1.Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, Weakness in Limbs, Edema, and Dyspnea: A Rare Inflammatory Myopathy with Positive Aniti-mitochondrial Antibodies and Cardiac Involvement
Chunsu LIANG ; Xuchang ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jiaqi YU ; Yingxian LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Yanli YANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Ruijie ZHAO ; Na NIU ; Xuelian YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):248-255
This article presents a case study of a patient who visited the Geriatric Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to "palpitations, shortness of breath for more than 2 years, limb weakness for 6 months, edema, and nocturnal dyspnea for 2 months". The patient exhibited decreased muscle strength in the limbs and involvement of swallowing and respiratory muscles, alongside complications of heart failure and various arrhythmias which were predominantly atrial. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of multiple autoantibodies and notably anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with anti-mitochondrial antibody-associated inflammatory myopathy. Treatment involved a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, along with resistance exercises for muscle strength and rehabilitation training for lung function, resulting in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. The case underscores the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing and treating rare diseases in elderly patients, where careful consideration of clinical manifestations and subtle abnormal clinical data can lead to effective interventions.
2.Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognitive Function of Aging Mice by Regulating Intestinal Flora-metabolite Network
An-Feng WANG ; Tong WU ; Hu ZHANG ; Ji-Ling LIANG ; Ning CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1484-1498
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in aging mice and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which aerobic exercise ameliorates cognitive decline through the regulation of gut microbiota-metabolite network. By providing novel insights into the interplay between exercise, gut microbiota, and cognitive health, this research seeks to offer a robust theoretical foundation for developing anti-aging strategies and personalized exercise interventions targeting aging-related cognitive dysfunction. MethodsUsing naturally aged C57BL/6 mice as the experimental model, this study employed a multi-omics approach combining 16S rRNA sequencing and wide-targeted metabolomics analysis. A total of 18 mice were divided into 3 groups: young control (YC, 4-month-old), old control (OC, 21-month-old), and old+exercise (OE, 21-month-old with 12 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill training) groups. Behavioral assessments, including the Morris water maze (MWM) test, were conducted to evaluate cognitive function. Histopathological examinations of brain tissue sections provided morphological evidence of neuronal changes. Fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota and metabolite profiling via 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Data were analyzed using a combination of statistical and bioinformatics tools to identify differentially abundant microbial taxa and metabolites and to construct interaction networks between them. ResultsBehavioral tests revealed that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly improved spatial learning and memory capacity of aged mice, as evidenced by reduced escape latency and increased target area exploration and platform crossings in the MWM. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that exercise mitigated aging-related neuronal damage in the hippocampus, enhancing neuronal density and morphology. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that exercise increased gut microbiota α‑diversity and enriched beneficial bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Rikenella. Metabolomics analysis identified 32 differentially regulated metabolites between OC and OE groups, with 94 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated in the OE group when compared with OC group. These metabolites were primarily involved in energy metabolism reprogramming (e.g., L-homocitrulline), antioxidant defense (e.g., L-carnosine), neuroprotection (e.g., lithocholic acid), and DNA repair (e.g., ADP-ribose). Network analysis further revealed strong positive correlations between specific bacteria and metabolites, such as Parabacteroides with ADP-ribose and Bifidobacterium with lithocholic acid, suggesting potential neuroprotective pathways mediated by the gut microbiota-metabolite axis. ConclusionThis study provides comprehensive evidence that aerobic exercise elicits cognitive benefits in aging mice by modulating the gut microbiota-metabolite network. These findings highlight three key mechanisms: (1) the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria enhances metabolic reprogramming to boost DNA repair pathways; (2) elevated neuroinflammation-inhibiting factors reduce neurodegenerative changes; and (3) enhanced antioxidant defenses maintain neuronal homeostasis. These results underscore the critical role of the “microbiota-metabolite-brain” axis in mediating the cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise. This study not only advances our understanding of the gut-brain axis in aging but also offers a scientific basis for developing personalized exercise and probiotic-based interventions targeting aging-related cognitive decline. Future research should further validate these mechanisms in non-human primates and human clinical trials to establish the translational potential of exercise-induced gut microbiota-metabolite modulation for combating neurodegenerative diseases.
3.Obstructive sleep apnea and fundus vascular injury
Yichun WANG ; Kang ZHANG ; Ya LIANG ; Ning DING
International Eye Science 2025;25(8):1247-1252
The ocular fundus vasculature, serving as a critical window for monitoring disease progression, represents one of the primary targets of hypoxic injury. A growing body of evidence suggests associations between specific ocular vascular pathologies and sleep-disordered breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)has been implicated in fundus lesions through its detrimental effects on the central retinal artery, retinal veins, retinal microvasculature, and choroidal vessels. Mechanistically, these effects are linked to OSA-induced intermittent hypoxia, which drives hemodynamic disturbances, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, altered blood composition, endothelial dysfunction, and neuroendocrine/metabolic dysregulation. This review synthesizes current evidence on OSA-related retinal vascular injury and elucidates its mechanistic pathways. The goal is to identify sensitive and specific retinal vascular biomarkers to facilitate the early detection of OSA and its associated complications.
