1.New Recognition of the Tongue Characteristics of Blood Stasis Constitution:Purple Tongue and Tortuous Sublingual Vessel
Wanning ZHOU ; Junhan YANG ; Shiqi ZHANG ; Jishi WANG ; Xueshan QI ; Han WANG ; Xiaojing LI ; Yanyun ZHANG ; Xiangze LI ; Zhe ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1758-1765
Objective Based on the general belief that the tongue characteristics of blood stasis constitution is"purple tongue,tortuous sublingual vessels",this study systematically summarized blood stasis tongue characteristics using artificial intelligence image processing combined with expert evaluation.Methods A physical questionnaire survey was conducted on 1275 college students,and 100 cases were randomly selected from the blood stasis constitution group and the mild constitution group.After collecting the tongue images,Unet,OpenCV,YOLOv5 and YOLOv8 algorithms combined with expert evaluation method were used to extract and analyze the tongue features of the two groups.By comparing the differences of tongue image characteristics between the blood stasis constitution group and the mild constitution group,the tongue characteristics of blood stasis constitution were systematically summarized.Results Compared with the mild constitution group,the proportion of light dark tongue and light purple tongue in the blood stasis constitution group was significantly higher(P<0.05).The I value,L value and a value of the tongue area 1 in the blood stasis constitution group were significantly larger(P<0.01,P<0.05).The S value and a value of area 2 and area 3 were significantly larger(P<0.05),and the I value,L value,a value and b value of area 5 were significantly smaller(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the mild constitution group,the proportion of tooth marks tongue in the blood stasis constitution group was significantly higher(P<0.01),the proportion of cracked tongue in the blood stasis constitution group was significantly larger(P<0.05),and the number of tooth marks,crack area,relative height of crack and relative width of crack in the blood stasis constitution group were significantly larger(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the mild constitution group,the I value,L value,a value and b value of tongue coating area 1 in the blood stasis constitution group were significantly larger(P<0.01,P<0.05),the I value,L value,S value,a value and b value of tongue coating area 2 were significantly larger(P<0.01,P<0.05),the I value,S value,a value and b value of tongue coating area 3 were significantly larger(P<0.01,P<0.05),the b value of tongue coating area 4 was significantly larger(P<0.05),the S value,a value and b value of tongue coating area 5 were significantly larger(P<0.01,P<0.05).The proportion of thick tongue coating and greasy tongue coating in the blood stasis group was significantly higher than that in the gentleness group(P<0.05).Compared with the mild constitution group,the proportion of tortuous,thickened and nodular sublingual collaterals in the blood stasis constitution group was significantly larger(P<0.01,P<0.05).The a value,I value,S value,b value and relative width of sublingual collaterals in the blood stasis constitution group were significantly larger(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion On the basis of the general belief that the characteristics of blood stasis constitution tongue are dark purple tongue and dark purple sublingual collaterals/varicose veins/thickening,blood stasis constitution people also have new tongue characteristics,such as redder tips and edges,more teeth marks and fissures,thicker and greasier coatings,and yellow fur.These findings offer new insights for"to identify the constitution of traditional Chinese medicine and prevent diseases by observing the tongue manifestation".
2.Summary of Professor ZHOU Yunfeng's clinical experience in treating insomnia with the three-part Tuina manipulation
Xiaojing CHEN ; Yunfeng ZHOU ; Hui XU ; Hang ZHOU ; Biao SHAO ; Juntao CHEN ; Liuyang ZHANG ; Chongyang GUAN ; Haoguang QU
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(3):279-286
With the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)as the foundation,Professor ZHOU Yunfeng proposes the three-part Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)manipulation to treat insomnia by"taking the head and brain as the essential and simultaneously regulating the abdomen and back".Taking the theories of Ying-nutrient and Wei-defensive Qi,Zang-Fu organs,and meridians as evidence,this method primarily regulates the mind and concurrently modulates Zang-Fu organs.The three-part Tuina manipulation regulates the spirit by grasping the five meridians(Governor Vessel,Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang,and Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang)and stimulating points such as Baihui(GV20),Yintang(GV29),Taiyang(EX-HN5),and Shenting(GV24);it regulates the abdomen by selecting Zhongwan(CV12),Shenque(CV8),Qihai(CV6),and Guanyuan(CV4),which means to calm the mind by regulating spleen-stomach Qi activities;it treats the back by selecting Jianjing(GB21),Xinshu(BL15),Pishu(BL20),Weishu(BL21),and Shenshu(BL23),which means to calm the mind by regulating Qi activities of the whole body.Mind regulation runs through the whole process of this manipulation,which combines points from three body regions to produce a synergistic effect,concurrently treating the three body parts,i.e.,the head,abdomen,and back,to mitigate the clinical symptoms and improve sleep quality in insomniacs.
