1.Narrative integration and improvement of patients’ quality of life from the perspective of narrative medicine
Xiaolin YANG ; Feng TIAN ; Xia ZHOU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):207-214
“Bio-narrative integration” refers to the process in which a life subject with narrative consciousness actively reviews and reintegrates their life stories, or a subject lacking life and health narrative awareness, with the intervention of healthcare professionals, tells their own life stories and integrates them into a coherent and constantly evolving life narrative process. Starting from the keyword of bio-narrative integration, this paper proposed a classification model of narrative integration. From the perspective of life stages, it was divided into “phasic narrative integration” and “holistic narrative integration.” In terms of integrated narrative style, it was categorized as “positive narrative integration style” and “negative narrative integration style.” Regarding subjective initiative, it was classified as “active narrative integration regulation” and “passive narrative integration regulation.” Then it elaborated the significant value of narrative integration for every life subject, especially in pain relief, the improvement of life resilience, the healthy aging of the elderly, and the ultimate peace of the dying. It was advocated that healthcare practitioners should enhance their professional narrative competence, effectively guide patients to engage in bio-narrative integration regulation, and help them overcome narrative closure, thereby improving the quality of medical care.
2.Construction of China’s bio-health narrative system: enhancement of narrative ecology and national bio-health narrative consciousness
Xiaolin YANG ; Fengqi SU ; Yahui WANG ; Peiyao SHI
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(6):745-750
Narrative is the cornerstone of interpersonal relationships and life safety. However, its important value in daily life, school education, health management, personal happiness, career development, and other aspects has been ignored. The narrative ecology of families, schools, hospitals, workplaces, and elderly care institutions is worrying, the narrative connection between parent-child and intergenerational is broken, the narrative nature of adolescents is ignored, the narrative demands of patients are neglected, narrative relationships in the workplace are indifferent, and the narrative capital of the elderly is idle. These issues have resulted in serious social problems, such as depression and suicide among adolescents, conflicts between doctors and patients, workplace and life burnout among middle-aged people, and the inability of the elderly to achieve healthy aging, which have become a “stumbling block” to the realization of holistic health. Advocating the construction of narrative ecology and interpersonal narrative connections is an important measure of achieving holistic health. Taking the “narrative concept” as the overall framework, and based on the research, education, and practice carried out by the Alliance of Narrative Medicine in Higher Education Institutions, this paper proposed that actively build China’s narrative system of life and health, to enable narrative play an active and dynamic role in the construction of narrative ecology in different spaces, such as the families, the schools, the hospitals, the workplaces, and the elderly care institutions, as well as practically improve the quality of life of the people.
3.Triglyceride-glucose index and homocysteine in association with the risk of stroke in middle-aged and elderly diabetic populations
Xiaolin LIU ; Jin ZHANG ; Zhitao LI ; Xiaonan WANG ; Juzhong KE ; Kang WU ; Hua QIU ; Qingping LIU ; Jiahui SONG ; Jiaojiao GAO ; Yang LIU ; Qian XU ; Yi ZHOU ; Xiaonan RUAN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(6):515-520
ObjectiveTo investigate the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and the level of serum homocysteine (Hcy) in association with the incidence of stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. MethodsBased on the chronic disease risk factor surveillance cohort in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, excluding those with stroke in baseline survey, T2DM patients who joined the cohort from January 2016 to October 2020 were selected as the research subjects. During the follow-up period, a total of 318 new-onset ischemic stroke patients were selected as the case group, and a total of 318 individuals matched by gender without stroke were selected as the control group. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to adjust for confounding factors and explore the serum TyG index and the Hcy biochemical indicator in association with the risk of stroke. ResultsThe Cox proportional hazards regression results showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of stroke in T2DM patients with 10 μmol·L⁻¹
4.The Development and Application of Chatbots in Healthcare: From Traditional Methods to Large Language Models
Zixing WANG ; Le QI ; Xiaodan LIAN ; Ziheng ZHOU ; Aiwei MENG ; Xintong WU ; Xiaoyuan GAO ; Yujie YANG ; Yiyang LIU ; Wei ZHAO ; Xiaolin DIAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1170-1178
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, chatbots have shown great potential in the healthcare sector. From personalized health advice to chronic disease management and psychological support, chatbots have demonstrated significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. As the scope of their applications expands, the relationship between technological complexity and practical application scenarios has become increasingly intertwined, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation of both aspects. This paper, from the perspective of he althcare applications, systematically reviews the technological pathways and development of chatbots in the medical field, providing an in-depth analysis of their performance across various medical scenarios. It thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of chatbots, aiming to offer theoretical support for future research and propose feasible recommendations for the broader adoption of chatbot technologies in healthcare.
5.Progress in the heterologous synthesis of sesquiterpenes by Yarrowia lipolytica.
Liuhuan WANG ; Yuyao SHAO ; Xiaolin CUI ; Jiake YANG ; Yan QIAO ; Longxing XU ; Yuejia SUN ; Pengcai LIU ; Lijie YUAN ; Shuncheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(9):3426-3447
Sesquiterpenes are natural terpenes containing 15 carbon atoms. They are widely used in the perfume, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries due to their remarkable biological activities. The traditional production of sesquiterpenes relies on chemical synthesis or plant extraction, which has the disadvantages of low yields and waste of resources. The construction of microbial cell factories for the efficient synthesis of sesquiterpenes by means of synthetic biology provides a new option. In recent years, with the development of metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, the heterologous synthesis of a variety of sesquiterpenes has been successfully achieved by metabolic engineering of the oleaginous yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica. In this paper, we review the research progress in the heterologous synthesis of different sesquiterpenes by Y. lipolytica, discuss the synthetic biology strategies commonly used in this field, and make an outlook on the research directions and engineering approaches to further enhance the sesquiterpene yield in this host. This paper provides a reference for strategies such as synergistic optimization of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, enhanced precursors, and opens up new directions for the application of synthetic biology in green chemistry and sustainable production.
Yarrowia/genetics*
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Sesquiterpenes/metabolism*
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Metabolic Engineering/methods*
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Synthetic Biology/methods*
6.Exploration of the initial patterns of disease-modifying treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis:a real-world study
Xiaolin YANG ; Jinzhou FENG ; Xinyue QIN
Journal of Chongqing Medical University 2025;50(6):791-798
Objective:To explore the initiation patterns of disease-modifying treatment(DMT)in patients with multiple sclerosis(MS)in Chongqing,China.Methods:The clinical and imaging data of patients with relapsing-remitting MS(RRMS)who commenced DMT(teriflunomide,dimethyl fumarate,sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators,or ofatumumab)for the first time at the Depart-ment of Neurology,The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from November 2018 to January 2024 were obtained.The analysis focused on the distribution,persistence rate,and safety of initial DMT prescriptions,post-treatment disease activity,and risk factors affecting disease activity.Results:A total of 138 patients with RRMS were included.The distribution of initial DMT pre-scriptions was as follows:teriflunomide(46.4%),dimethyl fumarate(20.3%),sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators(21.7%),and ofatumumab(11.6%).Throughout the follow-up period,72.5%of patients complied with their initial prescription,whereas 23.2%of patients altered their treatments,predominantly transitioning to ofatumumab.No drug-related death or hospitalization was docu-mented during the use of the four DMT prescriptions.However,sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators exhibited the highest in-cidence of adverse events(43.3%).An analysis of post-treatment disease activity in 115 patients indicated that 47.0%of patients dis-played disease activity.Independent risk factors for disease activity comprised incomplete recovery after the initial onset of MS(odds ratio[OR]=3.645,95%CI=1.321-10.06,P=0.013)and smoking(OR=10.052,95%CI=1.025-98.556,P=0.048).Conclusion:In the last five years,the majority of initial DMT prescriptions for patients with RRMS in Chongqing,China,were low-to moderate-efficacy drugs.A considerable percentage of patients exhibited disease activity despite commencing DMT.Prompt commencement of high-efficacy DMT may be more effective in diminishing disease activity and postponing disability progression in patients with MS.
7.Molecular Mechanisms of Intervention With Lishukang Capsule in a Rat Model of High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema
Dongmei ZHANG ; Chenyu YANG ; Xiaolin LI ; Jie SHAO ; Wenbin LI ; Rong WANG
Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 2025;56(5):1326-1335
Objective To investigate the molecular targets and signaling pathways involved in the therapeutic effects of Lishukang Capsule(LSK)in a rat model of high-altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE)using a proteomics-based approach.Methods A total of 60 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group,a HAPE model group,3 LSK treatment groups receiving low-,medium-,and high-dose LSK,respectively,and a Rhodiola rosea(also known as Hongjitian[HJT]in pinyin,a Chinese Romanization system)control group.After HAPE modeling,the pharmacodynamic effects were assessed and the optimal LSK dose was determined using HE stains,inflammatory cytokine quantification,lung tissue water content,and the protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage.Label free quantitative proteomic profiling was then applied to identify differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)in the optimal dose group,using a screening threshold of over 1.5-fold change and P<0.05.The selected DEPs were validated with Western blotting,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis.Results The medium-dose LSK group exhibited significant anti-HAPE effects.Findings from the proteomic analysis revealed,in the comparison with the control group,267 DEPs were identified in the HAPE group.In the comparison with the HAPE group,225 DEPs were identified in the medium-dose LSK group.A total of 112 DEPs in the control group were normalized following LSK treatment in the medium-dose LSK group.In addition,GO enrichment analysis of proteins differentially expressed between the HAPE and LSK group showed that these DEPs were mainly enriched in 12 biological processes,2 cellular components,and 5 molecular functions.KEGG pathway analysis showed that LSK activated pathways associated with cell adhesion molecules,glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis,DNA replication/nucleotide excision repair,transcriptional dysregulation in cancer,and Herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1)infection,while inhibiting pathways associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism.Some differentially expressed proteins with potential functions were verified by Western blotting,including AGPAT5,NCAM1,SRSF3,and PLA2.These differentially expressed proteins were significantly expressed in the normal group,HAPE group,and LSK group,and the validation results were consistent with proteomic findings,indicating the high reliability of the proteomic results.Conclusion LSK exerts a significant protective effect against HAPE.Proteomic analysis suggests that its therapeutic action may be mediated through activating pathways involved in cell adhesion molecules,glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis,DNA replication/nucleotide excision repair,transcriptional dysregulation in cancer,and HSV-1 infection,alongside inhibition of pathways associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism.The key DEPs identified in these pathways may play crucial roles in the preventive and therapeutic effects of LSK on HAPE.
8.Sigma-1 receptor expression in rat brain tissue is correlated with brain injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Haiyan ZHAO ; Yijie WANG ; Rong LIU ; Jilin YANG ; Ting LI ; Xiaolin ZHU ; Jiahong QIN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(9):1200-1207
Objective To explore the effects of sigma-1 receptor(Sig-1R)on brain function in rats after cardiopulmo-nary resuscitation and its protective role in brain injury.Methods Rats were randomly assigned to four groups with 20 in each:sham-operated control(sham group),6-hour post-resuscitation(PR 6 h group),12-hour post-resuscitation(PR 12 h group)and 24-hour post-resuscitation(PR 24 h group).In the latter three groups,cardiac arrest was induced by as-phyxiation,and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed 6 minutes after cardiac arrest.The rats were scored for neu-rological deficits at 6,12 and 24 hrs after resuscitation,respectively;after that,the rats were executed,and the expres-sion of Sig-1R protein,mitochondrial function index,and endoplasmic reticulum stress index apoptosis index were detec-ted by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.The correlation between Sig-1R and mitochondrial,endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis indexes was evaluated.Results Compared with the sham-operated group,the rats in test group showed a gradual decrease in neurological deficit scores,Sig-1R protein expression,brain tissue adenosine triphos-phate(ATP)concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP)levels at 6,12,and 24 hrs of PR(P<0.05);CHOP protein,activated cleaved caspase-12 and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression were consistently elevated(P<0.05).In addition,Sig-1R was negatively correlated with brain tissue endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis(P<0.05)but positively correlated with mitochondrial membrane potential level(P<0.05).Conclusions Sig-1R ex-pression in rat brain tissue correlates with brain injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation and potential mechanism seems to be neuronal protection through modulating mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum stress.
9.Gut microbiota and their metabolites in hemodialysis patients.
Junxia DU ; Xiaolin ZHAO ; Xiaonan DING ; Qinqin REN ; Haoran WANG ; Qiuxia HAN ; Chenwen SONG ; Xiaochen WANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Hanyu ZHU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):502-504
10.Study on the targets and mechanisms of 7-hydroxyethyl chrysin in prevention and treatment of high-altitude cerebral edema using proteomics technology.
Dongmei ZHANG ; Xiaolin LI ; Chenyu YANG ; Linlin JING ; Lei HE ; Huiping MA
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2025;54(4):549-558
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the targets and mechanisms of 7-hydroxyethyl chrysin (7-HEC) in prevention and treatment of high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) in rats.
METHODS:
Fifty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, HACE model group, and 7-HEC-treated group (18 rats in each group). Except for the normal control group, rats in the two other groups were exposed to a hypobaric hypoxic chamber simulating a 7000 m altitude for 72 h to establish the HACE model. The 7-HEC-treated group was intraperitoneally injected with 7-HEC (150 mg·kg-¹·d-¹) for 3 consecutive days before modeling, while the model group received equivalent isotonic sodium chloride solution. Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) proteomics technology was used to detect differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) with screening criteria set at a fold change >1.2 and P<0.05. Western blotting was used to verify the expression levels of target proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed.
RESULTS:
Compared with the normal control group, 256 DEPs were identified in the HACE model group. Compared with the HACE model group, 87 DEPs were identified in the 7-HEC-treated group. Among them, 19 DEPs that were dysregulated in the HACE model group were restored after 7-HEC intervention, of which seven (HSPA4, Arhgap20, SERT, HACL1, CCDC43, POLR3A, and PCBD1) were confirmed by Western blotting. GO enrichment analysis of the DEPs between the HACE model and 7-HEC-treated groups revealed their involvement in 13 biological processes, five cellular components, and two molecular functions. KEGG pathway analysis indicated associations with the mRNA surveillance pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, serotonergic synapse, RNA polymerase, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisome, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, folate biosynthesis. PPI network analysis demonstrated that HSPA4, POLR3A, and HACL1, which were validated by Western blotting, interacted with multiple signaling pathways and ranked among the top 20 hub proteins by degree value, suggesting their potential role as core regulatory factors. Arhgap20, SERT and PCBD1 also exhibited interactions with several proteins, suggesting their potential as key regulatory proteins, whereas no interactions for CCDC43 were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
This study applied TMT proteomics to identify seven potential therapeutic targets of 7-HEC for the prevention and treatment of HACE. These targets may be involved in the pathogenesis of HACE through multiple pathways, including maintaining cellular homeostasis, ameliorating oxidative stress, regulating energy metabolism, and reducing vascular permeability.
Animals
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Male
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Proteomics/methods*
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Rats, Wistar
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Flavonoids/therapeutic use*
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Rats
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Brain Edema/etiology*
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Altitude Sickness/metabolism*
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Protein Interaction Maps

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