4.The clinical value of artificial intelligence quantitative parameters in distinguishing pathological grades of stage Ⅰ invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma
Yun LIANG ; Mengmeng REN ; Delong HUANG ; Jingyan DIAO ; Xuri MU ; Guowei ZHANG ; Shuliang LIU ; Xiuqu FEI ; Dongmei DI ; Ning XIE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(05):598-607
Objective To explore the clinical value of artificial intelligence (AI) quantitative parameters in distinguishing pathological grades of stageⅠ invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC). Methods Clinical data of patients with clinical stageⅠ IAC admitted to Yantaishan Hospital Affiliated to Binzhou Medical University from October 2018 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the 2021 WHO pathological grading criteria for lung adenocarcinoma, IAC was divided into gradeⅠ, grade Ⅱ, and grade Ⅲ. The differences in parameters among the groups were compared, and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of AI quantitative parameters for grade Ⅲ IAC patients. Parameters were screened using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Three machine learning models were constructed based on these parameters to predict grade Ⅲ IAC and were internally validated to assess their efficacy. Nomograms were used for visualization. Results A total of 261 IAC patients were included, including 101 males and 160 females, with an average age of 27-88 (61.96±9.17) years. Six patients had dual primary lesions, and different lesions from the same patient were analyzed as independent samples. There were 48 patients of gradeⅠ IAC, 89 patients of grade Ⅱ IAC, and 130 patients of grade Ⅲ IAC. There were statitical differences in the AI quantitive parameters such as consolidation/tumor ratio (CTR), ect among the three goups. (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed that the differences in all variables except age were statistically significant (P<0.05) between the group gradeⅠ+grade Ⅱand the group grade Ⅲ . Multivariate analysis suggested that CTR and CT standard deviation were independent risk factors for identifying grade Ⅲ IAC, and the two were negatively correlated. Grade Ⅲ IAC exhibited advanced TNM staging, more pathological high-risk factors, higher lymph node metastasis rate, and higher proportion of advanced structure. CTR was positively correlated with the proportion of advanced structures in all patients. This correlation was also observed in grade Ⅲ but not in gradeⅠand grade ⅡIAC. CTR and CT median value were selected by using LASSO regression. Logistic regression, random forest, and XGBoost models were constructed and validated, among which, the XGBoost model demonstrated the best predictive performance. Conclusion Cautious consideration should be given to grade Ⅲ IAC when CTR is higher than 39.48% and CT standard deviation is less than 122.75 HU. The XGBoost model based on combined CTR and CT median value has good predictive efficacy for grade Ⅲ IAC, aiding clinicians in making personalized clinical decisions.
5.Construction of an infectious disease risk assessment system for childcare institutions in Shanghai
Lyulan HUANG ; Ruobing HAN ; Liang TIAN ; Junhua FAN ; Yan WANG ; Ning JIANG ; Renyi ZHU ; Jian CHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):692-696
ObjectiveTo explore the construction of a risk assessment indicator system for common infectious diseases in Shanghai’s childcare institutions, and to provide a reference standard for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, staff training and system construction in childcare institutions. MethodsBy combining the Delphi method with the literature review and expert consultation, the hierarchical dimensions and items at all levels of the risk assessment indicator system for common infectious diseases in Shanghai’s childcare institutions were constructed, and the weighting coefficients were determined by analytic hierarchy process. ResultsA total of 14 experts from the field of childcare institutions, infectious disease control, child healthcare and health supervision participated in the Delphi consultation. The system consisted of four core dimensions: organizational management, team building, hardware equipment, and infectious disease surveillance and disposal, with the weighting coefficients of 0.285 9, 0.261 6, 0.204 3 and 0.248 2, respectively. The evaluation indicator system consisted of 4 primary indicators, 15 secondary indicators and 45 tertiary items. The positivity coefficients of the two rounds of Delphi consultation were 0.93 and 1.00, the authority coefficients were both 0.81, and the Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were 0.44 and 0.49, respectively (P<0.01). ConclusionThe high expert engagement and coordination indicate that organizational management and team building remain the critical priorities for infectious disease prevention and control in Shanghai’s childcare institutions. It is recommended to strengthen financial investment, improve institutional mechanisms, and enhance personnel reserves and capacity building for healthcare teachers, thereby systematically upgrading the infectious disease control capabilities of childcare institutions.
6.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guideline for Chinese Patent Medicine(Part 1): Development Status and Characteristics
Ning LIANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Yujing ZHANG ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Ziteng HU ; Yaxin CHEN ; Huizhen LI ; Haili ZHANG ; Zhao CHEN ; Yin JIANG ; Bin LIU ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):44-49
The irrational use of Chinese patent medicines (CPM) is becoming more and more prominent, which makes the demand for clinical practice guidelines of CPM gradually increase. In order to make domestic scholars understand the latest developments and existing problems of the CPM guidelines, and promote its development, this paper introduced the concept of CPM guidelines, summarized the characteristics of the two development modes, namely “taking CPM as the key” and “taking disease/syndrome as the key”, and analyzed the current methodological status of developing and reporting CPM guidelines. Based on the existed problems, three suggestions have been put forward to optimize the quality of CPM guidelines, which were clarifying the target users and scope of CPM guidelines, establishing an open and transparent mechanism of the personnel involvement and process steps, and formulating implementable and operable recommendations for the use of CPM.
7.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicine: 2.Establishment of Guideline Working Group and Management of Conflict of Interests
Yaxin CHEN ; Ning LIANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Ziteng HU ; Yujing ZHANG ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Huizhen LI ; Yijiu YANG ; Jing GUO ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):50-54
This paper summarized the key points and methods in terms of the establishment of the guideline working group and the management of conflict of interests, trying to provide reference for the development of clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicine (CPM). The establishment of the working group is the first important step for developing CPM guidelines. Considering the characteristics of the clinical practice guidelines for CPM, this study suggests that the three key elements of ‘multidisciplinarity’, ‘clinical relevance’ and ‘geographical representativeness’ should be put focus on when forming the working group. The guideline advisory committee, clinical expert group, evidence systematic evaluation group, secretary group and the external review group should be established. All group members should clarify the conflict of interest, and the process and management method of the conflict of interest should be clearly reported.
8.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicine(Part 3): Identification of Clinical Questions
Ziteng HU ; Ning LIANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Yujing ZHANG ; Yaxin CHEN ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Zhao CHEN ; Yin JIANG ; Cuicui CHENG ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):55-59
The identification of clinical questions for clinical practice guidelines of Chinese patent medicine (CPM) is important for subsequent evidence retrieval, evaluation of evidence quality, formation of recommendations. This paper described a methodological proposal for the identification of clinical questions for CPM guidelines to highlight the characteristics of Chinese patent medicine and reflect its effect in specific stage of the disease. Considering four aspects, namely, the drug of Chinese patent medicine (D), the specific disease stage (S), comparison (C), and specific outcome (O), DSCO framework has been proposed to formulate the clinical questions. Multi-source information through scientific research, policy or standard documents, and clinical data are suggested for collecting clinical questions, and clear selection criteria should be set to finalize the clinical questions to be addressed by the guideline. In addition, the above process needs to be transparently and publicly reported in order to ensure the clarity and completeness of the guidelines.
9.Methodology for the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chinese Patent Medicine(Part 4): Evidence Retrieval and Evaluation
Fuqiang ZHANG ; Lijiao YAN ; Ziteng HU ; Yujing ZHANG ; Yaxin CHEN ; Xingyu ZONG ; Zhao CHEN ; Weili WANG ; He LI ; Ning LIANG ; Nannan SHI ; Yanping WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):60-65
The retrieval and evaluation of evidence is the basis for the development of clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicine. As traditional Chinese medicine has a different development trajectory and utilization characteristics from modern medicine, there is certain differences in terms of evidence composition, retrieval and integration.This paper discussed multi-source body of evidence on Chinese patent medicine based on modern evidence-based medicine and ancient medical literature, and summarized the retrieval strategy as well as the possible problems and solving methods. For different types of evidence on Chinese patent medicine, the corresponding evaluation tools have been recommended, and the order to integrate the evidence based on the quality of the evidence from high to low is suggested. Finally, a multi-source based evidence retrieval-evaluation-integration scheme for Chinese patent medicine has been formed, which will provide a methodological reference for practitioners in the development of clinical practice guidelines for Chinese patent medicine.
10.Discussion on the Scientific Connotation of Fortifying Spleen, Resolving Phlegm and Dispelling Stasis in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease under the Guidance of Dysfunctional High-Density Lipoprotein
Lianqun JIA ; Qige WANG ; Guoyuan SUI ; Nan SONG ; Huimin CAO ; Liang KONG ; Meijun LV ; Yuan CAO ; Ning YU ; Siyuan DING ; Guanlin YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(2):128-133
The key pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD) is spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis, and dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein (dys-HDL) may be the biological basis for the occurrence of CHD due to spleen deficiency and phlegm stasis. Considering the biological properties and effects of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), it is believed that the structure and components of HDL are abnormal in the state of spleen deficiency which led to dys-HDL; and dys-HDL contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques through two major pathways, namely, mediating the dysfunction of endothelial cells and mediating the foaminess of macrophages and smooth muscle cells, thus triggering the development of CHD. It is also believed that dys-HDL is a microcosmic manifestation and a pathological product of spleen deficiency, and spleen deficiency makes foundation for the production of dys-HDL; dys-HDL is also an important biological basis for the phlegm-stasis interactions in CHD. The method of fortifying spleen, resolving phlegm, and dispelling stasis, is proposed as an important principle in the treatment of CHD by traditional Chinese medicine, which can achieve the therapeutic purpose by affecting the changes in the structure and components of dys-HDL, thus revealing the scientific connotation of this method, and providing ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of CHD by traditional Chinese medicine.

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