1.Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 16 cases of psittacosis in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province
Rongrong LU ; Ren CHEN ; Shenghua MAO ; Zhengmei XIA ; Yuxuan HE ; Xinwen JIN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):127-132
ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of psittacosis cases in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control of this disease. MethodsEpidemiological investigation data and clinical records of psittacosis cases residing in Fuyang District of Hangzhou from September 2020 to February 2025 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze temporal-spatial-demographic distribution characteristics, exposure history, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and laboratory findings. Comprehensive analyses were further conducted incorporating environmental surveillance and case follow-up data. ResultsAmong the 16 psittacosis cases, the male-to-female ratio was 1∶1, with an incidence rate of 0.57/100 000 for both males and females. The mean age was (59.88±10.66) years old, and the highest incidence rates were in the 70‒79 years and 60‒69 years age groups, with an incidence rate of 1.41/100 000 and 1.30/100 000, respectively. Fourteen cases (87.50%) had a history of avian exposure. The predominant clinical symptoms included fever (15 cases, 93.75%), cough (11 cases, 68.75%), expectoration (9 cases, 56.25%), and fear of cold (8 cases, 50.00%). All cases showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the results of chest computed tomography (CT) indicated pneumonia in every case. Neutrophil percentage was elevated in 87.50% (14/16) of cases, while lymphocyte percentage was reduced in 93.75% (15/16) of cases. The median time from onset to first medical consultation was 4.00 days, the median time from onset to confirmed diagnosis was 9.50 days, and the median time of hospitalization was 9.00 days. Compared with non-severe cases, the severe group had significantly higher neutrophil percentage, CRP levels, and longer intervals from onset to confirmed diagnosis, onset to first antibiotic administration, and duration of hospitalization. All cases recovered and were discharged, and more than 50% were treated with omadacycline following confirmed diagnosis. ConclusionMost psittacosis cases reported definitive avian exposure history in Fuyang District of Hangzhou. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing disease progression to severe stages.
2.Etiological detection techniques for hepatitis D virus infection: Clinical application and research advances
Huimin LIU ; Wenting CHEN ; Qing MAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):265-271
Hepatitis D is a severe infectious disease caused by hepatitis D virus (HDV), and its clinical manifestation and outcome vary depending on the mode of infection (co-infection and super-infection). This article systematically elaborates on the etiological markers for HDV, screening strategies for HDV infection, clinical diagnosis, and principles for treatment and management. In addition, it also discusses the challenges in etiological detection of HDV infection from the perspectives of the unique structure of the virus, genotypes, and detection techniques and reviews the new techniques in this field, in order to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients with HDV and offer new ideas for the standardization and domestication of etiological detection techniques.
3.Exploration of Training System for Visiting Physicians in Department of Rare Diseases
Jiayuan DAI ; Jing XIE ; Jingjing CHAI ; Yueying MAO ; Chunlei LI ; Yaping LIU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):112-116
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.
4.The Potential Role of Immune Checkpoint Molecules in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Hepatitis and in Targeted Therapy
Haixia LI ; Aiping TIAN ; Miao XUE ; Ziyi LI ; Xiaorong MAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):512-518
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver injury of unknown etiology. The onset of this disease involves the activation and recruitment of diverse immune and non-immune cells, which in turn trigger hepatic damage. Immune checkpoint molecules (ICM) are expressed on the surface of multiple cell types. By regulating cellular functional states, they help limit the intensity and duration of immune responses, thereby preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage, and maintaining immune homeostasis. In AIH, however, this natural "braking" mechanism is impaired, leading to aberrant activation of both immune and non-immune cells and the breakdown of immune homeostasis. Consequently, ICM are likely to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AIH. A deeper understanding of the function of ICM in AIH not onlyadvances our insight into the disease mechanism, but also suggests that targeting these molecules may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AIH.
5.Analysis of risk factors for sodium valproate-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients and construction of risk prediction model
Wan XU ; Jin WU ; Jiaojiao MAO ; Jingjing MA ; Yao FEI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1039-1044
OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors for sodium valproate (VPA)-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients, and to construct a risk prediction model. METHODS Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 172 neurocritical patients who received VPA treatment in the Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2022 to June 2025. Patients were divided into the hyperammonemia group (73 cases) and the normal group (99 cases) based on their blood ammonia levels. Univariate analysis and LASSO regression analysis were used to screen for predictive variables. Independent factors were identified through multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and a nomogram was constructed accordingly. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS Combination of univariate analysis and LASSO regression analysis screened out seven predictive variables: body mass index (BMI)≥24.0 kg/m 2 , concomitant use of benzodiazepines, VPA blood concentration, hemoglobin, serum urea, average daily VPA dose, and albumin. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that concomitant use of benzodiazepines, BMI≥24.0 kg/m 2 , VPA blood concentration, albumin and serum urea level (with odds ratios of 1.615, 1.538, 1.623, 1.942 and 0.637, respectively; 95% confidence intervals of 1.128-2.359, 1.059-2.251, 1.112-2.431, 1.106-3.598 and 0.402-0.980, respectively) were all significantly associated with VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients ( P <0.05). The nomogram prediction model constructed based on these variables was evaluated, showing that the area under the ROC curve was 0.810 for the test set and 0.844 for the validation set. The calibration curves closely approximated t he actual curves, and the application of this model could improve the clinical net benefit. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, BMI≥24.0 kg/m 2 , high VPA blood concentration and high albumin level are independent risk factors for VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients, while high serum urea level is an independent protective factor. The risk prediction model constructed based on these factors exhibits good discrimination, consistency, and clinical applicability, making it applicable for predicting the risk of VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients.
6.Construction and Practice of AI-Based Triadic Interactive Teaching Model for Surgical Animal Surgery
Kaikai MAO ; Xiu LI ; Chen ZHOU ; Jianfeng SANG ; Meng WANG ; Guang ZHANG ; Xiaozhi ZHAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):288-296
ObjectiveIn the context of the digital transformation of education, this study aims to construct a triadic interactive teaching model for surgical animal surgery in clinical medicine using modern information technology. It explores the effectiveness of different teaching methods in improving students' practical skills, aseptic awareness, and teamwork abilities, providing a reference for the reform of clinical practice education. MethodsA quasi-experimental research design was adopted. A total of 80 students from the eight-year clinical medicine program at Nanjing University were selected, including the Class of 2020 (control group, n=40) and the Class of 2021 (experimental group, n=40). The control group received traditional teaching methods, while the experimental group implemented the "Teacher-Student-AI" triadic interactive teaching model. This model utilized a smart teaching platform for personalized pre-class preparation , as well as data-driven post-class review and feedback throughout the entire teaching process. The "assessment indicators and scoring criteria for the surgical animal surgery course" were used to evaluate teaching effectiveness, with independent samples t-tests used for statistical analysis. ResultsPre-course assessments revealed no statistically significant differences in baseline theoretical knowledge or practical skills between the two groups (P>0.05). Upon completion of the course, the experimental group achieved higher scores than the control group across three key dimensions: practical skills (47.98±1.34 vs 46.92±2.51, P=0.022), aseptic awareness (17.84±1.16 vs 16.94±2.29, P=0.029), and teamwork (16.82±1.44 vs 15.95±1.22, P=0.004). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the scores for humane care awareness between the two groups (8.24±0.70 vs 8.16±0.53, P=0.589). ConclusionThe AI-based triadic interactive teaching model can, to some extent, address the limitations of traditional surgical animal surgery education. It plays a positive role in enhancing medical students' surgical skills, aseptic awareness, and collaborative abilities. This model facilitates the transition from traditional to personalized teaching and offers a practical framework for the digital reform of clinical practice education.
7.Clinical efficacy analysis of seven pediatric patients with Acute myeloid leukemia and the t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene.
Lihuan SHI ; Shan HUANG ; Xing XIE ; Pengkai FAN ; Haili GAO ; Yanna MAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(2):90-95
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of seven pediatric patients with Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) positive for the t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was carried out on the clinical data, treatment, and prognosis of seven AML patients with t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene admitted to Henan Children's Hospital between June 2015 and November 2024. Relevant literature was also reviewed. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Hospital (Ethics No.: 2024-102-001).
RESULTS:
Among 297 pediatric patients with AML, 7 cases (2.36%) were positive for the t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene, including 3 males and 4 females, with a median age of 11 years (range: 3 ~ 12 years). According to the FAB classification, these included 1 case of M2, 3 cases of M5, and 3 cases of AML-not otherwise specified (non-M3). All 7 patients were found to harbor the t(16;21)(p11;q22) translocation, with 3 cases showing additional chromosomal abnormalities. Immunophenotyping revealed universal expression of CD13, CD33, CD34, and CD117, with partial expression of CD56, CD4, CD64, CD123, CD15, CD38, CD11b, HLA-DR, cMPO, and CD16. One patient achieved complete remission (CR) after the first course of DAE (cytarabine + daunorubicin + etoposide) induction chemotherapy but relapsed and discontinued the treatment. Six patients received DAH (cytarabine + daunorubicin + homoharringtonine) induction therapy, of whom 2 achieved CR after two courses and underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), resulting in an overall CR rate of 42.86%. Five children did not receive allo-HSCT and had a median overall survival of 9 months (range: 6 ~ 18 months). Two children who underwent transplantation achieved bone marrow morphological and molecular biological relapse at 6 and 9 months post-transplantation, respectively. After receiving combined chemotherapy and donor lymphocyte infusion, one child failed to achieve remission and died at 22 months post-transplantation, while the other has been followed up to date with positive fusion gene status. Their overall survival was 25 months and 30 months, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The t(16;21)(p11;q22) FUS::ERG fusion gene is rare in pediatric AML and associated with poor prognosis. Allo-HSCT may mitigate the adverse prognostic impact of the FUS::ERG fusion gene and contribute to prolonged survival.
Humans
;
Male
;
Child
;
Female
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy*
;
Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics*
;
Translocation, Genetic
;
Retrospective Studies
;
RNA-Binding Protein FUS/genetics*
;
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16/genetics*
;
Adolescent
;
Child, Preschool
;
Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Treatment Outcome
8.Role of Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence-induced Macrophage Pyroptosis in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Leiming MAO ; Gongzhen CHEN ; Tong YANG ; Genyan LIU ; Xingli SUN ; Jiangqin OU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):312-322
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), characterized primarily by persistent airflow limitation and chronic airway inflammation, is a major chronic respiratory disease with persistently high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, macrophage pyroptosis, as an inflammatory form of programmed cell death, has been recognized as playing a key role in amplifying inflammatory responses and promoting tissue damage. According to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, spleen failing to disperse essence constitutes an important pathological basis for various chronic diseases, clinically manifesting as impaired transportation and transformation, internal generation of phlegm-dampness, and accumulation of turbid toxins. Based on a review of classical TCM pathogenesis and modern molecular biological research, this study proposes that there may be a correlation between spleen failing to disperse essence and macrophage pyroptosis in the pathogenesis of COPD. Specifically, metabolic and immune disturbances such as glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, and enterotoxicity may trigger macrophage pyroptosis through the advanced glycation end products(AGEs)/AGEs receptor(RAGE)/reactive oxygen species(ROS), fatty acids/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) signaling pathways. Excessive pyroptosis, in turn, exacerbates metabolic dysregulation and inflammatory responses, forming a vicious cycle. Furthermore, TCM interventions such as strengthening the spleen and tonifying Qi, as well as resolving dampness and detoxifying, have demonstrated potential in modulating pyroptosis-related signaling pathways, including NF-κB, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and autophagy. In summary, this article explores the role of spleen failing to disperse essence-macrophage pyroptosis mechanism in COPD and highlights possible therapeutic strategies of TCM, providing new insights for integrated Chinese and western medical research and clinical practice.
9.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
10.Design and management scheme practice of intelligent drug shelf positioning software based on the “five-level positioning”concept
Xinxin XIANG ; Mao YANG ; Weiping LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1211-1214
OBJECTIVE To explore an intelligent shelf management scheme aimed at enhancing the effective utilization rate of shelves and reducing the risk of dispensing errors for easily confused medicine, thereby facilitating the upgrade of intelligent shelf management in inpatient pharmacies. METHODS An intelligent positioning software based on the “five-level positioning” concept was designed using informational technology. Human-machine collaboration mode was adopted to optimize the shelf management process by integrating priority information, including pharmacological action, drug dosage, packaging color, injection drug type, and label style. Then, the effectiveness of the intelligent positioning software was evaluated comprehensively from multiple aspects such as shelf location arrangement effect, internal dispensing error rate and work experience. RESULTS Compared with the application of intelligent shelf management scheme (April-May, 2025), the proportion of injectable drugs on the middle layer increased from 59.9% to 78.2% after the application of scheme (June-July, 2025); the average internal dispensing error rate dropped from 0.098% to 0.049%. Intelligent positioning software ensured precise warehousing positioning, simplified management, reduced dispensing errors and achieved a good experience for pharmacists. In addition, the “intelligent positioning software for pharmaceutical shelf management”, developed based on the “five-level positioning” concept, had been granted one national computer software copyright. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the intelligent positioning software fully considers the actual work needs such as shelf capacity, drug dosage and distance between similar drugs. It can provide accurate prediction of pharmaceutical shelf and optimization scheme, basically achieving dual optimization of low error rate and high dispensing efficiency.

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