1.Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis of plasma proteins identifies biomarkers for anxiety disorders
Xuelian LI ; Min DENG ; Rongting RAN ; Yuqian HE ; Geman WANG ; Yujie LI ; Zhili ZOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(1):63-69
BackgroundAnxiety disorder is a common mental disorder, with its prevalence showing a continuous upward trend, significantly affecting the quality of life and social function of patients. Due to the lack of objective and reliable biomarkers in clinical practice, the early identification and treatment of anxiety disorder have been somewhat limited. Plasma proteins have the potential to serve as biomarkers for mental diseases, however, the causal relationship between them and anxiety disorder remains unclear. ObjectiveTo identify the plasma proteins that have a causal relationship with anxiety disorders, and to elucidate the associated biological pathways, in order to provide references for the search for biomarkers of anxiety disorders and the exploration of potential therapeutic targets. MethodsBased on the protein quantitative trait locus (pQTL) data of 4 907 plasma proteins covering 35 559 Icelandic individuals from the deCODE database, and the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data of 50 486 patients with anxiety disorders and 330 460 healthy controls, the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis method, supplemented by MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model method, and weighted model method for bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. Enrichment analysis of gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways was conducted for the related proteins. Sensitivity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO test, and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the robustness of the results. ResultsA total of 10 plasma proteins were identified as significantly associated with anxiety disorders. Among these, SPATA9 (OR=0.856, 95% CI: 0.784–0.934, P<0.01) and PDE5A (OR=0.911, 95% CI: 0.864–0.961, P<0.01) were identified as protective factors, while CRYGD (OR=1.209, 95% CI: 1.095–1.334, P<0.01), BTN3A3 (OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.018–1.073, P<0.01), SERPINB13 (OR=1.102, 95% CI: 1.040–1.168, P<0.01), ERBB4 (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.109–1.484, P<0.01), LSAMP (OR=1.096, 95% CI: 1.037–1.158, P<0.01), ICOSLG (OR=1.283, 95% CI: 1.104–1.490, P<0.01), DNAJB11 (OR=1.172, 95% CI: 1.076–1.277, P<0.01), and TREML1 (OR=1.115, 95% CI: 1.054–1.179, P<0.01) were identified as risk factors. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust, with no heterogeneity (Cochran's Q test P>0.05) or pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept test P>0.05). Enrichment analysis indicated that these plasma proteins were enriched in biological processes such as T-cell signal transduction, lymphocyte proliferation, cell membrane structure and synaptic function, as well as the intestinal immune network that produces IgA and the ErbB signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study identified 10 plasma proteins associated with anxiety disorders. The functions of these plasma proteins involve multiple biological processes such as neural development and immune regulation.
2.Therapeutic effect and mechanism of the topical preparation of baicalein on atopic dermatitis
Deng WANG ; Zhongying FAN ; Qinglong GUO ; Xi LI ; Yujie BAI ; Libin WEI ; Yuan HE
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):99-109
To evaluate the therapeutic effect of baicalein topical preparation on atopic dermatitis, we first constructed two atopic dermatitis-like mouse models induced by calcipotriol and 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to assess their therapeutic effect with skin tissue staining and other experiments. It was found that topical preparation of baicalein could alleviate epidermal thickening of diseased skin tissues, repair damaged skin barrier proteins, and inhibit T helper 2 cells (Th2) infiltration and mast cell infiltration and activation in lesional sites. Cyberpharmacology was utilized to analyze whether baicalein could treat atopic dermatitis by interfering with multiple pathogenesis-associated pathways. Results indicated that baicalein reduced the mRNA levels of inflammatory factors and inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and STAT1 proteins in keratinocyte cells. Together, the topical preparation of baicalein may be effective in alleviating atopic dermatitis-like symptoms in mice by down-regulating the phosphorylation level of NF-κB in keratinocytes, thereby decreasing the expression of inflammatory factors in keratinocytes, which provides an idea and a theoretical basis for the topical preparation of baicalein for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis.
3.Advancements in herbal medicine-based nanozymes for biomedical applications.
Mei YANG ; Zhichao DENG ; Yuanyuan ZHU ; Chenxi XU ; Chenguang DING ; Yujie ZHANG ; Mingxin ZHANG ; Mingzhen ZHANG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(9):1037-1049
Nanozymes are a distinct category of nanomaterials that exhibit catalytic properties resembling those of enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Nanozymes derived from Chinese herbal medicines exhibit the catalytic functions of their enzyme mimics, while retaining the specific medicinal properties of the herb (termed "herbzymes"). These nanozymes can be categorized into three main groups based on their method of synthesis: herb carbon dot nanozymes, polyphenol-metal nanozymes, and herb extract nanozymes. The reported catalytic activities of herbzymes include POD, SOD, CAT, and GPx. This review presents an overview of the catalytic activities and potential applications of nanozymes, introduces the novel concept of herbzymes, provides a comprehensive review of their classification and synthesis, and discusses recent advances in their biomedical applications. Furthermore, we also discuss the significance of research into herbzymes, including the primary challenges faced and future development directions.
