1.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
2.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
3.Effect of intraoperative flushing treatment with Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton on drainage after radical surgery of lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Guanzhi YE ; Zhenyang XU ; Xiaolei ZHU ; Hongming LIU ; Ning LI ; Jie JIANG ; Guojun GENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(03):376-382
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative pleural irrigation with Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton (N-CWS) for reducing pleural effusion drainage after radical surgery for lung cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between December 2024 and May 2025. Patients were divided into a control group and an irrigation group based on the intraoperative use of N-CWS. Patients in the irrigation group received pleural irrigation with 800 μg of N-CWS diluted in 10 mL of normal saline. The following outcomes were compared between the two groups: pleural effusion drainage volume at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h postoperatively, degree of air leak, chest tube duration, postoperative length of stay, and the incidence of adverse events (fever, chest pain, and nausea and vomiting). Results A total of 245 patients were included (97 males, 148 females) with a mean age of (61.28±6.26) years, with 205 in the control group and 40 in the irrigation group. Compared to the control group, the irrigation group showed significantly lower pleural effusion drainage volumes at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h, as well as shorter chest tube duration and postoperative length of stay (all P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the degree of postoperative air leak (P=0.661). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the highest body temperature within 72 h post-surgery (P=0.130), fever grade (P=0.196), severity of chest pain (P=0.105), or the incidence of nausea and vomiting (P=0.376). Conclusion Intraoperative pleural irrigation with N-CWS in patients undergoing lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for lung cancer can significantly reduce postoperative pleural effusion drainage volume, shorten chest tube duration and length of hospital stay. The procedure is safe and feasible.
4.Epidemiological characteristics, outcome analysis, and management strategies for DAT-positive blood donors
Shiyu YIN ; Zhihua XU ; Xueqin GENG ; Zhuan LIU ; Hongliang HUANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(3):360-366
Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics, outcome patterns, and management strategies for blood donors with a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on donation data from 808 386 donors from 2013 to 2023, focusing on those whose blood was discarded due to DAT positivity. Follow-up was performed on 125 DAT-positive donors, and 98 blood samples were collected. The samples were re-tested for DAT, DAT typing (IgG/C3d), and unexpected antibody screening using both the tube method and the microcolumn gel method. Results: Epidemiological characteristics: Retrospective data revealed 147 DAT-positive blood donors, yielding a positivity rate of 1/5 500. The DAT positivity rate using the tube method was 0.118‰ (49/416 893), lower than that of the microcolumn gel method at 0.25‰ (98/391 493). Among DAT-positive individuals, 44.2% (65/147) exhibited agglutination intensity<2+. Outcome analysis: The proportion of donors with positive DAT test results that converted to negative was 54.1% (53/98), with a conversion interval ranging from 8 to 117 months (mean 49.9 months). All donors in the negative conversion group had a previous DAT intensity<2+, whereas 95.6% (43/45) of the non-negative conversion group had intensity ≥2+ (P<0.001). Unexpected antibodies (anti-E, anti-M, etc.) were detected in 18 cases. Methodological differences: Review of results revealed 35 cases positive by both the DAT tube assay and microcolumn gel method. An additional 10 cases were positive by only one method: 5 were positive only by the tube assay, and 5 were positive only by the microcolumn gel method. Clinical validation: Among 14 DAT-positive donors who became negative and donated blood again, the clinical infusion efficacy of red blood cell products could be assessed in 10 cases, with 9 cases demonstrating effective infusion. Conclusion: Some DAT-positive blood donors may naturally convert to negative status, with the intensity of previous test results potentially serving as a key predictive factor for conversion. It is recommended to employ a combined approach of tube-based and microcolumn gel-based methods for retesting, concurrently screening for irregular antibodies. A tentative tiered management strategy is proposed: individuals with DAT intensity <2+ should be deferred for 12 months before retesting, while those with ≥2+ intensity should be permanently deferred.
5.Insomnia and quality of life as chain mediators between negative life events and depression severity in adolescents with depressive disorders
Xu ZHANG ; Lewei LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Feng GENG ; Daming MO ; Changhao CHEN ; Zhiwei LIU ; Xiangwang WEN ; Xiangfen LUO ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):163-168
ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in adolescent patients with depressive disorder, as well as the chain mediating role of insomnia symptoms and quality of life. Methods374 outpatient patients and hospitalized patients with adolescent depressive disorders were enrolled. The Adolescent Life Event Scale (ASLEC), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Center for Epidemiology Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to evaluate the negative life event situation, insomnia symptoms, quality of life level and depression severity of the subjects, respectively. In addition, the PROCESS 4.0 macroprogram was used to analyze the chain mediating effect of insomnia symptoms and quality of life between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorder. ResultsThe results of correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between negative life events and insomnia symptoms, quality of life, and depression severity (all P<0.05). In addition, the results of chain mediation showed that negative life events had a significant direct effect on depression severity, with an effect size of 0.12 (P<0.001). Insomnia symptoms and quality of life played a mediating role in the relationship between negative life events and depression severity in patients with adolescent depressive disorders, with indirect effect sizes of 0.062 (95%CI: 0.040-0.087) and 0.091 (95%CI: 0.059-0.123), respectively. It could also play a chain mediation role, and the effect size was 0.039 (95%CI: 0.024-0.057). ConclusionNegative life events experienced by patients with adolescent depressive disorder not only directly affect the severity of depressive symptoms, but may also indirectly exacerbate depression through insomnia symptoms and quality of life.
6.Chinese expert consensus on the application of jejunal interposition for esophageal reconstruction in complex esophageal cancer surgery (2026 edition)
Wenshu CHEN ; Lilan ZHAO ; Zhaoxian LIN ; Debin OU ; Zhigang LI ; Chengchu ZHU ; Longqi CHEN ; Shuoyan LIU ; Xiangnan LI ; Chao CHENG ; Ni ZHANG ; Songping XIE ; Xufeng GUO ; Xu LI ; Xinyu MEI ; Xuefeng LENG ; Jianqun MA ; Zhijun HUANG ; Guojun GENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hongyan WANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijie WANG ; Jiangbo LIN ; Jinbiao XIE ; Jun GUAN ; Rongqi HE ; Xing LIN ; Xiuhua TU ; Yong LI ; Lijie TAN ; Xiaojie PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1527-1543
Objective Jejunal interposition is an important option for restoring gastrointestinal continuity in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable for reconstruction due to previous gastrectomy, tumor involvement, failed gastric conduit, or other constraints. Although the jejunum offers a caliber similar to the esophagus, a rich blood supply, and preserved peristaltic function, anatomical variations in mesenteric length and vascular arcades render long-segment and high-level reconstruction susceptible to excessive tension, mesenteric torsion, venous congestion, and inadequate distal perfusion. This consensus aims to provide standardized recommendations for the application of jejunal interposition in this specific patient population. Methods This consensus was developed in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and Chinese national guideline development standards, with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ), Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT), and Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) checklists. The project was registered on the international practice guidelines registry platform (PREPARE-2026CN1384). The working group systematically searched Chinese and English evidence addressing 12 clinical questions. Evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2009 system, with structured appraisal of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Recommendations were formulated through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a face-to-face consensus meeting, with an agreement threshold of ≥75%. Results The consensus generated 12 recommendations covering indications, selection between jejunum and colon, preoperative assessment, surgical approach and reconstruction route, pedicled jejunal interposition (PJI), supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJ), indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment, perioperative nutrition, management of anastomotic leakage, long-term follow-up, and special treatment scenarios. Given that the available direct evidence is predominantly derived from single-center retrospective cohorts and case series, recommendations extrapolated from general esophagectomy or other gastrointestinal surgical evidence are deliberately phrased with caution. Conclusion Jejunal interposition is a safe and effective approach for digestive tract reconstruction in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable. This consensus emphasizes that clinical decision-making should be individualized based on the patient's prior treatment history, reconstruction height, vascular anatomy, technical availability, and institutional experience in the Chinese context.
7.Analysis of early upper limb function and physical and psychological status in breast cancer patients after different surgeries
Zihan SHAN ; Xiujia LUO ; Shuo XU ; Yimeng GENG ; Xiong WU ; Haoqing JIANG ; Jie JIA
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):866-871
Objective To explore the effects of breast-conserving surgery (BCS), simple mastectomy (SM), and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) on early postoperative upper limb motor function, physical and psychological status in breast cancer patients. Methods A total of 212 female breast cancer patients undergoing surgery at the Department of Breast Surgery of Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from October 2024 to December 2025 were enrolled. Patients were divided into the BCS group (n=34), SM group (n=79), and MRM group (n=99). General demographic and clinical data were collected. At 3–7 days postoperatively, the Constant-Murley score (CMS), active range of motion (AROM) of the shoulder joint, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score were used to assess upper limb function; the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to evaluate patients’ psychological status, quality of life, and sleep quality. Results The total CMS score, pain score, and range of motion score in the BCS group were higher than those in the SM and MRM groups (P<0.05). The BCS group showed greater forward flexion range of motion than that in the SM and MRM groups (P<0.05); and the SM group showed smaller internal rotation range of motion than that in the MRM and BCS groups (P<0.05). The PHQ-9 depression score in the BCS group was significantly higher than that in the MRM group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in QuickDASH, GAD-7, FACT-B, or PSQI scores. Conclusions Early postoperative upper limb function and depression status varied among breast cancer patients undergoing different surgical procedures. Patients undergoing BCS had better preservation of upper limb function but higher depression scores.
