1.Rediscovering purpose in our well-being journey as emergency physicians: an international perspective
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2026;17(1):3-6
Physician well-being is vital to delivering high-quality emergency care. A supported and healthy emergency medicine workforce leads to better patient outcomes, fewer medical errors, and greater job satisfaction and staff retention.[1,2] Emergency physicians (EPs) face unique pressures, including shift work, high patient volumes and acuities, overcrowding, and systemic inefficiencies that escalate their risk of burnout. As a result, EPs have reported the highest rates of burnout among physician specialties.[1,3] Over the past decade, multiple attempts have been made to promote EP well-being. However, early initiatives were oriented around individual “wellness”, such as exercise, diet, sleep, yoga, and finding “work-life balance”. Recently, there has been evolving recognition of the effects of a number of aspects of burnout that are outside the control of individual EPs, including administrative duties superseding clinical duties, diminishing resources and support, overcrowding and boarding, adverse working conditions, and medico-legal challenges. These factors progressively constrain the ability and capacity of EPs to do the work that they are trained and entrusted to do - rapidly and effectively evaluate, treat, and dispose of acutely ill patients. This sense of “moral injury” has contributed to growing dissatisfaction and premature departure from emergency medicine through reduced hours, transitions to other fields, early retirement, and, tragically, suicide.[4,5]
2.Association of endothelin-1/nitric oxide system activation with neurological function and cerebral blood flow after interventional surgery for cerebral infarction
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2026;43(1):60-64
Objective To investigate the role of the endothelin-1/nitric oxide (ET-1/NO) system in neurological function and cerebral hemodynamics after interventional surgery for cerebral infarction, as well as the association of the levels of ET-1 and NO with neurological recovery and cerebral blood flow after surgery. Methods A total of 108 patients with cerebral infarction who were treated in our hospital from January 2022 to June 2023 were enrolled, and serum samples were collected before surgery and on day 30 after surgery. ELISA was used to measure the levels of ET-1 and NO;National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) was used to assess neurological function; transcranial Doppler was used to measure cerebral hemodynamic parameters, including mean blood flow velocity, peak systolic velocity, and pulsatility index. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation of ET-1 and NO with neurological function and cerebral hemodynamics,and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the value of ET-1 and NO in predicting poor neurological function. Results After interventional surgery, there was a significant reduction in the level of ET-1 and a significant increase in the level of NO(both P<0.001). The patients were divided into good recovery group (NIHSS≤5) and poor recovery group.Compared with the poor recovery group, the good recovery group had a significant reduction in serum ET-1 and a significant increase in serum NO (both P<0.001). The Spearman correlation analysis showed that the serum level of ET-1 was negatively correlated with neurological recovery and the improvement in cerebral hemodynamics, while the level of NO was positively correlated with these two indicators. The ROC curve analysis showed that ET-1 and NO could effectively predict poor neurological recovery after interventional surgery, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.881 and 0.981,respectively. Conclusion The ET-1/NO system plays an important role in neurological function and cerebral hemodynamics after interventional surgery for cerebral infarction. Reducing ET-1 and increasing NO can facilitate the recovery of neurological function and cerebral blood flow after surgery. The levels of ET-1 and NO can be used as biomarkers for predicting poor postoperative neurological function and provide a scientific basis for optimizing postoperative treatment strategies.
Endothelin-1
3.Inhibitory effect of penfluridol on melanoma growth by targeting HSPA6
Heng GE ; Pan JIANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Zhaohai PAN ; Defang LI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(1):68-77
This study employed the drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) technique to investigate the molecular mechanism of the antipsychotic drug penfluridol against melanoma, revealing the biological pathway to exert its effect on the HSPA6/p53/p21 signaling axis. Experiments such as the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cell colony formation ability assay confirmed that penfluridol could significantly downregulate the expression of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) in melanoma A375 and B16 cells, induce cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, and thus inhibit the proliferation of melanoma cells. Meanwhile, the results of Western blot, Hoechst 33342 staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining experiments showed that penfluridol could significantly downregulate the expression of Bcl-2 and upregulate the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, inducing cell apoptosis. Further, the DARTS technique was used to identify heat shock 70 kD protein 6 (HSPA6) as the key target bound by penfluridol. Penfluridol activates the p53/p21 pathway by upregulating HSPA6. Knocking down HSPA6 reverses not only the activation of the p53/p21 pathway mediated by penfluridol but also the associated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Animal experiments on tumor-bearing mice also confirmed that knocking down HSPA6 could reverse the in vivo anti-tumor activity of penfluridol. This study clarified that penfluridol can inhibit the progression of melanoma by targeting HSPA6 to activate the p53/p21 signaling axis, providing a new perspective for the repositioning of antipsychotic drugs in cancer treatment.
4.Thyroid Hormone Network Regulation in MASLD: Mechanisms and Targeted Therapies
Wen-Ping XIAO ; Yang MA ; Heng GUAN ; Sha WAN ; Wen HAN ; Bing-Bing LUO ; Wu-Feng WANG ; Fang LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):643-661
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 32%-38% of the adult population and posing a growing public health burden. MASLD represents a continuous disease spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathological core of MASLD lies in disruption of hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis, characterized by an imbalance among de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-mediated lipid export. This metabolic disequilibrium subsequently drives inflammatory injury and fibrotic progression. Among the multiple regulatory pathways involved, thyroid hormone (TH) signaling has emerged as a central regulator of hepatic metabolic homeostasis. The liver is a major peripheral target organ of TH action, where TH predominantly exerts its metabolic effects through thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ). Large-scale epidemiological studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that hypothyroidism is significantly associated with increased MASLD prevalence, more severe histological injury, and advanced hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that dysregulation of TH signaling may participate throughout the entire MASLD disease spectrum. At the molecular level, TH regulates hepatic lipid metabolism by coordinating suppression of lipogenesis, enhancement of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, and promotion of VLDL assembly and secretion through integrated genomic actions of the T3-TRβ axis and non-genomic signaling pathways. Across different stages of MASLD, TH signaling exerts stage-dependent protective effects. In the steatosis stage, TH improves metabolic flexibility by modulating insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and lipid droplet clearance, thereby alleviating early lipotoxic stress. During progression to MASH, TH attenuates inflammatory amplification by improving mitochondrial homeostasis, suppressing activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and modulating the gut-liver axis microenvironment. In advanced stages, TH signaling influences hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition, partly through interaction with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD pathway, while alterations in intrahepatic TH availability, mediated by dynamic changes in iodothyronine deiodinase 1 (DIO1), contribute to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular dedifferentiation. In hepatocellular carcinoma, coordinated downregulation of TRβ and DIO1 establishes a tumor-associated hypothyroid state that promotes metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression. The clinical relevance of TH signaling in MASLD has been underscored by the recent approval of Resmetirom, a liver-targeted TRβ‑selective agonist, for the treatment of non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3). This approval represents a landmark transition from mechanistic understanding to metabolism-centered precision therapy in MASLD. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Resmetirom not only improves key histological endpoints, including MASH resolution and fibrosis regression, but also favorably modulates atherogenic lipid profiles, highlighting the therapeutic potential of selectively targeting hepatic TH pathways. This review systematically summarizes the multidimensional regulatory roles of TH across the MASLD disease spectrum and discusses emerging diagnostic and therapeutic implications of TH-based interventions, aiming to inform future mechanistic research and optimize clinical management strategies.
5.Inhibitory effects of different concentrations of auranofin on M1 macrophage function and its therapeutic potential in diabetic wound healing
Hongfei PAN ; Zhenbing ZHUANG ; Baiyun XU ; Zhangyang YANG ; Kairui LIN ; Bingqing ZHAN ; Jinghan LAN ; Heng GAO ; Nanbo ZHANG ; Jiayu LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(6):1390-1397
BACKGROUND:During diabetic wound healing,the sustained activation of M1 macrophages exacerbates the inflammatory response and hinders wound repair.Auranofin,an anti-inflammatory drug,has not been clearly studied for its effects on M1 macrophages and its potential role in diabetic wound healing.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different concentrations of auranofin on the biological function of M1 macrophages and evaluate its potential application in diabetic wound healing.METHODS:RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells were used as research models.M1 polarization was induced using different concentrations of interferon-γ and lipopolysaccharide.M1 macrophages were treated with 1 and 2 μmol/L auranofin.Cell counting kit-8 assay was used to evaluate the effect of auranofin on cell viability.Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.ELISA was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α in the supernatant.Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of nuclear factor-κB(p65),phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK),and total MAPK proteins.Additionally,6-8-week-old male C57BL/6J and db/db diabetic mice were used for wound healing experiments,with the mice divided into C57 control,db/db control and auranofin treatment groups,each containing six animals.Dorsal skin defect modeling and treatment with intraperitoneal injection of auranofin were performed to observe wound healing in mice.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cell experiments showed that co-treatment with interferon-y(10 ng/mL)and lipopolysaccharide(100 ng/mL)significantly induced M1 polarization in RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells,resulting in increased mRNA expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α.Treatment with auranofin(1 and 2 μmol/L)reduced the mRNA expression of these inflammatory factors in the cells and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in the cell supernatant.(2)Auranofin treatment significantly suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB(p65)and phosphorylated MAPK signaling pathways.(3)Animal experiments showed that auranofin promoted wound healing in db/db diabetic mice,suggesting that auranofin has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may facilitate the healing of wounds in diabetic mice.
6.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
7.Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Intervening Ferroptosis in Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Regulating SIRT1/SLC7A11 Signaling Pathway
Yuanyuan JI ; Hong ZHU ; Jingjuan AN ; Heng XIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):113-119
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Xiao Qinglongtang on ferroptosis in allergic rhinitis rats and explore its specific mechanism of action. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a loratadine group (0.9 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Xiao Qinglongtang groups (2.14, 4.28, and 8.56 g·kg-1), 10 rats per group. After 2 weeks of drug treatment, behavioral scores were observed in 6 groups of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe changes in nasal mucosal tissue morphology, and Prussian blue staining was used to observe iron deposition. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS), Fe2+ ions, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) in each group. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect ROS content and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression in nasal mucosal tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression of SIRT1, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), p53 acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) proteins in nasal mucosal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited obviously increased behavioral scores, severe nasal mucosal damage, obvious increase in iron deposition, significant decreases in GSH and SOD levels, obvious increases in MDA, Fe2+, and ROS fluorescence area proportions (P<0.05), decreased protein expression levels of GPX4, SLC7A11, and SIRT1, and obvious increases in p53 and ACSL4 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Xiao Qinglongtang groups of all doses showed reduced rat behavioral scores, obviously improved nasal mucosal damage, obviously reduced iron deposition (P<0.05), obviously increased GSH and SOD levels, obviously reduced MDA, Fe2+, ROS fluorescence area proportions (P<0.05), increased GPX4, SLC7A11, and SIRT1 protein expression levels, and obviously reduced p53 and ACSL4 (P<0.05). ConclusionXiao Qinglongtang may achieve the goal of treating allergic rhinitis by regulating the SIRT1/SLC7A11 signaling pathway and inhibiting lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis.
8.A case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by anti-Jk3 and its clinical features
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):256-260
Objective: To analyze a case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) caused by anti-Jk3 antibody, which was induced in a rare Jk (a-b-) blood type resulting from a gene mutation in the Kidd blood group system, so as to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of HDFN associated with this antibody. Methods: HDFN-related blood group serological testing, antibody identification and specific blood group antigen identification were performed on blood samples from the infant and the mother. The mother's Kidd blood group was analyzed by molecular biology methods. Clinical data of the infant and the mother were collected, and changes in bilirubin, hemoglobin (Hb), and other results during the disease progression of the infant were analyzed. Results: The infant was blood type B, Rh (D) positive, and Kidd blood group Jk (a-b+). The mother was blood type O, Rh (D) positive. Due to an IVS5-1 G>A mutation, the mother exhibited a Jk (a-b-) phenotype. Anti-Jk3 antibodies were detected in the mother's plasma. The infant was diagnosed with HDFN due to anti-Jk3. During treatment, the total bilirubin (TBil) and indirect bilirubin (IBil) levels of the infant initially increased and then decreased, with peak monitored values of 228.2 μmol/L and 208.9 μmol/L, respectively. Hb decreased from 180 g/L at birth to 93 g/L. After phototherapy and symptomatic treatment, the infant's indicators stabilized, and the general condition improved. The infant was discharged after recovery. Conclusion: Clinically, HDFN caused by anti-Jk3 antibodies is relatively rare. For HDFN induced by this antibody, early detection, intervention, and treatment are essential to address the transfusion challenges posed by the extreme scarcity of Jk3-negative blood sources, thereby minimizing adverse outcomes in affected infants to the greatest extent possible.
9.Research progress on clinical management and behavioral intervention of smoking cessation in lung cancer patients
Yuxin GE ; Xinxing SUN ; Heng NI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):150-156
The incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer have been continuously rising. Smoking is a crucial modifiable factor contributing to the high incidence of lung cancer, and quitting smoking is of great significance for the treatment and prognosis of lung cancer patients. This article systematically reviews the harms of smoking to lung cancer patients, such as carcinogenic substances triggering lung cancer, affecting the course of the disease, and the improvement of prognosis after quitting smoking. It also analyzes the current situation of smoking cessation among lung cancer patients, who face numerous difficulties and have a relatively small number of successful quitters. Meanwhile, this article provides a detailed introduction to the clinical diagnosis and treatment methods for smoking cessation interventions. This includes the explanation of the pathophysiology of smoking cessation, psychological supportive therapies [brief psychological intervention and 5A’s model (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) psychological counseling], and pharmacotherapies (nicotine-based and non-nicotine-based smoking cessation medications). In addition, it covers the behavioral intervention therapies for smoking cessation, including the PRECEDE-PROCEED model, cognitive behavior theory model, capacity opportunity motivation-behavior (COM-B) theoretical model, information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model, timing is right (TIR) theoretical model, and the economic incentive intervention model. Although some of the current intervention methods lack the support of clinical randomized controlled studies, existing research and practice have confirmed their positive effects on smoking cessation among lung cancer patients. It is hoped that relevant intervention methods can be further improved in the future to help lung cancer patients improve their quality of life.
10.Brain-computer interface technology in treatment for spinal cord injury: a bibliometric analysis
Kui SUN ; Hailun HUANG ; Yongai LIU ; Heng GAO
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):317-328
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends of brain-computer interface (BCI) in the treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsRelevant literatures on BCI applied in SCI treatment, published from the inception of the Web of Science Core Collection to July, 2025, were retrieved. Visualization analysis was performed using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Tableau Desktop. ResultsA total of 437 literatures were included, and the annual number of publications showed an overall increasing trend. The United States ranked first in the number of publications; Graz University of Technology was the institution with the highest number of publication; Gernot R Mueller-Putz was the most productive author, while Jonathan R Wolpaw was the most cited author. Brain-computer interface and artificial intelligence were identified as the high-frequency and bursting keywords in this field. The researches were characterized by the cross-integration of five core disciplines: neuroscience and rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, computer science and artificial intelligence, neurophysiology, and materials science. ConclusionResearches on BCI in SCI treatment are accelerating continuously, and technological integration is becoming the core trend.


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