1.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
2.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
3.Expert consensus on the clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors in special populations
Xin YAO ; Yuan BIAN ; Lizhu HAN ; Qinan YIN ; Yang LEI ; Zimeng WAN ; Luyao HUANG ; Danjie ZHAO ; Yu YAN ; Qin LI ; Baorong HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):965-975
OBJECTIVE To form an expert consensus addressing clinical issues regarding the use of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) in special populations. METHODS Led by the Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital(the Affiliated Hospital of UESTC), a multidisciplinary working group was formed comprising experts from multiple fields, including clinical pharmacy, cardiac surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics and evidence-based medicine. Through literature review and the Delphi method, clinical questions regarding the efficacy and safety of parenteral DTIs used in special populations were identified. A structured design was adopted using the “Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome” (PICO) framework;systematic searches were conducted in CJFD, PubMed, Embase and other databases. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials,cohort studies and systematic reviews were included and synthesized. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and recommendations were formulated through three rounds of Delphi surveys and expert consensus meetings. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS Seven clinical questions were ultimately selected (with a consensus rate exceeding 90%), resulting in the formulation of seven recommendations on the use of parenteral DTIs in special populations, including children, pregnant women, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis, and individuals with thrombophilia. These recommendations clarify the preferred agents, dosing ranges, monitoring parameters, and safety management strategies for parenteral DTIs in these special populations. This expert consensus, which is formulated based on the best available evidence, provides evidence-based guidance for standardized and individualized use of parenteral DTIs in special populations.
4.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
5.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
6.Epidemic and hospitalization characteristics of pertussis in Jingzhou City in 2013–2024
Lao LI ; Xingxing LU ; Menglei YAO ; Xin TIAN ; Qiuping ZHAO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(4):46-50
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and current status of pertussis in Jingzhou City from 2013 to 2024. Methods Data on reported pertussis cases in Jingzhou City (2013–2024) and hospitalized pertussis cases from two medical institutions (January–May 2024) were collected for descriptive epidemiological analysis. Results A total of 1 553 pertussis cases were reported in Jingzhou City from 2013 to 2024. The average annual incidence rate from 2013 to 2023 was 0.12/100 000, and that in 2024 was 28.86/100 000. The incidence peaked in spring and summer. High-incidence areas included Jingzhou District, Shashi District, and Jiangling County. There was no difference between men and women. The highest incidence occurred in the 0-year-old group, primarily among students, scattered children, and childcare attendees. Hospitalized cases exhibited milder and atypical symptoms. Age>2 months, and admission for treatment at the first visit were the protective factors for severe pertussis, while having a history of patent foramen ovale was the risk factor for severe pertussis. Conclusion Jingzhou City experienced a rapid and significant rise in pertussis incidence in 2024. Prevention and control measures in childcare facilities and schools should be prioritized during spring and summer. Enhancing laboratory testing in medical institutions can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Adjusting vaccination strategies for young infants and older children is critical to reducing both incidence and severe case rates.
7.Correlation between Serum Ferritin Levels and the Efficacy of Platelet Transfusion in Patients with Malignant Hematological Diseases
Yi-Yao LI ; Xiao-Yun GAO ; Hang GUAN ; Yu BAI ; Jun-Hui JIA ; Wei BAI ; Yan-Hui DI ; Hua TIAN ; Li-Duo KOU ; Xin-Hua WANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1779-1783
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum ferritin(SF)levels and the efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with malignant hematological diseases.Methods:Patients with malignant hematological diseases who received repeated transfusions of apheresis platelets in Department of Hematology of Aerospace Center Hospital in 2023 were selected.The platelet corrected count increment(CCI)was used to evaluate the efficacy of platelet transfusion.The correlations between sex,age,disease type,transplantation history,red blood cell transfusion history,and SF level and the efficacy of platelet transfusion were analyzed.Results:A total of 87 patients were included,with a cumulative 326 person-times platelet transfusions.As suggested by one-way analysis of variance,compared with the patients in the age groups of 24-45 years old and 46-66 years old,the patients in the age group of 2-23 years old had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P=0.004,P=0.004).There was no significant difference in the efficacy of platelet transfusion between the patients in the age group of 24-45 years old and those in the age group of 46-66 years old(P=0.876).Compared with the patients who had a history of red blood cell transfusion within 3 days,the patients without a history of red blood cell transfusion within 3 days had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P<0.001).Compared with the groups with SF levels of 1.44-2.78 ng/L and>2.78 ng/L,the group with SF levels<1.44 ng/L had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P=0.028,P<0.001).Compared with the group with SF levels>2.78 ng/L,the group with SF levels of 1.44-2.78 ng/L had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P=0.001).After adjusting for age and the history of red blood cell transfusion,the transfusion efficacy of the group with SF levels<1.44 ng/L was better than that of the groups with SF levels of 1.44-2.78 ng/L and>2.78 ng/L(P=0.021,P<0.001);Compared with the group with SF levels>2.78 ng/L,the group with SF levels of 1.44-2.78 ng/L had a better efficacy of platelet transfusion(P=0.001).Both univariate and multivariate linear regression models showed that SF levels were negatively correlated with the efficacy of platelet transfusion(P<0.001).Conclusion:There is a negative correlation between SF levels and the efficacy of platelet transfusion in patients with malignant hematological diseases.Detection of SF levels may provide guidance for predicting the efficacy of platelet transfusion.
8.Preferences for achievements transformation of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)Preparation among medical staff in TCM hospitals in Beijing
Yi-xuan CHEN ; Xue-feng SHI ; Wan-jin YANG ; Xin-qi GENG ; Han-lin NIE ; Ming-li MA ; Xiao-wei NIU ; Yao-qi WANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(11):66-73
Objective:To analyze the preferences of medical staff in TCM hospitals in Beijing regarding the achievements transformation of hospital traditional Chinese medicine preparations,and to provide a reference for formulating incentive policies.Methods:233 medical staff from five TCM hospitals in Beijing were taken as the research objects,and surveyed with a questionnaire designed based on the discrete choice experiment(DCE).Mixed logit models and latent class models were then used to analyze their transformation preferences.Results:The mixed Logit model revealed that seven key attributes significantly influenced medical staff's preferences for the achievements transformation of traditional Chinese medicine preparations(P<0.05).Latent class analysis identified three distinct preference groups among respondents:an organization-dependent group(27.0%),a pro-transformation group(61.4%),and a conservative group(11.6%).Conclusions:Medical Staff preferred transformation conditions that increased monthly income;utilized"human use+re-experimentation";involved the hospital's achievements transformation department as the entity;were funded by the hospital;offered a 70%profit share;enabled promotion three years earlier,and assigned patents to the hospital.The study recommends implementing diverse incentive measures and developing differentiated strategies tailored to the distinct Medical Staff categories to facilitate the transformation of hospital traditional Chinese medicine preparations into new drugs.
9.Non-drug intervention for nipple pain or injury in breastfeeding women:a summary of best evidence
Mengdi CAO ; Yanyan WANG ; Liangyi YAO ; Xin CHEN ; Jing LI ; Xing LI
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(5):65-72
Objective To search,evaluate and summarise the best evidence on non-drug intervention for nipple pain or injury in breastfeeding mothers.Methods Based on the"6S pyramid"evidence model,desktop searches were conducted on databases of UpToDate,Joanna Briggs Institute evidence-based practice database(JBI),National Guideline Clearinghouse(NGC),National Institute for health and Care Excellence(NICE),Guidelines International Network(GIN),Registered Nurses'Association of Ontario(RNAO),American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists(ACOG),Medlive,Chinese Medical Association(CMA)website,Breastfeeding Medical Association(BMA),CNKI,Wanfang Data,SinoMed,Cochrance Library,PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and CINAHL for literature in non-drug interventions for nipple pain or injury in breastfeeding women.The literature included clinical guidelines,decisions,recommended practices,evidence summaries,expert consensus,systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials(RCTs).The searched databases spanned from 1st January,2013 to 30th April,2024.Two researchers who were trained in evidence-based nursing independently evaluated the methodological quality,extracted and integrated evidence from eligible literature.Results A total of 15 documents were included,consisting of 5 clinical guidelines,2 clinical decisions,1 expert consensus,6 systematic evaluations and 1 RCT.Thirty-one pieces of evidence were summarised across 4 categories:accurate perinatal assessment,feeding guidance,non-drug intervention and health education.Conclusion The summarised best evidence on non-drug intervention for nipple pain or injury in breastfeeding women provides an evidence-based basis for clinical healthcare professionals.
10.Establishment of an indicator system for entrustable professional activities in general practice stage of pediatric specialist physician training
Shan LI ; Danyu SONG ; Xifang RU ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Lili LIU ; Xin QI ; Mi YAO ; Jianguang QI
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(4):466-472
Objective:To construct an indicator system for entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in the general practice enhancement stage of pediatric specialist physician training.Methods:A draft indicator system for EPAs in the general practice enhancement stage of pediatric physician training was developed through core EPAs working group discussion, literature review, nominal group discussion, and expert consultation. Subsequently, the indicator system was preliminarily implemented and revised.Results:The core EPAs working group consisted of nine specialist physician trainers. In the initial brainstorming stage, a "potential list" of 30 activities was established. After literature review and collation, the draft indicator system included eight EPAs. Through nominal group discussion, the connotation of the draft was enriched, and the importance of the EPAs was ranked and modified. Finally, through expert consultation, the EPAs for the general practice enhancement stage of pediatric specialist physician training were determined. These included basic operations for the treatment of critically ill children, identification and management of critical illnesses, referral of critically ill children, perioperative management, in-hospital consultation, medical and teaching management and system improvement, doctor-patient communication and dispute handling, and response to public health events. During the preliminary implementation stage, a total of nine specialist physicians who participated in the training were evaluated. Based on the problems found in the pre-evaluation, the indicators of EPAs were revised, and a corresponding curriculum training system was developed.Conclusions:Through multiple rounds of nominal group discussion and expert consultation, the indicator system for EPAs in the general practice enhancement stage of pediatric specialist physician training was formulated. The system was preliminarily implemented and revised, and a curriculum system was constructed.


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