8.Clinical effects of Tongfu Jiangzhuo Formula on ICU delirium patients with Internal Accumulation of Turbid Toxins
Yan-na GENG ; Xu DONG ; Yan-tao LI ; Yan DONG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2918-2922
AIM To explore the clinical effects of Tongfu Jiangzhuo Formula on ICU delirium patients with Internal Accumulation of Turbid Toxins.METHODS Based on Turbid Toxins theory,two hundred and ten patients were randomly assigned into control group(105 cases)for intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(105 cases)for intervention of both Tongfu Jiangzhuo Formula and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical effects,delirium scores(CAM-ICU,ICDSC),TCM syndrome score,inflammatory factors(IL-1β,IL-6,IL-8),Raf-1,MEK-2,ERK-1 mRNA and incidence of adverse reactions were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased delirium scores,TCM syndrome score,inflammatory factors and Raf-1,MEK-2,ERK-1 mRNA(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).No significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions was found between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION For the patients with ICU delirium due to Internal Accumulation of Turbid Toxins,Tongfu Jiangzhuo Formula can safely and effectively improve symptoms,and reduce inflammation levels and Raf-1,MEK-2,ERK-1 mRNA expressions.
9.A Comparative Study of Digital 3D Technology Assisted Versus Traditional One-hole Split Endoscopic Surgery for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Degenerative Scoliosis
Weiliang SU ; Min ZHANG ; Guohua DAI ; Kuishuai XU ; Dawei WANG ; Xiaopeng GENG ; Dong LIU ; Yongfeng DOU
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(10):615-622
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of digital 3D technology assisted and traditional one-hole split endoscopic surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative scoliosis(LSS-DS).Methods Clinical data of 42 patients with LSS-DS who underwent one-hole split endoscopic surgery from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,20 cases were treated with digital 3D technology assisted one-hole split endoscopic surgery(3D group),and 22 cases were treated with traditional one-hole split endoscopic surgery(traditional group).The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,lateral articular surface preservation rate,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)of lower extremity pain,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)and modified MacNab criteria at the last follow-up were compared between the two groups.Results Both groups of patients were operated successfully.The operation time of the 3D group and the traditional group was(73.3±24.0)min and(65.7±23.8)min,respectively,with no significant difference(t=1.020,P=0.314).The intraoperative blood loss was(65.3±14.7)ml and(66.7±17.1)ml,respectively,with no significant difference(t=-0.298,P=0.767).The retention rate of lateral articular surface in the 3D group[(88.2±6.3)%]was significantly higher than that in the traditional group[(82.7±4.6)%,t=3.201,P=0.003].One patient in the traditional group had dural tear and was cured after conservative treatment.There were 3 cases of calf muscle venous thrombosis in the 3D group and 4 cases in the traditional group.All the 7 patients were given anticoagulant therapy and appropriately delayed time of ambulation.In the3D group,20 cases were followed up for6-13 months,with a mean of(8.2±2.0)months;in the traditional group,22 cases were followed up for 6-12 months,with a mean of(7.7±1.7)months.According to the modified MacNab criteria,the excellent and good rate was 95.0%(19/20)in the 3D group and 90.1%(20/22)in the traditional group at the last follow-up,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(Z=-0.311,P=0.756).The VAS score and ODI of the two groups were significantly improved at 3 months and 6 months after operation(all P=0.000),but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point(P>0.05).Conclusion The short-term efficacy of digital 3D technology assisted one-hole split endoscopic surgery in the treatment of LSS-DS is definite,and the symptoms of patients are significantly improved.
10.Analysis of Abnormal Hemoglobin Phenotypes and Gene Mutation in Diabetes Screening Population in Xi'an Region
Nan XU ; Zhi GUO ; Liang LIANG ; Yan GENG ; Youqiong LI
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(1):13-16,23
Objective To investigate the mutational spectrum and phenotype of abnormal hemoglobin in the diabetes screening population in Xi'an Region. Methods A total of 30356 patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were collected and measured for HbA1c by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) from January 2022 to December 2022. Both complete blood count and hemoglobin analysis were carried out when HPLC suggested an abnormal peak. Abnormal hemoglobins were identified by Sanger sequencing. Results In this study,the rate of abnormal hemoglobin in the diabetes screening population of Xi'an region was 0.096% (28/30356). A total of 7 types of abnormal hemoglobins were detected:Hb E (n=10),G-Coushatta (n=6),Hb G-Taibei(n=6),Hb Q-Thailand (n=2),Hb North Manchester (n=2),Hb Ottawa (n=1) and Hb Queens (n=1). One case was Hb G-Taipei combined with IVS Ⅱ-659_664 (-GCAATA),the first report in the world. The abnormal hemoglobin phenotypes were normal except for seven cases of Hb E. Except for Hb G-Coushatta and Hb Ottawa,which did not interfere with the glycation test,the other five abnormal hemoglobins affected the glycation test results. Conclusion There is a certain prevalence rate of abnormal hemoglobin in the diabetes screaning population of Xi'an,mainly Hb E,Hb G-Taibei and Hb G-Coushatta. Most abnormal hemoglobins present normal phenotypes,but they could interfere with glycation test results.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail