1.Exploration and Reflection on the Construction of Pre-admission Processes in Public Hospitals
Guojie ZHANG ; Hongmei ZHANG ; Qinghua BAI ; Liluan YOU ; Wei ZHANG ; Xueqin SUN ; Jinjin GAO ; Zheng CHEN ; Weiguo ZHU ; Qing CHANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1185-1192
Pre-admission is a critical initiative to optimize medical service processes and alleviate the challenge of "difficult access to healthcare. "However, there is currently a lack of standardized protocols for pre-admission procedures. This study aims to systematically analyze key nodes and risk factors in pre-admission process design and propose optimization strategies, providing a foundation for policy formulation and hospital practices. By constructing a "forward-reverse" dual-process model of pre-admission and identifying risk points based on stakeholder theory (patients, hospitals, healthcare administration, and insurance), the study reveals that while pre-admission can reduce the average length of stay, improve bed turnover rates, and enhance patient satisfaction, it also presents risks such as cross-period financial settlement, challenges in insurance policy adaptability, demands for information system integration, and the need for defining medical safety boundaries. To optimize the pre-admission process and mitigate these risks, this study explores framework improvements in areas including eligibility criteria, mode selection, cost settlement, transition between pre-admission and inpatient status, and cancellation of pre-admission, offering practical guidance for public hospitals. The authors argue that pre-admission requires tripartite collaboration among hospitals, insurers, and healthcare administrations: hospitals should establish top-level design, continuously refine processes, and implement dynamic risk assessment mechanisms; insurance providers should support cross-period settlement policies; and healthcare administrations should issue guiding policies or standardized protocols. Through multi-department coordination and collaborative efforts, the optimization and innovation of pre-admission processes can be advanced, ultimately delivering more efficient and convenient healthcare experiences for patients.
2.Adar3 promotes macrophage M2 polarization and alleviates viral myocarditis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Mengying ZHANG ; Zhi LI ; Weiya PEI ; Shujun WAN ; Xueqin LI ; Kun LYU ; Xiaolong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(9):769-777
Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of RNA-Specific adenosine deaminase 3 (Adar3) in regulating macrophage polarization during Coxsackievirus B3(CVB3)-induced viral myocarditis (VM). Methods Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from mice were cultured in vitro and induced into M1/M2 macrophages using interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin 4 (IL-4), respectively. The mRNA expression levels of Adar1, Adar2, and Adar3 in each group of cells were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Specific siRNAs targeting the Adar3 gene were designed, synthesized, and transiently transfected into M2 macrophages. The mRNA levels of M2 polarization-related marker genes-including arginase 1 (Arg1), chitinase 3-like molecule 3 (YM1/Chi3l3), and resistin-like molecule alpha (RELMα/FIZZ1)-were detected by qRT-PCR. RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the signaling pathways affected by Adar3. The expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were further validated using qRT-PCR and Western blot. The adeno-associated virus overexpressing Adar3 was designed, synthesized, and injected into mice via tail vein. Three weeks later, a myocarditis mouse model was established. After an additional week, the phenotype and function of cardiac macrophages, as well as multiple indicators of VM (including echocardiography, body weight, histopathology and serology) were examined. Additionally, the protein levels of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were assessed. Results Compared to M0-type macrophages, the expression level of Adar3 was significantly increased in M2-type macrophages. After transfection of Adar3 siRNA, the mRNA levels of Arg1, YM1 and FIZZ1 in M2 macrophages were downregulated. RNA sequencing revealed 149 upregulated genes and 349 downregulated genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and subsequent validation experiments indicated that Adar3 modulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Adar3 overexpression alleviated the cardiac dysfunction of VM mice. The proportion of M1 macrophages in the heart decreased, while the proportion of M2 macrophages increased. At the same time, the Adar3 overexpression activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusion Adar3 promotes macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby alleviating VM.
Animals
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Adenosine Deaminase/metabolism*
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Wnt Signaling Pathway/genetics*
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Myocarditis/immunology*
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Mice
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Coxsackievirus Infections/metabolism*
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Male
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Enterovirus B, Human/physiology*
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beta Catenin/genetics*
3.Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for efficient biosynthesis of L-citrulline.
Linfeng XU ; Wenwen YU ; Xuewen ZHU ; Quanwei ZHANG ; Yaokang WU ; Jianghua LI ; Guocheng DU ; Xueqin LV ; Jian CHEN ; Long LIU
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(1):242-255
L-citrulline is a nonprotein amino acid that plays an important role in human health and has great market demand. Although microbial cell factories have been widely used for biosynthesis, there are still challenges such as genetic instability and low efficiency in the biosynthesis of L-citrulline. In this study, an efficient, plasmid-free, non-inducible L-citrulline-producing strain of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was engineered by combined strategies. Firstly, a chassis strain capable of synthesizing L-citrulline was constructed by block of L-citrulline degradation and removal of feedback inhibition, with the L-citrulline titer of 0.43 g/L. Secondly, a push-pull-restrain strategy was employed to enhance the L-citrulline biosynthesis, which realized the L-citrulline titer of 6.0 g/L. Thirdly, the NADPH synthesis and L-citrulline transport were strengthened to promote the synthesis efficiency, which achieved the L-citrulline titer of 11.6 g/L. Finally, fed-batch fermentation was performed with the engineered strain in a 3 L fermenter, in which the L-citrulline titer reached 44.9 g/L. This study lays the foundation for the industrial production of L-citrulline and provides insights for the modification of other amino acid metabolic networks.
Citrulline/biosynthesis*
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Escherichia coli/genetics*
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Metabolic Engineering/methods*
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Fermentation
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NADP/biosynthesis*
4.Factors Influencing Inpatient Costs for Patients Undergoing Surgery for Intrauterine Lesions under DRG Payment
Yutong WANG ; Weiguo ZHU ; Xueqin SUN ; Jiali TONG ; Jingya ZHOU ; Qing ZHAO ; Bocheng LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Xiaokun LIU ; Rui DONG ; Chen XIE ; Ding HAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(5):1069-1076
To analyze the factors affecting the cost of hospitalization for patients and provide insights using the intrauterine lesion surgery group (DRG code NE19) as an example. This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study, with data from the first page of medical records of patients enrolled under NE19 at a comprehensive tertiary hospital in Beijing from March 15, 2022 to November 30, 2023. Influence factor selection and multifactorial linear regression analysis were conducted with hospitalization cost as the dependent variable, and patient's basic information, treatment information and key concern factors as independent variables. The profit and loss of medical records containing key factors and differences in indicators of hospitalization cost structure were analyzed in the context of clinical practice. A total of 2213 valid medical records (all female patients) were included, with patients predominantly young and middle-aged women under 45 years of age (72.12%), and with 931 day surgery medical records (42.07%). The diagnosis records included 334(15.09%) multiple uterine leiomyomas, and 246(11.12%) pelvic adhesions. A total of 150(6.78%) medical records involved ovary- and tubal-related surgeries or manipulations, with 160(7.23%) main operations being laparoscopic hysterectomy of diseased uterine lesions and 38(1.72%) mechanical rotational excision of abnormal uterine tissue using transhysteroscopy. Linear regression analysis showed that whether or not ovarian and tubal surgical operations were involved ( The NE19 group of hospitals in the study had a high loss rate, and factors such as the severity of the patient's condition and the use of new technologies affected hospitalization costs, suggesting that there is room for further optimization of the existing grouping scheme. Tiered payment standards can be set up for different tiers of healthcare institutions, and a sound and optimized exclusion mechanism can be used to promote the development of new technologies. The internal management of hospitals should encourage the development of daytime surgery to improve the efficiency of medical services.
