1.Research progress in the signaling pathways of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Xiaoying LIU ; Xianfang PU ; Jianshu KANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):467-472
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)is a common autoimmune complication in thyroid diseases. Its pathogenesis is complex and involves the abnormal activation of multiple signaling pathways. With the rapid development of molecular biology and genomics technologies, the signal transduction mechanisms and regulatory networks related to TAO have been deeply analyzed. At present, studies have found that the interaction between the TSH receptor(TSHR)and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor(IGF-1R)signaling pathway, as well as immune inflammation-related pathways, oxidative stress, and calcium signaling pathways, play important roles in the pathogenesis of TAO. In addition, the research on the regulatory mechanism of non-coding RNA and fibrosis-related signaling molecules has gradually become the focus. Despite much advancement, there are still many unsolved mysteries regarding the exact pathogenesis of TAO. This article aims to systematically review the latest research progress of the main signaling pathways of TAO. By combining the latest achievements in gene expression profiles, single-cell sequencing and drug design, it analyzes potential therapeutic targets and the development directions of innovative drugs, providing a theoretical basis for the pathological mechanism of TAO and a scientific basis for the optimization of clinical treatment strategies at the same time.
2.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.
3.Rapid Qualitative Analysis Methods and Their Application in Implementation Science
Xuehan WEI ; Xiaoying CHEN ; Runze WANG ; Yingqian ZHANG ; Xuehan LIU ; Jin SUN ; Guoyan YANG ; Wei XIAO ; Chunli LU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):546-556
Implementation science (IS) aims to systematically analyze and address the real-world gaps from evidence to practice and the influencing factors of the context. It is necessary to carry out qualitative research to gather relevant implementation outcomes. Nevertheless, traditional qualitative analysis has issues such as consuming a great deal of time and energy, and it is unable to promptly provide the crucial data required for implementation science research. The Rapid Qualitative Analysis (RQA) method, through semi-structured interviews and the adoption of techniques such as immediate data condensation and matrix analysis, can effectively shorten the cycle of qualitative data collection and data processing. RQA can promptly identify social determinants of health such as structural barriers, facilitators, and the behavioral characteristics of target groups. It provides a real-time basis for public health decision-making, the interpretation of complex social phenomena, and the process and effectiveness evaluation of research projects. Although RQA is difficult to conduct in-depth theoretical analysis based on grounded theory, its efficiency and flexibility make it the preferred tool for large-scale and time-sensitive research. Thus, it has been widely applied in implementation science research. This paper sorts out the core concepts and commonly used technical methods of RQA, as well as the differences between RQA and traditional qualitative analysis. It also explores the applications of RQA in intervention optimization, process evaluation, and implementation outcome evaluation. By integrating specific cases, this paper clarifies its application value in the field of implementation science. In the future, it is advisable to explore the integration of RQA with technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, in order to bridge the gap between the transformation of scientific research achievements into practice. Under circumstances of limited resources or tight time constraints, RQA can be used to efficiently conduct implementation science research, providing convenient and scientific methodological and technical support for accelerating evidence-based practice.
4.Clinical study of salvage second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 17 cases
Wenqiong WANG ; Wei LIU ; Huihui LIU ; Xiaoying YANG ; Shuanglian XIE ; Hongtao LING ; Yiming ZHAO ; Yujun DONG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):124-132
Objective To summarize and analyze the efficacy and influencing factors of second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for acute leukemia relapsing after the first allo-HSCT. Methods Clinical data of 17 patients with acute leukemia who underwent second allo-HSCT at Peking University First Hospital from January 2005 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among the 17 patients, 7 achieved long-term disease-free survival after second transplantation. The median progression-free survival after successful second transplantation was 7 months (range 8 days to 69 months). The relapse fatality was 24%, and the transplant-related fatality was 35%. Conclusions Second transplantation is an effective treatment for relapsed and refractory acute leukemia, but the relapse fatality and transplant-related fatality remain high. Patient age, time of relapse after the first transplantation and disease status before second transplantation are all factors that affect the efficacy of second transplantation. Younger age, late relapse and complete remission of disease before second transplantation are all beneficial for long-term disease-free survival after second transplantation.
5.Discussion on Research Paradigm and Layout Based on Disease (Psoriasis) Specifically Responding to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Liu LIU ; Xiaoying SUN ; Mei MO ; Zihan FANG ; Yaqiong ZHOU ; Bin LI ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):203-211
To implement the Opinions of the State Council of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, delve into the diseases specifically responding to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and serve the building of advantageous specialties, clinical talent cultivation, national research layout, and academic innovation, the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine sponsored the salons in multiple fields to discuss the diseases specifically responding to TCM. On August 26, 2023, the 25th salon on the diseases specifically responding to TCM was held in Shanghai. In view of the advantages of TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, Chinese and western medicine experts and interdisciplinary researchers carried out extensive and in-depth discussions and formed specific suggestions and consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis with TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. However, there was still a lack of detailed research path. Under the guidance of the Chinese Association of Chinese Medicine, this paper analyzes the problems in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis from the occurrence and development of psoriasis. According to the advantages and characteristics of TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis, this paper puts forward the main points of research layout for psoriasis from the three aspects of psoriasis diagnosis and treatment, comorbidity prevention, and chronic disease management as follows: ① optimization of the syndrome differentiation system for psoriasis, ② optimization of assessment indicators for psoriasis, ③ recurrence mechanisms of psoriasis, ④ construction and research of TCM prevention and treatment of psoriasis recurrence, ⑤ construction of the comorbidity spectrum and TCM theoretical system of psoriasis, ⑥ comorbidity mechanisms of psoriasis. Furthermore, this article proposed the research layout and directions, expected goals and values, and funding priorities. Therefore, on the basis of the series of salons about psoriasis as a disease specifically responding to TCM, this article puts forward the research paradigm of psoriasis, aiming to facilitate the high-quality development of TCM and provide reference for the national research layout, the research and development of new TCM preparations, the selection of research topics, and the formulation of guidelines and consensus.
6.Boosting with Omicron-specific mRNA vaccine or historical SARS-CoV-2 vaccines elicits discriminating immune responses against Omicron variants.
Yi WU ; Xiaoying JIA ; Namei WU ; Xinghai ZHANG ; Yan WU ; Yang LIU ; Minmin ZHOU ; Yanqiong SHEN ; Entao LI ; Wei WANG ; Jiaming LAN ; Yucai WANG ; Sandra CHIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):947-962
Booster vaccinations are highly recommended in combating the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and its subvariants. However, the optimal booster vaccination strategies and related immune mechanisms with different prior vaccinations are under-revealed. In this study, we systematically evaluated the immune responses in mice and hamsters with different prime-boost regimens before their protective efficacies against Omicron were detected. We found that boosting with Ad5-nCoV, SWT-2P or SOmicron-6P induced significantly higher levels of neutralization activities against Omicron variants than CoronaVac and ZF2001 by eliciting stronger germinal center (GC) responses. Specifically, SOmicron-6P induced even stronger antibody responses against Omicron variants in CoronaVac and Ad5-nCoV-primed animals than non-Omicron-specific vaccines but with limited differences as compared to Ad5-nCoV and SWT-2P. In addition, boosting with a specific vaccine has the potential to remodel the existing immune profiles. These findings indicated that adenovirus-vectored vaccines and mRNA vaccines would be more effective than other types of vaccines as booster shots in combating Omicron infections. Moreover, the protective efficacies of the vaccines in booster vaccinations are highly related to GC reactions in secondary lymphatic organs. In summary, these findings provide timely important information on prime-boost regimens and future vaccine design.
7.Paris saponin VII induces Caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells by activating ROS/Bax signaling.
Xiaoying QIAN ; Yang LIU ; Wenwen CHEN ; Shuxian ZHENG ; Yunyang LU ; Pengcheng QIU ; Xisong KE ; Haifeng TANG ; Xue ZHANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):94-107
OBJECTIVE:
Paridis Rhizoma (Chonglou in Chinese), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been shown have strong anti-tumor effects. Paris saponin VII (PSVII), an active constituent isolated from Paridis Rhizoma, was demonstrated to significantly suppress the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells in our previous study. Here, we aimed to elucidate the anti-pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) effect of PSVII and the underlying mechanism.
METHODS:
Cell viability was determined by CCK-8, colony formation, and cell migration assays. Cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured by flow cytometry with annexin V/propidine iodide (Annexin V/PI) and 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), respectively. Pyroptosis was evaluated by morphological features, Hoechst 33342/PI staining assay, and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). JC-1 fluorescent dye was employed to measure mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to determine the levels of proteins or mRNAs. The effect in vivo was assessed by a xenograft tumor model.
RESULTS:
PSVII inhibited the viability of PDAC cells (BxPC-3, PANC-1, and Capan-2 cells) and induced gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage, as well as the simultaneous cleavage of Caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP). Knockdown of GSDME shifted PSVII-induced pyroptosis to apoptosis. Additionally, the effect of PSVII was significantly attenuated by Z-Asp(OMe)-Glu(OMe)-Val-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK), on the induction of GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. PSVII also elevated intracellular ROS accumulation and stimulated Bax and Caspase-3/GSDME to conduct pyroptosis in PDAC cells. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) suppressed the release of LDH and inhibited Caspase-9, Caspase-3, and GSDME cleavage in PDAC cells, ultimately reversing PSVII-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, in a xenograft tumor model, PSVII markedly suppressed the growth of PDAC tumors and induced pyroptosis.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrated that PSVII exerts therapeutic effects through Caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis and may constitute a novel strategy for preventing chemotherapeutic resistance in patients with PDAC in the future.
8.Msx2 regulates differentiation of outer enamel epithelial cells by modu-lating cytoskeleton and cell-cell interactions
Zhe YU ; Xiaohe JI ; Jingkun BAI ; Lihui ZHANG ; Juanjuan ZHANG ; Yan SUN ; Limei CHEN ; Xiaoying LIU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(3):555-561
AIM:To investigate the mechanism by which muscle segment homeobox 2(Msx2)regulates the differentiation of outer enamel epithelial cells in the enamel organ.METHODS:Tissue paraffin sections were prepared and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to analyze the effect of Msx2 deficiency on the differentiation status of epithelial cells in the enamel organ at the morphological level.At the ultrastructural level,alterations in cell structure were analyzed.The intermediate steps mediating cell differentiation were identified.Transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed to validate the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena.RESULTS:Msx2 deficiency was innovatively found to induce severe squamous epithelial hyperplasia in outer enamel epithelial cells of enamel organ,accompanied by dynamic restructuring of the cell cytoskeleton and alterations in cell adhesion at the ultrastructure level.As a transcriptional repressor,the loss of Msx2 expression results in significant increases(P<0.05 or P<0.01)in the mRNA expression levels of integrin β2(Itgβ2),ItgαM,Itgα4,Rac family small GTPase 2(Rac2),Rac/Cdc42 guanine nucleo-tide exchange factor 6(Arhgef6)and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C(Ptprc).CONCLUSION:Msx2 regu-lates cytoskeleton structure and cell-cell interaction through the Rho GTPases signaling pathway,thereby influencing the differentiation state of outer enamel epithelial cells.This study reveals the mechanism through which Msx2 regulates the differentiation of outer enamel epithelial cells,providing a theoretical foundation for the prevention and treatment of enam-el-related clinical dental diseases.
9.Research on efficient ventilation protection measures for organic solvent in composite materials impregnation room
Xiaoying NAN ; Cang LIU ; Rongrong MENG ; Yafei XING ; Wenxia DU ; Yujia WU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(6):417-421
Objective:To explore highly efficient ventilation protection technology for large-space workplaces adapted to the production process in composite material impregnation.Methods:A composite material impregnation room was selected as the research subject from August to December 2023. Occupational health investigation, on-site detection, and physical simulation of air distribution were used to analyze the distribution of the xylene concentrations in the impregnation room. In addition, the causes for excessive concentrations were analyzed, and the combination ventilation design of enclosed negative pressure cabinets and jet directional supply of fresh air was proposed. The concentration of xylene, the capture velocity and the differential pressure of ventilation facilities before and after the transformation were tested on the spot. The rationality of the airflow organization was determined through smoke testing, and the ventilation protection effects before and after the transformation were analyzed.Results:The time-weighted average allowable concentration ( CTWA) of xylene was reduced from 41.73 mg/m 3 to 7.78 mg/m 3, and the CTWA of xylene were reduced by 81.4%. The values of capture velocity at all areas were higer than 0.5 m/s, and the values of velocity unevenness in all regions were lower than or equal to 0.25. The differential pressure between the enclosed cabinet and the impregnation room corridor was -2 to -1 Pa. The overall velocity distribution at all areas was relatively uniform, the airflow organization was reasonable, and negative pressure was formed inside the enclosed cabinet. Conclusion:The combination ventilation design of xylene, the capture velocity and the differential pressure of ventilation facilities effectively reducing the xylene concentration in the workplace, and provide a reference for ventilation protection of xylene workplace.
10.Investigation and analysis of nurses'attitudes and practical abilities towards palliative care under the peaceful co care mode
Xiaoying SHEN ; Xing ZHOU ; Weijia QIAN ; Hui LIU ; Guanmian LIANG
Modern Hospital 2025;25(3):400-403,408
Objective To investigate the current situation of the attitude and practical ability of hospice care in the terti-ary cancer hospital of Zhejiang Province,so as to provide reference for managers to explore more effective hospice care support.Methods Using convenience sampling selected 278 clinical nurses from Zhejiang Cancer Hospital.From June to August 2024,the general data questionnaire,hospice care attitude scale and self-assessment practice scale of hospice care were used to survey nurses with questionnaires,and the related factors affecting practical ability and the correlation between attitudes and practical a-bility were analyzed.Results The hospice attitude score of 278 nurses in the hospice co-photography mode was(88.43±12.01),and the average score of entries was(3.54±0.48).The total score of the hospice Practical ability scale was(61.87±12.42),and the average score of the items was(3.64±0.73).Nurses'age,education background,previous experience in ca-ring for end-stage patients and their families,and self-assessment of competence in hospice care were the main influencing factors of nurses'practical ability score(all P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between clinical nurses'practice ability score and hospice attitude score,the correlation coefficient r=0.176,P<0.05.Conclusion Under the mode of hospice co-care,the attitude of nurses in Zhejiang Province is above the middle level,and the practical ability of nurses needs to be further improved,the higher the attitude of nurses,and the nurses'practical ability of hospice care is strong.Nursing managers should carry out professional training to promote the attitude of nursing staff,so as to improve the practical ability of nurses in hospice care.

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