1.Progress in artificial intelligence for predicting therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal injection
Xiaofeng WU ; Jiayi ZHANG ; Chunyan XIAO ; Yanshuang GENG ; Yonggang LIU ; Boxuan SONG ; Jiawei WANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):687-693
Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)therapy has been widely used, but the variability in its therapeutic efficacy limits individualized treatment. In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence(AI)has opened up new avenues for personalized treatment response prediction, and its core branches include machine learning(ML)and deep learning(DL). This review systematically retrieved and analyzed 41 relevant studies published up to April 2025. Comprehensive analysis reveals that AI predictive models are evolving from forecasting single endpoints(such as visual acuity or central retinal thickness)to integrating multi-dimensional endpoints(encompassing anatomical, functional, and treatment demand parameters)and generating predictive imaging outputs. In terms of technical approaches, DL models(28 studies, accounting for 68.3%)dominate this field due to their robust image interpretation capabilities, while ML models(10 studies, 24.4%)retain significant value in the analysis of structured clinical data. Cross-disease comparisons indicate that research efforts are most concentrated on age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)and diabetic macular edema(DME), with shared conceptual frameworks for model construction, yet distinct anatomical and functional indicators are prioritized for each disease. Currently, the field confronts several key challenges, including insufficient prospective clinical validation, limited model interpretability(the “black box problem”), and a scarcity of high-quality multi-center datasets. Moving forward, it is imperative to advance real-world validation and develop explainable AI techniques to expedite the clinical translation of these predictive models.
2.The prediction of clinical severity grading of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia by RyR2 gene mutation: A systematic review
Ruyuan HE ; Jingxuan ZHANG ; Song DING ; Qing GENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):141-149
Objective To explore the genetic mutation characteristics, clinical manifestations, and treatment outcomes of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), and to construct a quantitative scoring system for the severity of CPVT. The correlation between the mutations in different structural domains of the RyR2 gene and clinical manifestations and prognosis was analyzed. Methods By searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases for CPVT-related case reports published up to December 2024, data such as patient age, clinical manifestations, gene mutation sites, and treatment responses were collected. The quality of the literature was assessed using the CARE guidelines. The χ2 test was used to compare the severity and treatment response differences among different RyR2 structural domain mutation groups, and an innovative quantitative scoring system based on symptoms and efficacy was established. Results A total of 80 articles were included, with 102 patients in total. The quality of the literature was reliable. The age of the patients ranged from 1 to 84 years, with a higher proportion of children under 10 years old (25.5%). Female patients (54.9%) outnumbered males (45.1%). For CPVT patients, a quantitative scoring system was developed, with a total score of 2 to 10 points. Among them, 2 to 4 points were classified as mild, 5 to 7 points as moderate, and 8 to 10 points as severe. The results showed that severe patients often had a history of cardiac arrest and were resistant to treatment. Out of the 102 CPVT patients, RyR2 gene mutations accounted for 53.9% (55/102) of patients. Among them, the proportion of severe patients with N-terminal structural domain mutations was significantly higher than other regions, indicating that the RyR2 gene mutation structural domain has a significant impact on the severity of CPVT (χ2=17.530, P=0.008). The proportion of patients with mutations in the central hinge region who were ineffective with β-blockers reached 42.9% (3/7), which was significantly higher than other regions. Left cardiac sympathectomy was performed in 24 cases, and postoperative symptoms were almost completely controlled, significantly better than the drug treatment group.Conclusion Mutations in the N-terminal structural domain of the RyR2 gene are significantly correlated with the severity of CPVT. Left cardiac sympathectomy has gradually become an effective intervention for refractory cases. The scoring system proposed in this study can provide a basis for clinical stratified treatment. In the future, there is a need to expand the sample size to verify mutation-specific treatment strategies.
