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.Nanopackaged Astaxanthin Improves Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Model Mice by Scavenging Excessive Endogenous Formaldehyde
Wan-Jia LÜ ; Xin ZENG ; Zhi-Qian TONG ; Yang XING ; Xu YANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Ping MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):442-457
ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS); however, its underlying neurological pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Endogenous formaldehyde (FA), a metabolic byproduct of methylation-demethylation cycles, has recently been implicated in neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether excessive FA contributes to myelin sheath demyelination in mice and to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of two FA-elimination strategies: sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a classical FA scavenger, and polyethylene glycol-modified astaxanthin nanoparticles (PEG-ATX@NPs), a brain-targeted nano-antioxidant formulation. MethodsA chronic demyelination model was established by feeding female C57BL/6J mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) for four weeks, followed by a two-week intervention period. Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: NS (normal saline), CPZ+NS, CPZ+NaHSO3, and CPZ+PEG-ATX@NPs. Behavioral tests, including open-field, Y-maze, and pole-climbing assays, were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, and working memory. FA levels in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were measured using an Na-FA fluorescent probe and quantified via in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Neuroinflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA, while oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity. Demyelination was examined via Luxol fast blue staining, and microglial activation was analyzed by Iba1 immunofluorescence. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships among FA levels, inflammatory cytokines, ROS intensity, and behavioral parameters. ResultsCompared with the NS group, mice in the CPZ+NS group exhibited significant weight loss, impaired motor coordination and memory, and markedly reduced myelin regeneration (P<0.05). FA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord (P<0.05). FA-associated fluorescence in brain and spinal tissues, as well as ROS intensity across all tissues examined, also increased substantially (P<0.05). CPZ treatment induced pronounced microglial activation and severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (P<0.01). Both NaHSO3 and PEG-ATX@NPs effectively reduced FA accumulation in the brain and spinal cord, attenuated demyelination, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved motor and cognitive performance. These results confirm that CPZ induced severe demyelination accompanied by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal FA accumulation. Following intervention with either NaHSO3 or PEG-ATX@NPs, endogenous FA levels in the CNS were substantially reduced. Both treatments alleviated demyelination and significantly decreased the number of activated microglia. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were downregulated. Behavioral performance improved significantly, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity, better coordination, and improved memory function. These findings indicate that both FA-scavenging agents mitigate CPZ-induced biochemical and behavioral abnormalities. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excessive endogenous FA is closely associated with cognitive impairment, inflammatory dysregulation, and demyelination in a CPZ-induced chronic demyelination mouse model. Clearing abnormally elevated FA effectively reduces neuroinflammation, suppresses microglial overactivation, decreases oxidative stress, and alleviates demyelination, ultimately improving motor and cognitive outcomes in mice. These results suggest that targeting endogenous FA represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS and other demyelinating disorders. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term safety, dosage optimization, and molecular pathways involved in FA-mediated neurotoxicity.
3.Nanopackaged Astaxanthin Improves Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Model Mice by Scavenging Excessive Endogenous Formaldehyde
Wan-Jia LÜ ; Xin ZENG ; Zhi-Qian TONG ; Yang XING ; Xu YANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Ping MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):442-457
ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS); however, its underlying neurological pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Endogenous formaldehyde (FA), a metabolic byproduct of methylation-demethylation cycles, has recently been implicated in neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether excessive FA contributes to myelin sheath demyelination in mice and to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of two FA-elimination strategies: sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a classical FA scavenger, and polyethylene glycol-modified astaxanthin nanoparticles (PEG-ATX@NPs), a brain-targeted nano-antioxidant formulation. MethodsA chronic demyelination model was established by feeding female C57BL/6J mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) for four weeks, followed by a two-week intervention period. Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: NS (normal saline), CPZ+NS, CPZ+NaHSO3, and CPZ+PEG-ATX@NPs. Behavioral tests, including open-field, Y-maze, and pole-climbing assays, were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, and working memory. FA levels in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were measured using an Na-FA fluorescent probe and quantified via in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Neuroinflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA, while oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity. Demyelination was examined via Luxol fast blue staining, and microglial activation was analyzed by Iba1 immunofluorescence. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships among FA levels, inflammatory cytokines, ROS intensity, and behavioral parameters. ResultsCompared with the NS group, mice in the CPZ+NS group exhibited significant weight loss, impaired motor coordination and memory, and markedly reduced myelin regeneration (P<0.05). FA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord (P<0.05). FA-associated fluorescence in brain and spinal tissues, as well as ROS intensity across all tissues examined, also increased substantially (P<0.05). CPZ treatment induced pronounced microglial activation and severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (P<0.01). Both NaHSO3 and PEG-ATX@NPs effectively reduced FA accumulation in the brain and spinal cord, attenuated demyelination, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved motor and cognitive performance. These results confirm that CPZ induced severe demyelination accompanied by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal FA accumulation. Following intervention with either NaHSO3 or PEG-ATX@NPs, endogenous FA levels in the CNS were substantially reduced. Both treatments alleviated demyelination and significantly decreased the number of activated microglia. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were downregulated. Behavioral performance improved significantly, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity, better coordination, and improved memory function. These findings indicate that both FA-scavenging agents mitigate CPZ-induced biochemical and behavioral abnormalities. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excessive endogenous FA is closely associated with cognitive impairment, inflammatory dysregulation, and demyelination in a CPZ-induced chronic demyelination mouse model. Clearing abnormally elevated FA effectively reduces neuroinflammation, suppresses microglial overactivation, decreases oxidative stress, and alleviates demyelination, ultimately improving motor and cognitive outcomes in mice. These results suggest that targeting endogenous FA represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS and other demyelinating disorders. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term safety, dosage optimization, and molecular pathways involved in FA-mediated neurotoxicity.
