1.Osler’s view of the physician and physician’s narrative literacy in narrative medicine
Huihui CHEN ; Wenhua CAO ; Yanling TAO ; Ying ZHAO ; Xiaolin YANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):399-404
In the era of evidence-based medicine, the progress of medical science and technology has enriched medical diagnostic tools and treatment methods, but it has also led to the loss of medical warmth and the alienation of the doctor-patient relationships. William Osler emphasized that while medical technology advances, attention should also be paid to the practice of narrative medicine and the development of physician’s narrative literacy. The view of the physician he advocated reminds us that the core of medicine still lies in the narrative connection between doctors and patients, as well as a deep understanding of human nature. By exploring the relationship between Osler’s view of the physician and narrative medicine as well as physician’s narrative literacy, this paper analyzed the methods of cultivating physician’s narrative literacy, providing references for modern medical education and practice, and assisting in the harmony and unity of science and technology and humanity.
2.Effect of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on Mitochondrial Biogenesis in BMSCs Through PGC-1α/PPARγ
Ying YANG ; Xiuzhi FENG ; Yiran CHEN ; Zhimin WANG ; Xian GUO ; Yanling REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):28-36
ObjectiveBased on the TCM theory of "Yang transforms materials to Qi while Yin constitutes material form", this paper explored the effects of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial biogenesis during the adipogenic differentiation process of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by mediating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), providing theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) using Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan. MethodsBMSCs were divided into a blank group, Zuogui Wan (ZGW) group, Yougui Wan (YGW) group, and Progynova group. Cell identification was performed using flow cytometry. The growth curves of BMSCs were plotted using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, and the effects of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on the proliferation of BMSCs were detected. The Oil red O staining method was used to detect lipid droplet formation. The Western blot method was used to detect the expression of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, CCAAT/enharcer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, C/EBPβ, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) protein, brown adipose tissue-related (BAT) proteins PGC-1α, uncoupcing protein 1 (UCP1), PR domdin-containing protein 16 (PRDM16), mitochondrial biogenesis-related PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). The expression of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, LPL genes, and the copy number of cytochrome B (CytoB mtDNA) gene was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Mitochondrial ultrastructure was detected using transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the proliferation ability of BMSCs in each treatment group increased continuously as the intervention progressed, and lipid droplets significantly decreased after the drug intervention. The mRNA and protein expression levels of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, and LPL were significantly downregulated (P<0.01), while those of the BAT-related factors PGC-1α, UCP1, PRDM16 were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The number of mitochondria increased, accompanied by reduced swelling. The double membrane and cristae structure were clear, and the internal cristae rupture was reduced. The copy number of CytoB mtDNA in each treatment group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis-related PGC-1α, Nrf1, Nrf2, and TFAM in each treatment group were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionBoth Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan can prevent and treat PMOP by intervening in mitochondrial biogenesis in BMSCs through PGC-1α/PPARγ.
3.USP20 as a super-enhancer-regulated gene drives T-ALL progression via HIF1A deubiquitination.
Ling XU ; Zimu ZHANG ; Juanjuan YU ; Tongting JI ; Jia CHENG ; Xiaodong FEI ; Xinran CHU ; Yanfang TAO ; Yan XU ; Pengju YANG ; Wenyuan LIU ; Gen LI ; Yongping ZHANG ; Yan LI ; Fenli ZHANG ; Ying YANG ; Bi ZHOU ; Yumeng WU ; Zhongling WEI ; Yanling CHEN ; Jianwei WANG ; Di WU ; Xiaolu LI ; Yang YANG ; Guanghui QIAN ; Hongli YIN ; Shuiyan WU ; Shuqi ZHANG ; Dan LIU ; Jun-Jie FAN ; Lei SHI ; Xiaodong WANG ; Shaoyan HU ; Jun LU ; Jian PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4751-4771
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.
4.Clinical and genetic analysis of an individual with Lan-negative rare blood group due to variant of ABCB6 gene.
Xianguo XU ; Kairong MA ; Ying LIU ; Xiaozhen HONG ; Yanling YING ; Faming ZHU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(3):286-291
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate a case of antibodies against high-frequency erythrocyte antigens and elucidate the genetic mechanism underlying the blood group.
METHODS:
A Lan-negative patient referred to the Zhejiang Blood Center by Quzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in August 2016 was selected as the study subject. A retrospective study was conducted to collect the proband's clinical data. The proband's erythrocyte antigens and unexpected serum antibodies were identified using tube saline and microcolumn agglutination anti-human globulin methods. Antibody specificity was determined by treating erythrocytes with 7 enzymes and 2 chemical reducing agents. Genomic DNA was extracted from the proband's blood sample for whole genome sequencing (WGS) and erythrocyte blood group gene analysis, with validation by Sanger sequencing. Multiple bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the pathogenicity of the variant. The rare blood group and unexpected antibody specificity were comprehensively determined based on the results of serological and genetic testing. This study has been approved by the Zhejiang Provincial Blood Center Medical Ethics Committee(Ethics No.20190201).
RESULTS:
The proband was a 91-year-old Han Chinese male with prostatitis, cystitis, and malnutrition in conjunct with emaciation. He had a history of multiple erythrocyte transfusions without observable adverse reactions. Prior to the most recent transfusion, major crossmatch agglutination was observed, which prompted antibody identification. Antibodies against high-frequency antigens were detected in the proband's serum, with enzyme and reducing agent treatments ruling out antibody specificities associated with 17 blood group systems, e.g., MNS, LU, KEL. WGS analysis identified 4 525 SNPs and 1 046 INDEL variants among erythrocyte blood group genes. Further screening revealed that the proband had a rare blood group due to a homozygous rs755723161 variant. This variant in the ABCB6 gene (c.459delC) has led to a frameshifting mutation (p.Trp154GlyfsTer96), resulting in the Lan-negative rare blood group with a high-frequency antigen deficiency and the production of IgG anti-Lan antibodies in the serum.
CONCLUSION
This study has identified anti-Lan alloantibodies in a Lan-negative patient and, for the first time, elucidated the ABCB6 gene variant underlying the Lan-negative rare blood group in the Chinese population.
Humans
;
Male
;
Blood Group Antigens/immunology*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Retrospective Studies
;
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
5.Concept of Osler's patient view and doctor-patient narrative community in narrative medicine
Xiaolin YANG ; Huihui CHEN ; Yanling TAO ; Ying ZHAO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;37(5):564-569
In the context of modern medicine,it's difficult for doctors lacking narrative thinking to get into the hearts of patients and offer high-quality medical service.Precise classification terms and decontextualized abstract language have become communication barriers between doctors and patients,creating an atmosphere of unusual indifference and fear during the medical process.William Osler,the father of modern medicine,emphasized that doctors should respect the individuality of patients,and advocated that doctors should use life-oriented language to provide humanistic care to patients.This echoes the concept of the"doctor-patient narrative community"in the construction of the Chinese narrative medicine system.As a brand new clinical humanistic practice path,narrative medicine focuses on the keyword"narrative"and revolves around the theme of"inter-subjective relationship"in the medical context,advocates that doctors switch flexibly in the two references of science and life,achieve visual fusion with patients and their families,pay attention to patients'life experiences,and establish narrative connections with them.On this basis,it can achieve two-way narrative interaction,build a harmonious doctor-patient narrative community,and thus enhance the patient's medical experience.
6.Protective effect of melatonin on formaldehyde exposure-induced acute lung injury in rats through modulation of the Nrf2 pathway
Bihong Wang ; Xiaoyu Nie ; Weijie Ding ; Jiating Zhou ; Beiqi Xu ; Ying Zhang ; Jianguo Lv ; Yanling Sun
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(1):23-28
Objective :
To investigate the protective effect of melatonin (MT) on formaldehyde (FA) inhalation-in- duced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats and its mechanism through the regulation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway.
Methods :
Fifty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into Control group ,FA group,FA + MT 5 mg / kg group,FA + MT 10 mg / kg group and FA + MT 20 mg / kg group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the Control group,all other groups inhaled 3 mg / m3 FA daily for 21 d consecutively to construct the tainted model,and then treated with different MT doses for 14 d.The tainting was continued during the MT treatment.Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in lung tissue,lung water content and lung coefficient were weighed and measured,glutathione ( GSH) ,superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine ( 8-OHdG) levels were measured by absorbance photometric method ,and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) ,in- terleukin (IL) -6,and IL-1 β concentrations,Western blot to detect the protein expression levels of Nrf2,heme ox- ygenase-1 (HO-1) ,nuclear factor-κB ( NF-κB) ,and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB ( p-NF-κB) in lung tis- sues,and quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) to detect the Nrf2,HO-1,and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) mRNA expression levels.
Results :
Compared with the control group,lung injury was obvious in rats in the FA group ; lung tissue GSH and SOD levels were reduced ,and 8-OHdG levels were elevated ( P < 0. 05) ; alveolar lavage fluid TNF-α , IL-6,and IL-1 β levels were elevated (P<0. 05) ; Nrf 2 and HO-1 protein expression levels were reduced in the lung tissue (P<0. 05) ,and p-NF-κB protein expression levels were was ele- vated (P<0. 05) ; the relative mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in lung tissue was decreased,and the relative mRNA expression of Keap1 was elevated (P<0. 05) .Compared with the FA group,the lung injury of rats in the MT group was improved ; the levels of GSH and SOD in the lung tissue were increased (P<0. 05) ,and the level of 8-OHdG was decreased (P<0. 05) ; the levels of TNF-α , IL-6,and IL-1 β in the alveolar lavage fluid were de- creased (P<0. 05) ; and the expression levels of the Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the lung tissue were increased (P <0. 05) .p-NF-κB protein expression level was decreased (P <0. 05) ; the relative mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 in lung tissues were increased (P<0. 05) ,and the relative mRNA expression level of Keap1 was decreased (P<0. 05) in lung tissues,and all of them were in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion
MT can al- leviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and mitigate FA exposure-induced acute lung injury by regula- ting the Nrf2 / Keap1 / HO-1 signaling pathway.
7.Construction and clinical practice of vector management strategy for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia by blocking etiological characteristics
Xinhua XIA ; Ying WANG ; Pengbo YAN ; Yanling SUN ; Meimei SI ; Lie QIN ; Yuxia WANG ; Yanan LI ; Ling CHEN ; Zijun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2024;40(4):283-288
Objective:To establish an environmental management strategy for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia from the perspective of etiological characteristics and to verify its application effect.Methods:Based on a sampling survey, this study constructed preventive management strategies for ventilator-associated pneumonia by blocking pathogen characteristics from the perspective of both colonization and infection management in patients. From July 2021 to June 2023, a non-synchronous randomized controlled study was conducted, including a control group of 59 cases and an experimental group of 57 cases from ICU of Tianjin Teda Hospital, all of them were mechanically ventilated patients. The effectiveness of the strategy was confirmed.Results:In the control group, there were 35 males and 24 females, with an average age of (46.97 ± 18.84) years. In the experimental group, there were 39 males and 18 females, with an average age of (47.49 ± 13.85) years. During the study period, there were 9 cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the control group and 2 cases in the experimental group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (exact odds ratio=0.031). The duration of mechanical ventilation in the experimental group (122.41 ± 18.36) h, which was shorter than that in the control group (187.62 ± 18.05) h, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=19.28, P<0.05). The length of ICU stay in the experimental group was (8.38 ± 0.79) d, in the control group was (10.99 ± 1.10) d, the difference between them was statistically significant ( t=14.66, P<0.05). On the 7th day, there were 7 cases of positive pathogenic bacteria in sputum culture in the experimental group, which was significantly different from the 29 cases in the control group ( χ2=16.73, P<0.05). Conclusions:The vector management strategy for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia by blocking etiological characteristics can reduce the incidence of VAP, shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay, and reduce the pathogen load in the sputum of mechanically ventilated patients on the 7th day.
8.Screening and characterization of anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain antibodies with broad-spectrum neutralizing activity
NI Wanqi ; REN Li ; JIN Changzhong ; YANG Furong ; SHEN Yumin ; WANG Shuo ; HU Caiqin ; HAO Yanling ; LIU Ying ; ZHU Biao ; SHAO Yiming ; LI Dan ; WANG Zheng
China Tropical Medicine 2024;24(3):258-
convalescents, and to screen for broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Methods Using biotinylated RBD as a molecular probe, flow cytometry was employed to perform single-cell sorting of B cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of convalescents. The obtained B cells were lysed and subjected to reverse transcription, followed by nested PCR amplification of the heavy and light chains of antibodies was conducted using random primers. The amplified products were cloned into corresponding expression vectors, and the respective matched heavy-light chain plasmids were co-transfected into 293F cells for expression. Monoclonal antibodies were then purified using Protein A column chromatography. Neutralization experiments were conducted with the wild-type (WT) pseudovirus, and antibodies with IC50<0.1 μg/mL were selected for further testing of neutralizing breadth and potency against the wild-type (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), Delta variant (B.1.617.2), and currently prevalent pseudovirus strains (XBB, BA.5, BF.7). Results A total of 21 RBD-specific monoclonal B cells were obtained from two recovered patients, resulting in the isolation of 13 pairs of antibody light/heavy chains. Nine antibodies were successfully expressed, with P1-A1, P1-B6, and P1-B9 exhibiting IC50 values below 0.1 μg/mL against the pseudovirus of the wild-type strain (WT). Specifically, P1-B6 effectively neutralized the wild-type strain (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), and Delta variant (B.1.617.2), with IC50 values reaching 0.01 μg/mL. P1-B9 demonstrated effective neutralization against the wild-type strain (WT), Beta variant (B.1.351), Delta variant (B.1.617.2), and Gamma variant (P.1) pseudoviruses, with IC50 values of 0.42 μg/mL, 0.63 μg/mL, 0.28 μg/mL, and 2.50 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, P1-B6 exhibited good neutralization against BA.5 and BF.7 pseudoviruses, with IC50 values of 0.06 μg/mL and 0.09 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 WT strain can induce the generation of neutralizing antibodies with broad-spectrum activity. Generating these broadly neutralizing antibodies does not require an excessively high somatic hypermutation. The obtained antibodies can be used as candidates for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and prevention.
9.Analysis of 9 patients with adolescence-onset methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency
Huiting ZHANG ; Xue MA ; Ying JIN ; Mengqiu LI ; Jinqing SONG ; Zhehui CHEN ; Yi LIU ; Xiangpeng LU ; Hong ZHENG ; Yanling YANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(4):357-362
Objective:To explore the diagnosis and treatment of adolescence-onset methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency.Methods:This was a retrospective case study. Nine patients with adolescence-onset MTHFR deficiency were diagnosed at Peking University First Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022, and followed up for more than 1 year. Their general information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, cranial images, MTHFR gene variants, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The 9 patients came from 8 families. They had symptoms at age of 8.0 years to 17.0 years and diagnosed at 9.0 years to 17.5 years. Eight were male and 1 was female. Two patients were brothers, the elder brother developed abnormal gait at 17.0 years; and the younger brother was then diagnosed at 15.0 years of age and treated at the asymptomatic stage, who was 18.0 years old with normal condition during this study. The main manifestations of the 8 symptomatic patients included progressive dyskinesia and spastic paralysis of the lower limbs, with or without intellectual decline, cognitive impairment and behavioral abnormalities. Totally, 15 variants of MTHFR gene were identified in the 9 patients, including 8 novel variants. Five patients had brain image abnormalities. Increased plasma total homocysteine level (65-221 μmol/L) was found in all patients, and decreased to 20-70 μmol/L after treatment with betaine and calcium folinate. Besides, the 8 symptomatic patients had their behavior and cognitive problems significantly improved, with a legacy of lower limb motor disorders.Conclusions:Late-onset MTHFR deficiency can occur in adolescence. The diagnosis is usually delayed because of non-specific clinical symptoms. The test of blood total homocysteine could be used as a selective screening test. Eight novel varients of MTHFR gene were identified. Timely treatment can improve clinical condition significantly, and pre-symptomatic treatment may prevent brain damage.
10.Clinical features and follow-up study on 55 patients with adolescence-onset methylmalonic acidemia
Xue MA ; Zhehui CHEN ; Huiting ZHANG ; Ruxuan HE ; Qiao WANG ; Yuan DING ; Jinqing SONG ; Ying JIN ; Mengqiu LI ; Hui DONG ; Yao ZHANG ; Mei LU ; Xiangpeng LU ; Huiqian CAO ; Yuqi WANG ; Yongxing CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Yanling YANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(6):520-525
Objective:To investigate the clinical features and outcomes of adolescence-onset methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and explore preventive strategies.Methods:This was a retrospective case analysis of the phenotypes, genotypes and prognoses of adolescence-onset MMA patients. There were 55 patients diagnosed in Peking University First Hospital from January 2002 to June 2023, the data of symptoms, signs, laboratory results, gene variations, and outcomes was collected. The follow-ups were done through WeChat, telephone, or clinic visits every 3 to 6 months.Results:Among the 55 patients, 31 were males and 24 were females. The age of onset was 12 years old (range 10-18 years old). They visited clinics at Tanner stages 2 to 5 with typical secondary sexual characteristics. Nine cases (16%) were trigged by infection and 5 cases (9%) were triggered by insidious exercises. The period from onset to diagnosis was between 2 months and 6 years. Forty-five cases (82%) had neuropsychiatric symptoms as the main symptoms, followed by cardiovascular symptoms in 12 cases (22%), kidney damage in 7 cases (13%), and eye disease in 12 cases (22%). Fifty-four cases (98%) had the biochemical characteristics of methylmalonic acidemia combined with homocysteinemia, and 1 case (2%) had the isolated methylmalonic acidemia. Genetic diagnosis was obtained in 54 cases, with 20 variants identified in MMACHC gene and 2 in MMUT gene. In 53 children with MMACHC gene mutation,1 case had dual gene variants of PRDX1 and MMACHC, with 105 alleles. The top 5 frequent variants in MMACHC were c.482G>A in 39 alleles (37%), c.609G>A in 17 alleles (16%), c.658_660delAAG in 11 alleles (10%), c.80A>G in 10 alleles (10%), c.567dupT and c.394C>T both are 4 alleles (4%). All patients recovered using cobalamin, L-carnitine, betaine, and symptomatic therapy, and 54 patients (98%) returned to school or work.Conclusions:Patients with adolescence-onset MMA may triggered by fatigue or infection. The diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms. Metabolic and genetic tests are crucial for a definite diagnosis. Treatment with cobalamin, L-carnitine, and betaine can effectively reverse the prognosis of MMA in adolescence-onset patients.


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