1.Ethical reflections on the clinical application of medical artificial intelligence
Fangfang CUI ; Zhonglin LI ; Xianying HE ; Wenchao WANG ; Yuntian CHU ; Xiaobing SHI ; Jie ZHAO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):159-165
Medical artificial intelligence (AI) is a new type of application formed by the combination of machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and other technologies with clinical medical treatment. With the continuous iteration and development of relevant technologies, medical AI has shown great potential in improving the efficiency of diagnosis and treatment, and service quality, but it also increases the possibility of triggering ethical issues. Ethical issues resulting from the clinical application of medical AI were analyzed, including the lack of algorithmic interpretability and transparency of medical AI, leading to information asymmetry and cognitive discrepancies; the concerning status of security and privacy protection of medical data; and the complex and unclear division of responsibilities due to the collaborative participation of multiple subjects in the clinical application of medical AI, resulting in increased difficulty in the identification of medical accidents and clarification of responsibilities. The paper proposed the principles of not harming patients’ interests, physician’s subjectivity, fairness and inclusiveness, and rapid response. It also explored the strategies and implementation paths for responding to the ethical issues of medical AI from multiple perspectives, including standardizing the environment and processes, clarifying responsibility attribution, continuously assessing the impact of data protection, guaranteeing data security, ensuring model transparency and interpretability, carrying out multi-subject collaboration, as well as the principles of being driven by ethical values and adhering to the “human health-centeredness.” It aimed to provide guidance for the healthy development of medical AI, ensuring technological progress while effectively managing and mitigating accompanying ethical risks, thereby promoting the benign development of medical AI technology and better serving the healthcare industry and patients.
2.Effect of heterologous expression of Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene SqME on photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation in tobacco leaves.
Yizhen LIU ; Mengyuan LI ; Zhanqian LI ; Yushuang GUO ; Jingfang JI ; Wenchao DENG ; Ze YANG ; Yan SUN ; Chunhui ZHANG ; Jin'ai XUE ; Runzhi LI ; Chunli JI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(7):2829-2842
Microalgae possess high photosynthetic efficiency, robust adaptability, and substantial biomass, serving as excellent biological resources for large-scale cultivation. Malic enzyme (ME), a ubiquitous metabolic enzyme in living organisms, catalyzes the decarboxylation of malate to produce pyruvate, CO2, and NAD(P)H, playing a role in multiple metabolic pathways including energy metabolism, photosynthesis, respiration, and biosynthesis. In this study, we identified the Scenedesmus quadricauda malic enzyme gene (SqME) and its biological functions, aiming to provide excellent target genes for the genetic improvement of higher plants. Based on the RNA-seq data from S. quadricauda under the biofilm cultivation mode with high CO2 and light energy transfer efficiency and small water use, a highly expressed gene (SqME) functionally annotated as ME was cloned. The physicochemical properties of the SqME-encoded protein were systematically analyzed by bioinformatics tools. The subcellular localization of SqME was determined via transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The biological functions of SqME were identified via genetic transformation in Nicotiana tabacum, and the potential of SqME in the genetic improvement of higher plants was evaluated. The ORF of SqME was 1 770 bp, encoding 590 amino acid residues, and the encoded protein was located in chloroplasts. SqME was a NADP-ME, with the typical structural characteristics of ME. The ME activity in the transgenic N. tabacum plant was 1.8 folds of that in the wild-type control. Heterologous expression of SqME increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 20.9%, 26.9%, and 25.2%, respectively, compared with the control. The transgenic tobacco leaves showed an increase of 54.0% in the fluorescence parameter NPQ and a decrease of 30.1% in Fo compared with the control. Moreover, the biomass, total lipids, and soluble sugars in the transgenic tobacco leaves enhanced by 20.5%, 25.7%, and 9.5%, respectively. On the contrary, the starch and protein content in the transgenic tobacco leaves decreased by 22.4% and 12.2%, respectively. Collectively, the SqME-encoded protein exhibited a strong enzymatic activity. Heterologous expressing of SqME could significantly enhance photosynthetic protection, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation in the host. Additionally, SqME can facilitate carbon metabolism remodeling in the host, driving more carbon flux towards lipid synthesis. Therefore, SqME can be applied in the genetic improvement of higher plants for enhancing photosynthetic carbon fixation and lipid accumulation. These findings provide scientific references for mining of functional genes from S. quadricauda and application of these genes in the genetic engineering of higher plants.
