1.Standardization Challenges in Outcome Evaluation Systems of Animal Experiments and Considerations for Core Outcome Set Construction Strategies
Qingyong ZHENG ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Chen TIAN ; Hui LIU ; Min TIAN ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Yating CUI ; Junfei WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):138-148
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.
2.Multimodal Assessment of a Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension Mouse Model
Hongzhi DU ; Jin FAN ; Xiaolu WEI ; Lianmei WANG ; Yan LIU ; Weiya CHEN ; Tengfei CHEN ; Yunhang GAO ; Ling SONG ; Guangping ZHANG ; Hongping HOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(4):476-486
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) through intermittent hypoxia induction, and to develop a comprehensive and reliable evaluation system for the HPH model, thereby providing experimental evidence for mechanistic studies and translational applications related to this disease. MethodsTwenty-four male specific pathogen-free (SPF) BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group and a model group, with 12 mice per group. Mice in the model group were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber control system to establish the HPH model, whereas mice in the control group received no intervention. After 28 days of modeling, a comprehensive evaluation of the pathophysiological characteristics of both groups was performed using a general condition scoring scale, echocardiography, hemodynamic measurements, blood gas analysis, hematological tests, organ coefficient determination, histopathological examination, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, correlation analyses were conducted among echocardiographic parameters, the contents of endothelin‑1 (ET‑1) and N‑terminal pro‑B‑type natriuretic peptide (NT‑proBNP) in lung tissue, and other measured indices. ResultsWith prolonged modeling duration time, body weight, water intake, and activity level of mice in the model group were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). Echocardiography showed that, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased right ventricular dimensions (P<0.01), right ventricular anterior wall thickening (P<0.01), and widened main pulmonary artery diameter (P<0.01), whereas the peak systolic velocity across the pulmonary valve, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and peak systolic velocity of the tricuspid annulus were significantly decreased (P<0.001); tricuspid regurgitation was observed in some model animals. Hemodynamic results revealed that right ventricular systolic pressure was elevated in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.001). Blood gas analysis showed that pH, partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, actual bicarbonate, and total carbon dioxide were all decreased in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.01). Hematological indices demonstrated that lymphocyte counts (P<0.05) and reticulocyte counts (P<0.001) were decreased in the model group compared with the control group. Compared with the control group, the organ coefficients of heart and lung in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05 and P<0.001). Pathological examination revealed that the right ventricular hypertrophy index was significantly increased in the model group (P<0.001), with varying degrees of damage to the right ventricle, pulmonary artery, and pulmonary vessels; both the pulmonary artery wall thickness percentage and the pulmonary wall area percentage were significantly elevated (P<0.001). ELISA results showed that the levels of ET‑1 and NT‑proBNP in lung tissues were significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group (P<0.05 and P<0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis indicated that some echocardiographic parameters were highly correlated with multiple indices in the development of HPH (P<0.05). ConclusionEchocardiography can accurately assess a series of hemodynamic changes in HPH, including right ventricular structural, functional impairment, and pulmonary hypertension. Laboratory tests not only help verify whether the model has been successfully established, but also provide deeper insights into the pathogenesis of HPH, evaluate the effects of interventions, and offer scientific evidence for clinical outcomes. Pathological examination can further confirm the alterations in pulmonary vascular remodeling and increased right heart load. This multimodal analysis provides a reliable animal model and evaluation paradigm for both basic and translational research on HPH, and is of great significance for exploring disease mechanisms and developing precision therapeutic strategies.
3.Methodological Considerations on Constructing Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment Agent for Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Based on Clinical Practice Guidelines
Feng ZHOU ; Tengfei CHEN ; Wandi ZHANG ; Haoyuan LI ; Xingyu ZONG ; Jiahao LIN ; Qingquan LIU ; Guozhen ZHAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1853-1857
Developing an intelligent agent for integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine diagnosis and treatment based on clinical practice guidelines is a key approach to advancing the standardization and intelligent deve-lopment of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and to supporting clinical decision-making. This paper argues for the necessity of building a knowledge base using guidelines as the sole data source, systematically identifies five core methodological challenges across the entire process, and proposes corresponding solutions. An ontology framework capable of distinguishing between TCM and western medicine concepts should be designed to address the difficulty of knowledge integration. A closed-loop "algorithm-based extraction-expert review" model is adopted to reduce data extraction errors. Expert consensus is incorporated to address decision gaps in specific clinical scenarios outlined in the guidelines, while a multi-stage, standardized output process for the AI system is established to eliminate model hallucinations. Furthermore, an evaluation framework reflecting clinical applicability is developed to enhance the AI system's accuracy and stability. Throughout the research process, it is essential to ensure the in-depth and continuous participation of multidisciplinary experts, strictly control the selection and quality evaluation of guidelines, and rely on the expert consensus method to address decision gaps in the knowledge base. Additionally, continuous validation and iterative optimization of intelligent agents are required to ensure the accuracy and stability of generated outputs. Limitations remain in the mechanisms for real-time knowledge synchronization in intelligent diagnostic and treatment systems, and further validation through large-scale real-world studies is warranted.
4.Clinical characteristics analysis of secondary systemic capillary leak syndrome induced by acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning
Yihong YANG ; Tengfei MA ; Qiqi LIU ; Hongbo LIU ; Xian WANG ; Yecheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(4):582-587
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with secondary systemic capillary leak syndrome (SSCLS) induced by acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP). The goal is to enhance clinical understanding of this complication and provide a theoretical foundation for the early identification of high-risk patients and the optimization of individualized treatment strategies.Methods:Clinical data were collected from patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Fuyang People’s Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University between October 2019 and October 2024, who were diagnosed with acute dichlorvos poisoning. The clinical features of SSCLS were described, and patients were categorized into SSCLS and non-SSCLS groups. Binary multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted on statistically significant indicators to identify independent risk factors for SSCLS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to evaluate the predictive value of these factors.Results:Among the 96 patients studied, 37 (38.5%) developed SSCLS. The median time from toxin ingestion to the onset of SSCLS was 3.0 (2.0-5.0) hours. In the 14 SSCLS survivors, the median duration of SSCLS was 50.0 (24-72) hours, whereas in the 23 non-survivors, it was 24.0 (12.0-35.0) hours. The mortality rate in the SSCLS group (62.16%, 23/37) was significantly higher than that in the non-SSCLS group (1.69%, 1/59) ( χ2=44.343, P<0.001). Blood toxin analysis detected trichlorfon components in 92 patients (95.83%). Binary multivariate logistic regression identified APACHE Ⅱ score and trichlorfon concentration (≥706.35 ng/mL) as independent risk factors for SSCLS ( P<0.05). ROC analysis revealed that the combination of these two factors had a higher predictive value ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In the diagnosis and treatment of acute dichlorvos (organophosphorus pesticide) poisoning, particular attention should be given to the combined toxic effects of dichlorvos and trichlorfon, which can lead to SSCLS. The onset and progression of SSCLS are rapid, and the condition is associated with a high mortality rate. Both APACHE Ⅱ scores and trichlorfon concentrations (≥706.35 ng/mL) are independent risk factors for the development of SSCLS, and their combined use enhances predictive accuracy. Early identification of high-risk patients and timely administration of individualized treatment are critical for reducing mortality rates. This revised abstract maintains the original meaning while improving clarity, flow, and readability. It ensures that the key points are presented in a structured and professional manner, suitable for a clinical audience.
5.Natural product virtual-interact-phenotypic target characterization:A novel approach demonstrated with Salvia miltiorrhiza extract
Rui XU ; Hengyuan YU ; Yichen WANG ; Boyu LI ; Yong CHEN ; Xuesong LIU ; Tengfei XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):425-441
Natural products(NPs)have historically been a fundamental source for drug discovery.Yet the complex nature of NPs presents substantial challenges in pinpointing bioactive constituents,and corresponding targets.In the present study,an innovative natural product virtual screening-interaction-phenotype(NP-VIP)strategy that integrates virtual screening,chemical proteomics,and metabolomics to identify and validate the bioactive targets of NPs.This approach reduces false positive results and enhances the ef-ficiency of target identification.Salvia miltiorrhiza(SM),a herb with recognized therapeutic potential against ischemic stroke(IS),was used to illustrate the workflow.Utilizing virtual screening,chemical proteomics,and metabolomics,potential therapeutic targets for SM in the IS treatment were identified,totaling 29,100,and 78,respectively.Further analysis via the NP-VIP strategy highlighted five high-confidence targets,including poly[ADP-ribose]polymerase 1(PARP1),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),amyloid precursor protein(APP),glutamate-ammonia ligase(GLUL),and glutamate decarboxylase 67(GAD67).These targets were subsequently validated and found to play critical roles in the neuroprotective effects of SM.The study not only underscores the importance of SM in treating IS but also sets a precedent for NP research,proposing a comprehensive approach that could be adapted for broader pharmacological explorations.
6.The protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT1 ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by suppressing RIPK1-mediated necroptosis and apoptosis.
Tengfei LIU ; Gan HUANG ; Xin GUO ; Qiuran JI ; Lu YU ; Runzhe ZONG ; Yiquan LI ; Xiaomeng SONG ; Qingyi FU ; Qidi XUE ; Yi ZHENG ; Fanshuo ZENG ; Ru SUN ; Lin CHEN ; Chengjiang GAO ; Huiqing LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4014-4029
Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) plays an essential role in regulating the necroptosis and apoptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the regulation of RIPK1 kinase activity after cerebral I/R injury remains largely unknown. In this study, we found the downregulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) was induced by cerebral I/R injury, which negatively correlated with the activation of RIPK1. Mechanistically, we proved that PRMT1 directly interacted with RIPK1 and catalyzed its asymmetric dimethylarginine, which then blocked RIPK1 homodimerization and suppressed its kinase activity. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of PRMT1 aggravated I/R injury by promoting RIPK1-mediated necroptosis and apoptosis, while PRMT1 overexpression protected against I/R injury by suppressing RIPK1 activation. Our findings revealed the molecular regulation of RIPK1 activation and demonstrated PRMT1 would be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
7.Chemical knockdown of Keap1 and homoPROTAC-ing allergic rhinitis.
Jianyu YAN ; Tianyu WANG ; Ruizhi YU ; Lijuan XU ; Hongming SHAO ; Tengfei LI ; Zhe WANG ; Xudong CHA ; Zhenyuan MIAO ; Chengguo XING ; Ke XU ; Huanhai LIU ; Chunlin ZHUANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4137-4155
Allergic rhinitis (AR), a globally prevalent immune-mediated inflammatory condition, is still an incurable disease. In the present study, we have validated the impact of the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)-related oxidative stress and inflammatory response in clinical AR patient peripheral blood and nasal swab samples, emphasizing the biological relevance of Keap1 and AR. Targeting Keap1 -nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related anti-oxidative stress may be effective for AR intervention. Drawing inspiration from the Keap1 homodimerization and the E3 ligase characteristics, we herein present a design of novel bivalent molecules for chemical knockdown of Keap1. For the first time, we characterized ternary complexes of Keap1 dimer and one molecule of bivalent compounds. The best bivalent molecule 8 encompasses robust capacity to degrade Keap1 as a homoPROTACKEAP1. It efficaciously suppresses inflammatory cytokines in extensively different cells, including human nasal epithelial cells. Moreover, in an AR mouse model, we confirmed that the chemical degradation induced by homoPROTACKEAP1 led to therapeutic benefits in managing AR symptoms, oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary, our findings underscore the efficacy of targeting the Keap1 system through the homoPROTAC-ing technology as an innovative and promising treatment strategy for the incurable allergic disorders.
8.Natural product virtual-interact-phenotypic target characterization: A novel approach demonstrated with Salvia miltiorrhiza extract.
Rui XU ; Hengyuan YU ; Yichen WANG ; Boyu LI ; Yong CHEN ; Xuesong LIU ; Tengfei XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101101-101101
Natural products (NPs) have historically been a fundamental source for drug discovery. Yet the complex nature of NPs presents substantial challenges in pinpointing bioactive constituents, and corresponding targets. In the present study, an innovative natural product virtual screening-interaction-phenotype (NP-VIP) strategy that integrates virtual screening, chemical proteomics, and metabolomics to identify and validate the bioactive targets of NPs. This approach reduces false positive results and enhances the efficiency of target identification. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), a herb with recognized therapeutic potential against ischemic stroke (IS), was used to illustrate the workflow. Utilizing virtual screening, chemical proteomics, and metabolomics, potential therapeutic targets for SM in the IS treatment were identified, totaling 29, 100, and 78, respectively. Further analysis via the NP-VIP strategy highlighted five high-confidence targets, including poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), amyloid precursor protein (APP), glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL), and glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67). These targets were subsequently validated and found to play critical roles in the neuroprotective effects of SM. The study not only underscores the importance of SM in treating IS but also sets a precedent for NP research, proposing a comprehensive approach that could be adapted for broader pharmacological explorations.
