, fibrinogen binding protein pathway, and leukocyte elastase inhibitor-like protein pathway. qRT-PCR assay quantified that the expression trends of four genes related to temperature and drought stress across different treatment groups were highly consistent with transcriptome sequencing data. Conclusion The survival rate of B. globosus significantly reduces under combined stresses of extreme temperature and drought, possibly due to an imbalance in its cellular homeostasis regulatory system.
4.LINC01667 reprogram fatty acid metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma by up-regulation of FABP5
Kainan ZHANG ; Xiang LI ; Jianfeng FU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(2):129-134,140
Objective To investigate the regulation of LINC01667 on fatty acid binding protein 5(FABP5)and its effect on fatty acid metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells.Methods Based on the dual luciferase reporter assay,the binding ability of LINC01667 to FABP5 promoter and its regulatory effect on promoter activity were detected..In addition,the effects of overexpression of LINC01667 on the content of in-tracellular lipid droplets in HCC cells and on the cellular free fatty acid uptake capacity were detected by Nile red staining and free fatty acid uptake assay,respectively.The effect of LINC01667/FABP5 on the migration and invasion of HCC cells was observed by Transwell experiment.Results LINC01667 could bind to FABP5 promoter and up-regulate FABP5 expression(P<0.05).Overexpression of LINC01667 could enhance the ac-cumulation of lipid droplets in HepG2 and HuH7 cells and enhance the uptake of free fatty acids(P<0.05).After targeted inhibition of FABP5,the enhancement of free fatty acid uptake of HCC cells mediated by LINC01667 and its migration and invasion ability were significantly weakened(P<0.01).Conclusion LINC01667 could remodel the fatty acid metabolism of HCC cells through the up-regulation of FABP5,and then promote the malignant process of HCC.
5.Application of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke
Ruiping ZHANG ; Huakun LIU ; Jianfeng CHU
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(4):282-286
In recent years, the role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke has received widespread attention. Researches have shown that n-3 PUFAs can reduce the risk of stroke and improve stroke outcome through various mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, improvement of endothelial function, promotion of angiogenesis, and anti-apoptotic effects, demonstrating potential in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke. This article reviews the mechanism of action and clinical research of n-3 PUFAs in ischemic stroke.
6.Effect of Qingxin Jieyu Granules on Artery Thrombosis and Akt/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in EA.hy926 Cells Exposed to TNF-α
Chenchen HE ; Chenyi WEI ; Zhenghao LYU ; Qiaoyan CAI ; Zhuye GAO ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianfeng CHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):89-97
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Qingxin Jieyu granules (QXJYG) on FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis in rats and on the expression of thrombosis-related proteins tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) as well as the protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in EA.hy926 cells exposed to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), thus preliminarily exploring the mechanism of QXJYG in inhibiting thrombosis. MethodsThirty-six SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, positive control (aspirin, 9 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.99, 1.98, 3.96 g·kg-1, respectively) QXJYG groups (n=6). The rats in the drug treatment groups were administrated with corresponding drugs, and those in the normal control group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water. After 14 consecutive days of prophylactic gavage, the rat model of common carotid artery thrombosis was established with 45% FeCl3 solution, and the blood vessels were collected and the wet weight of thrombus was weighed by an electronic balance (precision of 1/10 000). The thrombosis in the common carotid artery of each group of rats was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. An endothelial cell injury model was established by treating EA.hy926 human umbilical vein endothelial cells with TNF-α. The cell counting kit-8 method was used to screen the intervention concentrations of QXJYG. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of TF, TFPI, Akt, p-Akt, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 in each group of cells. ResultsThe animal experiment showed that compared with the normal control group, the model group showed an increase in carotid artery thrombus weight (P<0.05), with unclear vascular structure and extensive thrombosis in the lumen. In addition, the plasma levels of vWF, PECAM-1, and PAI-1 were elevated, while the t-PA level became lowered (P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the aspirin and QXJYG groups showed reductions in the weight of FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombi (P<0.05) and thrombosis in the lumen, declines in plasma levels of PECAM-1 and PAI-1, and an elevation in the t-PA level (P<0.05). Moreover, the QXJYG groups showed reductions in the plasma level of vWF (P<0.05), which, however, had no significant difference between the aspirin group and the model group. The cell experiments indicated that 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500 mg·L-1 QXJYG had no effect on the viability of EA.hy926 cells. Therefore, 250, 500 mg·L-1 QXJYG were selected as the intervention concentrations for subsequent experiments. Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group, the TNF-α stimulation downregulated the expression of TFPI (P<0.05), upregulated the expression of TF, and increased the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05) in EA.hy926 cells. Compared with the model group, the intervention with QXJYG upregulated the expression of TFPI (P<0.05), inhibited the expression of TF, and decreased the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05). ConclusionQXJYG has the effect of inhibiting thrombosis and regulating the expression of TF and TFPI in endothelial cells exposed to TNF-α by suppressing the abnormal activation of the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.
7.Expert consensus on digital restoration of complete dentures.
Yue FENG ; Zhihong FENG ; Jing LI ; Jihua CHEN ; Haiyang YU ; Xinquan JIANG ; Yongsheng ZHOU ; Yumei ZHANG ; Cui HUANG ; Baiping FU ; Yan WANG ; Hui CHENG ; Jianfeng MA ; Qingsong JIANG ; Hongbing LIAO ; Chufan MA ; Weicai LIU ; Guofeng WU ; Sheng YANG ; Zhe WU ; Shizhu BAI ; Ming FANG ; Yan DONG ; Jiang WU ; Lin NIU ; Ling ZHANG ; Fu WANG ; Lina NIU
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):58-58
Digital technologies have become an integral part of complete denture restoration. With advancement in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), tools such as intraoral scanning, facial scanning, 3D printing, and numerical control machining are reshaping the workflow of complete denture restoration. Unlike conventional methods that rely heavily on clinical experience and manual techniques, digital technologies offer greater precision, predictability, and efficacy. They also streamline the process by reducing the number of patient visits and improving overall comfort. Despite these improvements, the clinical application of digital complete denture restoration still faces challenges that require further standardization. The major issues include appropriate case selection, establishing consistent digital workflows, and evaluating long-term outcomes. To address these challenges and provide clinical guidance for practitioners, this expert consensus outlines the principles, advantages, and limitations of digital complete denture technology. The aim of this review was to offer practical recommendations on indications, clinical procedures and precautions, evaluation metrics, and outcome assessment to support digital restoration of complete denture in clinical practice.
Humans
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Denture, Complete
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Computer-Aided Design
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Denture Design/methods*
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Consensus
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Printing, Three-Dimensional
8.Evaluation of the performance of the artificial intelligence - enabled snail identification system for recognition of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and Tricula
Jihua ZHOU ; Shaowen BAI ; Liang SHI ; Jianfeng ZHANG ; Chunhong DU ; Jing SONG ; Zongya ZHANG ; Jiaqi YAN ; Andong WU ; Yi DONG ; Kun YANG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(1):55-60
Objective To evaluate the performance of the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled snail identification system for recognition of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and Tricula in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province. Methods Fifty O. hupensis robertsoni and 50 Tricula samples were collected from Yongbei Township, Yongsheng County, Lijiang City, a schistosomiasis-endemic area in Yunnan Province in May 2024. A total of 100 snail sample images were captured with smartphones, including front-view images of 25 O. hupensis robertsoni and 25 Tricula samples (upward shell opening) and back-view images of 25 O. hupensis robertsoni and 25 Tricula samples (downward shell opening). Snail samples were identified as O. hupensis robertsoni or Tricula by schistosomiasis control experts with a deputy senior professional title and above according to image quality and morphological characteristics. A standard dataset for snail image classification was created, and served as a gold standard for recognition of snail samples. A total of 100 snail sample images were recognized with the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system based on a WeChat mini program in smartphones. Schistosomiasis control professionals were randomly sampled from stations of schistosomisis prevention and control and centers for disease control and prevention in 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts, cities) of Yunnan Province, for artificial identification of 100 snail sample images. All professionals are assigned to two groups according the median years of snail survey experiences, and the effect of years of snail survey experiences on O. hupensis robertsoni sample image recognition was evaluated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Youden’s index and the area under the curve (AUC) of the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification were calculated for recognition of snail sample images. The snail sample image recognition results of AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification were compared with the gold standard, and the internal consistency of artificial identification results was evaluated with the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha. Results A total of 54 schistosomiasis control professionals were sampled for artificial identification of snail sample image recognition, with a response rate of 100% (54/54), and the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s index, and AUC of artificial identification were 90%, 86%, 94%, 0.80 and 0.90 for recognition of snail sample images, respectively. The overall Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of artificial identification was 0.768 for recognition of snail sample images, and the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was 0.916 for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images and 0.925 for recognition of Tricula snail sample images. The overall accuracy of artificial identification was 90% for recognition of snail sample images, and there was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni (86%) and Tricula snail sample images (94%) (χ2 = 1.778, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images with upward (88%) and downward shell openings (92%) (χ2 = 0.444, P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images between schistosomiasis control professionals with snail survey experiences of 6 years and less (75%) and more than 6 years (90%) (χ2 = 7.792, P < 0.05). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUC of the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system were 88%, 100%, 76% and 0.88 for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images, and there was no significant difference in the accuracy of recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images between the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification (χ2 = 0.204, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images with upward (90%) and downward shell openings (86%) (χ2 = 0.379, P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images between schistosomiasis control professionals with snail survey experiences of 6 years and less and more than 6 years (χ2 = 5.604, Padjusted < 0.025). Conclusions The accuracy of recognition of snail sample images is comparable between the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification by schistosomiasis control professionals, and the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system is feasible for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni and Tricula in Yunnan Province.
9.Comparision of aripiprazole and risperidone in improving psychiatric symptoms among chronic schizophrenia patients
Jianfeng WANG ; Bangwen LIU ; Yanyan ZHANG ; Yanping XUE ; Liang GUO ; Yanhai WU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):108-114
BackgroundAtypical antipsychotics have been widely used in patients with chronic schizophrenia, and aripiprazole and risperidone are the most commonly used drugs. The mechanism of action of the two is different, while previous studies have provided insufficient credible evidence from multiple perspectives to support the comparative efficacy of the two drugs in improving symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia. ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of aripiprazole and risperidone on the improvement of symptoms, prepulse inhibition (PPI), cognitive functioning and neurotrophic factors in patients with chronic schizophrenia, so as to provide effective treatment regimens for these patients. MethodsA total of 86 patients with chronic schizophrenia attending the psychiatry department of the Third People's Hospital of Fuyang from March 2021 to March 2023 and fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) were enrolled and grouped using random number table method, each with 43 cases. Aripiprazole group was given oral aripiprazole once daily at an initial dose of 5 mg for one week and then gradually increased to a maximum dose of 25 mg. Risperidone group received oral risperidone twice daily at an initial dose of 0.5 mg for one week and then gradually increased to a maximum dose of 3 mg. Treatment in both groups lasted 3 months. Before treatment and 3 months after treatment, Patients were required to complete Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), detection of both strong and weak PPIs in a startle modification passive attention paradigm, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the measurement of neurotrophic factors at baseline and after treatment. The adverse reactions were recorded. Analysis of covariance was used to test the difference between the PANSS score, PPI, WCST and neurotrophic factor levels of the groups, with the pretest used as the covariate. Results3 months after treatment, no statistical difference was found in the scores of PANSS general psychopathology subscale, positive symptom subscale, negative symptom subscale and total score between two groups after treatment (F=0.621, 0.815, 0.743, 0.752, P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in PPI inhibition rate, single intense stimulus amplitude, single intense stimulus latency, prepulse inhibition amplitude, or prepulse inhibition latency (F=0.174, 0.001, 0.183, 0.171, 0.001, P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the total number of WCST tests between two groups (F=0.512, P>0.05), whereas aripiprazole group reported significantly larger total numbers of categories completed and correct responses as well as smaller total numbers of random errors and perseverative errors compared to risperidone group (F=3.737, 4.621, 4.892, 5.130, P<0.05). A significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) along with a reduction in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were documented in risperidone group when compared to risperidone group (F=4.414, 3.781, 6.319, P<0.05). No significant difference was demonstrated in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (χ2=0.261, P>0.05). ConclusionAripiprazole may be more beneficial than risperidone in improving cognitive functioning and neurotrophic factor levels in patients with chronic schizophrenia. [Funded by Scientific Research Project of Fuyang Municipal Health Commission in 2021 (number, FY2021-147)]
10.Analyzing brain structural network topology and connectivity in patients with refractory overactive bladder using diffusion tensor imaging and graph theory analysis
Yangkun FENG ; Feng LU ; Siyi FU ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Deshui YU ; Xiuhong HUA ; Xi LIU ; Jianfeng SHAO ; Yi FAN ; Ye HUA
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(12):1049-1055
Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of the central nervous system in patients with refractory overactive bladder (rOAB) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and graph theory analysis. Methods A total of 43 rOAB patients (rOAB group) and 46 matched healthy controls (HC group) were recruited during May and Nov.2024. All participants were scanned with DTI, and surveyed with the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q). Their age, gender, height, weight, and educational years were collected.DTI plus graph theory analysis was employed to explore the alterations in global and local topological properties of the brain structural network in rOAB patients. Brain regions showing significant group differences in structural metrics [specifically, the right paracentral lobule (PCL.R) ]were further used as seed points for functional connectivity (FC) analysis. Correlations between the nodal clustering coefficient (NCp) of the identified region, FC strength, OABSS, and OAB-q score were investigated. Results The OABSS [8 (6,10) vs.0 (0,1) ]and OAB-q [71 (53,80) vs.20 (19,24) ]were higher in the rOAB group than the HC group (P<0.001). Graph theory analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in global network metrics between the two groups (P>0.05). However, the NCp was significantly higher in the PCL.R of rOAB group compared to HC group (P<0.05, FDR-corrected).FC analysis using the PCL.R as a seed region demonstrated significantly reduced FC value in the left cerebellar crus Ⅱ (Cerebelum_Crus2_L) of the rOAB group (P<0.05, FDR-corrected). Partial correlation analysis showed that the NCp of PCL.R was positively correlated with both OABSS (r=0.255, P=0.018) and OAB-q score (r=0.257, P=0.017). Conversely, the FC of Cerebelum_Crus2_L was significantly negatively correlated with OABSS (r=-0.545, P<0.001) and OAB-q score (r=-0.535, P<0.001). Conclusion Patients with rOAB exhibit distinct brain structural network alterations compared to healthy individuals, primarily manifestation in the NCp value of PCL.R increased, and the FC intensity of Cerebelum_Crus2_L is significantly weakened. These alterations in the topological properties of the structural network may be implicated in the pathogenesis of rOAB.

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