Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.

Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

Objective: To explore the association between health related behaviors and anxiety, depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence among junior and senior high school students, so as to provide evidence for developing targeted mental health promotion strategies. Methods: From September to December 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 6 150 junior and senior high school students from 8 districts (counties) in a northwest region of China. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence. Latent class analysis was used to identify latent classes of health related behaviors among junior and senior high school students, and Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of the latent category of health related behaviors with anxiety and depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence. Results: The detection rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence were 8.0%, 22.0%, and 7.3%, respectively, among junior high school students, and 8.3%, 26.6%, and 7.6%, respectively, among senior high school students. Latent classes of health related behaviors were classified into four classes:the comprehensive high risk behavior group (586 students, 9.5%), the Internet addiction group (376 students, 6.1%), the insufficient sleep group (1 151 students, 18.7%), and the low risk behavior group (4 037 students, 65.6%). After controlling for confounding factors such as gender, ethnicity, and monitoring sites, Logistic regression model analysis showed that, compared with the low risk behavior group, the comprehensive high risk behavior group had elevated risks of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence (junior high school students: OR =3.81, 5.52, 3.88; senior high school students: OR =4.57, 4.12, 5.43; all P <0.05). The Internet addiction group had elevated risks of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence among junior high school students ( OR =1.89, 2.81, 1.89), and an elevated risk of depressive symptoms among senior high school students ( OR =2.41) (all P <0.05). The insufficient sleep group had an elevated risk of their co-occurrence among junior high school students ( OR =1.47), and elevated risks of anxiety and their co-occurrence among senior high school students ( OR =1.71, 1.99) (all P <0.05). Conclusion Latent classes of health related behaviors among junior and senior high school students are associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, and their co-occurrence, as well as differences across school stages.

Objective To explore the impact of suture configuration and fixation type on the biome-chanical strength of rotator cuff repair,using a factorial design study.Methods Sixteen fresh-frozen porcine shoulder samples were randomized into an anchorless double-row suture bridge transosseous su-tures(DS)group,an anchored double-row suture bridge transosseous-equivalent(DE)group,an an-chorless X-BOX construct transosseous sutures(XS)group,and an anchored X-BOX construct transos-seous-equivalent(XE)group,each of four,according to suture configuration(double-row suture bridge,traditional X-BOX construct)and fixation type(suture anchors,transosseous sutures).Then,their fatigue resistance(first-cycle excursion,gap length difference ratio,and the percentage of ex-posed footprints)and the failure strength(the maximum failure load and the re-tear type)were mea-sured using a biomechanical material testing machine.Results Different suture configurations affected failure strength(F=39.559,P<0.001),with the double-row suture bridge groups(693.07±58.35 N,746.76±138.57 N)showing significantly higher failure strength,compared to the traditional X-BOX groups(462.90±18.91 N,421.43±90.76 N).However,the fixation type did not significantly im-pact failure strength(F=1.161,P=0.302).Moreover,the suture configuration influenced the gap differ-ence ratio(F=7.781,P=0.016),but had no significant correlation with other fatigue resistance indica-tors(P>0.05).Meanwhile,failure strength and fatigue resistance were not correlated with fixation type,and the interaction between suture and fixation type(P>0.05).The incidence of failure types for the four suture configurations was as follows:Type I tendon tear:XS>XE>DS=DE;type II tendon tear:DS>XE>XS=DE;fixing material-related failure:DE>DS=XE=XS.Conclusion The failure strength and gap formation ratio in rotator cuff repair under fatigue loading are influenced by suture configuration,whereas no significant association has been observed with respect to fixation method,whether using transosseous sutures or suture anchors.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of severe cutaneous adverse reactions(SCARs)induced by oral anticoagulants(OACs),and provide a reference for clinical safety of drug use.METHODS Case reports of SCARs caused by OACs(warfarin,apixaban,rivaroxaban,edoxaban,dabigatran etexilate)were retrieved from PubMed,Embase,CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP and other databases with search terms as"oral anticoagulants""factor Ⅹa inhibitor""direct thrombin inhibitor"and their Chinese equivalents.A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.RESULTS A total of 11 articles were included,involving 11 patients in total,among whom there were 5 males(45.5%)and 6 females(54.5%),with an average age of(59.6±21.5)years.The primary underlying diseases were mainly atrial fibrillation,pulmonary embolism,joint replacement and valve replacement.The OACs involved included warfarin in 3 cases,rivaroxaban in 4 cases,apixaban in 2 cases,and dabigatran etexilate in 2 cases.SCARs occurred from 10 hours to 42 days after treatment,and 7 cases(63.6%)within 10 to 28 days.Among 11 patients,5 cases were diagnosed as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms,4 cases were diagnosed as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis,and 2 cases were diagnosed as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.The clinical manifestations mainly included rash,fever and mucosal damage,etc.Except for 1 patient who died of sepsis and diffuse intravascular coagulation,the rest of the patients improved or recovered after withdrawal and treatment with glucocorticoids.CONCLUSIONS SCARs are rare but serious adverse reactions caused by OACs,typically occurring 10 to 28 days after medication.Once SCARs are suspected to be caused by OACs,the medication should be discontinued immediately,and a treatment plan should be formulated based on the type of SCARs to ensure the safety of patients'drug use.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of a novel flexible ultrasound imaging catheter for high-resolution real-time imaging of deep abdominal structures via percutaneous intervention.Methods:A self-developed flexible ultrasound catheter system（outer diameter：3.3 mm，integrated with a 10.5 MHz high-frequency linear array transducer and 4-degree-of-freedom active deflection）was used to image abdominal organs（liver，gallbladder，pancreas，etc.）in two healthy beagles via percutaneous puncture，with comparison to conventional surface convex array probes（3.6 MHz）. Image quality was assessed using a double-blind design，independently scored by five ultrasound physicians with over 10 years of experience on a 6-point scale. Mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression（adjusted for dog，organ，and evaluator variability）was employed for inter-group comparisons，with effect sizes quantified by Cliff's delta. Characteristic anatomical structure detection rates were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models（Firth correction for zero events）. Inter-rater reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficient（ICC，two-way random model）and Kendall's coefficient of concordance.Results:The flexible catheter group demonstrated significantly superior image quality compared to the surface probe group . The most pronounced improvement was observed in adrenal imaging（5 points vs. 1 point， P<0.001，δ=0.92），while pancreatic imaging showed no significant difference（2 points vs. 2 points， P=0.812，δ=0.05）. Other organs exhibited significant quality enhancements（all P<0.05，δ=0.63～0.81）. The catheter significantly improved detection rates of characteristic structures：gastric wall stratification（90% vs. 10%， OR=36.0， P<0.001），adrenal corticomedullary differentiation（80% vs. 0， OR=∞， P<0.001），and gallbladder/small intestinal wall trilaminar structure（80% vs. 20%， OR=12.0， P=0.003）. The high-quality image rate（≥5 points）reached 77.8%，representing an 11.6-fold improvement over surface ultrasound（6.7%， P<0.001）. Inter-rater reliability was excellent（ICC=0.85，W=0.79）. Conclusions:Percutaneous flexible ultrasound catheter imaging significantly enhances resolution and anatomical detail visualization of deep abdominal structures. Combining minimally invasive access with operational flexibility，this technology shows promise for providing precise image guidance in minimally invasive procedures.

Animal experiments are essential tools in biomedical research, serving as a bridge between basic research and clinical trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of animal experiments are crucial methods for integrating evidence from animal experiment, which can facilitate the translation of findings into clinical research, reduce translational risks, and promote resource integration in basic research. With the continuous development of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, its application in SRs/MAs of animal experiments has gained increasing attention. This article first outlines the principles and specific applications of the GRADE methodology in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including qualitative descriptive systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and network meta-analyses. It then deeply analyzes the misuse of the GRADE methodology in practice, including incorrect evidence grading, improper classification of evidence, misapplication in qualitative systematic reviews, inconsistencies between the documentation of the upgrading and downgrading process and results, and inappropriate use for making recommendations. Furthermore, this article comprehensively discusses the factors influencing the grading of evidence certainty in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including the impact of bias risk, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias on evidence downgrading, as well as the role of large effect sizes and cross-species consistency in evidence upgrading. Finally, in response to the issues discussed, improvement strategies are proposed, including further research and optimization of the GRADE methodology for SRs/MAs of animal experiments, the development of reporting guidelines tailored to the characteristics of SRs/MAs in animal experiment research, and enhanced professional training for researchers in the GRADE methodology. This article aims to improve the quality of evidence in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, strengthen their reliability in clinical decision-making, and promote the more efficient translation of findings from animal experiment research into clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis of a child with Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome (CDS) manifesting as ichthyosis. METHODS: A child who had presented at Henan Provincial People's Hospital in June 2023 was selected as study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the child and her parents. Following extraction of genomic DNA, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Relevant literature was searched in databases using key words "Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome" and "ABHD5 gene". The clinical manifestations and variant sites of previously reported cases were compiled and analyzed for correlations. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Henan Provincial People's Hospital [Ethics No.: (2019) Jun Shen No. (134)]. RESULTS: WES revealed that the child has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the ABHD5 gene, namely c.99_103del (p.H34*) in exon 2 and c.770C>G (p.P257R) in exon 5, which were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that both variants were pathogenic. Literature review indicated that the affected organs in CDS are ranked from most to least including liver, eyes, ears, nervous system, muscles, spleen, and kidneys. The c.594insC and c.594dupC variants are most common. CONCLUSION The identification of the two novel ABHD5 gene variants has enriched the mutation spectrum of CDS. c.594insC or c.594dupC are hotspot mutations of this disease, albeit with no definitive correlation between the genotype and phenotype.
Humans ; Female ; Ichthyosiform Erythroderma, Congenital/genetics* ; Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/genetics* ; Phenotype ; 1-Acylglycerol-3-Phosphate O-Acyltransferase/genetics* ; Mutation ; Muscular Diseases/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Child ; Male ; Child, Preschool

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.