1.Evaluation of Pulmonary Air-Blood Barrier Damage in Ulcerative Colitis Inflammatory Cancer Transformation Model Mice:Based on the "Lung-Intestine Correlation" Theory
Huiyan XU ; Haimei ZHANG ; Xinyu ZHAN ; Fanwu WU ; Yongsen JIA ; Chenxi WU ; Lingyu KONG ; Xin YAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):776-783
ObjectiveTo dynamically observe and evaluate the damage to the pulmonary air-blood barrier in mice during the inflammatory cancer transformation process of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on the "lung-intestine correlation" theory. MethodsSixty-five C57BL/6 mice were divided into a normal group (n=25) and a model group (n=40) using a random number table. Azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) method was used to establish a mouse model of UC inflammation cancer transformation in the modeling group. According to the tissue collection time points at 5, 8, 11, 13, and 15 weeks, the normal group mice were randomly divided into the normal 5w, 8w, 11w, 13w, and 15w groups. The model group mice, 10 mice of which died after the first cycle of DSS administration, were randomly divided into model 5w, 8w, 11w, 13w, and 15w groups. During the experiment, the general condition of the mice was observed daily, and their body weight was measured weekly. At the corresponding tissue collection time points, the colon length of each group was measured. Histopathology of mouse lung and colon tissues was examined using HE staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect changes in the positive expression of tight junction protein (ZO-1), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and cytoskeletal protein (F-actin) in lung and colon tissues. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of apoptosis regulatory proteins B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), and Cysteine aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3) in lung tissues. Western Blot was employed to measure protein levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin in lung tissues. ResultsCompared to the normal group at the same time point, the mice in the model group at each time point generally had poorer conditions, with weight loss and shortened colon length (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the model 5w group, there was significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon tissue; in the model 8w group, there was mild atypical hyperplasia; in the model 11w group, the crypt structure was disordered, and moderate to severe atypical hyperplasia occurred; in the model 13w and 15w groups, tumors appeared. Pulmonary interstitial lesions, inflammation, vasculitis, and fibrosis were observed at all stages of UC inflammation cancer transformation. The protein levels of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin, as well as Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung tissue decreased during the acute inflammatory recovery period, atypical hyperplasia period, and canceration period, while the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA increased; the expressions of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin proteins in colon tissue decreased during the acute inflammatory recovery period, atypical hyperplasia period, and canceration period (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared to the model 5w group, the ZO-1 and F-actin protein levels and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in lung tissue in the other model groups increased in the atypical hyperplasia period and canceration period, while the expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 mRNA decreased; the expression of ZO-1 protein in colon tissue increased in the canceration period, and the expression of VE-cadherin protein decreased in the atypical hyperplasia period (P<0.01 or P<0.05). ConclusionIn the process of "inflammatory response-atypical hyperplasia-carcinogenesis" in UC inflammatory cancer transformation mice, there were damage to air-blood barrier.
2.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.
3.Construction and clinical application exploration of an artificial intelligence-based high-quality lung cancer surgery dataset
Xuhua HUANG ; Yunfeng NIE ; Liang SHEN ; Pengxu KONG ; Xin TAN ; Zihao LI ; Wang LV ; Min ZHOU ; Xudong LV ; Jian HU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):717-727
Objective To construct a lung cancer surgery-oriented disease-specific database covering the entire perioperative care pathway, thereby improving the quality and usability of key surgical data elements. Methods Real-world clinical data were extracted from a single-center thoracic surgery department. A standardized data model was established based on the open electronic health record (openEHR) standard. Large language model (LLM), optical character recognition (OCR), and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven techniques were employed to extract, structure, and perform quality control on unstructured clinical narratives, imaging reports, and radiological data, with a focus on capturing surgically relevant perioperative indicator. Results A multimodal database comprising 19 917 patients was established, including 7 930 males and 11 987 females, with ages ranging from 15 to 97 (61.7±9.7) years. The database includes 582 structured data variables, textual report data corresponding to 69 clinical indicators, 13 000 pulmonary function test PDF reports, and chest CT imaging data from 16 884 patients. This database comprehensively covers major information relevant to surgical diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, significantly improving the completeness and granularity of surgical detail data. Large language models (LLMs) and optical character recognition (OCR) technologies enhanced the efficiency of converting unstructured data into structured formats, while a multi-level manual verification process ensured data accuracy and traceability. The database supports real-world research including comparisons of surgical procedures, prediction of postoperative complications, prognosis assessment, and multimodal data association analyses.
4.Consideration of Health Economics Evidence in Clinical Practice Guidelines: Methods and Steps
Dongrui PENG ; Qi ZHOU ; Xufei LUO ; Zijun WANG ; Hui LIU ; Junxian ZHAO ; Jinghong HUANG ; Hongyu HU ; Xin XING ; Jing WU ; Shitong XIE ; Xiaohui WANG ; Yaolong CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(3):862-870
Health economics evidence plays an important role in linking clinical value evidence with health resource allocation decisions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. It can not only effectively balance clinical effectiveness and economic feasibility but also avoid forming "idealized" recommendations that are detached from the affordability of the healthcare system or the burden-bearing capacity of patients. To promote guideline developers to use health economics evidence more standardizedly and fully, this paper conducts an in-depth analysis of the current application status, existing challenges, access channels, and application processes of health economics evidence in current guidelines, and on this basis, puts forward considerations and suggestions for strengthening and standardizing the application of health economics evidence in China's clinical practice guidelines.
5.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.
6.Diketopiperazines with anti-skin inflammation from marine-derived endophytic fungus Aspergillus sp. and configurational reassignment of aspertryptanthrins.
Jin YANG ; Xianmei XIONG ; Lizhi GONG ; Fengyu GAN ; Hanling SHI ; Bin ZHU ; Haizhen WU ; Xiujuan XIN ; Lingyi KONG ; Faliang AN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):980-989
Two novel diketopiperazines (1 and 5), along with ten known compounds (2-4, 6-12) demonstrating significant skin inflammation inhibition, were isolated from a marine-derived fungus identified as Aspergillus sp. FAZW0001. The structural elucidation and configurational reassessments of compounds 1-5 were established through comprehensive spectral analyses, with their absolute configurations determined via single crystal X-ray diffraction using Cu Kα radiation, Marfey's method, and comparison between experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1, 2, and 8 exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activities in Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes)-induced human monocyte cell lines. Compound 8 demonstrated the ability to down-regulate interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression by inhibiting Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression and modulating the activation of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways, thus reducing the cellular inflammatory response induced by P. acnes. Additionally, compound 8 showed the capacity to suppress mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, thereby reducing IL-1β maturation and secretion. A three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSAR) model was applied to compounds 5-12 to analyze their anti-inflammatory structure-activity relationships.
Humans
;
Aspergillus/chemistry*
;
Diketopiperazines/isolation & purification*
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
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Interleukin-1beta/genetics*
;
Toll-Like Receptor 2/immunology*
;
Propionibacterium acnes/drug effects*
;
NF-kappa B/genetics*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/immunology*
;
Monocytes/immunology*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
;
Cell Line
7.Determining the mechanism of Shuxuening injection against liver cirrhosis through network pharmacology and animal experiments
Qiyao Liu ; Tingyu Zhang ; Yongan Ye ; Xin Sun ; Huan Xia ; Xu Cao ; Xiaoke Li ; Wenying Qi ; Yue Chen ; Xiaobin Zao
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):112-124
Objective:
To screen and identify the key active molecules, signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets of Shuxuening (SXN) injection for treating liver cirrhosis (LC) and to evaluate its therapeutic potential using a mouse model.
Methods:
Target genes of SXN and LC were retrieved from public databases, and enrichment analysis was performed. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), and hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE). LC was induced in rats and mice via intraperitoneal injections of diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 12 weeks. Starting at week 7, SXN was administered intraperitoneally to the mice in the treatment group. Serum and liver tissues of the mice were collected for the detection of indicators, pathological staining, and expression analysis of hub targets using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results:
We identified 368 overlapping genes (OLGs) between SXN and LC targets. These OLGs were subsequently used to build a PPI network and to screen for hub genes. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes were associated with cancer-related pathways, including phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and various cellular processes, such as responses to chemicals and metabolic regulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that SXN treatment significantly improved liver function and pathology in CCl4-induced LC mice by reducing inflammation and collagen deposition. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated that SXN regulated the expression of MAPK8, AR and CASP3 in the livers of LC mice.
Conclusion
This study highlighted the therapeutic effects of SXN in alleviating LC using both bioinformatics and experimental methods. The observed effect was associated with modulation of hub gene expression, particularly MAPK8, and CASP3.
8.Expert consensus on the standard of practice for modified electro-convulsive therapy for mental disorders
Xiu ZHANG ; Guohui LAO ; Xiong HUANG ; Wei JIANG ; Qingmei KONG ; Wei LI ; Hu DENG ; Jijun WANG ; Qin XIE ; Wei DENG ; Shaohua HU ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Xin WEI ; Zhanming SHI ; Cuixia AN ; Sha LIU ; Yanghua TIAN ; Decheng ZOU ; Lingyun ZENG ; Kun LI ; Xingbing HUANG ; Wei ZHENG ; Yuping NING
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(7):506-525
As a physical treatment technique, modified electro-convulsive therapy (MECT) is used to treat mental and certain neurological disorders by causing seizures with short, suitable electrical currents applied to the brain while the patient is under general anesthesia and muscle relaxants. MECT is recognized for its therapeutic efficacy and clinical safety, rendering it one of the most prevalent interventions in psychiatric care. To enhance clinical outcomes and minimize adverse effects, this consensus document delineates the indications, therapeutic parameters, therapeutic procedures, potential adverse effects, and associated management strategies for MECT. These guidelines are informed by the latest clinical research and expert consensus, integrating evidence-based medicine methodologies. The objective is to furnish clinicians with precise operational guidelines and to advance the standardization of MECT practices in clinical settings.
9.Analysis of the effectiveness and acceptability of antidepressants in the treatment of postpartum depression
Wen-feng LI ; Ke XU ; Xin WEN ; Meng LI ; Hai YUAN ; De-rong KONG ; Wei-feng MI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):245-249
Objective To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of antidepressant drugs in the treatment of postpartum depression(PPD).Methods The PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Database,VIP Journals of Chinese Scienc were searched,and Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System(SinoMed)database until November 2023.Screen randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of antidepressant drugs for the treatment of PPD.The treatment group was given antidepressant drugs,and the control group was given placebo or another antidepressant drug.Meta-analysis of effectiveness and acceptability is performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 27 RCTs with a total of 2 202 patients were included.The results of meta-analysis showed:The top three efficacy relative to placebo were mirtazapine[odds ratio(OR)=2.25,95%confidence interval(CI)=(1.20-3.30),P<0.05],nortriptyline[OR=1.50,95%CI=(0.55-2.44),P>0.05],venlafaxine[OR=1.35,95%CI=(0.13-2.56),P>0.05].Acceptability is compared with placebo in the top three Chinese herbal medicine[OR=0.47,95%CI=(-0.72-1.66),P>0.05],nortriptyline[OR=-0.08,95%CI=(-1.16-1.33),P>0.05],venlafaxine[OR=-0.12,95%CI=(-1.47-1.24),P>0.05].Conclusion Nortriptyline,venlafaxine,trazodone,and duloxetine are effective in treating PPD without obvious adverse drug reactions.
10.Impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preeclampsia on neonatal heel blood methionine levels
Tengda CHEN ; Xin YAN ; Jinqi ZHAO ; Lulu LI ; Xianxian YUAN ; Shunan WANG ; Yuanyuan KONG ; Guanghui LI
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(9):739-745
Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including their clinical subtypes, on neonatal heel blood methionine levels and explore potential dose-effect relationships.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 11 007 singleton pregnancies and their neonates delivered at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, from July 2021 to October 2022. Participants were stratified into an HDP group [ n=992; 480 with gestational hypertension, 512 with preeclampsia (including 229 severe cases)] and a non-HDP control group ( n=10 015). Methionine concentrations were measured using tandem mass spectrometry from heel blood dried filter paper samples collected within 72 hours post-delivery. Statistical analyses included non-parametric tests to compare intergroup differences, multiple linear regression to evaluate the effects of HDP on methionine levels, and multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors for hypermethioninemia (>50 μmol/L). Results:(1) Baseline data: Maternal age was higher in the HDP group compared to controls [33 (30-36) vs. 33 (30-35) years, Z=-2.29, P=0.022], with elevated pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) [23 (21-26) vs. 21 (20-23) kg/m2, Z=-17.15, P<0.001] and increased gestational hyperglycemia prevalence [26.5% (263/992) vs. 19.8% (1 986/10 015), χ2=27.95, P<0.001]. (2) Methionine level: Neonates in the HDP group exhibited higher methionine levels [25.96 (21.58-30.89) vs. 24.77 (20.45-29.53) μmol/L, Z=-5.26, P<0.001], with a severity-dependent gradient: gestational hypertension [25.83 (21.77-30.61)], preeclampsia [26.05 (21.23-31.11)], and severe preeclampsia [26.15 (21.25-32.13)] ( Z=2.97, 3.92, 2.26; all P<0.05). Trend analysis confirmed a dose-effect relationship between HDP and neonatal methionine ( χ2=7.82, P=0.005). (3) Multivariate analysis: After adjusting for confounding factors such as maternal age and BMI, HDP remained independently associated with elevated methionine levels ( β=0.93, 95% CI: 0.47-1.40, t=3.92, P<0.001) and increased hypermethioninemia risk ( OR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.13-6.68). Subgroup analysis revealed ORs of 3.20 (95% CI: 1.07-9.57) for gestational hypertension, 3.25 (95% CI: 1.09-9.72) for preeclampsia, and 5.23 (95% CI: 1.54-17.82) for severe preeclampsia (all P<0.05). (4) Neonatal outcomes: Neonates in the HDP group had lower birth weights [3 230 (2 910-3 560) vs. 3 335 (3 070-3 600) g, Z=-7.43, P<0.001] and higher fetal growth restriction rates [10.3% (102/992) vs. 3.1% (306/10 015), χ2=136.47, P<0.001]. Conclusions:HDP demonstrates an elevation of neonatal methionine levels, correlating with disease severity, particularly in severe preeclampsia. These findings underscore the necessity for enhanced metabolic monitoring and long-term follow-up in offspring of mothers with HDP, especially those with severe preeclampsia.


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