1.Molecular features of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome evolution in chronic liver diseases: a dynamic network biomarker analysis
Qingqing Chen ; Hua Zhang ; Dong Guo ; Hong Cai ; Yiyu Lu
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(2):241-256
Objective:
To elucidate the biological basis of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes from the perspective of “same syndrome, different diseases” in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), thereby providing a complementary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic liver diseases (CLD).
Methods:
To investigate the dynamic characteristics of TCM syndromes in CLD, transcriptomic profiling of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed from patients with CHB, LC, or HCC presenting with three TCM syndromes: liver gallbladder dampness heat syndrome (LGDHS), liver depression spleen deficiency syndrome (LDSDS), and liver kidney Yin deficiency syndrome (LKYDS). These participants were recruited at Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between August 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the random variance model (RVM) F test with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Principal component analysis (PCA) and unsupervised hierarchical clustering were applied to visualize sample grouping. Dynamic network biomarkers (DNB) analysis was employed to detect critical transition stages during syndrome evolution, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to characterize the functional roles and pathway involvement of the DNB members. Random forest (RF) analysis and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) were used to rank the importance of candidate genes. External validation was performed using microarray data from an independent CLD cohort (GSE89377) and RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) dataset. Additionally, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed on an independent cohort of LC patients to validate the expression levels of the candidate genes.
Results:
The study included a total of 132 participants. DNB analysis identified LDSDS stage as a critical tipping point during TCM syndrome evolution across CHB, LC, and HCC. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway was consistently enriched in the DNB analysis across all three types of CLD, suggesting its potential involvement in the critical transition of TCM syndromes. Among the 24 core DNB members of the PI3K-AKT pathway, four genes—integrin subunit beta 1 (ITGB1), collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1), collagen type IV alpha 2 chain (COL4A2), and DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT3)—were identified by RF analysis (Gini score > 1) and ROC analysis. ROC analysis demonstrated high discriminative ability for distinguishing LGDHS from LKYDS in CHB patients, with AUC of
2.Research progresses in deep learning reconstruction of low-dose CT image
Jiayuan LI ; Zhenxia LI ; Yiyu CHEN ; Xinran CHEN ; Hongyang GAN ; Qingming HUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1167-1170
Reconstruction of low-dose CT image faced problems such as low resolution,blurred artifacts and strong noise.Deep learning reconstruction met the needs of reducing radiation dose and improving imaging quality,promoted reconstruction of CT image towards high efficiency,intelligence and integration of clinical diagnosis and treatment.The research progresses in deep learning low-dose CT imaging reconstruction were reviewed in this article.
3.Design and application of protective restraint band used for the interventional catheter bed
Yan ZHANG ; Zhexia JIN ; Chunqiao WU ; Funv SHEN ; Longlong SHEN ; Lumin CHEN ; Yiyu ZHUANG
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(2):197-199
Objective To independently design a protective restraint band used for the interventional catheter bed and to evaluate its application effect.Methods The self-designed restraint belt consisted of a restraint belt body,first movable band and second movable band.A total of 200 patients,who received interventional operation at the Affiliated Run Run Shaw Hospital,School of Medicine of Zhejiang University of China from October 2022 to March 2023,were collected for this study.The patients were divided into the study group(n=100,using the self-designed restraint belt)and the control group(n=100,not using the self-designed restraint belt).The duration of surgical interruption due to patient's factors and the incidence of restraint belt-related adverse events were compared between the two groups.Results The duration of surgical interruption of the study group was(0.26±0.12)min,which was significantly shorter than(1.46±0.50)min in the control group,the difference was statistically significant(t=-23.570,P<0.01).The incidence of restraint belt-related adverse events in the study group and the control group was 0%and 7%respectively,the difference was statistically significant(x2=6.380,P=0.012).Conclusion The protective restraint band used for the interventional catheter bed can reduce the incidence of restraint belt-related adverse events and improve surgical efficiency.
4.Application of liver-on-a-chip in druggability evaluation
Yuanbo TU ; Chen XU ; Yiyu WANG ; Yaolong WANG ; Junying ZHANG ; Chunyong WU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(5):539-547
Druggability evaluation is one of the core processes in new drug development, yet the inaccuracy and high cost of existing in vitro liver models have been a major technical bottleneck, leading to an increasing demand from the pharmaceutical industry for reliable in vitro liver models to enhance the efficiency of new drug research and development. Traditional animal models and in vitro 2D culture models have their limitations in simulating in vivo physiological and pathological conditions, making it challenging to accurately predict drug efficacy and safety. With the advancement of microfluidic technology, in vitro cell culture, and biosensor technology, liver-on-a-chip (LOC) has garnered increasing attention in the field of new drug development in recent years, and is expected to become a powerful tool for addressing the challenges in druggability evaluation. While introducing the construction technology of LOC, this article mainly summarizes the research and application of existing LOC from the perspectives of disease model construction, drug metabolism research, and drug safety evaluation. Furthermore, it analyzes the role of LOC in druggability evaluation and discusses the current challenges and prospects in this field.
5.The psychological experience of ICU nurses caring for young patients with suicide attempts:a qualitative study
Ruijuan WU ; Li WANG ; Xuehua HE ; Yunxia SHEN ; Jingbang LIU ; Liqing CHEN ; Yiyu ZHUANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(12):913-918
Objective:To explore the psychological experience of ICU nurses caring for young patients with suicide attempts in a general hospital, and to lay a foundation for the study of psychological adjustment and intervention for ICU nurses.Methods:Twelve ICU nurses who had experience of caring for suicide attempted- young patients from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University were selected by using descriptive qualitative research method and the maximum difference method of the purposive sampling during October to December in 2023, and semi-structured in-depth personal interviews were conducted. Traditional content analysis method was used to sort out and analyze the data and extract the themes.Results:A total of 12 nurses completed the interview, 5 males, 7 females, aged 23-38(29.33 ± 4.14) years, three themes and seven sub-themes were extracted: psychological characteristics of care (avoidance of active communication, fear of care, empathy); the support required for nursing care (support from colleagues; support from nursing managers); self-growth after caregiving (self-growth in terms of life and death, and self-growth in terms of children′s education).Conclusions:ICU nurses have a certain degree of psychological pressure when taking care of young patients with suicide attempts, which will produce empathy for patients and affect their self-values. At the same time, they need support from colleagues and nursing managers. Therefore, general hospitals should pay attention to the psychological state of ICU nurses, carry out the targeted communication training and mental health support for ICU nurses, and help them gain positive nursing career growth and values.
6.The psychological experience of ICU nurses caring for young patients with suicide attempts:a qualitative study
Ruijuan WU ; Li WANG ; Xuehua HE ; Yunxia SHEN ; Jingbang LIU ; Liqing CHEN ; Yiyu ZHUANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(12):913-918
Objective:To explore the psychological experience of ICU nurses caring for young patients with suicide attempts in a general hospital, and to lay a foundation for the study of psychological adjustment and intervention for ICU nurses.Methods:Twelve ICU nurses who had experience of caring for suicide attempted- young patients from Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University were selected by using descriptive qualitative research method and the maximum difference method of the purposive sampling during October to December in 2023, and semi-structured in-depth personal interviews were conducted. Traditional content analysis method was used to sort out and analyze the data and extract the themes.Results:A total of 12 nurses completed the interview, 5 males, 7 females, aged 23-38(29.33 ± 4.14) years, three themes and seven sub-themes were extracted: psychological characteristics of care (avoidance of active communication, fear of care, empathy); the support required for nursing care (support from colleagues; support from nursing managers); self-growth after caregiving (self-growth in terms of life and death, and self-growth in terms of children′s education).Conclusions:ICU nurses have a certain degree of psychological pressure when taking care of young patients with suicide attempts, which will produce empathy for patients and affect their self-values. At the same time, they need support from colleagues and nursing managers. Therefore, general hospitals should pay attention to the psychological state of ICU nurses, carry out the targeted communication training and mental health support for ICU nurses, and help them gain positive nursing career growth and values.
7.Research progresses in deep learning reconstruction of low-dose CT image
Jiayuan LI ; Zhenxia LI ; Yiyu CHEN ; Xinran CHEN ; Hongyang GAN ; Qingming HUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(7):1167-1170
Reconstruction of low-dose CT image faced problems such as low resolution,blurred artifacts and strong noise.Deep learning reconstruction met the needs of reducing radiation dose and improving imaging quality,promoted reconstruction of CT image towards high efficiency,intelligence and integration of clinical diagnosis and treatment.The research progresses in deep learning low-dose CT imaging reconstruction were reviewed in this article.
8.Advances in research on intestinal fibrosis in Crohn′s disease
Yidong CHEN ; Junrong LI ; Xiaopeng ZHANG ; Shuang LI ; Yiyu CHENG ; Xiaoyu FU ; Jiamin LI ; Liangru ZHU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2024;08(3):242-245
Intestinal fibrosis in Crohn′s disease (CD) presents a significant clinical challenge, imposing a substantial burden on patients, their families and society. This article explores the histopathological and pathophysiological changes associated with intestinal fibrosis, providing a detailed summary of the related phenomena and processes. Additionally, we discuss the methods for detecting and assessing intestinal fibrosis, including radiological examinations, histopathological investigations, and the application of serum biomarkers. Finally, we delve into the therapeutic strategies for intestinal fibrosis in CD and the challenges faced in this realm, offering vital insights for further research and treatment of the disease.
9.Mechanism of MFG-E8 inhibiting apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma rats
Jing YANG ; Mingbing ZENG ; Jun YANG ; Yiyu SHI ; Haibo CHEN
Journal of China Medical University 2024;53(7):591-596
Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of milk fat globule-EGF factor 8(MFG-E8)in neuroprotection in glaucoma rats.Methods A glaucoma rat model was constructed,and MFG-E8 or D89E was injected into the vitreous cavity of the rats.The intraoc-ular pressure of the rats was measured.HE staining,TUNEL staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the patholog-ical injury,apoptosis and microglia activation of the retina.The protein expressions of cleaved caspase-3,caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9,caspase-9 and Bax were detected by Western blotting,and the expression levels of IL-10,TGF-βand NGFwere detected by ELISA and RT-qPCR.Results Compared with the control group,the intraocular pressure of glaucoma rats significantly increased,the retinal GCC layer became thinner,the apoptotic cells increased,the levels of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9 and Bax increased,and the number of IBA1 positive cells increased,after treatment with MFG-E8,retinal GCC layer thickness increased,and the levels of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9,Bax decreased,the number of IBA1 positive cells and the levels of IL-10,TGF-β,NGFincreased,but the progression of glaucoma was aggravated after the treatment of MFG-E8 inactivated isomer D89E.Conclusion MFG-E8 can mediate microglia activation,inhibit apoptosis of ganglion cells,and slow down the progression of glaucoma in rats.
10.Effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on chronic myeloid leukemia patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Heqing WU ; Jinhong NIE ; Yiyu XIE ; Suning CHEN ; Depei WU ; Xiaojin WU
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2024;33(9):534-539
Objective:To explore the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) on SARS-CoV-2 infection, the related symptoms, and recovery in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. The information including general data and SARS-CoV-2 infection of 319 CML patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2021 to December 2021 and 547 co-residents during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic was collected by telephone follow-up from December 2022 to January 2023. The differences in clinical characteristics, infection rate, symptom severity, and recovery time of the SARS-CoV-2 between CML patients and their co-residents, between patients whether getting vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, between patients whether receiving TKI and among CML patients receiving different types of TKI were compared. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the infection rate, symptom severity, and recovery time of SARS-CoV-2.Results:The median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of CML patients was 46 years (36 years, 57 years) and all 319 CML patients included 188 (59.0%) males and 131 (41.0%) females; the median age of co-residents of CML patients was 41 years (22 years, 55 years), and all 547 co-residents included 266 (48.6%) males and 281 (51.4%) females. There were statistically significant differences in age, gender, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 or not, infection rate [83.7% (267/319) vs. 90.5% (495/547)], distribution of symptomatic patients at different severity levels (mild, moderate, severe, and fatal), and recovery time [7 d (5 d, 14 d) vs. 6 d (2 d, 8 d)] between CML patients and co-residents (all P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in age, gender, SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, distribution of symptomatic patients at different severity levels and recovery time between CML patients (143 cases) and their co-residents (517 cases) who received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (all P < 0.05); there were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, infection rate, distribution of symptomatic patients at different severity levels and recovery time between vaccinated and unvaccinated CML patients with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (all P > 0.05). There were 297 (93.1%) CML patients who took TKI and 22 patients who did not take TKI. There were no statistically significant differences in age and gender distribution between patients taking TKI and those not taking TKI (all P > 0.05). The infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 in patients taking TKI was lower than that of patients not taking TKI [82.5% (245/297) vs. 100.0% (22/22)], and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.032); however, there were no significant differences in distribution of symptomatic patients at different severity levels and recovery time between patients taking TKI and those not taking TKI (all P > 0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TKI therapy was an independent protective factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in CML patients (taking TKI vs. not taking TKI: OR = 1.970, 95% CI: 1.093-3.554, P = 0.024), and was an independent risk factor for severe symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection (assigning mild, moderate, severe and fatal levels the value of 0, 1, 2, 3; OR = 0.042, 95% CI: 0.004-0.421, P = 0.007) and recovery time exceeding 7 d (> 7 d vs. ≤ 7 d, OR = 0.649, 95% CI: 0.426-0.988, P = 0.044). The third TKI therapy was given in 1 patient, and there were no statistically significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, the symptoms at different severity levels and recovery time > 7 d between CML patients receiving first generation TKI (63 cases) and those receiving second generation TKI (77 cases) who were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (all P > 0.05). Conclusions:TKI can reduce the infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 in CML patients, but will aggravate the severity of symptoms and prolong the recovery time. TKI types may have no impact on whether infected with SARS-CoV-2, the severity level of symptoms after infection and recovery time.

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