The construction of a training system for visiting physicians in the department of rare diseases in China is an important measure to improve the overall diagnosis and treatment capacity for rare diseases and address the critical challenge of insufficient knowledge and skills among clinicians in practice. This article systematically describes the visiting physician training system established by the Department of Rare Diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. It summarizes the training objectives and positioning, design logic, and learning modules of the system, aiming to provide a reference for the construction of the specialized talent team for rare diseases in China.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B （ELB） on Parkinson’s disease （PD） model mice by regulating the IκB kinase β （IKKβ）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， positive control group （selegiline hydrochloride， 10 mg/kg）， and ELB low-dose and high-dose groups （80， 160 mg/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically for 14 consecutive days. Starting from the 10th day of administration， the model group and all administration groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1，2，3，6-tetrahydropyridine （MPTP） 30 mg/kg， for five consecutive days to establish the chronic PD model. After the last administration for 24 h， six mice were randomly selected from each group to test their behavioral abilities； detect the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， IL-10， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in brain tissue and their mRNA expressions were measured， and positive expression of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH）， protein expressions of TH， α -synuclein （ α -syn）， ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 （Iba-1）， as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in the brain tissue were detected. The ultrastructure of neurons in substantia nigra was observed. RESULTS Compared with the model group， rotarod endurance time and climbing score of each administration group （except for the ELB low-dose group） were increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）， while the levels and mRNA expressions of IL-1β， TNF-α， α -syn， and Iba-1， as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in brain tissue were decreased significantly （except for TNF-α in the ELB low-dose group）. Conversely， the level and mRNA expression of IL-10 （except for the ELB low-dose group）， TH positive expression and protein expressions were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. Typical neurodegenerative pathological changes， such as neuronal karyopyknosis， mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization， and endoplasmic reticulum dilation， all showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS ELB may exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the activation of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway， alleviating inflammatory responses， reducing abnormal α -syn aggregation and neuronal loss， and further improving motor dysfunction in PD mice.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of the left spermatic vein transposition to the great saphenous vein in treating left varicocele (VC) secondary to nutcracker syndrome (NCS). Methods: Clinical data of 8 patients treated during Feb.2020 and Feb.2023 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.A meticulous preoperative evaluation of the vascular status of the spermatic vein and the great saphenous vein was performed using color Doppler ultrasound.A spermatic vein-great saphenous vein shunt surgery was performed in patients who were strictly selected.The clinical symptoms and hemodynamics of renal vein were compared before and after operation. Results: The median age of patients was 23.5(18-33) years.There was a notable reduction in post-exercise scrotal and lower back pain in all patients，and the score of scrotal pain decreased to 0 in 7 patients. The median quantification of urinary protein was 352.8(54.4-687.3) mg prior to surgical intervention，which significantly diminished to 125.5(25.9-255.1) mg 6 months after operation.Notably，3 cases of preoperative positive urine occult blood tests were undetectable in the subsequent postoperative assessments.The median peak blood flow velocity at the site of stenosis in the left renal vein measured at 74.4(48.7-117.6) cm/s preoperatively，subsequently reduced to 45.1(25.5-61.2) cm/s postoperatively.During the 6-month follow-up，no recurrence of varicocele，vascular anastomotic stenosis or thrombosis were observed. Conclusion: Our research indicates that spermatic vein to great saphenous vein bypass is safe and feasible in the treatment of left varicocele secondary to nutcracker syndrome for strictly selected patients，which can effectively alleviate renal vein congestion without significant complications.

Objective:To design one kind of adjustably assistive walking wheelchair with multi postures,so as to improve the quality of life of people with motion disorders,disabilities or semi disabilities on lower limbs.Methods:The adjustably assistive walking wheelchair with multi postures composed of walking mechanism,mechanism of adjusting posture,and chair,which can achieve five postures,including sitting,low sitting,high sitting,standing and lying.One kinematic model of the wheelchair mechanism was established,and Admas software was used to conduct kinematic simulation.Aimed at key components,the statics simulation was analyzed.The test for adjustment of 5 kinds of postures,the test for the reachable range of hands and the test for the stability of adjusted postures were conducted on the physical prototype of the wheelchair.Results:The results of kinematic simulation showed that the method and formula derivation of motion analysis were correct.Static simulation showed that the seat cushion bracket of key load-bearing component did not affect the normal use of wheelchair under the effect of 100 kg load on seat posture.Experimental tests showed that all parameters of posture transformation were consistent with the design objectives and theoretical analysis.The reachable range of hands was between 500 mm and 2300 mm.The tested results of transformation between sitting and lying postures showed that the stability of the system of adjusting posture of wheelchair was favorable.Conclusion:The adjustably assistive walking wheelchair with multi postures can meet the requirement of user in getting things at low and high position through adjusts the height of sitting posture,which can suit the requirement of user at different home scenarios with larger difference at height,such as table,stove and cabinet.

Objective To investigate whether dexmedetomidine(DEX)can inhibit the inflammatory response mediated by microglia after traumatic brain injury(TBI)in rats through the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase-stimulator of interferon gene(cGAS-STING)pathway.Methods A TBI rat model was constructed,and successfully modeled rats were randomly separated into TBI group,low and high-dose dexmedetomidine treatment groups(DEX-L,DEX-H groups),and high-dose dexmedetomidine treatment+cGAS-STING pathway activator group(DEX-H+DMXAA group),with 18 rats in each group.Additionally,18 healthy normal rats were selected as the Control group.Rats in each group were subjected to neurobehavioral scoring(mNSS).The brain water content of rats in each group was detected.Flow cytometry was used to detect Tregs in the brain tissue of each group.ELISA was applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines in brain tissue.HE staining was applied to observe brain tissue injury.TUNEL staining was applied to detect neuronal apoptosis.Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the expression of the microglial cell marker ion calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1).Western blot was applied to detect the expression of apoptosis and cGAS-STING pathway related proteins.Results Compared with the Control group,the TBI group showed structural injury to brain tissue,edema,abnormal neuronal morphology,reduced number and disordered arrangement,deep staining of nuclear folds,and blurred nucleoli,the mNSS score,brain tissue water content,levels of Tregs,TNF-α,IL-1 β,IL-6,neuronal apoptosis rate,expression of caspase-3,caspase-3,Iba1,cGAS,p-STING,p-TBK1,p-IRF3,IFN-Ⅰ were elevated(P＜0.05).Compared with the TBI group,the brain tissue structure of the DEX-L and DEX-H groups was slightly injuried,edema was reduced,and the morphology of neurons was relatively normal,with a small decrease in number and relatively neat arrangement,a small amount of nuclei were wrinkled and deeply stained,and most of the nucleoli were obvious,the mNSS score,brain tissue water content,levels of Tregs,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,neuronal apoptosis rate,expression of caspase-3,caspase-3,Iba1,cGAS,p-STING,p-TBK1,p-IRF3,IFN-Ⅰ were reduced(P＜0.05).The brain tissue structure and neuronal injury in the DEX-H+DMXAA group were more severe than the DEX-H group,the mNSS score,brain tissue water content,levels of Tregs,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,neuronal apoptosis rate,expression of caspase-3,caspase-3,Iba1,cGAS,p-STING,p-TBK1,p-IRF3,IFN-Ⅰ were elevated(P＜0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine can inhibit the inflammatory response mediated by microglia after TBI in rats,and its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of the cGAS-STING pathway.

Objective:To identify factors influencing treatment-free remission (TFR) outcomes in children and adolescent patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) after imatinib (IM) discontinuation.Methods:This multicenter retrospective study analyzed 36 children and adolescent patients with CML from eight hematology centers in China (December 1, 2016, to September 27, 2024) who discontinued IM therapy with documented post-cessation outcomes. Clinical characteristics and molecular response dynamics were assessed. Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed to assess factors associated with TFR outcomes.Results:A total of 36 patients were documented, comprising 17 males and 19 females. The median ages at CML diagnosis and IM discontinuation were 11 years ( IQR: 5,16) and 20 years ( IQR: 14,25), respectively. The median time from IM initiation to first deep molecular response (DMR) was 21 months ( IQR: 13, 38). Pre-discontinuation, patients received IM for a median duration of 96 months ( IQR: 84, 121) and maintained DMR for 74 months ( IQR: 63, 89). With a median post-discontinuation follow-up of 38 months ( IQR: 15, 68), cumulative TFR rates at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 74.1%, 60.7%, 60.7%, and 56.0%, respectively, generating an overall TFR rate of 58.3%. Fifteen patients lost major molecular response at a median of 5 months post-discontinuation ( IQR: 3, 11). All 15 patients resumed tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, comprising 13 who restarted IM and 2 who switched to dasatinib. By the last follow-up, 13 (86.7% ) patients regained DMR after a median treatment duration of 5 months ( IQR: 3, 17), and no disease progression occurred in any patient. Withdrawal syndrome occurred in 2 (5.6% ) patients. Univariate analysis revealed significantly higher TFR rates in patients with pre-discontinuation IM duration of ≥100 months vs <100 months (82.4% vs 36.8%, P=0.017) and pre-discontinuation DMR duration of ≥72 months vs <72 months (84.2% vs 29.4%, P=0.003). Multivariate Cox analysis identified pre-discontinuation DMR duration as an independent protective factor for TFR ( HR=5.419, 95% CI: 1.524–19.272, P=0.009) . Conclusion:DMR duration was identified as an independent protective factor influencing TFR outcomes in children and adolescent patients with CML after IM discontinuation. Patients who maintained DMR for ≥72 months before IM discontinuation demonstrated a significantly higher TFR rate.

This research investigates the regulatory role of the transcription factor PU.1 in type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1) and its therapeutic potential of modulating the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) cells signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Utilizing single-cell transcriptome sequencing and comprehensive bioinformatics tools, including the CIBERSORT algorithm, we analyzed the immune cell landscape within NSCLC tissues. Our analysis revealed distinct NSCLC subtypes and delineated the developmental trajectories and functional distinctions of cDC1 cells. Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pivotal functional modules within these cells were identified, highlighting PU.1 as a critical mediator underexpressed in NSCLC samples. Functionally, PU.1 demonstrated the induction of the NF-κB pathway, which led to inhibited tumor proliferation and enhanced activation of cDC1, thereby suggesting its role in tumor immune surveillance. In vivo models confirmed the suppressive effect of PU.1 on NSCLC progression, mediated through its influence on cDC1 functionality via the NF-κB pathway. These findings propose PU.1 as a promising target for NSCLC therapeutic strategies, emphasizing the importance of transcriptional regulators in the tumor microenvironment.