1.Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins identifies biomarkers for anxiety disorders
Xuelian LI ; Min DENG ; Rongting RAN ; Yuqian HE ; Geman WANG ; Yujie LI ; Zhili ZOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):63-69
BackgroundAnxiety disorder is a common mental disorder, with its prevalence showing a continuous upward trend, significantly affecting the quality of life and social function of patients. Due to the lack of objective and reliable biomarkers in clinical practice, the early identification and treatment of anxiety disorder have been somewhat limited. Plasma proteins have the potential to serve as biomarkers for mental diseases, however, the causal relationship between them and anxiety disorder remains unclear. ObjectiveTo identify the plasma proteins that have a causal relationship with anxiety disorders, and to elucidate the associated biological pathways, in order to provide references for the search for biomarkers of anxiety disorders and the exploration of potential therapeutic targets. MethodsBased on the protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) data of 4 907 plasma proteins covering 35 559 Icelandic individuals from the deCODE database, and the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 50 486 patients with anxiety disorders and 330 460 healthy controls, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model method, and weighted model method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. Enrichment analysis of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways was conducted for the related proteins. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 10 plasma proteins were identified as significantly associated with anxiety disorders. Among these, SPATA9 (OR=0.856, 95% CI: 0.784–0.934, P<0.01) and PDE5A (OR=0.911, 95% CI: 0.864–0.961, P<0.01) were identified as protective factors, while CRYGD (OR=1.209, 95% CI: 1.095–1.334, P<0.01), BTN3A3 (OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.018–1.073, P<0.01), SERPINB13 (OR=1.102, 95% CI: 1.040–1.168, P<0.01), ERBB4 (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.109–1.484, P<0.01), LSAMP (OR=1.096, 95% CI: 1.037–1.158, P<0.01), ICOSLG (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.104–1.490, P<0.01), DNAJB11 (OR=1.172, 95% CI: 1.076–1.277, P<0.01), and TREML1 (OR=1.115, 95% CI: 1.054–1.179, P<0.01) were identified as risk factors. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust, with no heterogeneity (Cochran's Q test P>0.05) or pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept test P>0.05). Enrichment analysis indicated that these plasma proteins were enriched in biological processes such as T-cell signal transduction, lymphocyte proliferation, cell membrane structure and synaptic function, as well as the intestinal immune network that produces IgA and the ErbB signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study identified 10 plasma proteins associated with anxiety disorders. The functions of these plasma proteins involve multiple biological processes such as neural development and immune regulation.
2.Analysis of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility changes during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into neural progenitor cells
Linying LI ; Xiaodong CAI ; Ran TONG ; Chen YANG ; Zhiming WANG ; Xiaoyu HE ; Ziyue MA ; Feng ZHANG ; Lingjie LI ; Junmei ZHOU
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(4):387-403
Objective·To investigate the changes in transcriptome and chromatin accessibility during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells(hESCs)into neural progenitor cells(NPCs)using in vitro differentiation models and high-throughput multi-omics sequencing technologies.Methods·hESCs were first induced to differentiate into NPCs in vitro using the embryoid body formation method,and cells at both stages were collected.The cell phenotypes were identified by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR)and immunofluorescence(IF)staining.Transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq)was conducted to detect and analyze the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between hESCs and NPCs.The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing(ATAC-seq)was employed to assess chromatin accessibility changes between hESCs and NPCs.Motif enrichment analysis was performed on differentially accessible chromatin regions to discover potential regulatory transcription factors.Finally,an integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data and the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network were performed to identify key genes and regulatory pathways involved in the early stages of neural differentiation in vitro.Results·Both RT-qPCR and IF results indicated that the expression levels of pluripotency markers(NANOG and POU5F1)were high at the hESC stage but significantly decreased at the NPC stage,while early neural differentiation markers(PAX6,SOX1,and NES)were minimally expressed at the hESC stage but markedly upregulated at the NPC stage.RNA-seq analysis revealed that compared to the hESC stage,there were 5 597 genes upregulated and 3 654 genes downregulated at the NPC stage.Gene function enrichment analysis showed that the upregulated genes at the NPC stage were enriched in the functions related to neural development.ATAC-seq analysis demonstrated a total of 27 491 genomic regions had significant changes in chromatin accessibility during the differentiation from hESC to NPC,with 12 381 regions showing increased accessibility and 15 110 regions showing decreased accessibility.Motif enrichment analysis revealed that transcription factor genes such as DLX1 and LHX2 might play an important role in the differentiation process from hESCs into NPCs.Integrated analysis of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data revealed that overlapping genes with high expression at the NPC stage were mainly enriched in axon guidance,forebrain development,and neuron migration.After neural differentiation,the expression levels of CTNND2 and LHX2 genes increased,and the chromatin accessibility of related genomic regions also increased.PPI network analysis indentified candidate downstream genes including PRKACA,CDH2,and ERBB4.Conclusion·The in vitro differentiation model of hESCs combined with high-throughput multi-omics sequencing technologies can be used to depict the changes in transcriptome and chromatin accessibility during the differentiation of hESCs into NPCs.In this process,the expression levels of genes related to axon guidance,forebrain development,and neuronal migration pathways increase and related chromatin accessibility is enhanced.
