1.Current Status,Challenges,and Strategies of Basic Research on the Brain-Gut Interaction Theory for Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ting CHEN ; Jinxia ZHU ; Xiaohua HOU ; Xiaoli ZHANG ; Lifei ZHENG ; Lei ZHANG ; Xinxin WANG ; Xuan LI ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):517-522
The brain-gut interaction theory is a multidimensional integrative concept based on the brain-gut axis, involving neural, endocrine, and immune regulatory networks as well as the gut microbiota. Zang-fu organs (脏腑) theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a high degree of consistency with the brain-gut interaction theory, and the core functions such as the spleen and stomach governing the ascending of the clear and descending of the turbid, the liver governing the free flow of qi, and the heart governing mental and emotional activities are closely associated with the multi-level regulatory mechanisms of the brain-gut axis. TCM therapy can modulate brain-gut interactions through multiple pathways in the treatment of spleen and stomach diseases, including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone secretion, neurotransmitter levels, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, immune homeostasis and inflammatory responses, as well as the gut microecology. However, current basic research on the brain-gut interaction theory in TCM for spleen and stomach diseases still faces several challenges, such as difficulties in integrating TCM spleen-stomach theory with modern pathophysiology, lack of innovation in research concepts, and limitations in research methodologies. It is therefore proposed that multidisciplinary collaboration, multi-omics technologies, and targeted research approaches should be adopted to provide more comprehensive methods for basic research on TCM spleen and stomach diseases, thereby promoting the in-depth development of brain-gut interaction theory.
2.Effect of phrenic nerve-abdominal muscle electrical stimulation on pulmonary ventilation distribution in stroke patients: a study with electrical impedance tomography
Zhu CHEN ; Liru ZHAI ; Cunxia CAO ; Xiaohua PENG ; Tao HUANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(5):571-576
ObjectiveTo quantitatively evaluate the effect of phrenic nerve-abdominal muscle electrical stimulation on pulmonary ventilation distribution in stroke patients using electrical impedance tomography (EIT). MethodsThirty-five stroke patients were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from September, 2024 to June, 2025, and all received standardized phrenic nerve-abdominal muscle electrical stimulation. Percentage of ventilation in gravity-dependent regions of interesting (ROI%), center of ventilation (COV), global inhomogeneity index (GI) and change in end-expiratory lung impedance (ΔEELI) were measured with EIT monitoring before treatment (T0), immediately after treatment (T1), and at five, ten, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 minutes after treatment (T2 to T9). ResultsThere were significant differences in ROI% (F = 7.003, P < 0.001) and COV (F = 5.722, P < 0.001) at different time points, both peaking at T1, followed by a downward trend until T5. No significant differences were observed in GI (F = 1.849, P = 0.097) and ΔEELI (F = 0.208, P = 0.871) across time points; however, GI at T7 was lower than that at T0 (P < 0.05). ConclusionPhrenic nerve-abdominal muscle electrical stimulation can improve the ventilation ratio in gravity-dependent regions and shift the center of ventilation dorsally. The improvement in ventilation distribution generally peaks at the end of treatment and lasts for approximately 20 minutes.
3.Association between random urine electrolytes and hypertension in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):314-318
Objective:
To systematically evaluate the association between random urinary electrolyte levels and hypertension among children and adolescents in Guizhou Province, so as to provide evidence for region specific dietary guidance and interventions.
Methods:
In 2023, a total of 2 480 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years were recruited from a nine-year coherent style school in Guizhou Province in a children health cohort, with follow ups conducted in 2024 and 2025. Random urine samples were collected to measure urinary sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride, and the urinary sodium to potassium ratio (Na/K) was calculated. The diagnosis of hypertension was based on the criteria established by the Chinese Guidelines for Hypertension Prevention and Treatment (2024 revised edition) and relevant research. Linear mixed models and multinomial Logistic regression were used to assess the associations of urinary electrolytes with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the risk of hypertension.
Results:
At baseline, SBP, DBP, and MAP were 102.33 (94.33, 110.33), 61.33 (56.33, 67.00) and 75.22 (69.67, 81.33)mmHg among children and adolescents, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders and two follow-ups, higher urinary Na/K ratio was positively associated with higher of SBP ( β=0.054, 95%CI =0.028- 0.081 ) and MAP ( β=0.038, 95%CI =0.010-0.066), as well as higher risks of hypertension ( OR=1.248, 95%CI =1.006-1.548) (all P <0.05). Higher of urinary chloride levels were positively associated with higher of SBP ( β=0.088, 95%CI = 0.009- 0.167), whereas higher of urinary potassium (SBP: β=-0.062, 95%CI =-0.096 to -0.028; MAP: β=-0.041, 95%CI = -0.078 to -0.005) and calcium levels (SBP: β=-0.036, 95%CI =-0.065 to -0.007) were negatively associated with blood pressure (all P < 0.05 ).
Conclusion
The urinary Na/K, as a comprehensive electrolyte marker, more stably reflects sodium load and excretory pressure in children and adolescents, and may serve as an early predictor of hypertension risk.
4.Research progress of biomimetic wet-adhesive hydrogel in oral dressings
Shuwen DING ; Jiayu ZHU ; Jiechen ZHAO ; Xiaohua WU ; Junhua WU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(9):701-706
Biomimetic wet-adhesive hydrogels mimic the adhesive properties of biological organisms to achieve strong bonding in moist environments.Compared to conventional medical adhesives,these materials are characterized by enhanced biocompatibility,robust ad-hesion,and adjustable physicochemical properties.Although biomimetic wet-adhesive hydrogels have been applied in oral mucosal drug delivery,intraoral wound management,and implant surgery,a systematic review is currently lacking.This article aims to summarize the wet-adhesion mechanisms of bio-inspired materials and their applications in various scenarios and to provide insights and methodolo-gies for the design of novel intraoral dressings.
5.Research progress of biomimetic wet-adhesive hydrogel in oral dressings
Shuwen DING ; Jiayu ZHU ; Jiechen ZHAO ; Xiaohua WU ; Junhua WU
STOMATOLOGY 2025;45(9):701-706
Biomimetic wet-adhesive hydrogels mimic the adhesive properties of biological organisms to achieve strong bonding in moist environments.Compared to conventional medical adhesives,these materials are characterized by enhanced biocompatibility,robust ad-hesion,and adjustable physicochemical properties.Although biomimetic wet-adhesive hydrogels have been applied in oral mucosal drug delivery,intraoral wound management,and implant surgery,a systematic review is currently lacking.This article aims to summarize the wet-adhesion mechanisms of bio-inspired materials and their applications in various scenarios and to provide insights and methodolo-gies for the design of novel intraoral dressings.
6.Construction and Validation of a Predictive Model for Ventilator-associated Pneumonia after Endovascular Treatment in Patients with Hy-pertension Complicating Acute Cerebral Infarction
Xiaohua HE ; Wenfei LIANG ; Jingling ZHU
Journal of Medical Research 2025;54(4):96-101,129
Objective Through the analysis of the clinical characteristics of post-interventional complications of ventilator-associ-ated pneumonia(VAP)in patients with hypertension and acute large vessel occlusive cerebral infarction(AIS-LVO),we aim to develop and validate a risk prediction model.Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 107 patients hospitalized for hypertension with AIS-LVO at Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between July 2020 and Au-gust 2023.Patients were categorized into two groups based on their hospitalization:the VAP group,consisting of 64 patients who devel-oped VAP,and the non-VAP group,comprising 43 patients who did not experience VAP.Least absolute shrinkage and selection opera-tor regression(LASSO)analysis was employed to identify potential predictors.Subsequently,a nomogram model was constructed using multifactorial Logistic regression analysis.The model's discriminative ability,calibration,and clinical utility were assessed using the area(AUC)under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results In 107 patients with hypertension and AIS-LVO who underwent interventional surgery,the incidence of VAP was 59.8%.The results revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of age,presence of atrial fibrillation,admission national institutes of health stroke scale(NIHSS)score,admission glasgow coma