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.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.
3.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.
4.Development and application of albumin-binding indocyanine green for near-infrared fluorescence imaging of lung cancer
Hongliang WU ; Ze TAO ; Hao YANG ; Hong ZHU ; LU Xiaofeng LU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(07):1101-1110
Objective To develop albumin-binding indocyanine green (ICG) and assess its potential for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and intraoperative navigation in lung cancer. Methods ABD-tri was recombinantly expressed by genetic engineering. Its albumin-binding capability was determined using size-exclusion chromatography, and its albumin-dependent binding to lung cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. ICG was conjugated to ABD-tri to generate the fluorescent probe ABD-tri-ICG. The potential of ABD-tri-ICG for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and imaging-guided tumor resection was evaluated in mice bearing subcutaneous tumor grafts of lung cancer. Results ABD-tri was highly expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and was purified to homogeneity via a simple affinity chromatography. ABD-tri bound both human and murine serum albumin, contributing to its binding to lung cancer cells. ICG was effectively conjugated to ABD-tri to produce the fluorescence probe ABD-tri-ICG after mixing and incubation at room temperature for 1 h. In mice bearing lung cancer tumor grafts, intravenously injected ABD-tri-ICG enabled clear visualization of tumors with diameters ranging from 5 to 7 mm within 0.5-24 h post-injection. The tumor grafts were resected under the guidance of ABD-tri-ICG-mediated near-infrared fluorescence imaging. Conclusion Intravenous injection of ABD-tri-ICG allows rapid and sustained visualization of lung cancer tumor grafts and enables intraoperative navigation in mice, warranting further evaluation on the clinical translation of ABD-tri-ICG.
5.Quality evaluation of methodological and reporting quality of clinical practice guidelines and expert consensuses on blood transfusion and blood utilization in china
Yumei YANG ; Yuting WU ; Yu TIAN ; Weifeng DING ; Jiaying WANG ; Lei YANG ; Aiyuan DU ; Xiaofeng PAN ; Xiaoshan LI ; Rong GAO ; Tingting WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(7):952-962
Objective: To evaluate the methodological quality and reporting quality of clinical practice guidelines or expert consensus on blood transfusion and blood use (BTBU) in China (hereinafter referred to as "guidelines/consensus"), providing reference for the development and updating of future BTBU guidelines/consensus. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Chinese databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP Data-base, relevant guideline release platforms, and professional association websites. BTBU-related guidelines/consensus published between January 2006 and December 2025 were included. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, after completing literature screening and data extraction, three evaluators independently assessed the quality of the included literature using the Scientificity, Transparency, and Applicability of Guidelines Rating Tool (STAR), the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ (AGREE Ⅱ), and the International Practice Guideline Reporting Standards (RIGHT). Results: A total of 29 documents were included, including 5 guidelines, 22 consensus statements, and 2 protocols. The results of the STAR assessment showed that the total score was (21.7±8.8)%. The domain score ratios for registration, research protocol, funding, working group, conflict of interest, clinical question, evidence, consensus method, recommendation, accessibility and other domains were (2.2±12.1)%, 0, (36.7±25.1)%, (18.3±7.6)%, (19.2±15.3)%, (16.6±23.1)%, (15.1±6.3)%, (9.6±21.2)%, (54.3±18.4)%, (31.7±10.4)% and (10.3±31.0)%, respectively. For the AGREE Ⅱ assessment, the methodological quality of 26 articles was rated Grade B and 3 articles Grade C. The results of the RIGHT assessment indicated that the overall reporting rate of all guidelines/consensuses was (65.3±4.0)%. Conclusion: The methodological and reporting quality of current expert guidelines/consensus on BTBU in China still need improvement, and guidelines and consensus should be strictly formulated and standardized according to the standards of STAR, AGREE II and RIGHT.
6.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.
