1.Standardization Challenges in Outcome Evaluation Systems of Animal Experiments and Considerations for Core Outcome Set Construction Strategies
Qingyong ZHENG ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Chen TIAN ; Hui LIU ; Min TIAN ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Yating CUI ; Junfei WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):138-148
Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.
2.Analysis of depressive symptoms and predictive factors in children and adolescents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Guiwei CHEN ; Lu TONG ; Ziyu LI ; Xiaojuan GAO ; Ruiqi WANG ; Xiaolu ZHANG ; Le LIU ; Yinxia BAI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):83-88
BackgroundIn recent years, the incidence of depression among adolescents has been increasing steadily, posing a serious threat to their physical and mental health and even leading to severe consequences such as self-harm and suicide. At the same time, the detection rate of subclinical depression symptoms among adolescents is even higher. Although these symptoms do not meet the clinical diagnostic criteria, they have significantly affected their quality of life, and their persistence over time may further develop into depression. Therefore, in-depth exploration of adolescent depression symptoms and the predictive factors holds significant practical significance and research value. However, up to now, no large-scale investigation and research on depression symptoms among children and adolescents has been conducted in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. ObjectiveTo understand the prevalence of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in order to provide references for formulating scientific and effective prevention strategies and intervention measures. MethodsBy using the cluster stratified random sampling method, 6 281 students from the third grade of primary school to the second grade of high school in 12 leagues and cities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected in March 2024. A self-designed questionnaire and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used for on-site investigation. ResultsA total of 6 058 (96.45%) children and adolescents completed the valid questionnaire survey, and 2 728 cases (45.03%) were found to have depressive symptoms. There were statistically significant differences in the detection rates of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents of different genders, ages, whether they were only children, different family types, family monthly income, parents' educational levels, and whether the mother was employed (χ2=33.769, 40.618, 48.593, 29.972, 142.648, 195.999, 168.190, 5.445, P<0.05 or 0.01).The results of the Logistic regression analysis showed that for children and adolescents, being female, aged between 12 and 16, over 16 years old, not being an only child, living in a reconstituted family, having a monthly family income of less than 5 000 yuan, and having parents with an education level of primary school or below were predictors of depressive symptoms (OR=1.241, 1.427, 1.273, 1.177, 1.549, 1.278, 1.462, 1.417, 1.514, 1.929, 1.660, 1.528, P<0.05 or 0.01). ConclusionThe detection rate of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is relatively high. Factors that may predict depressive symptoms in children and adolescents include female gender, ages between 12 and 16, ages over 16 years old, non-only children, families with a restructured structure, monthly family income of less than 5 000 yuan, and parents with an education level of primary school or below. [Funded by Science and Technology Planning Project of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (number, 2022YFSH0119)]
3.Hot topics and advances in the treatment of esophagogastric junction cancer from a multidis-ciplinary perspective
Shuangxi LI ; Bin YU ; Ziyu LI
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(10):1246-1252
The 16th International Gastric Cancer Congress (IGCC 2025) highlighted advances in the treatment of esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC). From a medical oncology perspective, the unique molecular subtypes of EGJC are critical for prognosis and therapeutic decision-making. Key research topics include the optimal time to surgery after neoadjuvant therapy, active survei-llance strategies, comparisons between perioperative chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradio-therapy, and the exploration of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Recent studies, such as ESOPEC, demonstrated that perioperative chemotherapy with the FLOT regimen is superior to conventional chemoradiotherapy, while immunotherapy shows promise in improving pathological response and survival outcomes. From the surgical perspective, ongoing debates focus on redefining adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) classification and optimizing surgical strategies, particularly regarding approaches and mediastinal lymphadenectomy for Siewert Ⅱ AEG. Results from the European TIGER study are eagerly awaited, and the CLASS-10 trial led by our institution is expected to provide high-level evidence to guide lymphadenectomy strategies in AEG. The authors provide an in-depth introduction to the diagnosis and treatment strategies of EGJC from a multi-disciplinary perspective, highlighting the challenges posed by the uniqueness of EGJC to research and clinical practice. Future efforts should emphasize controlling heterogeneity and designing precise clinical trials based on molecular and anatomical classifications to promote individualized treatment strategies.