scale(GCS)score,impaired consciousness,swallowing dysfunction,opera-tive time,postoperative 24-hour systemic inflammatory response index(SIRI),duration of mechanical ventilation,length of ICU stay,and the presence of an indwelling gastrostomy tube(P<0.05).Additionally,the incidence of poor functional outcomes was 57.8%in the VAP group compared to 14.0%in the non-VAP group,indicating a worse prognosis for patients in the VAP group.The variables i-dentified through LASSO regression screening were included in a multifactorial Logistic regression analysis.This analysis revealed that the SIRI and the duration of mechanical ventilation were independent risk factors for the development of VAP following intervention in patients with hypertension and AIS-LVO(P<0.05).Conversely,the admission GCS score was identified as a protective factor(P<0.05).These three indicators were utilized to construct a prognostic nomogram model.The model's internal validity was assessed using the Boot-strap method with 1000 resamples,and the calibration curves were found to be in close agreement with the ideal fitted line,exhibiting a mean absolute error of 0.029,indicating good curve accuracy.The Logistic regression model's goodness of fit was evaluated using the Hos-mer and Lemeshow test,which yielded a x2 value of 5.38 and a P-value of 0.716,suggesting a good fit.The AUC of the model was 0.812(95%confidence interval 0.730-0.894),and the DCA indicated that the model has favorable clinical applicability.Conclusion A prediction model based on admission GCS score,postoperative 24-hour SIRI,and duration of mechanical ventilation demonstrates a robust predictive value for the incidence of VAP following intervention in patients with hypertension and acute ischemic stroke with AIS-LVO.
7.Analysis on the Construction and Development Status of Drug Clinical Trial Institutions in Jiangxi Province
Xiaohua CHENG ; Li LIN ; Huiting ZHU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(5):829-833
Objective To investigate and analyze the construction and management status of drug clinical trial institu-tions in Jiangxi Province,and to provide a reference for institutions' standardized management and development.Methods The registered drug clinical trial institutions in Jiangxi Province were selected as the research objects in the"Drug and Medical De-vice Clinical Trial Institution Filing Management Information System",and the public data were retrieved.Questionnaires were sent to the registered medical institutions as"Questionnaire Star"to collect the questionnaire data.The data on the construction and management of drug clinical trial institutions were analyzed descriptively from multiple dimensions.Results By December 2023,52 drug clinical trial institutions and one vaccine clinical trial institution had been registered in Jiangxi Province.The organ-ization and management structure,personnel composition,hardware,and software of the registration institutions met the basic re-quirements for conducting drug clinical trials.In recent years,the number of drug clinical trial record institutions and the number of projects to undertake has increased year by year,and the management ability and comprehensive strength of clinical trial institu-tions have been continuously enhanced,and there is still a big gap compared with the developed areas of the pharmaceutical in-dustry.Conclusion There is unbalanced regional development,uneven ability of different institutions to undertake projects,a low level of clinical trial information management,and the comprehensive ability of clinical trials needs to be improved in Jiangxi Province.
8.Review of epidemic trend and immunization strategy of diphtheria
Yu HU ; Hanqing HE ; Yao ZHU ; Yang ZHOU ; Xiaohua QI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):240-246
The morbidity and mortality associated with diphtheria have been effectively managed through mass immunization strategies. Nevertheless, recent outbreaks of diphtheria have been reported in various regions of Africa and Asia. In addition to infections among children, there has been a notable increase in cases among middle-aged and elderly individuals, underscoring the necessity of continued vigilance in the control of diphtheria. This paper reviewed the epidemiology of diphtheria, the current application of vaccines, and immunization strategies, with the aim of providing evidence for the prevention and control of this disease.