Nicotiana/genetics*
;
Photosynthesis/physiology*
;
Malate Dehydrogenase/biosynthesis*
;
Plant Leaves/genetics*
;
Scenedesmus/enzymology*
;
Carbon Cycle/genetics*
;
Lipid Metabolism/genetics*
;
Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*
3.Oriented electrostatically spun polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffold loaded with calcium titanate promotes peripheral nerve regeneration
Xiaojun LIU ; Yuqing SHANG ; Wenchao GUAN ; Linlin XU ; Guicai LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(28):6070-6082
BACKGROUND:Oriented polycaprolactone/silk fibroin blend electrospinning scaffolds can repair peripheral nerve damage and promote nerve regeneration,but the repair effect is limited,and it is necessary to further combine bioactive materials,growth factors,and other factors to prepare bionic neural scaffolds.Calcium titanate nanoparticles have the ability to promote adhesion between Schwann cells and have been widely used in the field of biomedical materials.OBJECTIVE:To prepare polycaprolactone/silk fibroin-calcium titanate functionalized scaffolds by electrospinning technology,and to further explore the effect of the scaffold on Schwann cell viability and adhesion.METHODS:Polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning technology.The optimal parameters were selected by adjusting the syringe flow rate,receiving device speed and spinning time during the preparation process for subsequent experiments.Under the optimal parameters,randomly oriented polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffolds(denoted as PCL/SF-R),oriented polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffolds(denoted as CTO-0),and oriented polycaprolactone/silk fibroin scaffolds containing 0.1,0.5,and 1.0 mg/mL polydopamine modified calcium titanate(denoted as CTO-1,CTO-5,and CTO-10,respectively)were prepared by electrospinning technology.The physical properties of the five groups of scaffolds were characterized.The extracts of the five groups of scaffolds were co-cultured with rat fibroblast cell line(L929).Cell proliferation was detected by MTT assay.Rat Schwann cell line(RSC96)was inoculated on the five groups of scaffolds.Cell viability,cytoskeleton staining,and cytoskeleton and cell adhesion related genes were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The optimal parameters for preparing electrospinning scaffolds were as follows:syringe flow rate 15 μL/min,receiving device speed 1 800 r/min,and spinning time 1 hour.(2)The PCL/SF-R group had the largest water contact angle and the smallest elastic modulus,while the CTO-0 group had the smallest water contact angle and the largest elastic modulus.The degradation rate of the scaffolds in the CTO-0 group was lower than that in the CTO-1 group,and the degradation rate of the scaffolds decreased with the increase of the mass concentration of calcium titanate in the oriented scaffolds.(3)The scaffolds in the five groups had no toxic effects on L929 cells and had good biocompatibility.CCK-8 assay results showed that CTO-10 could improve the viability of RSC96 cells.Cytoskeleton staining results showed that the aspect ratio and cell protrusion length of cells on the oriented scaffolds were higher than those on the randomly oriented scaffolds.qPCR test results showed that the mRNA expressions of YAP and Cntn2 in the CTO-5 and CTO-0 groups were higher than those in the PCL/SF-R group(P<0.05).(4)The results indicate that the oriented polycaprolactone/silk fibroin-calcium titanate scaffold has good biocompatibility,mechanical properties,and hydrophilicity,which can enhance the viability and migration ability of Schwann cells and promote peripheral nerve regeneration.