9.Research progress on platelets in glioma.
Mingrong ZUO ; Tengfei LI ; Zhihao WANG ; Yufan XIANG ; Siliang CHEN ; Yanhui LIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):28-37
Gliomas are the most common primary neuroepithelial tumors of the central nervous system in adults, of which glioblastoma is the deadliest subtype. Apart from the intrinsically indestructible characteristics of glioma (stem) cells, accumulating evidence suggests that the tumor microenvironment also plays a vital role in the refractoriness of glioblastoma. The primary functions of platelets are to stop bleeding and regulate thrombosis under physiological conditions. Furthermore, platelets are also active elements that participate in a variety of processes of tumor development, including tumor growth, invasion, and chemoresistance. Glioma cells recruit and activate resting platelets to become tumor-educated platelets (TEPs), which in turn can promote the proliferation, invasion, stemness, and chemoresistance of glioma cells. TEPs can be used to obtain genetic information about gliomas, which is helpful for early diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic effects. Platelet membranes are intriguing biomimetic materials for developing efficacious drug carriers to enhance antiglioma activity. Herein, we review the recent research referring to the contribution of platelets to the malignant characteristics of gliomas and focusing on the molecular mechanisms mediating the interaction between TEPs and glioma (stem) cells, as well as present the challenges and opportunities in targeting platelets for glioma therapy.
Humans
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Glioma/metabolism*
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Blood Platelets/physiology*
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Brain Neoplasms/pathology*
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Tumor Microenvironment
10.Diagnostic value of lung ultrasound score,CT combined with serum CXCL8 and sB7-H3 for severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children
Tengfei WANG ; Shuying LIU ; Ping WANG ; Yezhu WANG ; Qinghua LIU ; Zhizheng LI ; Yeying WANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(7):856-860
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of lung ultrasound(LUS)score,computed tomo-graphy(CT)combined with serum CXC chemokine ligand 8(CXCL8)and soluble co stimulatory molecule B7-H3(sB7-H3)for severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)in children.Methods From April 2022 to April 2024,a total of 210 children with MPP who visited Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Zhan-gqiu District were included as research subjects,and they were separated into severe MPP group and non se-vere MPP group according to the severity of the disease.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to detect serum levels of CXCL8 and sB7-H3.LUS score and CT diagnosis were conducted.The value of LUS score,CT and serum CXCL8,sB7-H3 in the diagnosis of severe MPP was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results There were no statistically significant differences in height,age,fever days,weight,hospital stay,and gender between the severe MPP group and the non severe MPP group(P>0.05).Compared with the non severe MPP group,the serum levels of CXCL8,sB7-H3,and LUS score were all in-creased in the severe MPP group(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of LUS score,serum CXCL8,and sB7-H3 for diagnosing severe MPP was 0.865,0.785,and 0.750,respectively.The CT diagnosis results showed 35 false positives and 22 false negatives,with Kappa value of 0.459 compared to clinical examination results(P<0.05).The diagnostic results of LUS score,CT combined with serum CXCL8 and sB7-H3 showed 3 false positives and 15 false negatives,with Kappa vale of 0.828 compared to clinical examination results(P<0.05).The diagnosis of LUS score,CT combined with serum CXCL8,and sB7-H3 had higher specificity and accuracy than those of single detection of the four(P<0.05),and the sensitivity of the combined diagno-sis of the four was increased(P<0.05)and the missed diagnosis rate was reduced compared to the single de-tection of CXCL8 and sB7-H3(P<0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of CXCL8,sB7-H3,and LUS score in children with MPP increase.The specificity and accuracy of LUS score,CT combined with serum CXCL8,sB7-H3 in diagnosing severe MPP increase.

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