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.Regulatory role of ITCH-TXNIP-NLRP3 signaling pathway in Alzheimer disease-like lesions in vivo and in vitro
Qiuyu XIE ; Jianfeng MA ; Qiying SHEN ; Yongxiang HE ; Xiaobing LI ; Shuo YANG ; Yuke XIANG ; Yuan QIN ; Wei WEI ; Yinghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(6):1109-1117
AIM:To investigate the modulatory role of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase ITCH in Alzheimer disease(AD)-like pathology through the thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)-nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway using both in vivo and in vitro experimental models.METHODS:(1)Ten 5×FAD(AD model)mice and 10 wild-type(WT)mice at 2-,4-and 6-month-old were randomly allocated into AD and WT groups.Amyloid β-protein(Aβ)plaque burden in the brain was detected by thioflavin-S and immunofluorescence staining,with the latter method additionally applied to assess TXNIP protein expression.The protein levels of ITCH and TXNIP were determined by Western blot,while their interaction was verified by co-immunoprecipitation.(2)Mouse mi-croglia BV2 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were used to construct neuroinflammation model,and were di-vided into control(CON)group and LPS+ATP treatment group.The BV2 cells stimulated by Aβ were used to construct AD inflammation model.According to the different treatment time,they were divided into CON,and 12,24 and 48 h treatment groups.Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of ITCH,TXNIP,and NLRP3 inflammasome compo-nents(NLRP3 and caspase-1)as well as the downstream IL-1β.Adenovirus-mediated ITCH overexpression(OE-ITCH)in Aβ-stimulated BV2 cells comprised three experimental groups:negative control group,Aβ oligomer stimulation group,and OE-ITCH group,with subsequent immunoblotting of inflammatory mediators.RESULTS:The deposition of Aβ plaques in the cortex and hippocampus of 5×FAD transgenic mice exhibited an age-dependent progression(P<0.01).Compared with WT mice,the levels of TXNIP protein increased synchronously,and the levels of ubiquitin ligase ITCH was significantly down-regulated(P<0.05).Co-immunoprecipitation confirmed the interaction between ITCH and TXNIP proteins in the brain of 2-and 4-month-old 5×FAD mice,which exhibited marked attenuation by 4 months of age.In BV2 microglial models,Aβ/LPS stimulation provoked significant ITCH suppression,concurrently up-regulating TXNIP,core NLRP3 inflammasome components(NLRP3 and caspase-1),and downstream IL-1β(P<0.05).Overexpression of ITCH significantly inhibited Aβ-induced activation of TXNIP and NLRP3 and therelated inflammatory factors in BV2 cells.CONCLUSION:The results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ITCH protein exerts effects against AD-like pathology by inhibiting the expression of TXNIP-NLRP3 signaling pathway.
3.Functional mechanism of Xihuang pill drug containing serum in intervention of breast cancer cells based on miR21-5p targeting FAM13A gene
Juling CHENG ; Jie MAO ; Hui HE ; Jiaqi PENG ; Yingqian XU ; Huanzi PENG ; Jinquan WANG ; Yunhao LI ; Xiaobing XIE
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(19):2339-2346
Objective To explore the related functional mechanism of Xihuang pill containing serum inter-vention in breast cancer cells based on microRNA(miR)21-5p targeting FAM13A gene.Methods Bioinfor-matics websites was used to predict potential miRNAs of FAM13A gene,double luciferase reporter experi-ments were conducted to verify the binding site relationship between FAM13A and predicted miRNAs.The Xihuang pill containing serum was prepared,and human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were cultured.The proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells was interfered by the Xihuang pill containing serum with different dilution ratios by CCK-8 test,and the best dilution ratio concentration of Xihuang pill containing serum to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells was selected.Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was ap-plied to detect the relative expression levels of FAM13A mRNA,as well as the relative expression levels of miR21-5p,in MDA-MB-231 cells after intervention with Xihuang pill containing serum.Cell proliferation(Edu)assay and cell apoptosis detection(TUNEL)assay were used to detect the effects of Xihuang pill con-taining serum intervention on cell proliferation and apoptosis function in MDA-MB-231 cells.The siRNA lentiviral transfection on MDA-MB-231 cells was performed to knock down the FAM13A gene,and Edu assay and TUNEL assay were used to detect changes in proliferation and apoptosis ability of MDA-MB-231 cells af-ter lentiviral transfection.The expression level of miR21-5p in MDA-MB-231 cells after FAM13A gene knock-out was detected by RT-qPCR technology.Results Target Scan online website predicted the potential miR-21-5p binding sequence in the 3'UTR of FAM13A mRNA,and dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed the in-teraction between miR-21-5p and FAM13A.After intervention of MDA-MB-231 cells with Xihuang pill drug containing serum,RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the control group(NC group),the Xihuang pill drug containing serum group(XHW group)downregulated the expression levels of FAM13A mRNA(P<0.05),and upregulated the expression level of miR21-5p(P<0.05).Compared with the NC group,the XWH group showed reduced cell proliferation ability and promoted cell apoptosis.(P<0.05).After silencing the FAM13A gene in MDA-MB-231 cells,compared with the control group(shCtrl group),the shFAM13A group showed a significant decrease in cell proliferation ability and promoted cell apoptosis.The RT-qPCR re-sults showed that compared with the shCtrl group,the expression level of miR21-5p was significantly upregu-lated in the shFAM13A group(P<0.05).Conclusion Xihuang pill could participate in the anti-tumor treat-ment of breast cancer by regulating miR21-5p to affect the expression level of FAM13A gene.
4.The roles of m6A-modified regulatory factors in the development of malignant tumors
Kun HE ; Xi ZHOU ; Jing LI ; Jinquan WANG ; Ping LI ; Ping TAN ; Xiaobing XIE
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(5):716-727
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, as a widespread and high-profile type of epigenetic modification, can dynamically and reversibly regulate the whole process of RNA metabolism. This modification governs RNA stability, splicing, and translation via m6A regulators, which are categorized as Writers, Erasers, and Readers. m6A modification also plays a critical role in the development of tumors. Disruptions in the homeostasis of m6A modification levels lead to dysregulation of m6A regulators. Consequently, these dysregulated regulators modulate the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells and interfere with the normal functions of suppressor genes and oncogenes. This article aims to comprehensively elucidate the specific regulatory impacts of m6A modification on tumor-related gene expression. It focuses on the regulatory mechanisms of m6A modification on mRNA stability. Additionally, it explores the influence of m6A on the molecular translation of key signaling pathways. Moreover, it investigates the indirect regulatory effects mediated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), etc. The intention is to offer a novel analysis of the pathogenesis of cancer at a new level, and also provide a theoretical basis for finding new effective treatment methods.
5.The value of serum copeptin combined with inflammatory indexes in the clinical diagnosis and prognostic assessment of acute stroke
Jinquan WANG ; Huanzi PENG ; Yingqian XU ; Jiaqi PENG ; Kun HE ; Ping TAN ; Yanli HU ; Xiaobing XIE
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(3):378-389
Objective:To establish a model for the combined detection of serum copeptin and inflammatory markers in acute stroke (AS), and to explore the value of copeptin and inflammatory marker detection in the clinical diagnosis and prognosis assessment of AS.Methods:A total of 75 patients were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) [46 males, age (64.1±11.7) years] and 45 patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) [28 males, age (61.0±13.9) years] who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine through the emergency department from January 1 to July 31, 2024, were included as the observation group. Meanwhile, 60 healthy individuals [39 males, age (64.4±8.2) years] were selected as the control group (HC). The differences in serum copeptin levels and inflammatory markers among different groups were compared. ROC curves were drawn to analyze the value of copeptin and inflammatory markers in the clinical diagnosis and prognosis assessment of AIS. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves to analyze the in-hospital survival rates of patients in different groups. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors affecting the prognosis of AIS patients.Results:The level of copeptin was significantly elevated in AS, with the results showing ICH>AIS>HC ( H=100.11, P<0.001). Copeptin demonstrated the highest efficacy in the early diagnosis of AIS and ICH (AUC=0.893, sensitivity 89.3%, specificity 75.0%; AUC=0.986, sensitivity 95.6%, specificity 93.3%) and the assessment of prognosis (AUC=0.997, sensitivity 100%, specificity 96.8%; AUC=0.907, sensitivity 86.7%, specificity 86.7%), outperforming other single indicators. The combined detection of copeptin with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SIIRI) was the best combination for the early diagnosis of AIS and ICH (AUC=0.937, sensitivity 77.3%, specificity 98.3%; AUC=0.989, sensitivity 95.6%, specificity 95.0%) and for the assessment of prognosis (AUC=0.996, sensitivity 100%, specificity 96.8%; AUC=0.944, sensitivity 86.7%, specificity 90.0%). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that AIS patients in the low-value group of copeptin and NLR had a higher survival rate during hospitalization than those in the high-value group ( HR 54.46, 7.608, P<0.01, respectively), and ICH patients in the low-value group of copeptin, SIIRI, SIRI, and SII had a higher survival rate during hospitalization than those in the high-value group ( HR 12.67, 7.923, 3.567, 5.925, P<0.05); Cox regression showed that copeptin, NLR, NIHSS, and mRS were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with AIS ( HR 1.421, 1.368, 1.158, and 1.188, respectively, P<0.05), copeptin and SIIRI were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of ICH ( HR 1.308, 1.113, P<0.05), and GCS was a protective factor affecting ICH prognosis ( HR=0.741, P<0.05). Conclusion:Copeptin and inflammatory indicators can reflect the severity of different subtypes of stroke. The single or combined detection shows good value in the clinical application of AS. The combination of copeptin-NLR and copeptin-SIIRI is respectively the best comprehensive biomarker combination for the early diagnosis and prognosis assessment of AIS and ICH.
6.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
7.Clinical analysis of 161 cases of laparoscopic repair for esophageal hiatal hernia
Xiaobing ZHOU ; Hengzheng HE ; Yan ZHOU ; Bingxin LI
Chinese Journal of General Surgery 2025;40(9):696-699
Objective:To explore the efficacy of laparoscopic biological patch repair combined with gastric fundus folding in the treatment of esophageal hiatal hernia complicated with gastroesophageal reflux disease.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 161 cases of laparoscopic esophageal hiatal hernia with biological patch repair combined with gastric fundus folding surgery treated at Hunan Second People's Hospital from Jan 2021 to Dec 2022.Results:All 161 cases of laparoscopic esophageal hiatal hernia repair combined with gastric fundus folding surgery were successfully completed, with an operation time of (92.2±20.1) min, intraoperative bleeding volume of (31.0±10.4) ml, postoperative hospital stay of (5.6±1.5) d, and postoperative acid reflux symptoms were alleviated. Three cases had difficult swallowing early after surgery, and they recovered after 3 weeks of medication treatment and dietary guidance. After discharge, 156 patients were followed up for a period of 4 to 24 months, with a follow-up rate of 97%. Among them, 151 patients had no more clinical symptoms, 5 had occasional acid reflux and heartburn, and there were no clinical recurrence cases.Conclusion:Laparoscopic biological patch repair combined with gastric fundus folding used for the treatment of hiatal hernia combined with gastroesophageal reflux disease is successful, and the short-term therapeutic effect is promising.
8.Expert consensus on imaging diagnosis and analysis of early correction of childhood malocclusion.
Zitong LIN ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Ziyang HU ; Zuyan ZHANG ; Yong CHENG ; Bing FANG ; Hong HE ; Hu WANG ; Gang LI ; Jun GUO ; Weihua GUO ; Xiaobing LI ; Guangning ZHENG ; Zhimin LI ; Donglin ZENG ; Yan LIU ; Yuehua LIU ; Min HU ; Lunguo XIA ; Jihong ZHAO ; Yaling SONG ; Huang LI ; Jun JI ; Jinlin SONG ; Lili CHEN ; Tiemei WANG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):21-21
Early correction of childhood malocclusion is timely managing morphological, structural, and functional abnormalities at different dentomaxillofacial developmental stages. The selection of appropriate imaging examination and comprehensive radiological diagnosis and analysis play an important role in early correction of childhood malocclusion. This expert consensus is a collaborative effort by multidisciplinary experts in dentistry across the nation based on the current clinical evidence, aiming to provide general guidance on appropriate imaging examination selection, comprehensive and accurate imaging assessment for early orthodontic treatment patients.
Humans
;
Malocclusion/diagnostic imaging*
;
Child
;
Consensus
9.Expert consensus on the prevention and treatment of radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Juan XIA ; Xiaoan TAO ; Qinchao HU ; Wei LUO ; Xiuzhen TONG ; Gang ZHOU ; Hongmei ZHOU ; Hong HUA ; Guoyao TANG ; Tong WU ; Qianming CHEN ; Yuan FAN ; Xiaobing GUAN ; Hongwei LIU ; Chaosu HU ; Yongmei ZHOU ; Xuemin SHEN ; Lan WU ; Xin ZENG ; Qing LIU ; Renchuan TAO ; Yuan HE ; Yang CAI ; Wenmei WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Yingfang WU ; Minhai NIE ; Xin JIN ; Xiufeng WEI ; Yongzhan NIE ; Changqing YUAN ; Bin CHENG
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):54-54
Radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common oral complication in patients with tumors following head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Erosion and ulcers are the main features of OM that seriously affect the quality of life of patients and even the progress of tumor treatment. To date, differences in clinical prevention and treatment plans for OM have been noted among doctors of various specialties, which has increased the uncertainty of treatment effects. On the basis of current research evidence, this expert consensus outlines risk factors, clinical manifestations, clinical grading, ancillary examinations, diagnostic basis, prevention and treatment strategies and efficacy indicators for OM. In addition to strategies such as basic oral care, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, anti-infective agents, pro-healing agents, and photobiotherapy recommended in previous guidelines, we also emphasize the role of traditional Chinese medicine in OM prevention and treatment. This expert consensus aims to provide references and guidance for dental physicians and oncologists in formulating strategies for OM prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, standardizing clinical practice, reducing OM occurrence, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Humans
;
Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects*
;
Consensus
;
Risk Factors
;
Stomatitis/etiology*
10.Correlation analysis between preoperative C 2 slope and effectiveness at 2 years after short-segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.
Zhaojun CHENG ; Yan GONG ; Yanchi GAN ; Jiahui HE ; De LIANG ; Hui REN ; Xiaobing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(3):341-345
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate correlation between preoperative C 2 slope (C2S) and effectiveness at 2 years after short-segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), with the aim of providing reliable indicators for predicting effectiveness.
METHODS:
One hundred and eighteen patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, who received short-segment ACDF between January 2018 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria, were enrolled in the study. There were 46 males and 72 females, aged from 26 to 80 years, with a mean age of 53.6 years. The operative duration was (127.6±33.46) minutes and the intraoperative blood loss was (34.75±30.40) mL. All patients were followed up 2 years. The pre- and post-operative Neck Disability Index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain were recorded. Based on the anteroposterior and lateral cervical X-ray films, the sagittal parameters of the cervical spine were measured [C 2-C 7 Cobb angle, C 0-C 2 Cobb angle, T 1 slope, C2S, sagittal segmental angle (SSA) of the surgical segment, and average surgical disc height (ASDH) of the surgical segment]. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the differences in these indicators between pre- and post-operation, as well as the correlations between the preoperative C2S and the JOA score, NDI, and VAS score at 2 years after operation. The patients were allocated into group A (C2S >11.73°) and group B (C2S≤ 11.73°) according to the median value of the preoperative C2S (11.73°). The JOA score, NDI, and VAS score before operation and at 2 years after operation, as well as the differences between pre- and post-operative values (change values), were compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
The T 1 slope, C 2-C 7 Cobb angle, C 0-C 2 Cobb angle, SSA, and ASDH at immediate after operation and JOA score, NDI, and VAS score at 2 years after operation significantly improved in 118 patients when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that preoperative C2S was not correlated with JOA score and NDI at 2 years after operation ( P>0.05), but negatively correlated with VAS score ( P<0.05). There were 59 patients with preoperative C2S>11.73° (group A) and 59 with C2S≤11.73° (group B). There was no significant difference in preoperative JOA score, NDI, and VAS score between the two groups ( P>0.05). There were significant differences in VAS score at 2 year after operation and the change value between the two groups ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the JOA score and NDI ( P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and a higher preoperative C2S exhibited superior long-term pain relief and effectiveness following short-segment ACDF.
Humans
;
Male
;
Spinal Fusion/methods*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging*
;
Diskectomy/methods*
;
Aged
;
Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Spondylosis/diagnostic imaging*
;
Pain Measurement
;
Preoperative Period
;
Follow-Up Studies

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail