1.Differentiation and treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis based on the"midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory
Lingfei MENG ; Chaolun ZHU ; Zixu ZHAO ; Ranran SONG ; Yifan WANG ; Congling FAN ; Liuyue MI ; Shuangxi zhang
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):16-23
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Modern research indicates that immune dysregulation resulting from disruptions in circadian rhythm is closely associated with its pathogenesis. Both Western chronomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)" treatment based on temporal factors" emphasize the temporal relationship between natural rhythms and human physiology and pathology. The " midnight-noon and ebb-flow " theory represents the concrete application and deepening of TCM " treatment based on temporal factors" within the realm of chronomedicine. This article correlates the onset time of ulcerative colitis with specific periods in the " midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory:the Mao period(05:00-07:00),when the yangming large intestine meridian of hand is dominant; the Si period(09:00-11:00),when the taiyin spleen meridian of foot is dominant; and the You period(17:00-19:00),when the shaoyin kidney meridian of foot is dominant. According to this perspective,if the disease manifests during the Mao period,the pathogenesis is attributed to dampnessheat accumulation and disorder of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on clearing heat,resolving dampness,and harmonizing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Shaoyao Decoction or Baitouweng Decoction. If it occurs during the Si period,the pathogenesis involves spleen deficiency with dampness obstruction and disharmony of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen,eliminating dampness,and restoring qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Huangya Decoction or Shenling Baizhu Powder. If it presents during the You period,the pathogenesis is characterized by fire failing to warm earth,and consumption resulting in qi and blood leakage. Treatment should focus on warming the kidney and spleen,and securing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Sishen Pill or Tianhun Decoction. In addition to oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine,comprehensive therapies including acupuncture,herbal enemas,and acupoint application can provide novel insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
2.Study on the safety and efficacy of micro-perfusion device for preserving isolated porcine limbs
Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Man YUAN ; Xiwei PENG ; Jia LÜ ; Sice WANG ; Zhibo JIA ; Xiangyu SONG ; Yixuan ZHU ; Chonghui LI ; Moling XIAO ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):422-431
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a self-developed micro-normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) system (micro-perfusion device) for preserving isolated porcine limbs. Methods Five healthy Landrace pigs were selected, and their left and right forelimbs were randomly divided into the NMP group and static cold storage (SCS) group. The NMP group was perfused with the self-developed micro-perfusion device and polymerized hemoglobin perfusate for 32 hours at normothermia, while the SCS group was preserved at 4 ℃. Hemodynamic parameters such as perfusion pressure and flow were monitored. The pH value, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), lactic acid (Lac), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the perfusate were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess the muscle tissue structure, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was employed to evaluate muscle cell apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry staining was applied to detect the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. A mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effects of time and treatment methods on tissue structure, cell apoptosis and inflammatory factors. Results The device could stably maintain a perfusion pressure of (69±15) mmHg and a flow rate of (117±42) mL/min. The pH value and electrolytes of the perfusate were generally stable, with PO2 maintained at a high level. Lac was maintained at 5.38(3.81, 6.45) mmol/L, while CK and LDH increased over time. After 32 hours of perfusion in the NMP group, both the myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate were better than those in the SCS group. Mixed-effects model analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate per unit time (both P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in TNF-α and IL-6 between the two groups, and mixed-effects model analysis showed no statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on TNF-α and IL-6 per unit time (both P > 0.05). Conclusions The micro-perfusion device used in this study may achieve 32-hour normothermic preservation in a porcine limb amputation model, maintain basic metabolism and ionic homeostasis, reduce muscle structural damage and cell apoptosis without inducing additional inflammatory responses. This technology is expected to significantly extend the time window for replantation of amputated limbs in disaster rescue and long-distance transportation, providing an important technical basis for clinical translation and subsequent replantation research.
3.Changes in Adolescents’ Compliance Rate in Response to Policy Changes: COVID-19 Toothbrushing Restrictions in Schools for Korea
Suhyun CHOI ; Yubeen KIM ; Joo Mi KIM ; Joohyeon KIM ; Jaewon JEON ; Jae-Seok SONG ; Yeunhee KWAK ; Se-Hwan JUNG ; Nam-jun KIM
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2026;59(1):35-45
Objectives:
This study investigated changes in toothbrushing in adolescents in response to public health policy changes during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) focusing on behavioral trends before, during, and after policy enforcement according to socio-demographic subgroups.
Methods:
Data from the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2018–2024) were divided into 3 periods: before (2018–2019), during (2020–2022), and after (2023–2024) the implementation of COVID-19 school restrictions. A total of 354 943 middle and high school students were included. The primary outcome variable was self-reported toothbrushing after lunch at school. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted, adjusting for confounders such as sex, academic performance, school level, school type, handwashing, and oral health status (toothache and gum bleeding).
Results:
The compliance rate for toothbrushing declined significantly during the restriction period across all groups. It varied by sex, school type, school level, health-related behaviors (drinking, smoking, handwashing), and oral health status. Female students, middle schoolers, students in single-sex schools, non-smokers, and those practicing hand hygiene showed higher compliance. After restrictions were lifted, toothbrushing rates improved but remained lower than pre-pandemic levels. Recovery of the toothbrushing rate was observed in most groups, particularly among female students, high schoolers, and those with positive health-related behaviors. However, academic performance and oral health status were not significantly associated with recovery rate in adjusted analyses.
Conclusions
This study highlights that adolescents’ health behaviors are highly sensitive to environmental and policy changes. Variations in compliance and recovery rates underscore the need for adolescent-centered policies that account for both compliance and recovery, especially during crises such as pandemics.
4.A unified framework for postoperative complications after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: insights from the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery program
Jeong Ho SONG ; Chang Seok KO ; Han Hong LEE ; Hong Man YOON ; Hyoung-Il KIM ; In Gyu KWON ; Ji Yeon PARK ; Ji Yeong AN ; Jong Won KIM ; Mi Ran JUNG ; Sang-Il LEE ; Seong Ho KONG ; Sun-Hwi HWANG ; Yun-Suhk SUH ; Sang-Yong SON ; Sang-Uk HAN
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2026;110(5):290-298
Purpose:
Postoperative complications following gastric cancer surgery significantly impact patient outcomes, yet standardized definitions for these events have not been consistently applied across institutions in Korea. This study aimed to develop a consensus-based, standardized complication classification system specific to gastrectomy for gastric cancer as part of the Korean Quality Improvement Platform in Surgery (K-QIPS) initiative.
Methods:
As part of K-QIPS, a dedicated task force team (TFT) was formed with surgical experts from fourteen high-volume hospitals across Korea. The TFT conducted ten formal meetings to review existing literature and international guidelines, and incorporated findings from randomized controlled trials. The final complication list was developed through expert consensus and structured into a standardized framework. A Data Entry Manual was created to support consistent data collection by surgical clinical reviewers.
Results:
The TFT defined specific postoperative complications following gastrectomy for gastric cancer, including anastomotic leakage, duodenal stump leakage, pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal and luminal bleeding, delayed gastric emptying, and internal hernia. Notably, internal hernia was described in standardized form for the first time. General complications were developed first and overlapped in part with the gastric cancer-specific list. The task force also produced a Data Entry Manual that provides practical instructions to ensure consistency and accuracy in complication reporting.
Conclusion
This nationwide consensus initiative established the first standardized complication classification system for gastric cancer surgery in Korea. The proposed definitions and data entry system are expected to improve complication reporting, enable multicenter research, support surgical quality benchmarking, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.
5.Exploring Oncologists’ Perspectives on the Early Integration of Specialty Palliative Care in Korea: Challenges, Needs, and Clinical Implications
Shin Hye YOO ; Yu Jung KIM ; Ye Sul JEUNG ; Jung Sun KIM ; Kwonoh PARK ; Eun Mi NAM ; Si Won LEE ; Jun Ho JI ; Jwa Hoon KIM ; Joon Young HUR ; Song Ee PARK ; Jung Lim LEE ; Su-Jin KOH
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):339-348
Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the practices, perceptions, and barriers related to specialty palliative care (SPC) referrals among oncologists in Korea, highlighting the clinical implications of early integration.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey targeting board-certified hemato-oncology specialists was conducted between August 1-25, 2024. The survey assessed referral practices, attitudes toward early SPC integration, referral criteria, barriers, and institutional characteristics.