4.Treatment of bronchial asthma based on the correlation of immune dysfunction and"internal yin qi contention,external yang qi interference"
Ziyu LI ; Minghui ZHANG ; Wenjiang ZHANG ; Xiaodong CONG ; Hongfei XING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(10):1434-1440
Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory airway disease.Its pathogenesis is closely associated with abnormal immune responses within T-helper(Th)cell subsets,characterized by excessive effector Th cell activation and impaired immunosuppression by regulatory T cells.The concept of natural harmony of yin-yang epitomizes the understanding of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)of the body's inherent capacity for autonomous regulation and homeostasis maintenance.Building upon the description in the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor regarding asthma as"internal yin qi contention,external yang qi interference,"this study aims to bridge the TCM macro-level etiology and pathogenesis of"yin-yang disharmony"with the Western micro-level mechanism of loss of immune homeostasis control.The core pathogenesis of bronchial asthma involves yin-yang disorder in the body,leading to internal-external imbalance.Yang deficiency with a hidden yin pathogen and intermingled phlegm with blood stasis in the lungs is the root of pathogenesis.Pathogenic invading qi and yang hyperactivity induce bronchial asthma.These align with the Western medical concepts of imbalanced immunometabolic self-stabilization and defective immunotolerance.Based on the above content,corresponding therapeutic principles are proposed according to the disease stage.In the acute phase,dispelling wind pathogens and relieving cough are recommended.In chronic persistent asthma,calming yang disturbance and resolving the yin conflict are emphasized.In the clinical remission phase,kidney yang should be warmed and invigorated,thereby consolidating body resistance.The corresponding treatment methods are implemented based on the above content.In the acute phase,self-made Mahuang Qingyang Decoction is administered to dispel wind pathogens and ventilate lung qi.In chronic persistent asthma,self-made Qingfei Xiegan Decoction is administered to clear liver-fire and purge the lungs,self-made Xuanfu Qingwei Decoction is employed to harmonize the stomach for descending adverse yang qi,modified Suzi Jiangqi Decoction is applied to conduct deficient yang back to its source,and modified Erchen Decoction and Taohong Siwu Decoction are utilized to expel phlegm and blood stasis.In the clinical remission phase,modified Sijunzi Decoction,modified Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction,and Erxian Decoction are administered to invigorate the spleen and kidney.These approaches ward off yang disturbance and resolve yin contention to restore the body's normal immune homeostasis.The ultimate therapeutic aim is to achieve a state of natural harmony of yin-yang,thereby ceasing wheezing and coughing spontaneously,and to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of bronchial asthma.
5.Effect of evening primrose oil on aortic endothelial injury in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome based on network pharmacology
Ziyu LIU ; Liang HUI ; Wenxin MA ; Chang LIU ; Na HU ; Shuai ZHAO ; Dongmei CHEN ; Li YANG ; Jing PU ; Sheng MU ; Huiming MA
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(3):324-341
Objective To explore the effect of evening primrose oil(EPO)on aortic endothelial damage in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS),using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.Methods The potential targets of EPO for improving aortic endothelial injury in PCOS rats were predicted by network pharmacology,and the selected core targets and renin-angiotensin signaling(RAS)pathway were verified by experiments.Fifty-eight female SD rats were divided randomly into a blank group(n=10)and a modeling group(n=48).Rats in the blank group were fed a normal diet and rats in the modeling group received a high-fat diet for 8 weeks.The PCOS model was prepared at week 6 by administration of letrozole(1 mg/(kg·d))for 21 days.Blood was taken from the tail vein after modeling and serum was collected to detect hormone levels.The model rats were then divided randomly into four groups and treated with the corresponding drugs for 6 weeks.Blood,blood vessels,and ovaries were then collected.Tissue morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and serum levels of luteinizing hormone(LH),testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),endothelin(ET-1),and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Serum levels of nitric oxide(NO)were determined by spectrophotometry.Protein expression levels of core targets and RAS pathway-related factors were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results Twenty-five intersection targets of EPO and PCOS were identified by network pharmacological analysis.Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis showed that EPO improved vascular injury in PCOS rats via multiple pathways,including RAS.Serum levels of ET-1,FSH,LH,and T measured by ELISA were significantly decreased after EPO treatment,compared with the model group(P<0.01).EPO significantly decreased the expression levels of Ang Ⅰ,VEGF-B,AT2R,ET-1,and TNF-α proteins in the aorta(P<0.01)and significantly increased expression levels of Ang Ⅱ,CD31,and endothelial NO synthase proteins(P<0.01).Conclusions EPO may ameliorate vascular endothelial injury in PCOS model rats by inhibiting the RAS signaling pathway and by overactivation of the ACE/Ang Ⅱ/AT1 axis.
6.Treating hyperuricemia from"returning the clear and the turbid to the original"based on the theory of"indigestion of spleen and stomach"
Qiwei ZHAO ; Yuzhuo LIU ; Mengzhen WANG ; Yue LUO ; Ziyu LIU ; Minghua NAN ; Changchuan BAI ; Xinyu LI ; Jia LI ; Xiao YANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(8):1134-1139
Hyperuricemia is a chronic metabolic disease resulting from purine metabolic dysfunction and is classified under the category of"blood turbidity"in traditional Chinese medicine.Our team termed it"acid turbidity,"and its pathogenesis is closely related to the dynamic evolution of the clear and the turbid components.With the change of modern people's diet structure,the incidence of hyperuricemia is increasing annually owing to the intake of fatty,sweet foods and alcohol.Therefore,this paper explores hyperuricemia from the"indigestion of spleen and stomach"theory.The core pathogenesis of hyperuricemia is indigestion of spleen and stomach,the inversion of clear and turbid substances,and endogenous acid turbidity.The initial manifestation of hyperuricemia is the internal retention of acid turbidity and ascending-descending disharmony;the gradual manifestation of this disease is that indigestion causes heat,and acid turbidity transforms into poison;the final manifestation of this disease is that secular indigestion causes deficiency and the inversion of clear and turbid substances.It can be summarized into three syndromes:syndromes of internal retention of dampness-turbidity,dampness-heat toxin amassment,and dampness-heat due to spleen deficiency.Therefore,this paper proposes to treat the disease according to different syndromes,with ascending the clear and descending the turbid as the core of treatment.And the therapeutic approach employs the flexible application of three methods:transportation,resolving,and transformation.For syndrome of internal retention of dampness-turbidity,treatment focuses on promoting spleen transportation to eliminate dampness;for syndrome of dampness-heat toxin amassment,the strategy is to resolve indigestion and purge heat;and for syndrome of dampness-heat due to spleen deficiency,the aim is to resolve turbidity and clear heat.By ascending the clear and descending the turbid,so that"returning the clear and the turbid to the original,"the spleen and stomach regain harmony,functions of ascending and descending are reestablished,and hyperuricemia can be effectively managed.
