1.Progress in artificial intelligence for predicting therapeutic efficacy of intravitreal injection
Xiaofeng WU ; Jiayi ZHANG ; Chunyan XIAO ; Yanshuang GENG ; Yonggang LIU ; Boxuan SONG ; Jiawei WANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):687-693
Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF)therapy has been widely used, but the variability in its therapeutic efficacy limits individualized treatment. In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence(AI)has opened up new avenues for personalized treatment response prediction, and its core branches include machine learning(ML)and deep learning(DL). This review systematically retrieved and analyzed 41 relevant studies published up to April 2025. Comprehensive analysis reveals that AI predictive models are evolving from forecasting single endpoints(such as visual acuity or central retinal thickness)to integrating multi-dimensional endpoints(encompassing anatomical, functional, and treatment demand parameters)and generating predictive imaging outputs. In terms of technical approaches, DL models(28 studies, accounting for 68.3%)dominate this field due to their robust image interpretation capabilities, while ML models(10 studies, 24.4%)retain significant value in the analysis of structured clinical data. Cross-disease comparisons indicate that research efforts are most concentrated on age-related macular degeneration(ARMD)and diabetic macular edema(DME), with shared conceptual frameworks for model construction, yet distinct anatomical and functional indicators are prioritized for each disease. Currently, the field confronts several key challenges, including insufficient prospective clinical validation, limited model interpretability(the “black box problem”), and a scarcity of high-quality multi-center datasets. Moving forward, it is imperative to advance real-world validation and develop explainable AI techniques to expedite the clinical translation of these predictive models.
2.Expert recommendations on vision friendly built environments for myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):1-5
Abstract
The prevention and control of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents has become a major public health issue. While maintaining increased outdoor activity as a cornerstone intervention, there is an urgent need to explore new complementary approaches that can be effectively implemented in both indoor and outdoor settings. In recent years, environmental spatial frequency has gained increasing attention as one of the key environmental factors influencing the development and progression of myopia. Both animal studies and human research have confirmed that indoor environments lacking mid to high spatial frequency components, often characterized as "visually impoverished", can promote axial elongation and myopia through mechanisms such as disruption of retinal neural signaling, impaired accommodative function, and altered expression of related molecules. Based on the scientific consensus, it is recommended that "enriching of environmental spatial frequency" should be integrated into the myopia prevention and control framework. Following the principles of schoolled organization, family cooperation, community involvement, and student participation, specific measures are put forward in three areas:optimizing school visual settings, improving home spatial environments, and promoting healthy visual behavior. The aim is to create "visually friendly" indoor environments as an important supplement to outdoor activity, thereby providing a novel perspective and strategy for comprehensively advancing myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents.
3.Disease burden of influenza like illness among student populations in Shenzhen
PENG Weijun, ZHANG Wei, LUO Jingwei,CHEN Hongbiao, ZHOU Xiaofeng, LIN Sixiao, LIU Honglian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):589-592
Objective:
To understand the epidemiological characteristics and disease burden of influenza like illness (ILI) among student populations, so as to provide data support for policy formulation and optimal allocation of health resources.
Methods:
From January 2024 to February 2025, a questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of kindergarten, primary school, junior and senior high school students in 9 districts of Shenzhen, including Longhua, Futian, Bao an, Longgang, Luohu, Nanshan, Guangming, Pingshan and Yantian. Parents were asked to complete the questionnaire based on whether their children had fever, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, rash and other common symptoms in 2024. A total of 3 537 parents were investigated, and 444 ILI cases were included as study subjects. The epidemiological burden, including incidence rate of influenza, visitation rate, years lived with disability (YLDs) and economic burden (including direct economic burden, indirect economic burden and intangible burden) were analyzed.
Results:
The incidence rate of influenza among students in Shenzhen in 2024 was 12.55%. The ILI incidence rates in kindergarten, primary school, junior and senior high school were 14.01%, 11.69% and 5.23%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ 2= 45.20, P <0.01). The ILI consultation rate among students was 85.36%, and the consultation rates in kindergarten (87.36%) and primary school students (84.62%) were higher than those in junior and senior high school students ( 56.52 %) ( χ 2=16.47, P <0.01). A total of 78.88% of cases did not receive etiological detection.The median total economic burden per ILI case was 2 354.62 yuan, including direct medical costs of 300.00 yuan, direct non medical costs of 212.50 yuan, indirect costs of 1 000.00 yuan, and intangible burden of 500.00 yuan.
Conclusions
Schools are high risk environment for influenza, and younger students are a high risk group for ILI. The disease burden caused by student ILI remains substantial.
4.Zfp335 regulates the proportion of effector Treg and tumor immunity.
Xiaonan SHEN ; Wenhua LI ; Xiaoxuan JIA ; Biao YANG ; Xin WANG ; Haiyan LIU ; Anjun JIAO ; Lei LEI ; Xiaofeng YANG ; Baojun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):385-390
Objective Zinc finger protein 335 (Zfp335) plays a crucial role in the early development of thymic T cells and the differentiation of peripheral T cell subpopulations. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and underlying mechanisms of Zfp335 in the regulation of regulatory T cell (Treg) within tumor immunity. Methods The Zfp335 gene was specifically knocked out in Treg using tamoxifen (Zfp335fl/fl FOXP3creERT2), and the MC38 tumor model was established. On the 7th day after tumor inoculation, tumor size was observed and measured. Tumor size was monitored and recorded daily starting from day 7 post-inoculation. On day 12, tumors were harvested, and the proportions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and Treg were analyzed by flow cytometry. Additionally, the mitochondrial function of effector regulatory T cell (eTreg) was assessed. Results From day 10 post-tumor inoculation, tumor volume in the Zfp335CKO group was significantly reduced compared to that of the wild-type (WT) group. Furthermore, the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, along with their respective effector cells, was significantly higher in the Zfp335CKO group than in the WT group. The proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were also significantly increased in the Zfp335CKO group compared to that of the WT group. In addition, the percentage of CD8+ T cells secreting granzyme B (GzmB) was significantly higher in the Zfp335CKO group than that in the WT group. In contrast, the proportion of Treg and inducible T cell co-stimulator (ICOS)+ Treg in the Zfp335CKO group was significantly lower than that in the WT group. Finally, the expression level of Mitotracker Deep Red in eTreg from the Zfp335CKO group was significantly reduced compared to that in the WT group. Conclusion During tumorigenesis, the specific deletion of Zfp335 impairs Treg activation, which is related to decreased mitochondrial function in eTreg. In Zfp335CKO mice. Tumors exhibit increased infiltration of effector T cells, accompanied by elevated levels of cytotoxic cytokines, ultimately enhancing resistance to tumor progression.
Animals
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T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism*
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Mice
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*
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Neoplasms/genetics*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Female
5.Identification of a JAK-STAT-miR155HG positive feedback loop in regulating natural killer (NK) cells proliferation and effector functions.
Songyang LI ; Yongjie LIU ; Xiaofeng YIN ; Yao YANG ; Xinjia LIU ; Jiaxing QIU ; Qinglan YANG ; Yana LI ; Zhiguo TAN ; Hongyan PENG ; Peiwen XIONG ; Shuting WU ; Lanlan HUANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Sulai LIU ; Yuxing GONG ; Yuan GAO ; Lingling ZHANG ; Junping WANG ; Yafei DENG ; Zhaoyang ZHONG ; Youcai DENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1922-1937
The Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT) control natural killer (NK) cells development and cytotoxic functions, however, whether long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in this pathway remains unknown. We found that miR155HG was elevated in activated NK cells and promoted their proliferation and effector functions in both NK92 and induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived NK (iPSC-NK) cells, without reliance on its derived miR-155 and micropeptide P155. Mechanistically, miR155HG bound to miR-6756 and relieved its repression of JAK3 expression, thereby promoting the JAK-STAT pathway and enhancing NK cell proliferation and function. Further investigations disclosed that upon cytokine stimulation, STAT3 directly interacts with miR155HG promoter and induces miR155HG transcription. Collectively, we identify a miR155HG-mediated positive feedback loop of the JAK-STAT signaling. Our study will also provide a power target regarding miR155HG for improving NK cell generation and effector function in the field of NK cell adoptive transfer therapy against cancer, especially iPSC-derived NK cells.
6.The relationship between of methylation brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the efficacy of ketamine in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression
Yuting LAN ; Yanling ZHOU ; Guanxi LIU ; Weicheng LI ; Xiaofeng LAN ; Cunyou ZHAO ; Yuping NING
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(4):232-239
Objective Based on a clinical cohort study of repeated ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant depression(TRD),this study aimed to examine differences in brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)methylation among patients with varying therapeutic responses and explore its potential role in predicting treatment efficacy.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on peripheral plasma BDNF levels in 83 patients with TRD before and after a 2-week course of ketamine treatment(6 injections total).The Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale(MADRS)was used to assess treatment efficacy.BDNF methylation levels were compared between responder group and non-responder group.The effect of methylation of the target CpG site on transcriptional activity was verified by using the dual luciferase reporter gene system.Results In patients with TRD who completed six repeated ketamine infusions,the responder group showed significant improvements compared to baseline levels in both MADRS scores(25.20±7.54 vs.8.10±5.32,P<0.01)and plasma BDNF concentrations[8.74(5.26,13.46)ng/mL vs.16.59(7.41,24.46)ng/mL,P<0.01].At baseline,35 CpG sites within the BDNF gene displayed significant methylation differences between response groups(P<0.05).Two CpG sites(rs1240718851 and cg06260077)located in the BDNF promoter region demonstrated a hypermethylation-low expression correlation,and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that one of these sites functionally modulates BDNF expression.Conclusions The plasma BDNF concentration in TRD patients increases with the remission of depressive symptoms.The regulation of BDNF gene expression by methylation can predict the antidepressant efficacy of repeated intravenous ketamine.
7.Therapeutic effects of Ligilactobacillus salivarius Li01 on DNA damage induced by the combination of Helicobacter pylori and Benzo(a)pyrene in Mongolian gerbils
Yilun HUANG ; Zhixuan XU ; Honggang GUO ; Yangfan ZHANG ; Huimin LIU ; Wendi XIE ; Yongping CHEN ; Xiaofeng CHU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):530-539
Objective To investigate the protective effects of Ligilactobacillus salivarius Li01(L.salivarius Li01)against DNA damage induced by Helicobacter pylori(Hp),Benzo(a)pyrene(BaP),and Hp+BaP,and to evaluate the probiotic properties of L.salivarius Li01.Methods After 1 week of adaptive feeding,specific pathogen-free male Mongolian gerbils were randomly assigned to groups and subjected to intragastric administration of Hp,BaP,and Hp+BaP for model induction.At week 32 post model establishment,therapeutic L.salivarius Li01 was administered intragastrically.At week 36,peripheral blood samples were collected from each group for the comet assay,while liver tissues were collected and tested for Cyp1a1 gene expression levels.Results Compared with those in the control group,the comet tail length,%tail DNA,and hepatic Cyp1a1 expression levels were significantly increased in the Hp,BaP,and Hp+BaP groups(P<0.0001).Among these,the comet tail length,olive tail moment,%tail DNA,and hepatic Cyp1a1 expression levels were significantly higher in the Hp+BaP group than in the Hp and BaP groups(P<0.05).Following intervention with L.salivarius Li01,the comet tail length,olive tail moment,%tail DNA,and hepatic Cyp1a1 expression levels were significantly reduced in each group(P<0.001).Conclusions Hp infection,BaP exposure,and the Hp+BaP combination induced DNA damage in the peripheral lymphocytes of Mongolian gerbils,with the Hp+BaP combination showing synergistic damage.L.salivarius Li01 had a protective effect against DNA damage caused by Hp,BaP,and Hp+BaP.
8.Effects of different cardiac resynchronization therapies on electrocardiogram,left ventricular function and adverse events in elderly patients with heart failure
Rui MU ; Huiyang GAO ; Guoyu JIN ; Qian LIU ; Xiaofeng SHANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(11):1502-1506
Objective To determine the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy at different pacing sites on electrocardiogram(ECG),left ventricular(LV)function and adverse events in elderly patients with heart failure(HF).Methods A total of 214 elderly HF patients admitted to our department between July 2021 and July 2024 were retrospectively recruited.According to different pacing sites in cardiac resynchronization therapy,they were divided into His bundle group(102 cases)and left bundle branch group(112 cases).Their grades of New York Heart Association(NYHA)cardiac function,duration of QRS complex,pacing parameters(pacing threshold,pacing perception,pacing resistance),cardiac function indicators,LV function,LV systolic synchrony[standard deviation of time to peak longitudinal strain,to peak radial strain and to peak circumferential strain(Tls-SD,Trs-SD and Tcs-SD)],and incidence of adverse events were compared between the two groups before and at 6 months after cardiac pacemaker implantation.Results In 6 months after surgery the left bundle branch group had significantly lower N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level,smaller LV end-diastolic diameter and LV end-systolic diameter,decreased Tls-SD,Trs-SD and Tcs-SD,and shorter duration of QRS complex,but higher LV ejection fraction,cardiac index and cardiac output when compared with the His bundle group(P<0.01).The incidence of adverse events was obviously lower in the left bundle branch group than the His bundle group(6.25%vs 15.69%,P<0.05).Conclusion Left bundle branch pacing shows significant improvement for cardiac function in elderly HF patients,and can effectively maintain ECG stability and improve LV function.It is a safe and effective cardiac resynchronization therapy.
9.Clinical Study on Acupuncture Treatment of Liver Depression Type Insomnia in Young and Middle-Aged Women with the Liver-soothing and Mind-regulating Method
Xiaofeng LI ; Shifen XU ; Xuan YIN ; Meiqing LIU ; Guancheng LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(12):136-141
Objective To observe the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture in young and middle-aged women suffering from insomnia with liver-depression using liver-soothing and mind-regulating method.Methods Totally 76 female patients with insomnia of liver-depression were randomly divided to the acupuncture group and the sham-acupuncture group,with 38 cases in each group.The treatment group received acupuncture with the method of liver-soothing and mind-regulating,while the sham-acupuncture group used the same acupoints with simulated stimulation using blunt-tip needles.Treatment lasted 8 weeks,with a total of 18 sessions,as well as a 3-month follow-up period.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),Insomnia Severity Index(ISI),and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)were measured before treatment,at the week 4 and week 8,and at 1-and 3-month follow-ups.The adverse reaction of both groups were monitored.Results Four cases in the acupuncture group and 2 cases in the sham-acupuncture group were lost.Compared with before treatment,the total score and factor scores of PSQI,ISI and SAS of the two groups at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the first and third months of follow-up significantly decreased(P<0.05);compared with the sham-acupuncture group at the same time point,the total score of PSQI,ISI and SAS in the acupuncture group decreased significantly at 8 weeks of treatment(P<0.05).No serious adverse events occurred in the two groups during the treatment.Conclusion The acupuncture of liver-soothing and mind-regulating method is a safe and effective treatment for improving sleep quality and anxious mood of young and middle-aged female patients with liver-depression type of insomnia.
10.A study of the effect of exercise habits on frailty in middle-aged and elderly community residents
Lujie WEI ; Min DU ; Xiaofeng LIU ; Zhengping TANG ; Hang ZHAO ; Jianping LI ; Min LI ; Pingyang LI ; Xinzhu CHEN ; Yixiong ZHENG ; Cong DU ; Xiaobing CHEN ; Olga THEOU ; Huaicong LONG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(2):201-207
Objective:To examine frailty in residents aged over 50 in the Chengdu community, investigate the risk factors linked to frailty, and analyze the impact of exercise habits on frailty.Methods:This retrospective study utilized a stratified whole-sample method to select Chengdu residents aged over 50 from 6 communities.Relevant information was collected through face-to-face interactions using a self-developed frailty questionnaire between May 2022 and May 2023.Exercise habits were defined as engaging in physical activity more than three times a week for at least 30 minutes per session, consistently maintained for a minimum of five years prior to the survey.The frailty index(FI)was established based on the multiple-deficit cumulative model.Respondents were classified into categories of no frailty(FI<0.1), mild frailty(0.1 ≤ FI<0.2), and moderate-severe frailty(FI≥0.2).Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the factors influencing frailty and to compare the prevalence and progression of frailty among individuals with and without exercise habits across different age groups.Results:A total of 999 participants, comprising 483(48.3%)males and 516(51.7%)females, were enrolled in the study.The average age of the participants was 65.70±9.61 years.Among them, 346(34.6%)were classified as having mild frailty, while 107(10.7%)had moderate-severe frailty.Univariate analysis revealed that age, gender, marital status, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise habits were potential factors influencing frailty( P<0.05).Multifactorial logistic regression models indicated that individuals aged 70-79 and 80-85 were predictors of mild and moderate-severe frailty, respectively.Being female was identified as an independent risk factor for both mild frailty( OR: 1.196; 95% CI: 1.262-3.073)and moderate-severe frailty( OR: 2.721; 95% CI: 1.282-5.774).Additionally, not engaging in regular exercise was associated with an increased risk of mild frailty( OR: 1.588; 95% CI: 1.149-2.193)and moderate-severe frailty( OR: 3.186; 95% CI: 1.819-5.583).Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in frailty distribution and frailty index changes between individuals with and without exercise habits over the age of 60( P<0.05). Conclusions:Age and gender were found to be closely associated with frailty, with the impact of exercise habits on frailty becoming more pronounced after the age of 60.Encouraging middle-aged and older individuals to adopt regular exercise routines can play a significant role in promoting healthy aging in China.


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