3.Teaching Practice and Exploration of"Tutorial System"Based on The Cultivation of Scientific Research and Innovation Ability of Medical Students
Qiao ZHANG ; Yin-Feng YANG ; Yue-Li NI ; Zhuo-Ran TENG ; Wen-Jing LIU ; Jing WU ; Yan-Rui WU ; Yu DOU ; Ming HE ; Shu-De LI ; Ping GAN ; Fang YUAN ; Zhe YANG ; Xin-Wang YANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(3):470-480
The scientific research and innovation capabilities of medical students are intrinsically linked to the sustained and high-quality development of national healthcare initiatives.Cultivating outstanding medi-cal students with independent scientific capabilities and innovative consciousness is a critical component in the education and training of high-level medical professionals.Our investigation revealed that within the imperfections of the cultivating model,some faculty and students at medical schools have an insufficient understanding of scientific research and innovation and lack motivation for engaging in such activities,which hinder the progression of scientific research activities.Consequently,we initiated a teaching practice and exploratory study on the"tutorial system"aimed at fostering medical students'scientific research and innovation abilities.Based on the principle of"research informing teaching,teaching and research advan-cing together,"this study implements a"tutorial system"coordinated by tutors,supplemented by graduate and undergraduate student mentors,to cultivate innovative thinking,stimulate interest in scientific re-search,and enhance practical and research skills among medical students.Through collaborative efforts within"scientific research innovation teams,"various educational methods—including preliminary re-search,in-class and extracurricular activities,intra-group and inter-group interactions,and theoretical and practical applications—are employed to improve and strengthen the cultivation of medical students'scientif-ic research and innovation abilities.This study aims to provide valuable references for optimizing medical education management systems and enhancing the quality of medical student training.
4.Expert consensus on visualized tele-round and quality control management based on the improvement of clinical practice ability
Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Ran ZHOU ; Dawei LIU ; Yan KANG ; Yaoqing TANG ; Xiaochun MA ; Jianguo LI ; Zhenjie HU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Wei HE ; Lixia LIU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Ran ZHU ; Jun WU ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Lina ZHANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Shihong ZHU ; Wangbin XU ; Rongqing SUN ; Xiangyou YU ; Tianjiao SONG ; Ying ZHU ; Hong REN ; Ai SHANMU ; Qing ZHANG ; Wei FANG ; Xiuling SHANG ; Liwen LYU ; Shuhan CAI ; Xin DING ; Heng ZHANG ; Guang FENG ; Lipeng ZHANG ; Bo HU ; Dong ZHANG ; Weidong WU ; Feng SHEN ; Xiaojun YANG ; Zhenguo ZENG ; Qibing HUANG ; Xueying ZENG ; Tongjuan ZOU ; Milin PENG ; Yulong YAO ; Mingming CHEN ; Hui LIAN ; Jingmei WANG ; Yong LI ; Feng QU ; Gang YE ; Rongli YANG ; Xiukai CHEN ; Suwei LI ; Juxiang WANG ; Yangong CHAO
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(2):101-109
Turning to critical illness is a common stage of various diseases and injuries before death. Patients usually have complex health conditions, while the treatment process involves a wide range of content, along with high requirements for doctor′s professionalism and multi-specialty teamwork, as well as a great demand for time-sensitive treatments. However, this is not matched with critical care professionals and the current state of medical care in China. Telemedicine, which shortens the distance of medical professionals and the gap of disease diagnosis and treatments in various regions through electronic information, can effectively solve the current problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a standardized, high-quality visualization telemedicine round system .Therefore, experts have been organized to search domestic and foreign literature on telemedicine round for critically ill patients and to form this consensus based on clinical experiences so as to further improve the level of critical care treatments in regions.
5.The impact of smart healthcare-based full-cycle healthcare management on patients with mitral regurgitation undergoing TEER
Meifang DAI ; Ran LIU ; Ruoyun LIU ; Yang LI ; Yutong KE ; Jing HE ; Chunli LIU ; Zhinan LU ; Li ZHAO ; Guangyuan SONG ; Chengqian YIN
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(8):913-921
Objective:To explore the advantages of internet-based smart healthcare for full-cycle transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) management in reducing postoperative adverse events rate, improving cardiac function, and enhancing quality of life.Methods:This retrospective study enrolled patients with mitral regurgitation who underwent transcatheter TEER at Beijing Anzhen Hospital Valve Intervention Center between June 2021 and September 2023. Patients were classified into degeneration mitral regurgitation (DMR) and functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) according to etiology, with further stratification by enrollment period into usual care group (June 2021 to October 2022) and full-cycle management group (November 2022 to September 2023). The 1-year postoperative follow-up data were collected and compared between subgroups with the same etiology. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted, and log-rank tests were used to compare the differences in major endpoint event-free survival rates between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of the full-cycle management system on patients′ outcomes.Results:A total of 130 patients were included, aged (72.0±8.6) years, including 82 (63%) males. DMR was identified in 84 cases (40 in the usual care group and 44 in the full-cycle management group), while FMR was observed in 46 cases (27 in the usual care group and 19 in the full-cycle management group). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated higher 1-year major endpoint event-free survival rates in the full-cycle management group compared to the usual care group, though the difference was not statistically significant (log-rank P>0.05). Compared to the usual care group, the full-cycle management group showed significantly higher proportions of New York Heart Association classification Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients (DMR: 67% vs. 52%, P=0.031; FMR: 68% vs. 52%, P=0.021), greater 6-minute walking distances (DMR: (346.39±70.41) m vs. (294.11±60.47) m, P=0.012; FMR: (356.60±54.68) m vs. (318.55±39.02) m, P=0.004), and superior Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores (DMR: 81.50 (74.50, 85.00) points vs. 71.00 (66.00, 82.25) points, P=0.014; FMR: 83.00 (76.00, 85.00) points vs. 74.00 (70.75, 80.00) points, P=0.030). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed the full-cycle management system as an independent predictor for the above improved outcomes (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Smart healthcare-based full-cycle management improves cardiac function and quality of life in mitral regurgitation patients after TEER, demonstrating lower rates of major endpoint events compared to usual care.
6.BN‐HFACS based human factors analysis of radiotherapy planning safety incidents
Ran LUO ; Xudong PENG ; Chen LI ; Haiping HE ; Qiang WANG ; Xuetao WANG ; Hong QUAN ; Guangjun LI
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(8):804-810
Objective:To investigate human factors underlying radiotherapy planning safety incidents and quantitatively explore their interrelationships.Methods:A total of 1 619 safety incidents recorded in the automated plan checking system developed by West China Hospital of Sichuan University were utilized. Human factors were identified and statistically analyzed using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). A Bayesian network model was developed and combined with sensitivity analysis for quantitative assessment.Results:Key contributing factors included organizational processes (12.89%), inadequate supervision (11.85%), and personnel factors (13.50%). Utilizing the established HFACS Bayesian network hybrid model in conjunction with sensitivity analysis, it has been found that the most significant influences on skill‐based errors and decision errors were condition of operators and environmental factors, with corresponding indices of 0.96 and 0.76. Additionally, personnel factors had the greatest impact on routine, with an index of 3.51.Conclusions:Key contributing factors span all HFACS levels, with organizational processes, supervision, personnel, and condition of operators each playing a significant role. Upstream factors — such as organizational climate, environment factors, and personnel factors — strongly influence downstream risks. These offer actionable insights for developing targeted safety protocols.
7.Discussing the Theoretical Basis of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Tumors by Combining the Concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine
Yi YUAN ; Hui HE ; Rong CHEN ; Lei LI ; Licheng RAN ; Mingliang GUO ; Yajun WANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1642-1648
Acupuncture and moxibustion have their unique advantages in treating tumors,but the theoretical framework of acupuncture and moxibustion intervention in tumors needs to be improved,and the academic system still needs to be sorted out.In this paper,we try to describe the commonalities between Chinese medical theories and modern medical technologies in order to consolidate the theoretical foundation of acupuncture intervention in tumor.Specifically:① Acupuncture regulates immune function and energy metabolism,which is a specific form of tonifying the spleen and stomach to support positive qi.② Tumors belong to the broad definition of"sores and ulcers"in traditional Chinese medicine,which is a special kind of chronic inflammation,and acupuncture intervenes in tumors by intervening in inflammatory reactions from ulcers.③ Tumor is a"dynamic pseudo-organ"with yin and yang attributes and"life attributes".Acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate various cells and factors in the tumor environment in a multi-targeted way,so as to make it tend to the state of yin and yang equilibrium.④ Acupuncture and moxibustion have unique advantages in the reduction of toxicity,enhancement of efficacy,tonicity,rejuvenation,treatment of complications,etc.,which complement the allopathic therapies of modern medicine,and can help to realize survival with tumors.
8.Inhibition of excessive inflammatory response of macrophages by Ebselen against acute Escherichia coli infection
Xiao-wen LIU ; Xiao-qin MOU ; Chuang CHENG ; Shuang-shuang GONG ; Hao-ran ZHANG ; Jing HE ; Xi ZHENG ; Jun WANG ; Yue-qing WANG ; Li-li ZOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(7):1346-1353
Aim To investigate the pharmacological mechanism of Ebselenin(Ebselen,EbSe)in the treat-ment of Escherichia coli(E.coli)infection,which had no significant inhibitory effect on Gram-negative bacte-ria,based on previous studies.Methods After EbSe intervention in E.coli infected Raw264.7 cells,the via-bility of Raw264.7 cells was determined by CCK-8 method,the morphology and structure of Raw264.7 cells were observed by electron microscope,and the in-tracellular bacterial load of Raw264.7 cells was calcu-lated by coated plate method.Polarization status of peritoneal macrophages,Raw264.7 intracellular NO and ROS content and intracellular HO-1 expression in Raw264.7 and E.coli acutely infected mice after E.co-li infection by flow cytometry.qPCR was used to detect the expression of related mRNAs in Raw264.7 cells.qPCR was used to detect the intracellular GSH content in Raw264.7 cells by spectrophotometric assay,and the state of cytoskeletal proteins was observed by immuno-fluorescence.Western blot assay was performed to de-tect the intracellular Txnrd1 expression level.Results Microtiter method,CCK-8,and electron microscopy observations showed that EbSe had no effect on the growth of E.coli and Raw264.7 cells in vitro.The re-sults of smear plate counting showed that EbSe reduced the intracellular bacterial load of Raw264.7 in the in-fected group.Flow cytometry results showed that EbSe upregulated the number of M2-type macrophages.The EbSe-treated infected group had reduced intracellular NO and ROS levels and increased GSH levels.The qPCR results showed that the expression of IL-6,IL-1β,and iNOS was decreased,and the expression of HO-1,Txnrd1,and Glut1 was increased in DHB4-in-fected Raw264.7 cells after EbSe treatment.Cytoskel-etal staining showed that the morphology of the EbSe-treated infected cells was similar to that of oxPAPC-in-duced cells.Western blot results showed the expres-sion of Txnrd1 protein in EbSe-treated infected cells in-creased.Conclusion EbSe exerts anti-E.coli acute infection effect by regulating macrophage polarization and inhibiting macrophage excessive inflammatory state.
9.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Asthma with Cold Asthma Syndrome Based on Diagnosing the Syndrome with Herbal Formulae
Jing WANG ; Chunyan HE ; Yong YU ; Zhiling RAN ; Weiwei LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1922-1933
Objective To investigate the establishment and evaluation method of a rat model for cold asthma syndrome during the acute exacerbation phase of asthma.Methods Thirty-two rats were randomly allocated into four distinct groups:normal control group,asthma group,cold asthma group,and Shegan Mahuang Decoction group(SMD).While the normal control group was not subjected to any modeling procedures,the remaining groups were induced to develop asthma by a combination of intraperitoneal injections and atomized inhalation of ovalbumin sensitization solution.Furthermore,to emulate the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome of cold asthma,the cold asthma group and the SMD underwent an additional protocol involving"swimming,cold water consumption,and external cold stimulation."Commencing from the 14th day of the experiment,the SMD received daily gavage administration of Shegan Mahuang Decoction for a consecutive period of 14 days.The cold asthma rat model was comprehensively evaluated from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives.Results ①Following model induction,both the asthma and cold asthma groups exhibited significant increases in asthmatic behavioral scores,sluggish weight gain,and airway hyperreactivity.Additionally,there was a notable rise in eosinophils(EOS)in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),decreased expression of aquaporin-5(AQP5)in lung tissue,and altered immune balances with reduced Th1/Th2 ratios and elevated Th17/Treg ratios in the spleen.Hemorheological changes included increased whole blood viscosity,relative high-shear,and low-shear indices,alongside a marked decline in erythrocyte aggregation index.The cold asthma group further displayed pronounced cold asthma symptoms,slower weight gain,and more significant increases in whole blood viscosity and low-shear relative index compared to the asthma group.②Administration of SMD alleviated asthmatic behaviors and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome manifestations in cold asthma rats,resulting in enhanced weight gain.SMD also mitigated airway hyperreactivity,reduced EOS percentage in BALF,and ameliorated lung tissue damage and inflammatory cell infiltration.The treatment increased AQP5 expression levels and rectified the immune imbalances of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg in cold asthma rats.Furthermore,SMD significantly lowered whole blood viscosity,relative high-shear,and low-shear indices in these rats.Conclusion The research effectively established a model for cold asthma syndrome in TCM through a method that integrates intraperitoneal injection,nebulized ovalbumin sensitization,and a triad of swimming,cold water intake,and external cold exposure.This model consistently displays the symptoms of cold asthma and corresponds with the microscopic pathological alterations seen in asthma,thereby validating the robustness of the model's creation process.
10.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Asthma with Cold Asthma Syndrome Based on Diagnosing the Syndrome with Herbal Formulae
Jing WANG ; Chunyan HE ; Yong YU ; Zhiling RAN ; Weiwei LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(7):1922-1933
Objective To investigate the establishment and evaluation method of a rat model for cold asthma syndrome during the acute exacerbation phase of asthma.Methods Thirty-two rats were randomly allocated into four distinct groups:normal control group,asthma group,cold asthma group,and Shegan Mahuang Decoction group(SMD).While the normal control group was not subjected to any modeling procedures,the remaining groups were induced to develop asthma by a combination of intraperitoneal injections and atomized inhalation of ovalbumin sensitization solution.Furthermore,to emulate the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome of cold asthma,the cold asthma group and the SMD underwent an additional protocol involving"swimming,cold water consumption,and external cold stimulation."Commencing from the 14th day of the experiment,the SMD received daily gavage administration of Shegan Mahuang Decoction for a consecutive period of 14 days.The cold asthma rat model was comprehensively evaluated from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives.Results ①Following model induction,both the asthma and cold asthma groups exhibited significant increases in asthmatic behavioral scores,sluggish weight gain,and airway hyperreactivity.Additionally,there was a notable rise in eosinophils(EOS)in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),decreased expression of aquaporin-5(AQP5)in lung tissue,and altered immune balances with reduced Th1/Th2 ratios and elevated Th17/Treg ratios in the spleen.Hemorheological changes included increased whole blood viscosity,relative high-shear,and low-shear indices,alongside a marked decline in erythrocyte aggregation index.The cold asthma group further displayed pronounced cold asthma symptoms,slower weight gain,and more significant increases in whole blood viscosity and low-shear relative index compared to the asthma group.②Administration of SMD alleviated asthmatic behaviors and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome manifestations in cold asthma rats,resulting in enhanced weight gain.SMD also mitigated airway hyperreactivity,reduced EOS percentage in BALF,and ameliorated lung tissue damage and inflammatory cell infiltration.The treatment increased AQP5 expression levels and rectified the immune imbalances of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg in cold asthma rats.Furthermore,SMD significantly lowered whole blood viscosity,relative high-shear,and low-shear indices in these rats.Conclusion The research effectively established a model for cold asthma syndrome in TCM through a method that integrates intraperitoneal injection,nebulized ovalbumin sensitization,and a triad of swimming,cold water intake,and external cold exposure.This model consistently displays the symptoms of cold asthma and corresponds with the microscopic pathological alterations seen in asthma,thereby validating the robustness of the model's creation process.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail