1.Digital-Intellectualized Upgrade and Clinical Application of National Rare Diseases Registry System of China
Jian GUO ; Ye JIN ; Peng LIU ; Dingding ZHANG ; Limeng CHEN ; Yicheng ZHU ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):54-60
Since its establishment in 2016, the National Rare Diseases Registry System of China (NRDRS) has accumulated valuable case data and bio-specimen for basic and clinical research on rare diseases in China. However, the emerging challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases make it unable for data and resource platform to fully meet the diversified needs. Under this backdrop, we have developed a protocol to optimize and upgrade the system based on the core functions of the NRDRS platform. The goal is to leverage intelligent digital technologies to transform NRDRS into a new platform integrating multimodal data and auxiliary diagnostic and treatment functions. It is specified as the development and construction of "one platform and four intelligent tools." Currently, we have upgraded and developed NRDRS platform, intelligent tool for genotype-phenotype analysis of rare diseases, AI-assisted diagnostic tool for rare diseases, remote multidisciplinary diagnosis and teaching tool for rare diseases, drug screening and validation tool for rare diseases. The next step will focus on the promotion of the application of these tools in clinical settings in order to address the issue of severe imbalance in the allocation of resources for the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. This article provides an overview of the digital and intelligent upgrades of the NRDRS, the trials in applications in clinical settings, and direction in the future.
2.Inflammatory disorders that affect the cerebral small vessels.
Fei HAN ; Siyuan FAN ; Bo HOU ; Lixin ZHOU ; Ming YAO ; Min SHEN ; Yicheng ZHU ; Joanna M WARDLAW ; Jun NI
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(11):1301-1312
This comprehensive review synthesizes the latest advancements in understanding inflammatory disorders affecting cerebral small vessels, a distinct yet understudied category within cerebral small vessel diseases (SVD). Unlike classical SVD, these inflammatory conditions exhibit unique clinical presentations, imaging patterns, and pathophysiological mechanisms, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Highlighting their heterogeneity, this review spans primary angiitis of the central nervous system, cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation, systemic vasculitis, secondary vasculitis, and vasculitis in autoinflammatory diseases. Key discussions focus on emerging insights into immune-mediated processes, neuroimaging characteristics, and histopathological distinctions. Furthermore, this review underscores the importance of standardized diagnostic frameworks, individualized immunomodulation approaches, and novel targeted therapies to address unmet clinical demands.
Humans
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Cerebral Small Vessel Diseases/pathology*
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Inflammation/pathology*
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Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy/pathology*
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Vasculitis, Central Nervous System/pathology*
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Vasculitis/pathology*
3.Celastrol directly targets LRP1 to inhibit fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk and ameliorates psoriasis progression.
Yuyu ZHU ; Lixin ZHAO ; Wei YAN ; Hongyue MA ; Wanjun ZHAO ; Jiao QU ; Wei ZHENG ; Chenyang ZHANG ; Haojie DU ; Meng YU ; Ning WAN ; Hui YE ; Yicheng XIE ; Bowen KE ; Qiang XU ; Haiyan SUN ; Yang SUN ; Zijun OUYANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):876-891
Psoriasis is an incurable chronic inflammatory disease that requires new interventions. Here, we found that fibroblasts exacerbate psoriasis progression by promoting macrophage recruitment via CCL2 secretion by single-cell multi-omics analysis. The natural small molecule celastrol was screened to interfere with the secretion of CCL2 by fibroblasts and improve the psoriasis-like symptoms in both murine and cynomolgus monkey models. Mechanistically, celastrol directly bound to the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) β-chain and abolished its binding to the transcription factor c-Jun in the nucleus, which in turn inhibited CCL2 production by skin fibroblasts, blocked fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk, and ameliorated psoriasis progression. Notably, fibroblast-specific LRP1 knockout mice exhibited a significant reduction in psoriasis like inflammation. Taken together, from clinical samples and combined with various mouse models, we revealed the pathogenesis of psoriasis from the perspective of fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk, and provided a foundation for LRP1 as a novel potential target for psoriasis treatment.
4.Exploration of Milestone Evaluation System for Core Competencies in Knowledge and Skills of Neurology Residents
Liling DONG ; Dan XU ; Yuze CAO ; Siyuan FAN ; Hang LI ; Yicheng ZHU ; Lixin ZHOU ; Jun NI
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1619-1628
To develop a milestone-based evaluation system for the core "knowledge and skills" competency of neurology residents that is tailored to China's medical context, so as to provide precise guidance for their training and assessment. Using the Delphi method, the study first constructed an initial framework through literature review, on-site investigation and expert-group discussion. Two rounds of expert consultation were then conducted among specialists in neurology education across China. Indicators were screened and optimized according to the mean score, agreement rate and coefficient of variation (CV), ultimately finalizing the system. The expert response rates in both rounds were 100%. The group authority coefficients were 0.97 and 0.98, with Cronbach's α of 0.90 and 0.88, respectively. The mean scores of all indicators ranged from 3.88 to 5.00, agreement rates from 62.50 % to 100 %, and CVs from 0 to 0.21. The finalized framework comprises one first-level indicator, three second-level indicators and 17 third-level indicators. The milestone evaluation system for core competencies in "knowledge and skills" of neurology residents developed in this study is scientific and reasonable, providing a standardized and scientific assessment tool for the standardized training of neurology residents.
5.Preclinical efficacy and safety evaluation of a novel gastrointestinal mucosal elevation gel in vivo porcine model
Yicheng TIAN ; BAHETINUER JIASHAER ; Yan ZHU ; Wei XIA ; Pinghong ZHOU ; Mingyan CAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(5):768-775
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel gastrointestinal mucosal elevation gel in vivo porcine model. Methods Eight healthy white pigs were selected, which were uesd to bump height evaluation (n=2) and safety evaluation (n=6). The sample (alimentary canal mucosa bump gel sample) and the control sample (disposable endoscopic submucosal filler of alimentary canal) were respectively injected into the submucosa of pig gastric antrum and gastric body. In the evaluation of elevation height, the morphology, persistence, and clinical safety of mucosal elevation were observed and recorded immediately and 30 minutes after injection. In safety evaluation, endoscopic mucosal resection was performed after injection, and the mucosal protrusion shape, product efficacy, and clinical safety were observed and recorded at immediate and 7-day time points. After observation, all animals were euthanized and tissue samples were collected and excised for histopathological evaluation. Results In elevation height evaluation, sample group showed a steep elevation immediately after surgery, exhibiting a more pronounced elevation morphology compared to control group (P=0.019). Only two (25%) sites of the elevation showed slight collapse in 30 minutes after surgery, and the durability notably increased compared to control group (8 all collapsed, P<0.001). In safety evaluation, the average trauma area of sample group was 1.77 mm2, which was significantly lower than control group (2.65 mm2, P<0.001). There was no statistical difference among average injection dose per unit area, surgical time per unit area, and en bloc resection rate. Sample group showed mild ulcers and only 1 (12.5%) site of mild bleeding at immediate time point after surgery. No bleeding, perforation, ulcer or edema was observed in sample group 7 days after surgery, and no statistical difference was identified compared to control group. Histopathological evaluation found that the gastric antrum and body tissues exhibited moderate injury and mild edema at immediate time point, accompanied by mild inflammatory cellular infiltration. At 7-day time point, gastric antrum tissues demonstrated moderate injury, mild edema and mild inflammatory cellular infiltration, with 1 (12.5%) site of tissues infected, while in gastric body tissues, no bleeding was observed, whereas moderate injury and mild edema were evident, accompanied by mild inflammatory cellular infiltration and 3 (37.5%) sites of tissues infected, all of which were not statistically different from control group. Conclusion The novel gastrointestinal mucosal elevation gel exhibited steep elevation morphology, long-lasting elevation height, and favorable efficacy and safety in preclinical animal trials, showing enormous clinical application potential.
6.Research progress on the mechanism of nucleoside antiviral drugs
Mengting LIU ; Yifan ZHU ; Zi ' ; an WANG ; Yicheng JIA ; Huixian WANG ; Xingru HE
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(6):678-688
As an important strategy in antiviral drug development, nucleoside analogs (NAs) have attracted considerable attention due to their unique mechanisms of action and favorable safety profile. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the mechanisms of action of NAs, focusing on the following four aspects: (1) Targeting viral polymerases, inhibiting viral replication through mechanisms such as non-absolute termination, delayed chain termination and induction of viral RNA mutations in addition to classical chain termination, which has been newly discovered; (2) Regulating RNA methylation modifications—for instance, competitively inhibiting methyltransferases, which significantly reduces viral replication efficiency; (3) Depleting nucleotide pools—by affecting host cell purine nucleotide synthesis pathways, thereby indirectly inhibiting viral replication; and (4) Immunomodulatory functions—including activation of the STING pathway to promote interferon production. Furthermore, this review systematically discusses the breakthrough progress in prodrug technologies for addressing key clinical challenges such as drug resistance and off-target toxicity of NAs. These advances provide crucial technical support for the clinical translation of NAs. These advances provide key technical support for the clinical translation of NAs. This review clarifies the multi-target action rules of NAs and provides a theoretical framework for the design of next-generation broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
7.Prevalence and clinical relevance of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in untreated hospital wastewater
Feinan QIAN ; Yaxuan ZHAI ; Jiayao LIN ; Liang WANG ; Zhichen ZHU ; Yicheng WEN ; Jingnan LYU ; Hong DU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(4):532-538
To analyze the prevalence, genomic characteristics and clinical relevance of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in untreated hospital wastewater, and to provide a reference basis for in-hospital assessment of public health situation and prevention of cross-infection. In March 2023, untreated wastewater in the wastewater treatment station of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and wastewater in the U-shaped wastewater pipes of the hand-washing sinks in 26 wards were collected, centrifuged and diluted, and the drug-resistant bacteria were isolated by using LB solid plates containing meropenem (2 μg/ml) for species identification, drug sensitivity analysis, carbapenenase gene PCR detection and whole genome sequencing. The genome sequence was identified for drug resistance genes. Retrospective research was used, combining multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, to compare their homology with clinical isolates of the same quarter. The results showed that 56 carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria were isolated from hospital wastewater, originating from 13 genera, of which 17 were isolated from the total hospital wastewater, with Aeromonas spp. as the most dominant genus (35.3%, 6/17), and 39 were isolated from the wastewater of 17 wards, with Pseudomonas spp. as the most dominant genus (30.8%, 12/39). All common wastewater isolates from our hospital were multidrug-resistant bacteria, with up to 100% resistant to some second-and third-generation cephalosporins. A total of 8 carbapenemase genes originated from wastewater isolates, including blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaIND, blaOXA-58-like, blaOXA-48-like, and blaOXA-427-like. 39 wastewater isolates carried the carbapenemase genes, and the total wastewater of the hospital carried the highest isolation rate of blaKPC-2 bacteria (35.3%, 6/17) and the highest isolation rate of blaIMP-8 bacteria (31.8%, 7/22) were found in the wastewater from 26 wards. 14 wastewater isolates were found to carry both carbapenemase genes, with a total of 6 combinations. A new blaIMP-101 isoform was also identified for the first time. 4 wastewater isolates and 11 clinical isolates were screened for inclusion in the SNP analysis, in which only 15 SNPs differed between the two strains of ST11 Klebsiella pneumoniae of clinical and wastewater origin, which was highly homologous. In conclusion, the presence of multiple multi-drug resistant conditionally pathogenic bacteria in untreated hospital wastewater has the potential risk of spreading drug-resistant genes in the environment. The highly homologous Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from hospital wastewater and clinics indicates the close association between hospital wastewater and clinical infections. Hospitals need to strengthen the monitoring of drug-resistant bacteria and drug-resistant genes in the wastewater environment, to prevent the widespread dissemination of drug-resistant bacteria and drug-resistant genes in hospital wastewater and to prevent nosocomial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria in wastewater.
8.Prevalence and clinical relevance of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in untreated hospital wastewater
Feinan QIAN ; Yaxuan ZHAI ; Jiayao LIN ; Liang WANG ; Zhichen ZHU ; Yicheng WEN ; Jingnan LYU ; Hong DU
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(4):532-538
To analyze the prevalence, genomic characteristics and clinical relevance of carbapenem-resistant bacteria in untreated hospital wastewater, and to provide a reference basis for in-hospital assessment of public health situation and prevention of cross-infection. In March 2023, untreated wastewater in the wastewater treatment station of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and wastewater in the U-shaped wastewater pipes of the hand-washing sinks in 26 wards were collected, centrifuged and diluted, and the drug-resistant bacteria were isolated by using LB solid plates containing meropenem (2 μg/ml) for species identification, drug sensitivity analysis, carbapenenase gene PCR detection and whole genome sequencing. The genome sequence was identified for drug resistance genes. Retrospective research was used, combining multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, to compare their homology with clinical isolates of the same quarter. The results showed that 56 carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria were isolated from hospital wastewater, originating from 13 genera, of which 17 were isolated from the total hospital wastewater, with Aeromonas spp. as the most dominant genus (35.3%, 6/17), and 39 were isolated from the wastewater of 17 wards, with Pseudomonas spp. as the most dominant genus (30.8%, 12/39). All common wastewater isolates from our hospital were multidrug-resistant bacteria, with up to 100% resistant to some second-and third-generation cephalosporins. A total of 8 carbapenemase genes originated from wastewater isolates, including blaKPC, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaIND, blaOXA-58-like, blaOXA-48-like, and blaOXA-427-like. 39 wastewater isolates carried the carbapenemase genes, and the total wastewater of the hospital carried the highest isolation rate of blaKPC-2 bacteria (35.3%, 6/17) and the highest isolation rate of blaIMP-8 bacteria (31.8%, 7/22) were found in the wastewater from 26 wards. 14 wastewater isolates were found to carry both carbapenemase genes, with a total of 6 combinations. A new blaIMP-101 isoform was also identified for the first time. 4 wastewater isolates and 11 clinical isolates were screened for inclusion in the SNP analysis, in which only 15 SNPs differed between the two strains of ST11 Klebsiella pneumoniae of clinical and wastewater origin, which was highly homologous. In conclusion, the presence of multiple multi-drug resistant conditionally pathogenic bacteria in untreated hospital wastewater has the potential risk of spreading drug-resistant genes in the environment. The highly homologous Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from hospital wastewater and clinics indicates the close association between hospital wastewater and clinical infections. Hospitals need to strengthen the monitoring of drug-resistant bacteria and drug-resistant genes in the wastewater environment, to prevent the widespread dissemination of drug-resistant bacteria and drug-resistant genes in hospital wastewater and to prevent nosocomial infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria in wastewater.
9.Inhibitory effect of bovine serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with EPZ6438 on osteosarcoma
Chang LIU ; Wen ZHANG ; Can ZHU ; Jie SUN ; Yicheng DING ; Qin SHI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(10):1512-1518
BACKGROUND:The most prominent transcription factor activated by tumor stem cells in osteosarcoma is EZH2,and silencing of EZH2 has been reported to inhibit osteosarcoma cell growth.Studies have confirmed that bovine serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles are a drug delivery vector with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability,and the albumin carrier can provide tumor-targeted drug delivery function. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of bovine serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with EPZ6438(EZH2 inhibitor)for the treatment of osteosarcoma. METHODS:(1)Bovine serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with and without EPZ6438 were prepared.The drug encapsulation rate and drug release rate of serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with EPZ6438 were detected.(2)MG-63 cells were divided into four groups and added with PBS(control group),serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticle extract solution(blank nanoparticle group),EPZ6438 solution(free drug group),and serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticle extract loaded with EPZ6438(drug-loaded nanoparticle group),respectively.After 3 days of culture,cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and the expression of caspase-3 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR.(3)Twelve nude mice were selected and the subcutaneous tumor-bearing mouse model was established by injecting MG-63 cell suspension under the armpit.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into four groups for intervention.Normal saline(control group),serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticle solution(blank nanoparticle group),EPZ6438 solution(free drug group)and serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticle solution loaded with EPZ6438(drug-loaded nanoparticle group)were injected into tumor tissues,with three animals in each group.After 7 days of injection,the tumor volume and frozen sections of tumor tissue were observed by TUNEL staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The drug encapsulation rate of the nanoparticles was about 8.8%,and the nanoparticles had a good drug release effect in pure water.The drug release amount was(34.72±1.93)μg at 24 hours,(48.58±1.10)μg at 72 hours,(49.18±1.24)μg at 120 hours,and(50.25±1.13)μg at 168 hours.The drug release reached the plateau at 120 hours,and the release rate was about 97.9%.(2)After 3 days of cell culture with MG-63,the apoptotic rate in the control group and blank nanoparticle group was lower than that in the free drug group and drug-loaded nanoparticle group(P<0.001),and the expression of caspase 3 mRNA was lower than that in the free drug group and drug-loaded nanoparticle group(P<0.000 1).(3)After 7 days of injection,the tumor volume of nude mice in the drug-loaded nanoparticle group was smaller than that in the other three groups(P<0.05),and the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in tumor tissue was higher than that in the other three groups(P<0.000 1).(4)The results verify that serum albumin-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with EPZ6438 can inhibit the growth of osteosarcoma by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells.
10.Application value of the deep learning-based image reconstruction algorithm in combined head and neck CT angiography with low radiation dose
Yangfei LI ; Weiping ZHU ; Yidi HOU ; Jianxin PANG ; Yicheng FANG ; Huayong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(1):53-59
Objective:To explore the differences between the deep learning-based image reconstruction (DLIR) and the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction V (ASiR-V) algorithms in the radiation dose and image quality of head and neck CT angiography (CTA).Methods:The data of 80 patients undergoing head and neck CTA due to vascular diseases in the head and neck were prospectively collected. These patients were randomly divided into groups A and B based on their examination sequence. The CTA images of group A were reconstructed based on ASiR-V 50%, with a tube voltage of 120 kV and a noise index of 11.0. In contrast, those of group B were reconstructed based on ASiR-V 50% (for group B1) and DLIR-H (for group B2), with a tube voltage of 80 kV and a noise index of 9.0. Then, the radiation doses and image quality of both groups were compared using the independent-sample t-test. The radiation doses, and both subjective and objective image quality of the two imaging method were compared through the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The independent- or paired-sample t-test was employed to measure inter-group vascular enhanced CT values, as well as signals and noise from regions of interest (ROIs), with signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) calculated. Results:The effective doses of groups A and B were (0.77±0.08) and (0.45±0.05) mSv, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( t = 21.96, P < 0.001). The vascular enhanced CT values, SDs, SNRs, and CNRs in the arch of the aorta, the initial and bifurcation parts of the common carotid artery, and the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery showed statistically significant differences among groups A, B1, and B2 ( F = 67.69, 68.50, 50.52, 74.10, 63.10, 91.22, 69.16, P < 0.001). Additionally, statistically significant differences were observed in the subjective scores of image quality among groups A, B1, and B2 ( Z = 71.06, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The DLIR algorithm can further reduce the radiation dose in head and neck CTA examination while significantly reducing image noise and ensuring image quality, thus demonstrating high clinical application value.

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