1.Comparison of dosimetry and radiobiology between volumetric modulated arc therapy and helical tomotherapy for craniospinal irradiation
Yongqing GE ; Xiunan WANG ; Hui YANG ; Xiaofeng MU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):113-119
Objective To compare the dosimetric and radiobiological differences of helical tomotherapy (HT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in craniospinal irradiation. Methods The CT images of 15 patients who received craniospinal irradiation in our hospital were selected. The target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) were contoured, and HT and VMAT plans were designed. The dosimetric parameters of the two plans were compared. A Matlab program based on equivalent uniform dose was developed to calculate the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). The NTCP values of the two plans were compared. Results The homogeneity index of the target volume in the HT group was better than that in the VMAT group, with values of 0.06 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.24, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.03). However, there was no significant difference in the conformity index of the target volume (P>0.05). There were significant differences in key indicators (Dmean, V5, Dmax) of the lungs, liver, lens, and eyeballs between the two groups (P<0.05). Regarding OARs, the NTCP values of the lens, optic chiasm, lungs, and liver in the HT and VMAT groups were as follows: 0.04 ± 0.03 vs. 0.1 ± 0.06 in the left lens, 0.04 ± 0.06 vs. 0.1 ± 0.07 in the right lens, 0.16 (0.14-0.17) vs. 0.21 (0.18-0.24) in the optic chiasm, 3.89 × 10−4 (2.45 × 10−4-7.3 × 10−4) vs. 8.95 × 10−4 (5.19 × 10−4-1.75 × 10−3) in the lungs, and 3.45 × 10−8 (6.0 × 10−9-1.036 × 10−7) vs. 9.54 × 10−8 (1.70 × 10−8-2.056 × 10−7) in the liver; the HT group was superior to the VMAT group, and all differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The NTCP values of the heart in the two groups were 1.35 × 10−8 (6.34 × 10−9-2.06 × 10−9) vs. 5.06 × 10−9 (2.29 × 10−9-7.9 × 10−9), significantly lower in the VMAT group than in the HT group (P<0.05). Conclusion HT has high homogeneity and consistency. The two plans have their own advantages in OAR protection. For OARs with no significant differences in physical dosimetry, NTCP results can be used as a reference. Therefore, comparing the dosimetric parameters and OAR NTCP of HT and VMAT plans can help select the optimal clinical treatment strategy.
2.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.
3.Reliability evaluation of a digital multimedia system for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria
Feiyan JIN ; Nan WU ; Yanxian WANG ; Xiaofeng LIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):913-917
AIM: To evaluate the reliability of a digital multimedia system for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria.METHODS: This cross-sectional diagnostic study enrolled patients with refractive errors who visited Shantou Aier Eye Hospital from May 2023 to August 2025, presenting with symptoms of visual fatigue, undergoing myopia management, or receiving routine ophthalmic examinations, and who completed heterophoria testing during this period. All patients wearing full refractive correction underwent near-distance(0.4 m)horizontal heterophoria measurement in a random order using the digital multimedia system, the Von Graefe method, and the Maddox rod method. Two consecutive measurements were performed for each method. The intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was used to analyze the measurement repeatability of each method, and Bland-Altman analysis and Spearman correlation analysis were employed to evaluate the consistency between the digital multimedia system and the two traditional methods.RESULTS: A total of 60 patients(120 eyes)were included, comprising 27 males and 33 females, with a mean age of 21.03±7.24 y. Repeatability analysis showed that the ICC for the digital multimedia system was 0.960(95%CI: 0.934-0.976), for the Von Graefe method was 0.979(95%CI: 0.964-0.987), and for the Maddox rod method was 0.956(95%CI: 0.926-0.973), all indicating excellent repeatability. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a mean difference of 0.367△ [95% limits of agreement(LoA): -2.97△ to 3.70△] between the Von Graefe method and the digital system, and a mean difference of 0.067△(95% LoA: -3.05△ to 3.19△)between the Maddox rod method and the digital system. Both differences were within the clinically acceptable range(difference <4△). Spearman correlation analysis showed positive correlations between the digital system and the Von Graefe method(rs=0.867)and between the digital system and the Maddox rod method(rs=0.777, all P<0.001).CONCLUSION: The digital multimedia system demonstrates high repeatability and good consistency with the traditional Von Graefe and Maddox rod methods for measuring near-distance horizontal heterophoria. It shows promise as a new and effective tool for clinical near-distance horizontal heterophoria measurement.
4.Effect of LncRNA SNHG16 targeting miR-141-3p/HMGB1 axis on angiogenesis of endometrial stromal cells in ectopic adenomyosis
Ting LIU ; Mingyang WANG ; Xiaofeng ZOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):533-539
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of interfering with long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene16 (SNHG16) on improving angiogenesis of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EScs) in adenomyosis (AM) by targeting upregulation of miRNA (miR)-141-3p and inhibition of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1). MethodsThe expression levels of SNHG16, miR-141-3p and HMGB1 mRNA in endometrial tissues of 52 patients with adenomyosis (AM group) and 52 patients who needed hysterectomy due to cervical cancer or ovarian cancer (control group) were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Y14 cells were divided into small hairpin RNA (shRNA) NC group, shRNA SNHG16 group, shRNA SNHG16+miR-141-3p inhibitor (inhibitor) group, shRNA SNHG16+inhibitor NC group and blank group. The targeting relationship between miR-141-3p and SNHG16 as well as HMGB1 was verified. The expression levels of SNHG16, miR-141-3p and HMGB1 mRNA in Y14 cells were detected by qRT-PCR. CCK-8 and Transwell assay were used to detect cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Microvascular density (MVD) was determined by immunofluorescence. The expressions of hypoxia-inducing factor α (HIF-1α), cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and HMGB1 were detected by Western blot. ResultsThe expression of SNHG16 and HMGB1 mRNA in AM group was higher than that in control group, but the expression of miR-141-3p was lower than that in control group (P0.05). The expression of SNHG16, HMGB1 mRNA, proliferation rate, migration, invasion number, MVD, expression of VEGF, HIF-1 α, Cox-2, and HMGB1 proteins in the shRNA SNHG16 group were lower than those in the blank group and shRNA NC group, while the expression of miR-141-3p was higher than that in the blank group and shRNA NC group (P0.05). Inhibition of miR-141-3p reversed the improvement of EScs angiogenesis by interfering with SNHG16. ConclusionInterference with LncRNA SNHG16 improves EScs angiogenesis and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of EScs by targeting upregulation of miR-141-3p and inhibition of HMGB1.
5.Qijia Rougan Decoction Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis Through miRNA-mRNA Network
Yumei WANG ; Peijie WU ; Shaoxiu JI ; Han YU ; Xiaohong ZUO ; Xiaofeng CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):84-90
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qijia Rougan decoction ameliorates liver fibrosis through amino acid/fatty acid metabolic reprogramming and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, based on the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and the interaction between metabolism and signaling pathways. MethodsSprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into four groups (n=8): control, model, and low-dose and high-dose (7.0, 28.0 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) Qijia Rougan decoction. Liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). From week 9, drug intervention was implemented for 7 weeks. After the final administration, the pathological changes in the liver were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and picrosirius red (PSR) staining. An automated biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of biochemical indicators, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bile acid (TBA), albumin (ALB), and cholesterol (TC). High-throughput miRNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DemiRs) during liver fibrosis. A miRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed to identify key targets, which were then subjected to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The expression levels of selected DemiRs were validated by Real-time PCR. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed marked hepatic lobular necrosis, increased collagen deposition, significant fibrosis, elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TBA (P<0.01), and declined levels of ALB and TC (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Qijia Rougan decoction treatment reduced hepatic necrosis, collagen accumulation, and fibrosis, lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and TBA (P<0.01), and raised the levels of ALB and TC (P<0.01). Integrated miRNA-seq and RNA-seq analysis identified 31 DemiRs (6 upregulated and 25 downregulated) and 498 targets. The expression trends of four selected DemiRs, including rno-miRNA-376b-3p, were consistent with sequencing results (R2=0.93). Functional annotation revealed that top 20 upregulated targets were enriched in amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, while top 20 downregulated targets were significantly associated with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and cancer progression. ConclusionQijia Rougan decoction alleviates liver fibrosis by reconstructing the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, promoting metabolic reprogramming, and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These findings provide mechanism evidence supporting the multi-targeted antifibrotic effects of traditional Chinese medicine compound formulas.
6.Ultra-long-distance single-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic renal cyst decortication using a domestic robotic system:a case report
Xiaofeng WU ; Liru CHEN ; Yu FENG ; Wei ZHANG ; Linhui WANG ; Xiaoying LU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(11):1510-1513
Objective To summarize the operation experience of 1 case of ultra-long-distance single-port robotic-assisted laparoscopic renal cyst decortication using a domestic robotic system,and provide references for the development of long-distance telesurgery.Methods The procedure was performed using a domestically produced single-port robotic system.The distance between the main control end and the patient end was 2 400 km.The operation was conducted remotely via a 5G network and a 100 Mbps dedicated line provided by China Telecom.The surgeon controlled the robotic arm remotely.Results The surgery was completed smoothly within a duration of 32 min.The real-time latency was(90±20)ms.Blood loss during the operation was 10 mL,and no drainage tube was placed.The patient recovered smoothly and returned to the ward without any complications.Conclusion It is safe and feasible for the domestically produced single-port robotic system to implement ultra-long-distance telesurgery.This approach facilitates the decentralization of advanced medical resources and helps mitigate disparities in healthcare access.
7.Preparation of doxorubicin-loaded polyphyllin H liposomes and synergistic anti-tumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer in vitro
Yining LIU ; Dawei ZHOU ; Shouchang GAI ; Lu SUI ; Xue SUN ; Zhenhua TONG ; Yuhang WANG ; Jing ZHAO ; Xiaofeng YUAN ; Yong XIANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(17):2134-2144,封3
Objective To prepare glucose transporter 1(Glut1)-targeted doxorubicin(DOX)-loaded liposomes(doxorubicin/polyphyllin H-liposomes,DOX/ppH-LPs)using polyphyllin H(ppH)instead of cholesterol as the liposomal membrane material,and to investigate their in vitro synergistic anti-tumor activity against non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods DOX/ppH-LPs were prepared using thin-film hydration,and the formulation was optimized by single-factor investigation.The optimized DOX/ppH-LPs were characterized for morphology,particle size,polydispersity index(PDI),and zeta potential with transmission electron microscopy(TEM)and dynamic light scattering(DLS).Drug loading DL%was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The storage stability was evaluated by observing in PBS at 4℃for 7 d,and the serum stability was observed in DMEM containing 10%fetal bovine serum(FBS)at 37℃for 48 h.In vitro drug release was studied in PBS at pH 7.4 and pH 5.0 values,respectively.Human NSCLC A549 cells were subjected as the model,MTT assay was performed to detect the proliferation inhibition by DOX/ppH-LPs at different concentrations(0.5,5.0,15.0 μg/mL)and the control group(ppH+DOX/LPs,a physical mixture of free ppH and DOX-loaded liposomes).Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe cellular uptake of DOX/ppH-LPs and DOX/LPs(containing 5 μg/mL DOX)at 15 min and 2 h.Live/dead cell staining was applied to assess apoptosis/necrosis induced by formulations(15 μg/mL DOX)after 48 h incubation.Transwell assay was conducted to evaluate inhibitory effect on cell migration and invasion,and the targeting property and in vitro synergistic anti-NSCLC activity of DOX/ppH-LPs were then comprehensively evaluated.Results The optimal formulation of DOX/ppH-LPs was determined as hydration temperature at 50℃,6 mg DOX,2 mg ppH,and 24 mg lecithin.The prepared DOX/ppH-LPs were in spherical shape,uniform distribution,and at an average particle size of 145.13±22.14 nm,a PDI of 0.15±0.05,a zeta potential of-23.92±1.73 mV,and a DL of 10.13±0.71%for DOX and(1.22±0.21)%for ppH.DOX/ppH-LPs maintained stable particle size,PDI,and exhibited significantly unchanged zeta potential after storage in PBS at 4℃for 7 d or incubation in DMEM containing 10%FBS at 37℃for 48 h,demonstrating excellent physical and serum stability.Both liposomes showed slow release at pH 7.4 value,while drug release was significantly accelerated at pH 5.0 value(P<0.05),indicating pH-sensitive release characteristics.MTT assay revealed that DOX/ppH-LPs exerted significantly stronger cytotoxicity against A549 cells than the ppH+DOX/LPs control group(P<0.05).Compared with ppH+DOX/LPs,DOX/ppH-LPs showed remarkably enhanced cellular uptake in A549 cells(P<0.05),with more DOX localized in the nucleus.Live/dead cell staining showed that at the same DOX concentration(15 μg/mL),the proportion of apoptotic/necrotic cells induced by DOX/ppH-LPs was significantly higher than that of the DOX/LPs control group.Transwell assay demonstrated that there were significantly less cells migrating and invading through the membrane in the DOX/ppH-LPs group than the ppH+DOX/LPs group.Conclusion Glut1-targeted doxorubicin-loaded liposomes(DOX/ppH-LPs)constructed by substituting cholesterol with ppH can target NSCLC cells,significantly enhance the in vitro synergistic anti-NSCLC activity of DOX and ppH.
8.Construction of a nomogram model for identifying elderly candidates of concurrent chemoradiotherapy combined with induction chemotherapy for p16-negative nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on clinical biochemical parameters
Xiaofeng WU ; Jianhong ZHAO ; Siwei LI ; Long WAN ; Shuibin WANG
Chinese Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 2025;32(7):432-438
OBJECTIVE To establish a nomogram model based on clinical and biochemical parameters in elderly patients with p16-negative nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to identify patients who may benefit from concurrent chemoradiotherapy(CCRT)combined with induction chemotherapy(IC).METHODS A total of 142 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who received CCRT in Huanggang Central Hospital between June 2021 and May 2024 were retrospectively included for analysis,and the patients were divided into a training set(n=99)and a validation set(n=43)in a ratio of 7:3.Before treatment,all patients underwent a complete physical examination,fiberoptic nasopharyngeal endoscopy,laboratory tests,and plasma Epstein-Barr virus deoxyribonucleic acid(EBV-DNA)level detection.The study endpoint was disease-specific survival(DSS),defined as the time from initial treatment to cancer-related death or the last follow-up date.RESULTS EBV-DNA level,T stage,N stage,albumin(ALB),and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)were screened by COX and LASSO regression analysis to establish a nomogram model for predicting DSS in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients.The nomogram model had good discrimination ability[C-index value:0.947(95%CI:0.905-0.990)vs.0.930(95%CI:0.862-0.998)]and accuracy in both the training set and the validation set.The nomogram model was divided into low-risk group,medium-risk group and high-risk group according to risk.There were statistical differences in DSS among the three groups in the training set and validation set(χ2=7.153,9.266,P=0.028,0.010).In the training set and validation set,only the patients in the high-risk group who received IC+CCRT had a longer DSS than those who received CCRT.CONCLUSION The nomogram model of pre-treatment EBV-DNA level,T stage,N stage,ALB,and LDH was used to distinguish high-risk elderly p16-negative nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients,suggesting that this population may be the beneficiary of IC+CCRT in clinical practice.
9.Exploration on the treatment of outlet obstructive constipation with chiropractic therapy based on the theory of "bone strengthening and tendon softening"
Mengyi RUAN ; E LI ; Suyu LAI ; Yi YANG ; Bing REN ; Fei JIA ; Xiaofeng WANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(6):760-765
Chiropractic therapy is a therapeutic approach for regulating the spine and is widely employed in clinical practice for multiple disorders, including constipation. The theory of "bone strengthening and tendon softening" originated from Huang Di Nei Jing, holding that bones maintain normal anatomical forms and relative positional relationships, and tendons are supple and free from damage. Only when the structures and functions of both are normal can the human body sustain normal physiological activities. In accordance with this theory, clinical treatment mainly aims at adjusting the relationship between tendons and bones and restoring the balance between them to address diseases. Based on the theory of "bone strengthening and tendon softening" and taking the essence of "tendons" as the starting point, this article explored the pathogenic mechanism of outlet obstructive constipation and the clinical application of chiropractic therapy in the treatment of outlet obstructive constipation. Pathological changes of the musculotendinous meridians and abnormal spinal structures are significant pathogenic factors for outlet obstructive constipation. Therefore, in clinical practice, spinal techniques such as guided manipulation, massage, and reconstructive techniques can be used to soften muscles, correct bones, and regulate intestinal stagnation.
10.Subordinate inclusion and indefinite reference of the concepts of TCM
Xiangyang ZHANG ; Fangce LIU ; Jiazhen LI ; Canran XIE ; Xiaofeng LIU ; Na CAO ; Weiguang WANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(9):1202-1206
Concepts are the cornerstone of the development of disciplines. The concepts of TCM present that a superior concept contains more subordinate concepts. The superordinate concepts are often used to refer to different subordinate concepts, which can refer to both superior concepts themselves and non-specific subordinate concepts, that is, the characteristics of subordinate coverage and indefinite reference, which cause confusion in concept meaning, concept relationships, reasoning logic, and other problems. Nowadays, the TCM scholars pay little attention to this characteristic. Therefore, this article analyzed this characteristic, discussed its impact on the inheritance and development of TCM, and proposed that starting from the anchoring of concepts and entities to clarify the connotation of concepts, looking forward to provide new ideas for the definition of the concepts of TCM and the development of the discipline.

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