3.Design, Implementation, and Multidimensional Evaluation of the "Rapid Recognition and Response for Critically Ill Patients" Course
Xiao SONG ; Yuyin GENG ; Hong WANG ; Xiaoyun HU ; Meishan LU ; Shicheng MA ; Yihang WANG ; Jihai LIU ; Jiangshan WANG ; Huadong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(5):1265-1271
To evaluate the design and implementation effects of the "Rapid Recognition and Management of Critically Ill Patients" course, and to provide a reference for the improvement of situational simulation teaching in emergency and critical care settings. All medical staff who participated in thiscourse training in June 2025 were enrolled as study subjects. The course adopted a blended teaching method combining online theoretical selfstudy with offline situational simulation. Multi-dimensional evaluation was conducted through theoretical assessments, skill assessments, and satisfaction surveys regarding the course and instructors. A total of 142 trainees were enrolled, including 103 clinical postdoctoral fellows (72.5%), 24 standardized training nurses (16.9%), and 15 standardized training resident physicians (10.6%). The mean theoretical examination score was 93.27±6.95, with statistically significant differences among different trainee categories (η2=0.346, 95% CI: 0.241-1.000, The course achieved preliminary and favorable training outcomes. Theoretical examination scores, skill assessment scores, and course evaluation ratings were mutually independent, reflecting distinct dimensions of competence and learning experience. It is recommended that theoretical and skill assessments be set as independent passing thresholds, and that targeted training be strengthened in the areas of arrhythmia recognition and ventricular fibrillation management.
4.Case 06 (2025): A case of pregnancy complicated by type 1 diabetes with severe diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy
Hongli HUANG ; Huixia YANG ; Geng SONG ; Shuxian WANG ; Ye FENG ; Yumei WEI ; Yu SUN ; Sufang SHI ; Xiaoyong YUAN ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(1):51-56
This paper reported a type 1 diabetes patient who had severe diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, hypertension, and hypothyroidism before pregnancy. The patient's blood glucose control was poor before pregnancy, and the complications were not properly treated. This was an unintended pregnancy, with a pre-pregnancy glycated hemoglobin A1c of 7.8% and early pregnancy urine protein of 3.81-4.53 g/24 h. Considering the patient's poor blood glucose control before pregnancy and the lack of proper treatment for multiple complications including nephropathy, a multidisciplinary consultation at an external hospital recommended termination of the pregnancy. However, the patient was determined to continue the pregnancy and was referred to Peking University First Hospital. Through strict blood glucose control, monitoring and evaluation of complications, and comprehensive management, the patient's blood glucose and blood pressure were well controlled during pregnancy. Regular monitoring of urine protein, renal function, and ocular fundus was conducted. At 31 weeks and 4 days of gestation, the patient's 24-hour urine protein significantly increased. After promoting fetal lung maturity, a cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks and 1 day of gestation, resulting in a successful delivery with good maternal and neonatal outcomes. At the 42-day postpartum follow-up, the patient's blood glucose and blood pressure were stable, urine protein returned to pre-pregnancy levels, and the infant was in good general condition.
5.Locally producing antibacterial peptide to deplete intratumoral pathogen for preventing metastatic breast cancer.
Shizhen GENG ; Tingting XIANG ; Yaru SHI ; Mengnian CAO ; Danyu WANG ; Jing WANG ; Xinling LI ; Haiwei SONG ; Zhenzhong ZHANG ; Jinjin SHI ; Junjie LIU ; Airong LI ; Ke SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):1084-1097
Metastatic dissemination is the major cause of death from breast-cancer (BC). Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n) is widely enriched in BC and has recently been identified as one of the high-risk factors for promoting BC metastasis. Here, with an experimental model, we demonstrated that intratumoral F.n induced BC aggressiveness by transcriptionally activating Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated genes. Therefore, the F.n may be a potential target to prevent metastasis. Given the fact that cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are abundant in BC and located near blood vessels, we report an optogenetic system that drives CAF to in situ produce human antibacterial peptide LL37, with the characteristics of biosafety and freely intercellular trafficking, for depleting intratumoral F.n, leading to a 72.1% reduction in lung metastatic nodules number without affecting the balance of the systemic flora. Notably, mild photothermal treatment was found that could normalize CAF, contributing to synergistically inhibiting BC metastasis. In addition, the system can also simultaneously encode a gene of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand to suppress the primary tumor. Together, our study highlights the potential of local elimination of tumor pathogenic bacteria to prevent BC metastasis.
6.GPSM2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer to affect patient prognosis by promoting tumor cell proliferation.
Xue SONG ; Yue CHEN ; Min ZHANG ; Nuo ZHANG ; Lugen ZUO ; Jing LI ; Zhijun GENG ; Xiaofeng ZHANG ; Yueyue WANG ; Lian WANG ; Jianguo HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):229-238
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the association between GPSM2 expression level and gastric cancer progression and analyze the functional pathways and action mechanism of GPSM2.
METHODS:
We analyzed GPSM2 expression levels in gastric cancer tumors based on data from the GEPIA database and the clinical data of 109 patients. Public databases enrichment analysis were used to assess the impact of GPSM2 expression level on survival outcomes and the functional pathways and action mechanism of GPSM2. We further observed the effects of GPSM2 knockdown and overexpression on proliferation, migration and apoptosis of MGC803 cells using CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and immunoblotting and on the growth of MGC803 cell xenografts in nude mice.