4.Efficacy and safety of neurointervention in anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula: a comparative analysis of different vascular approaches
Wenzhi GONG ; Can LI ; Xin FENG ; Wenchao LIU ; Runze GE ; Chi HUANG ; Jiwan HUANG ; Ran LI ; Shenquan GUO ; Chuanzhi DUAN ; Xifeng LI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(3):224-229
Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of embolization of anterior cranial fossa dural arteriovenous fistula (ACF-DAVF) via different arterial approaches, and provide evidence for individualized treatment of ACF-DAVF. Methods:A retrospective study was performed; 25 patients with ACF-DAVF admitted to Department of Cerebrovascular Surgery, Neurosurgery Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University from January 2020 to December 2023 were enrolled. Vascular approaches, including the anterior cerebral artery ( n=7), facial artery ( n=3), middle meningeal artery ( n=8), ophthalmic artery ( n=6), and vein ( n=1), were selected based on angioarchitectural features and microcatheter accessibility. Fistula and proximal draining vein occlusions were confirmed by immediate post-embolization digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and perioperative complications were recorded. At a 6-month follow-up, prognoses were assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and DSA or MRA was performed to detect the recurrence of ACF-DAVF. Results:Six patients had complete embolization and 2 patients had near-total embolization of the fistula and proximal draining vein immediately after embolization via middle meningeal artery approach; 4 patients achieved complete embolization and 2 patients achieved near-total embolization via ophthalmic artery approach; 6 patients achieved complete embolization and one patient achieved near-total embolization via anterior cerebral artery approach; 3 patients achieved complete embolization via facial artery approach; one patient achieved complete embolization via venous approach. No perioperative intracranial hemorrhage or central retinal artery occlusion was noted. Follow-up for 6 months was performed in 25 patients: mRS score was 0 in 19 patients, 1 in 2 patients, and 2 in 4 patients; DSA in 19 patients and MRA in 6 patients indicated no ACF-DAVF recurrence. Conclusion:Based on the angioarchitectural features and microcatheter accessibility, individualized selection of vascular approaches for ACF-DAVF embolization can achieve better efficacy and safety.
5.Distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture in relieving hypertrophic scar formation after open thyroidectomy
Dapeng LI ; Songfeng WEI ; Weijing HAO ; Zilu GAO ; Linfei HU ; Wenchao ZHANG ; Gang LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Xiangqian ZHENG
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(4):278-282
Objectives:To investigate the clinical efficacy of the distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture technique in reducing hypertrophic scar formation following open thyroidectomy.Methods:Clinical data and postoperative incision appearance of 138 patients undergoing open thyroidectomy at the Department of Thyroid and Neck Oncology of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, as well as the Department of Head and Neck Oncology of Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, from Aug 2023 to Jan 2024 was enrolled. Patients were devided into two groups based on the incision closure method: the distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture group (tension reduction group, 37 cases) and ordinary intradermal suture group (control group A, 55 cases evaluated 3 months post-surgery; control group B, 46 cases evaluated 6 months post-surgery). The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was employed to assess the appearance of the wounds at 3 and 6 months post-surgery .Results:On 3 and 6 months post-surgery, the total VSS scores for patients in the tension reduction group were 2.8 ± 2.3 and 2.5 ± 2.5, respectively,while that in control group A on 3 months was 5.2 ± 3.0, and in group B on 6 months was 5.3 ± 3.4. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). On 3 and 6 months post-surgery, the proportions of hypertrophic scars in the tension reduction group were 14% (5/37) and 11% (4/37), respectively , while in control group A it was 35% (19/55) , and in control group B was 35% (16/46) at 6 months, with differences being statistically significant ( P=0.024, 0.011 ). On 6 months post-surgery, 51 % (19/37) of patients in the tension reduction group achieved 'socially invisible aesthetic incisions', while only 15% (7/46) of patients in control group B achieved the same outcome ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture significantly reduces the incidence of incision hypertrophic scars in open thyroid surgery.
6.Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults (version 2025)
Bobin MI ; Faqi CAO ; Weixian HU ; Wu ZHOU ; Chenchen YAN ; Hui LI ; Yun SUN ; Yuan XIONG ; Jinmi ZHAO ; Qikai HUA ; Xinbao WU ; Xieyuan JIANG ; Dianying ZHANG ; Zhongguo FU ; Dankai WU ; Guangyao LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Tengbo YU ; Jinhai TAN ; Xi CHEN ; Fengfei LIN ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Dongfa LIAO ; Aiguo WANG ; Shiwu DONG ; Gaoxing LUO ; Zhao XIE ; Dong SUN ; Dehao FU ; Yunfeng CHEN ; Changqing ZHANG ; Kun LIU ; Deye SONG ; Yongjun RUI ; Fei WU ; Ximing LIU ; Junwen WANG ; Meng ZHAO ; Biao CHE ; Bing HU ; Chengjian HE ; Guanglin WANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Guandong DAI ; Shiyuan FANG ; Wenchao SONG ; Ming CHEN ; Guanghua GUO ; Yongqing XU ; Lei YANG ; Wenqian ZHANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Xin TANG ; Hua CHEN ; Weiguo XU ; Shuquan GUO ; Yong LIU ; Xiaodong GUO ; Zhewei YE ; Liming XIONG ; Tian XIA ; Hongbin WU ; Qisheng ZHOU ; Mengfei LIU ; Yiqiang HU ; Yanjiu HAN ; Hang XUE ; Kangkang ZHA ; Wei CHEN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Bin YU ; Jiacan SU ; Peifu TANG ; Baoguo JIANG ; Guohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(5):421-432
Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.
7.Predictive Value of Endometrial Cancer Tissue Mismatch Repair Protein Expression and Detection of Blood Immune Inflammation Index Level for Postoperative Survival
Wenchao LI ; Dongxia ZHANG ; Hong WEI
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(6):116-121
Objective Predictive value of mismatch repair(MMR)protein expression in endometrial cancer(EC)tissues and blood immune-inflammatory marker levels on postoperative survival.Methods A total of 118 patients with EC who were treated at Jiamusi Central Hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 were selected as study subjects.The status of MMR proteins in endometrial cancer tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry,and based on the staining results,patients were divided into a MMR-deficient group(dMMR group,n=40)and a MMR-proficient group(pMMR group,n=78).The preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index(SII)was calculated.The pelvic lymph node status of the patients was observed.Enzyme-linked im-munosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and C-reactive protein(CRP)in the patients.Disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)as well as their influencing factors were analyzed between the two groups.Results Comparison of age,FIGO stage,tumor histopathology,pelvic lymph node status and SII between the pMMR group and dMMR groups in patients,and the differences were statistically significant(Z/t/χ2=3.202~11.151,all P<0.05).The average DFS of patients in pMMR group and dMMR group was 1 477 days and 756 days,the average OS was 1 588 and 826 days respectively,and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(Log Rank χ2=24.804,30.411,all P<0.001).COX regression analysis showed that SII was an independent influencing factor of DFS in EC patients(Wald χ2=8.152,P<0.05).SII,pelvic lymph node status and MMR status were independent influencing factors of OS in EC patients(Wald χ2=7.066,5.936,6.971,all P<0.05).The ability of combining MMR status with SII to predict DFS and OS in EC patients was further improved,with AUC of 0.793 and 0.859,sensitivity of 72.4%and 75.0%,specificity of 78.3%and 80.0%,respectively.Conclusion MMR status and increased SII are independent influencing factors of poor postoperative prog-nosis of EC patients,and their combination is helpful to predict disease-free survival and overall survival of EC patients.
8.Research progress on impacts of air pollutants, gut microbiota, and seminal microbiota on semen quality
Wenchao XIA ; Jiahua SUN ; Yuya JIN ; Ruixin LUO ; Ruyan YAN ; Yuming GUI ; Yongbin WANG ; Fengquan ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Weidong WU ; Huijun LI
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(8):1003-1008
In recent years, China has been facing the dual challenges of declining fertility rates and births, with male reproductive health issues, especially the decline in semen quality, identified as a pivotal contributor to this phenomenon. Meanwhile, accumulating evidence indicates that air pollutants, an increasingly severe environmental problem, can damage semen quality not only directly through their biological toxicity but also indirectly by disrupting the composition of microbial communities in the gut and semen, thereby dysregulating immune function, endocrine homeostasis, and oxidative stress responses. The gut microbiota and semen microbiota, as important components of the human microecosystem, play crucial roles in maintaining reproductive health. This article comprehensively reviewed the research progress on the potential effects of air pollutants (particulate matter and gaseous pollutants), gut microbiota, and semen microbiota on semen quality. Specifically, it elucidated the mechanisms of interaction between these factors and explored how they affect male fertility.
