With the rapid advancement of medical technology and the increasing complexity of clinical environments, competence in clinical ethical decision-making has become an indispensable core competency for exemplary physicians. However, traditional medical ethics education has long been confronted with the persistent challenges of theory-practice dissociation and the disconnect between pedagogical settings and clinical realities. Thus, how to construct a "Clinical Ethics" curriculum that aligns with the objectives of training high-caliber medical professionals has emerged as a critical and challenging issue in current medical education reform. To effectively address this challenge, the Office of Education at Peking University Third Hospital, since 2021, has assembled a multidisciplinary "Clinical Ethics" teaching and management team comprising faculty from Peking University School of Humanities and key clinical specialists from the hospital. In 2022, the "Clinical Ethics" elective course was formally launched for fourth-year students in the eight-year MD program who had completed coursework in "Medical Ethics" and organ-system-based curricula, with the aim of exploring and operationalizing a pre-clinical ethics education model tailored for senior medical students. The course employs a modular instructional design encompassing "theoretical review-case-based deliberation-clinical workshop", which effectively facilitates the deep integration of medical humanities with clinical practice.Following four years of iterative refinement through the "plan-act-observe-reflect" cycle, the course has demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing students' ethical awareness and decision-making capabilities, and has preliminarily established a sustainable collaborative mechanism among the multidisciplinary faculty team. This article systematically delineates the course development background, pedagogical model and methodological innovations, and the multidisciplinary collaborative framework, alongside reflections and summaries based on implementation outcomes, with the intent of providing references for the future development of "Clinical Ethics" curricula.

Descurainiae Semen Lepidii Semen, also known as Tinglizi, originates from Brassicaceae plants Descurainia sophia or Lepidium apetalum. The former is commonly referred to as "Southern Tinglizi(Descurainiae Semen)", while the latter is known as "Northern Tinglizi(Lepidii Semen)". To scientifically and accurately identify the origin of Tinglizi medicinal materials and traditional Chinese medicine products, this study developed a specific DNA mini-barcode based on chloroplast genome sequences. By combining the DNA mini-barcode with DNA metabarcoding technology, a method for the qualitative and quantitative identification of Tinglizi medicinal materials and Chinese patent medicines was established. In this study, chloroplast genomes of Southern Tinglizi and Northern Tinglizi and seven commonly encountered counterfeit products were downloaded from the GenBank database. Suitable polymorphic regions were identified to differentiate these species, enabling the development of the DNA mini-barcode. Using DNA metabarcoding technology, medicinal material mixtures of Southern and Northern Tinglizi, as well as the most common counterfeit product, Capsella bursa-pastoris seeds, were analyzed to validate the qualitative and quantitative capabilities of the mini-barcode and determine its minimum detection limit. Additionally, the mini-barcode was applied to Chinese patent medicines containing Tinglizi to authenticate their botanical origin. The results showed that the developed mini-barcode(psbB) exhibited high accuracy and specificity, effectively distinguishing between the two authentic origins of Tinglizi and commonly encountered counterfeit products. The analysis of mixtures demonstrated that the mini-barcode had excellent qualitative and quantitative capabilities, accurately identifying the composition of Chinese medicinal materials in mixed samples with varying proportions. Furthermore, the analysis of Chinese patent medicines revealed the presence of the adulterant species(Capsella bursa-pastoris) in addition to the authentic species(Southern and Northern Tinglizi), indicating the occurrence of adulteration in commercially available Tinglizi-containing products. This study developed a method for the qualitative and quantitative identification of multi-origin Chinese medicinal materials and related products, providing a model for research on other multi-origin Chinese medicinal materials.
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Drug Contamination ; Genome, Chloroplast ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

This study explored the prescription pattern of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the treatment of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH), so as to provide a relevant theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hypertensive LVH. The study systematically searched the databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed to screen out the qualified literature on TCM treatment of hypertensive LVH and used Microsoft Excel 2021 to establish the relevant prescription database. It also counted the frequency, property, flavor, and meridian affiliation of TCM in the prescriptions and classified their efficacy. The study used Lantern 5.0 and Rstudio software to analyze the hidden structural models and association rules of the high-frequency TCM with a frequency of >3.50% and adopted Origin 2024 software to visualize the data, so as to explore the prescription pattern of TCM in treating hypertensive LVH. The results showed that a total of 128 TCM prescriptions were included, involving 163 TCM with a total frequency of 1 242. The high-frequency TCM included Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis, Gastrodiae Rhizoma, Poria, and Chuanxiong Rhizoma, with the main efficacy from blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs, tonic herbs, and liver-calming and wind-extinguishing herbs. The latent structure analysis(LSA) identified 10 latent variables, 20 latent classes, 7 comprehensive clustering models, and 23 core prescriptions. It was speculated that the common syndromes of hypertensive LVH included blood stasis obstructing the collaterals, ascending hyperactivity of liver Yang, Yin deficiency with Yang hyperactivity, and intermingled phlegm and blood stasis. The association rule analysis yielded 33 strong association rules, with the highest comprehensive association rule being Gastrodiae Rhizoma→Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis. Hypertensive LVH is characterized by asthenia in origin and asthenia in superficiality, with Yin deficiency and Qi deficiency as the origin and blood stasis and phlegm as the superficiality. Clinical treatment focuses on activating blood circulation, resolving stasis, tonifying Qi, and nourishing Yin, combined with syndrome-specific therapies such as calming wind and stopping convulsions, clearing heat, eliminating dampness and resolving phlegm, and promoting diuresis and reducing swelling.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Data Mining ; Humans ; Hypertension/complications* ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular/physiopathology* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Drug Prescriptions

Osteoporotic fractures(OPF) refer to the fractures caused by minor violence in the state of osteoporosis, seriously threatening the life and health of elderly patients. Drug and surgical therapies have limitations such as single targets, diverse adverse reactions, and poor prognosis. Kidney-tonifying traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has good potential in the treatment of OPF. TCM can promote the healing of OPF by promoting angiogenesis in the early stage of bone healing, promoting osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the stage of bone repair, maintaining the balance of osteogenic and osteoclastic system in the stage of bone remodeling, and regulating the oxidative stress responses throughout the process of OPF healing. TCM can alleviate the pathological state of osteoporosis and promote fracture healing in OPF patients via multiple pathways and targets, demonstrating the advantages and potential of biphasic regulation.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Osteoporotic Fractures/metabolism* ; Animals ; Fracture Healing/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Kidney/metabolism* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects*

Guided by Academician Zhang Boli's theory of "dampness， turbidity， phlegm， and fluid-related diseases"，this paper elaborated on the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation treatment of heart failure from the perspective of the "spleen-mitochondria". It analyzed the essential similarities between "spleen-mitochondria" and "dampness， turbidity， phlegm， and fluid-related diseases"， as well as their close association with the onset of heart failure. Furthermore，it explored the connection between spleen function and mitochondrial function in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM），positing that the spleen's role in transportation and transformation is analogous to mitochondrial material metabolism and energy conversion，with spleen deficiency closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. It thus concluded that mitochondrial material metabolism and energy conversion represent the microscopic essence of the spleen's role in transportation and transformation，and mitochondrial dysfunction is a contributing factor to pathological products like dampness and turbid phlegm，which are closely associated with the occurrence of heart failure. The four elements of dampness，turbidity，phlegm，and fluid are a series of related symptoms resulting from abnormal fluid transportation and transformation，serving as both factors in the onset of heart failure and the core pathological basis for its deterioration. Therefore，during the treatment of heart failure，it is essential to regulate mitochondrial function. Early intervention should focus on eliminating dampness and turbidity to improve mitochondrial function and restore normal energy metabolism. In the middle and late stages，emphasis should be placed on resolving phlegm，promoting blood circulation，warming Yang，and reducing water retention to alleviate mitochondrial damage and improve cardiac function. Supporting Qi and strengthening the spleen should be a continuous approach，and treatment should be adjusted to enhance mitochondrial function and stabilize the condition，thereby improving prognosis. This paper discussed the role of the spleen and mitochondria in the pathogenesis of heart failure，examined the evolution of heart failure mechanisms from the perspective of dampness， turbidity， phlegm， and fluid-related diseases，and proposed a phased treatment strategy. It enriched the theory of dampness， turbidity， phlegm， and fluid-related diseases and offered new strategies for heart failure treatment. However，in practical application，TCM strategies for treating heart failure need to be integrated with modern medical approaches to provide a more solid scientific foundation for treatment.

BACKGROUND:Carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors play a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis.However,the effects of different exercise intensity interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats remain to be revealed. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different exercise intensity interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS:Thirty-two 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group(n=12)and modeling group(n=20)after 1 week of adaptive feeding.Rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus were prepared by high-fat diet and single injection of streptozotocin.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into diabetic control group(n=6),moderate-intensity exercise group(n=6)and high-intensity intermittent exercise group(n=6).The latter two groups were subjected to treadmill training at corresponding intensities,once a day,50 minutes each,and 5 days per week.Exercise intervention in each group was carried out for 6 weeks.After the intervention,ELISA was used to detect blood glucose and blood lipids of rats.The morphological changes of skeletal muscle were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The mRNA expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.The protein expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal control group,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,insulin resistance index in the diabetic control group were significantly increased(P<0.01),insulin activity was decreased(P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein levels of carboxylesterase 1,never in mitosis gene A related kinase 7(NEK7)and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle tissue were upregulated(P<0.05).Compared with the diabetic control group,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and insulin resistance index in the moderate-intensity exercise group and high-intensity intermittent exercise group were down-regulated(P<0.05),and insulin activity was increased(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the diabetic control group,the mRNA level of NEK7 and the protein levels of carboxylesterase 1,NEK7 and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle were decreased in the moderate-intensity exercise group(P<0.05),while the mRNA levels of carboxylesterase 1,NEK7,NOD-like receptor heat protein domain associated protein 3 and interleukin 18 and the protein levels of carboxylesterase 1 and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle were downregulated in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that compared with the diabetic control group,the cavities of myofibers in the moderate-intensity exercise group became smaller,the number of internal cavities was reduced,and the cellular structure tended to be more intact;the myocytes of rats in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group were loosely arranged,with irregular tissue shape and increased cavities in myofibers.To conclude,both moderate-intensity exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise can reduce blood glucose,lipid,insulin resistance and carboxylesterase 1 levels in type 2 diabetic rats.Moderate-intensity exercise can significantly reduce the expression level of NEK7 protein in skeletal muscle,while high-intensity intermittent exercise can significantly reduce the expression level of interleukin 18 protein in skeletal muscle.In addition,the level of carboxylesterase 1 is closely related to the levels of NEK7 and interleukin 18.

Objective:To investigate the radioactivity levels and variation trends of 90Sr in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant in operation. Methods:From 2012 to 2022, the source, factory, and tap water was collected within 30 km around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant during the wet and dry seasons (i.e., May and October, respectively) each year to determine the 90Sr concentration in water. According to the dietary habits of local residents, four kinds of food, including rice, cabbage, mullet, and crucian carp, were collected to determine and analyze the 90Sr radioactivity concentration in food using the bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid extraction chromatographic method. Results:From 2012 to 2022, the 90Sr radioactivity concentrations in the source, factory, and tap water around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant ranged from 3.73 to 11.89 mBq/L, 2.95 to 9.83 mBq/L, and 3.12 to 8.70 mBq/L, respectively, showing nonsignificant fluctuations over the years. The 90Sr radioactivity concentrations in rice, cabbage, mullet, and crucian carp ranged from 0.02 to 0.46 Bq/kg (dry weight), 0.26 to 1.07 Bq/kg (fresh weight), 0.38 to 1.05 Bq/kg (fresh weight), and 0.08 to 1.32 Bq/kg (fresh weight), respectively, all below the national standard limits. Conclusions:From 2012 to 2022, the 90Sr radioactivity levels in drinking water and food around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant were at the background level and remained stable.

Objective To identify the enhancer profile marked by histone H3K27ac modification in high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia(HGIN)in order to reveal the novel regulatory mechanism of HGIN pathogensis.Methods Gastric tissue samples were collected from Department of Gastroenterology of Army Medical Center of PLA between June 2022 and June 2023,including 14 normal gastric tissues(Nor group),31 HGIN tissues(HGIN group)and 17 gastric cancer tissues(GC group).Cleavage under targets and tagmentation(CUT&Tag)technique was employed to capture enhancer regions modified by histone H3K27ac.Multi-omics analysis was performed to identify HGIN-specific active enhancers and their potentially regulated genes.Immunohistochemical profiling was performed to assess differential expression of the gene of interest across clinically stratified specimens,combined with CRISPR-dCas9-mediated ablation of active enhancers to monitor the gene of interest transcriptional dynamics and validate enhancer-mediated regulatory mechanisms.Results Epigenomic sequencing obtained the data with excellent quality,and indicated that obvious remodeling was observed in H3K27ac enhancers in HGIN and GC groups(P<0.05),though no significant difference in the genome-wide distribution of H3K27ac modification among the 3 groups.Combining transcriptome data revealed that enhancer remodeling may up-regulate the expression of the proliferation-related target gene,CD24,in the HGIN tissue;while,inhibiting enhancer activity can notably reduce CD24 expression level(P<0.05).Immunohistochemical assay displayed a positive correlation between the expression levels of CD24 and Ki-67(P<0.001).Conclusion The remodeling of H3K27ac enhancer represents a significant epigenetic feature of the transformation from normal condition to HGIN.Remodeling of H3K27ac enhancer up-regulates CD24,which may facilitate the abnormal proliferation of gastric epithelial cells.

Objective To analyze clinical characteristics of mesenchymal-subtype gastric cancer(Mes-GC)by integrating multi-omics data and explore the characteristics of tumor cells and microenvironment associated with the risk for recurrence.Methods Gastric tumor tissue samples were collected from the patients who visited Department of Gastroenterology of Army Medical Center of PLA from January 2022 to December 2023.Transcriptome and genome sequencing were applied for these tissue samples,including 19 cases of diffuse-type gastric cancer,22 cases of intestinal-type gastric cancer,and 23 cases of mixed-type gastric cancer patients.Bioinformatics analysis was employed to investigate the differences in clinical characteristics and tumor microenvironment between Mes-GC and non-mesenchymal-subtype gastric cancer(non-Mes-GC)by integrating data resources including The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA),Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO),and National Genomics Data Center(NGDC).Results Compared to non-Mes-GC patients,Mes-GC ones were characterized by later clinical stages,deeper tumor infiltration,and higher rates of lymph node metastasis.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis confirmed that Mes-GC patients were associated with shorter survival time,poor prognosis as well as increased risk of cancer recurrence(P<0.05).Single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed that tumor cells in Mes-GC showed higher expression levels of the genes related to stemness,metastasis(P<0.05),and epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT).And in the tumor microenvironment,there were significant more myeloid cells,smooth muscle cells,endothelial cells and fibroblasts,with the most pronounced elevation in the proportion of fibroblasts(P<0.05).Moreover,the patients with larger proportion of fibroblasts were associated with poorer prognosis.Conclusion Mes-GC tumor cells exhibit higher stemness and EMT characteristics,and stromal cells such as myeloid cells,endothelial cells,and fibroblasts are enriched in the tumor microenvironment.These features may be key factors contributing to poor prognosis and high recurrence rate of Mes-GC.

Objective To identify the enhancer landscape marked by histone H3K27ac modifications in diffuse-type gastric cancer(DGC)tissues,and to elucidate the epigenetic remodeling mechanisms by which active enhancers regulate cachexia-related genes.Methods Gastric mucosal tissue samples were collected from Department of Gastroenterology of Army Medical Center of PLA during January 2022 to March 2023,including 10 normal gastric mucosa tissues(Normal group),10 DGC tissues diagnosed with cachexia(DGC group),and 10 organoids derived from DGC tissues(Organoid group).Using H3K27ac chromatin targeting cleavage and tagmentation(CUT&Tag)technology,genomic modification regions were captured to screen specific active enhancers and their potential target genes in DGC tissues.CRISPR-dCas9 gene editing technology was used to intervene with the enhancers,and the expression of target genes was detected with Western blotting and qRT-PCR.Sixteen female SPF-grade BALB/c Nude mice(6～8 weeks old,weighing 18～21 g)were utilized to establish an orthotopic xenograft tumor model using the human diffuse-type gastric cancer cell line MKN45.Cachexia-related phenotypes were evaluated in 3 groups:normal group(n=4),silencing group(n=6),and control group(n=6).Results Significant differential enhancer regions were identified between DGC and normal gastric mucosa tissues.DGC tissues exhibited a marked increase in enhancer abundance(P<0.05)and signal intensity when compared with the normal counterparts.Integrated analysis of transcriptome data revealed that some of these active enhancers up-regulated the expression of GDF15,a cachexia-associated target gene in DGC.Targeted silencing of the active enhancer of GDF15 using CRISPR/dCas9-KRAB plasmid technology resulted in a significant reduction in GDF15 expression at both mRNA levels(P<0.05)and protein.Results from orthotopic transplantation experiments of DGC demonstrated that silencing of active enhancers alleviated the cachexia phenotype in nude mice(P<0.05).Conclusion DGC exhibits enhancer remodeling,which regulates the expression of the cachexia-associated gene GDF15,and thereby contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of cancer cachexia.