1.From tradition to modernity: the integrated development of medical humanities and narrative medicine
Xiaoxiong ZHU ; Lijia DU ; Yingru LIU ; Xiaoying ZHANG ; Jia NA ; Zhifen YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):201-206
Medical humanities consistently run through the entire process of medical development and educational reform. However, with the increasingly prominent dominance of evidence-based medicine in clinical practice, the medical humanities have gradually been weakened in both medical education and clinical practice. Narrative medicine, through telling and listening to patients’ stories, enhances healthcare professionals’ empathy, fosters doctor–patient communication, and facilitates a return to the humanistic essence of medical education and clinical practice. By sorting out and reviewing related literature and developmental trends both at home and abroad, this paper pointed out the existing structural problem of an imbalance between technological priority and humanistic care in medical education, focusing on how to achieve an effective integration of medical humanities and narrative medicine in medical education. This paper also systematically analyzed the significance of both medical humanities and narrative medicine in the medical education system and proposed promoting the deep embedding of narrative medicine in medical education from three entry points, namely, curriculum integration, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the construction of teaching evaluation systems. The aim was to provide theoretical support and practical experience for medical education reform, foster the coordinated development of professional competence and humanistic spirit among medical talents, and truly achieve the goal of cultivating well-rounded medical talents.
2.Effects and mechanisms of oliceridine fumarate on postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly rats through TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Dong XIE ; Xiaoying GENG ; Yushan ZHU ; Zhengxiang LI ; Hengjie YUAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1434-1439
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of oliceridine fumarate (TRV130) in improving postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly rats based on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. METHODS Rats were randomly divided into the control group (normal saline), the model group (normal saline), the TRV130 group (2.8 mg/kg), the TLR4/NF-κB pathway inhibitor (TAK-242) group (3 mg/kg), the β -arrestin inhibitor (Barbadin) group (3 mg/kg), and the traditional opioid drug (morphine) group (2.8 mg/kg), with 15 rats in each group. Except for the control group, POCD models were established in all other groups. From the first day after surgery, drugs/normal saline were administered via caudal vein injection once daily for 3 consecutive days. After the last administration, the pathological damage of hippocampal tissue was observed; the cognitive function, serum inflammatory factor levels, hippocampal neurons apoptosis rate, and the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and TLR4/NF-κB pathway-related mRNA and protein in hippocampal tissue were detected. RESULTS In the model group, the neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were disordered and sparse, with decreased number, pyknotic and fragmented nuclei accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with the control group, the escape latency, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β, hippocampal neurons apoptosis rate, average fluorescence intensities of Iba-1 and GFAP, mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65, and their protein expression/phosphorylation levels in hippocampal tissue were significantly increased/elevated in the model group ( P <0.05); the time spent in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were significantly shortened/decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, the cognitive function, pathological, inflammatory, and apoptosis-related indicators were significantly improved in the TRV130 group, TAK-242 group, and Barbadin group ( P <0.05); the mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 and their protein expression/phosphorylation levels were significantly decreased in the TRV130 group and TAK-242 group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TRV130 may improve POCD in elderly rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and alleviating postoperative central nervous system inflammatory responses.
3.Clinical Observation on Ruanjian Sanjie Pills in the Treatment of Hepatitis B-Related Compensated Cirrhosis with Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome
Sichen LIU ; Jingbao HU ; Yanping LU ; Xiaoying YAO ; Henghui SUN ; Qinyan ZHU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(3):600-605
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Ruanjian Sanjie Pills in the treatment of patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis in compensatory stage differentiated as blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome.Methods A total of 80 cases of patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis in compensatory stage admitted to Bao'an Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to April 2024 were randomly divided into the trial group and the control group,40 cases in each group.The control group was treated with oral administration of Entecavir for hepatitis B virus(HBV),and the trial group was treated with Ruanjian Sanjie Pills on the basis of treatment for the control group,the course of treatment covering one year.Before and after treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of routine blood test indicators of white blood cell count(WBC)and platelet count(PLT),liver function indicators[albumin(ALB),total bilirubin(TBIL),alanine transaminase(ALT)and aspartate transaminase(AST)],prothrombin time(PT),liver stiffness measurement(LSM),and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated.Results(1)There were three cases in the control group and four cases in the trial group fell off,and eventually 37 cases in the control group and 36 cases in the trial group were enrolled in the efficacy statistics.(2)After one year of treatment,the total effective rate of the trial group was 91.67%(33/36)and that of the control group was 67.57%(25/37),and the intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the therapeutic efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the routine blood test indicators of WBC and PLT in the trial group were increased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),while the WBC and PLT in the control group did not change significantly(P>0.05).The post-treatment WBC and PLT in the trial group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the ALB of patients in the two groups was increased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and the PT value of patients in the two groups and the ALT of the trial group were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),but TBIL and AST of the two groups and ALT of the control group did not differ from those before treatment(P>0.05).The comparison between the two groups showed that the decrease of PT value in the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P>0.05),but no statistically significant differences of ALT,AST,TBIL and ALB were shown between the two groups(P>0.05).(5)After treatment,the LSM of patients in the two groups was decreased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(6)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of the two groups of patients were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05).(7)There were no significant adverse reactions or adverse events occurring in the two groups during the treatment.Conclusion Ruanjian Sanjie Pills can improve the clinical symptoms of patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis in the compensatory stage,improve the coagulation function,reduce the hardness of the liver,and slow down the process of cirrhosis,with satisfactory efficacy and good safety.
4.Exploration of multimodal diabetes management teaching in the standardized training for resident physicians
Shuting ZHANG ; Shuiqing LAI ; Qibo ZHU ; Xiaoying FU ; Hongmei CHEN ; Haixia GUAN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(5):691-696
Objective To explore the effectiveness of multimodal comprehensive diabetes management teaching in the standardized training of endocrinology residents.Methods Fifty-nine resident physicians rotating through the endocrinology department from March to October 2024 were selected.They underwent a multimodal comprehensive diabetes management teaching model that integrated standardized theoretical instruction,case dis-cussions,teaching ward rounds,practical operations,and interdisciplinary pharmaceutical education.The effec-tiveness of this teaching model was evaluated through multiple dimensions using a comprehensive diabetes man-agement evaluation form,Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise(Mini-CEX)scale,and satisfaction surveys.Results After two months of multimodal standardized training,the results showed:1)The resident physicians demonstra-ted significant improvements in all aspects of comprehensive diabetes management(P<0.05).2)The Mini-CEX scores of the resident physicians generally reached excellent levels(P<0.05).3)Both the resident physicians and teaching faculty showed significantly higher satisfaction with the comprehensive diabetes management program after the training(P<0.05).Conclusions Multimodal comprehensive diabetes management teaching is effective in enhancing the standardized diagnosis and treatment abilities of resident physicians in the endocrinology depart-ment regarding diabetes.
6.Molecular mechanism of magnesium alloy promoting macrophage M2 polarization through modulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway for tendon-bone healing in rotator cuff injury repair.
Xianhao SHENG ; Wen ZHANG ; Shoulong SONG ; Fei ZHANG ; Baoxiang ZHANG ; Xiaoying TIAN ; Wentao XIONG ; Yingguang ZHU ; Yuxin XIE ; Zi'ang LI ; Lili TAN ; Qiang ZHANG ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(2):174-186
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effect of biodegradable magnesium alloy materials in promoting tendon-bone healing during rotator cuff tear repair and to investigate their potential underlying biological mechanisms.
METHODS:
Forty-eight 8-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were taken and randomly divided into groups A, B, and C. Rotator cuff tear models were created and repaired using magnesium alloy sutures in group A and Vicryl Plus 4-0 absorbable sutures in group B, while only subcutaneous incisions and sutures were performed in group C. Organ samples of groups A and B were taken for HE staining at 1 and 2 weeks after operation to evaluate the safety of magnesium alloy, and specimens from the supraspinatus tendon and proximal humerus were harvested at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation. The specimens were observed macroscopically at 4 and 12 weeks after operation. Biomechanical tests were performed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to test the ultimate load and stiffness of the healing sites in groups A and B. At 2, 4, and 12 weeks, the specimens were subjected to the following tests: Micro-CT to evaluate the formation of bone tunnels in groups A and B, HE staining and Masson staining to observe the regeneration of fibrocartilage at the tendon-bone interface after decalcification and sectioning, and Goldner trichrome staining to evaluate the calcification. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expressions of angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), as well as osteogenic factors at the tendon-bone interface. Additionally, immunofluorescence staining was used to examine the expressions of Arginase 1 and Integrin beta-2 to assess M1 and M2 macrophage polarization at the tendon-bone interface. The role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway in tendon-bone healing was further analyzed using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.
RESULTS:
Analysis of visceral sections revealed that magnesium ions released during the degradation of magnesium alloys did not cause significant toxic effects on organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, indicating good biosafety. Histological analysis further demonstrated that fibrocartilage regeneration at the tendon-bone interface in group A occurred earlier, and the amount of fibrocartilage was significantly greater compared to group B, suggesting a positive effect of magnesium alloy material on tendon-bone interface repair. Additionally, Micro-CT analysis results revealed that bone tunnel formation occurred more rapidly in group A compared to group B, further supporting the beneficial effect of magnesium alloy on bone healing. Biomechanical testing showed that the ultimate load in group A was consistently higher than in group B, and the stiffness of group A was also greater than that of group B at 4 weeks, indicating stronger tissue-carrying capacity following tendon-bone interface repair and highlighting the potential of magnesium alloy in enhancing tendon-bone healing. Immunohistochemical staining results indicated that the expressions of VEGF and BMP-2 were significantly upregulated during the early stages of healing, suggesting that magnesium alloy effectively promoted angiogenesis and bone formation, thereby accelerating the tendon-bone healing process. Immunofluorescence staining further revealed that magnesium ions exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects by regulating macrophage polarization, promoting their shift toward the M2 phenotype. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR results demonstrated that magnesium ions could facilitate tendon-bone healing by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION
Biodegradable magnesium alloy material accelerated fibrocartilage regeneration and calcification at the tendon-bone interface in rat rotator cuff tear repair by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby significantly enhancing tendon-bone healing.
Animals
;
Rotator Cuff Injuries/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction
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Wound Healing/drug effects*
;
Alloys/pharmacology*
;
Rats
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Rotator Cuff/metabolism*
;
Macrophages/metabolism*
;
Magnesium/pharmacology*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Biocompatible Materials
;
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/metabolism*
7.Production of GTKO pigs and kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques
Yan WANG ; Yue CHANG ; Chang YANG ; Taiyun WEI ; Xiaoying HUO ; Bowei CHEN ; Jiaoxiang WANG ; Heng ZHAO ; Jianxiong GUO ; Hongfang ZHAO ; Xiong ZHANG ; Feiyan ZHU ; Wenmin CHENG ; Hongye ZHAO ; Kaixiang XU ; Ameen Jamal MUHAMMAD ; Zhendi WANG ; Hongjiang WEI
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):526-537
Objective To explore the construction of α-1,3-galactosyltransferase (GGTA1) gene-knockout (GTKO) Diannan miniature pigs and the kidney xenotransplantation from pigs to rhesus macaques, and to assess the effectiveness of GTKO pigs. Methods The GTKO Diannan miniature pigs were constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system and somatic cell cloning technology. The phenotype of GTKO pigs was verified through polymerase chain reaction, Sanger sequencing and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect antigen-antibody (IgM) binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. Kidney xenotransplantation was performed from GTKO pigs to rhesus macaques. The humoral immunity, cellular immunity, coagulation and physiological indicators of the recipient monkeys were monitored. The function and pathological changes of the transplanted kidneys were analyzed using ultrasonography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. Results Single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting exon 4 of the GGTA1 gene in Diannan miniature pigs was designed. The pGL3-GGTA1-sgRNA1-GFP vector was transfected into fetal fibroblasts of Diannan miniature pigs. After puromycin selection, two cell clones, C59# and C89#, were identified as GGTA1 gene-knockout clones. These clones were expanded to form cell lines, which were used as donor cells for somatic cell nuclear transfer. The reconstructed embryos were transferred into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, resulting in 13 fetal pigs. Among them, fetuses F04 and F11 exhibited biallelic mutations in the GGTA1 gene, and F04 had a normal karyotype. Using this GTKO fetal pig for recloning and transferring the reconstructed embryos into the oviducts of trihybrid surrogate sows, seven surviving piglets were obtained, all of which did not express α-Gal epitope. The binding of IgM from the serum of rhesus monkey 20# to GTKO pig PBMC was reduced, and the survival rate of GTKO pig PBMC in the complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay was higher than that of wild-type pig. GTKO pig kidneys were harvested and perfused until completely white. After the left kidney of the recipient monkey was removed, the pig kidney was heterotopically transplanted. Following vascular anastomosis and blood flow restoration, the pig kidney rapidly turned pink without hyperacute rejection (HAR). Urine appeared in the ureter 6 minutes later, indicating successful kidney transplantation. The right kidney of the recipient was then removed. Seven days after transplantation, the transplanted kidney had good blood flow, the recipient monkey's serum creatinine level was stable, and serum potassium and cystatin C levels were effectively controlled, although they increased 10 days after transplantation. Seven days after transplantation, the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils in the recipient monkey increased, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels decreased. The activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and prothrombin time remained relatively stable but later showed an upward trend. The recipient monkey survived for 10 days. At autopsy, the transplanted kidney was found to be congested, swollen and necrotic, with a small amount of IgG deposition in the renal tissue, and a large amount of IgM, complement C3c and C4d deposition, as well as CD68+ macrophage infiltration. Conclusions The kidneys of GTKO Diannan miniature pigs may maintain normal renal function for a certain period in rhesus macaques and effectively overcome HAR, confirming the effectiveness of GTKO pigs for xenotransplantation.
8.Differential diagnosis of restless legs syndrome
Journal of Apoplexy and Nervous Diseases 2025;42(3):221-226
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological sensory-motor disorder, and the diagnosis of RLS mainly rely on the subjective clinical symptoms described by the patient, with a lack of specific auxiliary examinations or biomarkers. The diagnosis of this disease is still challenging for atypical cases. Various other diseases may have similar clinical symptoms as RLS, such as leg discomfort, leg pain and abnormal leg movement. This article summarizes the RLS mimics that might be confused with RLS symptoms, including the neurogenic, vascular, and musculoskeletal factors that might cause leg discomfort and pain, as well as the differential diagnosis of sleep-related movement disorders with symptoms overlapped with RLS, so as to help clinicians recognize RLS phenotype and provide a reference for the diagnosis of diseases that might be confused with RLS.
9.Construction of compact county medical community rehabilitation service system in Ningbo
Xiaoying CHEN ; Yue CHEN ; Xuebo ZHU
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2025;41(3):178-185
Construction of a compact county medical community is an important measure to deepen the reform of the medical and health system, promote the downward flow of medical resources, and enhance the capacity of primary medical services. Building and improving the county medical community rehabilitation medical service system is of great significance for optimizing the allocation of medical resources and providing patients with full-cycle and all-round rehabilitation services. Starting from March 2019, Ningbo had explored the construction of a rehabilitation service system based on the compact county medical community, which combined the collaborative linkage of three levels of institutions and the deep empowerment of digital technology. This practice strengthened the digital infrastructure to deliver smart healthcare, facilitating the extension of high-quality rehabilitation medical resources to underserved areas. It promoteed the integration of standardized and specialized rehabilitation therapies by unifying protocols for homogeneous management while encouraging grassroots institutions to develop distinctive specialties. By emphasizing the synergy between clinical care and rehabilitation, multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams were established to operate joint clinics and wards. Additionally, home-based rehabilitation services were advanced through remote collaboration via " virtual wards" . As of 2024, this rehabilitation system had been implemented across 25 county medical community in Ningbo, significantly enhancing regional rehabilitation service capacity and expanding the scope of primary-level rehabilitation care. It had achieved continuity and intelligence in rehabilitation services, meeting diverse patient needs with notable success. This practice provided valuable insights for other regions seeking to strengthen their rehabilitation service systems.
10.Serological characteristics and molecular tracing of 20 cases with rare A el/B el subtypes in the ABO blood group system
Cunquan KONG ; Yuwan DAI ; Lu YU ; Xiaoying ZHU ; Jingli SHI ; Xiaoxiao GE ; Tingting XU ; Lin CHEN ; Beizhan YAN ; Li LI
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(12):1592-1598
Objective:To analyze the serological and molecular characteristics of rare A el and B el subtypes in the ABO blood group system, and to explore their genotype-phenotype correlation and the potential clinical significance. Methods:From January 1st, 2021, to January 1st, 2025, 289, 815 samples subjected to ABO blood grouping in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital were selected. Samples demonstrating discrepancies between forward and reverse typing, or consistent typing but with abnormal agglutination degree were included. Those affected by underlying diseases, transplantation, age-related and other interferences were excluded. A total of 169 suspected ABO subgroup samples were identified. Sanger sequencing of exons 1-7 and relevant regulatory regions of the ABO gene was performed. Protein structure modeling and mutation effect analysis for two'el′ subtype glycosyltransferases (GTs) were conducted using SWISS-MODEL and PyMOL.Results:A total of 12 Ael, 6 B el, and 2 AB el subtypes were identified. Serological analysis revealed that all 18 A el/B el samples exhibited O phenotype in forward typing. Among them, A el subtypes showed weaker agglutination in reverse typing with A 1c than with Bc (>2+), while the opposite pattern was observed in B el subtypes. The two AB el samples were typed as A in forward typing, with agglutination ranging from 0-1+with Bc in reverse typing. Genetic analysis indicated that AEL.02 (c.646T>A, p.Phe216Ile) was the predominant allele in A el samples accounting for 7 cases. Also, we found an AEL.02-like variant (lacking c.681G>A), AEL.10 (c.963insC), and carrying a compound variant of c.322C>T (p.Gln108Ter) and c.296C>T (p.Thr99Ile). Among B el samples, BEL.03 (c.502C>T, p.Arg168Trp) accounted for 4 cases, one of which lacked the c.297A>G mutation, and novel mutations such as c.145_146dupCG were detected. Structural simulation demonstrated that AEL.02 and BEL.03 disrupted the hydrogen-bonding network within the active centers of GTA and GTB, respectively, and these mutations probably significantly impaired the structural stability of the corresponding GTs. Additionally, the c.296C>T mutation also markedly affected GTA structural stability. Conclusion:A el/B el subtypes are prone to mis-identify routine blood types. Their molecular mechanisms involved a variety of functional variantions, and integrating molecular detection is crucial for achieving accurate sub-typing and transfusion safety.

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