7.Clinical Observation of Electroacupuncture at Acupoints Distributed on the Conception Vessel and Governor Vessel for Ischemic Stroke Complicated with Dysphagia
Wenshu ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Yuli WU ; Xiaofeng OU ; Fen XU ; Mingying SUN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1621-1628
Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture at acupoints distributed on conception vessel(CV)and governor vessel(GV)in treating ischemic stroke(AIS)complicated with dysphagia and explore its potential mechanism.Methods A total of 120 patients diagnosed with AIS complicated with dysphagia at Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from December 2020 to December 2023 were enrolled and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 60 patients per group.The control group received conventional swallowing training,while the observation group received additional electroacupuncture at acupoints distributed on CV and GV.The treatment lasted for 4 weeks.After 1 month of treatment,clinical efficacy was assessed,and the changes in Standardized Swallowing Assessment(SSA)scores,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores,hyolaryngeal mobility(thyroid cartilage anterior/superior displacement,hyoid bone anterior/superior displacement),and KubotaWater Swallowing Test scores were observed.Cerebral microcirculation parameters and the Chinese version of the Eating/Drinking Quality of Life(EDQoL)questionnaire were also compared.Safety and adverse events were evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate in the observation group was 95.00%(57/60),compared to 76.67%(46/60)in the control group,demonstrating statistically superior therapeutic efficacy in the observation group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,both groups showed significant improvements in SSA scores and NIHSS scores(P<0.05),with the observation group exhibiting markedly better enhancement in both SSA and NIHSS scores compared to the control group,showing statistically significant differences(P<0.05).(3)After intervention,significant improvements were observed in anterior displacement of thyroid cartilage,superior displacement of thyroid cartilage,anterior displacement of hyoid bone,and superior displacement of hyoid bone in both groups(P<0.05).The observation group outperformed the control group in all these laryngeal kinematic parameters with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).(4)Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in Kubota Water Swallowing Test scores after treatment(P<0.05),with the observation group displaying statistically greater improvement than the control group(P<0.05).(5)Cerebral arterial parameters including peak systolic velocity(Vs),mean velocity(Vm),and resistance index(RI)were significantly improved in both groups after treatment(P<0.05).The observation group showed superior enhancement in these cerebrovascular hemodynamic indices compared to the control group(P<0.05).(6)Significant improvements in EDQoL scores were observed in both groups after treatment(P<0.05),with the observation group achieving statistically greater improvement than the control group(P<0.05).(7)The total incidence of adverse reactions was 1.67%(1/60)in the observation group versus 11.67%(7/60)in the control group,indicating a statistically significant lower adverse event rate in the observation group(P<0.05).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at acupoints distributed on CV and GV effectively alleviates dysphagia and neurological impairment,improves hyolaryngeal mobility and cerebral microcirculation,enhances quality of life,and reduces adverse events such as aspiration pneumonia in AIS patients complicated with dysphagia.
8.Relationship Between Different Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Types and Gut Microbiota in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Hong LIU ; Xiaohui LIANG ; Xiaofeng WEN ; Xiaobai ZHANG ; Xianchun BU ; Gangqiang WU
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(2):389-399
Objective To observe the characteristics of gut microbiota in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with different traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome types,and to further explore the key microbial communities and functional differences affecting syndrome differentiation.Methods A total of 45 patients who visited the Department of Geriatrics,Hunan Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in 2023 were enrolled.These included 15 T2DM patients with qi-yin deficiency and blood stasis syndrome(Group A),15 T2DM patients with qi-yin deficiency syndrome(Group B),and 15 non-diabetic patients from the same period(Group C).Fecal samples were collected,and 16S rRNA sequencing and analysis were performed.Results 1)A total of 1 564 operational taxonomic units(OTUs)were obtained from the three groups of patients,with 224,127,and 351 unique OTUs identified in Groups A,B and C,respectively.2)Both α-and β-diversity analyses indicated differences among the gut microbiota of the three groups.For instance,in the α-diversity analysis,the Sobs index showed significant inter-group differences(P<0.01).Group A(264.00±88.84)was significantly higher than Group B(145.90±87.0)(P<0.01),while Group B was significantly lower than Group C(229.7±112.4)(P<0.05).In the β-diversity analysis,the principal coordinate analysis(PCoA)indicated a clear separation among groups(R=0.1610,P<0.01).The R values in the Anosim/Adonis analysis ranged from 0.144 to 0.196,and the R2 values ranged from 0.067 to 0.083,all indicating differences in inter-group comparisons(P<0.01).3)At the phylum level,Firmicutes,Actinobacteriota,and Bacteroidota were predominant in all groups.Among them,Bacteroidota exhibited significant inter-group differences(P<0.05),with its abundance in Group A being significantly higher than that in Group B(P<0.01).4)Analysis of differences in microbiota composition,combined with linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe)and Random Forest analysis,revealed that,at the genus level,the microbiota biomarkers between Group A and Group B were Parabacteroides,Bacteroides,g_unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae,Roseburia,and Aspergillus,those between Group B and Group C were Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003 and Ruminococcus,and those between Group A and Group C were Parabacteroides,Anaerotruncus,and Oscillibacter.The results were validated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis,which suggested that the microbiota biomarkers between Group A and Group B(AUC=0.91;95%CI,0.80-1.00),Group B and Group C(AUC=0.84;95%CI,0.69-0.99),Group A and Group C(AUC=0.87;95%CI,0.75-0.99)had good diagnostic efficacy.5)The study identified 116 major pathways with inter-group differences through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis.For example,the enrichment degree of ABC transporter pathway in Group A(2.58±0.36)was significantly lower than those in Group B(2.90±0.48)and Group C(3.11±0.66)(P<0.05).These pathways were associated with metabolism and environmental information processing.g.Conclusion The differences in the gut microbiota characteristics and functions among patients with specific TCM syndromes of T2DM may provide references for TCM syndrome differentiation and therapeutic mechanisms.