4.Non-correction in APTT correction test due to high-titer FⅧ inhibitors: a case report and literature review
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):552-556
Objective: To investigate the causes of patients with large-area bruising and hematoma on the left chest wall after fracture accompanied by significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), clarify the interference mechanism of high-titer factor Ⅷ (FⅧ) inhibitors on the APTT correction test, and provide references for clinicians to interpret test results and avoid misjudgment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a patient with large-area bruising and hematoma on the left chest wall after fracture. Tests including APTT, prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB), FⅧ activity, and inhibitor titers were completed. The results of the APTT correction test were analyzed, and the interference characteristics were discussed along with a literature review. Results: On admission, the patient's APTT was 94.0 s, while PT and FIB were normal; the Rosner indices for APTT immediately and after 2 hours incubation at 37℃ were 55.11 and 53.21, respectively; FⅧ activity was 0.64%, and the inhibitor titers were 3 379 BU·mL
, confirming that the high-titer FⅧ inhibitors caused a 'pseudo' failure to correct in the APTT correction test. Conclusion: High-titer FⅧ inhibitors can lead to a 'pseudo' failure to correct in the APTT correction test. Clinicians need to complete relevant tests in a timely manner and make a comprehensive judgment based on symptoms to avoid missed diagnoses and misdiagnosis.
5.Population composition and seasonal distribution of mosquitoes in Laoshan District, Qingdao City
Zi-long TANG ; Na YU ; Yang YU ; Fan YIN ; Bing-hui LI ; Hong-yu WANG ; Ke-jia HUANG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):114-120
Objective The study aimed to elucidate the population composition and seasonal distribution characteristics of mosquitoes in Laoshan District, Qingdao City, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Methods Mosquito surveillance was conducted in Laoshan District in Qingdao City using light traps from April to November 2020-2022. Dominant mosquito species were identified using the Berger-Parker dominance index(I)and mosquito density was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The seasonal distribution characteristics of adult mosquitoes were analyzed using concentration and circular distribution method. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between mosquito populations and meteorological factors with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity, and mean monthly rainfall. Results The mean mosquito density for the trapping period was 9.771 females/(trap·night)in 2020,9.771 in 2021, and 9.427 in 2022. There was no statistically significant difference in mosquito density between different years(H = 0.095, P = 0.954). In total, 2 781 adult female mosquitoes comprising five species from four genera were captured over three years. Culex pipiens(I = 0.654), Aedes albopictus(I = 0.202), and Aedes aegypti(I = 0.118)were identified as dominant species. Seasonal fluctuations in the adult mosquitoes were unimodal, and primarily concentrated from June to September. The peak period of adult mosquito varied between years with statistical significance. (F = 3.838, P < 0.05). Mosquito density was highly correlated with mean monthly temperature, mean monthly relative humidity and mean monthly precipitation(P< 0.05). Conclusions Cx. pipiens pallens, Ae. albopictus, and Ar. inamoratus are the dominant mosquito species in the Laoshan District of Qingdao City. The activity of adult mosquitoes is seasonal, and primarily concentrated in summer and autumn, during which the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever is increased.
6.Exploring the practical ways and significance of narrative ability training for resident physicians
Lijia DU ; Rui ZHENG ; Jia NA ; Xiaoxiong ZHU ; Zhifen YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(6):695-703
ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of narrative medicine education on the narrative ability of resident physicians undergoing standardized residency training, and to explore its application value in clinical practice. MethodsA total of 23 obstetricians and gynecologists who participated in residency training at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2021 to June 2024 were randomly selected to receive a 3-month residency training program integrated with narrative medicine education, including narrative theory learning, text reading, reflective writing, and scenario-based case analysis. A questionnaire survey was conducted to analyze the personal situation of resident physicians, their narrative ability before and after receiving narrative medicine education, and their satisfaction with teaching. ResultsThe results of the questionnaire survey showed that resident physicians who had received narrative medicine education scored higher on the narrative ability assessment scale than before training, including improved narrative abilities in the dimensions of life and health narrative awareness, professional narrative thinking, professional development narrative behavior, peer communication narrative behavior, and doctor-patient interaction narrative behavior (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the dimensions of life and health narrative behavior and family connection narrative behavior (P>0.05). Meanwhile, resident physicians’ interest in active learning, clinical thinking ability, doctor-patient communication ability, and satisfaction with teaching methods have also been improved (P<0.05). ConclusionNarrative medicine education can effectively enhance the narrative ability of resident physicians and make up for the current deficiencies in humanistic literacy and ethical education in current medical education. It is of great significance for improving doctor-patient relationships and the quality of medical services. Therefore, it is recommended to integrate narrative medicine education into the regular training curriculum for resident physicians.
7.Diagnostic value of multimodality-enhanced CT-based radiomics nomogram for muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma
Na LI ; Shifeng YANG ; Fei GAO ; Hexiang WANG ; Jia GUO ; Ximing WANG
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(5):790-794
Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of multimodality-enhanced CT-based radiomics nomogram for muscle-inva-sive bladder urothelial carcinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the preoperative data of 644 patients with pathologically confirmed bladder urothelial carcinoma from three medical centers.Region of interest(ROI)were drawn on preopera-tive contrast-enhanced CT images,and radiomics features were extracted.Patients from medical center 1 were randomly divided into training set and internal validation set in a 7∶3 ratio,while patients from medical centers 2 and 3 were combined as an external val-idation set.The diagnostic performance of the models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results In the external validation set,the area under the curve(AUC)for diagnosing muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma using the multi-phase fusion radiomics model was 0.861[95% confidence interval(CI)0.811-0.911].The nomogram constructed by combi-ning the multi-phase fusion radiomics model with clinical factors achieved an AUC of 0.901(95% CI 0.862-0.939).Conclusion The nomogram combining multimodality-enhanced CT-based radiomics with clinical factors can effectively diagnose muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma.
8.Optimization of feeding and breeding methods for interferon-γknockout mice
Huimin LIU ; Xi HE ; Ruilian JIA ; Na LI ; Rui XU ; Yaoyu FENG ; Lihua XIAO ; Yaqiong GUO
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(4):489-500
Objective The purpose of the study is to breed homozygous interferon-γ knockout(IFN-γ-/-)mice and optimize the breeding strategies to achieve continuous and stable reproduction of IFN-γ-/-mice,which could be used as an ideal animal model for fundamental research.Methods Initially,heterozygous IFN-γ knockout(IFN-γ+/-)C57BL/6J mice were used as the parental generation for breeding.Subsequently,3 breeding strategies were employed using the offspring:(1)female heterozygotes mated with male heterozygotes;(2)male homozygotes mated with female heterozygotes;(3)female homozygotes mated with male homozygotes.The number and survival rate of IFN-γ-/-mice were compared across the three breeding strategies to determine the optimal breeding strategy.Under the optimal strategy,the effects of female mating age and diet type on the reproductive performance of IFN-γ-/-mice were further evaluated.Data from the first three litters of 60 IFN-γ-/-female mice,including litter size,number of weaning survivors,and weaning survival rate,were recorded and analyzed.In addition,the effects of dietary supplementation of pregnant mice and environmental optimization measures,such as the provision of shelters,were evaluated.Results Under conditions where the nutritional needs of pregnant mice were adequately met by supplementation with egg yolk and sunflower seeds,mating of female and male IFN-γ-/-mice result ed in a litter size of five to eight IFN-γ-/-mice,demonstrating higher efficiency compared to other breeding strategies.In addition,diet type and mating age significantly influenced female reproductive performance.When 7~9 weeks old female IFN-γ-/-mice were mated to male IFN-γ-/-mice and fed a high-protein breeding diet,litter size(6.9±1.7),weaning survival number(6.5%±2.0%)and weaning survival rate(93.2%±17.8%)were higher than those under other conditions.In addition,providing shelters to prevent fighting between breeding pairs further improved reproductive outcomes.Conclusions By adopting an optimized breeding strategy,combined with a high-protein diet,nutritional supplementation,and standardized mating age management,the breeding efficiency and stability of IFN-γ-/-mice can be significantly improved.This provides a reliable animal model for related research.
9.The effect of different doses of butolphinol on levels of serum prolactin, serotonin and lipid hydrogen peroxide after cesarean section
Yongning ZHU ; Danni XU ; Shuang YANG ; Ning XIE ; Na XIAN ; Zhi JIA
Chinese Journal of Postgraduates of Medicine 2025;48(6):510-515
Objective:To analyze the effects of different doses of butorphanol on prolactin, serotonin and lipid hydrogen peroxide after cesarean section.Methods:A total of 124 women who underwent cesarean section in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from January 2023 to January 2024 were prospectatively selected as study subjects, and divided into the study group 1 (41 cases), study group 2 (41 cases) and study group 3 (42 cases) according to random number table method. All three groups underwent patient-controlled analgesia after surgery, and 0.2 mg fentanyl was used as analgesic drug. However, the doses of butorphanol were 100 mg/L in the study group 1, 120 mg/L in the study group 2, and 140 mg/L in the study group 3. The level of PRL and first lactation time before and after surgery were compared among the three groups at different time points, serotonin and LHP levels were compared among the three groups at different time points after surgery, Ramsay and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared among the three groups at different time points after surgery, and the occurrence of adverse reactions and satisfaction with analgesic effect were compared among the three groups.Results:At 24, 48 and 72 h after operation, the level of PRL in the study group 3 was higher than that in the study group 2 and study group 1: (383.02 ± 47.57) μg/L vs. (376.39 ± 46.83), (302.88 ± 41.38) μg/L; (412.38 ± 40.22) μg/L vs. (394.82 ± 38.30), (315.09 ± 37.93) μg/L; (434.39 ± 39.39) μg/L vs. (427.48 ± 40.27), (344.39 ± 42.78) μg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The first lactation time in the study group 2 and study group 3 was lower than that in the study group 1: (50.31 ± 6.52), (49.54 ± 6.27) h vs. (53.91 ± 8.42) h, there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). At 2 h (T 1), 12 h (T 2), 24 h (T 3) and 48 h (T 4) after surgery, the levels of serotonin in the study group 3, study group 2 and study group 1 were increased successively, and the levels of LHP were decreased successively, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). At 30 min after surgery (T 0), T 1, T 2, T 3 and T 4, the Ramsay score in the study group 3, study group 2 and study group 1 were increased successively, and the VAS score were decreased successively, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among the three groups ( P>0.05). The total satisfaction of study group 3 was higher than that of study group 2 and study group 1: 92.86%(39/42) vs. 73.17%(30/41), 68.29%(28/41), there was statistical difference ( Z = 2.52, P = 0.008). Conclusions:Butorphanol 140 mg/L has a more significant analgesic effect after cesarean section, and can improve the levels of serum PRL, serotonin and LHP, reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions, and improve the satisfaction of analgesia
10.Efficacy of a short-penis therapeutic apparatus on penile dysplasia in children and prediction of the penile dysplasia index.
Wan-Ting PU ; Yi-Na MA ; Turdi NAFISA ; Kai-Fang LIU ; Jia LI
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(1):34-38
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the therapeutic effect of the short-penis treatment apparatus and wide-band infrared therapy apparatus on penile dysplasia (PDP) in children and establish objective parameters for assessing the severity of PDP.
METHODS:
This study included 252 children received in the Department of pediatric urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January to December 2023, 102 with PDP (the PDP group) and the other 150 with normal penile development (the control group), those of the former group treated with the short-penis therapeutic apparatus and wide-band infrared therapy apparatus. Before and after 30 days of treatment, we measured the flaccid penile length (FPL), stretched penile length (SPL) and penile diameters (PD) of the children, and defined the penile dysplasia index as the FPL/SPL and FPL/PD ratios.
RESULTS:
The penile parameters exhibited statistically significant differences between the PDP and control groups, (FPL:[1.97±0.72]cm vs [3.25±0.51] cm, P<0.01; SPL:[3.80±0.81]cm vs [5.21±0.79]cm,P<0.01).The FPL remarkably increased in the PDP group after treatment([1.97±0.72]cm vs [2.90±1.20] cm, P<0.01). Both FPL and SPL were notably shorter in the PDP cases than in the controls, with the cutoff values of 0.57 and 2.09, sensitivities of 80.7% and 95.3%, and specificities of 69.6% and 82.4% for FPL/SPL and FPL/PD, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The short-penis therapeutic apparatus and wide-band infrared therapy apparatus can promote the growth and development of the penis in children. The ratio of FPL/PD can serve as an objective indicator to effectively describe the severity of penile developmental abnormalities.
Humans
;
Male
;
Penis/abnormalities*
;
Child
;
Penile Diseases/therapy*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Infant


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