1.Advances in Risk Prediction Models for Sepsis and Its Complications
Yibo SUN ; Shitao HUANG ; Zhongya HUANG ; Hongbiao TANG ; Ziyi LI ; Xuesong MA ; Liping LIU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1096-1104
As a major challenge in the global field of critical care medicine, sepsis is associated with high morbidity and mortality, driving intensive research into the development of precise risk prediction models. Among these, machine learning and deep learning-based predictive models have garnered particular attention. This article systematically reviews the evolution of sepsis risk prediction models and the challenges associated with their clinical translation, with a focus on their clinical applicability in common septic complications, including acute kidney injury, encephalopathy, and coagulation disorders. Current evidence indicates that machine learning models, by integrating multidimensional dynamic data from electronic health records, significantly enhance early warning capabilities and individualized predictive performance. However, major bottlenecks limiting clinical translation include insufficient data standardization, lack of model interpretability, and inadequate external validation. Future research should prioritize multicenter collaboration, time-series modeling strategies, and explainable artificial intelligence frameworks to optimize clinical translation pathways and facilitate the paradigm shift from traditional empirical approaches to data-driven precision strategies in sepsis risk stratification.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
4.Application of single-cell RNA sequencing technology in Parkinson's disease
Ziyu LIU ; Dandan GENG ; Runjiao ZHANG ; Qing LIU ; Yibo LI ; Hongfang WANG ; Wenmeng XIE ; Wenyu WANG ; Jiaxin HAO ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):193-201
BACKGROUND:Parkinson's disease has the main pathological changes in the midbrain,especially in the dense substantia nigra,leading to impaired motor and non-motor function in patients.At present,research is limited by cellular heterogeneity,and its pathogenesis still needs to be further elucidated.In recent years,single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)has gradually been applied in neurodegenerative diseases,which is of great significance for understanding intercellular heterogeneity,disease development mechanisms,and treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of scRNA-seq technology applied to Parkinson's disease in recent years,providing a theoretical basis for the application of scRNA-seq in the treatment and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. METHODS:The first author used a computer system to search for relevant literature in the CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases,with the Chinese search terms"single-cell RNA sequencing,Parkinson's disease,cell heterogeneity,cell subtypes,dopaminergic neurons,glial cells"and English search terms"single-cell RNA seq,Parkinson disease,heterogenicity,subtypes,dopaminergic neurons,glial cells."71 articles were ultimately included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)scRNA-seq is a high-throughput experimental technique that utilizes RNA sequencing at the single-cell level to quantify gene expression profiles in specific cell populations,revealing cellular mysteries at the molecular level.Compared with traditional sequencing techniques,scRNA-seq technology is used to reveal the diversity of cell types and changes in specific gene expression in complex tissues under various physiological and pathological conditions through automatic clustering analysis of cell transcriptome.(2)By using scRNA-seq,the development process of dopaminergic neurons and the unique functional characteristics of various cell subtypes are elucidated,in order to better understand potential therapeutic molecular targets.(3)The use of scRNA-seq analysis has improved our understanding of the response of Parkinson's disease glial cells,enabling us to comprehensively map and characterize different cell type populations,identify specific glial cell subpopulations related to neurodegeneration,and draw valuable single cell maps as reference data for future research.(4)The application of scRNA-seq to detect embryonic mice and stem cells will help improve the in vitro differentiation protocol and quality control of cell therapy,as well as evaluate the overall cell quality and developmental stage of dopaminergic neurons derived from stem cells.
5.Association between sleep quality and dry eye symptoms among adolescents
XIE Jiayu, LI Danlin, DONG Xingxuan, KAI Jiayan, LI Juan,WU Yibo, PAN Chenwei
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(2):276-279
Objective:
To explore the association between sleep quality and dry eye symptoms in adolescents,so as to provide the evidence for reducing the prevalence of dry eye symptoms.
Methods:
The study population was adolescents aged 12-24 years from the Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents (PBICR) survey, which was conducted from 20 June to 31 August 2022. A stratified random sampling and quota sampling method was used to select 6 456 adolescents within mainland China. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) and Brief version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (B-PSQI) were used to assess dry eye symptoms and sleep quality. Multiple Logistic regression model was used to explore the relationship between sleep quality and dry eye symptoms in adolescents. The influence of gender on the association was explored by using interaction terms.
Results:
A total of 2 815 adolescents reported having dry eye symptoms, with a prevalence of 43.6%. Logistic regression analysis results showed an increased risk of exacerbation of dry eye symptoms in adolescents with poor sleep quality. The OR (95% CI ) for mild, moderate, and severe dry eye symptoms groups were 1.39(1.16-1.67), 1.52(1.28-1.81), and 2.35(2.02-2.72), respectively, compared with the ocularly normal group ( P <0.05). There was a significant interaction between sleep quality and gender on dry eye symptoms in adolescents ( P <0.01).
Conclusions
Sleep quality is associated with dry eye symptoms in adolescents, and those with poor sleep quality have a higher risk of dry eye symptoms. The effect of sleep quality on dry eye symptoms is greater in boys.
6.A proximity-induced chimera platform for targeted protein arginine methylation.
Yanlin JIAN ; Tianyang ZHOU ; Chendong GUO ; Yibo GAO ; Chen YAO ; Zixi WANG ; Xuehan JIANG ; Ke WANG ; Jian MA ; Yang GAO ; Yizeng FAN ; Jing LIU ; Bohan MA ; Lei LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2625-2639
Arginine methylation is a critical post-translational modification that plays multifaceted biological functions. However, the manipulation of protein arginine methylation largely depends on genetic or pharmaceutic inhibition of the regulatory enzymes, protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs), or non-methylation substitution of corresponding arginine residue to lysine or alanine of protein of interest (POI), which inevitably affects other substrates, or disrupts the structure of POI. Thus, it urges an approach to specifically modulate the arginine methylation of a POI under physiological conditions. To this end, we report the discovery of a methylation tagging system (MeTAG), that enables targeted modification of protein arginine methylation. Through bridging the methyltransferase PRMT5 proximity to a POI, MeTAG facilitates the arginine methylation of POIs, including known arginine methylated proteins, androgen receptor (AR) and protein kinase B (AKT), as well as a neo-substrate E1A binding protein (p300), in a reversible and PRMT5-dependent manner. Moreover, MeTAG can regulate downstream signaling in a methylation dependent manner, leading to downregulation of PSMA mRNA level and activation of AKT. Therefore, MeTAG represents a feasible approach to modulate protein methylation and thereby perturbs protein function in biological and therapeutic contexts.
7.Cannabidiol alleviates methamphetamine addiction via targeting ATP5A1 and modulating the ATP-ADO-A1R signaling pathway.
Sha JIN ; Cong LIN ; Peipei LI ; Xue WANG ; Yibo WANG ; Cong ZHANG ; Xuenan WANG ; Yinghua PENG ; Haohong LI ; Yuyuan LU ; Xiaohui WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5261-5276
Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, shows great promise in treating methamphetamine (METH) addiction. Nonetheless, the molecular target and the mechanism through which CBD treats METH addiction remain unexplored. Herein, CBD was shown to counteract METH-induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference. Additionally, CBD mitigated the adverse effects of METH, such as cristae loss, a decline in ATP content, and a reduction in membrane potential. Employing an activity-based protein profiling approach, a target fishing strategy was used to uncover CBD's direct target. ATP5A1, a subunit of ATP synthase, was identified and validated as a CBD target. Moreover, CBD demonstrated the ability to ameliorate METH-induced ubiquitination of ATP5A1 via the D376 residue, thereby reversing the METH-induced reduction of ATP5A1 and promoting the assembly of ATP synthase. Pharmacological inhibition of the ATP efflux channel pannexin 1, blockade of ATP hydrolysis by a CD39 inhibitor, and blocking the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) all attenuated the therapeutic benefits of CBD in mitigating METH-induced behavioral sensitization and CPP. Moreover, the RNA interference of ATP5A1 in the ventral tegmental area resulted in the reversal of CBD's therapeutic efficacy against METH addiction. Collectively, these data show that ATP5A1 is a target for CBD to inhibit METH-induced addiction behaviors through the ADO-A1R signaling pathway.
8.Villin-like protein VILL suppresses proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by interacting with LMO7 protein.
Yumei ZENG ; Jike LI ; Zhongxi HUANG ; Yibo ZHOU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):954-961
OBJECTIVES:
To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which villin-like protein VILL (VILL) inhibits proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells.
METHODS:
Co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) assay, mass spectrometry, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and GST pull-down assay were employed to identify and confirm the protein interacting with VILL that had the highest abundance in NPC cell lines. Transgenic experiments were conducted in both NPC cell lines and nude mice to validate the regulatory role of VILL and its target protein in NPC proliferation. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to assess the correlation of the expression levels of VILL and its target protein in clinical tissue specimens of NPC with the clinical features of the patients.
RESULTS:
In NPC cell lines (HONE1 EBV and S18), VILL was found to interact most abundantly with the E3 ubiquitin ligase LMO7, and both proteins co-localized in the cytoplasm with direct interactions. Overexpression of LMO7 partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of VILL on NPC cell proliferation. The expression of VILL was significantly downregulated in 136 NPC tissue samples compared to 67 non-cancerous nasopharyngeal tissues (P<0.00001) with close correlation with clinical T stage (P=0.04), N stage (P=0.01), and M stage (P=0.013), whereas LMO7 was highly expressed in all the NPC tissues.
CONCLUSIONS
VILL overexpression inhibits NPC proliferation probably by suppressing the oncogenic function of LMO7.
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
LIM Domain Proteins/metabolism*
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
;
Mice, Nude
;
Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Carcinoma
;
Female
;
Microfilament Proteins/genetics*
;
Male
;
Middle Aged
9.Mitochondrial preconditioning of pericytes attenuates pulmonary vascular leakage in sepsis-induced rats
Zhongyuan DU ; Yiyan LIU ; Daiqin BAO ; Yibo ZHAO ; Juncai GUO ; Yuxuan LI ; Liangming LIU ; Tao LI ; Qingxiang MAO
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(23):2881-2892
Objective To investigate the protective effects of mitochondrial preconditioning in pericytes(PC)against pulmonary vascular leakage in septic rats.Methods ① 128 specific-pathogen-free SD rats(equal gender,200±20 g)were randomized into:Sham group(postoperative tail vein injection of 0.5 mL saline),Sepsis(Sep)group(CLP+saline),PC group(CLP+untreated PC:106 cells/rat),and Mito-PC group(CLP+PC preconditioned with 2 μg mitochondria/104 cells for 12 h).Assessments included:PC lung colonization(flow cytometry),pulmonary barrier function(Evans blue assay),lung histopathology(HE staining),serum organ injury markers[cTnT(cardiac),urea/creatinine(renal)],and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α,IL-6).② MSC-derived mitochondria were validated by electron microscopy/flow cytometry;primary retinal PCs from weaned SD rats were purity-verified(confocal microscopy).In vitro groups:Control(PC),Mito-PC,PC+H2O2(0.5 μmol/L,4 h),and Mito-PC+H2O2.Antioxidant capacity was assessed via pentose phosphate pathway(PPP)activity,NADPH levels,G6PD activity,and NADP+/NADPH ratio.Results① Compared with Sham,Sep group showed significant increase in pulmonary leakage(Evans blue P<0.05),severe lung injury,elevated serum markers(TNF-α,IL-6,cTnT,urea,creatinine all P<0.05),0%72 h survival.PC group showed partial improvement(P<0.05).Mito-PC group demonstrated significant reduction in vascular leakage(P<0.05 vs PC group),improved histopathology and organ function(P<0.05),attenuated inflammation(P<0.05),higher 72 h survival rate(P<0.05).② Mitochondrial preconditioning significantly enhanced PPP activation and NADPH-mediated antioxidative capacity,Mito-PC+H2O2 vs PC+H2O2 showed improved cell viability(P<0.05),Mito-PC vs PC showed increased G6PD activity(P<0.05),decreased NADP+/NADPH ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion Mitochondrial preconditioning potentiates pericyte-mediated protection against sepsis-induced pulmonary vascular leakage through enhanced pentose phosphate pathway activity.Mitochondrial preconditioning potentiates pericyte-mediated protection against sepsis-induced pulmonary vascular leakage through enhanced pentose phosphate pathway activity.
10.Precision therapy targeting CAMK2 to overcome resistance to EGFR inhibitors in FAT1 -mutated oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Yumeng LIN ; Yibo HUANG ; Bowen YANG ; You ZHANG ; Ning JI ; Jing LI ; Yu ZHOU ; Ying-Qiang SHEN ; Qianming CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(15):1853-1865
BACKGROUND:
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent type of cancer with a high mortality rate in its late stages. One of the major challenges in OSCC treatment is the resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the mechanism underlying drug resistance and develop appropriate precision therapy strategies to enhance clinical efficacy.
METHODS:
To evaluate the efficacy of the combination of the Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMK2) inhibitor KN93 and EGFR inhibitors, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using two FAT atypical cadherin 1 ( FAT1 )-deficient (SCC9 and SCC25) and two FAT1 wild-type (SCC47 and HN12) OSCC cell lines. We assessed the effects of EGFR inhibitors (afatinib or cetuximab), KN93, or their combination on the malignant phenotype of OSCC in vivo and in vitro . The alterations in protein expression levels of members of the EGFR signaling pathway and SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2) were analyzed. Changes in the yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) protein were characterized. Moreover, we analyzed mitochondrial dysfunction. Besides, the effects of combination therapy on mitochondrial dynamics were also evaluated.
RESULTS:
OSCC with FAT1 mutations exhibited resistance to EGFR inhibitors treatment. The combination of KN93 and EGFR inhibitors significantly inhibited the proliferation, survival, and migration of FAT1 -mutated OSCC cells and suppressed tumor growth in vivo . Mechanistically, combination therapy enhanced the therapeutic sensitivity of FAT1 -mutated OSCC cells to EGFR inhibitors by modulating the EGFR pathway and downregulated tumor stemness-related proteins. Furthermore, combination therapy induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted mitochondrial dynamics, ultimately resulting in tumor suppression.
CONCLUSION
Combination therapy with EGFR inhibitors and KN93 could be a novel precision therapeutic strategy and a potential clinical solution for EGFR-resistant OSCC patients with FAT1 mutations.
Humans
;
ErbB Receptors/metabolism*
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Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Animals
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
Cadherins/metabolism*
;
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism*
;
Mice
;
Mutation/genetics*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use*
;
Cetuximab/pharmacology*
;
Afatinib/therapeutic use*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*


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