1.Exploration of Training System for Visiting Physicians in Department of Rare Diseases
Jiayuan DAI ; Jing XIE ; Jingjing CHAI ; Yueying MAO ; Chunlei LI ; Yaping LIU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):112-116
The construction of a training system for visiting physicians in the department of rare diseases in China is an important measure to improve the overall diagnosis and treatment capacity for rare diseases and address the critical challenge of insufficient knowledge and skills among clinicians in practice. This article systematically describes the visiting physician training system established by the Department of Rare Diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. It summarizes the training objectives and positioning, design logic, and learning modules of the system, aiming to provide a reference for the construction of the specialized talent team for rare diseases in China.
2.Effects of Zhenwu decoction on inflammation,oxidative stress,and apoptosis in glomerular epithelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide
Man-fei WANG ; Xi CHAI ; Xia-xia GAO ; Kai-bo CHU ; Yu-min ZHANG ; Yue-feng TIAN ; Li-qing HE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):985-993
Aim To investigate the effect of Zhenwu decoction on inflammation,oxidative stress and apopto-sis of human glomerular epithelial cells(HGEC)in-duced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)based on Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods HGEC were treated with LPS(1.0 mg·L-1)for 24 h to construct an oxidative damage model.On this basis,2.5%,5%and 10%Zhenwu decoction-containing serum were added to the low,medium and high dose groups of Zhenwu decoc-tion,and a normal group was set up.The changes of cell activity were assessed by MTT method and LDH method.The contents of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10,SOD,CAT,GSH-Px,ROS and MDA in each group were de-tected by ELISA.The apoptosis of each group was de-tected by flow cytometry.The mRNA and protein ex-pressions of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,caspase-9 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot,respectively.Results Compared to the normal group,the model group of HGEC exhibited increased levels of inflammatory cytokines,enhanced oxidative stress response and aggravated apoptosis;after inter-vention with various doses of Zhenwu decoction,the in-flammatory levels in HGEC were reduced,oxidative damage and apoptosis were effectively ameliorated,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway were upregulated.Conclu-sions Zhenwu decoction can protect HGEC from LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative damage and im-prove apoptosis.The mechanism may be related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
3.Effects of key molecules in m6A methylation modification on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Zhi-rong CHENG ; Min YAO ; Xue-yun LI ; Chao-jie CHAI ; Pin-xiang DANG ; Si-yu WANG ; Fang-lin ZHANG ; Xin LYU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):150-157
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)and methyltransferase methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3),key molecules in N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification,on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV).Recombinant lentiviruses were generated by packaging the FTO and green fluorescent protein into lentiviral vectors.Neuro2a cells,a mouse neuroblastoma cell line,were infected with the lentivirus,and stable FTO-expressing cell lines were obtained through puromycin selection.Successful overexpression of FTO was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy,real-time quantitative PCR,and western blot analysis.When Neuro2a cells overexpressing FTO were infected with JEV,the overexpression of FTO decreased JEV replication in the cells,and increased the expression of interferon(IFN)and related molecules.Additionally,treatment of JEV-infected Neuro2a cells with the METTL3-specific inhibitor STM2457 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in JEV replication and viral protein expression.These findings suggested that lowering m6A methylation levels inhibits JEV replication,thus shedding light on the regulatory role of methylation modification in JEV replication.
4.Effects of Zhenwu decoction on inflammation,oxidative stress,and apoptosis in glomerular epithelial cells induced by lipopolysaccharide
Man-fei WANG ; Xi CHAI ; Xia-xia GAO ; Kai-bo CHU ; Yu-min ZHANG ; Yue-feng TIAN ; Li-qing HE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):985-993
Aim To investigate the effect of Zhenwu decoction on inflammation,oxidative stress and apopto-sis of human glomerular epithelial cells(HGEC)in-duced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)based on Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods HGEC were treated with LPS(1.0 mg·L-1)for 24 h to construct an oxidative damage model.On this basis,2.5%,5%and 10%Zhenwu decoction-containing serum were added to the low,medium and high dose groups of Zhenwu decoc-tion,and a normal group was set up.The changes of cell activity were assessed by MTT method and LDH method.The contents of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-10,SOD,CAT,GSH-Px,ROS and MDA in each group were de-tected by ELISA.The apoptosis of each group was de-tected by flow cytometry.The mRNA and protein ex-pressions of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,caspase-9 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot,respectively.Results Compared to the normal group,the model group of HGEC exhibited increased levels of inflammatory cytokines,enhanced oxidative stress response and aggravated apoptosis;after inter-vention with various doses of Zhenwu decoction,the in-flammatory levels in HGEC were reduced,oxidative damage and apoptosis were effectively ameliorated,and the mRNA and protein expression levels of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway were upregulated.Conclu-sions Zhenwu decoction can protect HGEC from LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative damage and im-prove apoptosis.The mechanism may be related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
5.Analysis of potential profiles and influencing factors of body image disorder in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Qiao SUN ; Wenping HAN ; Huiqin HAN ; Peishan CHAI ; Min LI ; Yanxing CAO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(22):1720-1727
Objective:To explore the potential types of body image disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to analyze the influencing factors of each category, so as to provide a basis for clinical formulation of targeted intervention programs.Methods:A total of 275 patients with PCOS who visited the outpatient clinic of the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Fenyang Hospital of Shanxi Province from April 2023 to April 2024 were selected by convenience sampling, and the general information questionnaires, Body Image Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3, and Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve were used to conduct a cross-sectional survey. The potential profile analysis of body image disorders in PCOS patients was carried out, and the influencing factors of different categories were explored by multivariate Logistic regression analysis.Results:A total of 260 patients with PCOS were surveyed in this study, and 113 patients (43.5%) were aged 25-35 years old. The score of the Body Image Scale for PCOS patients was 11.00 (7.25, 14.00) points, the score of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 was (44.80 ± 4.65) points, and the score of Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve was (5.80 ± 1.43) points. PCOS patients were divided into three potential categories: low body image impairment group (37.3%, 97/260), intermediate body image level-high cognitive impairment group (38.1%, 99/260), and high body image impairment group (24.6%, 64/260). Body mass index, acne, alopecia, reproductive history, course of disease, whether medical staff have carried out detailed education, social media attention and internalization, and family care were the influencing factors of potential types of body image disorders in PCOS patients ( OR values were 0.339-19.099, all P<0.05). Conclusions:There is obvious group heterogeneity in patients with PCOS body image disorders, and medical staff should formulate targeted interventions according to the characteristics and influencing factors of each category to improve patients′ lifestyle, reduce the level of body image disorders.
6.Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP)
Jae Hoon MOON ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Wonjae CHA ; Young Jun CHAI ; Sun Wook CHO ; June Young CHOI ; Sung Yong CHOI ; A Jung CHU ; Eun-Jae CHUNG ; Yul HWANGBO ; Woo-Jin JEONG ; Yuh-Seog JUNG ; Kyungsik KIM ; Min Joo KIM ; Su-jin KIM ; Woochul KIM ; Yoo Hyung KIM ; Chang Yoon LEE ; Ji Ye LEE ; Kyu Eun LEE ; Young Ki LEE ; Hunjong LIM ; Do Joon PARK ; Sue K. PARK ; Chang Hwan RYU ; Junsun RYU ; Jungirl SEOK ; Young Shin SONG ; Ka Hee YI ; Hyeong Won YU ; Eleanor WHITE ; Katerina MASTROCOSTAS ; Roderick J. CLIFTON-BLIGH ; Anthony GLOVER ; Matti L. GILD ; Ji-hoon KIM ; Young Joo PARK
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;40(2):236-246
Background:
Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making.
Methods:
This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.
7.Expression of YARS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its prognostic effect
Linhui HU ; Jing PAN ; Hao CHENG ; Tiantian YAO ; Jiandan QIAN ; Lingjie CAO ; Min CHAI ; Jiaying CHAI ; Guiqiang WANG ; Yan WANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(2):151-158
Objective:To explore the expression of YARS1, the subform of protein-based tRNA synthase ( YARS1), and its prognostic effect on the analysis of gene set enrichment in hepatocellular carcinoma Methods:The expressional condition of the YARS1 gene in tumor tissue samples (374 cases) and adjacent tissue samples (50 cases) of hepatocellular carcinoma patients was compared and recorded by mining the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Hepatocellular carcinoma patients were divided into high expression and low expression groups according to this data. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between YARS1 and the clinical pathological characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The effect of YARS1 expression on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The prognostic value of the YARS1 gene for hepatocellular carcinoma was analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to evaluate the gene pathways related to YARS1 in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Results:The expression of the YARS1 gene was higher in hepatocellular carcinoma tissue than in normal tissue ( P<0.001). The expression level of YARS1 was correlated with the grade of patients ( P<0.05), but not with age, gender, TNM stage, and others ( P>0.05). The results of Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test showed that the survival rate was lower in patients with high YARS1 gene expression than that of patients with low YARS1 gene expression ( P<0.001). The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that YARS1 was used as an independent prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma [hazard ratio=1.10, 95% confidence interval (1.050-1.156), P<0.001]. The results of gene set enrichment analysis showed that YARS1 was involved in pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, ppar signal transduction pathway, oocyte meiosis, amino acid and nucleotide sugar metabolism, RNA degradation, complement pathway, valine and isoleucine degradation, spliceosome, and other pathways. Conclusion:The high expression of YARS1 is associated with the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, this gene is expected to become a novel biomarker and a sort of target for biological therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma.
8.Analysis of impact of host plants on quality of Taxilli Herba based on widely targeted metabolomics.
Dong-Lan ZHOU ; Zi-Shu CHAI ; Mei RU ; Fei-Ying HUANG ; Xie-Jun ZHANG ; Min GUO ; Yong-Hua LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3281-3290
This study aims to explore the impact of host plants on the quality of Taxilli Herba and provide a theoretical basis for the quality control of Taxilli Herba. The components of Taxilli Herba from three different host plants(Morus alba, Salix babylonica, and Cinnamomum cassia) and its 3 hosts(mulberry branch, willow branch, and cinnamon branch) were detected by widely targeted metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS). Principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and Venn diagram were employed for analysis. A total of 717 metabolites were detected in Taxilli Herba from the three host plants and the branches of these host plants by UPLC-MS/MS. The results of PCA and OPLS-DA of Taxilli Herba from the three different host plants showed an obvious separation trend due to the different effects of host plants. The Venn diagram showed that there were 32, 8, and 26 characteristic metabolites in samples of Taxilli Herba from M. alba host, S. babylonica host, and C. cassia host, respectively. It was found by comparing the characteristic metabolites of Taxilli Herba and its hosts that each host transmits its characteristic components to Taxilli Herba, so that the Taxilli Herba contains the characteristic components of the host. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the differential metabolites of Taxilli Herba from the three hosts were mainly enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Furthermore, the differential metabolites enriching pathways of Taxilli Herba from the three hosts were different depending on the host. In a word, host plants have a significant impact on the metabolites of Taxilli Herba, and it may be an important factor for the quality of Taxilli Herba.
Metabolomics/methods*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
;
Quality Control
;
Salix/chemistry*
;
Cinnamomum aromaticum/metabolism*
;
Principal Component Analysis
9.Synthetic data production for biomedical research
Yun Gyeong LEE ; Mi-Sook KWAK ; Jeong Eun KIM ; Min Sun KIM ; Dong Un NO ; Hee Youl CHAI
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2025;16(2):94-99
Synthetic data, generated using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, replicates the statistical properties of real-world datasets while excluding identifiable information.Although synthetic data does not consist of actual data points, it is derived from original datasets, thereby enabling analyses that yield results comparable to those obtained with real data. Synthetic datasets are evaluated based on their utility—a measure of how effectively they mirror real data for analytical purposes. This paper presents the generation of synthetic datasets through the Healthcare Big Data Showcase Project (2019–2023). The original dataset comprises comprehensive multi-omics data from 400 individuals, including cancer survivors, chronic disease patients, and healthy participants. Synthetic data facilitates efficient access and robust analyses, serving as a practical tool for research and education. It addresses privacy concerns, supports AI research, and provides a foundation for innovative applications across diverse fields, such as public health and precision medicine.
10.Analysis of Learner Types According to Self-Efficacy and Team-Member Exchange:Using K-means Clustering
Korean Journal of Aerospace and Environmental Medicine 2025;35(1):14-20
Purpose:
This study investigates the relationship between self-efficacy and teammember exchange (TMX) among aviation service students, and examines how these factors influence academic achievement and collaborative behavior. Self-efficacy, based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, is defined as an individual’s belief in their ability to overcome challenges, while TMX reflects the quality of social exchanges among team members.
Methods:
A convenience sample of undergraduate students from an aviation service department was recruited, yielding 65 valid responses. Self-efficacy was measured using the New General Self-Efficacy Scale along with additional validated items, and TMX was assessed with a TMX-10 scale, both utilizing a 5-point Likert scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, K-means clustering to identify behavioral segments, ANOVA for group comparisons, and regression analysis to explore the relationship between self-efficacy and TMX.
Results:
The analysis revealed four distinct behavioral clusters: confident collaborator, team player, reserved individual, and solo achiever. Results indicated that higher selfefficacy is associated with enhanced TMX and academic performance. Moreover, significant differences in self-efficacy and TMX scores were observed across the clusters, and regression analysis confirmed a positive relationship between selfefficacy and the quality of team interactions.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the importance of fostering both self-efficacy and effective team exchanges to optimize collaborative learning environments in aviation service education. Tailored educational interventions based on behavioral clustering can further enhance academic outcomes and prepare students for professional challenges.

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