9.Thoughts and Explorations on the Cultivation of Top Innovative Talents in Nursing With Chinese Characteristics in the New Era
Xiaofeng XIE ; Fengying ZHANG ; Yi YIN ; Jinbo CUI ; Jianhua LI ; Jiazhuang XU ; Xiaolin HU ; Yali TIAN ; Wen ZHOU ; Xuantao WU ; Shuanjiu LI ; Ka LI
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(3):881-886
The cultivation of top innovative nursing talents with Chinese characteristics in the new era lends critical support to the accomplishment of the strategic goal of the Healthy China Initiative.Herein,we reviewed the historical development of nursing science in China,clarified the conceptual framework of nursing science with Chinese characteristics in the new era,and identified the essential qualities and competencies required for top innovative nursing talents.Furthermore,we analyzed the mission and challenges in cultivating these nursing talents,and put forward new approaches,including formulating new ethics and political education theories specific to nursing science with Chinese characteristics,establishing a cross-disciplinary educational model of Nursing+X,and creating a new nursing talent cultivation ecosystem adapted to the era of human-machine symbiosis.This study provides theoretical insights into the cultivation of top innovative nursing talents who align their development well with national strategic needs,embody patriotism,and possess a strong sense of contemporary responsibility.
10.Construction and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for Postoperative Constipation in Patients With Osteoporotic Thoracolumbar Fracture Undergoing Percutaneous Kyphoplasty
Xiaofeng LIU ; Yanhua WU ; Lin KANG ; Shuhui LIN ; Ziming CAI ; Wenping LIN
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(5):1305-1312
Objective To develop an instrument for predicting postoperative constipation risks in patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture(OTLF)who have undergone percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP).Methods A total of 858 OTLF patients who underwent PKP surgery between January 2020 and December 2024 were enrolled.The patients were randomly assigned to a training set(n=600)and a validation set(n=258)in a 7∶3 ratio.According to whether the patients had postoperative constipation,the training set was divided into a constipation group(n=205)and a non-constipation group(n=395),and the validation set was divided into a constipation group(n=90)and a non-constipation group(n=168).Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the factors influencing postoperative constipation in OTLF patients after PKP,and a nomogram model was constructed accordingly.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the calibration curve of the model were plotted,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test for goodness of fit was performed.Results A total of 205 OTLF patients(34.17%)in the training set and 90 OTLF patients(34.88%)in the validation set experienced constipation after PKP.Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the constipation and non-constipation groups in terms of operative time,postoperative water intake,time to first postoperative meal,postoperative bed rest time,the levels of Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,Enterococcus,and Enterobacter,the Nutrition Risk Screening 2002(NRS-2002)score,and the levels of sodium,potassium,and HbA1c(P<0.05).Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression was performed and operative time,time to first postoperative meal,the levels of Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,Enterococcus,and Enterobacter,the NRS-2002 score,and the levels of sodium,potassium,and HbA1c were identified as candidate predictors.Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the time to first postoperative meal,the levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus,the NRS-2002 score,and the levels of sodium and HbA1c were influencing factors of postoperative constipation in OTLF patients(P<0.05).The ROC curves showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of the training set was 0.842(95%CI:0.793-0.892),while that of the validation set was 0.860(95%CI:0.830-0.889).The calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between the prediction curve and the standard curve in both the training set and the validation set.Conclusion The time to the first postoperative meal,the NRS2002 score,and the levels of Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,sodium,and HbA1c are influencing factors of post-PKP constipation in OTLF patients.The nomogram model built based on these factors exhibited good predictive performance.

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