5.Analysis on risk factors of extrauterine growth retardation for late preterm infants appropriate for gestational age
Yongming WANG ; Mei XU ; Haijia MA ; Hong LI ; Lujiang WU ; Xueqin ZHU ; Liyong MA ; Mengsi WU ; Sanxiang XUE ; Jingxia LUO
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(19):2954-2959
Objective To analyze the risk factors for extrauterine growth retardation(EUGR)in late preterm infants appropriate for gestational age.Methods The clinical data in 1 402 preterm infants appropri-ate for gestational age delivered and hospitalized in this hospital from January 2016 to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.They were divided into the EUGR group(n=244)and the non-EUGR group(n=1 158)ac-cording to whether or not the body weight at discharge was below the 10th percentile of the growth curve for the same gestational age at the same period based on the Fenton's preterm growth curve.The clinical data of preterm infants and mothers of the two groups were collected.The risk factors for EUGR occurrence in pre-mature infants were analyzed.Results Among 1 402 preterm infants appropriate for gestational age,EUGR occurred in 244 cases with the EUGR incidence rate of 17.4%.The EUGR incidence rate had no statistical difference among the different fetal ages of premature infants(P>0.05).The EUGR incidence rate had sta-tistical difference among different birth weights of premature infants(P<0.05).The logistic regression anal-ysis showed that male(OR=1.694,95%CI:1.144-2.507),low birth weight(OR=0.989,95%CI:0.988-0.991),feeding intolerance(OR=2.719,95%CI:1.234-5.990),short gestational weeks(OR=0.146,95%CI:0.103-0.207)and hospitalization duration extension(OR=1.073,95%CI:1.031-1.117)were the risk factors for EUGR occurrence in late premature infants appropriate for gestational age in discharge.The sub-group analysis showed that male,low birth weight,feeding intolerance and hospitalization duration extension were the risk factors for EUGR occurrence in the preterm infants with gestational ages of 34-<36 weeks(P<0.05).Low birth weight and feeding intolerance only affected the preterm infants≥36 weeks of gesta-tional age(P<0.05).Conclusion Strengthening the pregnant duration health care and active nutritional sup-port after birth may reduce the risk of EUGR occurrence in late premature infants.
6.Design and application of lead apron support exoskeleton device based on ergonomics
Liqiang ZHU ; Xueqin MEI ; Li ZHANG ; Weixing SUN
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(11):167-170,175
Based on the principles of ergonomics,simulating the structure of the human skeleton,an exoskeleton device was designed that can effectively transmit the gravity of the lead coat to the ground from all parts of the human body,which can transfer the weight of the lead clothing without affecting the operation of the interventional doctor and ensuring the doctor's activity,so as to reduce the weight borne by the surgeon and alleviate occupational fatigue.The lead clothing support exoskeleton device included an upper support part and a lower support part.The upper support part and the lower support part were connected through a lumbar support frame,taking into account the advantages of practicality,wearing portability,lightweight,joint flexibility etc..The wearer can easily perform actions such as leg lifting,turning,bending over,etc.,as well as sit down and rest without removing lead or protective clothing.From the perspective of clinical interventional doctors,the device skillfully applies the mechanical support structure to realize the effective conduction of gravity,reduce the burden of doctors,increase the comfort of the wearer and improve work efficiency,which has practical and clinical application value.
7.TRIM24 alleviates viral myocarditis by promoting STAT6 phosphorylation-mediated macrophage M2 polarization
Liangyu ZHU ; Xueqin LI ; Xin ZHANG ; Guoquan YIN ; Yuan ZHANG ; Kun LYU
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(8):1595-1600,1606
Objective:To study the role and preliminary molecular mechanism of TRIM24 regulating macrophage polarization in viral myocarditis(VM).Methods:VM mouse model was established by Coxsackie virus B3(CVB3),and expression of TRIM24 in myocardial tissue was detected.Cardiac inflammation level and polarization phenotype of cardiac infiltrating macrophages in a murine model of cardiac TRIM24 inhibition were detected in vivo.A polarization model of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDMs)in vitro was established to observe the role of TRIM24 inhibition in polarizing BMDMs to M1 and M2,as well as its effects on phagocy-tosis and bactericidal function of BMDMs.Effects of TRIM24 inhibition on total STAT6 protein level and phosphorylation were investi-gated.Results:TRIM24 was significantly highly expressed in myocardial tissue of VM mice(P<0.001).Inhibition of TRIM24 expres-sion in myocardium had an attenuating effect on VM and promoted polarization of cardiac infiltrating macrophages to M2.TRIM24 was significantly down-regulated in vitro during the polarization of BMDMs toward M2(P<0.01).Inhibition of TRIM24 expression signifi-cantly promoted macrophage polarization toward M2 type and inhibited polarization toward M1 type,accompanied by a significant increase in STAT6 phosphorylation levels(P<0.01).Conclusion:TRIM24 regulates macrophage M2 polarization via activation of STAT6 signaling pathway to attenuate VM.
8.The trend, problems discovered, and enlightenment to hospital management of medical insurance fund unannounced inspection
Chen XIE ; Yutong WANG ; Weiguo ZHU ; Xueqin SUN ; Rui DONG ; Ding HAN
Chinese Journal of Hospital Administration 2024;40(1):42-46
The rational use of medical insurance fund(MIF) plays an important role in promoting the high-quality development of public hospitals, and the supervision of MIF is in a trend of under the rule of law, normalization, professionalization and standardization, and unannounced inspection will become the norm. The authors systematically analyzed three main trends of MIF unannounced inspections, namely, gradually increasing intensity, constantly innovating methods, and increasingly serious consequences. The problems exposed in unannounced inspections were sorted out from five dimensions: form of results, severity, scope of attribution, subjective intention, and regulatory screening ideas. The enlightenment of MIF unannounced inspections to hospital management was explored from four aspects: compliance awareness, organizational system, fine management, and daily supervision. It was proposed that public hospitals should transform their roles and positions, improve the working mechanism of departmental collaboration, and achieve fine management in policy understanding, system formulation, process design, information support, data governance, regulatory implementation, personnel training, and performance matching. At the same time, internal simulated unannounced inspections in hospitals should be regarded as a routine work.
9.Perioperative Animal Care for Xenotransplantation from Genetically Edited Pigs to Monkeys
Chan ZHU ; Dongliang ZHANG ; Deli ZHAO ; Xueqin SHI ; Lei QIAN ; Xuan ZHANG ; Yan JIN ; Wei DUAN ; Ruocheng QI ; Chaohua LIU ; Xuekang YANG ; Juntao HAN ; Dengke PAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(5):495-501
Objective To discuss the perioperative care and wound protection of xenotransplantation from genetically edited pigs to monkeys, with the goal of improving the success rate of such experimental procedures. Methods From October 2022 to October 2023, perioperative care and wound protection were performed on 7 recipient rhesus monkeys undergoing xenotransplantation of genetically edited pig tissues and organs. Customized wound protective garments were designed based on monkeys' size and surgical area to protect the wounds, alongside meticulous perioperative care. This included preoperative preparation and medication, intraoperative monitoring of physiological indicators and anesthesia management, and postoperative care comprising wound protection, observation and monitoring, and nutritional support. Results All seven monkeys successfully underwent xenotransplantation. With the aid of protective garments and detailed care, all surgical wounds healed by first intention, and postoperative recovery was satisfactory. Conclusion Proper care and wound protection during xenotransplantation from genetically edited pigs to monkeys not only promote wound healing, but also alleviate pain and harm to animals. This has significant implications for advancing experimental research in pig-monkey xenotransplantation and enhancing animal welfare.
10.G protein-coupled receptor 35 attenuates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by reprogramming cholesterol homeostasis in hepatocytes.
Xiaoli WEI ; Fan YIN ; Miaomiao WU ; Qianqian XIE ; Xueqin ZHAO ; Cheng ZHU ; Ruiqian XIE ; Chongqing CHEN ; Menghua LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Ruixue REN ; Guijie KANG ; Chenwen ZHU ; Jingjing CONG ; Hua WANG ; Xuefu WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2023;13(3):1128-1144
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Fat accumulation "sensitizes" the liver to insult and leads to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) is involved in metabolic stresses, but its role in NAFLD is unknown. We report that hepatocyte GPR35 mitigates NASH by regulating hepatic cholesterol homeostasis. Specifically, we found that GPR35 overexpression in hepatocytes protected against high-fat/cholesterol/fructose (HFCF) diet-induced steatohepatitis, whereas loss of GPR35 had the opposite effect. Administration of the GPR35 agonist kynurenic acid (Kyna) suppressed HFCF diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice. Kyna/GPR35 induced expression of StAR-related lipid transfer protein 4 (STARD4) through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, ultimately resulting in hepatic cholesterol esterification and bile acid synthesis (BAS). The overexpression of STARD4 increased the expression of the BAS rate-limiting enzymes cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) and CYP8B1, promoting the conversion of cholesterol to bile acid. The protective effect induced by GPR35 overexpression in hepatocytes disappeared in hepatocyte STARD4-knockdown mice. STARD4 overexpression in hepatocytes reversed the aggravation of HFCF diet-induced steatohepatitis caused by the loss of GPR35 expression in hepatocytes in mice. Our findings indicate that the GPR35-STARD4 axis is a promising therapeutic target for NAFLD.

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