3.Value of MRI ultra-short echo time sequence in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules
Zhaoyan ZHOU ; Ying WANG ; Bin NAN ; Qing LIN ; Xiaojing KAN ; Yinghui GE ; Zhiping GUO
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(7):771-776
Objective:To explore the clinical application value of MRI ultra-short echo time sequence (MRI-UTE) in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 101 consecutive patients were recruited prospectively from January to August 2024 at Huazhong Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All of the included patients were diagnosed with pulmonary nodules by chest CT examination and intended for treatment. All patients underwent low-dose CT examination and MRI-UTE examination. The number, classification, and lung imaging reporting and data system (lung-RADS) grading of the pulmonary nodules were analyzed. Nodules classification was determined as solid nodules or sub-solid nodules, and sub-solid nodules included part-solid nodules and pure ground-glass nodules. Taking the evaluation results of radiologists with 10 and 12 years of experience in chest imaging diagnosis as the reference standard, the Kappa test was used to analyze the agreement of CT and MRI-UTE in terms of the accurate diagnosis, classification, and lung-RADS grading of pulmonary nodules. Results:Among the 101 patients, a total of 216 pulmonary nodules were identified. MRI-UTE accurately diagnosed 180 pulmonary nodules, while 203 pulmonary nodules were detected by CT. The concordance was moderate ( Kappa=0.48, P<0.001). In terms of nodule classification, CT correctly classified 167 nodules as solid and 36 as sub-solid, whereas MRI-UTE correctly classified 153 as solid and 23 as sub-solid, with good agreement (weighted Kappa=0.73, P<0.001). For lung-RADS grading, CT correctly graded 186 nodules, with 85 graded as category 2, 46 as category 3, 33 as category 4A, 12 as category 4B, and 10 as category 4X; MRI-UTE correctly graded 155 nodules, with 74 graded as category 2, 30 as category 3, 30 as category 4A, 12 as category 4B, and 9 as category 4X. The agreement between the two modalities in determining lung-RADS grade was also good (weighted Kappa=0.74, P<0.001). Conclusion:MRI-UTE demonstrates good agreement with CT in the accurate diagnosis, classification, and lung-RADS grading of pulmonary nodules, indicating certain clinical application value.
4.Relationship between RNase3 Gene Polymorphism and Its Expression Level with Airway Inflammation and Glucocorticoid Efficacy in Children with Bronchial Asthma
Huimin MA ; Xiaojing ZHOU ; Donge LU ; Yujiao YAN
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(2):164-168
Objective To explore the relationship between ribonuclease A3(RNase3)gene polymorphism and its expression level with airway inflammation and glucocorticoid efficacy in children with bronchial asthma(BA).Methods A total of 110 children with bronchial asthma admitted to Handan Maternal and Child Health Hospital June 2022 to June 2024 were selected as the study objects.According to the severity of the condition at admission,they were divided into mild group(n=64),moderate to severe group(n=46),and children who underwent physical examination in the hospital during the same period were selected as the control group(n=82).Molecular weight array gene analysis(MassArray)was used to detect the genotyping of RNase3 gene rs2073342 locus.Quantitative real-time PCR(RT-PCR)was used to detect the expression level of RNase3 mRNA.The clinical data of the children were collected,and the differences of genotype and allele frequency were compared.The relationship between RNase3 gene polymorphism and BA susceptibility was analyzed by unconditioned Logistic regression.Results Compared with the mild group,IL-6(21.49±3.01ng/L vs 13.21±2.84ng/L)and PCT(19.16±4.02μg/L vs 9.94±3.15μg/L)in the moderate and severe group were significantly increased(t=-14.568,-12.952),while FVC,PEF and FEV1 were significantly decreased(t=2.534,3.304,2.011),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The genotype distribution of RNase3 gene rs2073342 in both control and study groups was consistent with Hardy-Weinberg balance law(χ2=0.402,0.689,all P>0.05),indicating population representation.Compared with the control group and the mild group,the CC,CA genotype frequencies were higher in moderate to severe group(χ2=35.008,23.079),Compared with the control group,the frequency of CC and CA genotypes in mild group was higher(χ2=7.325),the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).Compared with mild group,RNase3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of children with C gene BA at rs2073342 in moderate to severe group was higher,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-19.622,P<0.05).In the same group,the mRNA expression level of RNase3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the children with C gene BA at rs2073342 was higher than that of the children without C gene(t=4.169,22.608,all P<0.05).Unconditional Logistic regression results showed that RNase3 gene carrying allele C or dominant model(CC vs CA+AA)was a risk factor for severe disease in BA children(P<0.05).The total effective rate of genotype AA carriers was the highest after glucocorticoid therapy,and the therapeutic effect of genotype AA carriers was significantly better than that of genotype AC and CC,and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=11.858,P<0.05).Conclusion The expression of RNase3 mRNA in peripheral blood of BA children increased significantly with the exacerbation of the disease.Carrier of allele C or dominant model(CC vs CA+AA)is a risk factor for severe disease in BA children.Genotype AA carriers had better therapeutic effect.