7.Digital anatomical characteristics of morphological development of neurocentral synchondrosis of cervical vertebra in children
Yuying YI ; Ruifen SUN ; Zhaozheng YIN ; Lei LI ; Fengzhen ZHANG ; Ziyu LI ; Kun LI ; Xiaoyan REN ; Xing WANG ; Shaojie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(15):3138-3146
BACKGROUND:With the increasing attention of scholars at home and abroad to children's cervical spine-related diseases,the demand for exploring the anatomical indicators and changes of cervical spine morphology and development in children of different ages is increasing.OBJECTIVE:To explore and analyze the morphological changes of children with different ages and vertebral sequences by measuring the anatomical position indexes of C2-C7 neurocentral synchondrosis in children aged 1-6 years.METHODS:Normal cervical spine CT images were retrospectively collected from 160 children aged 1-6 years at provincial tertiary hospitals.They were divided into six groups according to an age group of 1 year.The raw data of consecutively scanned cervical spine tomography images were imported into Mimics 16.0 software.The positional anatomical indexes of cervical spine segments C2-C7 in coronal and transverse planes were measured and analyzed under the two-dimensional image window by choosing the measurement tools under the toolbar of Measurements.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The distance between the two sides of C2-C7 neurocentral synchondrosis and the distance between the left and right sides of neurocentral synchondrosis and the transverse process gradually increased with age.The overall development of vertebrae in each cervical vertebral segment was faster than the ossification of the neurocentral synchondrosis.(2)The cross-sectional angles on both sides of C2-C7 neurocentral synchondrosis gradually increased with age,and the angles between the left and right sides of neurocentral synchondrosis and the anterior and posterior edges of the vertebral body gradually decreased.Both sides of the neurocentral synchondrosis in cervical vertebral segments tended to grow toward the arch site,which mainly promoted the growth and development of the arch.(3)Except for C7,the angle between the coronal planes on both sides of the cervical spine changed little with the descending neurocentral synchondrosis of the cervical spine,and the neurocentral synchondrosis of the cervical spine was more inclined to longitudinal growth and ossification.(4)The neurocentral synchondrosis position changes in C7 were significantly different from those in the rest of the cervical vertebrae.(5)The anatomical indexes of C2-C7 neurocentral synchondrosis position in children have obvious development rules among different ages and vertebral bodies,and these rules are helpful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cervical spine diseases in children.
8.AHP Combined with Response Surface Method to Optimize the Simmering Process of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Correlation Analysis between Composition and Color
Huilian DAI ; Yu DING ; Ziyu LIANG ; Xinyuan LIU ; Wei HUANG ; Chanming LIU ; Yueqin ZHU ; Dianhua SHI ; Yanpeng DAI ; Lin LI
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(5):652-660
OBJECTIVE To explore the optimal parameters of simmered Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and the correlation between the chroma values and the intrinsic composition of simmered Rhei Radix et Rhizoma decoction pieces powder.METHODS The single-factor-response surface method was used to investigate the simmering temperature,simmering time,paper dosage and plant ash dos-age,the response surface experiment was carried out on the basis of the single factor experiment,the appearance traits,total anthraqui-nones,free anthraquinones,leachables,sennoside A and B contents were taken as indicators,the analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was used to give weights to each index,and the process was optimized.The chroma values of raw and simmered products were deter-mined by electronic eye,the correlation and regression analysis were carried out by SPSS22.0 software,and the chroma-component re-gression equation was constructed.RESULTS The optimal process of simmering Rhei Radix et Rhizoma was 140 ℃,5 times of plant ash,2 layers of wet paper wrapped and being simmered for 2.5 h.CONCLUSION The simmering process of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma optimized by AHP combined with response surface method is reasonable and feasible,the color of decoction pieces has a significant correlation with the component content,and the regression equation constructed is reliable,which can predict the intrinsic component content of decoction pieces through chroma values.
9.Treatment of bronchial asthma based on the correlation of immune dysfunction and"internal yin qi contention,external yang qi interference"
Ziyu LI ; Minghui ZHANG ; Wenjiang ZHANG ; Xiaodong CONG ; Hongfei XING
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(10):1434-1440
Bronchial asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory airway disease.Its pathogenesis is closely associated with abnormal immune responses within T-helper(Th)cell subsets,characterized by excessive effector Th cell activation and impaired immunosuppression by regulatory T cells.The concept of natural harmony of yin-yang epitomizes the understanding of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)of the body's inherent capacity for autonomous regulation and homeostasis maintenance.Building upon the description in the Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor regarding asthma as"internal yin qi contention,external yang qi interference,"this study aims to bridge the TCM macro-level etiology and pathogenesis of"yin-yang disharmony"with the Western micro-level mechanism of loss of immune homeostasis control.The core pathogenesis of bronchial asthma involves yin-yang disorder in the body,leading to internal-external imbalance.Yang deficiency with a hidden yin pathogen and intermingled phlegm with blood stasis in the lungs is the root of pathogenesis.Pathogenic invading qi and yang hyperactivity induce bronchial asthma.These align with the Western medical concepts of imbalanced immunometabolic self-stabilization and defective immunotolerance.Based on the above content,corresponding therapeutic principles are proposed according to the disease stage.In the acute phase,dispelling wind pathogens and relieving cough are recommended.In chronic persistent asthma,calming yang disturbance and resolving the yin conflict are emphasized.In the clinical remission phase,kidney yang should be warmed and invigorated,thereby consolidating body resistance.The corresponding treatment methods are implemented based on the above content.In the acute phase,self-made Mahuang Qingyang Decoction is administered to dispel wind pathogens and ventilate lung qi.In chronic persistent asthma,self-made Qingfei Xiegan Decoction is administered to clear liver-fire and purge the lungs,self-made Xuanfu Qingwei Decoction is employed to harmonize the stomach for descending adverse yang qi,modified Suzi Jiangqi Decoction is applied to conduct deficient yang back to its source,and modified Erchen Decoction and Taohong Siwu Decoction are utilized to expel phlegm and blood stasis.In the clinical remission phase,modified Sijunzi Decoction,modified Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction,and Erxian Decoction are administered to invigorate the spleen and kidney.These approaches ward off yang disturbance and resolve yin contention to restore the body's normal immune homeostasis.The ultimate therapeutic aim is to achieve a state of natural harmony of yin-yang,thereby ceasing wheezing and coughing spontaneously,and to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of bronchial asthma.
10.Effect of evening primrose oil on aortic endothelial injury in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome based on network pharmacology
Ziyu LIU ; Liang HUI ; Wenxin MA ; Chang LIU ; Na HU ; Shuai ZHAO ; Dongmei CHEN ; Li YANG ; Jing PU ; Sheng MU ; Huiming MA
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(3):324-341
Objective To explore the effect of evening primrose oil(EPO)on aortic endothelial damage in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS),using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.Methods The potential targets of EPO for improving aortic endothelial injury in PCOS rats were predicted by network pharmacology,and the selected core targets and renin-angiotensin signaling(RAS)pathway were verified by experiments.Fifty-eight female SD rats were divided randomly into a blank group(n=10)and a modeling group(n=48).Rats in the blank group were fed a normal diet and rats in the modeling group received a high-fat diet for 8 weeks.The PCOS model was prepared at week 6 by administration of letrozole(1 mg/(kg·d))for 21 days.Blood was taken from the tail vein after modeling and serum was collected to detect hormone levels.The model rats were then divided randomly into four groups and treated with the corresponding drugs for 6 weeks.Blood,blood vessels,and ovaries were then collected.Tissue morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and serum levels of luteinizing hormone(LH),testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),endothelin(ET-1),and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Serum levels of nitric oxide(NO)were determined by spectrophotometry.Protein expression levels of core targets and RAS pathway-related factors were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results Twenty-five intersection targets of EPO and PCOS were identified by network pharmacological analysis.Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis showed that EPO improved vascular injury in PCOS rats via multiple pathways,including RAS.Serum levels of ET-1,FSH,LH,and T measured by ELISA were significantly decreased after EPO treatment,compared with the model group(P<0.01).EPO significantly decreased the expression levels of Ang Ⅰ,VEGF-B,AT2R,ET-1,and TNF-α proteins in the aorta(P<0.01)and significantly increased expression levels of Ang Ⅱ,CD31,and endothelial NO synthase proteins(P<0.01).Conclusions EPO may ameliorate vascular endothelial injury in PCOS model rats by inhibiting the RAS signaling pathway and by overactivation of the ACE/Ang Ⅱ/AT1 axis.

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