Nanostructures/chemistry*
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Humans
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Herbal Medicine/methods*
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Superoxide Dismutase/chemistry*
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Catalase/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Catalysis
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Glutathione Peroxidase/chemistry*
4.Analysis of the characteristics of patients with road traffic accident injuries treated by pre-hospital emergency services in Beijing
Guifang DENG ; Ling GENG ; Tao SUN ; Yujie SHEN ; Min ZHAO ; Jingjing LI ; Hui CHEN
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(31):27-30
Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of road traffic accident injuries in Beijing can provide a theoretical basis for improving the pre-hospital emergency service capabilities and levels,and increasing patient survival rates while reducing disability,mortality rates.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 9207 patients who made pre-hospital emergency calls due to road traffic accident injuries at the Beijing Emergency Medical Center in 2023 to understand the patients' age,gender,injury time,injury location,injury degree and other characteristics.Results Traumatic diseases ranked first in the classification of emergency medical conditions in Beijing.Among them,road traffic accidents account for 37%.The ratio of male to female patients was 1.32∶1.The largest number of patients were aged 31-40,accounting for nearly 25%.The proportion of underage patients and those aged 71 and above was 12.16%.The differences in gender and age distribution were statistically significant,while the differences in gender distribution among different age groups were not statistically significant.Road traffic accident injuries occured most frequently in September and least in January.There were more cases in summer and autumn,and fewer in winter and spring.The most common injury sites in road traffic accidents were limbs/skin and head and neck,accounting for 81.06%.The patients with moderate severity of injuries were the most numerous,accounting for 85.29%.Conclusion To avoid road traffic accidents,prevention should be the priority.It is necessary to strengthen the joint governance of multiple departments and minimize the occurrence of road traffic accident from the source.Pre-hospital emergency care must focus on key populations and key seasons,strengthen professional skills training and resource allocation,ensure efficient and smooth connection between pre-hospital and in-hospital care.Popularize and publicize the importance of self-rescue and mutual rescue,promote first aid knowledge and skills training for the public,and create a social atmosphere where"rescue is right beside us".
5.Development and application of an optimized focus-forming assay for quantitation of influenza A virus titer
Jia LI ; Qiaohong CHU ; Lingfang ZHANG ; Xuchang SHAN ; Tangqi WANG ; Ruiwen HAN ; Yujie JIANG ; Donghong WANG ; Baoying HUANG ; Yao DENG ; Wenjie TAN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(1):45-52
Objective:To establish and optimize a novel method, focus forming assay (FFA), for quantitation of influenza A virus (FluA) and compare its application performance with traditional plague forming assay (PFA).Methods:The foci chromogenic effects of three peroxidase substrates in immunostaining were compared. The PFA and FFA methods were used to explore FluA incubation times and plaque morphology on 12-well plates, and to determine optimal incubation times and virus adsorption volumes for different FluA subtypes on 96-well plates. The correlation between FFA and PFA was evaluated, and the optimized FFA was applied to the in vitro antiviral efficacy analysis of Favipiravir and neutralization test against different subtypes of FluA. Results:TRUEBLUE substrate was identified as the optimal substrate for foci visualization. Compared with the PFA, the FFA showed improved sensitivity and reduced detection time in FluA titration, and good correlation was shown between the two methods′ results. By replacing the 96-well plate with the 12-well plate for FFA titration of different subtypes of FluA, the detection time was shortened, and the amount of serum samples used could be further reduced by optimizing the virus adsorption volume. The half-maximal effective concentration of favipiravir against influenza viruses assessed by the FFA and PFA methods showed no significant difference, and was consistent with the results obtained from quantitative PCR. Additionally, the focus reduction neutralization test and hemagglutination inhibition assays demonstrated strong correlation in determining antibody titers against FluA in serum neutralization assays.Conclusions:The improved FFA method developed here provides a more efficient experimental tool for FluA titration, antiviral drug screening and broad-spectrum vaccine evaluation.
6.Epidemiological analysis of the adhesion glycoprotein gene characteristics of human respiratory syncytial virus in Xi'an from 2023 to 2024
Peng ZHANG ; Yangni DENG ; Shuling LI ; Yuewen HAN ; Yujie YANG ; Jianing WEI ; Ye ZHANG ; Yuanyuan DUAN ; Rui WU ; Hailong CHEN
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(10):809-816
Objective:To analyze the prevalence of human respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)and the evolutionary characteristics of the adhesion glycoprotein(G)gene in Xi'an from 2023 to 2024.Methods:Respiratory specimens were collected from patients with acute respiratory infections in Xi'an between October 2023 to October 2024. RSV nucleic acid screening was performed using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR;full-length G gene sequencing was conducted on nucleic acid-positive specimens. Genotyping characterization of the obtained sequences was performed using Nextclade v3.10.0 software.Results:A total of 2 548 respiratory tract infection samples were collected,with 104 cases(4.08%,104/2 548)testing positive for RSV. The highest RSV positivity rate was observed in children aged ≤1 year(12.24%,18/147),and significant difference in positivity rates were found among age groups(χ 2=37.868, P<0.001). Since October 2023,RSV has seen an epidemic peak during January to February 2024,and gradually declined thereafter,with no positive cases from May to September 2024. Among the 43 RSV-positive samples,12 strains were identified as subtype A(all genotype A.D.3),and 31 strains were subtype B(14 genotype B.D.4.1.1 and 17 genotype B.D.E.1). Conclusion:From October 2023 to October 2024,RSV had an epidemic peak in January and February in Xi'an,with subtype B being the predominant circulating type.
7.Epidemiological and VP1 region genetic characteristics of coxsackievirus A6 in Xi′an city, 2021—2023
Zerun XUE ; Rui WU ; Hailong CHEN ; Quanli DU ; Yuewen HAN ; Yujie YANG ; Yangni DENG ; Yao BAI ; Baozhong CHEN ; Xiaoli WEI ; Haifei YOU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(6):512-518
Objective:To investigate the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) in Xi′an city from 2021 to 2023.Methods:Collected clinical cases of HFMD, epidemiological information and samples were obtained. The specimens were tested by the real-time RT-PCR for enterovirus A71(EVA71), CVA16, CVA6 and CVA10, respectively. The VP1 regions of CVA6 were amplified and sequenced, MEGA X was used for phylogenetic analysis.Results:From 2021 to 2023, a total of 1 393 HFMD samples were collected, 1 106 (79.40%, 1 106/1 393) of which were positive for enteroviruses. The proportions of EVA71, CVA16, CVA6 and CVA10 were 0.45% (5/1 106), 16.64% (184/1 106), 72.42% (801/1 106) and 2.17% (24/1 106). A total of 801 HFMD cases tested positive for CAV6, including 783 mild cases and 18 severe cases, mainly in children aged ≤5 years (86.02%, 689/801), with a male/female ratio of 1.49∶1. The composition ratio of CVA6 infection differed with year(χ 2=332.62, P<0.01), and the highest composition ratio of CVA6 was in 2023 (91.01%, 638/701). The nucleotide and amino acid similarities in the VP1 region of Xi′an strains of CVA6 were 92.4%-99.8% and 98.3%-100.0%, respectively. Compared with the CVA6 prototype strain(Gdula), the nucleotide and amino acid similarities in the VP1 region of Xi′an strains were 82.2%-84.0% and 95.4%-96.0%, respectively, and there were 18 amino acid mutations in different degrees. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of VP1 region sequences, the CVA6 strains in Xi′an city from 2021 to 2023 belonged to D3a subtype, and could be divided into two clusters with 18 strains in cluster 1 while two strain in cluster 2. Conclusions:The sub-genotype D3a of CVA6 is the predominant virus causing HFMD in Xi′an city from 2021 to 2023, and there are two transmission chains. The monitoring and prevention of CVA6 should be strengthened.
8.Economic burden of 14 chronic diseases among middle-aged and elderly people in China
Jun ZHANG ; Yidan WANG ; Xinping WANG ; Yafang ZHANG ; Yujie LI ; Chaofang YAN ; Rui DENG ; Yuan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Health Management 2025;19(12):994-1001
Objective:To estimate the economic burden of 14 chronic diseases among middle-aged and elderly people in China.Methods:This cross-sectional study was based on longitudinal data from five waves (2011 to 2020) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Participants aged 45 and over who had been diagnosed with exactly one target chronic disease were included in the study. The 14 chronic diseases included: hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes or elevated blood glucose, malignant tumors, chronic pulmonary diseases, liver diseases, heart diseases, stroke, kidney diseases, digestive system diseases, emotional and mental diseases, memory-related diseases, arthritis or rheumatic diseases, and asthma. The economic burden of disease was measured in terms of both direct and indirect economic burden, with the results adjusted using a healthcare-specific Consumer Price Index (CPI). The direct economic burden included direct medical and non-medical burden. The human capital method was employed to calculate the indirect economic burden. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was conducted to compare the differences in the economic burden between urban and rural areas, with provinces and prefecture-level cities set as random effects and residence (urban or rural areas) as fixed effects to control for the effects of geographic hierarchical structure. Gender, age and educational attainment were also included as covariates to control for confounding factors. The model′s robustness was assessed by comparing the significance of urban-rural differences before and after adding the covariates.Results:The median annual economic burden of the 14 chronic diseases among the middle-aged and elderly population in China ranged from 7 565 to 17 174 CNY, of which the direct economic burden ranged from 6 909 to 16 565 CNY, and the indirect burden ranged from 284 to 1 276 CNY. The direct economic burden was primarily driven by direct medical burden (83.67% to 95.01% of direct economic burden). Out-of-pocket expenses for outpatient medical burden ranged from 50% to 100%, while those for inpatient ranged from 36.30% to 61.29%. GLMM analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in the overall economic burden between urban and rural areas across diseases. However, the burden of inpatient medical burden for arthritis or rheumatism was higher in urban areas than in rural areas (5 338 vs. 3 898 CNY; LR=6.04, P=0.014). Similarly, the burden of self-treatment for hypertension was also higher in urban areas than in rural areas (324 vs. 238 CNY; LR=8.30, P=0.004). The outpatient non-medical burden for diabetes or elevated blood glucose (59 vs. 149 CNY; LR=5.99, P=0.014), stroke (0 vs. 307 CNY; LR=4.55, P=0.033), and digestive system diseases (45 vs. 107 CNY; LR=9.58, P=0.002) was lower in urban areas than rural. Conclusions:Chronic diseases cause heavy economic burden on middle-aged and elderly people in both urban and rural areas of China, with direct economic burden accounting for the majority of expenditure. The outpatient medical burden accounts for a higher proportion of out-of-pocket expenses than the inpatient.
9.Effects of Sishen Pills on the Expression of TREK-1 Signaling Pathway in Rats of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea
Xiaoyuan LIN ; Shuangyang LUO ; Na DENG ; Xuting XIA ; Jiemin LIU ; Yujie LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(10):94-99
Objective To observe the effect of Sishen Pills on the expression of TREK-1 signaling pathway in rats of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D);To explore its mechanism in treating IBS-D.Methods Ten SPF-grade SD rats were randomly selected as the normal group,and the remaining 30 rats were used to prepare the IBS-D rat model by senna gavage combined with water stress avoidance method,and then the modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group,Western medicine group(15.23 mg/kg pivoxyl bromide)and Chinese medicine group(7.32 g/kg Sishen Pills).The medication groups were gavaged by corresponding drugs,and the normal group and model group were given equal volume of pure water,once a day,for consecutive 14 d.The general state of the rats was observed,the contents of serum cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP),protein kinase A(PKA)and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK)were detected by ELISA,the positive expressions of biportal potassium channel TREK-1 and p-ERK in colonic tissue were detected by immunofluorescence,the expressions of cAMP,PKA and p-ERK protein were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the body mass of rats in the model group was significantly reduced,and loose stool rate significantly increased(P<0.01);the contents of cAMP,PKA and p-ERK in serum were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the positive expression and protein expression of TREK-1 in colonic tissue were significantly reduced,while the positive expression of p-ERK significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expressions of cAMP and PKA proteins significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass of rats in Chinese medince group significantly increased,and loose stool rate significantly decreased(P<0.01);the contents of cAMP,PKA and p-ERK in serum were significantly reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01);the positive expression and protein expression of TREK-1 in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.01),while the positive expression of p-ERK significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the expressions of cAMP and PKA proteins significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Sishen Pills may regulate intestinal motility by affecting the expression of the TREK-1 signaling pathway,thereby treating IBS-D.
10.Analysis of difficulties and strategy construction for ethical follow-up review in clinical application of medical technologies
Yujie NIE ; Rui DENG ; Jiyin ZHOU
Modern Hospital 2025;25(7):1136-1140
By reviewing relevant literature and policies on ethical review of clinical application of medical technologies,this study summarizes the necessity,difficulties,and countermeasures for ethical follow-up review,aiming to provide references for its implementation.The challenges in ethical follow-up review include:lack of top-level design at the national level;absence of standardized responsibility entities,requirements,and criteria for follow-up review;overemphasis on interim inspections while neglecting follow-up review,leading to incomplete ethical oversight;insufficient communication and coordination between relevant administrative departments and ethics committees;and weak awareness,low prioritization,and poor compliance among technology leaders regarding follow-up review.Due to the current fragility of ethical follow-up review in clinical application of medical tech-nologies,ethics committees fail to fully fulfill their patient protection responsibilities.To strengthen follow-up review,the follow-ing strategies are proposed:national-level improvement of regulatory frameworks;enhanced interdepartmental coordination within healthcare institutions to establish collaborative supervision mechanisms;intensified training for ethics committee members to im-prove review capabilities;and proactive transformation of ethics committees from passive to active follow-up review.

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