1.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.
2.Dual Targeting of TBK1 and JAK-STAT1 Pathways by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate Suppresses Type I Interferon-driven Inflammation
Liang LI ; Qi-Huan SHENG ; Huan LIU ; Wen-Hao YANG ; Jia-Lin SHI ; Ying-Jie SUN ; Rui JING ; Wei-Hua MAI ; Zhi-Min LI ; Xiao-Li XIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(7):1969-1983
ObjectiveType I interferon (IFN-I) signaling is essential for antiviral innate immunity, yet its sustained or excessive activation contributes to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases and interferonopathies, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. Current strategies targeting this pathway, exemplified by JAK inhibitors, act mainly on downstream signal transduction and provide limited direct control over upstream IFN-I production, while also carrying the risk of broad immunosuppression. Phyllanthus emblica L. has long been used in traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders, but the bioactive constituent responsible for its regulation of IFN-I signaling and the underlying molecular mechanism have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to identify the active anti-inflammatory component of P. emblica and to characterize its mechanism of action on the IFN-I pathway in macrophages. MethodsActive components ofP. emblica and their candidate targets were screened by network pharmacology using the TCMSP and DrugBank databases (oral bioavailability≥30%, drug-likeness≥0.18) and intersected with inflammation-related genes retrieved from public databases. The predicted interaction between EGCG and IFN-I pathway proteins (TBK1, IRF3, STAT1) was evaluated by molecular docking, with BX795 and GSK8612 used as reference TBK1 inhibitors. Mechanistic experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages and primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Upstream signaling was activated by transfection of the nucleic acid analogs poly(I∶C) and poly(dA∶dT) or by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, whereas downstream signaling was activated by exogenous IFN-β. An siRNA-mediated TREX1 knockdown model was used to mimic endogenous nucleic acid-driven interferonopathy. Expression of IFN-β1 and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by RT-qPCR, protein phosphorylation by Western blot, and IFN-β secretion by ELISA. Cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) were used to probe the interactionbetween EGCG and IRF3. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) as a candidate IFN-I-suppressive constituent of P. emblica, with predicted binding to TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1. Molecular docking yielded binding energies of -9.2, -7.2, and -8.2 kcal/mol for TBK1, IRF3, and STAT1, respectively, indicating an affinity for TBK1 comparable to that of the reference inhibitors BX795 (-5.7 kcal/mol) and GSK8612 (-6.4 kcal/mol). EGCG suppressed IFN-β1 and ISG mRNA expression under poly (I∶C), poly (dA∶dT), and LPS stimulation in both THP-1 macrophages and BMDM. At the protein level, EGCG reduced the phosphorylation of TBK1 and IRF3 without affecting the levels of the upstream sensors cGAS and RIG-I, and lowered IFN-β secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. CETSA and DARTS showed that EGCG did not enhance the thermal stability or protease resistance of IRF3, indicating that its effect on IRF3 is indirect. Following IFN-β stimulation, prolonged EGCG treatment reduced STAT1 phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner without an apparent change in IRF9, and partially attenuated ISG transcription; this effect was not monotonicly concentration-dependent, and CXCL10 showed the most consistent suppression. In TREX1-knockdown cells, the elevated mRNA levels of ISG15, ISG56, and CXCL10 were reduced by EGCG. ConclusionEGCG suppresses IFN-I responses by concurrently inhibiting TBK1-IRF3-dependent IFN‑β production and JAK-STAT1-mediated downstream transcription. These in vitro findings provide a mechanistic basis for the anti-inflammatory use of P. emblica in traditional medicine and identify EGCG as a candidate for further evaluation in interferon-driven autoimmune disease models.
3.Association of adverse childhood experiences with psychopathology, sleep, and cognitive function in children: the mediating role of putamen volume
Mengting ZHANG ; Min XIE ; Jiashuo ZHANG ; Xiaoying MA ; Menghan WEI ; Yubing YIN ; Yang CHEN ; Yulu WU ; Qiang WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(3):263-273
BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strong predictors of psychopathology across the lifespan, exerting extensive adverse effects on physical and mental health during early development. While ACEs increase the risk of childhood psychopathology, sleep quality and impair cognitive function, the early neurobiological mechanisms mediating ACE-induced cognitive impairment remain unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the association between ACEs exposure and the risk of psychopathology, sleep disorders, and cognitive function, and to examine the mediating role of the putamen volume in the relationship between ACEs and cognitive function from a neurodevelopment perspective. MethodsData were obtained from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, comprising 10 572 children aged 9 to 10. Participants were categorized into five groups based on the cumulative score of ACEs reported by their parents and the children themselves: no-exposure group (0 types of ACEs), the one-exposure group, the two-exposure group, the three-exposure group, and the high-risk exposure group (≥ 4 types of ACEs). Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association between ACEs and psychopathological symptoms [T score of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) ≥ 65]. Multiple linear regression analysis was ultilized to analyze the correlations between ACEs and the scores of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB), as well as the multiple structures in the cerebral cortex and subcortex. The Bootstrap method was applied to test the mediating effect of the putamen volume between ACEs and neurocognitive function. ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, ACEs cumulative score was correlated with children's psychopathological symptoms in a dose-response manner. Compared with the no-exposed group, the high-risk exposure group had a 2.08-fold (OR=2.080, 95% CI: 1.401–3.088) increased risk of internalizing problems and a 3.13-fold (OR=3.132, 95% CI: 1.703–5.760) increased risk of externalizing problems, and the risk of conduct problems was 4.68 times that of the no-exposed group (OR=4.681, 95% CI: 2.528–8.669). ACEs cumulative score positively predicted the total score of SDSC (β=0.080, 95% CI: 0.059–0.102), with relatively stronger predictive effects on sleep-wake transition disorder (β=0.086, 95% CI: 0.063–0.109) and sleep onset and maintenance disorder (β=0.066, 95% CI: 0.043–0.089). In terms of neurocognition and brain structure, ACEs cumulative score negatively predicted the overall cognitive composite score (β=-0.025, 95% CI: -0.050–-0.001), the crystallized cognitive composite score (β=-0.035, 95% CI: -0.060–-0.010), the volume of the left putamen nucleus (β=-0.025, 95% CI: -0.046– 0.003), and the volume of the right putamen nucleus (β=-0.023, 95% CI: -0.044– 0.003). The total putamen volume played a partial mediating role between ACEs and the overall cognitive composite score, the effect value was -0.002 (95% CI: -0.004–-0.001), accounting for 7.49% of the total effect. ConclusionACEs exposure may increase the risk of psychopathological and sleep disturbances in children and may impair neurocognitive function. Reduced putamen volume may serve a potential neurobiological pathway underlying the impact of ACEs on childhood cognition. [Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China-Young Scientists Program (number, 82401763); Sichuan University West China Hospital Full-time Postdoctoral Research and Development Fund Project (number, 2023HXBH084)]
4.Correlation of life events with depression, anxiety and somatic symptoms in graduate students: a study based on network analysis
Weili DENG ; Jia CAI ; Qiuyue LYV ; Qianshu MA ; Yupeng LUO ; Min XIE ; Qiang WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):364-373
BackgroundGraduate students frequently face life events, many of which may adversely affect their mental well-being. However, the interaction between life events and the development of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms remains unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between life events and the development of depressive, anxiety and somatic symptoms in graduate students, thereby informing prevention strategies for these conditions. MethodsA sample of 6 722 newly enrolled graduate students at a comprehensive university in Southwest China from September to November 2018 was selected. The assessment was conducted using the Adolescent Self-rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale-7 item (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15). Network analysis was implemented by using the bootnet and qgraph packages in the R software (version 4.2.3), with centrality indices calculated to identify core and bridge symptoms within the network. ResultsThe study encompassed a total of 6 171 graduate students, representing 91.80% of the target population. The prevalence rates of anxiety, depressive, and somatic symptoms among graduate students were 12.59% (777/6 171), 16.63% (1 026/6 171), and 27.66% (1 707/6 171), respectively. Network analysis revealed that 'academic stress' was the core symptom with the highest strength and expected influence (both values=1.207), while 'feeling down, depressed, or hopeless' was the bridge symptom with the highest bridge strength and bridge expected influence (both values=0.454). There was no significant difference in global network strength and edge weight between women and men (P>0.05). ConclusionAcademic stress, emerging as the core symptom, assumes a dominant position within the symptom network and exhibits strong interactions with other negative affective states. There was no gender difference in the network structure.
5.Advances in clinical research on stem cell therapy for sepsis
Xinyu NIU ; Zhiming SUN ; Min XIE ; Shuangling LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(9):1234-1238
Sepsis is a life-threatening acute organ dysfunction syndrome caused by a dys-regulated host response to infection.As a regenerative medicine therapy with broad clinical prospects,stem cells have attracted significant at-tention due to their multifaceted biological capabilities,including anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and anti-apoptotic effects,as well as immunomodulatory properties and tissue/organ repair potential.Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)function through mechanisms such as modulating macrophage polarization and suppressing excessive inflammation responses,thereby promoting tissue regeneration.Pre-clinical studies demonstrate that MSCs significantly reduce sepsis mortality and decrease sepsis-associated complications including acute kidney injury(AKI),acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)and sepsis associated myopathy.Furthermore,perinatal-derived stem cells and genetically modified stem cells have shown therapeutic promise in sepsis management.Current challenges in stem cell-based sepsis therapy cover optimizing delivery strategies,standardizing cell preparation protocols and de-veloping biomarker-guided personalized therapeutic regimens.
6.Potential profile analysis and influencing factors of kinesiophobia in patients with peritoneal dialysis
Min XIE ; Wenkai QI ; Ling YIN ; Xuan ZHANG ; Ruqin ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(9):1080-1086
Objective To explore the latent profiles of kinesiophobia among patients with peritoneal dialysis and analyze the influencing factors of different categories.Methods A convenience sampling method was used to select peritoneal dialysis patients treated in the outpatient and ward of nephrology department in 7 tertiary A hospitals in Jiangsu Province from December 2023 to March 2024.General data questionnaire,Tampa Kinesiophobia-11 Scale,Exercise Self-efficacy Scale,Exercise Social Support Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale were used for investigation.Results A total of 291 cases were included,and 3 potential categories of kinesiophobia were finally identified,namely low kinesiophobia-active exercise group(20.96%),high kinesiophobia-exercise avoidance group(24.06%),and moderate kinesiophobia-general exercise group(54.98%).Exercise self-efficacy,exercise social support,anxiety,monthly per capita household income,marital status and daily number of dialysis dose were influencing factors of kinesiophobia in peritoneal dialysis patients(P<0.05).Conclusion There are significant category characteristics of kinesiophobia in patients with peritoneal dialysis.Medical staff should judge the category and influencing factors of kinesiophobia in time,and take targeted interventions to reduce the level of kinesiophobia in patients.
7.Quantification of Atmospheric Total Reactive Nitrogen Oxides by Thermal Decomposition-Broadband Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy
Dou SHAO ; Min QIN ; Wu FANG ; Bao-Bin HAN ; Ke TANG ; Jian-Ye XIE ; Xia-Dan ZHAO ; Zhi-Tang LIAO ; En-Bo REN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(3):387-396
Nitrogen oxides(NOx=NO+NO2)are important precursors of ozone(O3),and NOx and its oxides together constitute reactive nitrogen oxides(NOy)in the atmosphere.A comprehensive understanding of the total NOy level in the atmosphere is of great significance for a deeper understanding of the atmospheric nitrogen cycle and oxidation,as well as for formulating strategies for air pollution prevention and control.In this work,a thermal decomposition-broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy(TD-BBCEAS)technique for online measurement of total NOy in the atmosphere was developed.With this method,the NOy was efficiently converted into NO2,and the total NOy concentration in the atmosphere was indirectly obtained by measuring NO2.Focusing on the key factors affecting the measurement of total NOy,the influence of NO titration efficiency and other NOy component TD efficiency on measurement accuracy was emphasized.By changing the oxygen(O2)flow rate through the mercury lamp to alter the O3 concentration for titrating NO,the conversion efficiency of NO was evaluated.At O2 flow rate of 6 mL/min,the conversion efficiency of NO was greater than 99%.TD efficiency testing and analysis on NO2,peroxyacetyl nitrate(PAN),nitric acid(HNO3),and nitrous acid(HONO),which account for a large proportion of atmospheric NOy components,was carried out using 680℃as the optimal TD temperature for efficient conversion of NOy.With NO and HONO sample gases as typical verification gases,the conversion efficiency of NOy and the accuracy of NOy measurement by TD-BBCEAS system were verified by switching the on and off modes of mercury lamp and TD device.At integration time of 60 s,the detection limit of the system for NOy was 2.83×1010 molecules/cm3(60 s,2σ).A comparative measurement of actual atmospheric NOy was conducted between the TD-BBCEAS system and the NOy analyzer.The observation results showed a correlation coefficient(R2)of 0.98 and a slope of 0.93,further verifying the feasibility and accuracy of applying the TD-BBCEAS system to measurement of total NOy.
8.Quantitative Determination of Taurine in Functional Drinks by Pre-Column Derivatization Capillary Electrochromatography Coupled with Electrochemiluminescence Detection
Xin TIAN ; Min ZHOU ; Lin XIE ; De-Xia BAI ; Miao-Miao ZHU ; Yong-Jun MA
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):1010-1018
Using a novel(OH)n-C60@SiO2@Tm2O3@Ca5(PO4)3(OH)quaternary nano-particles/cross-linked chitosan coated open-tubular capillary column(QNPsC-OTCC)as the analytical column,a new method for highly selective determination of taurine(TAU)in functional drinks using pre-column derivatization capillary electrochromatography coupled with electrochemiluminescence(CEC-ECL)detection was established.In the experiments,it was found that adding hexamethylenetetramine as a co-catalyst in N-methylation derivative reaction could quantitatively convert TAU into a single derivative product that cuold be detected by ECL.With the help of Ru(bpy)32+reagent,the ECL peak intensity of TAU derivative was increased by more than 1000 times compared to the original TAU.In addition,a Ru-containing d-f cyano-bridged heterometallic coordination polymer modified platinum electrode was used instead of a bare platinum electrode as working electrode for ECL detection,which resulted in a further increase of the peak response of TAU derivatives about 5.7 times.Under optimized analytical conditions,by using betastatin hydrochloride(BSH)as the internal standard and simultaneously derivatized with TAU,the relative ratio of peak intensity of TAU and BSH derivatives showed a linear relationship with the initial TAU concentration in a two-segment ranges of 0.2-6.0 mmol/L and 6.0-10 mmol/L.The limit of detection of TAU was 0.09 mmol/L(S/N=3).The developed method was applied to determination of TAU contents in four commercial functional drink samples,and the relative standard deviations(RSDs)for relative intensity ratio were less than 0.9%,and the recoveries were in the range of 95.0%~102.0%,indicating good practicability of the method.
9.Textual study on clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus from the perspective of various dynasties of herbs and prescription books
Yunya LIU ; Huijuan XIE ; Lujie LIN ; Zhikun HE ; Hua LI ; Min YANG ; Bin YANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(3):298-305
Various dynasties of herbs and prescription books recorded the specifications, processing, and clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. The clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus mainly focuses on astringency, tonifying qi and generating fluids, nourishing the kidneys and calming the heart. There have been few reports on the exploration on textual study on other functions and usage precautions of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus; at present, the classic prescriptions containing Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus do not clearly indicate their specific specifications and processing in the prescription composition. Textual study has found that different processed products of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus have different clinical therapeutic effects. For raw use, it is more suitable to use light agents to bring adversely risen qi downward, steam to produce light agents to increase transparency, honey to produce leveling agents is better for moistening the lungs and nourishing yin, wine honey to produce leveling agents can supplement deficiency and promote blood circulation, wine to produce heavy agents can strengthen acid absorption. It is suggested further in-depth research on steamed products, honey products, and honey wine products to broaden clinical application options and improve the accuracy of clinical medication. The clinical application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus has different emphases and evolution in different dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could reduce the qi of the upper, middle, and lower energizers, and eliminate deficiency heat; during the Five Dynasties period, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could nourish qi, improve eyesight, warm the middle, and bring adversely risen qi downward; During the Jin and Yuan dynasties, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus was used to warm water and treat cholera, as well as to improve muscle function; in the Ming Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus was proposed to reduce qi and strengthen yin, treating the critical condition of yin and yang deficiency; during the Qing Dynasty, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus could prevent summer heat, and external application to sores could astringent and invigorate the muscles. Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus has records of dispersing phlegm and fire, and dispelling wind pathogens. This article reviewed the relevant records of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in traditional Chinese herbs and prescriptions throughout history, summarized the efficacy characteristics of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus under different processing methods, clinical applications under historical evolution, and main contraindications for use, proposed recommendations for the application of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus in classic and commonly used prescriptions, which can provide scientific basis for the precise selection of different specifications and processed products of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus, as well as scientific guidance for their rational application in drug development.
10.Analysis on the medication rule of Yuan Jinsheng in the treatment of stable angina pectoris of coronary heart disease based on R language
Jin YANG ; Wenjia WANG ; Hua SHU ; Zhengsheng LI ; Qian WANG ; Rong HU ; Min XIE ; Jinsheng YUAN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(3):394-400
Objective:To summarize the medication law and academic experience of Professor Yuan Jinsheng in the treatment of angina pectoris (AP) of coronary heart disease (CHD) through R language data mining technique.Methods:The effective outpatient medical records of Professor Yuan Jinsheng in the treatment of AP of CHD from January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2023 were selected, and the R 4.2.3 was used for frequency statistics, association rule analysis, systematic clustering analysis and correlation analysis of prescription drugs.Results:A total of 292 prescriptions were included, including 268 patients, involving 204 kinds of Chinese materia medica, and the total frequency of Chinese materia medica was 4 253 times. The main properties were warm and neutral, the main tastes were bitter, pungent and sweet, and the main meridians were spleen, lung and liver meridians. The analysis of association rules obtained 125 core TCM combinations, and the commonly used drug pair was Trichosanthis Fructus-Aurantii Fructus Immaturus. The core prescription composed of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Trichosanthis Fructus, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium and Salviea Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Seven TCM groups of were obtained by systematic clustering analysis. Correlation analysis showed that the drug pairs with phi coefficient greater than 0.6 were in 8 groups.Conclusions:Studies suggest that AP of CHD is located in the heart, which is related to lung, spleen, liver and kidney, deficiency in root and excess in superficiality, phlegm, blood stasis and qi stagnation are important pathological factors. The treatment is based on the basic principles of tonifying qi, promoting yang, relieving rheumatism, resolving phlegm, activating blood circulation, and promoting qi circulation. It embodies Professor Yuan's academic thoughts and principles of differentiation and treatments of "taking fluency as the main point, regulating the five internal organs and weighing the root and superficiality".

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