RESULTS:
Bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemical staining of the clinical specimens both revealed high GPSM2 expressions in gastric cancer (P<0.01). A high GPSM2 expression was significantly correlated with T3-4 stages, N2-3 stages, a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level ≥5 μg/L, and a carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 level ≥37 kU/L (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis identified high GPSM2 expression as an independent risk factor affecting 5-year survival of the patients (P<0.05). Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggested that GPSM2 was involved in cell cycle regulation. In MGC803 cells, GPSM2 overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation and G1/S transition and xenograft growth in nude mice. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that GPSM2 executed its biological functions by regulating the p53 signaling pathway, which was confirmed by the results of immunoblotting experiments showing suppression of p53 signaling pathway activity in GPSM2-over expressing MGC803 cells.
CONCLUSIONS
GPSM2 is highly expressed in gastric cancer to affect patient prognosis by promoting tumor cell proliferation and G1/S transition possibly via inhibiting the p53 pathway.
Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Prognosis
;
Animals
;
Mice, Nude
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Mice
;
Apoptosis
;
Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism*
;
Cell Movement
7.High MYO1B expression promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells and is associated with poor patient prognosis.
Qingqing HUANG ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Xiaofeng ZHANG ; Lian WANG ; Xue SONG ; Zhijun GENG ; Lugen ZUO ; Yueyue WANG ; Jing LI ; Jianguo HU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(3):622-631
OBJECTIVES:
To analyze MYO1B expression in gastric cancer, its association with long-term prognosis and its role in regulating biological behaviors of gastric cancer cells.
METHODS:
We analyzed MYO1B expression in gastric cancer and its correlation with tumor grade, tumor stage, and patient survival using the Cancer Public Database. We also examined MYO1B expression with immunohistochemistry in gastric cancer and paired adjacent tissues from 105 patients receiving radical surgery and analyzed its correlation with cancer progression and postoperative 5-year survival of the patients. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to explore the biological functions of MYO1B and the key pathways. In cultured gastric cancer cells, we examined the changes in cell proliferation, migration and invasion following MYO1B overexpression and knockdown.
RESULTS:
Data from the Cancer Public Database showed that MYO1B expression was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues than in normal tissues with strong correlations with tumor grade, stage and patient prognosis (P<0.05). In the clinical tissue samples, MYO1B was significantly overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues in positive correlation with Ki67 expression (r=0.689, P<0.05) and the parameters indicative of gastric cancer progression (CEA ≥5 μg/L, CA19-9 ≥37 kU/L, G3-4, T3-4, and N2-3) (P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that high MYO1B expression was associated with decreased postoperative 5-year survival and was an independent risk factor (HR: 3.522, 95%CI: 1.783-6.985, P<0.05). MYO1B expression level was a strong predictor of postoperative survival (cut-off value: 3.11, AUC: 0.753, P<0.05). GO and KEGG analyses suggested that MYO1B may regulate cell migration and the mTOR signaling pathway. In cultured gastric cancer cells, MYO1B overexpression significantly enhanced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR.
CONCLUSIONS
High MYO1B expression promotes proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells and is correlated with poor patient prognosis.
Humans
;
Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Prognosis
;
Cell Movement
;
Myosin Type I/genetics*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Female
;
Male
8.Ecliptasaponin A ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice by suppressing M1 macrophage polarization via inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
Minzhu NIU ; Lixia YIN ; Tong QIAO ; Lin YIN ; Keni ZHANG ; Jianguo HU ; Chuanwang SONG ; Zhijun GENG ; Jing LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(6):1297-1306
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of ecliptasaponin A (ESA) for alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice and the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice (8-10 weeks old) were equally randomized into control group, DSS-induced IBD model group, and DSS+ESA (50 mg/kg) treatment group. Disease activity index (DAI), colon length and spleen index of the mice were measured, and intestinal pathology was examined with HE staining. The expressions of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, and iNOS) in the colon mucosa were detected using ELISA and RT-qPCR, and intestinal barrier integrity was assessed using AB-PAS staining and by detecting ZO-1 and claudin-1 expressions using immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. In cultured RAW264.7 macrophages, the effects of treatment with 50 μmol/L ESA, alone or in combination with 20 μmol/L RO8191 (a JAK2/STAT3 pathway activator), on M1 polarization of the cells induced by LPS and IFN-γ stimulation and expressions of JAK2/STAT3 pathway proteins were analyzed using flow cytometry and Western blotting.
