1.Improving the Certainty of Evidence in Animal Experiment Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis: An Empirical Study of the GRADE Method
Tengfei LI ; Qingyong ZHENG ; Jianguo XU ; Yiyi LI ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Mingyue ZHANG ; Jiexiang TIAN ; Gang WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(1):101-111
Animal experiments are essential tools in biomedical research, serving as a bridge between basic research and clinical trials. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of animal experiments are crucial methods for integrating evidence from animal experiment, which can facilitate the translation of findings into clinical research, reduce translational risks, and promote resource integration in basic research. With the continuous development of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology, its application in SRs/MAs of animal experiments has gained increasing attention. This article first outlines the principles and specific applications of the GRADE methodology in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including qualitative descriptive systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and network meta-analyses. It then deeply analyzes the misuse of the GRADE methodology in practice, including incorrect evidence grading, improper classification of evidence, misapplication in qualitative systematic reviews, inconsistencies between the documentation of the upgrading and downgrading process and results, and inappropriate use for making recommendations. Furthermore, this article comprehensively discusses the factors influencing the grading of evidence certainty in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, including the impact of bias risk, indirectness, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias on evidence downgrading, as well as the role of large effect sizes and cross-species consistency in evidence upgrading. Finally, in response to the issues discussed, improvement strategies are proposed, including further research and optimization of the GRADE methodology for SRs/MAs of animal experiments, the development of reporting guidelines tailored to the characteristics of SRs/MAs in animal experiment research, and enhanced professional training for researchers in the GRADE methodology. This article aims to improve the quality of evidence in SRs/MAs of animal experiments, strengthen their reliability in clinical decision-making, and promote the more efficient translation of findings from animal experiment research into clinical practice.
2.Recommendations for Standardized Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis of Animal Experiments
Qingyong ZHENG ; Donghua YANG ; Zhichao MA ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Yang LU ; Jingyu WANG ; Lina XING ; Yingying KANG ; Li DU ; Chunxiang ZHAO ; Baoshan DI ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):496-507
Animal experiments are an essential component of life sciences and medical research. However, the external validity and reliability of individual animal studies are frequently challenged by inherent limitations such as small sample sizes, high design heterogeneity, and poor reproducibility, which impede the effective translation of research findings into clinical practice. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis represent a key methodology for integrating existing evidence and enhancing the robustness of conclusions. Currently, however, the application of systematic reviews and meta-analysis in the field of animal experiments lacks standardized guidelines for their conduct and reporting, resulting in inconsistent quality and, to some extent, diminishing their evidence value. To address this issue, this paper aims to systematically delineate the reporting process for systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and to propose a set of standardized recommendations that are both scientific and practical. The article's scope encompasses the entire process, from the preliminary preparatory phase [including formulating the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) question, assessing feasibility, and protocol pre-registration] to the key writing points for each section of the main report. In the core methods section, the paper elaborates on how to implement literature searches, establish eligibility criteria, perform data extraction, and assess the risk of bias, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement, in conjunction with relevant guidelines and tools such as Animal Research: Reporting of in Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) and a risk of bias assessment tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE). For the presentation of results, strategies are proposed for clear and transparent display using flow diagrams and tables of characteristics. The discussion section places particular emphasis on how to scientifically interpret pooled effects, thoroughly analyze sources of heterogeneity, evaluate the impact of publication bias, and cautiously discuss the validity and limitations of extrapolating findings from animal studies to clinical settings. Furthermore, this paper recommends adopting the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to comprehensively grade the quality of evidence. Through a modular analysis of the entire reporting process, this paper aims to provide researchers in the field with a clear and practical guide, thereby promoting the standardized development of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of animal experiments and enhancing their application value in scientific decision-making and translational medicine.
3.Guideline for the workflow of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs
Zhengxiang LI ; Rong DUAN ; Luwen SHI ; Jinhui TIAN ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Lingli ZHANG ; Junhua ZHANG ; Hualin ZHENG ; Rongsheng ZHAO ; Wudong GUO ; Liyan MIAO ; Suodi ZHAI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2353-2365
OBJECTIVE To standardize the main processes and related technical links of the clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, and provide guidance and reference for improving the quality of comprehensive evaluation evidence and its transformation and application value. METHODS The construction of Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs was based on the standard guideline formulation method of the World Health Organization (WHO), strictly followed the latest definition of guidelines by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, and conformed to the six major areas of the Guideline Research and Evaluation Tool Ⅱ. Delphi method was adopted to construct the research questions; research evidence was established by applying the research methods of evidence-based medicine. The evidence quality classification system of the Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center was adopted for evidence classification and evaluation. The recommendation strength was determined by the recommendation strength classification standard formulated by the Oxford University Evidence-Based Medicine Center, and the recommendation opinions were formed through the expert consensus method. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The Guideline for the Workflow of Clinical Comprehensive Evaluation of Drugs covers 4 major categories of research questions, including topic selection, evaluation implementation, evidence evaluation, and application and transformation of results. The formulation of this guideline has standardized the technical links of the entire process of clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, which can effectively guide the high-quality and high-efficient development of this work, enhance the standardized output and transformation application value of evaluation evidence, and provide high-quality evidence support for the scientific decision-making of health and the rationalization of clinical medication.
4.Association of sleep duration and physical exercise with dyslipidemia in older adults aged 80 years and over in China
Bing WU ; Yang LI ; Lanjing XU ; Zheng ZHANG ; Jinhui ZHOU ; Yuan WEI ; Chen CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Changzi WU ; Zheng LI ; Ziyu HU ; Fanye LONG ; Yudong WU ; Xuehua HU ; Kexin LI ; Fangyu LI ; Yufei LUO ; Yingchun LIU ; Yuebin LYU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(1):48-55
Objective:To explore the impact of sleep duration, physical exercise, and their interactions on the risk of dyslipidemia in older adults aged ≥80 (the oldest old) in China.Methods:The study subjects were the oldest old from four rounds of Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (2008-2009, 2011-2012, 2014 and 2017-2018). The information about their demographic characteristics, lifestyles, physical examination results and others were collected, and fasting venous blood samples were collected from them for blood lipid testing. Competing risk model was used to analyze the causal associations of sleep duration and physical exercise with the risk for dyslipidemia. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) function was used to explore the dose-response relationship between sleep duration and the risk for dyslipidemia. Additive and multiplicative interaction model were used to explore the interaction of sleep duration and physical exercise on the risk for dyslipidemia.Results:The average age of 1 809 subjects was (93.1±7.7) years, 65.1% of them were women. The average sleep duration of the subjects was (8.0±2.5) hours/day, 28.1% of them had sleep duration for less than 7 hours/day, and 27.2% had sleep for duration more than 9 hours/day at baseline survey. During the 9-year cumulative follow-up of 6 150.6 person years (follow-up of average 3.4 years for one person), there were 304 new cases of dyslipidemia, with an incidence density of 4 942.6/100 000 person years. The results of competitive risk model analysis showed that compared with those who slept for 7-9 hours/day, the risk for dyslipidemia in oldest old with sleep duration >9 hours/day increased by 22% ( HR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.39). Compared with the oldest old having no physical exercise, the risk for dyslipidemia in the oldest old having physical exercise decreased by 33% ( HR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.57-0.78). The RCS function showed a linear positive dose-response relationship between sleep duration and the risk for hyperlipidemia. The interaction analysis showed that physical exercise and sleep duration had an antagonistic effect on the risk for hyperlipidemia. Conclusion:Physical exercise could reduce the adverse effects of prolonged sleep on blood lipids in the oldest old.
5.Synthesis of fibroblast activation protein-induced intracellular self-assembly Gd-nanoparticle contrast agent and study of MR imaging
Xiangyuan Guo ; Yifan Zheng ; Manlin Zhang ; Yibo Ren ; Jinhui Jiang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(12):2087-2094
Objective:
To synthesis a Gd-labeled molecular probe capable of responding to fibroblast activation protein(FAP) highly expressed in tumor-associated fibroblasts for magnetic resonance imaging studies of pancreatic cancer.
Methods:
The chemical structure of Z-Gly-Pro-Cys-Lys(Gd-DOTA)-CBT(contrast agent 1) was characterized through mass spectrometry analysis.High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to verify the contrast agent 1 formed a dimer under the cleavage of fibroblast activation protease(FAP) in vitro,and further self-assembled to form Gd-nanoparticles.The cell counting Kit-8(CCK-8) assay was used for biological safety analysis.BxPc-3 tumor-bearing mice were established and randomly divided into three groups,3 mice intravenously(i.v.) injected with 0.08 mmol/kg contrast agent 1 through tail vein were designated as the experimental group,3mice i.v.injected with 0.08 mmol/kg Gd-DTPA were designated as the control group,and 3 mice i.v.injected with normal saline were designated as the blank control group(n=3).Dynamic MR scanning from 0 to 3 hours was performed for them,respectively.The enhancement effects of T1-and T2-weighted imaging were observed and the rate of change in the tumor-to-muscle ratio(T/M) over time was analyzed.
Results:
Contrast agent 1 efficiently responded to FAP in vitro,forming dimers under the action of FAP,and further self-assembled to form nanoparticle structures.Contrast agent 1 has good biocompatibility.The BxPc-3 tumor-bearing mice showed that the T1-weighted contrast of the tumor reached its highest level at 2 h post injection of contrast agent 1 or Gd-DTPA.In T1-weighted imaging,the T/M at 2 h in the experimental group was 135.20%±0.06% of 0 h,the T/M at 2 h in the Gd-DTPA group was 115.70%±0.05% of 0 h and the T/M at 2 h in the saline group was 113.5%±0.02% of 0h.Compared with Gd-DTPA control group,the experimental group had significantly enhanced T1-weighted MR contrast,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).In tumor T2-weighted imaging,the T/M quantitative analysis showed that the tumor T2-weighted contrast enhancement of the three groups was relatively small,and the T/M of the experimental group and the control group at 0.5 h was 94.60±0.03% and 106.30±0.04% of the 0 h,respectively.In the normal saline group,T/M at 0.5 h was 102.20±0.002% of that at 0 h,and no significant enhancement of the T2-weighted MR contrast of tumor was observed.
Conclusion
Successfully construct a FAP-responsive molecular probe which can self-assemble to form a Gd-nanoparticle structure in tumor cells under the cleavage of FAP,effectively improving the enrichment of Gd in the target region,and enhancing T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of pancreatic cancer,which has potential clinical application value.
6.Advances and Challenges in the Research of Integration Methods of Animal Experimental Evidence
Qingyong ZHENG ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Zhichao MA ; Na WANG ; Molan LI ; Wenjing YANG ; Peirun WU ; Haidong WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(5):567-576
Integrating evidence from animal experiments is a critical component of biomedical research, providing essential prior information for in-depth investigations of disease mechanisms and new drug development. Animal models have played an irreplaceable role in simulating human diseases. However, the integration of evidence from animal experiments has faced numerous challenges, including insufficient emphasis, significant heterogeneity in study designs, high publication bias, and discrepancies with clinical research practices. This paper first identifies existing issues in the original research evidence from animal experiments, such as the selection and applicability of animal models, considerations in the design of experimental studies, and factors influencing the translation of animal experimental evidence. It then discusses various methods for integrating this evidence, including systematic review and meta-analysis, overview of systematic review/umbrella review, scoping review, and evidence mapping, while highlighting recent advancements in their application. Finally, the paper addresses the main challenges currently encountered in the integration of evidence from animal experiments and proposes targeted improvement strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of translating research outcomes into clinical practice and promoting the advancement of evidence-based medicine. By continuously optimizing original experimental research protocols and evidence integration practices, this work aims to establish a more efficient and scientific environment for the synthesis of evidence from animal experiments, ultimately contributing to clinical trials and human health.
7.Clinical effect of ascending aorta banding combined with typeⅠ hybrid aortic arch repair on aortic arch diseases
Jinhui MA ; Lanlin ZHANG ; Sheng YANG ; Songbo DONG ; Yu CHEN ; Xudong PAN ; Shangdong XU ; Jun ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(09):1313-1318
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of ascending aorta banding technique combined with typeⅠhybrid aortic arch repair for the aortic arch diseases. Methods The clinical data of patients undergoing ascending aorta banding technique combined with type Ⅰ hybrid arch repair for aortic arch diseases from March 2019 to March 2022 in Beijing Anzhen Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The technical success, perioperative complications and follow-up results were evaluated. Results A total of 44 patients were collected, including 35 males and 9 females, with a median age of 63.0 (57.5, 64.6) years. The average EuroSCORE Ⅱ score was 8.4%±0.7%. The technical success rate was 100.0%. All patients did not have retrograde type A aortic dissection and endoleaks. One patient died of multiple organ failure 5 days after operation, the in-hospital mortality rate was 2.3%, and the remaining 43 patients survived and were discharged from hospital. The median follow-up period was 14.5 (6-42) months with a follow-up rate of 100.0%. One patient with spinal cord injury died 2 years after hospital discharge. One patient underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair at postoperative 3 months due to new entry tears near to the distal end of the stent. Conclusion Ascending aorta banding combined with typeⅠhybrid arch repair for the aortic arch diseases does not need cardio-pulmonary bypass. Ascending aorta banding technique strengthens the proximal anchoring area of the stent to avoid risks such as retrograde type A dissection, endoleak and migration. The operation owns small trauma, rapid recovery, low mortality and a low rate of reintervention, which may be considered as a safe and effective choice in the treatment of the elderly, high-risk patients with complex complications.
8.Current situation analysis and quality evaluation of ERAS guidelines/consensus in obstetrics and gynecology surgery
Jinlamu YANG ; Ga MEI ; Lishi DONG ; Rongfang ZHENG ; Jinhui TIAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jieting LIU
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(6):652-665
Objective To analyze the current status and quality of existing obstetrics and gynecology enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)guidelines/consensus,understand the evidence-based practices in this field,and provide a basis for clinical decision-making.Methods A systematic search of PubMed,CNKI,and other databases,as well as NGC,SIGN,and websites of anesthesia societies domestically and internationally was conducted to obtain relevant guidelines and consensus on ERAS for gynecological surgery.The search was conducted from inception to July 1,2023,and the AGREE Ⅱ and RIGHT tools were used to analyze the current status and quality of the included guidelines/consensus,as well as to conduct a summary of the recommendations.Results A total of 5 guidelines and 10 consensus statements were included.The publication years were from 2018 to 2023,originating from the United States,China,Canada,and the United Kingdom.In the 6 areas evaluated using AGREEⅡ,clarity(66.06%)scored highest,followed by scope and purpose(56.67%),involvement of stakeholders(42.02%),and editorial independence(37.64%)with scores above 30%.The scores for rigor of development(26.88%)and applicability(4.17%)were relatively low.The same items among different evaluators indicated good consistency.The results of the scores in each area were as follows:A-level 2,B-level 13,and no C-level.Two high-quality guidelines were selected.The average RIGHT reporting rate was 44.38%.Subgroup analysis showed that guidelines were higher than consensus statements in the areas of rigor of development and applicability(P<0.05),and that using GRADE was higher than not using(P<0.05).The areas of rigor of development and clarity were higher in foreign guidelines than domestic guidelines(P<0.05),and using evidence grading tools was higher than not using(P<0.05).The summary of the recommendations showed that the quality of the evidence supporting the recommendations was uneven,and some recommendations were not specific enough.Conclusion The quality of the 15 included ERAS guidelines/consensus in obstetrics and gynecology is uneven,and 2 of them can be used as high-quality guidelines for clinical reference.The quality of evidence-based guidelines in foreign countries is higher,and the use rate of GRADE in foreign guidelines is high,most of which can provide clear recommendation strength and evidence level.Chinese guidelines/consensus are of lower quality compared to overseas,and methodology and report quality need further improvement.Overall,it is still necessary to strengthen the formulation of methods and reporting standards,improve the quality of evidence,and refine specific recommendations.
9.Association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index and body circumferences among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China
Zheng ZHANG ; Bing WU ; Yingli QU ; Yang LI ; Lanjing XU ; Chunxian LYU ; Chen CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Kai XUE ; Yuan WEI ; Jinhui ZHOU ; Xulin ZHENG ; Yidan QIU ; Yufei LUO ; Junxin LIU ; Yuebin LYU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(2):227-234
Objective:To investigate the association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index (BMI) and body circumferences among the older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.Methods:Subjects were older adults over 65 years old from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS) between 2017 and 2018 conducted in 9 longevity areas in China. A total of 1 968 older adults were included in this study. Information including socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, diet intake, and health status was collected by using questionnaires and physical examinations. Urine samples were collected to detect urinary cadmium and creatinine levels. Body circumferences included waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference. Subjects were divided into three groups (low:<0.77 μg/g·creatinine, middle:0.77-1.69 μg/g·creatinine, high:≥1.69 μg/g·creatinine) by tertiles of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium level with BMI and body circumferences. The dose-response relationship of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration with BMI and body circumferences was analyzed by using restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model.Results:The mean age of subjects was (83.34±11.14) years old. The median (Q1, Q3) concentration of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium was 1.13 (0.63, 2.09) μg/g·creatinine, and the BMI was (22.70±3.82) kg/m 2. The mean values of waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference were (85.42±10.68) cm, (92.67±8.90) cm, and (31.08±4.76) cm, respectively. After controlling confounding factors, the results of the multiple linear regression model showed that for each increment of 1 μg/g·creatinine in creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium, the change of BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference in the high-level group was -0.28 (-0.37, -0.19) kg/m 2, -0.74 (-0.96, -0.52) cm, -0.78 (-0.96, -0.61) cm, and -0.20 (-0.30, -0.11) cm, respectively. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a negative nonlinear association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with BMI ( Pnonlinear<0.001) and negative linear associations of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with waist circumference ( Plinear<0.001), hip circumference ( Plinear<0.001), and calf circumference ( Plinear<0.001). Conclusion:Urinary cadmium level is significantly associated with decreased BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.
10.Association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index and body circumferences among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China
Zheng ZHANG ; Bing WU ; Yingli QU ; Yang LI ; Lanjing XU ; Chunxian LYU ; Chen CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Kai XUE ; Yuan WEI ; Jinhui ZHOU ; Xulin ZHENG ; Yidan QIU ; Yufei LUO ; Junxin LIU ; Yuebin LYU ; Xiaoming SHI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(2):227-234
Objective:To investigate the association of urinary cadmium level with body mass index (BMI) and body circumferences among the older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.Methods:Subjects were older adults over 65 years old from the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study (HABCS) between 2017 and 2018 conducted in 9 longevity areas in China. A total of 1 968 older adults were included in this study. Information including socio-demographic characteristics, lifestyles, diet intake, and health status was collected by using questionnaires and physical examinations. Urine samples were collected to detect urinary cadmium and creatinine levels. Body circumferences included waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference. Subjects were divided into three groups (low:<0.77 μg/g·creatinine, middle:0.77-1.69 μg/g·creatinine, high:≥1.69 μg/g·creatinine) by tertiles of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium level with BMI and body circumferences. The dose-response relationship of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium concentration with BMI and body circumferences was analyzed by using restrictive cubic splines fitting multiple linear regression model.Results:The mean age of subjects was (83.34±11.14) years old. The median (Q1, Q3) concentration of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium was 1.13 (0.63, 2.09) μg/g·creatinine, and the BMI was (22.70±3.82) kg/m 2. The mean values of waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference were (85.42±10.68) cm, (92.67±8.90) cm, and (31.08±4.76) cm, respectively. After controlling confounding factors, the results of the multiple linear regression model showed that for each increment of 1 μg/g·creatinine in creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium, the change of BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and calf circumference in the high-level group was -0.28 (-0.37, -0.19) kg/m 2, -0.74 (-0.96, -0.52) cm, -0.78 (-0.96, -0.61) cm, and -0.20 (-0.30, -0.11) cm, respectively. The restrictive cubic splines curve showed a negative nonlinear association of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with BMI ( Pnonlinear<0.001) and negative linear associations of creatinine-adjusted urinary cadmium with waist circumference ( Plinear<0.001), hip circumference ( Plinear<0.001), and calf circumference ( Plinear<0.001). Conclusion:Urinary cadmium level is significantly associated with decreased BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and calf circumference among older adults over 65 years old in 9 longevity areas of China.


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