5.Summary of Professor ZHOU Yunfeng's clinical experience in treating insomnia with the three-part Tuina manipulation
Xiaojing CHEN ; Yunfeng ZHOU ; Hui XU ; Hang ZHOU ; Biao SHAO ; Juntao CHEN ; Liuyang ZHANG ; Chongyang GUAN ; Haoguang QU
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(3):279-286
With the holistic concept of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)as the foundation,Professor ZHOU Yunfeng proposes the three-part Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)manipulation to treat insomnia by"taking the head and brain as the essential and simultaneously regulating the abdomen and back".Taking the theories of Ying-nutrient and Wei-defensive Qi,Zang-Fu organs,and meridians as evidence,this method primarily regulates the mind and concurrently modulates Zang-Fu organs.The three-part Tuina manipulation regulates the spirit by grasping the five meridians(Governor Vessel,Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang,and Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang)and stimulating points such as Baihui(GV20),Yintang(GV29),Taiyang(EX-HN5),and Shenting(GV24);it regulates the abdomen by selecting Zhongwan(CV12),Shenque(CV8),Qihai(CV6),and Guanyuan(CV4),which means to calm the mind by regulating spleen-stomach Qi activities;it treats the back by selecting Jianjing(GB21),Xinshu(BL15),Pishu(BL20),Weishu(BL21),and Shenshu(BL23),which means to calm the mind by regulating Qi activities of the whole body.Mind regulation runs through the whole process of this manipulation,which combines points from three body regions to produce a synergistic effect,concurrently treating the three body parts,i.e.,the head,abdomen,and back,to mitigate the clinical symptoms and improve sleep quality in insomniacs.
6.Effectiveness of digital management platform led by outpatient specialist nurses in type 2 diabetes patients
Fang HE ; Xiang ZHOU ; Wenhua ZHOU ; Xiaojing WANG ; Na PANG ; Jie YU ; Xinhua XIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(35):4778-4783
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of digital management platform led by outpatient specialist nurses among patients with type 2 diabetes in outpatient settings.Methods:From March 2024 to March 2025, adult patients with type 2 diabetes who visited the Endocrinology Clinic at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were selected using convenience sampling. Patients were randomly assigned to the control group and intervention group using the random number table method. Patients in control group received routine education on type 2 diabetes during their clinic visits after enrollment. Intervention group was managed by nurses through a digital management platform, establishing long-term connections with patients. Based on the platform, nurses regularly provided patients with knowledge updates, promptly responded to patient inquiries, reviewed daily dietary records, monitored blood glucose data, conducted weekly telephone follow-ups, and scheduled regular clinic visits to precisely intervene in patients' lifestyles. The glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and self-management behavior scores were compared between two groups of patients before and after three months of intervention.Results:A total of 46 patients were enrolled and completed the 3-month follow-up, including 25 in control group and 21 in intervention group. There were no statistically significant differences in HbA1c or self-management behavior scores between the two groups of patients before intervention ( P>0.05). At three months of intervention, the HbA1c reduction in intervention group was greater than that in control group, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Scale scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The difference in changes in diabetic foot self-screening scores between intervention group and control group was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Specialist nurse-led precision health care management utilizing digital platforms can improve HbA1c and enhance self-management behaviors for diabetic foot in patients with type 2 diabetes, which is expected to be promoted and applied in the outpatient management of diabetes patients.
7.An experimental method for simultaneously extracting the dura mater and deep cervical lymph nodes
Zilong SHEN ; Mingjie WU ; Xiaojing CHEN ; Xibin ZHOU ; Chunxiang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(26):5543-5548
BACKGROUND:Meningeal lymphatic vessels can drain cerebral spinal fluid and amyloid β-protein,promoting T lymphocyte to transport and home to deep cervical lymph nodes.A simple,quick and definite method of dural separation and accurate localization of deep cervical lymph nodes can provide strong support for the study of neurodegenerative diseases.OBJECTIVE:To establish a convenient and practical method for exfoliating dural and deep cervical lymph nodes.METHODS:ICR mice,3 months old,were taken,anesthetized and injected with Evans blue and tracer in the occipital pool for localizing deep cervical lymph nodes.A midline incision of about 3 cm in length was made about 5 mm above the clavicle,the superficial fat and fascia were bluntly separated,and the lateral sternocleidomastoid muscle was pulled to expose the deep cervical lymph nodes,which were removed under a stereomicroscope and frozen at-80℃.Subsequently,the mouse head was cut and the skin and muscles of the head were separated to expose the entire skull structure.The skull and brain tissue were separated from the foramen magnum along the lower parietal bone with scissors,and the complete skull top was obtained.The skull was sequentially fixed in 40 g/L paraformaldehyde solution for 24 hours,120 g/L paraformaldehyde for 24 hours,and 120 g/L paraformaldehyde for 10,20,30,and 40 minutes,and the dural structure was stripped.The drainage capacity of meningeal lymphatic vessels and deep cervical lymphatic vessels was verified by tracer,and the meningeal lymphatic vessels were identified by the lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 using the immunofluorescence method.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Obvious blue staining was observed in deep cervical lymph nodes 15 minutes after Evans blue staining.(2)The skull was sampled and fixed in 120 g/L paraformaldehyde for 24 hours,resulting in a less tight connection between the dura mater and the skull,and easier stripping of the dural structures with an intact shape.The dura mater fixed at 120 g/L concentration was more resilient and remained more intact during peeling compared with the conventional 40 g/L concentration;120 g/L paraformaldehyde fixed meninges for a short time,and 30-40 minutes was preferred.(3)The frozen section of deep cervical lymph nodes showed the presence of the tracer,complete meningeal lymphatic vessels were visible in the dura mater,and the tracer was observed at the tail of lymphatic vessels.Immunofluorescence staining for endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 was positive in the deep cervical lymph nodes and dural lymphatics.In summary,the best peeling concentration and time is 120 g/L paraformaldehyde fixed for 24 hours.At this concentration,the dura mater has a stretched morphology,a better toughness,and is more intact after peeling,which is conducive to later use.Verified by Evans blue,tracers and immunofluorescence,deep cervical lymph nodes are located accurately,which can be used as a basis for the study of various neurodegenerative diseases.
8.Preliminary study on predicting early embryonic developmental potential by metabolomics analysis of day 3 embryo culture medium
Xuehua CHEN ; Jinhui SHU ; Kejian SUN ; Hong ZHOU ; Xiaojing FAN ; Caizhu WANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(4):380-389
Objective:To explore the differences of metabolomic profiles in day 3 (D3) culture medium of embryos with varying developmental potentials, in order to provide a theoretical foundation for the establishment of embryo selection technology platform using metabolomics.Methods:Eight patients who received in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment at Reproductive Medicine Center of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Maternal and Child Health Hospital between November 13 and December 5, 2023 were selected as the study subjects. The D3 culture medium from patient embryos was collected and divided into high-quality blastocysts ( n=42), non-high-quality blastocysts ( n=33), and embryos that failed to form blastocysts (non-formation group, n=43) according to the formation of day 5 blastocysts. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to perform non-targeted metabolomic analysis in the D3 culture medium from three distinct groups. Results:1) The metabolites in D3 culture medium of embryos with varying developmental potentials exhibit significant differences. Specifically, 79 differential metabolites were identified between the blastocyst formation group and the non-blastocyst formation group (all P<0.05); additionally, 73 differential metabolites were found between the high-quality blastocyst group and the non-high-quality blastocyst group (all P<0.05). 2) The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of significantly differential metabolites for predicting potential of D3 embryo blastocyst formation and high-quality blastocyst formation were both greater than 0.9, demonstrating excellent predictive performance. 3) KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differential metabolites associated with blastocyst formation potential were primarily enriched in pathways including D-amino acid metabolism, glycine-serine-threonine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and histidine metabolism ( P<0.05). For high-quality blastocyst formation, the differential metabolites were predominantly enriched in pathways related to tryptophan metabolism, D-amino acid metabolism, serotonergic synapses, and protein digestion and absorption ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Embryos with different developmental potentials have significantly different metabolic profiles, and it is feasible to predict the developmental potential of D3 embryos by metabolomics analysis.
9.Efficacy and safety observation of ciprofol for painless fiber bronchoscopy in elderly patients
Hongxin LI ; Haihao XIAO ; Ren YANG ; Wanwen HE ; Qianwen MEI ; Xiaojing YU ; Zelin XIAO ; Limei ZHOU
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(8):1217-1223
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ciprofol in the anesthesia of elderly patients undergoing bronchoscopy.Methods A total of 96 elderly patients(≥65 years old)undergoing fiberoptic bronchos-copy under sedation and anesthesia were randomly assigned to either the ciprofol group(Group C,n=48)or the propofol group(Group P,n=48).In Group C,anesthesia was induced with an intravenous injection of sufentanil at 0.1 μg/kg and ciprofol at 0.3 mg/kg.In Group P,anesthesia was induced with an intravenous injection of sufent-anil at 0.1 μg/kg and propofol medium/long-chain fat emulsion at 1.5 mg/kg.Hemodynamic parameters,including heart rate(HR),mean arterial pressure(MAP),and peripheral oxygen saturation(SpO2),were recorded at five time points:before anesthesia induction(T1),immediately after the bronchoscope passed through the glottis(T2),immediately after it reached the carina(T3),immediately after the bronchoscope was withdrawn from the nostril post-procedure(T4),and upon full consciousness after leaving the recovery room(T5).Additionally,the success rate of sedation and anesthesia,cough severity scores,induction time(t1),bronchoscopy duration(t2),recovery time(t3),and orientation recovery time(t4)were documented for both groups.Intraoperative complications,such as hypotension,hypoxemia(SpO2<90%),injection pain during induction,airway interventions(e.g.,jaw support,mask ventilation),and the number of additional sedative doses administered,were also recorded.Results Compared with T1,MAP in both groups decreased at T2 and T3(P<0.05).Compared with group P,group C exhibited a higher MAP at T2 and T3(P<0.05).between the two groups in terms of sedation success rate,induction time,cough score,examination time,recovery time,and orientation recovery time(P>0.05).Compared with group P,group C demonstrated lower incidences of hypotension,hypoxemia,injection pain,and fewer airway intervention events(P<0.05).Conclusions Compared with propofol,ciprofol in combination with sufentanil demonstrates superior circulatory stability,a lower incidence of respiratory system-related adverse reactions,and reduced injection pain.Therefore,it can be safely and effectively utilized for painless bronchoscopic diagnosis and treatment in elderly patients.
10.Effectiveness of digital management platform led by outpatient specialist nurses in type 2 diabetes patients
Fang HE ; Xiang ZHOU ; Wenhua ZHOU ; Xiaojing WANG ; Na PANG ; Jie YU ; Xinhua XIAO
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(35):4778-4783
Objective:To explore the effectiveness of digital management platform led by outpatient specialist nurses among patients with type 2 diabetes in outpatient settings.Methods:From March 2024 to March 2025, adult patients with type 2 diabetes who visited the Endocrinology Clinic at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were selected using convenience sampling. Patients were randomly assigned to the control group and intervention group using the random number table method. Patients in control group received routine education on type 2 diabetes during their clinic visits after enrollment. Intervention group was managed by nurses through a digital management platform, establishing long-term connections with patients. Based on the platform, nurses regularly provided patients with knowledge updates, promptly responded to patient inquiries, reviewed daily dietary records, monitored blood glucose data, conducted weekly telephone follow-ups, and scheduled regular clinic visits to precisely intervene in patients' lifestyles. The glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and self-management behavior scores were compared between two groups of patients before and after three months of intervention.Results:A total of 46 patients were enrolled and completed the 3-month follow-up, including 25 in control group and 21 in intervention group. There were no statistically significant differences in HbA1c or self-management behavior scores between the two groups of patients before intervention ( P>0.05). At three months of intervention, the HbA1c reduction in intervention group was greater than that in control group, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Scale scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). The difference in changes in diabetic foot self-screening scores between intervention group and control group was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Specialist nurse-led precision health care management utilizing digital platforms can improve HbA1c and enhance self-management behaviors for diabetic foot in patients with type 2 diabetes, which is expected to be promoted and applied in the outpatient management of diabetes patients.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail