1.Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction for Quantitative Detection of Candidiasis in Critically Ill Patients
Zhijie HE ; Weichao LI ; Biying WU ; Yaowei ZHI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(1):182-188
ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic value of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for detecting Candida infections in critically ill patients.MethodsA ddPCR assay for Candida detection was established and optimized, including design of primers and probes, optimization of PCR reaction, and validation of analytical specificity and cutoff threshold. Clinical specimens were analyzed by ddPCR and fungal culture in parallel to assess clinical performance and reliability.ResultsThe ddPCR assay demonstrated high analytical specificity for Candida detection. The sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR for detecting Candida in clinical samples were 0.583 (95%CI: 0.433, 0.721) and 0.962 (95%CI: 0.924, 0. 982). The ddPCR detection results were consistent with the fungal culture results (Kappa=0.604, P<0.05). The total assay time for ddPCR was approximately 7 hours, substantially shorter than conventional fungal culture.ConclusionThe ddPCR assay provides reliable and rapid detection of Candida in critically ill patients with markedly reduced turnaround time compared with conventional culture. Given its high specificity and operational efficiency, the ddPCR-based method holds significant potential for clinical implementation as a complementary diagnostic tool.
2.LI Xinmin's Experience in Treating Functional Constipation in Children Based on the Theory of Spleen Movement
Hongxiang CHEN ; Xinmin LI ; Yaowei HAN
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(8):1040-1043
[Objective]To summarize Professor LI Xinmin's clinical experience in treating functional constipation in children based on the theory of spleen movement.[Methods]Through learning from the teacher,reading ancient medical books and sorting out clinical medical cases,this paper expounds the theoretical origin of the spleen-transportation theory,analyzes Professor LI's exploration of the etiology and pathogenesis of functional constipation in children from the perspective of"spleen transportation",as well as the clinical experience in treating children's functional constipation with the spleen-transportation theory,and attaches a verified case for evidence.[Results]Professor LI holds that the main etiology of functional constipation in children is the damage to the spleen and stomach caused by dietary stagnation.The key pathogenesis is characterized by"dry fecal accumulation being the secondary aspect with dysfunction of large intestine conduction,and spleen-stomach deficiency being the primary aspect with disharmony of Qi movement in internal organs",among which the disorder of ascending-descending mechanisms in the spleen-stomach and liver-lung axis is particularly prominent.Guided by the"spleen-transportation"theory and the principle of"three-adaptation therapy",clinical treatment employs the strategies of"strengthening the spleen for root cultivation with tonification in transportation,regulating pivotal mechanisms through combined therapies",forming the spleen-transporting pivot-regulation method featured by"dredging-transportation and pivot-regulation".The self-formulated Yunpi Decoction is used to invigorate spleen-earth,focusing on ascending spleen-Yang,regulating middle-Jiao,and regulating Qi movement.In clinical practice,therapies like digestion-promoting,heat-clearing,purging and Qi-supplementing are flexibly integrated based on concomitant syndromes.The harmony method is adeptly applied to reconcile cold-heat and deficiency-excess,emphasizing that medications should be mild to avoid excessive purgation from damaging vital Qi.The pathogenesis of the attached case belonged to spleen deficiency and lack of health,with poor pivot function and internal food stagnation.The treatment adopted the methods of invigorating the spleen and stomach,regulating Qi and promoting smoothness,guiding stagnation and relieving constipation,and administered with the self-designed modified Yunpi Decoction.[Conclusion]Based on the"spleen-transportation theory",Professor LI applies the spleen-transportation and pivot-regulation method featuring dredging-transportation and pivot-regulation.With its unique theory,this approach provides new ideas and methods for clinical practice,making it worthy of promotion and learning.
3.Role of hippocampal activating transcription factor 5 in cognitive impairment induced by neuropathic pain in mice: relationship with mitochondrial unfolded protein response
Fei XING ; Xiaoshan SHI ; Yaowei XU ; Xin WEI ; Mingcui QU ; Dan CHENG ; Jingjing YUAN ; Zhongyu WANG ; Na XING ; Yanna LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(3):329-334
Objective:To evaluate the role of hippocampal activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) in cognitive impairment induced by neuropathic pain and the relationship with mitochondrial unfolded protein response(mtUPR) in mice.Methods:This study was conducted in 2 parts. Experiment Ⅰ Twenty-four SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 2 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S1 group) and neuropathic pain group (NP group). Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction injury to the sciatic nerve. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured before developing the model and at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model. Mouse cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test from 30-31 days after developing the model. After the end of the novel object recognition test, mice were sacrificed and the hippocampal CA1 region was harvested for determination of the expression of ATF5 (by Western blot) and the expression of ATF5 in neurons, microglia and astrocytes (by immunofluorescence double staining). Experiment Ⅱ Thirty-six SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S2 group), neuropathic pain + ATF5 up-regulation group (NA group), and neuropathic pain + empty virus group (NE group). On day 14 after developing the model, a virus that specifically up-regulated ATF5 expression in neurons and empty virus were injected into the hippocampal CA1 region. The MWT and TWL were measured at days 28 and 35 after developing the model. The novel object recognition test was performed on day 36 after developing the model to evaluate the cognitive function. After the end of the behavioral test, mice were sacrificed and the hippocampal CA1 region was harvested for detection of the expression of ATF5 and mtUPR marker proteins (Lon protease [LONP1] and heat shock protein 60 [HSP60]) by Western blot. Results:Experiment Ⅰ Compared with S1 group, no statistically significant change was found in the MWT and TWL before developing the model ( P>0.05), the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after developing the model, the discrimination index (DI) was decreased at day 31 after developing the model, the expression of ATF5 was down-regulated, the expression of ATF5 in neurons was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant change was found in the expression of ATF5 in mircrolia and astrocytes in NP group ( P>0.05). Experiment Ⅱ Compared with S2 group, the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased on days 28 and 35 after developing the model in NE group and NA group, DI was decreased, and the expression of ATF5, LONP1 and HSP60 was down-regulated in NE group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in NA group ( P>0.05). Compared with NE group, no significant change was found in the MWT and TWL in NA group ( P>0.05), DI was significantly increased, and the expression of ATF5, LONP1 and HSP60 was up-regulated in NA group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Down-regulated ATF5 in the hippocampus is involved in the process of cognitive impairment caused by neuropathic pain, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of mtUPR.
4.Interpretation of key quality indicators of phospholipid pharmaceutical excipients and analysis of their impact on drug formulations
Yaowei LI ; Wenqi LIU ; Lin YANG ; Fengjiao JIANG ; Lei CHEN ; Xinxin ZHANG ; Yong GAN
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(5):473-481
Phospholipid pharmaceutical excipients are primarily composed of a glycerol backbone,fatty acid chains,and phosphate groups.Due to their amphiphilic structure and unique physicochemical properties,they are commonly used as emulsifiers and carrier materials in pharmaceutical formulations.The pharmacopoeias of various countries have included phospholipid based pharmaceutical excipients and specified the testing methods and limits for their critical quality attributes.This article focuses on the current inclusion status,characteristic indicators,component content determination indicators,and functionality-related indicators determination methods and limits of phospholipid pharmaceutical excipients of various countries,in order to provide references and a basis for the rational applicatione of phospholipid pharmaceutical excipients.
5.Interpretation of key quality indicators of phospholipid pharmaceutical excipients and analysis of their impact on drug formulations
Yaowei LI ; Wenqi LIU ; Lin YANG ; Fengjiao JIANG ; Lei CHEN ; Xinxin ZHANG ; Yong GAN
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(5):473-481
Phospholipid pharmaceutical excipients are primarily composed of a glycerol backbone,fatty acid chains,and phosphate groups.Due to their amphiphilic structure and unique physicochemical properties,they are commonly used as emulsifiers and carrier materials in pharmaceutical formulations.The pharmacopoeias of various countries have included phospholipid based pharmaceutical excipients and specified the testing methods and limits for their critical quality attributes.This article focuses on the current inclusion status,characteristic indicators,component content determination indicators,and functionality-related indicators determination methods and limits of phospholipid pharmaceutical excipients of various countries,in order to provide references and a basis for the rational applicatione of phospholipid pharmaceutical excipients.
6.Role of hippocampal activating transcription factor 5 in cognitive impairment induced by neuropathic pain in mice: relationship with mitochondrial unfolded protein response
Fei XING ; Xiaoshan SHI ; Yaowei XU ; Xin WEI ; Mingcui QU ; Dan CHENG ; Jingjing YUAN ; Zhongyu WANG ; Na XING ; Yanna LI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(3):329-334
Objective:To evaluate the role of hippocampal activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) in cognitive impairment induced by neuropathic pain and the relationship with mitochondrial unfolded protein response(mtUPR) in mice.Methods:This study was conducted in 2 parts. Experiment Ⅰ Twenty-four SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 2 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S1 group) and neuropathic pain group (NP group). Neuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction injury to the sciatic nerve. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured before developing the model and at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after developing the model. Mouse cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test from 30-31 days after developing the model. After the end of the novel object recognition test, mice were sacrificed and the hippocampal CA1 region was harvested for determination of the expression of ATF5 (by Western blot) and the expression of ATF5 in neurons, microglia and astrocytes (by immunofluorescence double staining). Experiment Ⅱ Thirty-six SPF healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=12 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S2 group), neuropathic pain + ATF5 up-regulation group (NA group), and neuropathic pain + empty virus group (NE group). On day 14 after developing the model, a virus that specifically up-regulated ATF5 expression in neurons and empty virus were injected into the hippocampal CA1 region. The MWT and TWL were measured at days 28 and 35 after developing the model. The novel object recognition test was performed on day 36 after developing the model to evaluate the cognitive function. After the end of the behavioral test, mice were sacrificed and the hippocampal CA1 region was harvested for detection of the expression of ATF5 and mtUPR marker proteins (Lon protease [LONP1] and heat shock protein 60 [HSP60]) by Western blot. Results:Experiment Ⅰ Compared with S1 group, no statistically significant change was found in the MWT and TWL before developing the model ( P>0.05), the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased on days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after developing the model, the discrimination index (DI) was decreased at day 31 after developing the model, the expression of ATF5 was down-regulated, the expression of ATF5 in neurons was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and no statistically significant change was found in the expression of ATF5 in mircrolia and astrocytes in NP group ( P>0.05). Experiment Ⅱ Compared with S2 group, the MWT and TWL were significantly decreased on days 28 and 35 after developing the model in NE group and NA group, DI was decreased, and the expression of ATF5, LONP1 and HSP60 was down-regulated in NE group ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in NA group ( P>0.05). Compared with NE group, no significant change was found in the MWT and TWL in NA group ( P>0.05), DI was significantly increased, and the expression of ATF5, LONP1 and HSP60 was up-regulated in NA group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Down-regulated ATF5 in the hippocampus is involved in the process of cognitive impairment caused by neuropathic pain, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of mtUPR.
7.LI Xinmin's Experience in Treating Functional Constipation in Children Based on the Theory of Spleen Movement
Hongxiang CHEN ; Xinmin LI ; Yaowei HAN
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(8):1040-1043
[Objective]To summarize Professor LI Xinmin's clinical experience in treating functional constipation in children based on the theory of spleen movement.[Methods]Through learning from the teacher,reading ancient medical books and sorting out clinical medical cases,this paper expounds the theoretical origin of the spleen-transportation theory,analyzes Professor LI's exploration of the etiology and pathogenesis of functional constipation in children from the perspective of"spleen transportation",as well as the clinical experience in treating children's functional constipation with the spleen-transportation theory,and attaches a verified case for evidence.[Results]Professor LI holds that the main etiology of functional constipation in children is the damage to the spleen and stomach caused by dietary stagnation.The key pathogenesis is characterized by"dry fecal accumulation being the secondary aspect with dysfunction of large intestine conduction,and spleen-stomach deficiency being the primary aspect with disharmony of Qi movement in internal organs",among which the disorder of ascending-descending mechanisms in the spleen-stomach and liver-lung axis is particularly prominent.Guided by the"spleen-transportation"theory and the principle of"three-adaptation therapy",clinical treatment employs the strategies of"strengthening the spleen for root cultivation with tonification in transportation,regulating pivotal mechanisms through combined therapies",forming the spleen-transporting pivot-regulation method featured by"dredging-transportation and pivot-regulation".The self-formulated Yunpi Decoction is used to invigorate spleen-earth,focusing on ascending spleen-Yang,regulating middle-Jiao,and regulating Qi movement.In clinical practice,therapies like digestion-promoting,heat-clearing,purging and Qi-supplementing are flexibly integrated based on concomitant syndromes.The harmony method is adeptly applied to reconcile cold-heat and deficiency-excess,emphasizing that medications should be mild to avoid excessive purgation from damaging vital Qi.The pathogenesis of the attached case belonged to spleen deficiency and lack of health,with poor pivot function and internal food stagnation.The treatment adopted the methods of invigorating the spleen and stomach,regulating Qi and promoting smoothness,guiding stagnation and relieving constipation,and administered with the self-designed modified Yunpi Decoction.[Conclusion]Based on the"spleen-transportation theory",Professor LI applies the spleen-transportation and pivot-regulation method featuring dredging-transportation and pivot-regulation.With its unique theory,this approach provides new ideas and methods for clinical practice,making it worthy of promotion and learning.
8.Analysis of co-expressed genes in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and necrotic apoptosis utilizing bioinformatics
Yaowei ZHAO ; Hongyu LI ; Xiyuan MA ; Xianghong MENG ; Qiang TANG
Journal of China Medical University 2024;53(1):67-74
Objective To identify and validate co-expressed genes associated with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI)and necrotic apoptosis by bioinformatics analysis.Methods Gene expression profile data for MI/RI were obtained by GSE67308 and GSE19875 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.Differential expression analysis was conducted on the GSE67308 dataset to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs),followed by gene set enrichment analysis and biological pathway analysis.More-over,immune cell infiltration analysis was performed on the GSE67308 dataset.Necrotic apoptosis-related genes were retrieved from the Molecular Signatures Database and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed by overlapping DEGs with these necrotic apoptosis-related genes to identify key genes.Furthermore,the expression pat-terns of these key genes across various cardiac cell types were analyzed using a single-cell sequencing analysis platform,and validation of key gene expression was performed using the GSE19875 dataset.Results A total of 1054 DEGs were identified,comprising 363 upregu-lated and 691 downregulated genes.Gene enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were primarily associated with processes related to apoptosis,immune responses,and intracellular signaling regulation.Moreover,biological pathway analysis demonstrated that DEGs were predominantly involved in the regulation of signaling pathways such as tumor necrosis factor(TNF)and NF-κB.Immune infiltration anal-ysis indicated a high degree of immune infiltration,particularly with natural killer cells and monocytes,in MI/RI myocardial tissue.PPI network analysis identified Il1b,TNF,Birc3,and Ripk1as crucial genes in the context of necrotic apoptosis.Single-cell sequencing anal-ysis showed the elevated expression of key genes within white blood cells.In comparison to the control group,the MI/RI model group in the GSE19875 dataset exhibited significantly increased expression of Il1b,TNF,Birc3,and Ripk1(P<0.01).Conclusion MI/RI is strongly correlated with the TNF signaling pathway and the NF-κB signaling pathway,both of which play pivotal roles in regulating necrotic apop-tosis.Il1b,TNF,Birc3,and Ripk1emerge as key genes that concurrently regulate both MI/RI and necrotic apoptosis.It is plausible that IL-1b,TNF,Birc3,and Ripk1 may serve as critical regulatory factors in the context of necrotic apoptosis during MI/RI.
9.Cuproptosis in relation to MIRI and heart failure
Xiaoxiao LIU ; Hongyu LI ; Yaowei ZHAO ; Xiyuan MA ; Chunyang DONG ; Qiang TANG
Chinese Journal of Arteriosclerosis 2024;32(12):1082-1088
Timely restoration of blood supply after myocardial infarction is crucial for saving the infarcted myocardi-um.So far,the most effective method is to restore myocardial oxygenation and coronary blood flow through coronary inter-ventional therapy.However,reperfusion may also lead to greater heart damage due to the reintroduction of molecular oxy-gen.New treatments are needed to protect the heart from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI)to improve clini-cal outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction and heart failure(HF).A deeper understanding of the mecha-nisms of MIRI and the search for new treatments could provide key evidence to mitigate myocardial damage and improve pa-tient survival.At present,it has been found that copper,as a trace element in human body,can have a significant pro-tective effect on MIRI.Copper can reduce apoptosis in cardiomyocytes,that is,control the self-destruction process of cell,so as to reduce the degree of myocardial injury.However,the potential relationship between abnormal copper ion metabolism as well as cuproptosis and MIRI as well as HF has not been explored.In this review,we focus on potential therapeutic strategies for MIRI and understand the metabolic pathways of copper in the human body,so as to provide more options and hope for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
10.Professor LI Xinmin's Ideas and Experience in the Treatment of Pediatric Epilepsy
Zongyan LAI ; Yaowei HAN ; Xinmin LI
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2024;48(5):586-589
[Objective]To introduce and summarize Professor LI Xinmin's experience in treating pediatric epilepsy from the perspective of pivot.[Methods]By following the clinical work,it collected,organized and analyzed initial and follow-up medical records of pediatric epilepsy patients from the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and consulted ancient Chinese medicine books and modern clinical research on pediatric epilepsy,and analyzed Professor LI's experience in treating pediatric epilepsy from several aspects.Additionally,it attached a medical case for verification.[Results]Professor LI identifies phlegm turbidity and retention as the basic initiating factor of the disease,and phlegm Qi disorder as the core pathogenesis.Combining with the characteristics of children,he utilizes the characteristics of Chinese medicine,using the pivot as the core to treat phlegm and promote Qi flow,supplemented by reconciling the Shaoyang pivot,restoring the circulation of spleen and stomach,and using a dual approach to regulate the overall Qi and coordinate the functions of organs,thereby improving the condition of children with epilepsy and reducing the frequency of seizures.Professor LI also pays attention to individualized treatment,examines the evidence to determine the cause,and adds or subtracts medication according to different types of seizures.At the same time,emphasis is placed on dynamic syndrome differentiation,and medication is prescribed according to the changes in the patient's condition,achieving good therapeutic effects in the treatment and prevention of epilepsy.The attached case was diagnosed as disadvantageous of Shaoyang pivot syndrome at first visit,the treatment was to dredge and benefit Shaoyang,calm the liver and extinguish wind.Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction and Ditan Decoction were added and subtracted,and then Xieqing Pill was given to clear the liver meridian and remove the heat.[Conclusion]Professor LI's clinical efficacy in treating pediatric epilepsy from the perspective of pivot theory is affirmed,which enriches the diagnosis and treatment system of pediatric epilepsy and is worthy of learning and reference.

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