RESULTS:
In the mouse models of DSS-induced IBD, ESA treatment significantly alleviated body weight loss and colon shortening, reduced DAI, spleen index and histological scores, and ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon tissue. ESA treatment also suppressed TNF‑α, IL-6 and iNOS expressions, protected the goblet cells and the integrity of the mucus and mechanical barriers, and upregulated the expressions of ZO-1 and claudin-1. ESA treatment obviously decreased CD86+ M1 polarization in the mesenteric lymph nodes of IBD mice and in LPS and IFN-γ-induced RAW264.7 cells, and significantly reduced p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 expressions in both the mouse models and RAW264.7 cells. Treatment with RO8191 caused reactivation of JAK2/STAT3 and strongly attenuated the inhibitory effect of ESA on CD86+ polarization in RAW264.7 cells.
CONCLUSIONS
ESA alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by suppressing JAK2/STAT3-mediated M1 macrophage polarization and mitigating inflammation-driven intestinal barrier damage.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Janus Kinase 2/metabolism*
;
STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Male
;
Dextran Sulfate
;
Macrophages/cytology*
;
Colitis/metabolism*
;
Saponins/pharmacology*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
RAW 264.7 Cells
;
Triterpenes/pharmacology*
;
Interleukin-6/metabolism*
9.Elevated TMCO1 expression in gastric cancer is associated poor prognosis and promotes malignant phenotypes of tumor cells by inhibiting apoptosis.
Bowen SONG ; Renjie ZHOU ; Ying XU ; Jinran SHI ; Zhizhi ZHANG ; Jing LI ; Zhijun GENG ; Xue SONG ; Lian WANG ; Yueyue WANG ; Lugen ZUO
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(11):2385-2393
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the impact of high expression of transmembrane and coiled helix structural domain 1 (TMCO1) on prognosis of gastric cancer and the possible mechanisms.
METHODS:
TMCO1 expression in gastric cancer and its effect on gastric cancer progression and prognosis were analyzed using publicly available databases and clinical data of patients undergoing radical surgery in our hospital, and its possible biological functions were explored using KEGG and GO analyses. In gastric cancer HGC-27 cells, the effects of lentivirus-mediated TMCO1 overexpression and TMCO1 silencing on cell apoptosis, proliferation, invasion and migration were examined.
RESULTS:
TMCO1 expression was significantly elevated in gastric cancer tissues (P<0.05), and its high expression was positively correlated with cancer progression (P<0.001) and a lowered postoperative 5-year survival rate of the patients (P<0.05). Bioinformatic analyses suggested that TMCO1 may affect gastric cancer cell apoptosis via Wnt signaling. In HGC-27 cells, TMCO1 overexpression significantly promoted tumor cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis, and enhanced cell migration and invasion, whereas TMCO1 silencing produced the opposite effects. Western blotting showed that β-catenin levels were significantly upregulated in TMCO1-overexpressing cells and downregulated in cells with TMCO1 silencing.
CONCLUSIONS
TMCO1 is overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, and its high expression promotes gastric cancer progression and affects long-term prognosis of the patients possibly by activating the Wnt/ β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.
Humans
;
Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis
;
Prognosis
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Cell Movement
;
Wnt Signaling Pathway
;
beta Catenin/metabolism*
;
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
10.Current status of generalized pustular psoriasis: Findings from a multicenter hospital-based survey of 127 Chinese patients.
Haimeng WANG ; Jiaming XU ; Xiaoling YU ; Siyu HAO ; Xueqin CHEN ; Bin PENG ; Xiaona LI ; Ping WANG ; Chaoyang MIAO ; Jinzhu GUO ; Qingjie HU ; Zhonglan SU ; Sheng WANG ; Chen YU ; Qingmiao SUN ; Minkuo ZHANG ; Bin YANG ; Yuzhen LI ; Zhiqiang SONG ; Songmei GENG ; Aijun CHEN ; Zigang XU ; Chunlei ZHANG ; Qianjin LU ; Yan LU ; Xian JIANG ; Gang WANG ; Hong FANG ; Qing SUN ; Jie LIU ; Hongzhong JIN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(8):953-961
BACKGROUND:
Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP.
CONCLUSIONS
The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Psoriasis/pathology*
;
Adult
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Adolescent
;
Child
;
Young Adult
;
Quality of Life
;
Middle Aged
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Recurrence
;
Risk Factors
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
East Asian People

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