9.Establishment and verification of a nomogram prediction model for residual stone risk following flexible ureteroscopy lithotripsy in treating 2-3 cm renal calculi
Qi DING ; Xiaohua JIN ; Hailiang ZHU ; Cheng CAO ; Zhijiang FAN ; Wenjian TU ; Feng LI ; Bo FAN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(11):967-974
Objective To develop and validate a nomogram prediction model for residual stone risk after flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy(FURL)in patients with 2-3 cm renal calculi,so as to provide reference for treatment options.Methods Clinical data of 342 patients with renal calculi measuring 2-3 cm undergoing FURL in our hospital during Jun.2017 and Apr.2024 were retrospectively collected.At a 3∶1 randomization ratio,patients were allocated to the training cohort(n=257)and validation cohort(n=85).Patients in the training cohort were stratified into two subgroups based on postoperative stone-free status:residual stone group(n=63)and stone-free group(n=194).Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing stone retention and construct the nomogram prediction model.Bootstrapped resampling was applied to validate the model internally,model performance was assessed with calibration curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to test the degree of fitting,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive accuracy,and decision curve analysis was used to determine the clinical net benefit.The model's generalization capability was evaluated with 10-fold cross-validation of the training set.Results Multivariate logistic regression revealed that stone size,CT value,lower calyx stones,multiple stones,renal infundibulum length(RIL),and renal infundibulum width(RIW)were independent predictors of residual stones(P<0.05).The nomogram based on the above mentioned parameters demonstrated excellent discrimination,with Bootstrap-validated concordance indices of 0.876(training cohort)and 0.948(validation cohort).Hosmer-Lemeshow tests showed good calibration in both cohorts(P>0.05).ROC analysis yielded the area under the curve(AUC)of 0.876 and 0.948 for the training and validation cohorts,respectively.The optimal cutoff value was 0.253,with corresponding sensitivity of 84.13%,specificity of 78.35%,and total score of nomogram of 143.The decision curve analysis showed when the threshold probability of the training cohort and verification cohort was 0-0.81 and 0-0.97,respectively,the nomogram could obtain good clinical net benefit in predicting the risk of residual stones.The average accuracy of 10-fold cross-validation was 0.814,and the average AUC was 0.865.Conclusion The nomogram model effectively predicts residual stone risk following FURL for 2-3 cm renal calculi.It is suggested that patients with a total score of ≤143 may consider undergoing FURL.
10.Mediating effects of cardiovascular health status in association between educational level and cardiovascular disease
Yanan WU ; Minhua TANG ; Biying WANG ; Yiling WU ; Liping YI ; Hongjie YU ; Yunlong KAN ; Shuai ZHU ; Xiaohua LIU ; Yonggen JIANG ; Genming ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):840-849
Objective:To analyze the mediating effect of cardiovascular health status (CVH) on the association between educational level and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods:The participants were from Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, and questionnaire survey, physical examination, blood biochemistry were conducted from 2016 to 2020 for baseline information collection, and follow up was conducted until March 31, 2024 based on the medical data, CVD incidence data and death surveillance data at different levels. The associations of educational level, CVH and time to CVD onset of the study population were analyzed using the accelerated failure time model to analyze the mediating effects of CVH, health behaviors, and health factors in the association of educational level and time to CVD onset. The mediating effects of educational level, gender, and age moderated associations were also analyzed.Results:A total of 57 312 participants were included, with 2 780 new cases of CVD during a median follow-up of 6.71 (6.71-6.72) years, and a mean incidence density of 7.77/1 000 person-years (95% CI: 7.48/1 000 person-years -8.06/1 000 person-years). In total, the less educational level and the lower CVH, the higher CVD incidence density ( P<0.05). The results of accelerated failure time models showed that the time ratio for CVD-free survival was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.06-1.24) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.10-1.60) for moderate and high educational level, respectively. The results of the mediation effect analysis showed that the association between moderate and high educational level and time to CVD onset was 29.60% (20.50%-50.00%) and 36.10% (23.80%-59.00%), 9.97% (5.07%-20.00%) and 13.84% (6.84%-29.00%), 15.24% (9.64%-27.00%) and 17.55% (11.58%-33.00%) of mediators mediated by CVH, health behaviors, health factors, respectively. Among them, there was an exposure-mediated interaction of educational level and a positive moderating effect of age. Conclusion:CVH, health behaviors and health factors had a proportionate mediating effect in the association between educational level and risk of CVD development.


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