9.Superior Characteristics of Gingival Contour Shape with a Modified Anatomic Healing Abutment for Mandibular First Molar Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Wenchao Li ; Batbayar B ; Damdindorj B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;90(6):171-177
Background:
Implant restoration necessitates meticulous attention to the profile, and texture of gingival soft tissue. The
healing abutment plays a critical role as a gingival shaping tool, with its neck design significantly impacting soft tissue
profile and crown aesthetics.
Aim:
This study explores the impact of a modified anatomic healing abutment (MAHA) on morphological changes in
gingival soft tissue and patient satisfaction following mandibular first molar implant restoration.
Materials and Methods:
Thirty patients with a single missing mandibular first molar undergoing implant repair were
randomly assigned to either the control group (n=15) or the experimental group (n=15). The experimental group received
a MAHA post-dental implantation, while the control group received a standard healing abutment. Both groups underwent
crown restoration after 2 months. Peri-implant soft tissue index, Pink Esthetic Score (PES), and patient satisfaction were
assessed at postoperative day (T0), 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). Independent sample t-tests were
conducted with a significance level of α=0.05, where P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance
Results:
No significant differences in peri-implant soft tissue index were observed between the experimental and control
groups at T0, T1, T2, and T3 (P>0.05). The mean PES value in the experimental group exceeded that of the control group
at T0, T1, and T2 (P < 0.05). VAS scores showed no significant differences between the groups at T0, T1, and T3 (P>0.05),
but at T2, the experimental group exhibited higher satisfaction levels than the control group (P < 0.05)
Conclusion
The modified anatomic healing abutment for a mandibular first molar implant demonstrates superior soft
tissue contouring compared to the standard healing abutment, leading to heightened patient satisfaction during prosthesis
wear. Clinical Significance: The use of a MAHA in mandibular first molar implant restorations can enhance soft tissue
contour and improve early esthetic outcomes without compromising peri-implant health. This approach also contributes
to increased patient satisfaction during the prosthetic phase, supporting its clinical application for optimizing both functional and esthetic results in implant dentistry.
10.Ultrasound-guided needle knife release with different pathways for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.
Zhaobao LI ; Song HE ; Longyu XIE ; Hehuizi BAI ; Dejun CHENG ; Wenchao ZHANG ; Mingyong HUANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(1):21-26
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided needle knife release with different pathways for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
METHODS:
Sixty CTS patients were randomly divided into a transverse group and a longitudinal group, with 30 patients in each group. The transverse group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above and below the median nerve along the short axis, while the longitudinal group received the needle knife release under ultrasound above the median nerve along the long axis. The patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Levine scores, and median nerve cross-section area (CSA) were assessed before treatment, on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment. The median nerve conduction indexes (motor conduction: latency [Lat], amplitude[Amp], motor conduction velocity [MCV]; sensory conduction: Lat, Amp, sensory conduction velocity [SCV]) were evaluated before treatment and on the 30th day after treatment.
RESULTS:
Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, Levine scores, and median nerve CSA were reduced in both groups on the 7th, 14th, and 30th days after treatment (P<0.05); the transverse group showed lower VAS and Levine scores and smaller CSA than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05). On the 30th day after treatment, motor and sensory Lat was reduced (P<0.05), motor and sensory Amp was increased (P<0.05), and MCV and SCV were faster (P<0.05) in both groups. The transverse group had shorter Lat, higher Amp, and faster MCV and SCV than those in the longitudinal group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The ultrasound-guided needle knife release with transverse and longitudinal pathways could both effectively alleviate pain and improve median nerve conduction in CTS patients, with the transverse pathway showing superior efficacy to longitudinal pathway.
Humans
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/therapy*
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Male
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Adult
;
Median Nerve/physiopathology*
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Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Neural Conduction
;
Aged
;
Ultrasonography

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