Results:
A total of 227 oncologists participated (response rate, 36.7%). Among them, 68.7% reported frequent SPC referrals, with higher referral rates observed among younger physicians, those in tertiary hospitals, and institutions with in-house SPC teams (p < 0.001). Although 74.9% supported early SPC integration, referrals were often inconsistently timed, frequently occurring after disease progression or at the discontinuation of chemotherapy. For time-based referrals, the most commonly endorsed triggers were disease progression despite palliative second-line treatment and a prognosis of expected mortality within 6-12 months. Need-based referral triggers such as patient or family requests (96.5%), psychological distress (89.9%), or uncontrolled symptoms (83.3%), were also widely endorsed. The major barriers to early SPC integration included patient and family resistance (70.0%) and limited availability of SPC teams (34.4%).
Conclusion
This study emphasizes the importance of systematic efforts to promote timely SPC integration in Korea, including education to raise patient awareness, improved referral systems, and enhanced infrastructure. The positive attitudes toward early SPC among oncologists reflect a growing recognition of its value, highlighting the need for strategies that align with international standards.
6.Dietary Habits and Diet Quality by Sleep Quality among University Students in Chungcheong
Ye-Eun YOON ; Yujin SONG ; Ji-Won KANG ; Min Ju JO ; Seung-Yeon CHOO ; Mi-Kyeong CHOI ; Yun-Jung BAE
Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association 2026;32(2):72-84
This study examined sleep-related characteristics among university students and the associations between sleep quality, dietary habits, and diet quality.Three hundred and ninety-three university students (206 men and 187 women) enrolled at universities in the Chungcheong region of Korea participated in this study between November and December 2023. Data on the general characteristics, dietary habits, sleep status, and the Nutrition Quotient (NQ) for adults were collected using a structured questionnaire. The sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index– Korean version (PSQI-K). The participants were classified into a good sleeper group (PSQI-K≤5) and a poor sleeper group (PSQI-K≥6). The dietary habits and NQ scores were compared according to the sleep quality. Compared with good sleepers, poor sleepers had a significantly higher prevalence of eating alone at least once per day (P<0.01) and higher scores for unhealthy dietary behaviors, including overeating, eating quickly, a preference for salty food, skipping meals, and irregular meal timing (P<0.05). Although the total NQ scores and balance and practice domain scores did not differ according to sleep quality, the moderation domain scores were significantly lower among poor sleepers, particularly in men (P<0.05). In conclusion, poor sleep quality among university students was associated with unhealthy dietary habits and lower diet quality related to dietary restraint. These findings highlight the importance of improving sleep quality as a part of health education and dietary intervention programs for university students.
7.Optimal use and cycling strategies of Janus kinase inhibitors in ulcerative colitis: current evidence and clinical implications from the KASID Guidelines Task Force Team
Seung Min HONG ; Dong Hyun KIM ; June Hwa BAE ; Seung Yong SHIN ; Eun Mi SONG ; Ji Eun KIM ; Young Joo YANG ; Jiyoung YOON ; Sang-Bum KANG ; Eun Soo KIM ; Seong-Eun KIM ; Seong-Jung KIM ; Jun LEE ; Soo-Young NA ; Soo Jung PARK ; Sang Hyoung PARK ; Miyoung CHOI ; Myung Ha KIM ; Won MOON ; Sung-Ae JUNG ;
Intestinal Research 2026;24(1):27-37
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are an important treatment option for ulcerative colitis, providing rapid onset of action, oral administration, and efficacy even after biologic failure. The 3 approved agents—tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib—differ in JAK isoform selectivity, leading to clinically meaningful differences in efficacy and safety. Evidence from network meta-analyses, clinical trials, and real-world studies consistently shows that upadacitinib provides the highest efficacy for induction and maintenance of remission, whereas filgotinib demonstrates the most favorable safety profile. The strong efficacy of upadacitinib and tofacitinib is particularly relevant in patients with severe disease, including acute severe ulcerative colitis, and upadacitinib maintains high efficacy regardless of prior advanced therapy exposure. JAK inhibitors also benefit extraintestinal manifestations. Although risks such as herpes zoster, serious infection, thromboembolism, and major cardiovascular events differ among agents, long-term data suggest generally acceptable safety when used appropriately. Intraclass JAK-to-JAK cycling is feasible, with about half of patients achieving steroid-free clinical remission in retrospective cohorts. Based on mechanistic, clinical, and real-world evidence, filgotinib may be a first-line option for patients with lower disease activity or when safety is a priority, whereas upadacitinib or tofacitinib may be preferred in higher disease activity. Strategically selecting agents may improve durability and outcomes.
8.Efficacy and safety of EGFR-TKIs monotherapy versus combination therapy as first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a network meta-analysis
Guanxu CHEN ; Yutong SONG ; Xiuqiang GUO ; Mi ZHANG ; Zhihong LIU ; Hongtao SONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(10):515-524
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of EGFR-TKIs monotherapy and its combination therapy in the first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutations. Methods Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched to collect eligible phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with the time range from the establishment of the databases to June 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the studies. Outcome data, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), grade 3 or higher adverse events (≥3 AEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs), were collected. A network meta-analysis was performed using R software (version 4.2.1) under the Bayesian theoretical framework. Subgroup analyses of survival outcomes (OS, PFS) were conducted based on different clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of the patients. Results A total of twenty-eight phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ RCTs were included in the study, involving a total of 7 460 patients and 18 first-line treatment regimens. The results showed that in terms of efficacy, gefitinib + pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy performed best in OS and ORR, while osimertinib + bevacizumab performed best in PFS. In terms of safety, furmonertinib had the lowest incidence of ≥3 grade AEs, and osimertinib had the lowest incidence of SAEs. Subgroup analysis results indicated that the efficacy and safety of various treatment regimens differed among patients with different clinical and pathological characteristics. Conclusion Monotherapy with third-generation EGFR-TKIs, represented by osimertinib, serves as the preferred therapeutic option considering both efficacy and safety profiles. While some combination therapies could enhance survival benefits, need to be vigilant about increased toxicity. Clinical decision-making should be tailored based on patients’ mutation subtypes, comorbidities, and tolerance.
9.Special dietary food improves exercise-induced myocardial injury in mice
Xu FENG ; Mantian MI ; Long YI ; Wei WANG ; Dagui CHEN ; Xudong YU ; Song CHEN
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(13):1413-1419
Objective To investigate the protective effects of Qiji Special Dietary Food on exercise-induced myocardial injury in mice.Methods An exercise-induced myocardial injury model was established using a treadmill running protocol,and at the same time,the modeled mice were administered Qiji Special Dietary Food via oral gavage,followed by a 4-week treadmill exhaustion test.Serum levels of cardiac troponin T(cTnT),creatine kinase(CK),and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)were measured.Myocardial tissues were analyzed for superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and malondialdehyde(MDA)content.Histopathological alterations and ultrastructural changes in myocardial tissue were evaluated using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Results After 4 weeks of exhaustive training,compared to the control group,the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum cTnT,CK,and myocardial MDA levels(P<0.01),along with reduced myocardial SOD activity(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,high-,medium-,and low-dose treatment significantly attenuated the exhaustive exercise-induced increases in serum cTnT level and myocardial MDA content(P<0.01),restoring these indicators to the levels comparable to those of the normal control group(P<0.05).Additionally,all treatment groups had markedly increased myocardial SOD activity,with no significant difference from the normal group.Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses revealed markedly alleviated myocardial damage in the treatment groups,with the medium-dose group exhibiting the most pronounced protective effects.Conclusion Qiji Special Dietary Food demonstrates significant protective effects against exercise-induced myocardial injury in mice,which maybe associated with its antioxidant activity and mitigation of oxidative stress.
10.Progress on application of artificial intelligence in perioperative anesthesia decision-making
Shuantong LIN ; Yuxiang SONG ; Jingsheng LOU ; Hejie ZHANG ; Weidong MI ; Jiangbei CAO
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(4):399-404
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in perioperative anesthesia decision-making is becoming a research hotspot, particularly in anesthesia risk assessment, depth of anesthesia monitoring, and postoperative recovery management, where it demonstrates significant potential. AI technologies, especially machine learning and deep learning, have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in processing and analyzing high-dimensional complex data. By leveraging these technologies, it is possible to efficiently interpret vast amounts of intricate clinical data, thereby providing anesthesiologists with personalized and precise decision support. However, implementing AI technologies in clinical practice faces numerous challenges, mainly including data quality, algorithm interpretability, and technological compatibility. Furthermore, concerns surrounding data privacy and ethical considerations urgently need to be addressed to ensure that the application of AI technologies aligns with clinical ethics and legal standards. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of AI technologies, their applications in perioperative anesthesia decision-making, existing limitations, and future directions. The goal is to offer insights into clinical anesthesia practice and to promote the realization of personalized precision anesthesia.


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